Visiting Chateau Laroche

I first learned about the Loveland Castle  (aka "Chateau Laroche") a few months ago when researching possible wedding locations in the Cincinnati area. Ever since landing upon the website, I've wanted to see it for myself in person. A few days ago, we finally went. If you are local to the Cincinnati area and you have never been, please set aside an hour or two of your weekend to go wander around the castle and grounds sometime. While it's not really a place for us to get married, admission is only $3 and it is a truly inspiring story with lots of photo opportunities.

Celebrating the 4th

"You  have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4,  not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White  House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where  kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from  happiness.  You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism." ~Erma Bombeck

{© 2011 Blog Boutique | Meagan of Defining Motherhood | Photo © Heather Donahue}

Another one checked off the "bucket list"

    A little over a week ago, on a beautiful Friday afternoon in Indiana, I was finally convinced (by Tim) to go kayaking for the first time ever. I must say, given the awesome conditions and the gorgeous sunny day, if I didn't like it then, I knew I was never going to like it.  Thankfully, we started out with a really mild river and a not-so-enclosed kayak ("without a skirt" is what I was told?)....  and it made for a really enjoyable experience.  And, as you can see, I even got the opportunity to snap a few photos.  Not saying I will try kayaking in the ocean anytime soon, but it is a lot less intimidating.

   And now, I'm hoping to check off a few more "bucket list" items this summer.

Your Love ...

and "Sweet Lilac Breeze" now available in the shop.

Currently loving...

 ... this berry dessert at the Olive Garden. 

 ... lazy, sunny days with the dogs.

... one of my favorite magnolia photos now framed and hanging in the bedroom.

 

It's shaping up to be a great month. 

Weekend Pretties

From my new "In The Garden" collection.

Enjoy the weekend! 

Happy Memorial Day!

For sale to a good home here (without the logo) to remind you to celebrate life every day. ;)

Technical Difficulties

Since running into maintenance issues last week, Blogger has been struggling to restore full functionality to all blogs on its network. If you have run into trouble while trying to access the blog or the comments section (or noticed that your comment got deleted from the most recent post), I apologize but please know that this problem is out of my control. It is frustrating for me as well! I have not been able to log-in or post a picture on some occasions, hence the lack of posts. All I can do is wait for these issues to sort themselves out (hopefully by Monday or Tuesday at the latest) and ask that you bear with me. Thanks.

In other news, our garden has grown by leaps and bounds since the last time I posted. We went from little potted sprouts to into the garden in about three weeks time. Pretty darn good. Now if only these thunderstorms could stay away for a few more weeks so that our poor little tomato plants don't get pummeled by the rain, we'll be in good shape!

 

And speaking of gardening (and April showers bringing May flowers), I will have lots of new pictures to add to the Etsy shop very soon. If you want a sneak peek, check the Facebook page and leave me some feedback!

Up and Up

Lots of promising things popping up in the greenhouse right now. Fruits, veggies and flowers are sprouting up everywhere.  We are lovin' it.

Dreaming of Butterflies

A couple of photos from the Butterfly Show at Krohn Conservatory this year. There are more here on the Facebook page.  I am hoping to go back at least one or two more times before the exhibit ends next month. (Such a cool thing when they land on you, too.) If you're in the Cincinnati area, it's definitely worth checking out. Just make sure you charge the camera batteries before you go! ;)