Home ... Is Where Your Heart Is

If you were to ask what is most important in a home, I would say happy memories. ~ Lilian Gish

Welcome back to Rose Chintz Cottage! I have missed you, dear friends! 

While my hubby was on his staycation, I took a break from blogging. I will be sharing bits and bobs throughout this blog post about what I have been up to since my last posting. It is longer than usual, so pour yourself a yummy beverage and thank you so much for stopping by. I enjoy your company!

I wish I could tell you that all our family got home this year just as they planned, but the truth is, it didn't happen. Ask any one of them and they will tell you home is missed, especially this year because they had all made plans to come at the same time. 

This is the first summer in many years that at least one of my guys didn't get home. The phrase, "Home is where the heart is," reminds me that no matter where you are in the world or who you are with, home is where you will find love, warmth, and acceptance. Our happy memories are buried within our hearts and it isn't necessarily the house, it is simply being with your family and your loved ones. It is kinship of the dearest kind.

Home is the nicest place there is. ~ Laura Ingalls Wilder

Our son who lives on the west coast still hopes to come home for a few days this Fall, but it is not looking promising with all the restrictions still in place. Our "Atlantic Bubble" is supposed to be the safest place in North America right now. So, I guess we can be thankful for that!

Home isn't the same without our kids though.

So, what did we do while Hubby was off? We had planned to go to New Brunswick to visit my Auntie P and other relatives but that was not to be this year. We planned on going to the beach, trying out new restaurants, visiting some shops, and just relaxing. Much of our vacation was spent here at home.

The first week was a bust because I had injured myself and had to recuperate for most of that week. We did a lot of sitting out on our deck drinking coffee, enjoying the sun, and watching the birds. Hubby really needed that rest because he had been so busy at work. He actually didn't mind so much that we stayed home for a few days.

The next few photos are of our beautiful beaches. 

Wavy sand and a lone shell, spell serenity.

Our amazing beaches are just perfect for taking a walk along the shore. 

Apparently science has proven that spending time at the beach heals the brain. It alleviates stress and is pleasant to the senses. The smell of the salty ocean air, the lapping of the surf on the seashore, and the colour of the sand, sea, and sky, all work in unison to bring health to your brain as well as your body. Now I understand why I am so completely relaxed out there and why my family and I love it so. There is no other place like it on earth, and we are blessed to have beaches all around our island.

A moody beach just before sunset.

Once your feet have touched the warm sun drenched sand of the seashore you will never be the same. ~ Patsy Gant

A gorgeous sunset to close out the day.

We also did some furniture shopping. It took us a few days, but we finally chose some furniture for the family room and dining room. They should arrive in about five to six weeks.

When I posted my last blog post, you may remember that I was complaining about the chipmunks and squirrels taking over our feeder. We were actually overrun with them and I was very upset because my little feathered friends couldn't get near it. I really thought we would have to take down the feeder and forget about feeding the birds, it was so bad. Then our wonderful son surprised us by special ordering a metal wrap around squirrel baffle. We put it up and we haven't had to deal with the critters ever since. Now, we can enjoy the birds and relax without chasing the furry little varmints. 

The chipmunks and squirrels attempted a number of times to climb the pole but they couldn't get past the metal cone. I am doing the happy dance!

For those of you who don't know, I have a chronic illness and watching the birdies at the feeder is one of the things I can enjoy in my life. It means so much to me to be able to watch those little birds come and go throughout the day. They make me happy!

I'm not hard to please because it is the simple things in life that make me happy. 

We ended up getting another feeder and hanging it on the opposite side. Now the birdies have the feeders all to themselves and we are thrilled! I tried to get a picture of the birds but every time I went out to take a photo, they flew. We have had a lot of wind lately so the feeders and the cone were a bit crooked. But the songbirds are content, and we have little red breasted nuthatches, a male and female that haven't been here before. Our son says they  will stay the winter months, so we're happy about that!

We visited The Dunes since Hubby went back to work. This is a very busy tourist spot where one can browse the shops for some unique items. One can find glass and wooden wares, jewelry, crockery, Island photography, and art, most of which are created here on the Island. 

The lion would make quite a statement in your home. He is quite large.

These little wooden ducks are so cute, aren't they? I didn't get a picture of the one dressed like a giraffe. One of these would make a wonderful conversation piece!

There are lots of fanciful things to look at or purchase.

A lovely garden is out back and there is a splendid restaurant as well. 

A large lily pond to enjoy. 

This is the back of The Dunes, or part of it. As you can see, it has several levels. Great fun to visit and the tourists simply love shopping there!

We also got out to our favourite tea room. Sorry no pictures this time.

