~EVERGREEN~

The song "Evergreen" pretty much says it all for me.  Haven't you had that one love in your life that there are simply no words to describe what it was, or IS like and  you KNOW you will never have it again?  I used to think, "if I ever lose this I will never find it again."  

Love again..yes, of course.  We have a great capacity for loving.  Every person we love is in a different way.  Of course.  But that love "seldom seen by two" is what I had.  I was fortunate.  I was also fortunate to find love again..not the same..of course. 

One cannot compare.  I don't.  But when June comes and he is not here..I have moments of wanting to not be here.  To be with him.  This will never go away.  Ever.

 

I am addicted to Miracle Grow.  I add a tad to my watering can nearly every time I water..and the results are amazing!  AMAZING, I tell you!

There is a little log cabin in there..and some stepping stones..etc. etc..and I need to get out my little clippers and clear the pathway... :) 

 

No need to worry about these new little plants.  They have taken off and seem to be shouting for joy!

 

I set a little log cabin bird house in there..until I can find the little Fairy home I want or...OR..make one myself.  The little Fairies in th meantime will just have to live in a birdhouse and I say I don't want to hear one single word from them about it being "for the birds!"  

OH..HAHAHAHAHA!!  :)

 

I added a pretty fern to the family room and got so tickled because the lighting was just perfect!

Doesn't take much to make me smile, does it? 

 

There is something about a fern that makes a home seem...good.  Right.

HOME.

 

I am so grateful for the love I have in my life.  Please do not think I am not.  But June is difficult for me. It just is.  My comfort is that my daughter and her daddy are together and the clock is ticking.

Love,

Mona



~HAPPY? WHO ME?~

Sometimes posting comes hard to me and I get a sense of relief when I  just turn the computer off.  Other times it's such a joy.  June is always a difficult month, IF I let it be. 

. 
One dear blogger friend made the statement that people come to read blogs not to hear the sad and depressing, but to enjoy reading uplifting things, look at pretty yards and joyous faces.  I guess that's true.  I guess I do the same.
S0....

Son in law's father, son in law Brock and sweet PH himself on Father's Day!

They really enjoy themselves!  Getting together with family is just the greatest thing.

Is this happy enough for you??  :):)
 

Isn't it just a wonderful thing to watch things grow.  Turn around and they're tiny, turn around and they're tall...

Just like our babies...

 

Taking the time to plant a tree and watch it grow is so great.  This is a California Coastal Redwood and it's amazing how fast they grow and in the places they will grow.  These are the only ones I've ever seen in our city and they should be everywhere.  They grow fast actually and are just beautiful..

I guess you should make sure you have lots of room for them... :)   We have planted 12 tree's.  I just noticed today that our little tree is loaded with plums...and they are nearly ripe..

 See that little corner flower bed over there?  I've spent the past two days planting it..I'll snap a couple of pictures of it tomorrow.  What a difference!  Small yards can be fun...but a BIG yard..well, that would be glorious!! 

You know what the best part is?  WE HIRED A GARDENER!!!  YES, we DID?   See the grass growing over there under they Cyprus tree's...well, it's gone now..I spent all morning digging that stuff out..but our new gardner starts this week.  I can't stop smiling...and PH is faint with joy!   Well..maybe not, but I am!!
Now to get the yard all ship shape so I won't be embarrassed when he gets here on Thursday!
LOL

Sorry, I just made myself laugh!
Love to all out there!
Mona

SO...have I inspired you to hire a gardener??  :)

I am joining my friend Marty @ A STROLL THRU LIFE for her inspirational blog party.
Come be inspired!!



~I WISH..~

I wish the world was the way I thought it was when I was six.

 

I wish our country was as united as I thought it was and as patriotic as I thought we were..

 

I wish everyone was always as kind and loving as they are when they blog to those they have never met in person..

 

I wish we could always keep that child like wonder and not have to grow up and go through such sad times...and heartbreak.

 



 

I wish everyone had a big old froggie by their front door to greet guests that could arrive unannounced and be welcome!

 

"If you don't believe in magic...there will never be any in your life!"

I am sure a very famous person wrote that and truer words were never spoken.

 

Remember, as my friend Balisha @ Never Enough Time wrote today... always say "I love you" to your loved ones when you say goodby. 

 

I love you...

