Living

"The doors we open and close each day
decide the lives we live."
— Flora Whittemore
I saw this quote on the Real Simple site - a friend sent me the link. How true. We have choices every day don't we? What occupies our time? Who will we see or talk to? Will we begin a long-considered new practice? Take that walk? Send a heartfelt note or gift to a friend? So many choices, but that is what life is about. I like to make as many of my choices in the direction of doing good things, of strengthening friendships and family. That doesn't always happen, but it's something I strive for. What we choose truly determines who we are.

T is for . . .

Time with the potted plants is always a good thing. We just painted this fence (it was the last remaining remnant of the dark barn red which was the old house color). The board that held my potted herbs was down., but it's back up and so are the plants. I spent some time this weekend getting them tuned up. I planted some catnip seeds in the catnip pot. We'll see if they come up. That's some of the best therapy around for me: digging in dirt. I do love the earth!

S is for . . .

Why Saylor, of course. Need I say more? Check out these adorable pics. It is also important to note that she is:

• Eater of all things Edible. We joke that the only thing off the menu are metal shards. But afterall, she is a Labrador.
  
• Liker of all things Lazy.
• Lover of the Good Sleep (which is on our bed!)
• Fan of Saturdays (which are Dogs Go To the Beach Day!)
• Leading lady of the Itchy Scratchy Show!
  

R is for . . .

Riding my new bike. I just got one and have ridden it every day so far, except for today. Okay, that makes twice. Ha! Good story on how I got it: Saw a friend of mine on her new bike (by Giant), thought it might be a good form of exercise up from my "none" amount, found the one I wanted on the Giant site, decided to check Craigslist to see if there might be one cheaper here in the neighborhood, and found the same bike about 10 minutes away in new condition for $115 less. This really cute couple was selling it. They had moved up to road bikes, so the comfy cruiser bike wasn't their thing anymore. Score! I really like it. Something about getting a bike just fills a person with glee.

Q is for . . .

Quite the assortment of ribbon and paper. When we were in San Francisco we spent a good amount of time at FLAX art supply store. They had a ridiculous assortment of ribbon and paper. The paper room was full to the ceiling with all sorts of handmade papers, very organized on tables, many from Japan. Some were sewn on, others were stamped, some crimped. If you could imagine it, it was likely there. And the ribbon racks were nothing to scoff at either. These four measly shots are nothing compared to what was in the store.

Clover and Saylor

Went to this local floral wholesale place today with my buddy/neighbor Steve - he lives two doors down. He was buying a carload (literally) of flowers for a decade party he is throwing with some friends. The party is for four people turning 40, 50, 60 and 80! We are invited and will be going tomorrow night. As we hunted for the roses and other flowers for the arrangements, I spotted a bunch of Clover and Steve added them in with his! How sweet was that?

The next picture is of Saylor girl lounging on the couch with her new Shabby Chic toy from Target. We're calling it "Dolly" and asking her things like: where's dolly? And, why are you biting on dolly? It's very cute, as you can see.

P is for ...

Poof! She's gone, or so it seems. No, just up to my eyeballs in work. (But had to procrastinate just a tad to check into the blogosphere, which I miss.) I will finish this alphabet exercise come hell or high water, regardless of days in the month. And for your viewing pleasure, this little old lady holding a mushroom. Be back as soon as possible! I wonder if she is going to make a quiche? Hm?