Artful Journey

Goodness comes in  many forms, in unexpected ways..and sometimes, it's from a good deal on Groupon. An added discount to a great deal moved Fuller Gardens from my bucket list to the done and dusted list. Accomplishing things is always fun, but never more so, than when it's a fun thing shared on a picture perfect day. Statue in the rose garden There was a fantastic selection of roses, and they all looked extremely healthy. I am sure tender care helps, as well as the ocean breeze. Just across the road, lies the Atlantic Ocean. North Hampton So many beautiful roses, in a variety of colors made it difficult to pick a favorite. I finally chose this as my favorrite, both for the color and the name. I definitely want to find this rose for my garden, heart of gold, such an inspired name.  Although small, the layout was delightful, as we ambled from one garden room to another, including a Japanese garden with a Koi pond. There was a...

Things have been busy and a tad stressful.  While a tad isn't great, as long as there are no health issues,  no complaints. That being said, sometimes it is necessary to pull out the big guns. Changing the mood may require a change of atmosphere and environment, and someone to lift spirits out of the doldrums works wonders. Thelma and Louise-in' it This tad was building a while, so it was going to take a full day, starting at 8:30 am, and we planned our favorites with a few new things thrown in for good measure. Breakfast at one of our favorite places, The Wenham Tea House. Starters before brekkie, and of course, there's Tea After a lovely breakfast, we headed off to Cranes Beach... Lots of open space. We really do..jump for joy! What's on tap next? A winery sounds good, so off to Mill River Winery...for just a taste ..or maybe two Wine, cookies, chocolates and cheese...delicious A little wine gave quite a boost to our self-confiden...

Susan Branch....yay! she signed them for us! Before we went to Ireland, Fi and I attended a Love of Literature luncheon hosted by South Shore Stars.  It is their annual fundraiser for RISE... Reading is so Exciting.  For me, this couldn't be more accurate. As my local librarian recently told my daughter, " I love your mom, she is open to anything." So true, but being a cautious person, my adventures are limited to between the pages of a book.   Still, I would say it's a great way to experience adventures, get a taste of other cultures,  gain a different perspective, be entertained while learning, and expand your world. If you haven't picked up on it, I am a life long lover of books.  And sometimes, I have had the chance to meet an amazing, interesting, kind, heartwarming author/artist. Tea with Susan Branch. I love Susan's style and whimsical illustrations, recipes and books, so I was excited to attend this tea.  Even though Susan said she is reall...

Spring is here, and it's in full bloom at the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival. I love spring, when the flowers are starting to emerge from the ground. My dad was a landscaper, so I grew up around gardens and flowers. We would joke that we could smell the pansies coming in on the trucks and we would be the first gardeners there.  I was excited with the advent of spring, but even more so when my daughters surprised me with a mother's day/birthday gift to Disney World. What an amazing gift! Panorama at Epcot Epcot was brimming with color, topiaries, flowers, and charming vistas...beauty in every direction. Just a touch of color A butterfly garden... And of course there was Tea... Time for a Cuppa You would think this was as good as it gets. But no, the piece de resistance had to be afternoon tea at  Garden View Tea Room at the Grand Floridian. No wonder they say Grand! I have been lucky enough to enjoy tea parties with the girls and...