My Dream Vacation

 

One favorite on the outskirts of Harrison, Idaho.

When I was a child my family didn't go on vacations that required staying in motels and eating in restaurants. When dad had time off we went to my grandma's house in Spokane or my grandma's house in Orofino. That was a vacation to us. We did fun stuff while at both places. I have fond memories of those summer vacations.

I am not much of a traveler to faraway places. The only foreign country I have visited is Canada. I only flew in a plane with my husband once, and it was only to Portland, Oregon. I still want to travel to the northern coast of Washington and see more of the Washington and Oregon coasts. I always thought I would like a cruise to Alaska, but never convinced my husband it was a good idea. Our favorite vacations were traveling in a car or RV.  The photos throughout this post are some favorite vacation rentals we discovered.

This is a perfect getaway on the Clark Fork River south of Hope,Idaho.

I wanted to stay there this fall , but is was already booked.

This was our favorite spot in Mazama. We rented it twice.

What is my dream vacation?

First I find a vacation rental in the Pacific Northwest. I prefer a cabin or beach house. If it is near water that is a plus, but not a requirement. A dog friendly home is a must. A bedroom on the first floor is a must also. It helps if the house is fully stocked. If I am traveling during cold weather I love having a fireplace or wood stove. I bring my favorite foods and beverages, but love trying restaurants if they are close.

A favorite in Montana between St. Regis and Quinn's on the Clark Fork River.

I think of a dream vacation as a retreat. I take books, my journal, my laptop for writing, my camera, and Riley my dog. I sleep in, go for walks, drive to close places and take pictures, read, write, dream, and think. I have a retreat like this planned in early fall. I can't wait!

That is my dream vacation. What is your dream vacation? 

Here is a room in the cabin I am traveling to in September.

Garden Stories: Mom's Memory Garden

 

I had a friend visit my backyard for the first time this week. Showing her my gardens and decor I realized that my gardens hold stories. The gardens tell stories of people, stories of special furniture that traveled with us, and a whole collection of gifts from friends and family that are placed all over the yard.

After my mom died in the summer of 2017 I knew I wanted to do something to honor her in my backyard. We had a strip of space between my house and my brother's that Everett suggested he add another flower bed. Mom's Memory Garden was born. I moved plants from her gardens, decor she treasured, and added gifts from friends and family. 

Lady's Mantle from her garden.

Mom loved lilies.

A rose planted in her memory.

It has been a joy to watch this garden flourish in the last four years. I have added other plants and flowers to the garden. I picked flowers that Mom loved. 

Year one

recently

Women Who Inspire Me: Katie Daisy

One of my favorites.

This is my second installment of the series women that inspire me. I learned last week that Mary Engelbreit also inspired many of my readers. This week I am going to share why I am inspired by Katie Daisy. You may say, " Who is Katie Daisy?" I will let you know. Once you see her artistic work, you won't forget her. 

I probably discovered Katie Daisy's work at Target or on Etsy, or in a card shop, but once I discovered her work,  I never forgot it.  Katie does artwork that captures prairie flowers, the woods, and all things nature. I recently read this by her, "The enchantment of my prairie town stays with me always. I weave that rosy magic into everything I paint and still see the world through my childhood eyes." She does that , and does it beautifully. 

The colors and flowers blend beautifully

I admire Katie Daisy because she does what she loves. Most of her inspiration is captured in a portfolio that contains what she remembers from her childhood in Illinois. A lilac bush, hummingbirds buzzing around, cherry and apple trees, and a giant yellow rosebush. She made art as long as she can remember. Her mom carried art supplies, she did art on placemats in restaurants, and doodled on her homework. She took her first art class in high school and the rest is history.She began her career on Etsy in 2010 and has freelanced ever since. 

such a beautiful message.

I love her work because it connects with nature and she uses quotes that speak to me. She now resides in Bend, Oregon and has embraces the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. If you haven't seen her work check it out on Etsy or check out her website. You will want a journal, calendar, or art print as soon as you see her work. Please share who inspires you.

