The Azalea bushes are competing with each other this month for the most vibrant and voluminous of blooms. This rosy pink planting beside our driveway is the winner in our yard. Gary says he's never seen this one do as well as it is this year. It's a welcome sight every time we pull up to our home in our bikes or cars.
With that said, my photo journal of the days since my last post begins. I say, "photo journal" because over the 16 years that I've been blogging, it has come about that I post just about as many snapshots (and other illustrations) as the number of words actually written.
I'm looking at the pictures I've taken in recent days, comparing them with my desk calendar. The first thing I'm sharing is my version of Mari's Granola Bars:
Those of you who follow Mari's blog, Mari's Little Corner, know she posts the most wonderful recipes every Thursday. As it turns out, my pantry provisions did not allow me to follow her recipe exactly, so I made comparable substitutions and the end result was still very good.
One of the most notable replacements I made was to use Cheerios to supplement the small amount of oatmeal. The end result was more crunchy, which made up for my lack of sunflower seed kernels. The 8-inch square pan did not last more than 24 hours ..... (thanks, Mari!)
By the way, go visit Mari at the link below. It's a good segue into the subject of my next paragraph. http://marislittlecorner.blogspot.com/2025/03/friday-funny.html
Well, my birthday is this month (a "big one"), so the celebrations have begun. Thus far I've received some cards, a couple of gifts, and Jersey Girl treated me to a fun afternoon with lunch and a visit to a historical site here in town.Mojo's is painted a bright blue on the outside, making it easy to spy from the road -- and our area has at least 3 of them. All locations are fun, loud, serve good food and are decorated such that there is plenty to see while waiting.
The ceiling decor is made up of wood posters painted with jokes and advice.
Jersey Girl and I both had the grilled chicken tenders and a side of veggies accompanied with some sauces to spice it all up. Very good!
A famous personality allowed me to snap his picture but he was too busy to give me an autograph. I think the Blues Brothers were in the crowd, too.
After a satisfying lunch, we drove out to Fort King National Historic Landmark which, for this weekend, is featuring a tribute to women in history.
Much of what was to be seen was outside under the huge Oak trees. A large garden made up of many raised beds was impressive. Most of the crops have been harvested (keeping in mind that we're in Florida) and new plantings will go in soon.
Handmade crafts were prominent. In this snapshot Jersey Girl is playing with a cute boy puppet.
Under a grass-roofed shelter were quilts, weavings, and other craft examples from a bygone era. A demonstration for brewing whiskey was interesting (no samples were given).
The next day was Saturday and the long-anticipated "Junk in the Trunk" event here in our +55 community. HOA rules do not allow residents to have garage sales, so once or twice a year parking spaces at the community center can be rented for a few hours on a Saturday to sell our stuff, or to shop the stuff of others. The latter was our activity. We go to see what's there and to socialize.
However, this time we did manage to leave some cash in four different places. Gary saw a tool set at an exceptionally good price, and an LED lantern, never used, that is good to have on hand if/when there's a big storm. I got a shower chair that is the perfect size for the vanity counter in the master bathroom and a really nice metal lantern to set on the bistro table on our front porch. I've wanted a centerpiece of some kind for that table for a long time. This was perfect!
That afternoon a put-together-yourself kit was waiting for our attention. By then the weather had turned cooler with some rain, so the project was assembled on the lanai.
During our bicycle rides in the neighborhood I've seen a small Asian foot bridge that was very attractive and would compliment the stone pagodas in our back yard. I ordered one and Gary put it together.
Right now we are thinking the stepping stones in this picture above will be re-arranged to accommodate the bridge.
Speaking of romance, this afternoon while Gary was putting the finishing touches on the bridge, I put his favorite song on the record player. Would you believe this man put down his tools and slow-danced me around the lanai to Percy Faith's "Theme From A Summer Place"? Those of you who have observed our relationship from the first blush three years ago can be assured that the light of love ignited back then still glows strong.
Never in my wildest imaginations did I ever think my life would take the turns it has, that I would be where I am today with who I am today -- and in spite of terrible loss, joy could be felt again.
