I’m back and ready to pick up where we left off—where was that, exactly? Happy Wednesday! Summer is not quite finished yet. The summer weather here in SoCal has been manageable overall. We typically get really hot in September, just when I start to think about cool weather, fires in the fireplace and turtleneck sweaters!
Labor Day marks the ceremonial end of summer, but there are still a good few weeks to enjoy the season, even after the three-day weekend ends and schools begin their calendar year. This year, the last day of summer is officially on Sept. 22.
As I mentioned on National Ice Cream Day (third Sunday in July), I’ve worked hard on relaxing during my off hours. I know it’s weird to say I have to work hard to relax, but it’s the truth. As my mother used to say, “Karen, sit still!”
This is what I’ve been up to…
I did a lot of gardening, made plenty of time for entertaining friends and family and actually relaxed a little more than usual.
I shared the patio garden reveal back in March. I wanted to update you with it’s progress.
March 30, 2016: Newly planted patio garden
June 22, 2016: My, how you’ve grown!
The heliotrope and Polygala ‘petite butterfly’ have filled in nicely. Yes, I share the garden with a variety of caterpillars who have been munching on the leaves of the heliotrope as you can see on the leaves in this picture. The delphinium are getting ready to bloom for the second time and the iceberg roses are photo bombing this image (in the background). They’re such show offs. 😉
About the time I feel as if maybe I’m pretty good at gardening I try my hand at planting a few tomato plants and this happens. Gardening can keep you humble with the frequent occasional failure.
I don’t usually plant edibles, except for a few herbs. I have only one spot in the yard that gets “full sun”. So this year I planted 3 small tomato plants in the large clay pot (above-right), in the sunniest location we have. Did I over water? Possibly. The leaves started turning yellow and then shriveling up. Experts on growing tomatoes [in blogland] weigh in, please. I’d love to be able to grow a tomato in this planter.
Here are the other tomato plants, they seem to be surviving. They are in the ground. Wish me luck. We’ve already seen evidence of a critter taking the green tomatoes off the vine and sampling them! {Note to self: This is why I buy my produce at the market} 🙂
One of our close friend’s had a milestone birthday and we hosted a small dinner party for him. It was very fun and since he’s the first to hit this “milestone” birthday, we teased him unmercifully about age!
I used the Portmerion Botanic Garden dishes, my wooden handled flatware, and my green and white plaid napkins for the summer party.
The handsome guy with the apron is our guest of honor. We found the apron HERE. It’s a fun gift for a guy that enjoys grilling!
Recipe and table settings for summer entertaining.
We logged in some wonderful family time, complete with our Austin son and family. Seeing the cousins enjoy themselves while the “adult kids” caught up warmed my heart beyond measure. Icing on the cake! Olivia, our 5 years old granddaughter marching and singing, which tickled Fae our 1 1/2 year old! {bottom picture: Fae at our local park—playing at the “cafe”}
We celebrated with long time friends (almost family) at the wedding of their oldest daughter in a spot that is so swoon worthy—add a romantic wedding and I’m a puddle of warmth and emotions.
Congratulations to the wonderful couple and best wishes to our dear friends, Gretchen and Stu!
I read a few books and by far, my favorite was Eligible: A Modern retelling of Pride and Prejudice by Curtis Sittenfeld. It was a fun read that stayed mostly true to Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.
This pretty much sums up summer. My day job is great and I enjoy the challenges and the camaraderie it provides. What have you been up to?
Karen♥
Dawn said:
What a wonderful summer, dear Karen! Your patio garden is flourishing. It will be lovely to have a second bloom of delphinium! What a fabulous celebration of a milestone birthday The table looked lovely and the guests looked so happy on that memorable occasion. Olivia and Fae are growing up right before our eyes! What a beautiful location for a summer wedding! Best of all, in the midst of all of the fun, you have found some time to relax. Summer… at its best! Have a great Labor Day weekend, Karen! ♡
Karen B. said:
Dawn, Thank you so much. It’s been a very nice summer. I do look forward to the next season, one of my favorite! 🙂 xo, Karen
On Wed, Aug 31, 2016 at 5:06 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Donnamae said:
I’m a fairly new reader. Sounds like a fantastic summer to me! I’ve had great luck with tomato plants in pots…but only one per pot! And lots of sun….at least 6 hours! I grow little sun gold (?) cherry tomatoes…I think that’s what they are called. Orange and very sweet…delicious! I keep them on my deck. Hope this helps. Enjoy the upcoming weekend! 😉
Karen B. said:
Thanks Donnamae. I did wonder if planting the 3 small starter tomatoes was too much for the planter. I may give them another go next summer. I have a friend that grows the small cherry tomatoes and I love those. I appreciate the tips and I’m happy you stopped by. 🙂 Karen
On Wed, Aug 31, 2016 at 5:51 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Reviving Charm said:
Hi Karen,
Horray….so happy you are back!!!!!
It looks like you have had a wonderful summer. How rewarding to see your planter fill in quite nicely. Sorry about the tomatoes…
I’m glad you got some quality time in with friends and family.
Enjoy the last bits of summer….
All the best,
V.
