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playing in the sand

July 30, 2021

pier

I enjoy stopping by any sand castle competition in Connecticut I can find.  I am use to seeing dozens of submissions when I visit a competition and I was surprised to see only a few at a recent contest.

octopus from sand

octopus close up

When I asked one of the competitors why there were so few entries, the answer was “COVID.”

sand castle with bridge

sand castle

How the virus would cause a drop in sand castle builders, I do not know…especially for an outdoor activity!

single sand castle

sand pail castle

At any rate, these are a few sand creations I did happen upon recently.

under pier

Thanks for stopping by!

frog sand castle

Have a fabulous weekend and remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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touring broken arrow nursery

July 23, 2021

georgia plume butterfly clouds

If it seems like I travel all over my state of Connecticut to visit gardens – I do!

broken arrow entrance

What could be better on a Sunday morning than taking a tour of a nursery!  This trip is to Broken Arrow Nursery in Hamden where they specialize in rare and unusual plants.

hydrangea

There is no charge to enjoy a morning tour walking through the property with an extremely knowledgeable staff member.  It is a great opportunity, not only to see what is growing on the nursery property, but also to learn more about growing in Connecticut as well as discuss any personal gardening concerns with an expert.

raindrops

tree with white blooms

I definitely left the nursery with a heightened knowledge of trees and plants in my area and, because of my addiction with all things white, an obsession with this particular plant!

beauty berry

Also, love this Georgia Plume Tree!

a georgia plume tree

georgia plume tree with butterfly

Visiting a local nursery or taking a trip to a public garden (You know how I love Longwood Gardens!) is a wonderful field trip to take this summer and a super way to enjoy the outdoors!

jurassic leaves

I hope you are inspired to visit one this summer!

bird house at broken arow

Thanks for stopping by!

tree above

Have a fabulous weekend and remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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getting your just desserts

July 16, 2021

lunch at terrain cafe

Isn’t it feeling great that things are starting to get a little bit back to normal?  Getting together with the people we love, of course, is the best part!  When getting together at a fabulous place – all the better!

That was my luck recently when I was treated to lunch at one of my favorite places – Terrain.

white lavendar

There is so much to love about Terrain Café…the bread baked in a flower pot and served with herbed butter, seasonal salad selections like grilled peach and strawberry spinach, or the inventive summer beverage selection.

And, of course, a special dessert because having lunch at Terrain Café always calls for a dessert splurge!

cafe at Terrain

For desserts, like everything else on the menu, a seasonal selection is offered.

terrain dessert menu

Wouldn’t you like to try every single one?!  My favorite dessert is the terrarium dessert created by Terrain Café and served in a Weck jar.  Not only is it on point in theme, but it tastes absolutely delectable!

spoonful of goodness

Sadly, not everyone has a Terrain Café nearby, but everyone can take some special time with special people to enjoy their ‘just desserts.’

terrarium close up

I hope I am inspiring you to do just that!

Thanks for stopping by!  Have a fabulous weekend!

finished dessert

Remember to take pleasure in simple things…like eating a fabulous dessert al fresco with your besties!  xo Jackie

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life moves pretty fast

July 2, 2021

marco beach with birds

We are starting a holiday weekend and everyone is super excited because some of our COVID-19 restrictions have relaxed and people feel a little more ‘normal.’

pink sunrise on Marco

sunrise on Marco Island

I am grateful to our life with COVID-19 for teaching me to slow down a little bit.

huts on Marco Island beach

marco island beach

For the weekend, I am reminding you of a few words from a very wise man:  Life moves pretty fast.  If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.

ferris bueller quote

With these words in mind, I challenge you this holiday weekend to pick a single thing to find beauty in and really spend some time to examine it.

marco hut closeup

sunrise hut at Marco Island

You may choose something aesthetically pleasing or you may choose a person.  Whatever it is you decide to choose, spend some real time taking it in and examining it from every angle…appreciate the beauty in your choice.

hut at sunrise

marco hut at sunrise

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a fabulous holiday weekend and remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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