US!!

fred and barbara san fran 2005

24 years ago today, I married the man of my dreams.

The happiest day of my life!

How did we meet?

I was dog sitting at a friend’s house. I saw Fred drive by, so I leashed up the puppy (didn’t know it had never been walked) and walked to Fred’s house a few doors down, the puppy went right up to him and sat down. That is how we met. Fred invited me in and showed me his house, it was just beautiful! A few days later was Easter, I walked out to get the newspaper and there on the door was a big gift bag with a gorgeous Easter bunny. I thought, how lucky my friend is to wake to such treasures! I set it on the table for her to see when she arrived home. Then I thought… WHAT if this bunny is for me? I peeked inside and there was a card that said BARBARA! 😍❤️💃

I almost fell over! 

This is our story.

So… Don’t ever give up on love – it’s out there. We both had relationships in our past that weren’t the right ones… Not meant to be. After a period of time we had both stopped trying to find someone, and guess what? Yep, that’s when it happens!

I love this man – he is a treasure, there is no better person, he’s honest, strikingly handsome, and he has the biggest heart and is my best friend.

Forever.

Note, this isn’t a recent photo, but it’s a favorite, taken by my sister when we were in San Francisco in 2007. Let’s just pretend the wrinkles that have formed since aren’t really there. For those of you who can see them, they were earned from the many smiles that came from this man!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Another year older and another year wiser…

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

My favorite Happy Birthday photo!

Another year older (sigh), another year wiser (yippee) – thank you for joining in on this ride we call life!

A photo from the archives, way, way, way back when… Sun in my eyes and a “hurry up and take the photo” look on my face. Nice kid, huh? I was a Precisionette in high school. It was big fun. We marched behind the Band and the Majorettes. Those jackets were insulated for the cold weather football games (Michigan), so the warm months could be a challenge!

barbara 1978

Catch you back here tomorrow!

A day filled with wishes!

Happy Birthday!

This is a day filled with wishes – Happy Birthday to my sister Bridget, and Happy Anniversary (58 years!) to my parents – don’t know how you two do it since you don’t seem a day over 55!

So best wishes for healthy & happy life!

Can you imagine what Charlie’s wish is (above)… MmmmHmmmm… Tsk, tsk!

Here is a favorite memory – Bridget on our sailboat FIDDLE FADDLE reading her comic book… (Notice the state of the art life jacket – it was nice to replace the big thick bright orange ones)!

Life, the way it should be!

May all YOUR wishes come true – Catch you back here tomorrow!

A day filled with beastie wishes!

HaPpY BiRtHdAy cHaRLiE!

HaPpY BiRtHdAy cHaRLiE!

Beastie wishes? Yep. Happy Birthday to Charlie (our Jack Russell) – he turns 7 today!

SEVEN?! Where does the time go? Ha ha…  It seems like yesterday that he was pulling toilet paper off the roll and tearing through the house with it. Charlie still acts like he’s a puppy, for which we are grateful (most of the time). This dog has so much character it’s unbelievable!

Happy Birthday Charlie – we wish you many more!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Charleston, SC Voted #1 City in the World by Travel & Leisure Magazine!

Charleston, SC

Charleston, SC – it’s quite a city, that’s for sure! Charleston, SC has been voted the World’s Best City. Wow.

Last year we were number 2 on the list, still impressive – and we’re the number one city in the US and Canada for the fifth year in a row!

So, if you ever are wondering where to take a vacation, this is the place! I think I would plan ahead, I think it’s going to get busier!

From the historic treasures this city has to offer, to the beautiful architecture and food that will blow you away – it’s no wonder!

This blip about Charleston, SC – from Travel + Leisure’s website:

Charleston moved up from the No. 2 city in the world last year to No. 1. The city has shown incredible resilience and, as one reader wrote, there is still “no place quite like it.” In addition to historic battlegrounds and jasmine-scented streets, Charleston is home to award-winning hotels (including the Spectator, No. 2 in the world this year) and restaurants. Antebellum charm, excellent boutiques, and the beautiful waterfronts at Sullivan’s Island and Folly Beach make this city one of the most beloved in the U.S.—and now, the world.

That’s quite an honor –  Catch you back here tomorrow!

The little things…

barbara stroud | artfoodhome.com

Fresh, ripe, wonderful tomatoes really should not be classified as a “little thing”. The fresh taste is big, Big, BIG! It makes every recipe you make even more wonderful than it normally is.

Always be on the lookout for the little things in life – they create an abundance of happiness!

Back to normal posting next week – Catch you back here tomorrow!

Today’s post created using Canva.

Happy Father’s Day!

Sunset

This is another photo from the archives. Look at that sky! The reflection in the water! The slight rippling, the outline of the boat and motor, the dark horizon! Mysterious and wonderful!

This photo looks like a good Father’s Day type photo… where you wish your dad a peaceful day, hanging out doing what he likes best… fishing!

Happy Father’s Day to both of our dads!

To my dad: Dad, thank you for being the super cool, fun dad who I’ve learned so much from. I have so many wonderful memories of special things that you have done, remember the treasure box you made me? I still have it! The paintings and treasures, the photos that you’ve taken and developed in your dark room struck something in me that I loved at that young age. To watch you polish rocks, make jewelry, build a canoe, paint, woodwork and everything in between, you are an inspiration. I can only hope to keep up with you… thank you for introducing me to Pickleball, what a blast! I love you so much, and am proud to call you my dad!

To Fred’s dad: Thank you for being a dad who Fred could always learn things from. He has told me many wonderful stories from his youth, namely the camping days… what fun for a kid to have a summer like that! What a sacrifice for you to drive back and forth to work. I am so thankful you are his dad! I’m sure you know what a wonderful son you’ve got – thank you for that!!

Love you both – xoxo, me

To Charlie’s dad: Thank you Fred for being the best dog dad, not to mention the most wonderful husband ever! We are blessed beyond belief!

Love you! xxoo, me

I am also thinking of all of you out there who have a dad that has passed away. I know this day must be difficult. I hope you feel his presence…

Thinking of you… ❤️Catch you back here tomorrow!

Flag Day!

Happy Flag Day!

Happy Flag Day!

This photo was taken on the Elizabeth Ann from Monhegan Boat Line  (we have always taken Elizabeth Ann on the way to Monhegan and Laura B on the return, both are such cool boats)! Monhegan Boat Line is located in Port Clyde, Maine – a place that is near and dear to our hearts. The nicest people, with a sense of humor, which is so appreciated. They also have a cool gift shop, don’t pass it up!

Catch you back here tomorrow – Back to regular posting next week!