Welcome back! It's been awhile between my posts.
It's just the sweet distractions of the end-of-summer happenings that kept me away!
Granddaughter Amanda came home, after 7 weeks
in Northern Ireland...doing volunteer work there!
This is her at the cliffs of Giant's Causeway.
~
She's standing here in the ruins of a mansion...
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(all photos enlarge)...here...she's daring enough to jump off a cliff!
~
This is a path she walked on her last weekend there....
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.....and a walk on the beach...leaving footprints in the sand.
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On one such walk...with the children she helped....
they searched and collected...with their many hands...
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these 3 heart-shapes and a moon-like stone....
gifts for me...my heart...did melt!
On the day Amanda left...7 weeks before...
this had been the scene...
with little sister Alivia saying goodbye...
...and this was a scene at a welcome home party
....oldest brother Nathan's warm hug.
....oldest brother Nathan's warm hug.
Nathan had just arrived with his girlfriend, Ashley.
The decorations were for celebrating his graduation,
along with all the others...going back to school too!
Of course we had cake!
School started for the younger kids on the 24th.
Youngest granddaughter Alivia is in the second grade now!
In the month of August...the Tooth Fairy was very busy!
Alivia lost 4 teeth...she gathered enough money to buy
an American Girl Doll.
Alivia has really enjoyed our 'unofficial mailbox'...
receiving not just from me...but even friends across the sea...
...and I was surprised with a tea set...Alivia left for me!
Blogging friend Penny...who lives in South Australia....
also surprised me.....with these lovely handmade items.
She included a beaded charm and a cloth heart for Alivia too.
This summer has even found Alivia on a soccer team!
You may hear more about that someday!
~
But for now...
She's a senior this year....
Captured Katie and her boyfriend Zach...
Some things don't change...
Time was also spent...
Mostly...
~
But for now...
it's on to middle granddaughter Katie.....
or Kathryn Ann!
She's a senior this year....
and was practicing for senior photos!
A few times.....
her mischievious personality popped into view!
Captured Katie and her boyfriend Zach...
taking a walk just like her cousin...
Amanda and fiance Bronson(Billy) used to do.
Notice the changing leaves.
Some things don't change...
I captured what the men here mostly do...
...usually...it's something with wheels!
Herhusband is on the lawnmower...
youngest son Steve is on his son Andrew's dirt bike...
and oldest son Rick is working on...
his sister Annette's son Grant's truck!
Time was also spent...
moving one 'very heavy' TV to the basement
and rewiring upstairs for another.
Mostly...
we're just planning ahead for winter...
and trying to make the basement more
grownup friendly...after 20 years of being...
mostly grandchild friendly.
Their ages now are 23,21,18,17,17,16,14,12, 6!
~
Time spent picking vegetables from the garden has past!
Most meals contained something...that grew there!
Time spent picking vegetables from the garden has past!
Most meals contained something...that grew there!
From main meal salads...
to soups and side dishes...
and baked or grilled concoctions too!
Healthy desserts were part of summer.....
...somewhat healthy...were a few...it did contain fruit...
to soups and side dishes...
and baked or grilled concoctions too!
Healthy desserts were part of summer.....
...somewhat healthy...were a few...it did contain fruit...
peaches and berries!
Some.....
I still have some in the freezer...(Jenny)!
My walks were taken when weather permitted.
The stormy weather didn't keep the deer from
Some.....
I shouldn't even mention...
like this...
Triple Chocolate Fudge Torte...
topped with almonds...tiny marshmallows...
chunks of brownie pieces...
and drizzled
with rich caramel sauce!
I still have some in the freezer...(Jenny)!
I did eat a pear...while taking a walk...
from an old tree that was on the property
when we moved here.
It stands on a hillside behind Alivia's house.
My walks were taken when weather permitted.
Seems it was either very hot and humid or stormy!
This flock of Robins gathered
to wade in rain puddles in the drive.
The stormy weather didn't keep the deer from
slowly wondering through...
...but it did cause Andrew to quicken his step!
...but it did cause Andrew to quicken his step!
Personally...
when it rains or is just too hot to be outside...
I have been enjoying Mail Art...
...both the receiving and creating of it!
Clearing skies and a fall in temperatures....
have made sitting on the porch more a pleasure.
Along with the cooler air...
on this particular path in the woods...
