You’ve heard the old adage, “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” right? The modern version of said adage is the petal doesn’t fall far from the flower. Ok, so I needed to make a Father’s Day post work with an image and when I saw this image it immediately came to mind… Today is Father’s Day.

In Michigan, this is a Fish Fly – in other parts of the country they’re known as Mayflies. We were visiting family in Michigan and saw the first fish fly of the season (yay!) a few days before we departed. Living near the water you’re sure to be surrounded by them, especially if there is a bright light (streetlight for example). Oh the stories I have about fish flies!

The transition from spring to summer in Charleston, SC is full of everything beautiful and tasty! Spring brings all the new blooms, buds and flowers – shortly afterwards come the scents that smell like a fine perfume- so beautiful. As we get closer to summer (June 21st!) the fresh produce is really in abundance. I try to plan meals before I go grocery shopping, but sometimes that gets thrown out the window if I see really good produce. #changeisgood

The Detroit Institute of Arts is an amazing place to visit. Wear comfy shoes because it’s HUGE and you’ll be walking for hours. There are even a few places to eat – because you will get hungry and your feet will get tired. Happily, you won’t notice it until after you leave, ha ha. This place is enthralling – it’s mind blowing how many important works of art are under one roof. What a responsibility!

Nose in the air – that’s how I used to feel about carnations. They seemed to be cheap “filler” for bouquets – but recently my husband bought me a beautiful bouquet of flowers from a place we visited. Included in the bouquet were carnations – most of them closed, they looked like little rosebuds. After other flowers wilted away, I put the carnations in a jar with a little water…

Charleston, South Carolina. Such beauty. Wherever you look

Strawberries have been fabulous this year, despite some local crops having a hard time because of the weather we had a while back. Ugh, so much work goes into planting, planning, etc – I have some recipes that I’ve shared in the past for when strawberry season is in full swing. Take advantage of the good ones while you can. If strawberries are grown near you, try to support the locals!

Charleston, South Carolina is a city filled with beautiful, historic homes. So many different variations of fabulous – some have a patina that developed over the years. You can see layers of what the building was originally constructed of – it’s just so interested!

Flowers. I. LOVE. THEM. There is hardly a flower that I don’t like. Even more so now! This little bouquet was so fresh and bright, happy and alive. Visual perfection if you ask me ;)

Memorial Day – a day to honor those who lost their lives in the ultimate sacrifice. Defending our freedom. So, it’s hard to say “Happy” Memorial Day – this is generally a day of BBQ, gatherings and good times, but while celebrating, please do take a moment to honor those who lost their lives while defending us. I will be thinking of them and their family and friends… 🇺🇸