Not Your Average Lamb Loin Chops

Marinated lamb chops are always great however nothing beats the extra flavor they get when they are grilled.

 Sautéed vegetables make the perfect side.

Sorry, I can't hear you over the sizzle of the grill!

And then, a splash of Green and Glorious, for both taste and texture, to complete this culinary experience.

Now that was a great summer dinner, 

at least we thought so.

Happy Friday!

Small Wings Big World

And just like that, they're gone!

Two days ago, while we were eating lunch outside, we watched Mama Bird nudge her babies to the edge of the nest and one by one they tumbled out. We have never witnessed anything like it. Needless to say, it was fascinating to watch. 

The landing was a bit hard however the mama was very attentive. It took some time for the babies to become steady and start to explore their new surroundings. 

While the baby birds were busy exploring and learning how to find food, this Flame Skimmer Dragon Fly (?) was buzzing back and forth the length of our back yard. Not just once or twice but many times before he would fly away, only to come back and start the routine all over again. 

He has not been back since, as far as we know.

Later, when I checked on the baby birds, they were hopping all over the place. 

Even near the water.

There were other birds around too.

They finally made it around to the driveway.

And eventually up to the front yard where our front yard update is currently underway.

We will miss the birds!

And that's a wrap on another incredible year of feathers and flight!

• A picture perfect end to the day.

Happy Saturday!

A Sweet Blend of Hydrangeas, Clematis & Pears

Obsessed with the bounty of summer!

 The vibrant hues of our hydrangeas . . . 

. . . and sun-kissed pears ripening on the branch . . .

. . . and the delicate beauty of our clematis.

My DIY table runner (fabric from Maui)  and matching half circle napkins (above) go well with the color of the hydrangeas. While I was at it I got out my sweet little dried Hawaiian Pineapples (from Maui) to use as the jar filler. 

Just a pear-ent who loves her hydrangeas, clematis and pineapples! 😉

Have a Terrific Tuesday!

Backyard fire pit renovation update & more...

It is that time of year again, when we like to get the yard in tip top shape.

This summer Mr. Wonderful is replacing the grass in the front yard.

It would be great if it was ready for the 4th of July, however, that may be pushing it with all the other "irons in the fire, or rather, Rakes in the Dirt!

In the meantime, the front porch is getting some fresh paint.

Good progress is being made however . . .

. . . we have lots of bees around the yard which are distracting but fun to watch.

Except, of course, the two yellow jacket nests that are on both sides of the house. YIKES!

These bees are busy working and pay no attention to observers.

Needless to say, I am easily distracted when it comes to bees.

We have Brussels Sprouts in our garden again this year and they are looking good, as are the blueberries, which are right around the corner.

And of course, more bees. 

They are busy bees, that is for sure. 

Our begonia’s are gorgeous this summer and seem to be extra full. 

The big fire pit project is also coming along.

The grout is almost finished. Once Mr. Wonderful puts the final touches on the stone and grout he will put a special finish/sealer on the cement benches. To complete the project he plans to make a new fire pit cover which we use as a table.  

It is looking great and hopefully it will be finished and ready for use soon!!

🐝

Happy Tuesday!