Thoughtful Gestures

Back in June of last year, I went yard sale hopping with my sister-in-law.   At some point we had a conversation, that I don’t even remember.   I mentioned that the girls and I have Friday afternoon tea to end our school week, and apparently said something like “It would be nice to have a matching tea set.”

For the next six months my sister-in-law scoured thrift stores and antique shops, six months ya’ll, piecing together a matching tea set for us, or more for me.  It was my Christmas present from her.   I thought I’d share it here.  Isn’t it lovely?

I was floored, that a conversation that I don’t even remember stuck with her, and moved her to action.   This is one of my favorite presents ever!

An Early Autumn?

August in Virginia is typically very hot, and very humid.  It can be downright miserable.   So far this has not been the case this year.  We’ve been in the 70’s during the day with 50’s at night.  Seriously, 50’s in August is unheard of in these parts, yet here we are.  The air conditioning is off and the windows are wide open, letting in all the clean, fresh air!

Today we took full advantage of the weather and worked on one of our favorite fall activities.  Stacking fire wood.  We had this load of wood delivered this afternoon and we spent the better part of the evening getting it stacked in the wood shed.

Honestly this is one of the girls favorite things to do in the fall. So what if we’re a month or two ahead of time?   They love getting to work along side Mom & Dad to prepare for the winter.

My flower beds are still full of vibrant colors.   The black eyed Susan’s, Echinacea and sunflowers are lovely.  

The marigolds in the garden are doing a great job of keeping bugs away, and are contrasting nicely against the ripening cherry tomatoes.

Who knows?  Maybe it will be an early autumn, or maybe we’re just getting a nice reprieve from the heat and humidity.  Either way I’m happy, and prepared.

Small Town Treasures

We live in a smallish town, although it’s an independent “city”.  It has lots of cool, quirky things that you don’t find in big towns.  For example we have a free trolley system that provides transportation around town.  We have interesting buildings and some great stores.  

The catholic church is beautiful.  And yes, I really did take that photo myself.  I was walking the girls down the street to ballet and thought it was just too pretty to pass up.

My FAVORITE place (and my kids too),  is the little toy store downtown.  It always reminds me of the movie “Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium”…well except the building isn’t alive and the owner isn’t 700 years old.

Look at the lovely gingerbread display in the main entry way.   Each building is a replica of a building in our town.   Too cool!

Even better is the inside of the store!  They have REAL toys, not electronics, no blood – guts and gore.   But doll houses, castles, dress up clothes, puppets, books, musical toys, games…..and you can PLAY with stuff!  I tell you it’s dreamy!!

And if you have a quarter, you get to ride Sandy, the horse!  If you don’t have a quarter, they give you one and you STILL get to ride!

Of course, if you step outside the store you might see this, and get to ride….for a bit more than a quarter.

Or if you’re in the mood for some live music walk a bit farther down the street.

See!  I told you my town is cool!