It's been almost four years since we packed our belongings in Ohio in a neighborhood with zillions of old trees. We moved 1000 miles to the Great Plains to a new subdivision surrounded by corn fields with a few tiny trees here and there. The newest house, finished last year, is setting the best example and with a high bar. It sports TEN new trees! We added a gorgeous red leafed crab and a miniature Japanese willow in the back and are planning to put in two city approved trees in front this fall. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in everyday life that we forget what simple things make it better. A tree is essential -- look at it to enjoy its ever changing beauty, spend time enjoying the shade, breathe cleaner air, notice the birds flitting in and out, mute traffic noise and so much ... [Read More]
Busy Monday 377
Well -- that was really dumb! Somehow the code for the linky last week went AWOL. We had several major issues one right after another last week at Chez Charlene so I wasn't checking in as usual. My deepest apologies to everyone who didn't find the links where they should have been. My horoscope on Sunday warned me to double check technology -- "the once in a lifetime" it was right! I will insert a new linky code so everyone can post . . . Features are the same ones from two weeks ago -- new ones next week. Thanks for your understanding! Charlene Eight year old Short Stuff spent ten days with us while Mommy traveled for business. He practiced riding his bike every day. The best time was when the sprinklers kicked on just as he started. Around and around and around the cul de ... [Read More]
Busy Monday 376
Flood recovery continues. One of the groups to which I belong will be serving 200 lunches to workers this week -- two weeks after the main hotel district was totally flooded. Tourism dropped to almost nothing for the rest of the summer. Workers lost their jobs and brides lost their venue, homes were damaged, gardens ruined, possessions lost, lives changed. I am amazed and humbled at the human spirit and the power of hope. And the willingness of total strangers to grasp that hope and fan it to a flame that gets things done. Also amazed at all the wonderful ideas, projects and recipe that are shared freely on Busy Monday! Thanks for stopping by! Featured from last week: Cincy Shopper -- Copy Cat Chick Fil A Frosted Lemonade Jessie Fearon -- 6 Budgeting challenges and How to ... [Read More]
Sparkling Fruit Salad
Sparkling Fruit Salad is delightfully refreshing. Especially in the hot summer, it’s fruity flavors straight from the refrigerator are wonderful. It is colorful addition to a party menu any time of year – great for a shower, a potluck or any other get together. And so easy to make! The sparkling dressing is a light combination of your choice of white wine or grape juice mixed with club soda or a lemon lime diet soda. We had grape juice from Short Stuff’s last visit in the refrigerator. And a mini can of Sprite Zero (no carbs). So that became the dressing. I used canned pineapple because I had it on hand and the pineapples at the market looked a little too firm to be used immediately. I have a thing about grapes – they MUST be sweet or my face just folds up in a “wow, that ... [Read More]
Busy Monday 375
It’s been an unusual week. Eight inches of rain in four hours – on the Great Plains in the summer time. Not usual. The ground was already wet from a series of smaller rains earlier – not usual – that it could not absorb the additional. The lowest quadrant of town flooded – not from either of the two nearby rivers – but with water from the sky. We are fine, as are homes in ¾ of this smallish city, but everyone has a new perspective on reports from other parts of the country where such things are more routine. Thanks for coming by to lend your perspective and awesome posts on Busy Monday! Featured from last week: Tinsel Box -- Tips for Traveling Internationally with Kids Whispers of the Heart -- Strawberry and Green Gingham table for Summer So Much Better with Age -- Easy ... [Read More]
Busy Monday 374
We had a wonderful Fourth. Sister Bee hosted the usual extravaganza with food, friends, family and fireworks. Then wrapped it all up with multiple kinds of homemade ice cream! The rain held off until just as we were leaving. Couldn't ask for more! I was delighted to learn the proper name for spats from the seventh feature today. They are properly called spatterdashes! And they are the finishing touch on an adorable Mary Poppins costume! Thanks for coming each week to share your fireworks of great food, awesome and adorable projects and thought provoking ideas. Featured from last week: Fluster Buster -- Air Fryer Cinnamon Churro Bites Bird's Party --Balloon Photo Booth The Scrap Shoppe Blog -- How to Install a Rain Barrel Bride on a Budget -- DIY Wedding Flower Shadow ... [Read More]
