We’re finally getting some warm weather here in the NE corner of the States and it’s a looooong time coming!
There’s nothing like having guests for motivating us to get the house cleaned up. We spent last Wednesday doing some much needed cleaning around the house, then Thursday I ventured out to a local plant farm and purchased these beauties:
I simply couldn’t resist the cone shaped baskets. I got three and hung them from our front porch. In the past, it was difficult to get plants like these since we weren’t here full time and the plants would have been neglected.
I like to display items in odd numbers. They say that it’s more pleasing to look at and I have to agree.
Friday night our friend left a message that there was a little silver bullet type trailer up the road from us that was free! I’m sure it needed lots of work, but I was nonetheless excited to check it out. Unfortunately by Saturday some lucky person had grabbed it up. 🙁 It would have been so much fun to fix it up retro style, and you can’t beat free.
Sunday morning was the local parade. I love old cars, don’t you?
This was the second turquoise car in a week that I saw and I’m really loving this color! Do you like old cars too? My first car was a 69′ Camaro. I’m sorry I ever sold it, because it would be worth mucho bucks now. It was blue with a white stripe on the sides and a standard transmission.
After the parade we took our friends up the road to a place that sells perennials on the honor system. That’s the way some businesses operate here, and it never ceases to amaze this former native New Yorker ;).
Sunday night we grilled some burgers, corn and sweet potato fries and later had a bonfire. In eight years, that was only the second bonfire we’ve ever had. We currently have it located in a not so great spot…that’s a project waiting to happen.
The sweet potatoes were cooked in a way I’ve never done before and I think the way I prepared them is worth passing on to you all…
Place the whole potato(s) in water and boil until slightly tender. Let cool slightly, cut into fries and place in a bowl with vegetable oil (you can use any kind of oil), brown sugar to taste and a bit of cayenne pepper, then grill. Top them off with some salt if desired. This method insures the inside of the potato gets cooked properly, which is something I’ve always found a bit challenging.
On Monday after our friends left I started baking some chocolate biscotti. I’ve decided to give them as favors at the wedding in three weeks, so I’ll need to get busy! I’ve got Physical Therapy today and my dress fitting tomorrow, but I hope to get started on the bathroom cabinet this week. It seems I’m busier now that I’m retired!
Nana Diana says
What a great parade- love the old cars and that your friends were there to enjoy it with you. WOW! 3 weeks and counting down. It will be here before you know it—-now get back to baking, will ya? xo Diana
Cecilia says
I love your flowering baskets! The cone shapes are so cool! I love old cars, too. I had a MG Midget in college. Loved that car! It was seriously fun. 🙂 too bad you missed the trailer- it definitely would of been fun to fix up!
Wow, three weeks! The biscotti will be a huge hit…I think you are going to be very busy. 🙂
Hugs,
Cecilia
Peggy @ Decorating Files says
What a fun town you live in, Doreen! And your flowers look beautiful. I’m on my 3rd week with an orchid my daughter’s boyfriend gave me for my birthday – so far so good. Wish I had your green thumb! 🙂
Andi says
My parents always drive one of their Model Ts in the local Memorial Day parades. I love seeing the old cars! Love the flowers too. 🙂
-andi
Cynthia says
Your flowers are so pretty and I love those cones, so different. I am happy you had a great time with your friends. My husband and I would have been in our glory seeing all those old cars. We are big car lovers.
Cynthia
Amy @ StowandTellU says
Goodness you do sound busy in retirement. Homemade chocolate biscotti as wedding favors, yum!! Those cones shaped baskets are so unique and the flowers in them are gorgeous. It has got to feel nice to be able to really settle in at the log cabin and it looks like that is exactly what you two are doing 😉
Cindy Eikenberg says
Doreen, I am in love with your cone shaped baskets – they look beautiful! The parade looks like so much fun – my old boss is a classic car collector and we always had a lot of fun seeing his cars. So exciting about the wedding in three weeks – you are just where I was 2 years ago. Those weeks will fly by!! Can’t wait to hear all about it and enjoy every second!
Vicky Hunt says
What a fun-filled weekend! The cone shaped baskets are just gorgeous as are the old cars. I love the turquoise…:) Your grilled dinner sounds delicious! Too bad you missed out on the free camper. Fixing up an old camper vintage style is on my bucket list! I want one with the aqua blue appliances inside…:) They are adorable! Have fun at the dress fitting. I look forwad to seeing the bathroom cabinet…:) Have a blessed Thursday…Vicky
Manuela@A Cultivated Nest says
Love the cone shaped hanging baskets! It’s fun to use something a bit different.
I love looking at old cars. I covet that turquoise one!
Angela says
HI sweetie and Happy “late” Memorial Day! My internet has been out lately so I’ve fallen way behind! Your flowers and hanging baskets are beautiful! I’m so happy that you are enjoying your newfound freedom! ~~Angela
Shirley@Housepitality Designs says
Looks like you had a wonderful time with your friends….great parade!!!…Sorry you missed out on the trailer!