Happy Birthday Cindy!!!

She that amazing lady in the center of my kids? Her name is Cindy and she is what I call a TRUE BLUE FRIEND. We've known each other since freshman year in high school, and she has been a part of my life, my entire families life with her whole heart. Cindy would pick me up for school in her mustang ( I didn't get my first car until I was 18), we were in gymnastics together (you can stop giggling now!) and have many fond memories together. We spent the night at each other's homes, told each other our secrets, & shared our dreams. We've been on camping trips, shopping sprees, and have celebrated many important events...weddings, babies, baptisms, birthdays...the list goes on and on. Even though I was a rebel and moved to Kansas from California, when we talk, it's like no time has past. She is the godmother to my children and has a heart of gold. She has been there for me through all the ups and downs. She is an amazing cook, contractor, water skier, snorkeler. She is beauty and grace, loves unconditionally, & thoughtful beyond belief.

Right now she is up in Washington at her second home hopefully celebrating a magical, wonderful birthday.

If you are reading this Cindy, I just want you to know how much I love you and miss you...I hope this birthday year ahead brings you all the happiness you deserve in your life and that all your wishes come true!

XOXOXOX Nancy

The Porch Project

This was a productive 3 day for some people (Dan the Man) and not so much for others (yours truly). Dan the man.... the myth, the legend...home improvement Mr. Extraordinaire, worked deligently all three days and we now have a loverly place to contemplate the birds singing and watch the woodland creatures even better than before! Of course now matter how long I've been blogging I always manage to load the pictures in the reverse order I meant to...one day, maybe, I might do it right! Dan built this whole number from SCRATCH! No pre-made stuff, no sirree!

Our comfortable new settee with cushions that beckon you to stay longer than anticipated! We added the flower box behind the settee for an added touch, and like it so much we want more...greedy I tell ya!

Up in the top right corner is my Squirrel Bell so when Dan the Man is in the back 40 of the yard I can ring-a-ding to catch his attention. (Note: this only works 50% of the time)

As you can see Dan the Man didn't tackle this project single handedly....OH NO, he had a helper...okay so maybe some of the tools were delivered with a little drool on them, but at least he didn't have to constantly go up and down the steps!

See that look of concentration? Or is it the look of "I can't believe you just took a picture of me" Oh well, what's done is done.

Here's the officially "BEFORE" picture. Well, actually there's a real "before" picture when this puppy used to be completely screened in. you can see the last remnants of that on the bottom left corner. It must of served as a place to trap all the bugs. Unfortunately that picture was pre-digital and the chances of me finding it, and converting it just for one show-n-tell picture are slim to none. You'll just have to take my word for it.

Tonight we will be sitting out on our porch, enjoying a chilled Limoncello by the light of a Tuscany Currant scented candle, eating bruschetta and relaxing watching the fireflies!