American Midsters – Living life abundantly with purpose, intent and a dash of adventure.

Autumn in New England

All in and enjoying ourselves in the colors of Fall.

A perfect time to emerge ourselves in the colors and activities of the season.

Adventures in the beauty of Rhode Island

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.

I just love the happenstance of the the frenchman fishing on the wall, the toilettes sign, umbrellas on the kiosk stand and bike propped on the building. It made for a great photo that represented the whimsy of this Parisian market.

The variety of collections in Paris markets was like no other I’ve even experienced. The quality of the the enamel plaques and old lights found in this booth display the passion and expertise of the collector and owner.

Bangles anyone? This old bathtub was literally filled to the rim with quality and colorful bangles of all styles.

This happened to be a favorite spot of mine as I ventured through the market. Not only was it charming from the outside with fall colored vines framing out the corner of this market, the goodies inside were high quality finds at affordable prices.

Bikes, bikes and more bikes all over the market. So Parisian…

It’s been a while…

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.

My oldest son is studying in Scotland for a year so my cousin and I decided to visit in the autumn. Scenery from the train to Stirling.

The view of Stirling from the castle. If you travel to Scotland be sure to put Stirling on your list of must visits.

No one does gardens like the English and Scottish!

The Christmas Markets had just started opening in the UK. We visited Edinburgh’s markets on the opening weekend. Lots of goodies to take home to the USA.

Night view of Edinburgh and the Christmas Market.

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.

A Fun Morning at Crumpton’s Auction

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.

The larger item section of the auction is full of the old and not so old furniture and large tools.

All auction areas are simultaneously going on at the same time with each auctioneer leading the bidding from a large golf cart.

Crumpton Auction has a field of cardboard boxes and baskets waiting to be auctioned every Wednesday morning. The goods range from old door knobs to vintage toys. This field of treasures was my favorite.

Lots of small chat goes on between locals here. It’s obvious that this is a weekly gathering spot for many.

Someone’s junk might be another ones treasure!

Auction goers digging through boxes and baskets. This gives treasure hunting a whole new meaning.

Vintage toys and all their color are in abundance this morning at Crumpton’s Auction.

Anyone else visiting their local county fairs this summer?

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.

All ages watching as livestock is being judged at the 4-H portion of this county fair.

This pint sized cowgirl displays her horse’s ribbons with pride on her stall.

Proudly displaying the Maryland State Flag on this barn stall door. A “penny” for this horse’s thoughts.

A fair isn’t really a fair without carnival food. My favorite this year was by far the “Crab Cake” dinner hosted by a local civic group.

I couldn’t leave without a candied apple. What’s your favorite fair or carnival treat?

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 Fun With My Camera

Summer is an amazing time to enjoy your favorite hobbies. Photography tops my list of favorites.

Summer started with a fabulous trip to Manchester, Vermont. I couldn’t resist shooting this early morning reflection in the swimming pool at Barrow’s House Inn.

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 caught this moment with my camera at sunset as my two sons, cousins and friends fished until the sun went down. This is what I would call a “full boat!”

Boating and fishing with my little sister and two sweet nieces. Sun and fun on the Chesapeake Bay.

Another full boat of fun. If you haven’t fished or spent time on the Chesapeake Bay, I recommend you get here soon! This particular favorite fishing spot of my son’s is right off of Kent Island. I was hoping they would bring home some fish to fry.

Another fun activity on the water- tubing!

Summer isn’t alway filled with sunshine. Summer rain storms with a bit of cooler weather is always a nice break from the heat.

Annapolis, MD is a great destination to visit and is where I love to go on rainy days when I can’t be out on the water. Historic Annapolis doesn’t disappoint with its cute stores, restaurants, and bars.

Umbrellas in hand and window shopping with family in Annapolis.

Boat reflections are fun to shoot especially when there is a ripple in the water. A little abstract art here!

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.

Horses, Hats, and Smiles

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!

Perfect countryside setting for these beautiful horses and colorful jockeys today.

Hats and more hats of all colors and sizes on display.

Picnic tailgating was full of color, flowers, sweet tea, and cocktails.

Big smiles and big hats at the Gold Cup Races. I wonder how many big winners there were?

It wouldn’t be the South without a little Lilly Pulitzer.

This bright pink hat won the category of “most outrageous” hat.

Getting Garden Ready for Spring and Summer

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 back yard looks as cold as the temperature today. I can’t wait for warmer temperatures and blooms that should be here in the next few weeks.

This is a drop in the pit of tree branches I cleaned out of the flower beds and front yard today. I have no doubt my boys will burn this as soon as they get here to the bay. Nothing like boys and bonfires.

These Dahlia bulbs are ready for planting and will provide wonderful annual color this summer. I especially like to cut Dahlias for fresh cut flowers brightening up the inside all summer long.

These large porch urns have plenty of room to bury bulbs for summer blooming and pansies on the surface giving some spring color.

Supply was low at the garden center with limited colors of pansies available. Purple pansies happen to be my favorite- lucky me because they will work perfect for my front yard.

Don’t you love perennials? They show up each year greeting me with splendid color!

Don’t forget to cut some of these beauties and bring them into the house. They are full of color and say Spring!

My absolute favorite flowers in my garden are the Hydrangeas. I love all varieties and colors. These pink ones are starting to bud and will brighten up my garden all summer long.

These two Boxwoods have weathered many winters and are maintenance free. Once the weather warms up, I’ll add some floral vines that will drape over the edges of these tall urns bringing color to the back deck.

I probably jumped the gun on purchasing these Ranunculus but I couldn’t resist them. I’ll keep them inside for a week or two until the outside temperatures warm up. This will be my first time to add Ranunculus to my bay garden. Wish me luck!

Cloudy spring days offer beautiful water reflections. This is a water reflection of the back of my house on the water.

Spontaneous planned trips are the best and a perk to being an Empty Nester

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!

I took this image from the streets of Charleston but don’t think for a minute that I didn’t have my husband touring this way the very next day!

The colorful and historic homes are candy to my eyes. The shadows of the trees add a little extra on this early morning stroll.

The historic homes were painted in mostly pastels on this particular street. Each one distinctive and full of character.

Window-boxes decorated the facades adding even more color, charm, and character to the streets.

This window box is full of happiness and brings a smile to my face.

A friend recommended the crepes at “Queen Street Grocery.” The brie, ham and raspberry crepe was worth the trip alone! If you are visiting Charleston, don’t miss this spot for a cup of coffee, snack or meal.

I plan to return and visit more of the Churches of Charleston. This church was one of my favorites.

The coast was especially beautiful in the early morning just after sunrise.

An adventurous morning on the Chesapeake Bay with my camera.

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!

Tonging for Oysters at sunrise on the bay. Enjoying new experiences with my camera in hand.

Several boats were gathering at Kent Narrows working in pairs tonging, sorting, measuring size of oysters, and crating them to be sold to a shucking house.

Checking for size and viability of the oyster.

Keeping the oysters that are over 3″ from hinge to bill is the legal size for harvest.

Chesapeake Deadrise Boats at Kent Narrows getting settled to start tonging for Oysters.

I have a greater understanding now for the men and women working on the water – fishing, crabbing, and oystering. In addition to being hard work, seasonal work, and in often harsh climates (this morning temperatures were well below freezing) it’s also passionate work. The enjoyment of seafood is now a much different experience for me- it’s one much more appreciated.

The Chesapeake Bay Deadrise Boat is the typical work-horse boat of the bay.

The stillness of the bay lends itself to some beautiful photography water reflections this morning.

Ripples in the water create interesting reflection images.

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: