All in and enjoying ourselves in the colors of Fall.



Living life abundantly with purpose, intent and a dash of adventure.
Every time I get myself to a flea market I fall in love with the adventure. It’s eye candy for my soul. The people, the collections, the eras of goods and novelties throughout the world right in front of me to explore.
Lately, I’ve been hitting auctions and flea markets on the Eastern Shore of Maryland but recently had the chance to explore one in… Paris! Yes, Paris. What an amazing adventure that satisfied every sense of my body.
I have no idea if “flea market clubs” exist like let’s say book-clubs, but I definitely think there should be! That might have to be something I explore as my early retirement years become closer. Or maybe, the photography club I’m with can expand into this too. I know a few members that would be all over it. If any of you know of a club like this, kindly pass on the information to me. I don’t have an inch of space for finds but it’s the experience that I enjoy more than findings collected.
What a busy year I had in 2018, so much that I haven’t even journaled about my adventures and travel. The Autumn and Holiday Season flew by but here are a few adventures from one of the best years yet.
I’m planning on visiting Scotland in April and spending time in the Highlands specifically to work on photography. I’ve never spent time in the Highlands. My mother was born and raised in the lowlands (Dundee) therefore that is usually my destination when visiting family. I can’t wait to share my explorations with you soon. If any of you have suggestions for me about the Highlands, please email me and let me know your suggestions and thoughts.
When summertime hits each year, I’m out on the water boating, tubing, kayaking or treasure hunting on the shores. This past summer I realized there is so much to discover that doesn’t have anything to do with being on the water that is just as much fun.
Though I’ve spent most of my summers for the last 6 years on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, it was just this past July I discovered the Crumpton Auction. What a great way to spend a summer’s day! Next time you are looking for a day trip, don’t forget to look up small town auctions near you. It was a wonderful day of finds and entertainment.
I hope this annual past-time never leaves small town USA. It’s one of those happenings that no matter how many years have gone by, it feels like time has frozen when you go to the local small town county fair. I had a blast this summer evening at Queen Anne’s county fair in Maryland! I hope this annual past-time never leaves small town USA. This campground was filled with laughter, carnival lights, games and smiles.
I’d love to hear about the fairs and carnivals you’ve visited this summer. If there is one you believe is a must, please let me know in the comment section and I may put it on my summer to do list for 2019.
Summer is an amazing time to enjoy your favorite hobbies. Photography tops my list of favorites.
As wonderful as summers are they are also busy with friends and family, just the way I like spending my free time. When Thursday mornings hit, my mind starts racing with anticipation of all the fun I have to look forward to with a weekend of friends and family playing on the Chesapeake Bay. I try to capture a few highlights of my summer weekends and those I love.
I hope all of you are enjoying your summer and spending time with family and those you love. Before owning a little place on the Chesapeake Bay, we would rent a home in Cape Charles, VA. It’s on the Chesapeake Bay too and is located at the southern tip of the Delmarva. Where ever you live, try and budget enough money to rent a place for you and your family to gather once a year for a weekend or even a week and make memories to last a life time! You and your family will cherish these times for years to come. There is nothing that can replace good quality time with family and those you love.
The forecast was for rain but with a little luck and some prayers, the day was perfect. Yes, there were a few light showers but spirits, spring colors, hats, smiles, and cocktails brighten the day!
It’s hard to believe I’ve lived in Virginia and the DC area for over 20 years and this was the first time I went to enjoy and watch the Gold Cup Races. I know for a fact it won’t be my last. What events are you missing out on right in your backyard? Do a search for your city and countryside fairs, events, races, and wineries, then put them on a list and go!
I headed out to the Chesapeake Bay hoping for some warmish weather since I planned on being outside cleaning up my yard. Several Nor’Easters in the last few weeks left the yard full of branches which will be used for summer evening bonfires.
I never was much of a gardener until about 5 or 6 years ago. Now I can’t wait to get my hands in soil and plant and care for God’s beauty. I’ve watched my mother create the most gorgeous gardens year after year, sweating and bending until late in the night. I hoping I’ve inherited a bit of her green thumb. My neighborhood has a garden club which I’ve always been curious about and I plan on joining it in May. I’m starting to definitely feel like a midlifer!
Do you spend time in your garden? If you have any good tips on Hydrangeas, roses, and deer resistant plants, I’d love to hear about them. Along the edge of my yard (in this picture) are Sedums but the deer have eaten them to the ground! Since this is a summer home and mainly weekends, the deer have basically moved right in and help themselves to dinner nightly.
The excitement of visiting Charleston, SC and escaping the colder temperatures and rainy forecast was just what I needed to keep me hopeful that spring is almost here. Taking a spontaneous and last minute planned trip was just what I imagined empty-nesting to be about. I packed an overnight bag and traveled with my hubby to this magical city at a moments notice. I can so get use to this type of living and adventure!
Embracing life and finding what brings you joy might just lead you to more adventure, friendships, and learning more than you ever set out to find. Choose a time where you can just sit and brain-storm about what makes you happy and what hobbies or experiences can lead you to living a full life, one with purpose, intent, and a dash of adventure. Then go for it!
A reminder to buy local seafood whenever you can. Choosing to add sustainable, healthy protein to your plate supports local fisherman.
To learn more about tonging for oysters: