I am so sorry for my absense

Life seems to be moving at the speed of light...with the kids home for summer I find my time spent much differently than during the school year.

I have tried to come up with a program to keep the kids minds active and keep their bodies active as well. This puts much emphasis on the word try as I find the days drifting in so many different directions.

All in all we are having a great time together and its about to get even better. Friday morning, bright and early we are headed to my favorite place in the whole world...WHITE LAKE BEACH. Its a tiny lake in central Wisconsin where my family has descended upon for the past 50+ years.


As a little girl I ran the beaches, as a teen I met all kinds of cute boys and as a mom I am enjoying the memories made with my own children. This small resort is not posh but it has character beyond anything you can imagine.

The sandy beach is lined with small, antique cottages that have been update just a smidge. The restaurant and bar are just steps away from the cottages and the kids favorite game room is just a little further. The kids can wander and not worry about strangers because every year the same people come back for the same week.

We have grown up with all the families that come to this place each year for the "week of July 4th". We have had many births and unfortunately many passings but each year brings us together again to celebrate the love we have of this magical place.

So during the next week, I will be on the beach but I will have my computer. I am going to write about all the wonderful things that happen and have happened over the years. I want to share this part of my life that is so special to me and while doing that I will have an even more enjoyable vacation because I will have a journal of these things for all to enjoy.

From too cold to too hot...

....Chicago summers never cease to amaze me. Not just last week we were wondering when it was ever going to warm up. Well, that answer has arrived.

Can you say HOT...

Thanks to the kindness of my neighbors, the kids have been swimming everyday.

My latest project brings me to my front porch. I started last week and find myself stuck in the middle of it. Can I just tell you, I love power tools.

I sanded the southern yellow pine down and started applying the marine varnish...one coat on and now I can't do a thing. Either it's too hot to apply the varnish or the rain makes it too wet.
Not sure where to go with this one but I have to put the furniture back because it looks so naked and that is not my style. So, in order to pass the time, shopping for the look will help.

I picked this up on Etsy at Apron Strings and Quirky Things.

This adorable pillow from Flax and Spindle.
I am going for the patriotic theme so there will be flower arranging today...
in my nice cold basement.
I know the minute I get everything back in place with a new design, the weather will cool off and I will be able to add the next two coats? Whats a women to do.

Keep cool...

Final Pictures of the Journey....

...sit back enjoy the show and be inspired.


























Want to host a party???

Summer Lovin!

My favorite part of summer has to be NATURE. The kids and Maggie have so much fun watching all the animals around us. Tonight's show...FROG DATING.

When I say close I mean really close. Maggie gets as close as she possibly can.

This frog did not move for at least 5 minutes while Maggie sniffed him, the kids stared in awe, and I ran to get the camera.
The big pond is across the street and our little pond is in the empty lot next to us. My guess is this fella was looking for his girlfriend who was croaking to beat the band while he hopped across the street.

Too bad the date was cancelled ... this fella was going back to the big pond where hopefully he would not have the same fate as so many of his friends. Frogs+Road+Cars=Disgusting....catch my drift.

Brief interuption of the "journey"

While catching up on my blog reading tonight, I discovered Matthew Mead has a new website that offers so many unbelievable ideas. I own all of his books and use them constantly for inspiration.
I am not sure if I am going to do this correctly..but when I saw the icebox treats I almost fell for the Strawberry Cheesecake...I must learn more them and how to make them asap.
Enjoy the site, I know I will and I also know I will be subscribing as well.

Day two...the journey continues...

I am not sure how many of you are familiar with Mary Carol Garrity. She is the owner of Nell Hills and Garritys in Atchison Kansas and the new Nell Hills in Kansas City, MO. She has a syndicated column in many of your local papers and has penned some fantastic style books.

The reason for our trip to Kansas City area every year started out as an expedition to see what Mary Carol was all about. We had read in Midwest Living all about her and followed her column on a regular basis.





What we found in Atchison was a second home for us. We love the town and the people there. It has become a pilgrimage for us and you will see through these pictures why we love it so!


Enjoy and take it all in. We can not do it justice with a few photos we have but you will get the idea. There will be not words...just look and look deeply.






































Now those are just the pictures from her historic home in Atchison. I have more pictures tomorrow from her stores. They will not disappoint.