Summer Days

Good Morning on this bright and sunny Sunday! We are really happy to see the sun here as we had quite a week of heavy rains and thunder storms! It was also very hot--in the 90's--which is not what we are used to here on Long Island! In our Summer months, we usually peak at the mid 80's. Not being a heat lover, I was not very happy this week :)  now I am! It is lovely outside!

on the prowl for peanuts even in the rain

My blue jay friends, who share the peanuts I throw with the squirrels, were soaking wet! I felt so sad for them. I could literally see their skin through their feathers they were so drenched! Yet they still waited for me perched on my mailbox, shed roof and porch keeping their watchful eyes on all exits of my house waiting for me to toss them their peanuts. I love them, and I have quite an abundance of them and cardinals too. Sometimes it's a funny show to see the blue jays stealing the peanuts from the squirrels! All is fair in the peanut wars!

Soaked to the skin

Rainy day but the blue jays are out

Big horse chestnut tree is a shady delight

Oldies but goodies

My Caitlin the bargain hunter!

Billy & Caitlin shopping the market

The fountain works!

What a steal for $3!

A rocker for Annie or my bears!

A new kitten to add!

We did have a nice weather day last Saturday when we went upstate to Stormville, NY for the Stormville flea market. It was a little smaller this year but nonetheless TERRIFIC! This is a flea market held every weekend for new things but the one I go for is the twice yearly "NY STATE"S LARGEST GARAGE SALE". You find all kinds of things! It is held in June and in September. Aisles of treasures! I added a little bird fountain to my bird collection for only $2 and the fountain works, an adorable teapot that is a head of a lettuce with little bunnies for $2, an adorable rocker for my Raggedy Annes or Bears for only $3, a great box for my porch or foyer or mudroom area that says HATS & MITTENS for only $3! What a buy! It was marked $6 but when my husband opened the lid to see the condition (which was fine!) the lady said $3!! SOLD! I added a battery operated Halloween witch that laughs and blinks for $5 to my Halloween collection, and some Thanksgiving and Fall decorations for .50 to $1 each. Oh, and last year I bought this little knick knack of a cat in a basket and this year I found another piece to it! The one with the cat standing up in the basket! Sold for $1! I'll take it, thank you! We had a great day strolling for bargains! Then after that we visited Billy's brother & family who live about 15 minutes from there in Lake Carmel. A lovely day! I think I might paint the little rocker...not sure. I was envisioning a prim yellow or mustard color.....Thoughts?

School finally ended on Friday June 22nd.  For Staff Appreciation day, I made Banana Cream pies!I love to donate a food item to that event-- thanking the school's employees, office workers and janitors for their service with a lunch prepared by the parents! It was a busy month at school. I was there to see Flag Day celebrated with songs and flag waiving. The Police and National Guard came to sing with the kids as well.

 Now that school is over for the year, it's time to relax! My son and daughter and I have already been enjoying breakfast on our porch , swimming, and just doing simple yard work. My big horse chestnut tree in the backyard is a huge source of shade back there! I've been drying some of my hydrangea blooms for future projects too. I love the laid back feel of Summer.

If anyone is interested in making their own homemade finger paints, here is the recipe: 
3 tbsp of sugar, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 cup cornstarch, 2 cups water. Combine in a saucepan and heat till warm, wait for it to thicken....Cool it down and pour into containers---then add food colorings of your choice and strength of color! 

Have a wonderful Sunday!