Year End Update, Happy Anniversary Wishes

I know it's been a while since I've posted, I thought I would share a quick update with all of you and ask for your prayers.

This past year has brought so many changes to our lives, so many surprises. Some of those surprises right out of the blue, gut punching. They say the Lord doesn't put more on your shoulders than you can handle, I'm wondering when is enough enough?

Along with many of you, finances are a huge concern around here, most importantly is my concern for Mr. P and his health. These past weeks we're spent in the hospital with him having many many tests, lots of blood drawn a couple of biopsies, only to be told he now has a very large and deep ulcer almost touching the pancreas the shock diagnosis is that he also has Renal Cell Carcinoma, that has spread to the lungs and lymph nodes. Has the man not endured enough with the Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, Congestive Heart and on and on?  The treatment process begins on January 3rd, another journey begins for us.

A FEW PAST AND PRESENT

SUMMER 2013

35 years ago today our journey began, lots of twist and turns along the way, they still continue. Although your little mind doesn't remember and your body is battling inside I'll remember for the both of us and help you fight the battle.

We're taking each day as it comes, I'll try to keep you updated as time and mood allows.

Fondly ~ Lynne ~

Know When to Hold Them, Know When to Fold Them

 Many of you know there have been a lot of trials and tribulations going on around here. I need to direct 100% of my attention to taking care of those. Sometimes you need to know when to hold them or when to fold them. For the time being I'm taking a break from the blog, this has not been an easy decision for me to make. Over the course of the last year there has been a lot of added stress to my life I need to lighten that load, the over whelming feeling of being constantly on edge is taking it's toll. As many of you know being a caregiver is not an easy task to handle day in and day out, some days run smoothly others not so much. The mental and financial stress can be overwhelming to the point you need to step back and take time for yourself. My time will come soon enough, for now I need to direct my full attention on Mr. P and his needs. 

 I've worked hard on the blog trying to make it a fun place for all of you to visit, I've found myself pushing to do posts, I always told myself if it came to that I was going to have to take a step back and rethink the place I wanted it to be. I want my blog to be a fun place for you to visit, fun uplifting and full of fun ideas. I pray you'll check in from time to time, please don't forget about me, I know I won't forget about all of you and the joy you've brought into my life. I hope to be able to continue sharing a few posts through my page on FB you can check that link out HERE. So with tears in my eyes and a heavy heart, pray a resolution is found quickly for us and I can return to blogging. 

Fondly ~ Lynne~

Post by Lynne's Gifts & More.

Post by Lynne's Gift From the Heart.

It May Not Be A Schwinn Bicycle

Yesterday I left you with a little hint, did any of you guess what was under the large fern? Did I peek

Abundantly They Grow

Over the course of the last few weeks this poor blog has been severely neglected, I've visited a few of you but for the most part banned myself from the computer to get all of this work completed. Here we are almost to the middle of August and I'm still doing yard clean up, there was A LOT of clean up to be done. I've been meeting myself coming and going through out the day well into the evenings. To say there hasn't been enough of me to go around is an understatement. I've accomplished a lot I will say that but at a price,

Clean Up Therapy It's Good For the Soul

Do you ever have one of those days where you pretty much have everything all lined out? Written down to a science as to just how much you plan on getting done through out the day? I'm a list maker and try my best to stick to the list and get a few things marked off through out the day, well..... this was one of those days that just went bonkers, I re-directed my self, skipped off the grid completely went outside to regroup. Now don't get excited, I'm not throwing stones or boulders,

Life Changes With Each View

They say there's a rhyme and reason for every season. Over the last few years we've been through many. Like many others struggles have hit us smack dab square in the face, many decisions have had to be made. This last 

decision is a hard one to make, the wolves have gotten bigger and louder, everything will soon be gone, only to wonder where we'll end up. Life is a scary adventure

Let Freedom Ring Happy 4th of July

May you have a Safe and Happy

Fourth of July

Celebration.

