Happy Holidays....

May you have a wonderful holiday season...Happy Holidays.

Small Business Saturday, Nov. 29th

I like small business saturday! This year it is on Nov.29th...A day to shop, have some fun and find all kinds of treasures for the holidays. Our retailers will thank us with some great bargains and values...Enjoy the day!

Rain...Rain....Rain....

When the rain returns it brings with it a sense of peace and solitude. Knowing that winter is soon arriving. The long warm days of summer are so pleasant yet very complicated. As the season changes so do our moods and attitudes. For me, it means indoor work and planning, rather than being outdoors experiencing nature. We accept this change and look forward to the next new season.  Rain, Rain, Rain.

Farmers Summer Markets.....

Some states offer extra benefit coupons to 62 years and older, with income qualifications. These coupons can be used at Farmers markets, roadside farm stands and others similar venues. They are usually issued in the spring and may continue to be used til September. The coupons benefit so many people, from the vendors to the consumer. Great products from farm to table, extremely fresh produce and wonderful conversations with local farmers about their items they sell. Check with your local state offices to see if the coupon or vouchers are available. Good info online also with your fav search engine.

Chicago Peace Rose...

One of the most lovely roses of a summer garden...The Chicago Peace Rose is stunning!  This photo is from her garden : singer, songwriter Kari Scott @ kariscottmusic.blogspot.com

Fab Summer Day...

The weather today is just Fabulous! Blue sky, light wind and lots of sunshine...not too warm either, just so very comfortable. A simple day yet filled with elegance of good weather.

Summer Healthy Fruits....

I love those tasty summer healthy fruits...waiting all year for their wonderful flavors. Strawberries, raspberries, cherries, blueberries, plum, peaches and more. Eating them fresh, baking into muffins and freezing some for the long winter. Plain, simple and so delicious...A good start to summer.

Kari's Lemon Meringue Pie...

This Lemon Meringue Pie is the best ever....The recipe is from a older Spry cookbook... absolutely delicious!  from the kitchen of singer, songwriter Kari Scott....from kariscottmusic.blogspot.com

Frugal Ways...

In my lifetime I have always led a very simple life. Saving time, energy, money, recycling, reusing and being thrifty. I have found that I've learned about these ideas and qualities from many of the elders in my family. Their ideas have long helped many of us learn of these important values. I think back over the years and remember how my mother and grandmother could always get the most value for their purchases. They worked hard and diligently to achieve the goals of being frugal in everyday life. I also think about every purchase I make. Be it at the grocery store or shopping for a new pair of shoes. Guess I've learned from the best and I thank their ways now and in the future.

June 27th and it is raining...

Looked out the window this morning, a light summer rain is falling. The birds are singing and the day is moving forward. So much to do, yet had to sit and watch the raindrops landing on the tree leaves. A beautiful site... makes a person appreciate nature each and everyday.

Nature in Summer...

The beautiful days of Summer bring an abundance of some of the most interesting wild flower blooms and foliage in the Pacific Northwest. Green, green and more green bushes, shrubs and our great evergreen trees. Spectacular! A summer day filled with nature....a true delight.

Happy Mothers Day...

Happy Mothers Day!

Community Gardens, Seattle Washington.

Community Gardens in Seattle Washington...ready for planting, growing fruits and vegetables the simple way... photo: growfoodseattle.com

Mother's Day...

Honoring our Mother's on a special sunday in May is a time honored tradition. Many countries share this, but on different days of the year. However, we should honor our dear mom's every hour and minute of each and every day. They make our lives special and wonderful. Thanks to mother's we have it so much better!  Happy Mother's Day 2014!

Saving on Groceries...

Yes, using coupons does really save money. At the grocery store, drug or department store and even the large box stores. Special holiday discounts and senior days really do work. Just this week I used a special senior day 10% off discount. Makes shopping just a little easier! I was actually happy to be in their store spending time and a few dollars. Don't be afraid to ask for a good customer or senior discount any day of the week. Those savings really add up month after month...Simple shopping...

Simple and lovely Pink Peony...

Simple and lovely, Summer Pink Peony in its splendor...photo: by singer, songwriter Kari Scott @ kariscottmusic.com

Spring Days...

Spring is my very favorite season of the year. It is the renewal of all spirit and soul of the garden and my simple life. I look forward to the daffodils and tulips just like when I was a child wandering in my mothers garden. She always grew the most beautiful iris and primroses, still like to see all of those primroses in her raised garden this year, simple elegance with the best sweet scent ever! Thanks mom...

Growing Tomatoes...

In the Pacific Northwest we have a somewhat shorter growing season. Early planting and early harvesting are the key to a successful garden. Last year my sister-n-law and brother planted many varieties of vegetables. They had a great year, harvesting enough to make salsa, blueberry and strawberry jams, and lots and lots of zucchini dishes...an exciting year in gardening...so for today they are my "Simple Living" heros!  Congrats to Sharon and Ken!

Homemade Salsa and chips...

On a cold winters evening a good snack of Homemade Salsa and chips is so wonderful! Perfect for all of this cold weather we have been having...very economical also....enjoy!

Taking a walk..

Taking a walk is a good way to revitalize our souls....the sounds and scents of nature are so refreshing, even on a darker day of winter when the sun is not present. Sometimes mother earth rewards us with even the beauty of a gray day....

Waves on the Seashore...

At no cost....the gentle sound of waves on the seashore, a warm breeze, the sun warming the sand...ah, the good life...