So kiss me and smile for me; tell me that you’ll wait for me

All my bags are packed I'm ready to go
I'm standin' here outside your door
I hate to wake you up to say goodbye
But the dawn is breakin' it's early morn
The taxi's waitin' he's blowin' his horn
Already I'm so lonesome I could die

As you’re reading this post, my husband and I (and George, of course) are on our way back up to our beloved Maine. You’re really not that surprised, are you?

When we returned from our first visit in June, I thought that would be it. But my husband was so happy there (as was the dog) that I thought it might be nice to be able to take them back. And so I began to look for places that we could afford because I had another week off that I needed to take before the summer ended.

It quickly became apparent, however, that not only would we never find a place for what we could pay in high season, but the cottages we wanted (on the water) would not take pets. It wasn’t until I contacted a realtor we used a couple of years ago that I began to think that maybe this idea would work. She said that since we had rented before, she could get us into places that didn’t advertise as pet-friendly.

So this opened up a lot more rental properties from which to choose.

Although we prefer Saturday to Saturday, I did find a Sunday to Sunday rental that’s much further from the national park than I would have liked, but it’s affordable. And it’s right on the water. It’s a little rustic but I can handle that because hey . . . (you know what I’m going to say already) . . . we’ll be in Maine.

This incredible heat has gotten to my husband. Maybe it’s the whole cancer thing, I don’t know. But I do know that I need to get him away again. Unfortunately, because the place is a bit lacking in the modern technologies, there will be no internet. I think there’s a TV, but heavens knows what we’ll be able to get on it. And there’s no washer or dryer. But hey! There’s a LOBSTAH POT!!!

I won’t be home until next Sunday evening, so there won’t be another post until then. I’ll try to take lots of pictures and hope you don’t forget about me in the meantime.

Love,

PS – Photos are of the George Washington Bridge in NYC in the early morning light during our last trip this past June. Traffic was light, which was a first.

More Mathews photos. Because I like it there.

I want to apologize for not getting around to visit all the blogs I usually do. This really bothers me and after a couple of days of it, I begin to feel guilty. I grew up Catholic, so feeling guilty is something I’m used to. (No offense).

I’ve had a stressful week and am going to need another vacation after all this. Luckily, I have a plan.

Tonight, just to chill out some, I played with some photos I’d taken at last weekend’s Blog Fest held at the home of Chesapeake Bay Woman in Mathews, VA. I used some new actions from Florabella called Florabella’s Luxe Photoshop Actions.

And I love them. Here, I’ll show you some of the photos on which I’ve used them.

I think I’ll call this one Bent Tip.

Taken one morning at a cemetery outside of Mathews along Rt. 14. I love this fence and used Florabella’s Cashmere action on it.

Cashmere here again.

We had a couple of tours while at Blog Fest and two of them were led by Miss Pookie, a lifelong resident of Gwynn’s Island. She took us to the waterfront home where she was born and told us a little of the history of the island and its residents.

This little cat was sitting on the woodpile when we arrived and we didn’t even scare it. I used Florabella’s Heiress action.

Miss Pookie also took us to an old building that used to be a church. Florabella’s Pandora action, as well as [this trick].

CBW’s mom, Maryann, peeking in the window. Florabella’s Gypsy action used on this shot.

I love these pink chairs and the aqua color of the porch roof. That’s a boat tied up there on the porch, too. Florabella’s Gypsy action again.

I bought a single hammock stand chair very similar to this one for my husband’s 40th birthday, which we spent in Ocracoke, NC. That was many years ago and whenever I see a chair like this, I think happy thoughts of days long gone. And I smile.

I have packing to do. I am totally serious about that vacation.

Until tomorrow, my friends . . .

The White Dog Inn, Mathews VA

I know. I’m still talking about the Blog Fest I attended in VA with friends this past weekend but I have some more photos to share and this time it’s all about one of the highlights of my trip.

Before the beach party that was held on Saturday afternoon, several of us elected to go to downtown Mathews to look around, maybe do some shopping, and to have lunch at the beautiful White Dog Inn.

The White Dog Inn was established in early 2009 after new owners completely refurbished the place. It’s a Bistro and a Coffee House as well as a Bed & Breakfast. Check out these gorgeous [rooms upstairs]. The original structure dates to 1840 according to some documents, but a marker on the property as well as the Court House across the street dates to 1795.

Antique car buffs were inside holding a party in the blue room. I only wish I’d gotten a photo of all the wonderful old cars lined up in the side parking lot.

I love touches like this zebra print staircase runner. It’s just so unexpected and fun. I took this photo from the bar area and we ate in the room directly ahead. The doors on the left lead to the blue room where the beautiful ship chandelier resides.

We were told that the owners found this distinctive light fixture at an antique shop and bought it immediately. Clever move, I should say.

The White Dog Inn is elegant with a laid-back atmosphere that made me feel right at home. I love the mismatched silverware and the dishtowel-sized napkin.

The wait for our party of nine was made enjoyable as we sipped Bloody Mary’s on the plush seating in the bar area. And they make the best Bloody Mary I’ve had in awhile.

I snapped a few photos in the room where we dined and marveled at all the little details like the books and the gilded mirror frame. The walls are decorated with works of art by local artists and much of it is for sale.

This is a decoupage vase that held a single peacock feather.

