Happy Easter.. full of hope and renewal!

 What a year! Is this an understatement or what? As the world turns and science brings us new information daily perhaps we can begin to see a glimmer of hope that the worst is behind us. Months spent without seeing family and friends was difficult, but baby steps were cherished and celebrated. I hope your Easter or your Sunday.. which ever you celebrate today is filled with love and sunshine! As always.. sending smiles and good wishes for a day filled with special people and blessings... Susan

Summer Colors..

Today, we have a little respite from the 100 degree days of the past weeks... a breezy 86 degrees. Even in the heat, the flowers persist...thankfully. 

The brilliant blue sky is the perfect backdrop for the lush colors of summer.

The Big Boy tomato vine is living up to its name... It's over 5 feet tall and loaded with shiny green tomatoes. The countdown is on for the first blush of red on those beauties! 

Our attempts to tame and support the limbs have been an effort in futility. Each time we think we have it corralled... Another sprig pushes its way out. The little bell pepper plant in between is being engulfed. So my edible garden has a mind of its own... If you don't see me here or on Instagram, you might surmise that the monster tomato vine in South Georgia has swallowed our little piece of paradise! Stay cool and content...watch out for those killer tomatoes! 

It's not Camelot...

In Camelot.

The winter is forbidden till December
And exits March the second on the dot.*

No one would mistake South Georgia for Camelot... but today, like in Camelot winter was no where to be found and spring came early. Perfect weather for my mid-day 2 mile walk. The backdoor neighbors were having a family gathering. Several children where flying kites. A couple where practicing their casting skills with new rod and reels... ready for fishing! 

Here is a glimpse of my world!

Daffodil Days!

Camellias can brighten even the most dismal day.. springtime blooms are breathtaking!

The new camellia... Taylor's Perfection

Living up to it's name!

This little guy was caught in the pool skimmer. After rescue... drying out in the sun. 

I hope your March 2nd was a lovely day... spring weather or not. Good wishes for the remainder of the month. Daylight Saving Time and Spring are on the way! 

Smiles...Susan

If you are feeling a visit to Camelot is needed... close your eyes... and listen...

*Camelot sung by Richard Burton

August Garden...

"In summer, 

the song sings itself."

-  William Carlos Williams

In August even though the heat and humidity are oppressive, nature brings beauty and smiles...

Whites are my favorites for summer nights... they reflect the moonlight!

The lavender and pink crepe myrtles defy the heat of summer. The pink hydrangeas are drying on the bush to a mellow green. Zinnias and dianthus showing their colors!

Not sure who enjoys the zinnias more.. the butterflies or me! Loving the lavenders and purples in this year's garden!

My bell pepper and tomatoes are hanging on.. I may have enough for another round of homemade pepper jelly and fresh salsa!

Joining Judith over at Lavender Cottage for Mosaic Monday and Sue over at image-in-ing. Hope you will visit... there's an opportunity to meet new friends, view some interesting photos and learn about folks from all over the world.

Hope you have a week filled with lots of smiles and good things..Susan

Cumberland Moments...

The "girls' beach trip" was again a highlight of summer. This year's destination was Amelia Island, Florida. A beautiful historic island near the Georgia-Florida line. One sister-friend insisted that we look for a place as near the beach as possible. She wanted to "walk out" and have her toes in the sand. The condo description assured us the beautiful first floor condo was just steps to the beach... According to one who counted, it is...222 steps! This daily journey included a wooden boardwalk with two sets of steps taking us up and over the dunes! We were happy with our choice and enjoyed the surprise of the "short walk" turning into a daily workout! 

Last year was the first without our dear Cindy. We know it will always be a bittersweet time without her physical presence so we decided to change our usual routine of spending each day on the beach. Sightseeing/shopping in downtown Fernandina Beach, dinner at a favorite restaurant - The Crab Trap, movie night, and a cruise via Amelia River Cruises to Cumberland Island were delightful additions to our visit. While our cruise did not actually stop on the island, we enjoyed about 3 hours on the water with a very entertaining guide and boat captain. 

                   

This brief glimpse of the beauty of the island and the wild horses encourages me to plan an actual trip to Cumberland. Day trips via boat from St. Mary's, Georgia are scheduled year round. Camping sites are available along with the beautiful Greyfield Inn. While the Greyfield is a bit out of my budget, I think we could manage a day trip to Cumberland... now to convince the DH of that! 

Joining Judith over at Lavender Cottage for Mosaic Monday. Sending good wishes to all for a pleasant week! Smiles...Susan

P.S. Just to make it easy... in case you want to know about Amelia Island, Cumberland Island, etc, I included lots of links in the above post.