I am inviting you to follow this blog with Bloglovin’ or subscribe to receive email Lynne's Gifts From the Heart updates. Both options are available at the top of the sidebar.
Fondly ~ Lynne~

An Americana Patio

I'm sure many of you are prepping for tomorrow's celebration. Plans for BBQ's, with hot dogs, hamburgers, coleslaw, the list of tasty foods goes on and on. We been hearing fireworks 

Enchanting Cone Flowers And Holly Hocks

Each morning and evening I take a walk around the yard, with no particular destination in mind I carry the camera hoping to get a few random shots of blooms popping here and there. This time of year like no other the changes are seen daily, from a small patch of green one day to pops of vivid color appearing the next, almost like magic the blooms seem to appear over night.

The Beauty Of A Cardinal

Most evenings are spent on the front porch enjoying the sweet sounds of Mother Nature. The other evening a Cardinal was flitting from tree to tree singing his little heart out, the sound was incredible. After a fashion I realized I should be taking shots of this beauty, wish I had thought to record the sound.  Most times they're so quick they fly off before I get that accomplished.

Super Moon Rises 2013

Were you one of the lucky ones able to view

Wildflower Centerpiece

Sometimes it's the simple things

~ Dining Outdoors with Blue and White ~

We've had some of the most fabulous weather the last couple of days. It's just far to pretty to be inside. I know the heat of summer will be on us soon enough, I'm taking advantage of every beautiful moment I can outside.

Last week I gathered a few things together

~ A Few Changes To the Front Porch ~

Earlier in the Spring I got busy at the sewing machine putting together new pillows for the front porch. My original plan was to go red and white. Somewhere along the line those plans changed. I had the blue and white fabric on hand, originally meant for new draperies in the breakfast room. You know how it is....

~ Kitchen Make Over ~

I hope all of you had a wonderful Father's Day weekend. After a stormy wet weekend, dinner plans changed around here and I put together a new casserole recipe, I'll share with you soon. 

Watching DIY shows, pouring through Pinterest, and all of blog land can be dangerous at times. My mind seems to run in over time all the time, it's full of ideas I would love to put together. If money was no object oh the changes I could make, since that isn't a luxury for most of us, paint seems to be the answer. It can kick a project

~ Happy Father's Day ! ~

Daddy will soon

~ A Small Tour Around The Gardens ~

Each morning as weather permits you'll find me coffee cup in hand taking a stroll around the yard. The last couple of mornings have been beautiful. The birds are singing their little tunes all is right with the world. I think they enjoy these cool mornings as much as I do. Everything is so pretty this time

~ Flowers To Brighten A Cloudy Day ~

There isn't anything prettier than beautiful

~ Killdeer Birds On A Nest ~

Many of you know I have a large piece of property to mow. 

~ Beauty In A Vintage Mason Jar ~

I hope everyone had a stellar weekend, spending time with your family and friends. Mine was spent getting the mowing done, only to have a battle with the weed-eater, it won, for now. I'll work on it once the rains stop. Monday it rained and rained hard most of the day. Late afternoon

~ Have A Wonderful Memorial Weekend ~

Wishing all of you a safe fun-filled

weekend.

In honor of all the veterans
as well as the active 
service members.
Thank you for all 
that you do.
Fondly ~ Lynne ~

~ Repurposing A Bird Bath ~

Wow, were things electric sounding around here last night, streak lightening, loads of thunder, heavy wind and rains, I pray each of you are doing OK. We weathered the storm fine, lost satellite a couple of times, no damage outside, dogs buried themselves inside and Mr. P

~ Blue and White on the Baker's Rack ~

The last few days I've spent outside enjoying this glorious Spring weather. I had tons of mowing to do along with getting some mulch down in a few key areas. It's a lot of work, I don't mind, I LOVE

~ Happy Mother's Day! ~

I would like to wish all of you Mother's a Happy Mother's Day! It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood. The sun is shining, birds are singing, and yes the dogs are barking, can it get any better than that? lol Although

~ Spring Colors for the Patio ~

I love this time of year, seeing the trees budding out, flowers popping, waking up from their long winter's nap, robins returning the list goes on and on. This year especially I'm ready for green and warmer temperatures. Although the weather wasn't too terribly bad, it seemed like the longest winter ever. Did this winter bother you as much as it did me? 

