just hot

Wow, some hot ones here.  Staying inside more except for early mornings and a ride to get out of the house.
We rode to Northern neck to see what was in an antique store the girls love to visit.  They always find some sort of treasure to bring home.  This time it was two bags of marbles and little old fashioned looking matchbox cars.

Before going into the store there were a couple of dinosaurs to have a picture taken with.

I didn't find anything I wanted.  The heat from the pavement was terrible.

We had lunch before heading home.

Back home inside,  I  stuffed more sachets with lavender buds harvested from my plants

Now to start the week end

My window box with Petunias still looking good

Weekend visit

Annette came for a visit on Friday and left this morning.   So happy she was here but sure do miss her as soon as she starts to pull out of the driveway for her home.
We had a very good time starting with Friday evening.  She and Adalyn watched Sponge Bob.  Adalyn loves that show.

 I don't think either knew I was taking a picture of them both.

Annette painted this picture of this little owl.  When I first saw him months ago at her house, I just loved him right away.  His pretty eyes and he just made me smile.  She and her husband salvaged wood  from their very old barn and made the frame for it.  They did a great job.  I love him sitting on the mantle in the den.   I do like these weathered barn board frames.

We roasted dogs on the grill Sunday and everyone enjoyed it.

Brats on grill for steve

We had macaroni salad, cabbage, carrots, succotash, watermelon, hot dogs,  Kielbasa.
I made a cheese cake.  I could not find the bottom to my spring form pan.  So I had to use this deep pie dish.  It worked just perfect.  No crust on this cheese cake.  I used 24 ounces cream cheese with butter whipped together.
Then 5 eggs, 1/2 cup sugar, almond extract, lemon juice.  Was supposed to have a cup of sour cream but all I had left was about 6 T.  so I used some heavy whipping cream in there instead.   I put all of this into a greased dish.   Baked at 300 degrees for two hours and about 10 minutes more in a deep tray of water.  Turned out perfect and I will make the same way next time.  Very creamy and I love the flavor of almonds.

Annette baked this lemon tart.  She ground very fine oven roasted almonds and added teaspoons of butter with a little flour.  The crust baked until set in 400 degree oven, the time I am not sure of .  She used about 4 lemons and saved the rinds.  The juice from the lemons she placed in blender and ground the rind from one lemon in blender with juice.She had to add some bottled lemon juice in addition to fresh squeezed lemon juice to have  enough liquid for the tart.  Cooked in pan with 5 egg yolks and added a little butter and sugar. When thickened she place in baked crust and cooked twenty minutes more.  DELICIOUS Tart!

Oh yeah, Adalyn lost her first tooth.  The two on bottom are ready to come out also.

Early Dinner

For my birthday Friday,  Steve and I took a  drive to colonial beach and had early dinner at Wilkerson's.   Seafood is cooked to perfection and since we both love shrimp and fish, this is our go to place for it.
Steve's fish and shrimp with crabmeat was so good as so was my broiled shrimp with mixed vegetables.

fresh steamed vegetables

This takes care of our shrimp craving for a little while.

I like this driftwood piece on mantle in Wilkersons

A short drive to the beach to walk off our meal.

Couldn't ask for a nicer day.

A few of my gifts I have posted and want to say thanks to all.
Love the scent of this pumpkin soap and candle - Donna gave me.  Has a sweet music box attached.

When we got home from our dinner out.  This sweet arrangement left on porch table.   Notice the cupcake - it's coconut,  my very favorite.   Genevieve called to ask me to save a slice for her.  I sure did. 

I guess you can see amazon gift card from children.  Thank you!

With a lovely card and autographs 

Genevieve knows how to write the first letter of her name.

Adalyn and Genevieve both drew on paper for me.

Annette gifted me these cozy p.js. that will be much needed very soon as the weather is getting chillier in the evenings these past few days.

Friend Carolyn gave me this  necklace

Also from Carolyn,  a garden bird with the sweeted saying.
A friend is someone who strengthens
you with prayers.
Blesses you with love
and strengthens you with hope.  Carolyn does just that.

Steve knows I love metal sculptures and these two were placed in the area of the yard where I would see them right away and I like the both of them sitting right where they are.

Oh yes,  a book I have wanted to read for some time.  I put the bug in Steve's ear and he ran with it.  Thank you!!!!!!!!

till next time - Betsy

First day of school

A happy looking little girl with her backpack and lunch bag all ready for school.   Daddy and Mommy took her today.   It's a happy / sad sorta day.   Happy she is happy and sad that she will not be over as often during the day.   Gee,  didn't know it would feel like this.  

Daddy I am told had to walk to the  classroom with her,  because he just wanted to.    

We are so happy for you Adalyn.   We love you and have a wonderful day which I am sure you will.  Off to a good start.

Few pics of Baby Adalyn

Children  do not keep.  Gotta take all the time we can because they grow fast.

baby addy

Now to see what this lil mess is doing.  Genevieve is a sweetheart who won't be far behind her sister starting school .  She will be 4 in October.  

love this picture.

52 years

That is how long my brother worked for  A.M.F.. (American Machine and Foundry).    That is a long time and their gratitude for his dedication and good work was shown today.     A.M.F. was founded in 1936 . Privately held company and located in Virginia.


Congratulations Karl!

pictured here at moms birthday

Art???

Annette treated me to a fun painting night with Miranda.   She didn't tell me that this was a level 4 class,  so needless to say my painting showed that I wasn't ready for level 4.  We had fun and put our own slant on our piece of artwork.

Getting cell phone cameras ready.   What did we do before cell phones?

Probably a lot more

My sketched drawing before I added my unprofessional touches

Our colors

putting in the background and as you can see I painted over her shoe - but no

problem.

annette took out a leg and shoe but painted it back in

Miranda moving right along and managed to not take out any limbs in the process

I didn't get the whole picture - I need to start wearing my glasses.

mine

Glasses next time

I wanna do it again - so much fun

Here is Mom and Annette.  So glad Annette got to see her while in town.