Mona



~GOOD TIMES AND CUTE CHAIRS~

A birthday celebration for a good friend, good Mexican food and a BIG Margarita  leads to smiles.  :)

Big ones.  A nice evening with family and a rousing chorus of HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our friend!

PLEEESE!  You really don't think I drank that HUGE Margarita ...now do you?  :)
Hmmmmmmmm??

*********************************************


I don't often visit the craft store, Michael's, because when I do I get into serious trouble.  However, now and then I join a friend and each time I come out with things I PROBABLY could have lived without.  Such as.....

This adorable little chair (I have a weakness for little chairs!) caught my eye and I had a COUPON! 

So sweet! Well, what was I supposed to do?  Leave it there for some person to come along and take home that wouldn't appreciate it's beautiful little seat?

 

It was the little birdie on the chairs back.  It's that little birdie's fault!  Isn't it cute??  Do you have a Michael's near you?  If you do, you know what  I mean!  Should I put a plant on the seat..leave this little concrete bunny or tuck him under the chair OR both?!

 

Luv'n & hugs!

Mona

 

I think both!

 

But of course I drank it!  Every tiny last drop!   PH was SHOCKED!  SHOCKED I tell you! 



~I'M A GARAGE SALE'N FOOL..~

Indeed I am!!    

On Saturday morning, as usual, we were up bright and early and off on our usual treasure hunting adventure.

The first three sales, PH only slowed the car.  I gave my usual signal to keep going.
 

Piles of old baby clothes on a blanket placed on dead grass in the front yard...is NOT something I will even pull to the curb for.

Yes, it happens!  A lot!
 

Then, another sign and we turn, and I give the  "stop" signal.  (Actually, I slam my foot to the floor and scream STOP!)  and before the car is completely stopped..I am out the door. 

Oh, forget my age!  This is garage sale day!!  :)

After looking around a few minutes, I spotted this little Beatrix Potter clock laying on a blanket.

I am a huge fan of Beatrix Potter things.  I don't go nuts with collecting or anything like that, but I wasn't about to pass this up!

Do you see the word "Wedgewood?"  :) 

 

I bought the clock, the little plate AND a stand, all for $1.50.  She wanted $2 but accepted my offer.

She threw in the stand at the last minute.  We were both delighted. 

The clock was SO new that the invisible plastic film cover was still on the face of the clock. 

PH went to Walmart and bought a new battery and it runs perfectly.  The protective plastic cover on the battery was still in place and had never been snapped off. 

The plate also is in brand new condition.  They were not even laying together..

 

The next garage sale I found this pretty fruit bowl with a chip on the side.  25 Cents. Very old.  I didn't mind the chip or the crazing on it.  It's gorgeous! 

Another garage sale turned up the ruffled glass dish and this BIG silver plated tray!  Glass dish 50 cents and the tray was $2.00.  She wouldn't bargain, darn it, but it was worth it even in it's blackened condition.  It cleaned up beautifully.   Perfect for all of my deviled eggs at Thanksgiving and Christmas.  I can see it now with pretty white or red paper doilies on it..all my deviled eggs with a bouquet of parsley in the middle.  Ahhhh...FALL is coming..and I find it hard to wait sometimes.

 

The last garage sale was fantastic..but the lovely antique furniture she had for sale..I had NO room for.  I do regret passing up that old wood ironing board..but..where to put it?  No matter, I have regrets!

 

There was a box of some of the prettiest clothing.  However..I would need to be a LOT thinner than I am..but..I did buy this pretty corduroy shirt with velvet backed collar and....some velvet detailing on the back placket for Fall.  It was a PETITE!   I will wear it as a light jacket over a T shirt.  This picture was taken in our garage.  It's hanging on my laundry rack..

LOVE it!

Also bought a pretty gray T shirt

and

a pair of pretty pajama's, light soft flannel with faded roses on them.  Perfect for lounging around in the evening.

AND

I made a new friend!

All for ....drum roll please...$1.50

 

At the last garage sale I found this nice size glass pumpkin, 25 cents, (like I need another one!) a Tupperware coffee container (or whatever) in my favorite dark red color, 25 cents ..and a pretty Autumn hanging tin basket with cut through design.  50 cents!  It will look pretty this Fall hanging on my front porch with some Fall leaves in it.  What do you think?  Good idea?

I came home singing.

