I feel like I keep saying it has been so long since my last post! Well it just plain has been a long time. This year has been a busy one. I am 5 months away from finishing my action research and graduating with my masters. Phew, there are times when I wonder if I will make it, so this post is dedicated to being thankful.

As I deck the halls during this favorite time of year I feel so blessed to have such a supportive husband. He has helped me believe in  myself again.

 My parents and my sons have also been 100% supportive along the way!

My students and co workers are amazing and I love them dearly!

  When I walk in my door at the end of the day I am truly at peace. 

I am looking so forward to the holidays when friends and family walk through my door.

~And I am looking forward to Christmas day!

 Merry Christmas everyone! And always remember that 
Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.  ~Norman Vincent Peale

Enjoy one of my favorite songs from a favorite movie!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CH2KGboA35c

Thank goodness Autumn is such a beautiful and cozy time of year.

Part of me has a difficult time saying goodbye to Summer.

It reminds me of one of my favorite Nat King Cole songs, Autumn Leaves....

The autumn leaves drift by my window....

The autumn leaves of red and gold...

A time to say goodbye to summer fun. 

Long warm days, beaches, lakes, gardens, festivals and markets...

Summer kisses, sun-burnt hands I used to hold,

And soon I'll hear old Winter's song.... But I'll miss you most my Darling Summer, when Autumn leaves begin to fall.

Around the Garden....

Well I am about to embark upon my final summer where I have to spend two weeks in an intensive all day math class for my final year of graduate school, AHHHHHHH!

So I thought it appropriate that I take a slow stroll around my gardens...

My husband and I usually take a nightly stroll to appreciate the progress.

Fish are happy and healthy and we are finally seeing flowers!

I know how busy I will be these next two weeks...

Trying to take it all in...

Will return to you soon...

Awaiting the next changes and new new blooms.

Harvesting what I can today...

I will be ready to roll up my sleeves soon to enjoy this amazing season!

This 4th of July weekend, I was reminded of why I love where I live and this small town is where I am meant to be right now. Since 1990, this New Yorker has missed very few of these annual parades.

I always think of how beautiful it is here and appreciate the beautiful country that we live in. Taking time to thank those who sacrificed for our freedom today.

Rolling green hills, filled with decent hard working people. 
Purple mountain majesties, Above the fruited plain... 

 America! America! 
God shed his grace on thee...

And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea! 

And of course the annual fireworks...

It was another one of those weekends that I felt extremely grateful ... Hope you all had a fantastic 4th!

Recently, while picking up some wine and cheese at my favorite country store on the water, I stumbled across this book.

It's a series of short stories about taking time to appreciate the little things in life, the small blessings.

It's easy to get wrapped up in the craziness of today's world...

This book is a nice reminder to stop, take a deep breath, and to look and listen to the beauty around you... Appreciate the small blessings.

Like strawberry picking with your family...

And the smell of homemade strawberry muffins on a Sunday morning...

 Working in the garden in the morning and hearing only the birds around you...

Or stopping in your travels to appreciate those beautiful roadside flowers...

With short stories entitled, "The Farm Market, Christmas Fire, and September Garden," I highly recommend this book!

If you are floating on the lake like me, sitting on the beach, or relaxing on a shady porch...

I hope you can slow down at times and appreciate the small magical moments! Enjoy!

On the road to the Stowe Farmers market...

The best part about being over 40 is that I think you finally appreciate the small stuff.

Grateful for the little things and beautiful experiences...

 Bike rides and family time...

After a bike ride, fresh squeezed lemonade...

Appreciating the beauty of where you live...

Maybe being a little nutty along the way...

Patience and time in a jar...

Fresh Herbs...

Flowers that make you smile...

Fresh baked pies...

Homemade ice cream with my family after a bike ride...

Fresh bread to bring home...

Bruschetta, fresh ingredients, and a glass of wine on a warm summer evening.

Stop and appreciate the little things, Enjoy!