I'm Mad About ...

Nice to have a long weekend—I could use an extra day to relax and take care of some projects. That's if I have time—I've been invited to a party and a barbecue! I also hope to take some time to reflect on the sacrifices Memorial Day is meant to commemorate.

Vit Lustinec, Wikipedia

Meanwhile, here are some things that caught my eye recently:

• What a great idea: keeping a gratitude journal.
• Love the simple flower arranging tips from Emily Henderson in the latest HGTV mag. I just can't seem to do anything more complicated than pop a bloom in a bud vase!
• I've been listening to this album nearly nonstop for the last few weeks.
• A very sweet story of not-so-young love.
• What do you think about the maxi-skirt trend?

Holy Hydrangea

My tomatoes may not care for the crazy weather we've been having, but the hydrangea bush at the front of the house seems to love it.

I usually get a good crop, but the bush is bigger than ever this year. The heat tends to wilt the flowers, but since we haven't had much in the way of heat that hasn't been a problem yet. And it's large enough that I can see it through the window in my office.

I snipped a couple of blooms and brought them into the house. This one is brightening up my desk: