puttin' up some pickles

I've always longed to create memories in a summer kitchen. I'd tie on my vintage flour sack-apron, bring in the fresh, crisp produce from my tidy garden and put up the best of summer in my pantry...for winter, you know. Sort of like Little House on the Prairie.

Today. Today was a little dream come true. My sister & I spent an afternoon at Mikamy Meadows, where the lovely Amy shared her talents with us by showing us how to can pickles. From washing, slicing, packing to brining, water-bathing & more...what a delightful afternoon!

Thank you, Amy!

bright & cheery

A lovely little etsy shop, Other Such Nonsense. Affordable, bright & cheery! Loving this little piece of art that I ordered from her shop.

scenes from saturday

The farmhouse where my dad grew up. The place where I visited my Grandma & Grandpa when I was a kid. The place that still today, owned by my uncle now, is a living, breathing "working" dairy farm. This is a place that matters.

85 years of blessings

Friday was my Grandma's 85th birthday. Saturday, all the kids, grandkids, great-grandkids (you get the picture) gathered at their old farmhouse for a big celebration. Happy Birthday, Grandma!Grandma & Grandpa with their 5 boys.
Grandma with all of her sisters.
And Grandma with Young Boy. I tell him often how lucky he is to have a Great-Grandma!
I wrote in Grandma's card some things I love about her:
-She is a shining example in her faith...plus you always know which pew to find them in!

-Her love of all things "pretty"...and pink.

-Her curls & her Rose Milk hand cream.

-The vivid memories of trips to her house when we were little. Whole milk in the fridge, huge breakfasts, ice cream treats from the big freezer in the toy room, making pie crust pigtails with her, digging through her button box, Christmas celebrations, her mints and her amazing ginger cookies...and always, the 1/2 stick of gum from her purse.

-Her beautiful cards & notes. They're always special and with a zillion grandkids, she never misses a birthday, anniversary or holiday!

-Her love for her big, crazy family and her ability to make each & every person feel loved!

flea market style!

On pins & needles waiting for this new magazine!

acts of kindness

Some people have a special gift. The gift to make others...just when you need it most. So many thanks, Michelle!

circles

Running around in circles this weekend...just wanted to wish you a happy one!

julie & julia

Love food? Enjoy blogging? Go see this happy film! 5 stars!

clusters of pink

My sister tells me they're Resurrection Lilies. Awesome.

the ohio state fair

Ahh yes, more sheep photos!


Treats from the midway...

The famous butter cow.

Cute goats (which were being walked like little dogs!?)

Duck Tape was a sponsor in the Creative Arts building. Brutus & the Statue of Liberty both made outta duck tape.


For $2 you could sit down in the 90-degree tent and make a Duck Tape purse!

My mom & sister proudly showing off their creations.

And here...here is where I got the Fried Cookie Dough Hangover.

summer movies

To celebrate my last weekend of vacation, I took myself to the movies. This is a fun one...great music, love her wardrobe and my favorite...the dance scene.