A Recent Weekend . . .

 A couple of weeks ago, my sister and I and our families were invited to a gathering at our friends' house in Mountainville, NY.  It's a tiny town about 45 minutes from us but seems like worlds away with its rustic, country charm, barns and lots of trees and open fields.  The way the area where we live was when I was growing up. 

Our hosts, Mark and Maureen, were very good friends with my father.  After he passed away, Maureen and I spent a lot of time together.  I think,  in a lot of ways, it made us both feel closer to him.  I was able to see a different side of my father thru Maureen's words about him and I think just me being his daughter made Maureen feel close to him again.  My father's death was very sudden and premature and hit me very hard.  It was almost a year to the day after my first husband passed away suddenly, as well.  I don't know that you ever get over the death of a parent.  You kind of tuck it away and accept it the best you can and smile thru tears when you think about it.  At least that's how it is for me . . . 

Boogying (not sure how to spell that!!) down poolside.  Excuse my daughter's underpants.  She wanted to be completely naked but we were able to talk her into keeping her undies on!!  : )

Megan and niece, Annie.

 Mark and Maureen's house is absolutely beautiful.  And there's a perfect view of a barn while you lounge poolside.  Hello??  Poolside . . .  Barn . . .   Works for me!!!!!!

 They also have the most amazing tree in their backyard.  Mark told me what it was called but I don't remember.  He also said it's a pain in the neck because it constantly sheds.  I think it would totally be worth the aggravation!!  : )

 Meg had lots of fun exploring the grounds, smelling the flowers and playing with the two resident doggies.

Maureen said the pups spend more time in the pool than she and Mark do!!

 It was a beautiful day spent with friends and family and I'm so glad we were finally able to get together with them.  This has been a summer filled with time spent with friends, old and new.  Lots of new memories have been made.  I set my intention for having a great summer, spending more time outdoors and being with people whose company I truly enjoy and it's been one of the best summers of my adult life.  Sad to see it go but looking forward to "autumnal" memories.  There's THAT WORD again!!!!! I told you I liked it!!!  : )


Many blessings for a beautiful Wednesday ~ Wendy

End of Summer Fun at the New Paltz Craft Fair . . .

 
Another Labor Day weekend has come and gone and the start of autumn is rapidly approaching.  We took our annual trek to the New Paltz Craft Fair this weekend.  It's something that we do with my mother and father-in-law, sister-in-law, Michelle, and beautiful nephews Andre and Jason.

It was very warm and humid this year but it didn't stop us from having a wonderful day followed by a delicious dinner at a local German restaurant that is also part of our end-of-summer tradition. 

The kids got their annual face paintings ~ dragons for the boys and a pretty design for Meggie.

It's so hard to believe the summer of 2013 is almost officially over but we're looking forward to lots of autumnal fun.  Don't you just love that word, AUTUMNAL??  I sure do!!!  : ) 

Brendan had to be up this morning to catch the school bus for Middle School orientation.  My baby boy is headed to middle school this year.  Lots of changes but ALL good!!!


Many blessings for a beautiful day ~ Wendy

Sunday Sayings . . .

I've been finding so many wonderful sayings lately so I thought I'd change things up a little bit and share more than one today.  These all have some meaning as to where I am in my life at this moment.  I hope they touch you as much as they've touched me.  : )

Many blessings for a beautiful and safe Labor Day weekend ~ Wendy

{ this moment } . . .

{this moment}

A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

. . . . . . . . . .

Joining along with SouleMama today!! : )


 Many blessings for a wonderful weekend filled with lots of special "moments" ~ Wendy

Around Here Lately and a Sunday Saying . . .

It's so hard to believe we're just a week away from Labor Day weekend and two weeks away from the start of school again!!  This has been such a wonderful summer and I'm kind of sorry that it's coming to such a rapid end.  Normally, I can't wait for fall because it means cooler weather but this year Mother Nature has apparently listened to my prayers and turned the usual sweltering August in New York into a month filled with hardly any humidity and way-below-normal temperatures.  It's actually been a pleasure to spend time outside and this weekend we visited the Dutchess County Fair in Rhinebeck, NY.  We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day!!

Petting a bunny.

My mother-in-law spotted this Praying Mantis in a bush and then we saw another one.  Definitely a rare find around these parts!!

My handsome son, Brendan, who was in his glory with all of the animals and farming activities going on.

My nephew, Andre.

Ever since seeing an episode of "Caillou" where he eats cotton candy Megan has been asking for some.  She finally got her wish.

And, boy, was she HAPPY!!!!!

My nephew Jason enjoying some, too!!

Cool Dude, Andre!!!

I absolutely loved this!!!!!!

My handsome father-in-law. 

A piglet.  I SOOOO wanted to bring one home!!!!  My husband put his foot down on that one.  : )

Just a couple of days old.  I loved her eye lashes!!

My darling son photo-bombing me.

 We're already looking forward to returning next year.  There was so much to do and see AND EAT!!!  Next weekend, we're headed to the New Paltz Craft Fair which is a yearly end-of-summer tradition that we look forward to every year.

Now for a Sunday Saying . . .

Amen to that!!  : )


Many blessings for a beautiful Sunday filled with happiness ~ Wendy