Horses and Buttercups

You have to "see" these "Buttercups"
in order to really appreciate their beauty.

Add a horse to the picture and well, it was over the top gorgeous.

Except that the horse would not stand where I wanted him to,
which was right in the middle of that field.

 

After seeing these on Nancy's Blog, A Rural Journal

and spending a little time on google, I feel certain this is

Wild Mustard, they look like Buttercups!!

 

From our drive on May 27, 2013

 

oohhhhh deer!!

If you follow my blog, you know how passionate I am about deer.

 

I spotted this beauty right along our bike path,

during our ride on Monday.

 

So very close to the edge of the path,

 

this one was so friendly

and more then willing to pose for pictures.

 

I am always so surprised how tame these deer seem to be at Allaire,
I loved the light in this last image, as he wandered off.

 

Monday ~ Funday

For my entire adult life, I have always referred to Sunday as "fun day"!

Sunday ~ Fun Day, I just like the way that sounds!

Since this past weekend was a holiday, Monday was a "fun day" also!

Truth be told,

every single day around here is a "fun day", lucky me!

 

The hubs and I were up and out early,

so we could be sure and enjoy every second of the day.

We loaded up the bikes and headed for our favorite bike path at

Allaire State Park.

 

We had a great ride and took some fun pictures at our favorite tree.

 

This is such an amazing tree and we always take pictures here.

 

At the halfway point, just inside the park, we had a super "healthy" lunch,

walked for a little bit, then finished our ride.

 

A leisurely car ride, a stop at the local airport

and an afternoon nap helped round out the day.

 

We rented and watched the movie Parker,

it was better then t.v. but not really my kind of movie.

The popcorn was much better!!

 

Do you call Sunday, fun day??

Did you have special plans for the holiday weekend??

I really enjoyed my weekend,

we had just the right blend of sun, fun and relaxation!!

 

The Jersey Shore Is Open...

and my heart is filled with so much joy!

Don't you just love this time of year, so many fun things to do and see.

The weather was perfect here this past weekend, 

lot's of blue skies and sunshine and the temperatures were perfect.
 

We spent Sunday with my youngest son Mike

and his sweet girlfriend Alisa.

I love them so much and I really enjoy the time we spend with them.

After a perfect meal at Moonstruck Restaurant in Asbury Park,
 

we went for paddle boat rides at Wesley Lake,
right across the street from Moonstruck.

Here's the hubs and I, in our black swan, Nina.
 

Mike and Alisa choose Wesley, the dragon.

If you have never done this, do it...it's so much fun.
The lake was smooth as silk and the sun was saying good bye to the day.
The perfect time to be out on the water, enjoying the setting sun.

You can see Ocean Grove  in the background,
another super sweet, old sea side community.

There were cupcakes, ice cream and chocolates after dinner.

And every visit to Asbury Park,
always includes a super fun walk along the boardwalk.
The repairs are done and most of the shops were open.

It is a beautiful thing!!

Happy Memorial Day

From the Jersey Shore

 

Wishing you all a very happy and safe Memorial Day!

There is a lot to reflect on today, I would like to honor and thank

those who protect our freedom, 

past and present on this gorgeous beach day.

BIG Picture Project Reveal

Drum Roll...Drum Roll Please!!

 

Here it is, A Hanging on the Wall Photo Collage,

I am so happy with the results!

 

Close up of the left side, birds and butterflies.

 

Close up of the right side, flowers and pictures of the hubs and I.

 

Two frames, each frame has nine frames within it,

all attached to each other.

 

These were $ 80.00 each at Pier One Imports.

On sale for 20% off, that brought them down to $ 64.00 each.

If you spent over $ 100.00, (score, we did),

the girl offered me a $ 10.00 off coupon.

 

So, the total price of the project $ 118.00,

not including photo paper, ink, and the one piece of glass I broke.

That cost me $ 14.00 at Michael's. 

 

$ 118.00 for 18 frames equates to $ 6.50 per frame, not bad.

 

Some of my favorite pictures, out of the computer and up on the wall,

I am super stoked!!

 

A Sun Halo

Have you ever seen one?

 

On May 14th of this year there was a beautiful Sun Halo over New Jersey.

