Summer Blues

I am so glad I visited Heidi this morning and her celebration of the Summer Blues. I have been infatuated with the "Blues" of summer my self....blues has been my color of choice this season..


Everytime I stop in a shop, blue captures my eye and I end up bringing home a bag with something ... like my new blue place mats.... these gorgeous throw pillows ....


... a sweet pottery vase for lavendar painted with delicate blue posies...


I suppose my "Blue" inspiration is a natural thing.. as I gaze our my summer windows, blue cheers my very soul!




Every hue of blue....







Even the filtered light that comes on the window calms my busy spirit and gives a sense of repose in blue!




So I am joining Heidi in just reveling in the majesty of "Blue" this season.... and allowing it's cool and refreshing loveliness wash over me as I celebrate this rest of the summer season!!!

Happy Fourth of July

I pray that everyone has a fun and safe holiday, today. Our dd and sil have invited both families up to their home to celebrate as they will probably be living out of state this time next year. In fact, they plan to start packing this weekend for their big move as they prepare to leave college life behind. Joshua loves to grill so he is preparing pork and chicken shish-ka-bobs.
I'm fixing cole slaw, and bringing the bread, Joshua's mom will bring a delectable platter of sliced assorted fruits very artfully arranged, and my mom will be bringing her delicious macoroni salad. I'm not sure what else Amanda will fix, but I believe it will include this!

UPDATE:
Amanda's table was perfection! The food was plentiful! Jan's fruit was a "picturesque",
and everything was delish! The torte Amanda made was fabulous! I am so proud of her accomplishments! It was definitely a Fourth celebration for the books!

According to Seasonal Delights,"We’re kicking off An Old Fashioned Summer with Strawberry Lovers Pie!

Strawberries, chocolate and cream cheese combine for a beautiful pie just in time for summer. Mrs. T from Across My Kitchen Table kindly shared this recipe with us.
We’re kicking off An Old Fashioned Summer with Strawberry Lovers Pie!
Strawberry Lovers Pie
Ingredients:
1 pastry shell, baked
½ cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon butter
6 ounces cream cheese, softened
½ cup sour cream
3 tablespoons sugar
½ teapsoon vanilla
3 to 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled
1/3 cup strawberry jam, melted

Chocolate Drizzle Ingredients:
¼ cup chocolate chips
1 teaspoon shortening

Instructions:

In a saucepan or microwave, melt ½ cup chocolate chips and butter. Stir until smooth. Spread melted chocolate over bottom and up sides of pastry shell. Chill.
Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, sour cream, sugar and vanilla until smooth. Pour into pastry shell, smoothing out over surface. Cover and chill for 2 hours.
Arrange strawberries, tip ends up, over the filling. Melt strawberry jam in saucepan or microwave. Brush jam over strawberries.
Chocolate drizzle: melt ¼ cup chocolate chips and shortening in saucepan or microwave. Using a spoon, drizzle over top of pie.
Compliments to Kelli, over at Kelli's House,http://www.kellishouse.blogspot.com/ and you need to wish her a happy annivesary today!
www.sdquarterly.com/2008/06/23/strawberry-lovers-pie/#more-89
In my kitchen, we can't seem to get enough watermelon! Paired with blueberries, fresh strawberries, apples, grapes, and mango, the fruits of the season really dont need any further adornment.
Unless you mix in a bit of honey, yogurt, and top with some delectable granola for a stunning brunch parfait!