Just a Busy Little Bee

The sun is just beginning to peek through the trees in our backyard this morning as I'm out hanging out my first load of laundry.

I wanted to get an early start for my busy day.

My laundry is now finished.

I've watered my garden.

I've taken my early morning walk.

I've got a little time to enjoy the outside beauty before beginning my inside chores.

The Blackeyed Susans are cheering me on as I check off my To-Do list.

One in particular teaches me a lesson as I pause to snap its picture.

It seems to ask me the question, "Do you have to be perfect to bring beauty into the lives of others?"

I spread out my newly completed Log Cabin quilt table topper.

Another cheery spot to my morning.

Looking around for a special centerpiece for the table, I spy my gardenia bush right outside my breakfast room window and it's covered with heavenly scented white blooms!

Perfection!

The reason I've got such a long To-Do list today is because sweet hubby and I are heading out on an anniversary celebration trip!

This post is linked to:  Outdoor Wednesday, Whatever You Want Wednesday, Show and Tell Friday

Happy to be Me!

I brush up against my lavender plant while hanging sheets on the line this morning. It sends up its heavenly peaceful scent, reminding me to stop and enjoy the simple pleasures of my day. Wasn't that my intention when I planted it at the clothesline post? It's doing its job well this morning.

While outside I stop to enjoy the other miracles God has blessed me with.

I'm never lonely in my backyard.

My little Maggie

A Happy New Week!

I woke up this morning with a song in my heart and flowers on my table.  What a beautiful beginning to a brand new week!

I linger over my toast and coffee while enjoying my flowers.  There's nothing else I'd rather be doing on this cold winter's morning.

According to my calender it's going to be my favorite kind of week; meaning no appointments planned. I love puttery days at home.  Last week was just that type of week for me. It was frigid outside but all warm and cozy inside.  I used the days to catch up on some little jobs:

I made toothpaste. It's such a complicated job. :)  I pour baking soda into a recycled spice bottle with holes punched in the top. That's it!  It's the only toothpaste I've used for years. It's easy to use, just wet my toothbrush and sprinkle on a little soda. After getting used to it, I don't like regular toothpaste anymore.  Really!

Then I made my antiperspirant. I used my normal recipe of 1 part baking soda to 1 part corn starch but instead of adding Tea Tree Oil this time, I added a few drops of Sweet Orange essential oil.

 

The label on the bottle claims this sweet smelling oil will clarify the skin, cheer the mind, and brighten the spirit.  I notice I feel cheerier just stirring it all together.

I put it in my happy little ceramic deodorant container and pop in my fluffy new powder puff.

It's such a sweet way to add freshness to my days.

Now back  to this brand new week and what I want to accomplish; I want need to make soap (we're down to our last two bars from the last batch, oh my!).   And I want to finish another project I started last week; making a slipcover for this freebie chair I got.  It's proving to be quite the job.

I've enjoyed our visit today.  Please come back soon.

Promise me you'll never forget me because if I thought you would I'd never leave. ~ Winnie the Pooh

Camping in the Alabama Mountains, Part 2

On the last day of our camping vacation, Hubby and I went down the mountain...

...and into the town of Fort Payne, Alabama. Their beautiful city park sported the Alabama band's logo over the gate.  (The band originated in Fort Payne.)



I loved that park!  There was work-out equipment placed all around the walking trail.  Just think, gym equipment and no membership fee!

The Depot Museum was closed for the day but we enjoyed the outside view and the lovely weather.

We took advantage of their decorations to add a little holiday cheer to our pics.

We had a wonderful time and didn't want it to end, but eventually all trails must lead home.

Post linked to:  Whatever You Want Wednesday

Camping in the Alabama Mountains, Part 1

Sweet hubby and I so enjoyed our short camping trip to Desoto State Park.  This is my favorite place to go in the Fall.  We missed the peak leaf season but it was still beautiful!

We ventured into the nearby "town" of Mentone on the second day of our vacation. Twenty-nine years ago, Neil and I spent our honeymoon here. Hope you can catch a glimpse of the fun personality of this little mountain town from some of my pics.

A Mentone home



Restaurant

The Shops

Another Art Shop

Mentone, a place the Great God built,

Up near the sunlit sky,

There life is new and friends are true

And days too quickly fly;

Where wearied souls regain their power

And sorrows leave in the night.

Where peace is born with each new morn,

A haven of joy and delight.

Sidney Lanier Gibson

Post linked to:  Outdoor Wednesday





A Shocking Pink Saturday

I was quite surprised when I looked at the picture I snapped of my Mandevilla.  I didn't realize it was such a shocking pink until I saw it on my computer monitor.  

Sweet hubby and I are coming home from our camping trip tomorrow.  I hope to come by and visit every one of you just as soon as I get unpacked. Don't forget to leave me a comment so I'll know you stopped by.

Be sure to go by Beverly's for a list of all the Pink Saturday participants this week.



Family Reunion

My husband, son, and I attended my family reunion yesterday.  It was held in the city of Euharlee, Georgia.  Here are some facts I read about Euharlee after doing a little research upon my return home to Alabama.  According to Wikipedia:   The name, Euharlee,  is derived from a Native American word meaning "she laughs as she runs." The city has a total area of 4.7 miles. (Does that tell you something of the size of it?) And its claim to fame is that it is the home to Georgia's oldest covered bridge (shown in the below two pics I snapped yesterday). 

Below is a picture of my hubby and youngest son walking through the bridge. I snapped this picture and then my camera battery died. I'm so glad we took the time after the family reunion to explore the bridge and surrounding area.

Visiting Nature in My Backyard

One of the secrets of a happy life is continuous small treats. ~ Iris Murdoch

Mushrooms, Morning Glories, and Spiders, Oh My!

So many treats await my eyes right outside my very own back door every morning.

Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I lift up my soul. ~ Psalm 143:8