Monday Memories ~A Daily Walk to the Park ~Weather Permitting

Jack’s house is close to a Park.

We walked there often, if the Spring weather cooperated.

Here’s Jack with his Uncle Jake.

Running up and down the ramps was perhaps

Jack’s favorite thing to do.

There he goes again!

The slides are fun with assistance from Mama...

...even better with Mama and Aunty Emily,

one on each side.

Just a quick walk to the park makes for 

plenty of great memories.

Stay safe and well, everyone.

Take care,

~Natalie

Mother’s Day 2020 ~Here’s My Report ~We Celebrated Across the Miles

I am blessed to be Mother to these Special Young Women.

While they no longer live nearby,

they still found plenty of ways to help me feel the love!

On Friday, this lovely card arrived with a

heartfelt handwritten note from Amy and Nick inside.

Included in the envelope, this card from Jack for Nana Gigi...

Art Work, Spring Stickers, and his Hand traced on the back.

It is proudly hanging on our refrigerator,

and I smile every time I see it!

Thank you, Amy, Nick, and Jack.

After Hubby made brunch, we ventured out to the Garden Centers

to select the traditional Hanging Basket for Great Grandma.

Hubby also treated me to these pretty flowers

to cheer up our kitchen counter.

 Thank you, Honey.

In Saturday’s Mail this gift from Emily and Jake.

Each day features a quote and short story written by Hoda.

They are a quick read and perfect for my Morning Coffee Time.

We all need more inspiration to start our day.

Yet, another package arrived yesterday...

A glass water bottle with bamboo lid.

A good reminder to drink more water!

Thank you, Emily and Jake.

Like a couple of old Empty Nesters,

Hubby and I went for a Sunday Drive late in the afternoon...

Ending up at this familiar landmark in Aberdeen.

I have two favorites at Twist Cone.

This is the Mounds Sundae.

Next time, I’m ordering the Turtle Sundae.

Both are sinfully delicious.

Whether you live across the country, or just across town,

 there’s a chance your family probably didn’t celebrate

all together due to the quarantine.

I hope you enjoyed a little time chatting on FaceTime

or through the glass of your Picture Window.

Stay Safe and Well, Everyone.

Take care,

~Natalie

Monday Memories ~Atkins Country Market ~A Weekend Day Trip

Just six weeks ago I was spending my days

with this little ray of sunshine.

Remember that day when we took the

road trip to the Eric Carle Museum?

A tip from Jack’s Storytime Children’s Librarian...

“Go early and stop at this little Farmers Market.”

The minute we walked in the door,

I knew already that this was going to be a great day!

The produce displays were beautiful.

I picked up a bundle of asparagus and a red pepper.

There were products from neighboring New England states.

Handmade gift items from local artists...

...created with tender loving care.

There was a floral shop,

An impressive display case of meat and seafood,

and an area with a variety of wine and craft beers.

Seriously, there was something for everyone.

However, the highlight was perhaps their bakery.

Every kind of sweet treat you can imagine.

Again, there was something for everyone!

Jack ordered the Star Cookie and his Mama

had an Old Fashioned Cake Donut.

 This Nana Gigi enjoyed a Cheddar Red Pepper Scone.

It was a perfect place to stop for a morning snack

on our way to the Museum.

Thanks for the sweet memories.

Take care,

~Natalie

Easter Blessings ~Here’s my Report ~Where the Week Went

This year was a different holiday, indeed.

I enjoyed seeing your on-line photos

of children all dressed up,

your colored eggs,

and your Easter Baskets.

Hubby and I also dyed a dozen hard cooked eggs.

Look who else dyed Easter Eggs.

Papa and Gigi enjoyed these photos.

Jack’s Aunt Emily and Uncle Jake

made their own batch, too.

A Good Friday Blessing was our weekly

Happy Hour FaceTime Chat with these Friday Night Friends.

This is not a blessing.

I think we have had a dusting of snow

three different times this week.

However, it is a blessing to see the sunshine

come out and melt that snow on the ground.

Last week I reported on my Mask Making project...

making them for our family and friends.

I had several folks comment and send messages,

so I took the week off from Spring Cleaning

and spent my time in my Sewing Studio.

If you are still in need, please let me know.

I have about a dozen left.

Plus, I’d be happy to make more.

While I am measuring, cutting, pinning, sewing, and pressing,

Hubby is here in his “work-from-home” office.

This is where he spends most of his day.

Helper Cat splits her time between us.

However, I think she finds checking his emails is rather boring.

So, My Easter Report...

The Bunny visited our house, twice!

We found two slices of Lemon Meringue Pie

in a box on our Front Porch.

(Thank you, Charlotte and Chuck.)

While I was preparing dinner, Hubby answered

the doorbell to receive this

Cheerful Easter Chick gift bag.

Inside that bag, two sweet handmade cards

and colorful Easter Eggs...

And inside those colorful Easter Eggs,

we found sweet Chocolate Candy.

These handsome young men were responsible

for that kind gesture.

How did they know that we’d missing our young family?

 Maybe because they were missing their own

Grandparents on this special Holiday Sunday.

Sending virtual hugs your way.

(Thank you Parents, Brittany and Ken)

This is a tough time for so many people.

Whether you are getting rain, sleet, or snow,

the sun will come out.

We will get back to our familiar routines

of school, work, and daily activities.

Someday.

Stay safe and well, everyone.

Take care,

~Natalie

Monday Memories ~Celebrating our Family’s March Birthdays ~Emily’s Party Report ~And The Anticipation of Jack’s Big Day

It was a wonderful time to visit our family.

I enjoyed visiting our daughter and family in their new home

and helping to provide childcare for our grandson.

While there, I loved getting to see both daughters and sons in law,

and especially having them together under one roof...

even if it was just for an overnight stay.

Jack and his Aunty Emily have a birthday

just one week apart.

She and her hubby celebrated

with a special lunch date out while still at home.

Then the next morning, they made the 90 minute

drive to celebrate family-style with us.

With all the family chefs in the kitchen,

we put together this amazing meal of

Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce,

Pot Stickers, and Ham Fried Rice.

Jack says, “I am not waiting for any photo,

I must taste this right now!”

Amy captured this selfie with

the Birthday Boy and the Birthday Girl.

After dinner, we watched Emily open her gifts,

and Jack and Uncle Jake play with Trucks and Cars.

That Morning, Amy, Jack, and I had visited a local Italian Bakery.

We saw the most amazing Cakes, Cannolis, and Pastries.

We brought home that sweet little cupcake for Jack,

and four generous slices of the Peanut Butter Mousse,

the Tiramisu, a Lemon Cake, and a Ricotta Cannoli Cake.

There was enough so we could all have a taste of each,

and some for the next day!

We had fun talking about the details of a party for Jack,

planned for the following weekend...the guests, a menu,

the cake, and age-appropriate activities.

At that time, we were still looking forward to having Papa

join me there to cherish time with family.

Of course, those plans are on hold.

I feel so fortunate to have had the time with them,

and it will be even that much sweeter

when we can be all together again.

Stay Safe and Well, everyone.

Take care,

~Natalie