A Stormy and Rainy Weekend

Hello everyone,

Well here it is already Sunday evening and after a busy weekend of checking out yet another Farmers Market, shops along St. Andrews Bay, and trying out a new Mexican Restaurant I'm plum tuckered out!  Although today, I did manage to whip a pineapple upside down cake and some potato salad with (new) red potatoes from the Farmers Market.

It has stormed here since Friday night and I mean storm!!  From about 1:30 a.m. in the morning until about 5:30 a.m. we had thunder and lightening almost like a light show!  It poured and the rain blew.  Saturday the red flags were out which meant no swimming in the Gulf because of the tides and waves.  We had rain squalls all day off and on and into Saturday night and still on Sunday throughout the day.  We managed to hit the Farmers Market between rain drops and the shops along the way while we had a brief respite and the sun peeked through but not for long.

Here are a few of the pics from Saturday.  I hope you enjoy them.

The Farmers Market at Captain Anderson's Pier.  I think the rain kept a lot of the vendors and people away Saturday but the few vendors that were there had plenty of fresh produce.

The entrance to Captain Anderson's Restaurant on the Pier

A picture of the entrance to the Marina

One of three boats our Landlord owns for deep sea fishing 

Another one.

Because of the bad weather most of the deep sea fishing boats were in their slips at the Marina.

This little (or big) guy was out looking for something?

Here he is again looking for something...Can you guess what it is?

I think he thought he would find his lunch here?  LOL

We ended the day at the beach to check out an area for taking the grandkids too when they come in late August for a visit.  This is how the water looked Saturday afternoon.

A rainy and cloudy day.

Well, thats it for today.  I hope everyone had a nice weekend and hopefully you didn't have to deal with rain and storms too. :-)

Trivia For The Day

This Heritage Oak Tree is estimated to be over 250 years old.  It was standing during the War Between the States as if a Sentry standing guard over Old St. Andrew's Bay.

The Old Sentry

The View Three Blocks From Where we Live

Hey,

This is just a quick post to share with you some pics of the view down the street from where we live.  This morning we went for a walk and decided to take some pictures of St. Andrews Bay from our neighborhood.  We also spent the day working in the yard clipping heavy foliage around our fence.  We were pretty exhausted when we finished but after quick showers and a dinner of grilled Bratwurst, fresh fruit, and salad our energy returned and we took a drive down to Pier Park and strolled along the shop lined streets weaving in and out to check out  what was available.  I was looking for a wind chime but didn't find any that I liked and only ended up with a white sand dollar and a stand to put it on.

Here are a few pics for you:

A peek at St. Andrews Bay From the Street

Another Peek

This photo is a bit grainy but the sailboat was actually on its side??  We don't really know what happened.

This is a lot that is ready to have a house built on it.  How would you like to wake up to this view every morning?

This is a new house that is going up.  It has three stories.  The original house on this lot had to be torn down after Opal came through here.  This time the owner has built it up (3) stories the first level is the garage and if the water should come up and flood it won't ruin the entire house.  The living quarters will be on the second and third floors.

Another view

HUGE!!!!

That's it for today....we'll see what tomorrow brings.  Hopefully, not too much brush clipping.  LOL  :-)

St. Andrews Bay ~ Farmers Market

Hi everyone,

Gosh, where has the time gone!  I can't believe that it is already June 22nd nearly a month since I last posted.  We have been so busy with packing and moving and unpacking (which I'm still doing) but things are moving right along and we love it here!!  The weather is perfect and the beach gorgeous.  We have been exploring the area and find there is a lot to see.  Everyone is so friendly and helpful here.  Because the duplex we are renting is new there was a lot of construction dust to clean up but with that under control now I've been playing hooky on the packing and getting out and about.

Today, we hit the Saturday Farmers Market in St. Andrews Bay, a hop, skip and jump from here.  It was a gorgeous sunny day (are there any other here?) breezy and very pleasant.  We got there around 9:00 a.m. and the fruits and veggies looked wonderful.  We picked up some fresh tomatoes, corn on the cob, blueberries (just picked the night before) cucumbers and sampled some of the best baklava, which was the best I've ever had...so we had to buy some of that too! LOL.  I took loads of photos so I will share them with you over the next few posts.  I don't want to give you photo overload.  :-)

The entrance to the Farmers Market

Boats at the Marina

This man had just caught this fish and gave it to the Blue Heron in the next photo. 

I love this photo!  The Heron waited very patiently for the fish the man in the photo above gave him.

A pier on St. Andrews Bay

This photo was taken at Panama City Beach.

This photo was taken of The Pier in The Pier, a new resort area with shops, restaurants, and of course "The Beach!!

Well, that's it for this post.  I hope I haven't overloaded you with pics. Tomorrow looks like a quiet day here...hopefully some rest and MAYBE a bit more unpacking.  Sigh....

