Let The Sunflowers Shine!

I love sunflowers.

These are from TJs.

I bought 5 stems of each kind.

For me,
the appearance of sunflowers at the market means
fall can't be far behind.

Breakfast at Eclair Paris French Bistro.
It's so handy -- right across the street.
I'll never starve! 
I try to visit at least once a week.
The road construction has made things difficult for the Bistro.
I want to keep them in business!

I take a book with me every time I go --
unless I'm meeting with someone.

Crazy Rich Asians is a wild ride.
Entertaining.
I enjoyed it and, believe it or not, 
it reminded me of some folks that have been in my life!
I ordered the next two in the series.
I have to find out what happens with Rachel and Nick.
I may have to see the movie!

Wishing YOU well and much joy!

Mosaic Monday

Amaze Me Monday

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Little Things Thursdays

This and That

A little This And That from last week --

One of my sisters by choice and I celebrated National Margarita Day 
with a Margarita at one of our favorite local spots 
 along with some chips and dip.

Are you following the Great American Read at PBS?
There is a list of 100 favorite books there and THE MARTIAN
is one of them. 
I hadn't read any Sci-Fi in awhile and since it was on the PBS list,
I decided to try it and I'm very glad I did.
There was just enough science to not overwhelm
and humor to break the tension.
Take your vitamins before reading -- it's a ride! 
No, I haven't seen the movie.

The peaches are very good at the local grocery store.
I was surprised they've been this good for this long.
I normally buy peaches at the farmer's market.
This year, I've bought more at the grocery 
and that meant more peach smoothies!

My beautiful Summer Mug designed by Susan Branch.
They are expensive, but so pretty and a great size.

The blue jay on the bird bath had just completed his bath.
The jay on the left was begging to be fed.
A parent's work is never done!
(Wonder where I put the tiny towels?)

A butterfly visit to Musashi's Garden and the lantana.

Wishing YOU well and much joy!

Mosaic Monday

Keep In Touch

Share Your Cup Thursday

Little Things Thursday

Who Gets The Credit?

A few things that made me smile this week.

Lunch across the street at Eclair Paris.
This is their club sandwich with chicken ... wonderful herb sliced chicken.
The book (Bearly Departed) is the first book in new cozy series,
 A Shamelessly Adorable Teddy Bear Mystery series by Meg Macy.
I love teddy bears and really enjoyed the book.
Like all good cozy books, it is set in a small, idyllic town
and has wonderful places to shop, quirky characters, dogs and cats!

This dragon-lady will never have enough dragons.
This one was made by a favorite artist of mine who I also consider friend,
Kate Tracton.

It was much easier to grow succulents in New Mexico.
But look, my first successful succulent bloom in the tropics!

Speaking of blooms,
a volunteer that came up in the garden.
Not sure which bird or squirrel gets the credit for bringing in the seeds.

I found this sign on Birch Lane
and really did laugh out loud.

Wishing YOU well, much joy and a big smile.

Little Things Thursday

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Mosaic Monday

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The Search Was On

Another beautiful day and a walk up to the village.

I always take a book with me.

This one is going to be a tear-jerker.
Written in first person plural voice.
Very intimate feel.
The Buddha in the Attic won the Pen Faulkner Award for Fiction.

I met these two cuties while reading my book.
They didn't want to hold still to have their portraits taken. 
Their parents were also visiting Starbucks and enjoying the lovely day.

Just a few steps from Starbucks is Susie Cakes.
Oh, my.
Their cakes are delicious.
But have to admit, I like them because they do this:

I really walked to the village to find the new mural.
I missed it completely on my last visit
and was determined to find it this time!

The Search was on and I found it!

Here's what the Village management said about the mural:

Rice Village District has launched another public art piece with the Space City mural by artist Michael C. Rodriguez. The mural, by the stairs on Amherst Street near SusieCakes and Shake Shack, shows a female astronaut with the Houston skyline in the background.

"Rodriguez has painted over 30 murals in Houston throughout the years including the Houston Zoo, and The Children's Museum," assistant general manager of Rice Village Donna Molho said in an announcement.

"We are thrilled to welcome his talent to Rice Village. His mural helps us to continue to expand the art scene on our property and give our customers a rich, cultural experience while they're shopping and dining on our property."

What a great way to spend a beautiful day.

Wishing YOU well, much joy and a beautiful day.

