Life away from Bella Terra
It has been a busy few weeks away from home with limited internet coverage (how nice!). Since I don’t have a staff to write blog posts for me, I am finally back home and now able to share my adventures.
The only glitch in the trip was the plane had to do an emergency medical landing in Memphis. Unfortunately one of the passengers died after valiant efforts by the crew and volunteers to resuscitate her. We missed our connection but the airline was very accommodating in getting us a later flight. After witnessing a crisis like that, you just count your blessings.
First stop: Connecticut. My sister has a lovely home in Old Saybrook right on the water…..such a treat for me as I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the water.
Here is where I had my morning coffee. Lucky me. There is something about looking at the ocean-I can actually feel my stress melt away.
Each morning included brisk beach walks. I enjoyed the abundance of flowers and lush landscaping.
Here’s my future beach house. Here is my future beach house. Here is my future beach house. If I keep saying it over and over again, won’t it come true?
In Connecticut, I cannot resist the fresh, local seafood. Lobster, lobster and more lobster. Here we are having lunch at the marina at Saybrook Point Inn.
After a glorious trip to the beautiful shores of Connecticut and reconnecting with my siblings, we then flew into Philadelphia for my goddaughter’s wedding weekend.
We arrived in Collegeville (about an hour north of Philly). This town has an incredible public park called the Perkiomen Trail, which has 20 miles of walking, biking and hiking paths. The trail goes along the Schuylkill River and we completed a 4 mile walk on the morning of the wedding.
In spite of the high temperatures and high humidity, we all survived the late afternoon outdoor ceremony. The wedding reception was held indoors (thank goodness for air conditioning) in an old barn.
Back to Phoenix and less than 24 hours later, we were headed up to our mountain cabin for the 4th of July.
This PARADISE metal step, from an amusement park slide, greets us at the front door of the cabin. The weather was perfect with cool mornings and 75 degree temperatures during the day~~a significant change from the sweltering Phoenix heat.
When we were here in May, I discovered a bird’s nest in my geranium basket that hangs by the entrance. It was filled with these gorgeous blue eggs.
Now, the nest is empty with tiny pieces of blue egg shell in the bottom, so the baby birds have hatched and left the nest.
We had a full house for the July 4th holiday. What a joy to have all my children and their friends with us! Our neighborhood has a fun, homespun parade…the Bullfrog Loop parade, which celebrates our patriotism and freedom.
We are now back in Phoenix. Monsoon season is upon us so we are praying for much needed rain in Arizona. My daughter LOVES the rain!
I hope you are having a relaxing and fun summer! In a few weeks, all my children will be going their separate ways so I am cherishing each and every moment. I may not be blogging as much during this time but I will pick up the pace at the end of August.
Sending big summer hugs to all of you!
