Latest celebration. Jill turns 60. We had lunch at Strawberry Cafe, then returned to my house for cake, wine and presents. 

Her favorite caramel cake. We sang to her a great showtune medley from Oklahoma. Priscilla is the clever author. 

We had fun even if some of us (me) aren't very talented singers. 

Selfie. Not sure why I look so shocked 

Poor Toby has been very sick. Had to take him in after terrible upset stomach. They had to shave a spot to draw blood. Antibiotics and bland diet have got him back to begging from Ed. 

Had a craving for chicken and dumplings. These are pretty close to my Mamaw Ellis's. But check out the motto in the red oval. That may be the solution to the drug problem. 

Remember my grubby old kitchen chairs? 

Love them. The upholsterer commented on how old they are. I estimate 1860-70's. They sort of seem to bridge Eastlake (late) Victorian to Art Deco to Modern style. 

Ok....am I wrong to be thrilled over my last Kroger shopping trip savings? It's like a game. 

Works of art

Gorgeous magnolia bud in Clinton. 

Ed has mastered cooking steak and salmon in a skillet. 

Thank goodness. It is too hot to stand at the grill. 

Perfect. 

Ok... the eclipse. Cool reflection 

Candy and I headed to the Lost Rabbit pool for a perfect view. Our scientific equipment. 

Two pieces of paper worked too. 

Fascinating shadows by the tree leaves. 

It was fun. 

The light had an eerie quality

Goodbye scientific equipment. 

Next cool thing...at lunch Sunday, Sophie told me about an estate sale at the home of a local artist. I had always noticed this unusual home near our Riverwood house and wondered about it. I headed over there. She was very prolific and very good too! Sophie took this picture of the studio. 

There were stacks of fabulous works. I fell in love with this watercolor.  When I went to pay for it, of course I knew the seller. She was a former neighbor. The artist was her aunt, LaRita Smith. 

Sophie bought this one. It's painted on muslin. 

It feels right at home. 

The artist signed the title on the side...Smith Park. 

Special occasions

Back to school. Sending Lucy off for her senior year. 

We celebrated at Amerigo's. 

I decided it was the end of summer. 

Took off my bracelet I got on Beach Week in Orange Beach. Sniff, sniff. 

Lucy sent me this later as she was packing. It's the cards I sent her weekly at college. Do adults get cards? We will see. 

Next celebration - birthday girls Pam and Kathy. 

Sue took the pic so is not in it. County Seat at Livingston. 

Special desserts. Blood orange tart

Banana coffee cake. Presents, food and fun. 

A little dose of grandogs. 

Sunday afternoon naps. 

I thought these mushrooms were beautiful. 

This ridiculous rain, heat and accompanying humidity have created the perfect fungi environment 

But after more rain and heat it now looks like a perfect flower. 

Mary Grace got a craving for Smokey Oats. 

In cookie related news...this can of pumpkin has been lurking in the pantry since last fall. 

Thought I would try this cookie recipe. 

Great looking dough. Tasted pretty good. 

We will see. 

They baked up cakey and moist. Alas healthy and cookies are not exactly compatible. They were ok. 

Finishing up Rev. Lance's series on brokenness I did this altarscape. 

Unfortunately this week in the world fit well in with the theme. 

Looks like all I do is eat

Candy and I decided to pay one last visit to Bravo before they close for remodeling. They are offering all furnishings for sale. We thought there may be something we could use for Pizza Shack. Nope. The mushroom soup was excellent however. 

Book Club at Sue's today. We read The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines , the couple from

Fixer Upper. 

She set a lovely table as always with flowers from her yard. 

We started off with cauliflower hummus. It was so good and healthy. 

Great salad with beets that she roasted, apples, pears pecans and goat cheese. I didn't take a picture of the buttermilk pie that was for dessert. That is because my face was all up in it.