Down in the states, our youngest son and his family is "growing the big one." They have a wonderful pumpkin patch. This particular pumpkin weighs 405 pounds at the moment.

There is a lot of science involved in growing a large pumpkin. Right now they have two and it is fun watching every week for the updates. Of course, they also have smaller pumpkins which they will use for pies and such, as well as some lovely gourds.

Giant sunflowers and sweet little nasturtiums decorate the pumpkin patch. There is something about a pumpkin patch that makes me feel at home.

What I am reading at the moment...

One of the secrets of a happy life is continuous small treats, and if some of these can be inexpensive and quickly procured so much the better. ~ Iris Murdoch

I love my books! Once the Covid settled down and I was able to get into our Indigo here in Charlottetown, I chose three Joanne Fluke books from the TV series, "Murder, She Baked." These books are filled with recipes as well as a good story. I love a good mystery, don't you?

I also ordered Laura Childs' latest mystery, Lavender Blue Murder. I have every book in this series and any one of you who has ever read them knows that they not only contain a good mystery but also recipes and tea time tips. The book jacket on this one is especially pretty!

Time to refill my teacup!

Summer is winding down and school is ready to begin again next week here in Canada. Our youngest grandson who has lived here all his life, flew to Ontario last evening to go to school and to play football. He is fifteen and a star in the football league here. He grew some over the summer and he is well over six foot one. I always knew I would be the shrimp in the family!
We are so sad to see him go, especially his dad! I pray that God will go with him and guide his footsteps. 

Well, friends, this is my catch up for now. I hope everyone is happy and healthy! As you all know, I like to begin and end my posts with a quote. I thought this one was lovely!

Happiness is often the only thing you can give without having it, and it is by giving it that you acquire it. ~ Voltaire

Sharing from my heart ~ Sandi

Christmas in July

If instead of a gem, or even a flower, we should cast the gift of a loving thought into the heart of a friend, that would be giving as the angels give. ~ George MacDonald

Welcome, dear friends! I am delighted to have you join me today! 

It is the month of July, and some of us are celebrating Christmas in July. So, I decided to do a post using some of my Christmas china and baking from posts I shared over the years.

When it is Christmas in July, you think about Christmas trees and ways of bringing joy to others; just like the season which is less than six months away. Is anyone watching the Hallmark Christmas movies?

I wish we could put up some of the Christmas spirit in jars and open a jar of it every month. ~ Harlan Miller

Today, I am sharing my little tree which I created for the top of the cabinet in the dining room. Above it, is a wreath I made to match.

Now, one must have some food to nibble on. How about some tea sandwiches and sweets? 

There are egg salad and chicken salad sandwiches on the tiered plate stand.

Below, I have some ribbon sandwiches using both white and whole wheat bread. These are like three sandwiches in one; one of egg salad, another of devilled ham, and lastly, cream cheese. These are cut into little triangles so they are perfect for tea time and are especially tasty!

Now how about some sweets? 

I have light and dark fruitcake which I make every year. One was my maternal grandmother's recipe while the other was my paternal grandmother's recipe. The top plate holds mincemeat tarts and sugar plums.

My Christmas teapot holds a fragrant and spicy rooibos tea. An assortment of cookies are waiting on the plate.

The teapot was a Christmas gift from my son and his family one year. It is made by Ganz.

The teacups are Royal Albert's Flower of the Month series, December, Christmas Rose.  

The teacup below is Royal Stafford, adorned with some pretty holly.

I used to do a lot of crafting at one time. This cute stocking jar was once a floral container filled with a festive arrangement of flowers for my mother. When the flowers were finished, I brought the jar home and placed a miniature tree in it and a cute teddy bear on it. 

I like repurposing things especially when they have sentimental value. 

Many begin their Christmas lists this time of year and some also begin crafting their projects for the upcoming season. How about you? Do you get started early?

I always think of my father this time of year because his birthday was in July and he adored Christmas. He passed his love for Christmas and all its charm on to me.

Celebrate love. It is the breath of your existence and the best of all reasons for living. ~ Author unknown  

I think it's nice to take a break in the summertime when we can remember how beautiful Christmas is! For most, it is not only the happiest time of year but it is also a time when others go out of their way a little more to make someone else feel special. It is showing good will toward men. Would that it could last all year long!

Happiness is often the only thing you can give without having it, and it is by giving it that you acquire it. ~ Voltaire

Thank you for visiting today and enjoy this new week. My hubby will be on vacation beginning next week so I may be away for a little bit but I will be back soon. Do take care and God bless you all!

Sharing from my heart ~ Sandi