She was featured on Oprah's Super Sunday Project. Check her out.

https://www.oprah.com/own-steepyoursoul/steep-your-soul-the-beauty-and-power-of-katie-daisys-art-video

https://www.oprah.com/own-super-soul-sunday/illustrator-katie-daisy-on-the-transformative-power-of-art-video

Summer Play List 2

 Last week I wrote a post about songs that brought back memories of summers past. Thanks to my readers, I have a second list of suggestions. It was so hard to just choose ten. Here is list 2:

"Hot Fun in the Summertime" by Sly and the Family Stone

"Groovin" by The Rascals

" In the Summertime" by Mungo Jerry

"In the Year 2525"  by Zager and Evans

"Even the Nights Are Better" by Air Supply

"This Magic Moment" by Jay and the Americans

"Under the Boardwalk" by The Drifters

"With a Little Help From My Friends" by The Beatles

"Brandy, You're a Fine Girl", by Looking Glass

"You've Got a Friend" James Taylor

and the one they always played on KWAL....

"Rock the Boat" by The Hues Corporation

Here is my first list: https://gatheringaroundthetable.blogspot.com/2021/07/summer-play-list.html

Childhood Favorite Foods Revisited

 The other day a friend of mine asked how people felt about  Franco American Spaghetti Os. The reviews were mixed. It reminded me of last spring when foods were jumping off the shelves into shoppers' carts during the pandemic. People were purchasing foods they hadn't eaten since they were ten years old. Was it nostalgia?Was it the fear of having all the food disappear from the shelves? I have to admit when I stocked up last year I did purchase a few items I usually wouldn't buy.

Spaghetti Os: Yes, I did buy one can. They were okay. I didn't love them as much as I did when I was ten years old, but if it was all that was left in the grocery store, I could eat them.

Kraft Macaroni and Cheese: Yes, I bought it, Yes, I loved it, Yes, I wanted more. Why? I have no idea!!

Ice Cream Sandwiches: I just don't buy novelty ice cream treats often, but when we had money and went to Don's Market as kids I loved to buy an ice cream sandwich. Were they still good? Yes. Would I buy them again? Yes.

Campbell's Vegetable Beef Soup: This has always been a comfort food for me. It is a requirement to serve the soup with buttered saltines on the side. Would I eat this again? I always have it on the shelf. Too much sodium? Yes! It is all about balance.

Swanson's Meat Pie: These are not the same as they were when I was a kid. Maybe because then they seemed like this huge, warm, delicious dinner. Now they are different. They are salty. The crust isn't as good.  I only bought one and that was enough. 

Nalley's Original Chili: My husband had lost his appetite during the pandemic. This is one thing he just loved. Go figure. I think it reminded him of camping. We always had some stocked in the RV when we went camping.

Banana Bread: I following the Instagram/ Pinterest trend of making banana bread. The silver lining was that I discovered new recipes I hadn't tried. Now none of these recipes were as good as my Grandma Woolum's, but they were a close second. Now I haven't tasted one piece in about six months.

Cinnamon Raisin Bread made into toast: I hadn't had a loaf of this in the house for a long time. Again, something my husband liked.  It made the house smell wonderful and it was good!

Did you return to any childhood favorites during the pandemic?

Summer Flower Winner: Portulaca

 

They thrive in containers in the hot sun.

During this hot, smoky month the portulacas have been a winner in my gardens. Mom and I never could say the name right so we used the common name moss roses. 

I love the colors.

"A truly beautiful, low-growing groundcover type plant is called the portulaca (Portulaca grandiflora), sometimes known as the sun rose or moss rose. Portulaca plants are native to Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. Portulaca flowers are easy to grow and enjoy. "

This one is growing in a window box. It is the only plant that has thrived there.

Last year I discovered if you didn't buy them early, they were hard to find. I bought them early this year and I am glad I did. They are hardy, tolerate hot sun, bloom nonstop, don't require watering twice a day, and they spread quickly. You can plant them in containers or in the ground. My favorite thing about them is the variety of colors. One plant can have multiple colors. They photograph well also.

I got a tip from SP recently that they were available at WalMart. I was pleased to find some to fill in some places other plants had dried up. The only disadvantage with the plant is it's an annual, but a very hardy one at that. Add these to your list for next year if you have never purchased them. You will love them.

What plants have you been successful with in this hot,smoky weather we are having? 

Read more at Gardening Know How: Portulaca Flower: Tips For Portulaca Care https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/portulaca/portulaca-plants.htm