Pretty Little Peony Bouquet

I picked a few peony buds...that had not opened (no ants)...and within a day or two.... they shared their awesomeness!

The peonies (all five of them) have pretty much bloomed for this year....they were truly gorgeous!

We've had heat warnings here the past couple of days (doing my happy gyrations (can't dance much right now).....we've been enjoying the pool numerous times daily!  Canada Day was amazing - a very strong wind (which caused the fireworks to be cancelled tho)....we had a great pool afternoon with daughter & family, delicious bar-b-cue - hamburgers, hot dogs, & steak - potato chips & chocolate cupcakes for dessert!!

Lots of sun, water & good food.....we all slept well that night!  Another hot one today....possible thundershower late in the day (perfect way to end a perfect day)!

I have been so patient....looking for canvas(es) to hang in the main bath!!  I knew what I wanted....just had to wait!  Inspired Living goes live most evenings to share new things they bring in.....and they shared many new canvases..... I had to visit the minute they shared two in particular!!    I'll have Mr. Seventies hang them & share on Monday...I am so excited!!!

The new store is looking a-m-a-z-i-n-g!!  They carry Canadian made furniture....gorgeous pieces!  Almost wish I was in the market...our family room sofa, chair & recliner, bedroom furniture (except for the antique four post bed) and leather set in the lower level....are all exceptional, quality Canadian made furniture.   Built to last!

And....wishing

To my American readers, friends & family!!  Both Mr. Seventies & I grew up in "border towns".......  (New Brunswick - Maine border). - and we still have family in the USA!   Living on the border & travelling back & forth was a way of life back then!!

Wishing you all a safe & joyous holiday tomorrow!!

Til next time....

 

June Has Come....and Gone

Here it is....the end of June!  We've had overcast, rain & blustery days recently....hopeful summer shows up soon!

I pulled the main bedroom together.....I like these lamps compared to the previous ones....would have preferred them taller....but neither of us read in bed.....and seldom have them on....

 I'm obsessed with this Pottery Barn quilt....I had originally purchased this one for the guest bedroom...but decided to use it in the main bedroom....the quality is wonderful....(I hope the photos are large enough)....so pretty for the summer months....

I'm having Mr. Seventies paint the guest bedroom & ceiling.....in early fall.  I'll place the other Pottery Barn quilt on the bed in there....

The baskets from Wal Mart arrived....they were such a good price...a little over twenty dollars for a set of three....I set them on the hearth....

It must seem like I have a number of tart warmers....(some though are only used at Halloween and Christmas).....I've been eyeing this teapot warmer on Postmark for some time now.  I sent the seller an offer....and it will soon be mine!!  BTW - I'm a tea drinker....so it's fitting....

It does have a bulb....some are more a "hot plate" style....no bulb required.....I have extra bulbs on hand if needed....

The tart well & cover.....sit on top of the tea pot...I can't wait for it to arrive...I also have a second shipment of my favourite tarts ordered....(they are never available here)...they smell amazing....

I also may have ordered this gorgeous Kate Spade handbag....I had a hard time choosing between the black & white.....or the black....

I chose the black & white....and may order the black one down the road....they are medium size crossbody bags....

I don't have much luck ordering footwear online....either the quality is lacking....or the sizing is way off!  I popped into a local, family owned shoe store here....it opened its doors in 1965 & still does a thriving business today.....selling quality footwear for men & women....

You can't go wrong with Josef Seibel shoes and sandals.....I picked these ones....a bit of a combination of both!  I needed to size down (keeping in mind leather stretches)....and am crushing on the colour..  The staff in the shop are so knowledgeable & friendly.....and I qualified for the "senior's discount!!  Some days it's good to be me....

Tomorrow......July 1st is Canada Day!!  While we are invited to a get together & bar-b-que with friends we are looking forward to a celebratory bar-b-cue with daughter & family!  There are numerous events on the city waterfront....and grand daughter is excited to enjoy the bouncy castles!  Lots of activities going on....all afternoon & into the evening....with fireworks at dark!!

To my fellow Canadians.....wear your country red & white with pride!  We are the true north, strong and free!!!  Get out there & enjoy the festivities...and be ever mindful of this beautiful country of ours! Forever blessed - born & raised Canadian!!