Willy Nilly Friday

Amaze Me Monday

Mosaic Monday

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SaveSave

Steep Right Up!

The sun finally came out 

and I enjoyed the day by walking up to the Village.

A stop at the new Starbucks for a Green Tea.
Sitting outside with my book.
Wonderful!

The book, LADY COP MAKES TROUBLE by Amy Stewart
is the second book in the Kopp Sisters Novels.
GIRL WAITS WITH GUN was the first in the series
and I loved it. The books are based on the Kopp sisters'
real life adventures in New York in 1914.
Great covers, too!

Painted in Rice Village after Hurricane Harvey 
by street artist Gonzo247.
This hand embodies the resiliency of the Houston spirit
and even has a little Texas embedded in the center of the palm.

Speaking of tea (!),
I wanted to share my new tea cup.
A dear friend surprised me with this cup and spoon 
from Mud Pie.
"Steep Right Up" to spring!

"Steeping Up" to spring also means
it's time for college baseball!
This was opening night at Reckling Park.
I like to get to the ball park early!


That's my This and That for the last week. 
Wishing YOU well, much joy and sunny skies!

Willy Nilly Friday

Amaze Me Monday

Mosaic Monday

Tuesday Cup of Tea

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SaveSave

This and That

The sun came out yesterday.

It brought 100% humidity and record temps.

It's a little too early for me for sticky weather and running the AC.
So I went across the street with my book and had a cup of tea!

It was nice to get out after all the rain
and I picked up some meringue hearts.
YUM!

I'm getting ready to put up my Valentine decorations,
But I think I'm going to leave the Lori Mitchell figures out for awhile.
They are just too cute!
The Emma Bridgewater teapot and mug have been put away in 
my Grandmother's buffet -- a place of honor.

Today is the Lunar New Year - the Year of the Dog.
Traits of those born under this sign are:
Affectionate, Faithful,
Straightforward,
Courageous, Smart,
Inspirational, Loyal,
Honest, Trustworthy,
Warm-hearted

The table is all set except for the water glasses.
Mandarin Orange Chicken will be the main course. 

World Market had these cups in all the Chinese Astrological signs.

If you didn't celebrate the New Year in January,
or even if you did --
here is the chance to celebrate again!

Wishing YOU well and much joy!

Willy Nilly Friday

Feathered Nest


Mosaic Monday

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Words On Wednesday

It's no secret that I'm a big baseball fan.

I enjoy watching all ages play.

It's one of the things I like most about baseball -- anyone can play.

Young, old, male, female, tall or short.

From the postcard collection
AMERICA PLAYS BALL: Historical Baseball Photographs from the Library of Congress.

 And, baseball has been popular for a long time.

Collage done for ICAD 2016

No surprise that I not only enjoy watching baseball,
but I also enjoy reading about baseball. 

One of my favorite baseball books is
BASEBALL HAIKU: The Best Haiku Ever Written About The Game 
Edited by Cor Van Den Heuvel and Nanae Tamura.
This book has been in my library for years and is one I really enjoy.
It combines two of my loves: baseball and haiku.

Some of the most important haiku poets of both America and Japan 
are featured in this anthology.
Poets like Jack Kerouac, a longtime baseball fan who pioneered English-language haiku

Empty baseball field
-- A robin,
Hops along the bench


and Masaoka Shiki, one of the four great pillars of Japanese haiku and was
instrumental in popularizing baseball in Japan during the 1890's.


Spring breeze
this grassy field makes me
want to play catch



TEAMMATE: My Journey in Baseball and a World Series For the Ages
by David Ross and Don Yaeger is my new baseball book for this year.
David Ross (AKA Grandpa Rossy) was the backup catcher for the cubs in 2016, mostly catching Jon Lester. This is his story, from his early days in the big leagues to his final year in baseball with the Cubs in 2016. What a way to retire! Lots of life lessons. What it takes to be a good teammate and play the game the way it should be played. It was interesting to read about concussion and its effects on Ross. A fun baseball book!


What's on your reading list?


Wishing YOU well and much joy!

Exercise Your Mind Not Just Your Abs

I hope everyone had a nice holiday weekend.

I had a quiet one.

Did some digging in the garden which is always good.

*

I put my crochet hook and my knitting needles aside giving my hands a rest.

Marly Bird is going to do another KAL (Knit-A-Long) and I want to be ready!

I haven't been to Michaels yet to get the yarn.

It's on the "to do" list.