12 comments:
Oh I enjoyed reading your post this afternoon and I am in love with the bridge!!! I had once similar years ago when I used to do a little photography on the side. I winded up giving it away when quit doing photography. Looks like you and Jersey girl had fun too. Oh how Ist Corinthians 2:9 is filled with promise. WE HAVEN'T SEEN NOTHING YET AS WE WILL IN HEAVEN. Happy week. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
I'm so glad you liked the granola bars! I bet the Cheerios taste good in them.
You had some nice finds at the sale. I have a similar lantern that we set on a little table on our porch in the summer.
Your day with Jersey Girl sounds wonderful. The quilt is so pretty and I bet the Tea was fun. I really like your shot of the Fort.
The bridge is perfect! It's going to look so nice out there!
I love to hear about the joy you and Gary have in being together. God is so good!
I can't wait to see the bridge in its new home!! I loved your post today, Barb! You and Gary are so very blessed to have found each other!! Looks like so great bargains were found and that is always fun, too! Happy week ahead!! xo
Sure enjoyed reading & seeing the pix in this post. Loraine
Awww that Gary is a "keeper", smiles. Hey, I went to Ft. Middle School, not the same I know. We haven't visited the Fort/heritage site yet. Happy Birthday my friend. smiles
The azalea bush you featured looks fabulous. Your outing with Jersey Girl sounded like a lot of fun, Barbara. I hope you enjoy your birthday month. I look forward to seeing the addition of your bridge to your backyard. Have a good week!
How can you possibly be 3 quarters of a century? You don't look it and I Swanee it just yesterday you turned 70. Time has taken flight on me:) I am always so intrigued by that planner. I would love to see it up close. I love a good planner and a good journal, so you have me curious always.
Love the little bridge...it will look nice out there and azaleas are about to pop open here this week. I am waiting with bated breath. There are a lot of the big old kind in our neighborhood. There is just nothing prettier than those.
Take care ---happy birthday month. I think you should celebrate all month. Mama turns 90 this month. We are doing a little family party with all the trimming too.
Happy "Big" Birthday month, Barbara! How can these years fly by so quickly? I love how you live each day to the fullest and so enjoy your days with Gary and your friends and family in sunny Florida. We just returned from Naples and I have to admit, feeling that warm sunshine on my face was something I could definitely get used to! Looking forward to seeing your new bridge in place :)
There is a lot to enjoy in your post. It is my birthday month, too. Happy Birthday to you whatever day it is. What a fun birthday trip with Jersey Girl. I like that trunk sale idea and you scored some good buys. It will be fun to see that bridge in it's special spot! Happy March to you!
OH, your 3/4 century birthday is this month? I did not realize that. Of course, I knew that we would both reach that landmark age this year, but I am still a few months away. (September). I am happy you are doing some special things to celebrate! Happy 3/4 Century Birthday to you!! It doesn't seem possible, does it? I am so happy for you to have found such a blessing of a dear mate in these later years of life. God has truly been very kind to you AND to Gary, for you to both find each other. You are such a sweet couple! I love that lantern on the patio table, and that bridge is going to be so nice! Can't wait to see the pictures. The shower chair can serve two purposes, a vanity chair now, and a shower chair when you get over the 3/4 century mark and find you like using it in the shower! LOL. They do come in handy. I've wondered, do you have a big walk in shower in this house like you did in the other? I haven't seen any photos of your shower since you moved there, so I'm thinking probably not. Still, that was a fun photo booth! LOL. (Now people will wonder who didn't know about that! LOL). (All totally appropriate pictures in case anyone is concerned. LOL.) Have a wonderful rest of your week.
Happy Birthday. Many happy returns filled with joy, good health and whatever you desire.
God bless always. Praying for you.
IHappy Birg Birthday, Barbara! I am so happy for you, Barabra! You seem so bust and content. I;m glad you were able to enjoy a fun night our with Jersey Girl. Your Asian style garden is beautiful, and the little bridge will add a wonderful touch to it. Our HOA allows one community-wise "Garage Sale." on a special day, but we use Facebook Marketplace to sell and buy during the rest of the year.
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