Please join me later today over at https://betweennapsontheporch.net/ for Metamorphis Monday! And again tomorrow at https://www.myslicesoflife.com/ for Talking About it Tuesday as well as https://www.astrollthrulife.net/ for Inspire Me Tuesday....

Show some love to some awesome bloggers....

Until next time....

One Year Ago Today

It has been one year this day since my heart attack.....and I survived!  The doctors said I was "very lucky" to have survived.....had it not been for Mr. Seventies quick actions.....I might not have. I'm going to share my story....

We were having a lovely evening....entertaining our neighbours....enjoying quiet conversation & catching up....about to enjoy some snacks & dip I had prepared.  As I was chatting....I suddenly began having severe pain...right in the middle of my chest!

Not in the arm or jaw area & not a burning pain.....just a severe pain that took hold fast!  I remember looking at my neighbour & thinking, "does she know there is something wrong with me?"   (she didn't).

I turned to Mr, Seventies & told him..."I don't feel well" & explained the pain in my chest.  Our neighbours quickly left, thinking I was going to head off to bed.....as was my plan.  Since I have a history of heart disease (two coronary stents)....Mr. Seventies insisted he take my blood pressure.  That simple task....probably saved my life!  

He quickly was on the phone with a 911 operator....giving them my BP stats....BP & heart rate.....extremely high!  And within 4-5 minutes.....we had two EMT in our family room....one hooking me up to an ECG, while the other took info from Mr. Seventies.   By this time, still in severe pain....I was lying down on the sofa....hooked up to the ECG....when the EMT gently and calmly stated..."You are having a heart attack".   And popped two aspirin in my mouth.  Within minutes another ambulance & two additional EMT arrived....and I was given morphine for the pain (since I stupidly refused the nitro spray)........and was quickly transported by ambulance to the trauma department at our hospital. 

Before leaving....sometime in all the confusion....our daughter had arrived...I will never forget the worried faces she & her father displayed...

Once in trauma I was quickly assessed by the trauma room doctor.....and my sweet nurse, Blake...never left my side.  Mr. Seventies & daughter were right there as well.  I was still in severe pain & was given two additional pain medications.  There was great discussions with cardiologists about administering a "clot" buster.   My previous history of internal stomach bleeding caused great hesitation.....fear I may bleed profusely.  It was decided I could have blood infusions.....and the clot buster was administered.   The IV areas on my arms did bleed....quite a bit...but pressure bandages were applied....

I was quickly transported to New Brunswick to a hospital that has a cardiac care centre (PEI does not).  The cath lab team & cardiologist were waiting for me...and I was swiftly taken in for angioplasty. 

My previous stents - still intact....and no blockages found.  

I wasn't aware there are two types of heart attacks...STEMI and NSTEMI.   STEMI - is your typical heart attack...usually caused by blockages in the arteries.  NSTEMI happens when an artery is partially blocked, reducing blood flow to the heart...leading to damage to the heart muscle.  Both are very serious...and require immediate medical care.

They suspect, in my cause...plaque broke off in an artery and a clot formed.  This clot restricted blood flow to my heart.....causing the heart attack.  The clot buster did exactly what it was supposed to do - it broke up the clot allowing blood to flow freely again to my heart!

What I wasn't aware of at the time....the clot buster has...on occasion... caused brain aneurysm & death.  For me...it saved my life.  

There was damage to my heart.....but unlike STEMI heart events....NSTEMI hearts can heal.  Although not as much or as quick as the doctors would have liked....before my knee replacement in April....my ECG, Echocardiogram & ultrasound showed my heart is doing much better.

And with that....I am happy to say....I survived!  A few weeks after my attack, someone commented "you must have been so scared"......

My t-shirt says it all.....Heart Attack Survivor - Nothing Scares Me.

New Doorbell Needed!

Ever notice how things snowball, so to speak?  I picked up two new outside doorbell buttons (original to the house)...and during installation we discovered the back door chime isn't working.  The front one works fine....but what can we expect from a fifty-two year old (also original) doorbell?

This is the current cover....replaced a few years back....the original was metal....with rounded edges & had about seven coats of paint in an attempt to "pretty it up"......this one was an upgrade....

The problem is not with the doorbell button...but the actual doorbell itself!  I give you exhibit B - 

The actual workings of newer models  have not been changed (thankfully) over the years & we are able to find one that hopefully will be compatible....and comes with two outside buttons....