PH found some headphones..a like new Coleman flashlight (well, actually, I found it and fell in love with it.  He said we didn't need it and I said we did. I won.  It was red, after all.  :)  New batteries and it's a charmer.  THAT flashlight was 50 cents and so were the ear buds.  When it begins to get late and HOT things get much less expensive.  I think he has already forgotten the flashlight wasn't his idea.  We will keep it in the car..ho hum. 

I bargain, PH does not!  He is just the sweetest thing! :)

 

Have a wonderful Wednesday...

Mona

 

P.S.  Do I talk too much?  LOL  Shhhh..don't answer that!



~FAIRY GARDEN #2~

Well, bless my heart, it's DONE!

 

I really did want to get this completed a couple of months ago, but I just didn't have that feeling of wanting to create.

A trip to Michael's found me all sorts of little things on sale for 40% 0ff, including this little round "handled tray" in one of my favorite shades of green..for my patio table.  (Again you can see how carefully I stage my photo's!  Not!)

 

Second little Fairy Garden is well under way!  Just needs a few more cutsie little things...

 

A wee little cottage with shutters that open and close.  A local artist painted this tiny abode.  Remind me to show you the precious paintings of Holly Hocks and little critters around the cottage.  Not certain this little cottage will stay..as it is a work of art and I would hate to have it damaged...

The stepping stones for the path were found at a garage sale on Saturday...for 25cents. 

It will look prettier as the plants mature...

I think..I need an arbor?  Perhaps some moss?   There is time...this is just the beginning.  These little gardens are constantly changing.

I just want to mention that I don't go crazy finding miniature plants.  I just keep them trimmed. 

 

From this...

 

...to this...

 

 To this!

It only took about 15 to 20 minutes to do the entire little garden once I had my plants.

NOW for the fun part...chosing the tiny accessories...like flower pots...perhaps a wishing well..who knows.

If you haven't tried one of these..you really should.  Then entire bottom of this wheelbarrow is drilled full of holes...for good drainage.  I had the little house on hand. 

What is so nice is that you can just wheel this Fairy Garden to where ever you want it to be. 

Works for me! :)

 

So...what do you think?  I hope you like it.  The wheelbarrow was $5.00 at a garage sale.  PH fix the flat tire...and it sat for a couple of years.  Yes, I procrastinate sometimes! :)

The soil was even on sale for 4.99 a bag.  I bought two.  The little plants cost the most, but I was frugal and chose ones with a lot of coverage.   I love the unstructured  look of my little gardens.

 

Luv'n hugs.

Mona

 

 



~BE STILL MY HEART..~

Since I haven't a single thing to post about,  I paid a visit to my granddaughter in law's blog and snitched a photo of my great granddaughter, Emily.

I just HAD to share! I am such a proud great grandma.   She really got the best of both of her parents.

Her Irish/Columbian heritage is SO evident!

 

That's it folks. 

I will get Fairy Garden #2 planted tomorrow....I finally made headway buying the plants on Saturday..and can't wait to get started.  PLUS garage sales were fun today. 

Luv'n hugs,

 

Mona

 



~A MEMORABLE AFTERNOON..~

Everyone should have one! 

On Sunday we joined my next to youngest daughter and her family at Dana Point, not far from where we live.  It's a really beautiuful area.  It's the channel where all the boats and other sailing devices come in and out of the harbor.  Lovely.

 

We just sat and gazed out at the water.  As you can see by the jackets, it was a bit cool.  Not cold, just cool enough to wear something cozy.  You can also see by my wild hair that the breeze was up much of the time. 

 

SOME people take issue with their picture being taken!  Sheesh!

Oh wait!  He was looking at my hair!!  lol

 

 ..and the boats drifted by..

 

 ..and daughter Mary began to dream of owning her own boat...and would we all be willing to go out on it with them? Of course we all agree we would!

(I agreed as long they stayed close enough to shore so I could float there if need be.  Then I began to wonder about sharks!  I am NOT one to be up close and personal with water!  I just like to listen to it run and look at it.

 

 We ate big Subway sandwiches, chips of all kinds, cold drink all brought by my grandson's and their wives.  The cupcakes were made by my daughter, Maryalice!

(who, by the way was very camera shy because she didn't look her best!  Well...heavens! Who does when at the sea shore! 

