Really Hard to Believe...

...but yesterday our oldest granddaughter, Hannah, ran her first marathon and finished it in 3 hours, 28 minutes and 16 seconds-which I am told is really good and which qualifies her for the Boston Marathon...which was her goal.

And while Hannah was finishing up her marathon in Ormond Beach, we were out at Carney Island Park watching Harrison compete in his second triathlon. The weather was gorgeous but chilly so I was having my doubts about the swimming leg of this event, but those people jumped in that water like it was bath tub temperature. He did really well and finished with a smile on his face-what more could we ask?

I marvel at the fact that these are my blood relatives raised by my daughters who also ENJOY exercise for exercise sake. Don't know where that gene comes from but it certainly isn't me as I could sit and read and watch the world go by all day long. I enjoy gardening, cleaning, shopping, all sorts of things that involve movement---just NOT exercise for exercise sake. I get really bored and then I'm done. But, I must admit, it is nice to bask in their glory now and then!

Since the weather was so beautiful, these two enjoyed the beach while we waited for the official start.

He is "official" and ready to go!

First the swimming
 leg..

...then on to the biking...

...and lastly, the running.

Must be a good feeling to cross that finish line.

When the race was over, we made our way over to the other side of Lake Weir to Eaton's Beach Sandbar and Grill where Harrison got a much deserved rest while we waited for our table. We ate out on the deck while the kids all swam and enjoyed the beach. There was a lovely breeze blowing, live music playing, delicious food for eating and just an all-around wonderful way to end such a special day!

And a quick look at the guest bath before I head back out into our beautiful weather.

I'm almost done showing you Easter and it's a darn good thing because it is almost here! Just a bit more. Stay tuned.

Newest Game Show in Town..."Stump the Decorator"

When my daughter mentioned that she and the kids would be dropping by yesterday afternoon, little did I know she would be slipping on her "decorator" hat before the visit was over. She is the one who has taken me kicking and screaming into the new (?) millennium. Sometimes she suggests things that I really don't think I am going to like but I am always willing to try...and, so far, I have loved every idea we have implemented-although I will admit to still missing some of my "merchandising" areas.

That being said, we were sitting in the living room having a lovely catch-up kind of visit and talking about Easter plans when she reiterated one more time that she really doesn't like the black armoire I have in the living room and how much larger and fresher the room would look if we moved it...or, better yet, got it out of there. So I said, "when do you want to come try that?" and she said "right now". So, wine was poured and we got busy while hubby just sat there shaking his head and wondering when all was said and done if this was going to end up costing him something. He doesn't believe us when we say we can just "shop the house".

And so we started-thank goodness for furniture slides-by taking down this mirror and pulling out this console and pushing the armoire into its place. Oh yes, I forgot that this whole thing started when my daughter asked if I liked this console because she said it would be perfect ct for something she wanted to do in her ever evolving living room and I said I actually was wanting to get rid of it.

When we put this armoire in the console's place and we both knew IT DID NOT WORK! One side of the room looked better but the other was awful. Then she asked about just getting rid of it and I showed her everything it holds-down comforters, blankets, pillows and games, games and more games. She then set off to find other closets in this house that could accommodate all of these necessities-while I stood nearby with a huge smirk on my face as I am the one that puts ALL of my STUFF somewhere and I knew what she would find.

After opening-and closing-every closet in this house, she shook her head and declared me a hoarder-albeit an organized one! And with that one little pronouncement, everything got pushed back into their original places and I won "Stump the Decorator"! There is no doubt she will mull this conundrum...and maybe even come up with an answer...but I doubt it!

While I am here, why don't we take a peek at the dining room.

Still not finding major inspiration in the dining room but, since a lot of this stuff will get moved before we sit down to actually eat in this room on Easter, I am OK with it as is. GORGEOUS day out there today, so I am heading out. I'll be back soon. Stay tuned.

So Much To Do...

...so little time! Again I will say that it is either this "getting older" thing or my husband's retirement schedule, but I am ALWAYS running behind these days! I am getting ready to sit down and make some definite plans for Easter although it looks like I have missed my crafting opportunities. I am guessing that is because Easter is early this year. It makes me sad not to get in any crafting but, since I didn't really have any "to die for" ideas, I will get over it and move on to the necessities-like what we are going to eat and how the gardens and yard will look! We will probably be spending most of the day outside and I love the yard to look as if spring is bursting forth. We bought a lot of mulch the other day-yet to be spread-and some flowers, but so much more to go! I need to get moving so I will show you a bit more of my decor and then get going...

Nothing much has changed here...if it "ain't" broke, don't fix it. I like this vignette the way it is and until I find some kind of new "treasure", it will probably stay like this!

I still really love this pitcher given to me by daughter #3 one year for my birthday. It is one of those things that I keep out pretty much all year. Even though it is beautiful in the spring and summer, it can carry off autumn leaves as well.

I am really happy that I stumbled upon putting this old carpenter's box on my kitchen counter. It stays right there now-all year long-and I use it to hold all sorts of odd seasonal pieces. I find I use these things so much more now that they are super easy to just grab.

So that is the kitchen. Again, pretty simple and straight forward. Just found out we are having some "company" this afternoon, so off to do a few chores first. Stay tuned.

Presto-Chango...and more Easter

So my best laid plans have now changed once again! I so wanted to spend all day today out in the yard finishing up the weeding and trimming so I could finish all of the spring clean-ups of patio furniture, replant some pots and finish cleaning the decking. But, Mother Nature had other plans and I am happy she did. We have had rain predictions for weeks and have been lucky to see even a few drops of rain so I am happy it has finally come our way-as are my lawn and all of my gardens!

Once I knew I would be inside today, I revamped my to-do list...always many, many things needing to be done inside as well. So, you ask, how did I end up doing what I did? It was certainly not on any lists-nor was it even anywhere near the fore front of my brain. Sometimes these things just take over.

I happened to be walking through the family room and all of a sudden, I was OVER the rug in that room. Since it was sisal, I thought it might look nice out on the patio. Then, I decided to bring the rug that has been in the living room into the family room and drag out an old rug I had held on to for the living room...what do you think?

Couldn't really find a picture of this rug so you kind of see it here.

Now this room looks like this-which I like because I think the pattern of the rug matches well with the color of the leather furniture, the pattern on the upholstered furniture and the print on the PB pillows. I am happy with this change...

...unfortunately, I don't like this one as much!

If this pattern looks familiar to those of you who are very observant, it should. It is leftover piece of the wall-to-wall we have in our bedroom. This carpet was way too expensive so, when there was a piece this size left over, I had it bound. I used it in this room in the past and I liked it...until I didn't...which I don't again. I think I will be able to live with it for Easter and spring, but I know I am going to ask my decorator (daughter #3) to be on the lookout for me for something that will work better.

That's pretty much the family room this year. Again, simple and lots of green and purple. More to come Stay tuned.