Along with the cooler air...
the acorns are starting to fall.
bringing to mind a bittersweet memory for me...
of my very last walk with my mother...
on this particular path in the woods...
when the wind...
brought hundreds of acorns...
pelting down on both our heads!
♥ ~Wanda~
60 comments:
I wish I could reply to every comment, sometimes life happenings keep me away from the computer and then I find it hard to catch up. I appreciate every visit and comment, but I especially appreciate visiting your blogs. I feel I have found the most wonderful friends in all of you!
Thank You!
And I feel the same about you, Wanda. What fabulous pictures, what a gorgeous family you have, and those hearts! Wow, and double wow. Hugs to you.
The chocolate torte looked so good Wanda! I cried when I saw Amanda getting welcome home hugs! I am happy that she is home safe and sound. We will be preparing for fall and winter here soon too. It's still pretty warm but a lot of the plants are dying off already. I want it all done before the surgery. I loved the treasures that Amanda brought home for you. That was so sweet. Glad she's back, bet you missed her a lot! Love Di ♥
What an absolutely lovely family and home you have. What a blessing. Thank you for sharing so much with us.
Hugs,
Lois
Hej Wanda! What lovely distractions you have had! I loved to see all your pictures of your grandchildren. Alivia so sweet without her teeth.
And my teeth watered when I saw that chocolate cake and I haven'got any chocolate in the house at all. Only one poor biscuit with some creme.
Lovely post.
cheers
Grethe ´)
Hi Wanda
you have had a busy time...but still found time to take photos and keep us in the picture...
Alivia is growing up so quickly, I have noticed big changes since following your blog...
Happy days
Such a lovely house and garden and family.
And the cakes you make! No chocolate here, I put on weight too quickly.
Your mail art is looking good.
We won't mention the chocolate torte. It could be my newest obsession. All is so lovely - but it's the hugs that tear at you and grip you and make you smile. And Amanda taking walks in Ireland - just like she did at her Grandmother's.
So glad you have had these wonderful distractions. your blog always looks so beautiful. Someday I wish to make it to Ireland. Olivia looked so cute with her teeth , glad she got to buy a doll. enjoy your walks always. enjoy your friendship too. hugs.
Wanda, this is my first time visiting your blog--came from Becky's Blog. This is just like a very beautiful family album. I love seeing someone who is so blessed, and who knows it!
Hello my dear friend....another lovely walk together this time filled with smiles and tears. So glad Amanda is home, Katie is so cute and Alivia is a doll, I can't believe how much she has grown in almost 2 years. Glad you finished moving tv's around and can settle in comfortable for the winter....I think your men like anything with wheels on on it, it is nice to see them all together. Your meals look so good, the birds, deer just everthing. Will e-mail you soon, just got home from Greg's. Love you bunches, big hugs to Alivia....:-)
I love the Northern Ireland photos - gorgeous. My dad was born in Ireland... Your granddaughter is very lucky to have visited there for an extended period.
A heart warming family post Wanda, - so much that is interesting - love to hear about your grandchildren, from the youngest to the oldest. Your heart and moon rocks are such a sweet and thoughtful gift, - thank you for sharing so many wonderful things about your life.
Hello Wanda, I was beginning to worry since you hadn't posted in so long. But, I see you have been very busy with family, meals, art, photography, parties (AND DESSERTS)! I'm glad Amanda arrived home safely. Katie favors you. Alivia looks so cute with her 4 missing teeth. Amanda and Ben now have 2 missing. I love the twisty lane photo, and the story of the acorns and your Mother. Enjoy the end of summer!
What a lovely post, your summer sounds just about perfect and the food photos are mouthwatering - especially that Triple Chocolate Fudge Torte! You must all be glad to have Amanda back from Ireland, I hope she enjoyed her time there.
... And I have found a friend in you Wanda. I love visiting you, no matter what season, it's always such a treat! Have a wonderful week Wanda!
Dear Wanda, thank you for coming to my blog! You have such a beautiful family, and so many grandchildren to be proud of! Are you of Irish origin? I must catch up on your older blogs to learn more about you. Love and hugs from your new pal Angela in Germany
A lovely post, Wanda, of all that has been happening in your family. I do so enjoy visiting with you. We are sliding into fall weather here too. How quickly summer has sped by!
So glad Amanda is home but what a marvelous experience for her.
Alivia certainly made good use of her "tooth" money. Bet she is glad big sis is home.