 

At the last moment when we were loading into the cars, I managed to grab a quick shot of my two grandsons and their wives (and  their  mother.  The wives are sisters.) and little great granddaughter Emily!  Got that?  It's complicated.  Two first cousins married two sisters. yep! :)

 Adam, on the left is Emily's daddy and Cristina next to him is the Mommy.  Uncle Alex is holding Emily.  Alex's wife Natalia and their mother are standing to the left of them.

I am SO proud.

 

Taking pictures when on an outing is where I fall WAY short.  I am always caught up in the moment.

I ate TWO of those cupcakes, by the way!

 

A very nice Sunday afternoon!

 

Luv'n hugs,

Mona 

 



~A WONDERFUL THING....INSPIRATION...~

I almost can't stand it when I go out and look at what a few waterings of Miracle Grow can do for my little wheelbarrow Fairy Garden flowers!  I am SO dingy dang pleased! 

 

 Those little Johnny Jumpups and violets just make me smile.

I highly recommend a Fairy Garden.  Mine is not structured..and does grow a bit wild for some fans of Fairy Gardens..but that's the way I like it.  However, I admit to losing tiny objects such as a wheelbarrow and little tools. :(   You would think I could find them in such a small space..but..all that has turned up in a tiny pitch fork.  Ah well...

 

Remember other old garage sale wheelbarrow that I dumped the Roach infested soil into??

Well...guess what?? 

 

This is what it looks like now!  All ready with brand fresh soil and ready to be planted!

 

NOT only that, I painted that old faded yellow bench..

PH fixed a broken board on the back and it's as good as NEW I tell you!!

I've had it for...ages and ages and still like it. 

 

 DONE!

 



Here it is on the front lawn..I just had to show you so I took my camera and ran out there in the DARK (and I am afraid of the dark!) and used the flash to take this picture.....

JUST for  you!!  :)

(Sprinkler just went off..so that's water you see dripping.)

 

Do you love my red bench???  I KNEW that you would!!

I hope you are "spraypaint" inspired.  What an easy way to make changes...

 

Big hugs,

Mona

 

I may be a bit late but I am joining my friend Marty at:

A Stroll Thru Life 

~A TIME TO REMEMBER...updated...

IN LOVING MEMORY
 

 

I miss you..Patrick.  I always will.

Feb. 1934- Dec 1997

I have decided today that I want to add a few things about my first husband of 43 years.

Pat and I met in high school.  San Diego, California was where both of us were born.

In the same hospital, two and a half years apart. 

We were both taken from California  to opposite corners of the United States.  Him to Florida and me to Oregon.  In our grade school days we were both brought back to California and ended up attending the same high school

Pat join the Marine Corp after graduation in June 1952 and was sent to Korea at 18 years old.

He served 13 months there and when he returned in March 1954, we were married that June.  Him barely 20 and me 17. 

  He was a Ranger in the Marine Corp, spent three years as a D.I. at M.C.R.D San Diego.  He spent a year in Okinawa and three tours in Vietnam. 

**********

 

I miss you my beautiful brave daughter!  My Sandy Rae.

April 1959- Feb 2013 

Sandy was the eldest of my four daughters and the third of my seven children.

She was the mother of two wonderful children and the grandmother of 3 when she died.

Shortly, within three weeks after her death, she became the grandmother of a beautiful baby girl.

She never got to see or hold her.  She was a dedicated and loving daughter, sister, wife, mother and grandmother .  She was also the office manage for several doctors.  She loved gardening, cooking and decorating her home.

She and her husband (since high school) had just bought their dream home and she just finished decorating it. 

She was my protector, watched out for my health and probably saved my life more than once.

She watched over me and her brothers and sisters from 3000 miles away.  She was a wonderful daughter.

She loved to surprise me by just suddenly appearing when I least expected it. 

 

************ 

 

You were my rock, Frank.  Your last words were "I love you" and when I think of you I always say "I love you too!"

Oct. 1933-Feb. 2007

I seldom ever mention Frank.  I married Frank four and a half years after losing Patrick.  He married a very sad and heartbroken woman, and gave me six years of his love and life.  He was kind, honest and loving.  I am grateful to have had him in my life.  He was loving and kind to my children and together we had six brief and wonderful years. 

He served in the 3 years Air Force.   

************

 

*Balisha dear, my heart goes out to you and to all of us who have lost one of our babies or one of our loved ones...