O'Leno State Park, the River Trail along the Santa Fe River

 The River Trail along the river is an easy hike and the most popular hiking trail in the park. Read more HERE. 

I'm still working on photos from our camping trips from the early summer.

It's too hot to spend time outside so I'm blogging, reading AND decluttering and cleaning house.

So far I'm feeling good about my progress. These are photos from a hike on the river trail.

This gator is a young one and not very big.

Doesn't he look prehistoric with all of his bumps and ridges?

He was far down in the water...I zoomed!

And this is not even an alligator.

I always call these monsters when I see them in the river or the forest.

The bridge is like brand new now with all the repairs.

I even walked on it for a short distance....

and took this photo down the Santa Fe river.

Some pretty flowers along the trail,

and a Pileated Woodpecker high in the tree.

And at the trailhead where you park they've put in new playground equipment.

It would be a good spot for a picnic or relaxing with a good book.

And I've just finished my favorite book of the year so far!

My Friends by Fredric Backman.

I love all of the books he's written but this one stands out as my all time favorite!

Have you read any good books this summer?

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

  and Mosaic Monday HERE. 

From Hilarious to Heartbreaking!

 

No, it doesn't describe my life! It describes the books I've been reading.

I don't like doing book reviews because I'm always afraid I'll reveal too much about the story. I actually liked doing book reports in school but then, I've always loved to read.

So I'm going to mention some of the books I've read lately and intersperse my comments with wildflowers that I've seen this week.

Let's start with Hilarious! 

The 100 year old man who climbed out the window and disappeared by Jonas Jonasson

That's the title and even the title makes you want to snicker! And once you start reading it you will NOT want to stop. I read it in a couple of days. 

So how can I describe it? It's quirky!

And then we'll pick up the next book that I checked out of the library. (I actually check them out as ebooks and read them on my IPAD with the Kindle App)

This is one of the best books I've read this year!

The Book Woman's Daughter by Kim Michele Richardson

This is the second book in this series and I recommend you read the first one, The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek first to get to know the characters.

I loved the setting in rural Kentucky. It reminded me of the mountains of NC. 

But I warn you. It will break your heart and you'll be in tears more than once as you read this story, much of it based on true events that took place back in the early 1950s in rural America.

Now I am reading a series of mysteries by Sarah Shaber.

Louise's War is the first in this series and the best place to start. I'm on book 5 in the series and have loved them all! My husband is reading them now too. 

So let me know what you are reading this summer? 

I'll put it on my wish list or hold list at the library. 

Happy Reading!

I'm joining Angie for Mosaic Monday HERE . 

I’m joining Thankful Thursdays and

I like Thursdays HERE too! 

Thankful Thursday around the house

 

I'm very thankful for having a nice home to 'hang out' in during this troublesome times. It's never a dull moment! 

Even the Sandhill Cranes came by for a visit!

They were in the back on the  golf course and then walked between the houses to the front yard.

And when our electricity went off for close to an hour, was it a coincidence that this vehicle was in the neighborhood. We rarely have this happen so we went into high gear finding candles and getting our dinner ready to cook on the grill.

But it came back on and no one had to eat a cold supper! lol

I've put out a few pretty Christmas throws in the lanai and my pixies are on a shelf in the sewing room with wooden blocks in front. 

My girlfriend Lynn O. has written a book, Dream Come True and had it published! 

Well done, girlfriend! I'm so proud of you and love my book!

I bought some pretty wintry coasters from Etsy at Prickly Pillowcases HERE and they will come in handy. Big enough for a cup or even a cereal bowl! And so well made! I love them!

Linda from Linda's Life Journal sent me a Christmas card with her 2020 Santa and Mrs. Claus. 

How delightful!

And I bought a Llama dishcloth from Swedish dishcloths HERE. I use them all the time and I've never had one especially for Christmas!

Have you treated yourself to anything new this week?

(should I put it on MY wish list? I've been very very good, I promise!)

I’m joining Thankful Thursdays and

I like Thursdays HERE too!

Money for Books!

I am not a big spender. I tend to use it up and wear it out and sometimes even do without! lol

But I do love books! 

So when I won the giveaway that Brenda had on her blog, It's a Beautiful Life, I spent my giveaway money on books! 

I knew she would approve!

 

I always have books and movies in my wish list and I was going between getting some of the When Calls the Heart DVDs or books. And isn't it funny when you have a gift card, you start looking even more diligently! Like my happiness depends on making the right choice! heehee!

So I've been wanting a journal that I can use for writing AND sketching so I found this one!

And then for inspiration, I bought this book too, Keeping a Nature Journal. I am so excited to have them both and look forward to even more hikes with the nicer weather. 

And adding some art to my hiking journal.

I also splurged on Etsy and got a vintage reader. I already had Busy World and I found To and Fro from Three Bear Vintage.  She was delightful to exchange messages with too.

I might have gone slightly over my gift card winnings but I couldn't resist these wonderful books!

Thanks to Brenda for adding to my joy! Happy blogging to her! The link to It's a Beautiful Life is HERE. Visit her....you'll love her AND her beautiful blog! 

And shop Etsy's handmade and vintage items! 

I am praying for everyone in the path of Hurricane Sally...friends and family! Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. 

I’m joining Thankful Thursdays and

I like Thursdays HERE too!

Welcome! Come on IN!

Growing up in the South, when we visited a neighbor or friend, we always opened the door and said 'YOOHOO'! I don't ever remember knocking or ringing a door bell. If it was at a relatives' house, I just opened the door and said their name....with a question mark on the end! So open the door, say Diane, are you there? And come on in! Or a simple 'Yoohoo' will get you in!

We're coming in the front door but the first thing we'll do is go close the drapes in the back. We leave them open most of the time but they let in too much Florida sunshine for our photos. We've put some sheers up to help with glare but we pull them back most of the time too. We love our sunshine and this big window looks out into the courtyard where the bird feeders are and our beloved birds!

A couple of you wanted to see my 2 red sofas but I know most of you have seen them over the years.

You'll notice I put red throws on the back of this sofa to keep the sun from fading the fabric. 

So for those that have seen the living room many times before, you can go on into the lanai and have a glass of Iced Tea. I'll meet you there in a bit! 

(art by local Florida artists)

And we'll look back at what you'll see at the entrance.

Make yourself at home!

We have 2 big dark brown leather recliners for comfort and a big screen TV for movie watching.

And you know I'm a firm believer of surrounding yourself with things you love.

So there are a few dolls here and there and children's books.

OLD books that I cherish.

And large bookcases filled with favorite books and some pottery we've collected over the years.

(and beautiful hand made baskets on top of the bookcases)

I change the throw pillow covers out pretty often.

We designated a library area at one end of our living room and that's where our piano is (my husband and I both play) and a table that can be used to play games or cards....or to read a book! I try to keep it simple so that it can be used and not just for show.

Wendy said she's enjoyed having you stop by. It's been pretty quiet here this summer! 

I'm thankful for a nice place to live and favorite things to enjoy

....and for friends that stop by to visit!

I’m joining Thankful Thursdays and

I like Thursdays HERE too!