Once Spring

~ Is it Spring or Is it Winter ? ~

Growing up as a child I heard the old saying

~ Blooming Tulips ~

Happy Thursday everyone, we have sun glorious sun, it's an incredible site to see, hardly any wind at all, the birds are singing the frogs are chirping, do frogs chirp? Anyhoo, lots of outdoor critters are making their critter sounds making the day even better. I can't say enough of about today. On the East side of the house I have a few tulips planted and they have really started to pop the last couple of days. 

 I just

~Peeking Thru the Shutters ~

I'm stuck in love with shutters, oh the stories they might tell. Opening them for late afternoon viewing only adds to their beauty. They make such a delicious back drop.

Late afternoons

~ Vintage Shutters and Tulips ~

Rain, snow and sleet those are the words in our forecast for today, hard to believe yesterday I was mowing. What a difference a day makes. Right now the grass is so green and lush a few of those pesty yellow flowers have popped up here and there, you know the ones as a kid we use to blow on to see what magic they would perform. Dandelions the dreaded flower that takes the beauty right out of a yard. I see some weed and feed in my future. No complaints I love being outside, this year there's quite the "list of things to do" out and about in the yard. 

I'm such a

~ Signs of Spring ~

There are definite signs of Spring around the yard. Buds popping here and there as well as a bit of foliage coming to life after a long winter's sleep

Hydrangeas

~ The Boston Fern Saga ~

Each year I look forward to buying the Boston ferns for the front porch, my favorite spot during the summer and late fall days. Last year I purchased the ferns on March 29th, this year I purchased them on March 28th.

I buy

~ Rain Drops Keep Falling On My Head ~

The last few days have brought torrential down pours, lots of thunder and lighting. I'm beginning to wonder if Mother Nature is ever going to shower us with her beautiful rays of sunshine.

Spending more

~ Mr. P's 80th Birthday Celebration ~

Any time you have a birthday after a "certain" age it's a milestone and should be celebrated. Mr. P hit a big milestone on April 8th. He's not one to enjoy large crowds any longer and didn't want a big birthday bash thrown for him, I would have given anything in the world to have a repeat party like I threw for his 65th birthday. The barn was cleaned out, a hog brought in, a band was playing and lots and lots of friends with laughter filled the air. It was a little quieter this year, this is what he wanted, his birthday his way.

The celebration began

~ Garden Ornaments On the Dining Room Table ~

I can hardly believe this is Wednesday already. I hope you are having a super week so far. Ours has been craazzy. Sunday Mr. P had surprise visitors for his 80th birthday. The small celebration

~ A New Look For the Living Area ~

Hello my friends, You know when you finally hit the "mark" on a decorating delimia  you want to shout it from the roof tops right? You know one of those areas that needs just the right thing, you won't settle for anything less. WELL.... I was sitting on the sofa the other day and the light bulb went off. The perfect solution was here all along. 

Remember

~ Wishing You a Happy and Blessed Easter

I would like to wish all of you a treasured Easter 

with family, loved ones and friends ... 

Happy Easter

Fondly ~ Lynne ~

~ Spring Tablescaping with Lenox ~

Hello my friends, Hope your week has jumped off to a great start, at least we have sunshine this morning after days of clouds, rain, and snow, the sun is so welcome. Mother Nature really needs to get her act together. Are you as ready for Spring as I am? Hang on a bit longer folks I'm sure it's just around the corner.

On Sunday

~ The Round Black Table ~

Hello my friends, Do you have a corner you've been trying to fill up  I mean decorate? One that you just can't seem to get right? I find myself with these issues more times than I care to admit. I sometimes try to over think the process, once I walk away and leave it for a bit, the light switch comes on and the solution comes to my over thinking brain.

