Welcome Summer ~An Evening at the Lake ~~Tuesday's Tip: Take the Shuttle

We have had some beautiful evenings here...

and it is just the beginning, as tomorrow is 

The First Day of Summer!

After a week of work, it was time to get out of the city,

and enjoy an evening at the lake.

Anchor's Away Restaurant and Resort

provides a shuttle bus for those who want 

to make the trip out there as a group.

There are seats for a dozen people to ride comfortably.

They arrived promptly and 

we left our vehicles in a convenient location.

There is no fee to ride the bus,

however it is proper to tip the driver.

Here's what happens when your hubby gets ahold

of your selfie stick.

Seriously, we have the best group of Friday Night Friends.

We are all Empty Nesters, whose children live far away.

Spending time with these folks 

is a great way to start a weekend.

The driver also works out at the resort,

so within short notice, 

he fires up the bus to shuttle us back to town.

It's a bumpy ride...

an adventure, for sure!

It was a beautiful evening,

with beautiful friends.

Take care,

~Natalie

Click here to visit my

birthday post...

leave a comment to enter 

my blog give-away.

Monday Mania ~Garage Project Progress Report

Here is how our new "helper cat" Jasmine

has made herself at home.

Obviously, the construction noise 

has not disturbed her rest.

The poured foundation had a week to ripen,

while the contractor reshingled our roof.

Then the garage siding must come off...

Now, the framework can take shape.

Big news in weather was the forecast of a big storm...

possible tornadoes and tennis ball size hail.

My mission was to clear my side of the garage

to get my vehicle inside!

photo courtesty of  Dakota 105.5

The worst of the storm went around us.

We received lots and lots of badly needed rain.

The construcion site looked like a wading pool.

Everything was wet and soggy.

After a couple of days of sunshine,

the ground was dry enough for a shipment of more materials.

And it wasn't long before there were walls 

and roof over our heads.

Here's hubby, home from work,

checking out his new man cave!

Stay tuned.

Take care,

~Natalie

To enter my give-away,

Click here

and leave a comment

on my birthday post.

Remembering my Parents on their Special Day

A Heavenly Anniversary to my Mom and Dad.

I imagine they are dressed up and 

going out to a nice supper club.

And if the band plays "Alley Cat",

they will two-step around the dance floor.

They were married 71 years ago.

This special keepsake is in mom's cedar chest,

which is now here in Emily's room.

On this date in 2011, I shared 

their Love Story.

If you didn't see it before,

you must go back to read about their Engagement.

Click here.

I smile every time I re-read that little story.

Take care,

~Natalie

To be entered in my

Birthday Giveaway,

comment on this post.

Click here

Celebrating Flag Day ~Happy Heavenly Birthday to my Grandma ~~Happy Birthday To My Blog ~~~A Blog Give Away

Flag Day

A day to commemorate the adoption of our United States flag.

Our community, like those all across the United States,

was proudly flying our Stars and Stripes.

It was easy to remember my Grandma's birthday.

She was proud to share her birthday with Flag Day.

If you have ever scrolled to the bottom of my blog 

you have seen this photo of Grandma and her sisters.

I recently came across this photo.

Grandma Hilda is on the right,

She would be 124 years old.

My blog has a birthday today, too.

My first post was 9 years ago.

If you missed it, here is the link.

And, like blog tradition, to celebrate,

I will prepare a birthday package.

Anyone who leaves a comment on this post,

between now and my birthday on June 23,

will be entered into the drawing.

Take care,

~Natalie

Celebrating our Flag ~Dream Vacation ~The Full Story ~~Day Two: Bath Abbey ~~~And Happy Birthday to my Blog with a little Give Away

Vintage Holiday Crafts
May the Stars and Stripes forever wave.

And now, my vacation report continues...

A short walk from the Roman Baths Museum was the 

Magnificent Bath Abbey.

As we got closer, we could hear music.

At first I thought it was a recording...

But, in the courtyard of the Abbey,

this young woman was singing acapella,

"Ave Maria".

Inside, equally breathtaking.

Memorials line the walls and walkways.

The Pulpit.

The choir loft with kneeling cushions.

The endless stained glass.

The ornate ceilings.

Beautiful sculptures everywhere you look.

My photos cannot do it justice.

You must see it for yourself!

Thank you to my terrific tour guides.

In addition to celebrating Flag Day,

this would be my Grandmother's Birthday.

She is the little girl in the middle.

She was born in 1893...123 years ago.

Last but not least,

Happy Birthday to my Blog.

My first post was 8 years ago.

Here is the link,

in case you missed it!

Any blog comments left between today

and my birthday on June 23rd,

will be entered into a drawing for a

gift package.

Take care,

~Natalie

Monday Memories ~The Family Farmstead, Then and Now ~~Possible Wedding Cupcakes ~~~Birthday Giveaway Reminder

Mom always took good care of the family's home.

This photo was was taken in the spring of 1994.

She had been freshly painted and the window frames were being repaired.

My dad had passed in 1988, but mom continued to live on the farm.

Mom hired someone to come to fix the roof after the slightest leak...

and repaired the foundation after the smallest crumble.

Those little people by this huge farmhouse are

Mom, her sister Enid, myself, Amy and Emily.

Did you notice the beautiful front porch?

Upstairs, you could go out onto that balcony to look over the country side.

When I was in high school, I would go out there to lie in the sun.

So much better than the modern day tanning beds, right?

And there's that shelterbelt I told you about.

My daddy made that investment in the early 70's.

I can remember going out there with a garden hoe 

to nurture those baby trees.

I have enjoyed the facebook messages from all of you 

about the house and all of the memories.

I also appreciate all of your support, 

as hubby and I work to salvage the precious keepsakes.

We have now brought back two pickup loads from the farm.

Here is the view from the smaller east porch.

You can see water on both sides of the road.

Here I am standing on the foundation of what used to be the barn.

Thank you GoPro for helping me capture the view.

And when I turn around...the old farmhouse.

You can see that when the lake was at it's highest level, this was under water.

And you also notice that hubby is gathering some barnwood...

He is building some flower boxes for our daughter's wedding, and this might be a good option?

Speaking of wedding planning...

We have a new bakery in town.

Grand opening is today!

Does anyone want to go cupcake tasting with me?!

Take care,

~Natalie

It is time for my annual birthday giveaway.

It started yesterday on my blog's birthday,

and will end on my birthday, the 23rd.

Just leave a comment on yesterday's post to be entered.

In this photo, (click here to see that post) our daughter helps draw the winner in 2011.

Remember, we were almost late for my surprise party?

And, you were so calm and cool!

Scroll down to leave and comment to make sure you are entered.