We were not able to source locally....so "Mamazon"(as we jokingly call it)... (Amazon) it is!  It should be a much needed upgrade!  

Yesterday.....was extremely hot here with high humidity.....today is cooler but still warm!  Then we go back into wet & cooler temperatures....where is our hot & humid summer, as forecasted?

It was my first dip in the pool....it felt amazing!  And one of the few times I was able to get a good night's sleep without knee pain....

I forgot to share, I did pick up the adorable bow vase & it makes for a perfect toothbrush holder!! As a rule, I shy away from breakables with tile floors in the bath & kitchen.....I'm a bit of a klutz....but this was too cute not to pass up....

Had this planter been a bit larger it could have made a cute bathroom waste basket.......

I'm planning to get out & about today....if my knee starts to hurt....I'll head for home!   The difficult part is getting in & out of the driver's side of the SUV....

Thanks so much for being here today....I so appreciate your company!   I will leave you with this final thought....

Til next time.....

Beautiful Time of Year

Even though we've had a mixed bag of weather ....the gardens and property are looking great!  Mr. Seventies has worked hard...mulching all the gardens, staining decks & steps & finishing up planting the vegetable garden.....and.....the pool is up & running..

Mr. Seventies had a quick dip...(okay he had to get in to set in the pool steps....but it counts)......today he plans to attach the solar blanket to the roller....I picked up new clips & straps....

Tomorrow is forecast to be quite warm....but we need more than one day of heat & sun.....we've been enjoying toasted marshmallows at  the fire pit....

I thought I'd share photos of a few of the shrubs & peonies currently blooming....this variegated weigela .....stunning.....

Even prettier up close.....gorgeous blossoms....

The Red Prince weigela is a little later blooming.....but is gorgeous when covered in blossoms!

And the peonies have come into their own....there is a blush pink one on one side of the pool deck not pictured that is a bit later blooming....this coral one is my favourite.....stunning colour!!

I would love to bring in fresh bouquets....but the ants love them too much.....and I'm not brining ants into the house!  I tried plunging them in cold water after cutting a few.....but that does not rid them of all the ants.....so I'll be content to enjoy them.....outside...

This was the first peony we planted a few years ago.....she doesn't disappoint year after year....

This gorgeous darker pink one is stunning as well....Mr. Seventies fed them well in the spring with Miracle Grow.....

Mr. Seventies planted a few of my favourite gladiola bulbs earlier in the spring.....can't wait for them to grow....and the poppies in the side garden are in full bloom!  

It promises to be sunny with cloudy periods today....perfect outside working weather....Mr. Seventies has been busy replacing boards on the lower pool deck walls.....mostly behind shrubs he's cut back.....he plans to replace the steps from the pool deck to the back yard before fall.....

We've had fresh beet greens from the veggie garden....when my sister would visit this time of year....it was one of her favourite veggies.   She passed away in 2016.....each year we enjoy beet greens in her honour...

Be sure to& join me later today over at https://betweennapsontheporch.net/ for Metamorphis Monday.....and again tomorrow with Joanne at https://www.myslicesoflife.com/ for Talking About It Tuesdays as well as https://www.astrollthrulife.net/ for Inspire Me Tuesday....

Thanks so much for visiting with me today....so appreciate you being here!

Until next time.....

Quick Browse Around Winners

Winners here carries the same stock at Home Sense, Marshalls (no store here).....and clothing & footwear......a department store similar to Marshalls....

I stopped in the other day.....and put together an outfit for the upcoming wedding....wide leg linen capris, pretty top & lightweight cardigan....and purchased this adorable bath mat...

I should have picked up this piece.....to hold toothbrushes.....they had a few on the shelves so may have to pick it up my next visit....

I came across these adorable dish towels....two as shown in the photo & an additional  blue waffle one.......hanging on the freezer drawer handle they are within easy reach.....

And this frame.....adorable!  I am Mimi to my grandchildren....my oldest granddaughter honoured me with that name when "Grammie" was too difficult to master....so Mimi it is!!  I've actually spoken to a few other Mimis....seems it's more common than I thought.....

This soy candle & glass jar are so pretty....but it held little scent....I find that true of most candles sold at Home Sense & Winners.....

This pretty cushion caught my eye...might have looked nice on the deacon's bench.....I left it for someone else to enjoy....

I came across these adorable baskets on Wal Mart website.....on sale so I couldn't resist - delivery to the store is free....they should be handy for storage although not overly big....

