What a fun day I've had! We lived on this street for 5 years before we bought the home we're in now from our neighbor, Dolly. Dolly's daughter (M) and grandchildren lived with her for one year prior to our buying the house, so we got to know M really well. One of M's friends (C) lives across the lake from us in the house she grew up in, and we've known her for many years also. M now lives in California and has been visiting C for this last week, and today they invited me to C's for lunch, and then we all came back here so M could see the house she grew up in. (Both of these women are named Sharon, so I'm going to refer to them by their last initials.)I had a ball listening to these two long-time friends reminisce about high school, who lived where, and places they had worked. I'm afraid they would have thought I was very, very boring and a goody-two shoes if I'd been in their high school, but they think they could have easily corrupted me! We talked about our families, and it was great to catch up with their lives and their kids.
Lunch was yummy - a wonderful chicken and mandarin orange salad (yes, I should have taken my camera!) and the best brownies - and the time flew by. We came back here and did a garden tour - they were so complimentary! Then we came in the house, and it was so fun to share the things we've done to the house since buying it, the things we've just left alone because they've always been perfect, and future plans. M shared great stories about the house. They both loved the porch - I had the ceiling fans turned on, and we sat out there gabbing some more. A totally enjoyable 4 hours!!
Dolly was a great neighbor - like a mom and grandma rolled into one. We absolutely loved her. She'll be 94 next Monday and just moved from her home in California into an assisted living home. I think of her so often - it was really nice to hear how she's doing from Sharon M.
After they left, Mark and I took the kayaks out for awhile. And tonight we took the pontoon out to enjoy the sunset from the lake. A very nice ending to a very nice day.
The hibiscus pictured above is one a neighbor gave me last year. I honestly thought that it was a dark red one - but I guess not so much!! I think it's really pretty and it has dark red leaves which are great. I have two hibiscus left to open - and tons of buds still on the 3 that are already open. What fun.
9 comments:
Sounds like a wonderful day. Your hibiscus is very pretty...I have never grown them, but may have to give it a try. How tall/wide does the plant get?
How nice that you have that connection to your house's past. I wonder about mine and who lived in it. I need to get "before" photos from the couple I bought it from; it was really a mess for a while.
Great hibiscus!
This was a good post to read - I loved hearing about your day. There's something so refreshing about spending time with people who you have a connection with.
I'm glad to know that you are starting to feel more like your usual self - I thought your soapbox was pretty restrained. All of us living with aging infrastructure need to pay attention. I'm sending hugs for you ...
The hibiscus is gorgeous ... I like the colour, even if it isn't red. (I think I should try to sleep - I just wrote "read" for "red")
I enjoy hearing about your kayak adventures too!
What a wonderful way to spend the day. My spirit just sighed as I read what you wrote. And your hibiscus looks beautiful.
Glad to hear you are feeling some better and enjoying your time with neighbors and friends! Sounds like you had a great time...and that hibiscus is bee-u-tiful!
:)
Kris,
Thanks so much for visiting me! It sounds like the perfect day...I have been scrolling down to see your home and gardens, and wow, you have a beautiful spot to call home!
Hope you have a lovely week,
Lidy
I'm so glad you had such a wonderful day! Day's like yours cannot be matched by anything. What fun! Cindy
The hibiscus is one of my favorite flowers, and that one looks lovely!
Thanks everyone!! It was a fun day - and I am in love with the hibiscus this year - they are all so gorgeous!! The one I have pictured here has light pink flowers with dark red centers and stripes today - previously,it has been almost white like the photo. I love it!!
Connie - they come in various sizes - I have one that is over 5 ft tall and another that is barely 3 ft. The do tend to get pretty sprawly - I have to stake the taller ones sometimes. I think the plant tags give a pretty good idea on size.
Kitt - it is really nice to know the history of our house - and street/area. I wish I'd thought to ask Dolly for old photos when we bought from her - that would have been very fun.
Post a Comment