In the

~ Palm Sunday Snow Storm ~

Hello my friends, Even though the calendar says Spring , Mother Nature's fickle personality has done it again. We were hit with yet another Winter snow storm, I wonder if this is the last of them for the season. They were predicting up to 9" for our area, I'm not sure how much we've gotten or how they can even do an accurate reading with all the wind, I'm sure someone will let us know how much snow we've gotten this time around the May Pole of weather predictions.

With this being Palm Sunday many of us would be in church celebrating the triumphant entry into Jerusalem, the beginning of Holy week. Many of our churches are closed due to the snow storm, so we're staying in and will worship at home. 

Hot tub anyone? I think I'll wait a day or so.

I'm never surprised with the view of the lake and it's beauty, today is another perfect example. I failed to capture the geese swimming, Mother Goose has had her babies and takes them on a daily walk and swim, they are the cutest things. Fingers crossed I'll be able to capture their cuteness to share with all of you.

Sprigs of pampas grass normally cut down around the 15th of the month with stands the brutal winds and damp snow.

Mother Nature's tablescape.

The last snow storm left heavy snow on the roof for days, I watched as it slowly slid off, only to take out the bench sitting down below. You can't see it now, but to the left of the wagon wheel there's a pile of snow underneath that pile is the damaged bench. {sigh}

Hopefully, the next shot of the watering can will be filled with Spring flowers instead of snow beauty.

The front porch which faces South wasn't forgotten, snow decorating continues.

You didn't think I would leave my beloved bunnies out of a post did you? I was amazed the bunny was snow covered on the side that faces the house, not the exposed side where all the wind is coming from. There's no end to what Mother Nature and her fickle personality can bestow upon us.

Fondly ~ Lynne~

~ Our Spring Open House Event 2013 Part I

Hello my friends, I hope you've had a wonderful fun filled weekend. Our weekend started off with perfect Spring weather, then boom the bottom fell out. We went from 83 degrees on Friday to 43 degrees on Saturday, it was crazy cold and windy. Hopefully, Mother Nature will get her act together soon and we'll have some stellar Spring weather.

Many of you know this past weekend was the weekend of my annual Spring Open House Event, this was my 14th Spring Open House, I'm already planning the Holiday Open House for November. I want it to be a blow out of an affair, fingers crossed I'll be open 15 years! 

I'm so glad you stopped by today, come on up on the patio and I'll show you around. 

Moving the

~ The Sun's Magic ~

Hello my friends, it is a fabulous 71 degrees as I put this post together. It has been a delightful perfect Spring day in our part of the country, with a promise of warmer temperatures tomorrow. I've had the kitchen window open all afternoon, the sounds of motorcycles have filled the air along with the laughter of the neighbors children playing on their trampoline. I hope you're having such a day in your part of the woods. 

I'm really

~ St. Patrick's Day Tea ~

Hello everyone, I didn't realize I've been away for so long. It's been one of those weeks around here, everything hit at once and had to be attended to. Do you ever have one of those weeks? I hope you're having a stellar week.  Anyhoo..

Sunday while getting things together to begin the baking for the Spring Open House, I put together a table quickly before the cookies disappeared. St. Patty's day is just around the corner, greens were pulled from here and there. 

I

~ Winter Lake ~

Hello everyone, each morning my routine is generally the same after taking care of the dogs the first thing I do is look outside my dining room window to see what the day has in store for us. Whatever the weather I'm never disappointed, the view is always breathtaking. I feel so blessed to be able to look towards the beautiful lake Mr. P built so many years ago. This morning was exceptionally beautiful, the sun played it's magic across the clear blue waters. 

With

~ A New Garden Stool For the Sunporch ~

Hello everyone, What a week it's been around here. With all the snow we've been having the Spring cleaning began early. Closets have been cleaned out, clothes ready to go to Goodwill, loads of things boxed up ready for the Annual Garage sale, well you get the picture.There have been tons of projects marked off the list, I'm so pleased with the way things are coming together around here. 

Many of