Wednesday, June 24, 2009

FOUND TIME

It looks like my internet problems have been solved and I will once again be able to connect with the world at large. On days when I couldn’t log on, I discovered “found” time to do some of the other things I love.

I finally uploaded garden photos taken two weeks before.

I began to win the war on weeds.
I designed a new front staircase.

I had more time to plan and cook for a lavish retirement party to celebrate my husband's retiring from government service.The grand antipasto was a big hit with his co-workers.

I baked homemade muffins from fresh-picked fruit for my son (who is in town for his dad’s retirement festivities).

I finished knitting a gift for a friend.
I spent time watching my backyard wildlife.

And I read a lot about the Amalfi Coast and Campania region of Italy, where I am heading in early July.

Perhaps, I’ve discovered the riddle of modern life. Can a person be too busy communicating to actually do things worthy of communicating about?

*** BLOGS DU JOUR ***

Take a trip without leaving home.

Travel the coast of Italy at Ciao Amalfi with expat travel writer Laura as your guide. Her sense of adventure and lovely photos will keep you coming back for more.

For a French connection visit Tara at Paris Parfait. A talented photographer and woman of many interests, Tara is an American living la vie Parisienne since 2001. C’est bon!

WIN! WIN! WIN!

It's not too late to win a free copy of my new book Waterside Styles. Visit www.watersidestyles and Join My Mailing List.

One lucky name will be chosen to win a free copy of the book (winner to be chosen the day I receive the books from Gibbs Smith).

If you've already ordered a copy and win, I'll refund your purchase price or you can request the prize copy for a friend.

How's that for a good deal?

15 comments:

Alison Gibbs said...

Hi Barbara what a busy time you have had, but the best must have been watching your backyard wildlife. Such a peaceful setting
Alison

Rosa said...

What a beautiful blog you have! I found you via the comment you left on Laura's. It seems that we share the passion for gardening.

Georgia Peachez said...

You've been quite busy with your "found" time. I hoping to find some time this week too. The garden is calling me and it's time to mow the grass before the heat of the day drives me back inside! xo, suzy

Anonymous said...

Hi Barbara, isn't it amazing what we can get done when our computers are down...love your new staircase and the food looked fabulous. Have a blessed day.

LeAnn:)

Natalie Meester said...

would love to win your new book. I love your landscaping and the hostas are GORGEOUS!

NeereAnDear said...

Alas... you have discovered why the blogging community has been so quiet of late....I believe many of us (I know I am )are trying to take care of priorities and finding a renewed sense of nature .... picking up a good book to read... and simply creating... cooking...enjoying the simple things in life....

I have found that many times one is so busy we dont get to always take in what is around us......though its nice to read other blogs and catch up with the rest of the world... and it can be a blessing with friendships forged... ie...I never would have met you... you can truly get caught up in it all....

Your garden is quite stunning ... amass with color and beauty...

As for Italy.... I am jealous... very LOL... a dream of mine one day to visit my roots...

Have a blast..

LOTS OF HUGS
JO

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

So glad you are back up and running! I hope you got my return email a few days ago. Let me know if you didn't.

I am sooooooooooojealous of you going to the Amalfi Coast and Campania region. We were in the northern part of Italy a year ago and loved it. Just recently we attended a wine dinner that featured wines from Campania and made us want to visit there. I can't wait to hear what you think about it. Look for the winery, Terredora Di Paolo. It is in Via Serra, Montefusco. Here is their website..www.terredora.com. The wines are amazing!

Dianne Wood said...

Hi Barbara,
Yes, it IS amazing what we can get don when our silent friend decides to take a break...:) Seems you discovered many enjoyable task. Love your starirway..!! Have fun on your trip.
Dianne

Barbara said...

Your garden is as beautiful as I remember if from last year Barbara and your party catering too.

Cathy said...

Hi Barbara.

Wow, you've accomplished quite a few project there! Knitting, designing a front porch, and all that cooking, YOU GO GIRL. I do love the photo of woodland creature although the creatures in my garden are eating everything. It's been a tough road trying to keep some of my favorite plants alive. I guess it's the only house around with a huge buffet of great choices.

Have a wonderful time in Italy.

xo Cath

gale (she shoots sheep shots) said...

I'm in!
Your garden's looking fabulous--and so is that anti-pasto. I think you made me hungry....

Laura said...

Ciao Barbara! What a beautiful garden you have. I am very happy to have found your blog. Thank you for sharing photos and for including a link to Ciao Amalfi. You are too sweet! You are going to have a fabulous time on the Amalfi Coast! Not too many more days left now... :-) Ciao ciao!

Drawn to The Sea said...

Being away from the pc is both a blessing & a curse... looks like you made the most of the blessings ;-)

Antipasto... what a good idea! Can't remember the last time I laid a platter out.

Gail McCormack said...

Hi Barbara

Your garden looks wonderful.
I'm very impressed with your staircase.
Your cooking and presentation of food is inspiring to say the least

Congratulations on the arrival of your book, I bet it's sensational.
I would love to enter your giveaway, hopefully I'm not too late, and hopefully it's OK for an Aussie fan to enter!!

Anonymous said...

I've been snooping around your book page as well as your blog... What a marvelous place you have here in Bloggyland and your book looks phenomenal!

Just lovely.
Di
The Blue Ridge Gal