The gardens are looking beautiful these days....our half a dozen peonies are ready to burst open!  I wish ants didn't love them so!  I would enjoy a few fresh peony bouquets.....but even soaking them in cold water does not rid them of ants I have discovered!!

The yellow lupins are in full bloom.....we planted these and red ones as well.....although the red have yet to take off.....

Not sure if these are the red.....as the colour seems to change & fade the more it opens....still so pretty though.....

We have clumps of Iris in various colours.....this combination is my favourite.....stunning.....beautiful yellow and cranberry.....

The weather is forecast to be warm....we've had cloud cover the past few days....we need sun!  Mr. Seventies has the deck floors stained.....he forgot about staining the front step!  We need to pick up more stain to complete them.....and he has been suffering with a sore throat & cold for almost a week now!  He is feeling better today....it's hard to keep him contained!!!

Plans are underway for our granddaughter's "Heart-iversary".  Each year, on or near July 2...we celebrate the day of her successful open heart surgery..... performed at the sick children's hospital in Nova Scotia during Covid.   She was a mere12 weeks old! 

Last year....the celebration was derailed with my heart attack........this year we hope to celebrate both our heart health!!  She's asking for a "bouncy" castle....after all the tooth fairy left her $6!!   Her Mama is looking into renting one.....

Thanks so much for stopping by today.....have an awesome weekend!!!

Til next time.....

New Canvas for Guest Room

I popped into Inspired Living to check out their selection of canvases.....I've been searching for one for the guest bedroom (when it gets refreshed).  I thought I would share a few I found.....and the one I purchased....some were framed such as this one....love the muted colours....

This one is so pretty.....they've carried it in other colour variations....they never seem to last long in the store....this one is framed as well...

I'm obsessed with this highland cow canvas.....it is a huge piece....don't think I didn't wrack my brain  to figure out where I could hang it in this seventies split....ugh......no place came to mind...

One owner of the store claimed this was a "self portrait" of himself.....I had to chuckle....

And this....this is the one I went in for!   After three trips around the store....I finally came across it....it appears I have a thing for old trucks....

These rechargeable hurricane lamps are adorable....would be perfect on the mantle at Christmas....but carried the hefty price tag of $82 each!   A steep price in my opinion....

If I planned to place a couple of chairs at our kitchen table.....and if I had the room....these would be the ones!  There were two...and as much as I love them.....we just don't have room in our narrow eating area....

 

How pretty are these vases?  Not overly sized....but could hold a small, pretty bouquet....

Mr. Seventies & our son-in-law enjoyed their Father's Day and the cupcakes for dessert were a huge hit.....and possibly the best tasting cupcakes....ever!!  So fresh & the "footballs" were chocolate covered strawberries....delicious!  There were six chocolate and six vanilla....I'll definitely be ordering again for upcoming birthdays & celebrations....

My rattan handbag arrived....unfortunately it was damaged so I'll be sending it back today & re-ordering...it is an adorable bag....great quality except for this one flaw....

I'm struggling to find an outfit for this upcoming wedding!  The one I shared the other day....won't work!  I hadn't tried anything on.....and was surprised who many pieces are just to big & baggy on me now!  I decided to go through my closet & try on a few things.  Same outcome!  A denim dress & vest & skirt....are baggy on me....even with a belt on the skirt....it doesn't work.  And most of the pieces.....I've never worn!  

Daughter to the rescue.....she has 4-5 new dresses that she is unable to wear....I'm going to try them on & perhaps one will be suitable.  If not, I will have to shop & find something that will work.  Due to my weight loss (and old age).....I don't like baring my arms!  I'll ned a 3/4 sleeve or pull on a shrug or short sweater....the struggle is real & I never thought I'd have this issue.   But such is life.....

A quick photo of our second rhododendron beginning to bloom.....this deep cranberry colour is my favourite!  It's a bit of a cranky shrub....we planted it well over thirty years ago & it has struggled & while not the greatest shape it produces beautiful blooms.....just on its own terms....and time....

Please join me later today over at https://betweennapsontheporch.net/ for Metamorphis Monday.....and again tomorrow at https://www.myslicesoflife.com/ for Talking About It Tuesdays as well as https://www.astrollthrulife.net/ for Inspire Me Tuesday.....

Thank you for visiting with me today & wishing you an awesome day!

Til next time....