Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Making summer memories


One of our favorite summer pastimes is spending a leisurely day on the beach.  It not only quiets the soul and soothes the mind, but refreshes both body and spirit.  There's just nothing like it...

And of course the dogs enjoy it immensely.


Seems like anywhere we go, Ruby meets old, dear friends.  She has such an open and amicable attitude, that people and animals find her inviting.  This day was no exception.


Strangers but only a moment ago; playmates and pals forevermore.  If only people were so open and welcoming in spirit, our world would be a much more pleasant place.


What fun!







With the mild climate and ample moisture, flowers grow with wild abandon.  Aren't they beautiful?



My precious little family.  :)


My desire is to as closely as possible, duplicate some of these soft, tranquil beachy colors for our bedroom and use the same creamy white for the trim as I've used in other rooms of our house.

Yes, one more of those many projects that are continually swimming around in my head.


My beautiful girl.  How I love this dog!


Isn't this a great shot?  Oh, how I would love a little beach cottage with a trail leading down to the beach, just like this one!


We love to take walks through little beach town neighborhoods admiring the cottages, the gardens and the ingenious and whimsical decorative ideas people come up with.


These two friendly fellows were just quietly watching us on our stroll...aren't they just adorable?  :)


Beautiful hydrangeas!  I do believe they grow better at the beach than just about anywhere.  Just incredible!!


And then of course, we always find beauty right in our own backyards.  This familiar site always gives my heart a flutter, and a reason to whisper a little prayer of thankfulness.  Our wonderful ponies, safe and sound.

With our summer drawing to a close, and the touch of cool autumn breezes beckoning, I always feel a sense of urgency.  The deep inward need to hurry and enjoy, before our days shorten and the fall rains arrive.  I want to take in all that our summer has left to offer and not waste one precious moment of it.

Already my thoughts are turning to cozy fires by the wood stove, making sure our stockpile of firewood is aplenty, storing the flavors of summer for our enjoyment later, securing bedding for the horses and of battening down the hatches in preparation for the shorter days and colder temperatures.  My tendency to "squirrel" for the winter is beginning...

Last night a friend and I canned peaches.  24 beautiful quarts of summer sunshine.  Applesauce and zuchini won't be far behind.  We're thinking about buying either a quarter or possibly a half of a beef from another friend.  With more concerns about our nation's food supply and the safety of it, purchasing from small, organic farms and people we know personally, is just a little more insurance that what food we put into our bodies is a healthy and safe choice.

What end of summer traditions do you have, or do you?  Do tell...

Blessings all,
Lorie @ Cingspots

9 comments:

Sherry Sikstrom said...

Wonderful pics, looks like a patch of heaven!

Grey Horse Matters said...

Just beautiful pictures. What a lovely day. Wish I could live at te each too.

aurora said...

Lorie, you always find and capture the most beeeautiful sites on your beach strolls! Because your eyes are wide open (metaphorically speaking). Your photo's should be hanging at home in that replicated beach scape to come. You would have one big problem tho, picking which ones!!

To answer your question: we don't do anything in particular to celebrate the end of summer anymore, other then savor it.

Denise at Autumn Sky said...

Oh how we love going to the beach and soaking in all the fresh coastal air, sights and sounds. I really enjoyed your photos today :-)

Unknown said...

Thank you for sharing that little bit of peaceful serenity. I needed it today more than you know. :)

Carolynn Anctil said...

I kind of miss the beach. It would be nice to hear the crash of waves for a while, instead of crickets outside my window at night.

Isn't it a riot when dogs get so wound up they tuck their tails and run like crazy? Those two watching from under the fence look like they'd love to have joined in the fun.

Great spot and a wonderful late summer you're enjoying!

Lori Skoog said...

Hi Lorie...Lori here. You are so lucky to be near the water! I live in Western New York, and yes we grow grapes and have many wineries in this area. Nice photographs.

Hilary said...

Thanks for stopping over, Lorie......and thanks for your good wishes.
Yes, I do sell my handwovens....over at www.crazyasaloom.com
And I don't know where you live, but it looks near to heaven.
:)

Lea and her Mustangs said...

Well, I wrote an long comments but it went away. Drat. Any way, I am sorry I have been so amiss about commenting lately. I would give my left arm for a visit to be at the beach where your pictures are. Love the beach. #l I am right handed #2 I have a huge, red, itchy swolled, nasty bee sting. Just above my elbow on the inside of my arm. Went to the doctor and am on a short term dose of steroids but its not working yet. Our summer has stunk. Bob had surgery and as soon as he recovered enough he had worked in the hay fields for a friend in exchange for enough hay for our horses this winter. I did go on a cruise with my sister and daughter to Alaska. It was fun however, did not last long enough. We did have a good Labor Day with one of our pastors and his family. We rode horses laughed, sang and had a great day. I did make several batches of strawberry and raspberry jam. Other than that, I guess that was out summer. Blessings, Lea