Berries, Berries, Berries!

The berry picking trip this past weekend was a huge success!   We got the past of the strawberries and some of the early blackberries and blueberries.   It really was too soon for the blueberries so that became tedious very quickly but eventually we got an almost full bucket.  It is addictive - the constant discovery of more ripe ones.   Like a treasure or Easter egg hunt.

I have heard good things about the blueberry farm in Social Circle but this time we went to Washington Farms in Watkinsville, GA because they have all three kinds that everyone in my group wanted to pick.   I don't think that they are organic but they are local and definitely very tasty. 

Home Gardening is Good

So excited to see that my small garden is growing!   I have been moving the plants around in front of my porch in order to help them get enough sunlight to not only grow - but produce blooms and fruit.   Actually these are veggies...  the long awaited appearance of zucchini blossoms and evidence that I may have some cucumbers.

Thursday Travel Tip

The big "avocado" purse, cheap sunglasses and a scarf - don't leave home without them!

A friend of mine was telling me about her upcoming trip and how she needed to make sure that she had the appropriate clothing to wear when she was in conservative areas.   I let her know about my scarf trick which I learned for traveling in Italy and England.   Many churches and cathedrals require that visitors wear attire which covers your shoulders and does not show too much leg.   I wear a lot of knee length skirts and dresses when I travel anyway because then I look less like a tourist and in the summer they are super comfortable.   To cover up a tank top for a church visit - and for later in the day if it gets chilly - a scarf stashed in your purse or attached to a hat works great!   And if you are needing to dress up an outfit for dinner - then you already have it right there. 

I am still looking for a great summer hat that travels well. I have lots of knit ones to keep me warm on cold weather vacations, but nothing that squishes up just as easy for keeping the sun off me.

And I saving for another time more tips about why I carry a giant purse on vacation and what I put in it!

Words to Remember!

I saw this and just thought "Yes."

Now you can take from it what you will.

Great Combo Dinner

Sometimes you hit on just the right combination for your dinner that fits the moment and your mood.   Here we have the happy comfort food of grilled cheese along with the spring zing of an arugula salad with a lemon vingarette dressing!

Summer Breeze....

Oh the love affair between Americans and their air conditioning....
   I admit it - I heart my AC, especially when it stops working and the temperature goes above 80.   However, it really was kind of nice to sleep with a cool breeze coming in through the windows once the temperature dropped and I also had the ceiling fan going.

 It reminded me of when I lived in Italy for a summer in an apartment with no air conditioning except in the living room.   The cheap little fan I bought saved my life!  I left it there for the next student so she would not have to suffer - kind of paying it forward I guess.




Tito, the cat, checking his email.



Atlanta Dogwood Festival 2012

Celebrating the 75th Atlanta Dogwood Festival

Not only was it great fun to see all the artwork and hear the bands play in the park but the fact that after 75 years the festival is still going strong - it is just great. 

And it was even better to see that the Dogwood Festival is going green!