 

A "Halo" is any of a variety of bright circles or arcs centered

around the sun or moon.

It’s caused by the refraction or reflection of light by ice crystals

suspended in the earth’s atmosphere.  

Its colors range from red inside to blue outside.

 

I was surprised to see it so well and to be able to photograph it

right from my driveway.

I have yet to finish my "big photo project"!
After running out of ink, I ran out of the "good" photo paper.
Today, I broke a piece of 12 x 10 glass, what an odd size, right?

I'm having fun...I think!! 

 

Six Words Friday ~ Drop ~

Drop by,

relax,

 

and stay awhile!

Sharing with Adrienne at My Memory Art ~ Six Words Friday

Please stop by and share Six Words with Adrienne

I didn't finish my picture project, I ran out of ink.
I told you it was a big one!
 

I'm A Little Bit Country...

hehe, no I'm not...but I want to be.

Does that count, what we dream, what we desire?

 

On April 13, 2013, during our Scenic Drive In the Country,
 we passed this beautiful farm on our way to Daffodil Days.

We never saw any daffodils,
I am not confident we ever "found" Daffodil Days.
But, on this day, it was all about the wonderful country drive!

This week, I have been working on a super fun picture project,
for the house.
I hope to be done tomorrow.
Be sure and stop by, I am so excited for everyone to see it!!
 

Pure Beauty...

My White Azaleas are in full bloom today,

 

and they are just gorgeous!!

 

Today, I think about how lucky I am...
to have my beautiful home and my gorgeous gardens.
To feel so safe, secure and happy! 

My thoughts today are also with the people in Oklahoma,
hoping they are able to find the strength and hope they will need
to recover from this tragic event.

 

They Are Nuts for Nuts...

This Blue Jay enjoys three peanuts at a time,

you can't see the one in the chamber!

 

This little Chickadee can only handle one,

 

and one for this cute little Titmouse, who visits frequently.

 

The Catbirds returned from winter break on May 5th,

it was late in the day and all the peanuts were gone.

 

The back yard is just full to the brim with birds and I could not be happier.

 

A Friendly Red-Bellied

I love Red-Bellied Woodpeckers

but I find them to be extremely skittish.

 

This Spring a male has been visiting, that loves to pose for pictures!

 

Here you can see his pretty red belly.

 

On the male,
the red patch extends all the way from the neck to the forehead.

 

He prefers sunflower seeds,

 

but was perfectly happy to share the peanuts with the Blue Jays.

 

These pictures were all taken on May 15, 2013.

I have so many pictures of him now,

I don't even get up when he comes to the feeders.

I think he's mad at me!

 

My purple azalea's are in full bloom all around the deck right now,

providing the beautiful purple backdrop you see in these images.

 

Happy Sunday Everyone!

 

Little Updates...

During Spring and with Summer coming,

I always feel "slightly" inspired to do a few little updates around the house.

Now when I say "little", I mean teeny, tiny,

so don't get too excited!!

 

My little entry way table got a face lift...

more of a seashore, beach feel.

 

It all started with this "must have" piece from

Barlow Flower Farm

 

A new candlestick with a beach scented candle,

my favorite picture of the hubs and I and a

purchased piece of sea glass.

 

Sand and Shells

 

For the living room, I picked up these two adorable ottomans

at Overstock.com

at about $ 120.00 each, I thought they were a steal.

 

Beautifully constructed...

 

the top "flips" over into a dining tray,

 

and the base is open for storing extra pillows, blankets or fun games.

In a pinch, these could even be used for extra seating.

At night, we pull them up to the couch,

for even more comfy t.v. viewing.

 

I switched up the books on the coffee table and added

the newest edition, number 4, of my blog in print.

 

I put two pictures under the glass on the coffee table,

I am trying to decide if I should add a few more.

It's a great spot for pictures, but I think it makes the table look too busy.

What do you think?

 

Six Words Friday ~ Count ~

 

Counting the minutes till momma returns!!

Sharing with Adrienne at My Memory Art ~ Six Words Friday

Please stop by and share Six Words with Adrienne
 

Splish ~ Splash...

Blue Jay taking a bath...

Way too many pictures, in the order they were taken!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then stopping for a peanut, when he had finished bathing!!
May 15, 2013