Good morning! What a wonderful wake up call this is, right? When I see this image, HELLO SUNSHINE is what pops in my head. So bright and cheerful. The perfect wake-me-up vibe to start the day. Who doesn’t need that, right? A little coffee, a little color and some sunshine. Perfect!
Hydrangeas. We have them planted everywhere, and this time of year they are absolutely stunning! We don’t have the newer types that bloom all summer. Ours have a “season” of gorgeous, stunning blooms. They seem to be especially beautiful at dusk, it’s almost as if they light up!
This is a scene I could look at from sunup to sundown. The calming effects of water are undeniable. To get situated in a comfy chair listening to the waves, the boaters, and the birds is so relaxing. As kids we spent our entire summer on the river. Literally.
Porches (screened, not screened or even enclosed with glass) and balconies are like a special haven to me. The amount of time I can spend looking at nature, being surrounded by it, albeit from a distance is insurmountable. To me, there is no better place to sit with a book, or a cup of coffee and just be.
Courage Under Fire. Three words that describe our fire department so well. We are so thankful for them. We have a fire department near our house. It’s a comforting feeling knowing they’re so close. They do so much good in the area – beyond putting out fires, saving people’s lives – they’re out in the community making a difference day after day.
Monhegan Island is an amazing place to visit. 99% of us arrive via one of the local boat lines. We’ve always used (and loved) Monhegan Boat Lines. Nice people, clean, safe, etc. They make it an adventure (and sometimes it’s a bit more of an adventure than anticipated due to high seas). #bringthegingins This is a photo from years gone by… friends of ours departing the island (hence the name “Outgoing”).
June 1st – Already! This tulip has a hot color like the outdoors, ha ha. It’s bright and sunny and full of life. Nothing like popping in to buy groceries and leaving with something beautiful to boot. #treatyourself! I love how they are straight and tall in the evenings and wildly reaching out in the afternoons. #dancetulipsdance
First of all, can you believe we are already through the end of May? How time flies… #goodgrief I know many of us have plans to BBQ, or meet with friends and celebrate the long weekend – but try to set aside a quiet time to thank those who served our country and paid the ultimate sacrifice. There is a wonderful quote that says it so clearly…
Dahlias are gorgeous flowers, aren’t they? They really are utter perfection. This photo was taken several years ago on Monhegan Island (Maine). Absolutely stunning! I fell in love with the bushes of dahlias planted strategically – they looked as if they had always been there. Colorful, stunning blooms!
Reminiscing my way through photos after several years of not going anywhere, like many of you. 🦠Look at this sky! This wasn’t even the most dramatic part of this particular sunset. Yet, it’s still so stunning. This photo was taken (in 2014) from Monhegan Island looking towards Manana (another island). Some people cross over to Manana (via boat) to hike around for a bit. I’ve been in a boat around the islands, they’re magnificent. You feel so small when you’re in a boat – the island rises up strong and proud.
Cathedral Woods – Monhegan, Maine (photo from the archives 2008)
I wish we were here. But we’re not. I was looking through photos from years gone by – and this appeared. Those of you who have been to Monhegan know what a magical place this is. Cathedral Woods is so quiet and cool, even on a warm day. The feeling underneath your feet is so cool, I don’t know how to describe it. The trails are clean and clear – the air is fresh as can be, and when you reach a certain point you can hear the ocean – encouraging you to continue on.
Such charm… #beautificationinprogress (not my house)
Charming, right? I was out for a walk and passed by this lovely cottage in the midst of updating their flower beds. So beautiful (and look at the size of the live oak tree trunk!) – I love how the sun is hitting the yard and whisps of moss in the tree – gorgeous! I absolutely adore the “Gardening in Progress” sign, this is someone who is proud of their work and it shows!
I love geraniums. My mom always has them planted so pretty. I remember her digging them up before winter set in and bringing them in the house where they did great! Come spring, she would plant them outside again. Here we tend to plant ours in a nice pot – I like to be able to move plants out of the way (storms, or increased/decreased need for sunlight). These are some beauties (not mine)…
I was out the other day, for a morning walk, sun starting to rise and the live oak trees coming alive. They are so magnificent and are plentiful in this relatively small neighborhood. Most were planted back in the early 1930’s. So, many of these trees are approaching 100 years old! We try our best to keep them healthy – they add such beauty to the area!
I love looking out our windows and seeing these trees. Magnificent! They can be a challenge in the spring and fall (leaves, leaves, leaves, squiggles, pollen, acorns), BUT they are worth every leaf bag full of leaves collected (if not used or recycled in beds). No complaints! They are worth every minute spent cleaning up after them. It’s a meditation of sorts ;)
The girth of some of these trees is astounding and their canopies are equally as stunning. Oh, the stories they could tell. #ifonly
Our friend and neighbor told us about a small, family owned restaurant that they frequent. They love the food and the people are so nice. We stopped in, not thinking, on the Saturday before Mother’s Day (College of Charleston Graduation among other things going on in Charleston). We were the third group in the door, and the only one with no reservation. They sat us at a wonderful table. We had a great time (and the best food ever!) – We’ll be back (WITH a reservation next time!)