I love weather. Always have. My grandpa would stand on the front porch during storms, he loved weather – I would join him (if I could get past my grandma). Since moving to MI we have experienced a range of different weather which is so refreshing- I do know the cold is coming soon – I also know that this will be more of an “introductory winter” due to El Niño at least through December according to what I just read.
Continue reading “Sun, clouds, wind, partly sunny – repeat!”
This is a familiar scene. St. John’s Marsh near Algonac, MI. We pass it going back and forth to visit my family. When we arrived it was warm, but nothing like the day we moved out of our house in Charleston, SC where the “feel like” temp was 108℉ and every one of us was soaking wet. The movers (bless them) moving, Fred and I helping + cleaning + getting everything ready for the new owner. We were beyond exhausted (as the previous image showed). We got on the road late in the afternoon and made our way to Michigan. S l o w l y . . .
Continue reading “Ahhh, the beauty of Michigan!”
We bought our house 31 years ago. It’s been our safe haven, our calm from the storm – our place of happiness for that long. We are ready for new adventures – and have sold our beautiful home and made the trek to Michigan! This is the last photo we took in our house. September 1, 2026 3:15PM. We are utterly exhausted from packing, moving, clearing, and cleaning. We scrubbed hard all day to make 23 Stocker the best it could be for the new owner. I hope they love it as much as we did. I have about 30,000 photos of this house – it’ll always be one of our best memories!
Continue reading “Bidding Our Charleston House Adieu!”
🎶 Goin’ to the chapel and we’re gonna get ma-a-a-ried! #donedeal #anniversary
Happy Anniversary to my sweet husband of 34 years – bless you!
Continue reading “Happy Anniversary, Dearie!”
Apparently I don’t take photos of myself – as I’m the “photographer” in the family there aren’t many photos of me (thankfully). So I’m borrowing a photo from a few years ago when we celebrated my birthday at The Swag in Waynesville, NC (also known as “Heaven on Earth”)! This will be a different birthday for me, SO MUCH going on (moving), so much to do and the non-stop thinking about it all isn’t making for the best sleep, but we’ll get through it, arrive in a different state a few weeks from now, and then we can celebrate my birthday. That’s a much better timeline for sure!
Continue reading “Another trip around the sun!”
We live on one of the prettiest streets in Charleston. A neighborhood that began in 1927. Our home was the first built on our street. A Live Oak was planted in the front yard of each home. Today, 99 years later – wow. The beauty is stunning. I’m hoping underground power will happen at some point… These trees deserve to live on! Just look at the beauty of the Spanish moss (and no, Spanish moss does not hurt the tree in any way)! We feel so blessed to have lived in such a beautiful area and in the most special house ever for this long.
Continue reading “Live Oak Trees Charleston, SC – Another thing we will miss…”
This is the most gorgeous plant. We’ve bought them for years. This time of year the bright pink starts to fade – but no worries, the butterflies and the bees are still happy! They bring such joy. A snip-snip here and a snip-snip there, pop them into tiny vases and it just brings life to wherever you put it. Pretty with a few sprigs of rosemary too…
Continue reading “Fading Away But Still Beautiful!”
There are so many things I’m going to miss about this house, this neighborhood, this incredible yard – the cardinals. They are so plentiful. The birds, bees and butterflies are abundant – I think it’s because we don’t use chemicals in the yard and haven’t for many years now. It also helps that my husband waters often (especially because we are still in a drought) – plants and grass need water.
Continue reading “Just one of the things I’m going to miss…”
I literally just finished this book. Funny Story – A Novel by Emily Henry. If you haven’t read one of Emily’s books yet, and if you like rom-com, this book is right up your alley! A small cast of characters, set in Michigan, which was fun for me since I’m originally from Michigan. Entertaining and uplifting – and did you hear…?
Continue reading “FUNNY STORY by Emily Henry!”
Do you have a favorite room in your house? One that you gravitate to? Oddly enough, I gravitate to this space during hurricanes and storms (unless there’s a lot of lightening). It’s an out of this world space, spectacular watching this stunning live oak’s Spanish moss dance in the wind. The smaller protected dogwood beside it was beautiful this year. I usually head out to this room in the afternoon.
Continue reading “My Favorite Room In the House!”
Thank goodness for NYT Cooking! I was looking through my old recipes, food magazines that I haven’t gotten through yet, trying to find something that sounded GOOD. Something DIFFERENT. Something comforting and fabulous and just plain delicious. #foundit This recipe by Lidey Heuck may look like something you’ve made in the past. But like the comments say, it’s always nice to have a guide. Change it up how you like… Below is my version of this recipe.
Continue reading “BAKED SPAGHETTI – NYT Cooking – Best Ever!”
Let me start by saying, we’re not in Michigan right now, hopefully one day soon! I looked back at some photos of this stunning sunrise over the river and had to share another! I will hop out of bed and fly out the door to get a few photos of a fabulous sunrise. Time doesn’t matter. Sleep? Oh, no! There’s always time for sleep, but how many stunning sunrises or sunsets will you take the time to see? If I’m awake, I’m out the door! Just look at the opening in the very bright sky. #howcoolisthat
Continue reading “Remember to Marvel! | Sunrise – Michigan”
Keeping it simple today, it’s been a long week. Sending happy wishes to anyone who may need one (or more!) Enjoy your weekend, try to get outside (unless you live in an area where the smoke from the wildfires in Canada and Minnesota is so strong). What am I going to be doing? Funny you ask…
Continue reading “Happy weekend and what’s for dinner?”
My husband and I watched this series called For the Love of Kitchens, by deVOL Kitchens. It was a fabulous series. Brilliant, expert craftsmanship, exquisite design that will blow you away. Their attention to detail is over the top and these green tiles have just found a permanent place in my heart! 💚
Continue reading “Sharing a Design Inspiration…”
Sometimes spending time in a nice serene space can bring your shoulders down to a respectable level, ha ha. This photo reminds me of Ireland. Have I been? No… but I’ve read books and I picture a lot of luscious green grass/meadows and water, beautiful water… But you can hop over to my spot if you’re in the Charleston area and be there in a jiffy. The views are stunning! I took this photo last August (2025).
Continue reading “Serenity – I need to get back to this spot!”
