Mein Sonntag strauss am Samstag

So few roses survive our harsh winters. 

I treasure every one of them.

Happy weekend to you and yours. 

Gina 

What is going on around here?

The word is out!

When we built our house 23 years ago,

the pond was here but not a single bird was in sight.

We thought that possibly something was wrong with the water.

After a few years wild ducks and wild geese would stop by when every other pond was frozen. 

Our pond is spring fed.  

For years the birds did not bring their young. 

So what is different this year?  

Did it take 23 years for the birds to feel save with us?  

What is wrong with this picture?  

There are too many parents. 

Salpiglossis and Iceland Poppies grow in my garden. 

Now is the time to bring poppies into the house. 
Be sure to singe their stems first.  
They will last a week in water.   

And inside the house,  a Cymbidium  orchid is getting a bath. 

Happy Sunday to you and yours,

Gina  

My charming friend Karen.

All day Karen helped me wash those enormous windows 

which go all the way around our house. 

Window cleaning formula: 
Bucket of warm water, a splash of white vinegar and a drop or two of dish washing soap AND a squeegee and clean towels.

Then she baked lemon cookies decorated with pansies and wild rose petals. 

And she brought a bouquet of her very special

Peonies.

And yes, maybe you guessed it, she is also the Karen who hand makes these very fine chocolates. 

Thank you Karen, you are a very special friend. 

Gina 

This is strange

I had no idea.

For the first time in 23 years, a pair of wild Canadian Geese brought their goslings to our pond.  

Occasionally we have a brave duck bring her brood.  

When geese stretch their necks like this that means that they are ready for a fight.  They don't have any goslings and they are jealous.  

Every now and then one of the adult geese would disappear for a day or 2.  Then, would reappear with two or more goslings. 

Originally we had 7 goslings. 
Now there are twelve. 

I have not known for Geese, or any other bird, hatch their young in spurts.
Females usually stay on their nests until all have hatched.  

My lilacs are beautiful this year.  
They survived a late frost. 

Amaryllis brought in from my greenhouse.
They used to bloom just before Christmas. 

Since last October I have painted nonstop.  Murals and tiles for new and remodeled kitchens.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend on this very special holiday. 

Gina 

It's not like me

Seldom do I want to go back to places I have been,

no matter how interesting or how beautiful. 

It's because I always want to know what is just around the corner. 

But there is a very special place, hidden in a valley, in the Tuscan countryside, that keeps calling us from year to year.  

It's Relais Sant Elena in Bibbona, Italy. 

Only a few miles south of Livorno and only a few minutes from the Tyrrhinian Sea. 

This beautiful and bountiful breakfast is served every single morning.

Not just one table but several, laden with delicacies.

Everything is super fresh and wholesome.  

I called.  Our suite is available.  

See you there.

Until then, wishing you a great weekend,

Gina

Favorite Tablescapes

A few Tablescapes remembered.

Pictures tell all. 

Thank you for stopping by dear friends.  


Gina