Color My World

August 2nd was National Coloring Book Day. While I was working on my latest wreath craft, Jodie chatted with me and colored this picture:

Later on, I listened to a book and watched TV while coloring my own:

Both images came from this coloring book, Zenscapes:

At the end of July, my two oldest grandkids and I colored this one. 

It was Annalee, our six year old, that insisted on markers. I usually use colored pencils, so this was a nice change. They're very bright and pigmented.

America's Favorite Cookie

Today is National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day. So I made a batch yesterday with enough to share.

I "cheated" by using pre-made cookie dough from the grocery store. 

They're not quite as tasty as homemade, but home-baked is still pretty good.

They're best when hot from the oven/

But next day is darn good too!

Not all minor holidays involve sweet treats ... but perhaps the best ones do.

If the Holiday Exsists ...

... we must comply!

Earlier this week it was Ice Cream Sandwich Day.

Jodie had some in her freezer, so ...

Let the fun begin!

p.s. Life is always more fun when we get together.

What's Red and White and Cheesy?

Yesterday was National Homemade Pie Day and National Raspberry Pie Day. What's a girl to do?

I made a pie-shaped raspberry cheesecake. Fresh berries inside and berries on top. Hairy berries.

I got to share with Jodie and Dale. 

So good!

I See Whimsy

Well, hello. I've been away a while. Busy. Hot. Summer guests. 

Then I messed up my back again. I tested it's strength by taking a short walk yesterday, keeping my eyes open for things to make me smile.

Mission accmplished!

A 100 year old woman once remarked, "Something good always happens if I can get outside."

What's for Lunch?

It's not every day that's National Junk Food Day ...

But when it IS National Junk Food Day, pizza rolls, Cheetos, Nilla wafers, lemon iced tea and Gummy Nerds are on the menu. (My guts are begging me for fruit and veggies now).

It's also Global Hug Your Kids Day. So I spent some time with Jodie and Abby doing just that.

Morning Snack

I worked outside for several hours yesterday morning. Pruning. Transplanting. Cleaning. Fertilizing. Propagating. As the temperatures started hovering around 80 degrees, I stepped inside for a break to cool down and stretch my sore muscles.

Then I realized, it was National Raspberry Cake Day!

What's a girl to do?

These might as well be cakes rather than muffins. They're sweet enough to eat without butter - or icing.

It was good to share them with Kit, too. They'd come over to "play in the dirt" with me.

Yum!

Beans & Franks

Yep. Another minor holiday. July 13th was Beans and Franks Day. 

That made the question about what to have for dinner easy.

I haven't had this combo in years. It was a blast from the past.

The fun of celebrating minor holidays is tapping into something just one step out of our ordinary daily activities.

The Simple Life

Each morning after our walks, Dale and I sit on the patio to cool down and enjoy the breeze.

It's a nice morning view. Our wall of Morning Glory vines is filling in nicely. Give it a couple more weeks.

:: chef's kiss ::

Celebrating Another Minor Holiday

Yesterday was National French Fry Day.

Yes, please.

We drove through McDonald's ... they had a 2-for-1 deal on fries.

Then we took a ride out in the country, drinking in the views and eating up the yummies.

The summer harvest is in full swing.

Celebrating Minor Holidays

Yesterday was National Blueberry Muffin Day. Did you know?

I had these ready for Dale when he came in from his morning walk. Mmmm. Made from a mix, but with a big fresh blueberry on top.

I used "special" foil cupcake tins. Sparkly in the sunlight.

We ate them down to the last crumb. Yum!

Celebrate the little things.

Berry Sweet

by guest blogger, my daughter, Jodie Delsere

Sometimes, when Abby goes down for her nap, Mimi and I take on a project. Often this looks like some household to-do that can’t get to-done with a toddler underfoot. But today we needed a boost, so we painted some rocks.

I planted four new strawberry plants this year. I eagerly watered and watched as the first bloom turned into a fruit. And just when it turned perfectly ripe… a squirrel took a big chunk out of it. So Mimi offered her stash of rocks and paints to make strawberry look-a-likes that deter all manner of scavengers so I can keep more fruit for my morning parfait.

Mimi and I always find ways to add a little extra magic to our time together. You’ll note evidence of delicious chocolate milkshakes, plus “Baby TV” in the background. (Our favorite programming is watching my daughter snoozing through her baby monitor.)

As we painted we noted some of the ways we do the same project differently. Some lines narrower, others bolder. Some seeds clustered, others more sparse. But when grouped together, they all look like family. Go figure.

Sometimes craft supplies take Mimi to a time and place. She informed me that this can of spray seal was purchased when she lived in an apartment in Coeur d’Alene before I was born. It’s seen many hundreds of beautiful projects pass through her studio.



Time to place the strawberries in their patch. I’m particularly fond of this upside-down one.

They’re all in place! The birds and squirrels and bugs don’t know what they’re in for.



As always, Mimi and I find a way to make our time together berry, berry sweet.