my pet pea

Added to the list of Rosie quotes...

'You're my pet pea' .
Said emphatically, in all seriousness.

Translation: you're my 'pet peeve'.

Meaning: she's beyond frustrated with her sister.

It loses its power when said sister responds,

by laughing in her direction.

Photos in front of the aptly named Sister Bay Cafe.

Result: a new phrase for the family lexicon.

The big sisters have returned to school full time this week. Rosie is bereft.
All she can talk about is how she misses her 'sissies'.

'Summer was past and the day was past.
Sombre clouds in the west were massed...'
 Robert Frost, Bereft

pyrex primary

 Trying to get organized, I started packing boxes of things to bring to our local charity thrift. If we haven't used something in more than a year, out it goes. At least, that's the idea. Of course, while at the thrift it's imperative to take a quick scan of the shelves just in case...

That perfect set of Pyrex primary mixing bowls from the 1940's is just languishing on the shelf. Would you believe that's one of those things I always look for but, hadn't ever had the luck to find? At least, not in my price range. Until today.

Spotted a Delphinium Blue Hall dish/planter, a sweet baby blue planter, and a pretty little posy, without a chip. I collect posies, and let's just say finding a vintage one in perfect condition for a dollar, is an infrequent occurrence.

Last, but not least, Cornflower Blue. A while ago, my mother-in-law gave me the two covered dishes, which I use all of the time. We don't have a microwave and they're stellar for reheating all kinds of things in the oven. The coordinating salt & pepper and pitcher/dispenser were serendipitously waiting for me.

I'm thinking I need to get 'organizing' more often.

What's the one thing you're always on the look out for? Do tell.

I'm joining the fun at the following:

Common Ground,  French Country Cottage,  and  My Romantic Home.

feeling felty

 I'm not a big fan of the classic refrain, 'I'm bored'. Especially, not when you're lucky enough to be on vacation. Give the girls some embroidery floss, colorful buttons, and a healthy supply of felt and they start to get their 'craft on'.

With little to no input from me, they think up all kinds of clever things.

Creativity + colorful materials = happy girls

You never know, when you might need a little felt pouch or case. Should the need arise, we're all set. 

a rosy outlook

A set of 'Rose' correspondence notes from the 'Sunshine Line'.

Found at the island's Twice Around Shop.

Maggie's first day of school is today. She's really looking forward to it.

 I find 'back-to-school' time rather bittersweet. I'm glad they're back with their friends learning and laughing, but I miss them. A lot.

Is your outlook rosy today?

vintage book, look

On our trip, I was lucky enough to stop in at one of my favorite stores, Viva la Cottage. They had just sourced some vintage books from a retired school teacher. Looking at them, I knew it would be impossible to pick just one. Linen bound editions, from the 1920's with darling hand tinted illustrations. When would I come across the like again?

Carol recognized the girls from birdie blue. She made us an offer we couldn't refuse, and I was delighted to purchase the whole set.

My favorite is, The Turned-Into's, Jane Elizabeth Discovers the Garden Folk, by Elizabeth Gordon.

The book is dedicated to all children who love to work in gardens, and who enjoy the big out-of-doors, and the little friends who live there.

Lyrically illustrated by Janet Laura Scott. 

It explains the metamorphosis of various insects in fascinating story form. A tale is told by each tiny insect to a little girl, Jane Elizabeth, in a twee country garden.

The illustrations are so sweet.

As is the story.

I'm reading it aloud to Rosie. It's going to take us a while, to slowly work our way through all of the books. Making them last. Loving every minute.

I'm joining the fun at the following:

Common Ground,  French Country Cottage,  and  My Romantic Home.

island love

We're back from the island. Lots of boating, swimming, exploring and cherry pie eating. 

I celebrated my birthday, and happily, my parents surprised us with a visit.

Fresh air + sunshine = happy days.

One of our favorite things to do, is visit a state park on another island. Formerly, it was the private property of a turn-of-the-century electric magnate from Chicago. He'd emigrated from Iceland and his wife was homesick, so he bought her an island. The plan was to build a private retreat for his family and friends. 

Unfortunately, he passed away prior to construction of his dream resort. The family donated the island to the state, and now everyone can enjoy it's rustic beauty. He managed to build one heck of a stone boathouse, and some beautiful out buildings. They don't allow automobiles, or even bicycles. Only camping, 'old-school style'. 

They let us park our boat in the boathouse. It's beautiful. 

A resident bird was kind enough to leave us a souvenir.

This is the space above the boat house. It's glorious.

I could live happily in this little stone cottage, at least for a little while. How about you?

road trip readiness

Our family loves a good road trip. We always completely pack up the car the night before...

Up before the sun, we shower, dress, and hop in.

Half the fun, is opening their totes to see what goodies might be included this time.

It's getting harder and harder to surprise them. But, I still try. 

Fruit flavored candy looks so much cuter 'bento' style, don't you think?

Have you seen the Rosie Flo series of coloring books? They're really well done. My girls love them.

What's your favorite family road trip memory? 

I'd love to hear it.

the petunia

 I had all four girls in for their annual back-to-school physicals yesterday. 'Am I going to get a shot? How many? How many?'  Anticipation, dread, and anxiety in equal measure.

My oldest has been fighting off bronchitis and an ear infection, and I thought she was on the mend. Not so, I discovered. She has walking pneumonia, and hopefully a new round of meds will help her kick it.

My youngest, Rosie, heard me talking on the phone with the doctor's office.

 She then proceeded to follow Maggie outside.

  She was hot to discuss 'the petunia growing in Maggie's chest....'

Her sympathy knows no bounds.

the problem

 The first step, is admitting you have a problem. I do, and I accept it. It's a certain English shop luring me with its addictively sweet home goods. They run an 'end of summer' sale every year. Tempting, oh so tempting. Wait, practice patience.

The new fall items, will be twice as cute. Maybe even three or four times...

You'll wonder why you didn't wait.

This year, I didn't fall for it. I held out. Lots of things I loved sold out. It wasn't meant to be. My girls questioned my resolve. Biding my time, paid off. A few sale items remained, and much of the new line debuted. The day after I placed the order, all the sale items disappeared...poof.

 Cath Kidston, you've out-done yourself, once again. 

I'm joining the fun at the following:

Common Ground,  Very Merry Vintage Style, French Country Cottage,

  At The Picket Fence,  and  My Romantic Home.

august

 'Summer afternoon ~ summer afternoon;

 To me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.'

~ Henry James

Paper flowers, blowing gently in a warm breeze. Assembled by Mary Kate and Gracie, for a summer celebration. I think I'm going to leave them up for a while.

So happy to report...

He found his dream boat.

 Just in time for our annual trip to an island on the Great Lakes.

August is looking up, my friends.