Again, I made the mistake of coming here before breakfast. Such torment your food pics are.
Post when you feel like it--they are so worth the wait.
Hello Wanda dearest. Amazing grand kids and family.
I love the Triple Chocolate Fudge Torte. I must agree wiht everyone such a treat coming here.
Beauitufl post. Thank you for sharing.
A wonderful new week to all.
xo
I love that Amanda brought home the stones for you!
It looks like you've been busy with family... how wonderful that you get to spend so much time with them! Your meals look mouthwatering, as usual Wanda!! Did you do any canning from the goodies in your garden?
I feel the same about you Wanda!!!
your post are always a joy to read and look at..you are a very special person..I feel I have found a good friend in you..take care and have a great week...thanks for sharing
Welcome back yourself, Wanda. This is such a wonderful posting, and I especially enjoyed the photos of your granddaughter in Northern Ireland. This is where my Gaelic Irish family came from. Indeed, my first American ancestor, John McHenry, was born in Giant's Causeway, County Antrim.
what a lovely post. your pictures are so clear and beautiful. your grandchildren are beautiful too. and that food from your garden looks delicious. made my mouth water looking at some of those dishes. hope all is well.
It's always a pick-me-up to see a new post from you Wanda, and this one is as fabulous as the previous ones...I love those heart stones, and that triple chocolate torte is to die for...grand Katie is so beautiful...nature's colors are changing here too...thanks for brightening my day! Hugs!
You have a beautiful family! There is so much to comment on that I do not know where to start! I love it that your granddaughter brought you some heart shaped rocks. Your food looks scrumptious. I love seeing Alivia with her mail and her doll. . . . and I must stop or this will become as long as your delightful post.
Oh Wanda, I feel as though I have just come from a stay at your house. Not only are you surrounded by natural beauty, but the beauty and spirit of your grandchildren must bring you such joy. This was such a delightful visit into your world and I am leaving here satisfied and hungry after seeing all of that wonderful food :)
Blessings and warm hugs Wanda :)
Hi Wanda,
It is always a special treat to take a walk in your Blog. Your grandchildren are so beautiful, and Alivia has grown so much too. I bet she loves Mail Art.
I think I would like that too, and I might just try a few to send to my grandchildren. That would be fun.
What do you do exactly? (((HUGS))) T
A beautiful post, as always, Wanda. It is amazing that the weather is starting to turn in so many countries. Summer here will usually last another month - most years it does. We will see. Perhaps autumn will come early for once. Here it is a time of regeneration after the dryness and drought of the summer.
Willpower of steel, I'm telling you, girl...you've got it.
I have to be honest and say that I am personally on my way there to eat the rest of that torte. Yum!
What a fun post. Loved all the pictures, as always, and the little peek into autumn at your place!
You are certainly loved and admired by so many neat and far. Make sure you know that Arizona is on the list for your fan club, too!
Hi Wanda!
It's always such a pleasure to visit here... Thank you for taking your camera along on your walks so that we can join you!
Your grandchildren are so beautiful!
How fortunate and blessed you are that they are so close...
And they are blessed also for having such a dear grandmother ♥
Thank you for sharing the comment about Pocahontas and John Rolfe!
That was quite exciting to read about you!
What a wonderful world it is out here and I'm so glad to meet such dear people!
Enjoy the last of summer, Wanda~
Blessings each day ~Maria
I just can't work out how you and your family stay so trim with that wonderful food you produce. If there's a secret please share it! Lovely blog post.
I always rely on your posts to relax me and make me smile. Your grandchildren are all beautiful. The food made my mouth water...fudge torte...YUM!!!!
Enjoy the quieting days ahead and keep the beautiful pots coming.
Janet xox
Oh, Wanda. What a lovely time to wander with you. So beautiful. Your grandkids have such love for you. I can see why. You have offered them such beauty. Love, Lovely, beautiful, beauty. Not very creative in my words, but so true.
Hi Wanda. It's been a while since I visited. I've been away from blogging but I'm happy to say I'm back. I've missed reading your posts and seeing your wonderful photos. It's been nice trying to catch up on your posts. I'll have to come back and read some more of what I missed. Happy Wednesday. ~Cindy
If you're going to SHOW the fudge torte, then you really MUST publish the recipe :)
As usual, a beautiful post full of beautiful people and sights...Alivia is definitely growing up and with the ages of the other grandchildren I see why you needed to up-age your lower level.