*

The Fortune Cookie Journal suggested I exercise my mind not just my abs 
(which I did in the garden)
and I guess I did that by completing some reading.

My 88 year-old godmother loves to read.
She really enjoys the China Bayles mystery series by Susan Wittig Albert.
The new one - THE LAST CHANCE OLIVE RANCH is out. 
Number 25 in the series!
It's a good thing that my godmother doesn't mind if I read it first!
It's on it's way to her house for Mother's Day. 
One of the reasons I enjoy this series so much is the business China owns--
an herb shop.
In this book -- olives take center stage along with murder.
All the favorite characters are back and in fine form.

*

The second book I want to share with you is
MY CITY HIGHRISE GARDEN by Susan Brownmiller.

Most people know Susan Brownmiller as feminist and journalist. She is probably best known for her 1975 book, AGAINST OUR WILL: MEN, WOMEN AND RAPE. Now 80 years old, Brownmiller takes us on a delightful tour of her 20th floor high-rise garden, something she has been tending with care for 35 years. 
 Small space gardening is not easy (I know), but on the 20th floor of a high-rise is definitely an unnatural environment with high winds and bad weather, along with the occasional maintenance of the building. She talks about the garden with humor and honesty. I got lots of ideas for my balcony (on the second floor) and my postage stamp backyard. I even ordered day-lilies from the company that she uses. If you love gardens, this a short (154 pages), sweet description of an oasis in the city with all its trials, tribulations and successes. I'm going to keep my copy for future reference!

*

The third book is THE CURIOUS CHARMS OF ARTHUR PEPPER
by Phaedra Patrick.

Charming and delightful, Arthur Pepper is nearing the one year
anniversary of his wife's death. It's time to clean out the closet and get rid of her things. While separating clothes and shoes, he finds a charm bracelet in a pair of boots. He doesn't remember ever seeing the bracelet before.
This bracelet and it's charms take Arthur on an adventure of healing and self-discovery. 

Three different books and all good.
Although if you are interested in the Mystery,
you should start with book number one -- not number twenty five!

 *

I went out to feed the fish and look what I found in the pond!
A whole lot of "something" going on. Ha!
This must mean that spring is definitely here.

*

This week instead of lunch it was breakfast with a friend.
Spinach Quiche at Croissant Brioche -- French Bakery and Cafe.
Authentic French breads baked fresh daily.
YUM!

Wishing YOU well and much joy!

Five on Friday

Willy Nilly Friday

Mosaic Monday

Celebrating the Green!

St. Patrick's Day is today.

This year I started celebrating a little early with a 

Green Tea Frappuccino from Starbucks.

Matcha and Green heaven! Ha!

And, if it is too cold for a Frappuccino,
perhaps some hot tea will do the trick.
Always nice to get out the Belleek for St. Patrick's Day.

Corned beef and cabbage are usually on the menu.
This year I'm changing things up a bit and plan on having
Pasta, Peas, Asparagus, Spinach and Pesto!
Adapted from a friends recipe that you can find here.

*

Daffodils have arrived at Trader Joe's and I'm in heaven!

Spring is definitely arriving around Twisty Lane.

In almost every room.
The daffodil is such a happy flower!

“Daffodils are an optimistic flower, and foolproof. 
You know what Shakespeare said: 
"Daffodils,
That come before the swallow dares, and take
The winds of March with beauty."

...I plant them in big clumps with a trusty shovel. 
I make several large holes all around and put quite a few in. 
That's why it makes such a spectacular look when they bloom.” 
― Tasha Tudor, The Private World of Tasha Tudor

*

I finished the Cottage Charm Afghan.

Yes, I ran out of blue and had to get more.

The color is a close match, but the texture is a little different.

I always make the first of a project for myself.

The difference in texture won't bother me! 

I think my favorite part of the afghan is the little white bow!

It's going to work well as a lap-ghan for me.

Most importantly -- It has Mr. Oliver's approval!

The blue matches his eyes...... 

I'm reading the last of the Amish mysteries - A Churn for the Worse.
I'll be sad to finish. I really like the characters and the setting.
I hope there are more to come in the series.


*

May your joys be 
as deep as the oceans

Your troubles 
as light as its foam

And may you find
sweet peace of mind

Wherever you
may roam.


Wishing YOU well and much joy on this St. Patrick's Day.


Five on Friday
(Thank you Amy for hosting!)

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Keep Calm Craft On