Blues with a Dash of Turquoise

Welcome to the first tablescape of summer! Pastel shades still dominate in early summer gardens, and that's where I found my inspiration.

The April Garden

The garden has gone through a rough period the past few years.  We suffered through the hottest summer ever in North Georgia. We saw the return of the drought, and with it strict water use guidelines. Since I wasn't keen on trying to water after midnight with a flashlight, the garden pretty much depended on rainfall.

Perhaps I should describe our garden. Our yard is blessed with a large number of hardwood trees towering 60 feet or more. We were able to keep them when we built the house 20 years ago, but have seen about a dozen succumb to construction trauma and drought. Perennials and flowering shrubs are interspersed among the trees and in front of the house, which is the only planted location with half-to-full-day sun.

These intrepid flowers made their appearance in April.

A Run for the Triple Crown

I love going to horse races. I loved spending Saturdays at River Downs, where my favorite place to be was always at the finish line. To hear and see and feel magnificent thoroughbreds thunder past me is unforgettable. I never cared who won, it was the races themselves that were exciting!

Late Spring with Toulouse

Spring has returned, with clear blue skies and wonderful breezes. It chased summer away with thunderstorms and rains for days. But I don't mind – I much prefer spring! (This northern transplant has yet to get used to southern summers...even after all these years!)

 

And so I bring you another spring-themed table! 

 

A Celebration Delayed

Essays and lab reports due. Study group dates intricately planned and coordinated. Finals looming!

They all conspired to delay daughter J's birthday celebration. An auspicious evening for it finally arrived this week.

We kept it low-key at her request, but still included all the trappings of our family traditions, which my parents had begun. The person of honor gets to choose the menu, and we always use fine tableware.