Loved the heart-shaped rocks & sights from Ireland, too.
Another post full of beauty, fun and happy family times and I love a storm like that!
Certainly don't expect a reply to my comment - you get so many! Just love a visit from you occasionally....♥a
Wow what a wonderful blog post; I stumbles across your blog somehow and have enjoyed meeting you and your family through your words and beautiful photos.
Wanda, I so love that you share such wonderful, happy moments in your life with us. I always feel so uplifted after I read your blog. Your grandchildrens are beautiful and how wonderful to learn of the trip (and volunteering) in Ireland. I would so love to live in your neighborhood...such a beautiful area and wonderful friends and neighbors. You are a delight!
I am probably repeating myself when I say what a joy your posts are to read. They are so heartwarming and written with so much care and thought.
How blessed you are with such a lovely family :)
☼ Sunny
I had wonderful time on our walk today. Thank you for sharing your family with me, and your beautiful home.
I can't tell you how much your posts mean to me. You take me to a wonderful place, where I forget my worries and I see beautiful things, and read loving words that I really need.
I hug you, Wanda.
Joey
A 'Wandaful' post, filled with family and events!
Your grand children are lovely, you must be so proud of them.
Our summer weather has been like yours, though today is cooler, but it took a torrential storm to bring down the temperature.
I love the memory you shared of walking with your Mom, it is the simple things that find a special place in our hearts isn't it.
hugs
xx
I do think you could open a resturant Wanda...or write a cook book. I always enjoy my visit as you share your lovely home, woods and grands. I wish I could find just the right words to describe your blog....I look forward to a fall walk with you and more heart finds.
Wanda,
Thank you so very much for your reading my guest post and for your encouraging words. That means so much.
I was looking through the movies you like on your profile and...We have the same tase in movies! I loved every single movie you had listed. Ohhh, wasn't the Painted Veil good???
I just loved all your pictures and it was nice to peek in on your life. You have lovely grandchildren! Oh and that food, at the end of your post...I'm hungry! :)
Oh, Wanda...this post is just chock full of goodness, happiness and beauty!!! Your granddaughters are gorgeous! Your granddaughter's trip!! The delicious food...your woods...your screened porch! Your life appears idyllic to me!!! I love escaping into your world for a little while!!! Love you!!! Janine XO
What a beautiful family you have! I so enjoyed this post. I smiled the whole way thru. I have been keeping an eye out for heart shaped things for a calendar I am working on. I have not had much luck thus far but you inspire me!! I hope you have a great weekend!!
Good morning, friend! I,too, have been terribly this summer, but plan on revisiting on a more regular basis now. Your grans are beautiful. Have a great week with many memories and blessings!!
You have captured all these happy moments perfectly pretty, Wanda. Sweet post filled with lots of beauty!
Have a wonderful weekend. xxx
The word that comes to mind after seeing all these pictures is "abundance" - and maybe "joy." So glad to see that all is well in your world.
You certainly have lovely grandchildren. It must be wonderful to see the older ones making their way in the world. Abundance seems a perfect word to describe this series of photos - abundance of family, friends, produce from the garden. Your life seems wonderfully full.
You shared so many wonderful pictures I just can't comment on all of them. You sure seem to have a wonderful loving family.
Just stopping in again to give you my love, dear Wanda!!! Have a wonderful weekend!!! ~Janine XO
Those acorns must have hurt a bit! the ones on your photo look huge...Another joyous post to see...
Hi Wanda...
How lovely your family is...blessed in so many ways!
I smiled at the 'guy's' toys....Yep...they never change, do they?
And the heart shaped rocks/stones...and the moon one...How wonderful! I'm wondering how large your collection is....and how do you display your stones...?
As always, it is so much fun to see each photo (I especially love the one of the deer in the stormy-weather photo...so peaceful to me.)
The music that accomapnies your blog makes it difficult to leave....as do the photos, the sharing of your days, evenings, and family photos....
Hugs and smiles from Jackie
Wishing you a most wonderful week, Wanda. We are enjoying calm Fall weather. I love love this season! xxxx
I love it that you were busy living a beautiful life. ((hugs))
I remember this one and found my comment....phew~ Big hugs to Alivia and love to you my dear friend......:-)
Your pictures are always wonderful!
Your pictures are always wonderful!
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