Putting Summer Away...

As I sit here today 

contemplating bringing in my

plants from the porch

because we might, possibly

have a frost later this week,

I realize summer is over.

Of course it is!!!

It's mid October after all!

It's just that it has sped by SO quickly,

even though the warm weather has

lasted way longer this year

than we have any right to expect.

One summer event I should have ended weeks ago

is my family's 

2018 Summer Bake Off.

I've shared everyone's cake except my own.

So here it is.

I used the Updated Hummingbird Cake

recipe from DELISH.

The main difference between my cake

and those of everyone else

 is that the recipe 

called for the addition of 

unsweetened applesauce and less oil.

A healthier cake....

 ...probably not because of the 

Lemon-Cream Cheese Frosting,

which was the BEST thing about the cake.

The cake was a bit too dense.

Probably because my recipe did not specify

what size can or how much 

crushed pineapple to use.

I used a large can and did not drain it.

So, although the frosting was first rate,

I wasn't too impressed with my cake.

After living here for almost fifteen months,

my violets finallllllly

began to bloom this summer.

I had wonderful luck with them

at my previous house.

But for some reason, no blooms here.

Don't they like this house???

Are they mad I moved them???

After feeding them a bloom boost for several months

and moving them to some direct sunlight,

I am seeing flowers again.

(Thank you for your advise M.)

I have "read"

or listened to some outstanding

audible books this summer.

These were two of my favorites.

And finally,

as I say goodbye to summer,

here's a little round up of

the gorgeous flowers M has kept

me supplied with over the past few months.

Come on Fall.

I'm ready for you.

Happy Autumn!!!

As I begin this new fall season,

I have been thinking back on my

"Summer of Flowers."

Aren't they all gorgeous!

M has kept my little house

filled with flowers this summer.

I wish my photos did

the flowers the justice

they deserve.

I have spent the summer with

house projects and am

almost finished with

"Phase 1."

I haven't posted in a while

but promise to catch you

up to date with my

"settling-in" details

before long.

In the meantime,

Happy Autumn!

The Lilac Bushes are Blooming!

Six years ago, when my sister Nanniepannie,

and I were looking for a house to buy and share,

it was this time of year--

and the lilacs were blooming.

We found Buttermilk Cottage and it had good bones.

However, it did have some drawbacks.

Despite the fact the kitchen needed to be

totally gutted,

...the lilacs were blooming.

Despite the fact, a full bathroom needed

to be added to the ground floor (my space)....

...the lilacs were blooming.

Despite the fact I would need to add a room

for my office/sewing room...

...the lilacs were blooming.

There happened to be a huge

lilac bush, in full bloom (and scent)

on the side of the house.

I really think that bush put a spell on us!

But, we've cherished it each year at this time,

when it's dressed to the hilt,

and we whisper a little "thank you."

(This is the view from my entry windows.)

How could you not have a lovely weekend...

...the lilacs are blooming!