“The clock on the mantlepiece chimed, very softly and precisely, five times. A tug hooted from the river. A sudden breeze brought the sharp tang of a bonfire in at the window. The jigsaw was almost complete…And Mrs. Miniver, with a little sigh of contentment, rang for tea.” ~Jan Struther (Mrs. Miniver) This is a…
State Fair Memories
by Melissa • • 2 Comments
I remember looking forward to the state fair all summer when I was little. The week of the state fair was always a little bittersweet, though, as it marked the beginning of a new school year and the end of summer vacation. I remember riding on the tilt-a-whirl with my mom, going down the big…
Date Night~ The Port of Red Wing at The St. James Hotel
by Melissa • • 3 Comments
This week Jeff and I spent date night at The St. James Hotel’s Port of Red Wing restaurant. Such a lovely place. Great service, wonderful food, and my favorite wine guy works there. He’s so knowledgeable on the subject of wine, and it’s always an educational, enjoyable experience to talk with him. Entrance to The…
Six Senses Saturday
by Melissa • • 2 Comments
“The earth and every common sight, to me did seem appareled in celestial light, the glory and the freshness of a dream.” ~William Wordsworth Six Senses Saturday was something I started right before my blog went on sabbatical early this past summer… Someone recently told me they liked it…so, I’m going to start making this…
Falconer Vineyards presents “Music In the Vines” concert: Patchouli
by Melissa • • 2 Comments
“When wine enlivens the heart may friendship surround the table.” – Oliver Wendell Holmes Last evening, while the sun began to set, we drove out to Falconer Vineyards. When we got out of the car the temperature had dropped noticably, there was the peaty scent of woodsmoke in the air, and the trees were becoming…
Relaxing Ritual~Iced Sleepytime Vanilla
by Melissa • • 4 Comments
Well…it’s 86 degrees outside! Time to make more iced tea! I love icing tisanes (herbal ‘tea’ infusions) for sipping in the evenings when the temperature gets above 80. One of my favorites…Iced Sleepytime Vanilla by Celestial Seasonings. mmmmmmm….. ice some and see for yourself. It’s all at once relaxing, refreshing and healthy. Enjoy! ~Melissa
What I’m Listening To~ Tennis & Best Coast
by Melissa • • 0 Comments
I’m having a difficult time letting go of my beach music…even though we’ve turned the page from summer to fall… Oh well, here’s one last summer fling for you. Enjoy. Marathon Cape Dory South Carolina Baltimore Boyfriend This is Real Have a great weekend friends! What are you listening to? ~Melissa
Red Wing Trolley Tour
by Melissa • • 4 Comments
Today some friends and I took the Red Wing trolley tour. It was really fun to learn facts about our home town! The 50 minute tour was worth the $10.70 a ticket. I highly recommend it the next time you visit our gorgeous city! a fun day with friends The Red Wing Trolley Nancy, Linda…
Writing Under the Oaks~Artisan Cheese & Crackers for One
by Melissa • • 0 Comments
“Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart.” ~William Wordsworth The sun was shining bright through the canopy of oak trees when I took my notebook and a pile of magazines out to the deck yesterday afternoon. I also brought my sparkle pen which was a gift from my friend Tracy…it ‘bedazzles’ my hand…
Words To Live By
by Melissa • • 4 Comments
I ordered this vintage British poster for the wall above the desk in my studio. Love it! I’ve started a “quote wall.” I’m framing all of my favorite quotes so all I have to do is look up at the wall while I’m working to get inspired. This one is going in the center 😉…