Time With Friends

This has been a very good summer so far. I've had the opportunity to vacation with my 

husband Bill in the western part of Massachusetts, where nature was lush after an abundance of rain. We have also completed two home improvements, which we had waited quite some time for. Our new porch, though small, is a peaceful little spot where we can work, relax or dine, surrounded by the sounds of chirping birds and beautiful, natural light. 

We live in a split level house, which came with the original wrought iron railings in the front hall, going to the upper and lower levels. This month we had them replaced with wood railings and balusters, which have made a huge difference in the appearance of our entryway. We've also begun to pull up our wall-to-wall carpet, revealing nice hardwood floors. I'll take some pictures and post them when we've completed the process.

And now, amazingly, I've just had another adventure!

Last night I returned from spending a few days with my friends Janice and Lorna on Cape Cod. Janice, the friend with whom I've been trading ATCs, has a beautiful home (see picture above) in a charming town on the Cape. Lorna, who is quite a gourmet cook, created some wonderful meals for us, and we spent some quality time talking, eating, drinking wine and, generally, having a great time! There are lovely shops all over the Cape, and I picked up some pretty items for my new porch at home.

It was nice to have time with each other, and I'm grateful to Janice for being such a generous hostess!

With only a few weeks left in August, it really won't be long before the leaves start to turn and autumn will be upon us. As for me, I plan to enjoy the rest of the summer, create more artwork, and appreciate the flowers and greenery around me while they are here. But frankly, I am an Autumn person, so I also look forward to the cooler weather, gorgeous colors, and holidays that Fall brings!

That is part of the fun that living in New England brings - each season is so different and we certainly have variety in our weather patterns!

I guess I've rambled on enough for today, much more than usual! 

Hope everyone who reads this has a great weekend!