Glimpse of Spring

7/5/10: These beautiful blooms have long since gone. I took these in the prime of the peonies; such shabby chic colors. Although the rainy days lingered for a long time, spring blooms did not. It makes me happy to know their pretty pictures can live here forever.

For Twilighters Only

Prepare yourself... The Twilight Saga: Eclipse is almost here and here's how we're going to celebrate it.

are you ready for this?

yes, you read right-- a thirteen-hour event.

i spy an eclipse.

beginning...

...

... and end.

not quite ready for mailing just yet.

definitely bitten.

had to post this one, it was too funny!

fire

& ice

sealed.

shipped.

delivered.

Volturi-inspired invitation

It's absolutely fantastic how the Twilight books and movies keep us so young at heart. It's even more fantastic that this is something really fun that my husband and I share, not just with each other but our circle of friends. I'm so happy we were all bitten!

Fellow Twilighters: Hope you enjoyed your special delivery.

Spring Awakening

I missed posting when the lilacs and lilies of valley were in bloom; they came and went. Springtime has been delivering many rainy days but look, look and see! The ground has awaken. I can't wait to see the baby plantings grow. I can't wait for harvest time. I can't wait for days spent eating outdoors, reading under the maple tree, and taking in all the goodness that spring brings to us.

And Spring arose on the garden fair,

Like the Spirit of Love felt everywhere;

And each flower and herb on Earth's dark breast

rose from the dream of its wintry rest.

Percy Bysshe Shelley

carefree poppies

a boxwood welcome

sweet raspberry bush

rhubarb

herb patch

vegetable patch

salad patch

grapes

wild chives

peonies

let's not forget the rows of lavender...

Happy springtime from our home to yours...

Field Trip to Eastern Market

What a great way to spend a Saturday morning. It's been ages since I've been to Detroit's Eastern Market. We're so fortunate where we reside and work to have all the amenities of a big city and the comfort of country living that I must admit--- when we venture out, it's usually out-of-state or abroad. So on this special day, we strolled the bustling aisles of the Detroit Eastern Market inside and out where you can find anything and everything under the sun, ate amazing barbeque outdoors, and smiled all day. Really. This is a true city treasure. (In case you'd like to know, my basket was filled with herbs and baking ingredients. : )

Enjoy the sound of the city.

Thanks Ate Jenn for this wonderful field trip. Let's do it again!

A Weekend In May

As you can see I've been getting a lot of practice with making brioche. I have a new love for making bread and have come to appreciate the art of bread making.

I think I mentioned that this triple layer chocolate cake has become the official cake for birthdays. This one was baked for Mom Mila's birthday. She has a love for orchids. I think this added touch made the cake dramatic and elegant. (I hope to tackle cake decorating someday.)

Darling Sophie at her First Communion.

Whitteaker Family

Doris Family

Sarsozo Family

Our May began with quite the festive weekend.