Karen B. said:
Hi, It’s nice to be back. I always enjoy the process when I can think of topics. xo, Karen
On Wed, Aug 31, 2016 at 6:12 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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leslie carney said:
Your garden is so pretty Karen and I’m glad you got to have quality time with family and friends (lots of smiles in these photos!) It is 66 degrees in my yard now and honestly.. it feels good;) I’m ready for a cooler temperatures! I remember growing up in Southern CA and experiencing Santa Anna conditions in September and October. With that came wind and increased risk of fire.. not fun. We were down south a few weeks ago and got caught up in the fire that’s outside of Carmel. My mom said it’s still only 60% contained. The fire fighters can’t get to it to put it out! Anyway I think they’ll have to wait until the season changes to get a handle on it.
Welcome back Karen!
leslie carney said:
Karen, glad you are back! I just typed a long comment and it’s not posted so I’ll try again:)
Looks like you’ve had a wonderful summer with lots of quality time with family and friends (lots of smiles!) Your garden is so pretty and your entertaining style is so inviting.
Hopefully you will experience mild temperatures coming up. I remember growing up in S. CA and experiencing the Sept./Oct. Santa Anna conditions and all the wind and potential for fires. When we were down South last month we experienced the fires around the Carmel area. It’s still only 60% contained ..
Glad you are back and hope you are enjoying your week. xoL
leslie carney said:
ha! there it is!
Karen B. said:
Hi Leslie,
As you remember, our SoCal summer extends into October due to the Santa Ana winds. I pray for the firefighters in the state because if the winds come, you know they will be fighting even more fire. I hope you were able to avoid any true exposure to that fire that’s near Carmel. I’ve heard the challenges involved with fires that are in these areas that even hikers would have trouble getting to.
Thanks so much for stopping by…I stayed connected to those blogs (yours) that I love to read!
xo,
Karen
After Orange County said:
Hi Karen, it’s very nice to have you back in blogland. You’ve been missed. But I truly admire you for taking some time off and for taking time for you. I can so appreciate how hard it is to slow down and smell the roses, something I too struggle with. I’m hoping staying active is a healthy pursuit too. Keep it comin’!
Karen B. said:
Celia, I am happy to know another Type A! Blogland seems to be a place for kindred spirits. 🙂 I think that my age has finally taught me to relax and slow down…it took long enough. LOL Thank you for stopping by. xo, Karen
On Wed, Aug 31, 2016 at 9:32 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Chronica Domus said:
Not quite sure if I’d call all that relaxing but I’m glad you managed to sit down for a bit in between the entertaining and gardening.
I too have found it hard to grow tomatoes in pots. I’ve had better luck in the ground and even got a few volunteers the following year from the prior year’s harvest. My favorite tomatoes to buy are available at our local farmers’ market right now (Early Girl) and they taste phenomenal! The secret – little to no water. They are “dry farmed” and taste outstanding. I should try this myself one of these days.
Enjoy the remainder of the summer (we finally get good weather here in San Francisco at the beginning of October).
Karen B. said:
Hi CD, I will definitely try to put them in the ground next year and I’ve made note of some that you found to be successful. I’m an avid gardener, but since we have so little “full sun” in our yard, I’ve steered clear of growing vegetables. I do grow herbs without issue. Your recent post showing the things you’ve grown and enjoyed dining on, has inspired me to try harder and maybe a little earlier next year. xo, Karen
On Wed, Aug 31, 2016 at 2:46 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Gretchen Gibson said:
Karen, I was so happy to see your posting show up in my email today. I loved seeing the newest pictures of Olivia and Fae. In that close-up of Fae she looks so much like her daddy (I had previously thought she looked like her mommy!). They are both darling girls.
Thank you for including the photos from Emily’s wedding. It was such a special day that we happily shared with our closest friends and family.
Like you, I’m ready for Fall to arrive. It’s been a very busy and eventful Summer but I’m ready for a change!
Karen B. said:
Counting the days until we can count on cool evenings. To sleep with a blanket would be heaven!
xo,
Karen
cheri said:
I have a granddaughter named Olivia as well and she is two. Oh what fun! Your garden is beautiful, looks like you have been busy.
Karen B. said:
Hi Cheri,
Thank you for stopping by. Do you think you and family will call her Olivia or will it be abbreviated. Now that our Olivia is 5 years old, she has announced she wants to be called “Livi”. LOL
Karen
Linda Coble said:
Karen,
Your garden looks beautiful! All of the new plants seem to have thrived (regardless of the caterpillars). I also loved the pics from Ray’s birthday party and Emily’s wedding. Happy times! Fae and Livi playing in the backyard made me smile too. Thanks for a lovely end of summer post.
Karen B. said:
Thanks for visiting today. I’m hoping I can get back into the swing of blog posting. 🙂 xo, Karen
On Fri, Sep 2, 2016 at 10:32 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Summer Daisy said:
How lovely! Your patio garden is looking quite beautiful ♥
summerdaisycottage.blogspot.com
Karen B. said:
Thank you so much. We’ve struggled with a severe drought and water is restricted. Fortunately the newer, low water-need plants seem okay with our water usage. 🙂 Karen
On Mon, Sep 5, 2016 at 10:34 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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