I'm BACK........

Hi Everyone,

Much has happened since my last post in February.  First and foremost, thanks to all of you who inquired about my brief rest from blogging.  I had just come to a point where I needed a rest.  I won't be back to blogging on a full time three to four times a week basis to start with but will gradually get back into it.

Since my February post, my husband and I decided that we were going to make a move to Florida.  It is about a 14 hour drive by car.  We recently drove down to look at places to rent and was fortunate to find a new two bedroom duplex which was to be completed by June 11, (coincidentally the time our lease is up where we are now).  I have been happily packing (I don't think happy really describes how I feel about packing LOL) and getting rid of things that we don't want to take with us.  It is always a JOB to pack up but this move starts us on a new adventure.  The location of the duplex is 6 miles from the beach, a quick drive.  After looking at some beach cottages along the beach we decided that it might be a bit to close with all the activity during the holiday season so that is why we opted for the place we decided on.

Beach front in Panama City Beach, FL

In past posts, I'm sure I've made references to my childhood visits to see my Aunt and Grandparents when they lived here.  It is a place that I loved and could never get enough of.  Just walking along the shore barefoot and looking out at the fast Gulf of Mexico takes my breath away and brings to me a sense of peace and contentment.  I actually never thought we would live there though...so this is a dream come true for me.

Another view of the beach

So, you will probably be viewing new photos of the surrounding area as time goes on in future posts and a change in my decorating style.  While I still love and will incorporate my love for French decor, I will also be adding a beachy relaxed mix as well.  I'm looking forward to it!!  I hope all of you who have been wondering what happened to me will hop aboard and follow me on this new and exciting adventure.  Stay tuned for photos I take along our move down to Florida.  :-)

Happy Valentine's Day

Here are some pretty photos that remind me of Valentine's Day and also a bit of history on how it is observed in the various countries in Europe.  Enjoy!

Source via ~ http://inspirationlane.tumbir.com
Something warm to drink

Source via ~ http://:inspirationlane.tumbir.com

Source via ~ http://inspirationlane.tumbir.com

Source via ~ http://inspirationlane.tumbir.com

Source via ~ http://inspirationlane.tumbir.com

While sending cards, flowers, chocolates and other gifts is traditional in the UK, Valentine's Day has various regional customs. In Norfolk, a character called 'Jack' Valentine knocks on the rear door of houses leaving sweets and presents for children. Although he was leaving treats, many children were scared of this mystical person. In Wales, many people celebrate Dydd Santes Dwynwen (St Dwynwen's Day) on January 25 instead of (or as well as) Valentine's Day. The day commemorates St Dwynwen, the patron saint of Welsh lovers.


In France, a traditionally Catholic country, Valentine's Day is known simply as "Saint Valentin", and is celebrated in much the same way as other western countries.

In Spain Valentine's Day is known as "San Valentín" and is celebrated the same way as in the UK, although in Catalonia it is largely superseded by similar festivities of rose and/or book giving on La Diada de Sant Jordi (Saint George's Day).

In Portugal it is more commonly referred to as "Dia dos Namorados" (Lover's Day / Day of those that are in love with each other).

In Denmark and Norway, although February 14 is known as Valentinsdag, it is not celebrated to a large extent, but is largely imported from American culture, and some people take time to eat a romantic dinner with their partner, to send a card to a secret love or give a red rose to their loved one. The cut-flower industry in particular is still working on promoting the holiday.

In Sweden it is called Alla hjärtans dag ("All Hearts' Day") and was launched in the 1960s by the flower industry's commercial interests, and due to the influence of American culture. It is not an official holiday, but its celebration is recognized and sales of cosmetics and flowers for this holiday are only exceeded by those for Mother's Day.

In Finland Valentine's Day is called Ystävänpäivä which translates into "Friend's Day". As the name indicates, this day is more about remembering all your friends, not only your loved ones. In Estonia Valentine's Day is called Sõbrapäev, which has the same meaning.

In Slovenia, St Valentine or Zdravko was one of the saints of spring, the saint of good health and the patron of beekeepers and pilgrims.[62] A proverb says that "St Valentine brings the keys of roots". Plants and flowers start to grow on this day. It has been celebrated as the day when the first work in the vineyards and in the fields commences. It is also said that birds propose to each other or marry on that day. Another proverb says "Valentin – prvi spomladin" ("Valentine — the first spring saint"), as in some places (especially White Carniola), Saint Valentine marks the beginning of spring.[63] Valentine's Day has only recently been celebrated as the day of love. The day of love was traditionally March 12, the Saint Gregory's day, or February 22, Saint Vincent's Day. The patron of love was Saint Anthony, whose day has been celebrated on 13 June.[62]

In Romania, the traditional holiday for lovers is Dragobete, which is celebrated on February 24. It is named after a character from Romanian folklore who was supposed to be the son of Baba Dochia. Part of his name is the word drag ("dear"), which can also be found in the word dragoste ("love"). In recent years, Romania has also started celebrating Valentine's Day, despite already having Dragobete as a traditional holiday. This has drawn backlash from several groups, institutions[64] and nationalist organizations like Noua Dreaptǎ, who condemn Valentine's Day for being superficial, commercialist and imported Western kitsch.