For lunch I had the tarragon chicken salad which was served with roasted potatoes and a small garden salad. For dessert, I shared the blueberry cobbler topped with vanilla bean ice cream.

Shelley was one of the diners who chose the bananas foster for dessert.

Obviously, it was lick-the-bowl good. (Sorry, Shelley. I just couldn’t resist.)

Until tomorrow, my friends . . .

PS – My new laptop has arrived and I’ll be setting it all up tomorrow. There’s a lot of files to move over, etc. But at least I was able to use the AC power adapter to fit my old laptop! It’s the only way I was able to do anything tonight.

The world always looks brighter from behind a smile

I’ve just come inside from the front lawn where my husband had called me to watch purple martins who were swooping low to the ground. A thunderstorm had just passed through and there seemed to be a hundred of the birds. The rain had caused thousands of gnats to hatch and it was a feeding frenzy out there. Quite exciting.

Tonight I’m posting people shots from this year’s Blog Fest which was held last weekend in Mathews, VA. I’ve never considered myself a portrait photographer so if you see yourself here and you dislike it, e-mail me and I’ll take it down.

I took many photos of people this year but not all of them came out to my liking which was disappointing. But here are some of my favorites.

Meg from Soup is Not a Finger Food. This was one of the first photos I took when I arrived. We were still wearing our name badges, I see.

This is Diane, from Asthma Girl. We were heading out for a sunset boat ride. I really love this photo of her.

Shelley, the Baroness. She always looks like a million bucks.

Anne Marie from Hillbilly Gothic, one of our co-hosts for Blog Fest. Fun fun fun.

Annie from The Tombstone Chronicler. Annie was one of the very first visitors to my blog back in late 2007. She’s got the most beautiful blue eyes.

Beth attended Blog Fest last year and came just for the beach party this year. I could never imagine myself going to a beach party in a bathing suit, but among this crowd I somehow felt fine about it.

The margaritas helped.

And finally, Laurie from Fooleryland, who came with her husband Chaz and their two beautiful daughters. This was taken at the White Dog Cafe in Mathews. In the background you can see our waiter, Eric who is excellent at what he does for a living. He kept us laughing. (As if we needed any help doing that).

Until tomorrow (hopefully), my friends . . .

PS – I am having serious issues with the AC power cord and my laptop in general. I could barely post this tonight because of the cord not staying in and the extremely low battery life I have. Time to buck up and get another computer, I should think. If I’m not back tomorrow, this is why.

How I spent my weekend. Part one.

I’m home from the 2nd annual Blog Fest, held at the home of Chesapeake Bay Woman, in Mathews VA. It’s late and I’m tired, so I’ll just show you some of the pictures caught in my camera lens this weekend.

How fun are these? Worn by my friend, Lauren (Mental P Mama).

Colorful local characters. This is Miss Pookie and her husband.

Miss Pookie gave us a little tour and told us of the history of Gwynn’s Island, where she was born.

My very first dragonfly capture.

I’ve been taking photographs for years and until this weekend, have never been successful with a decent capture of the elusive dragonfly. It’s not like I was making a serious attempt at it or anything, but still worth noting.

I discovered a trick. It includes being very hot and sweaty and using a long lens. Taken with my new Nikon 70-300mm.

I met new friends IRL. (Look at me, using cool abbreviations). This is Tracey Grumbach from Nine Acres Photography. It’s crazy we haven’t met before now. I’ve read her blog for over a year now and she lives in the next county over from me.

I took a fantastic sunset boat tour.

The mate was a mighty sailing man, the skipper brave and sure.

(you’re gonna be humming that all day now, aren’t you?)

This was our cabana boy at the beach.

Nah, I’m kidding. I couldn’t resist posting this photo of BHE’s nephew because he’s so darn cute. And I’m not getting my cougar on, so don’t be thinkin’.

George sent buttons for everyone.

He’d rather do that than meet IRL. Have I told you how shy he is?

This is the chandelier in the blue room at the White Dog Inn in Mathews VA. I was absolutely enchanted with this magic ship.

By the way, the White Dog Inn is absolutely, hands-down, fantastic. I need to elaborate but I am too tired tonight.

I had a such wonderful time and will continue with more pics tomorrow.

See you then,

Taking a small break

I’ll be taking a break from blogging and will return on Sunday afternoon. I’m heading to Virginia for Blog Fest weekend and will return on Sunday afternoon. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend. Mine is starting a little early, is all.

I’ll try to take a few photos to share.

Who am I kidding? You know I’m going to take more than just a few photos.

Love ya.

Things I love about Mathews County, Virginia

In just a couple of days, I’m heading to Virginia to the home of Janice, who’s hosting the 2nd annual get-together of a little something she and her readers dubbed ‘Blog Fest’.

After spending four days last July in beautiful Mathews County -- laughing and getting to know fellow bloggers from so many different parts of the country, we all hoped that we could make it an annual gathering.

In preparation for this year’s trip, I’ve been looking over photos I took last summer and remembering some of the good times.

So, in no particular order, here are just a few of the things that made me smile when I think of last year’s Blog Fest:

The rich history of the area.

The New Point Comfort Lighthouse.

Water everywhere.

Colorful characters.

Camaraderie. And cool hats.

Meeting new friends.

Laughter.

The Sea Shanty.

I can’t wait! Tomorrow (Wednesday) is my last day at work until next Monday. Woot!

Love,