Valentine's Day is called Ημέρα του Αγίου Βαλεντίνου in Greece and Cyprus, which translates into "St Valentines day". In the Orthodox church there is another Saint[which?] to protect people who are in love, but for Greeks Valentine's Day is more popular.

Source via ~ http://inspirationlane.tumbir.com

Wishing each and every one of you a very special and happy Valentine's Day! Don't forget to kiss your sweetie!  :)

No 5 Interiors

Hi Everyone,

Well, I'm pretty much finished with my blog face-lift.  I still have some tweaking to do but overall I've achieved what I set out to do.  I hope you like it.  I listed all of my favorite blogs beneath my header in a separate category (no worry you are all still there) and you will find my e-mail address there too. My Google followers and Facebook like box are at the bottom of my blog instead of on the side.  I wanted the space on the sides to add inspirational quotes and pictures.  So, there you have it!

I recently sold some of my hand stenciled No.5 tea towels to a shop in England, No.5 Interiors.  Imagine my surprise when I saw one of them hanging over a chair in the picture below (behind the bunny)!

My No.5 Tea Towel draped over a chair in No 5's shop

Here is an article take from the website on the shop.  You can read more and see what's available here: No 5 Interiors .

No. 5 Interiors is a boutique furniture and interiors shop specialising in selling old and antique  pieces of furniture painted and unpainted ,sourced directly from suppliers in France, Holland  and Eastern  Europe.   Situated in Dorking’s renowned West Street – No 5 Interiors source the furniture from their suppliers whether its in the unpainted or an original painted finish, we then pass it onto our restorer if it needs it, whether it's a wobble or a broken hinge, we will ensure you are getting a quality piece of furniture.

We are busy painting and re-decorating the interior to No 5 at the moment as this is the start to a new year and new adventures , so if you're passing pop in, you will always get a warm welcome .We are getting new pieces of furniture straight in either from France or Hungary delivered directly to us here in Dorking on a weekly basis ,so our stock is ever changing

Wardrobes and cupboards from Hungary, armoires and dressers from France and very decorative  Dutch pine cabinets with glass and chicken wire, some painted and some in stripped pine.

We also stock very nice and unique looking French vitrines with glazed cabinet doors with applied gold graphics.

We source large family tables ideal for family and friend get togethers, as the kitchen table is the heart of the home we want to ensure that you are getting the best, whether it is a bespoke one made by our cabinet maker using reclaimed period pine joists or whether it's a french farmhouse table straight off the boat from the south of France, you will have a table that your friends and family will love .

We have an in-shop wish list where customers will ask for specific pieces, and we can then on our travels accommodate this .

We use reliable and conscientious couriers who will deliver all over the UK and London on a daily and weekly basis please ask and we will get a very competitive quote for delivery.

No. 5 Interiors also supply handmade bespoke furniture made to your own requirements from reclaimed timber that are antique in their own right. We use a local craftsman and antique restorer who ensures all the furniture is in good solid condition before it comes into the shop. Also, part of the team at  No. 5 are a family run business of furniture makers based in Cambridgeshire where they make pieces of furniture from reclaimed timber from a workshop in a village where their family have been making furniture for the last 100 years.  Tables, chairs,  and kitchen islands to name a few .

We are always looking for like minded artisans who can contribute to this adventure, so if you're reading this and fancy joining us please give us a call or pop in .

No. 5 Interiors is the creation of two like minded friends who between them have over 40 years experience of buying and sourcing the individual, unique bespoke pieces that we all like to own:

“We want to offer our customers the chance to own the kind of pieces they look at in magazines or they have grown up with at affordable prices ,we buy furniture from all over England, France and Europe and are competitive in the prices that we sell at.  We use reclaimed timber and upcycle old and previously used items.  Scottish whiskey barrels are dismantled, painted or polished and are transformed into coat peg rails or t-light holders and you can still smell the whiskey an ideal and unique gift for any occasion.

We are also going to be having soft furnishings with hand made cushions with French and country inspired fabric and design.

Our upholsterer will be busy providing us with quality upholstered chairs .

Our aim is to provide you furniture and furnishings to enhance any room in your home .

We use the popular brands of paint and undertake commissions whether big or small.

They will also be opening a website called Shabby Chic Country Living. Be sure to check out the link above...there are really some lovely pieces.  :)