It’s supposed to snow in Hampton Roads later this week, but my mind is ready for Spring. I’m looking forward to daffodils, crocus and tulips popping up showing bright spots of color in the neighborhood. I do love snow, but enough of this brown terrain. C’mon Spring!

An English Knot Garden is at the center of Sajo Farm, a new home community in Virginia Beach.

Now that Halloween is behind us, I look forward to my favorite holiday, Thanksgiving. To me, this is the one holiday that is not so commercialized. (As much as I want to do my part to stimulate the economy, I avoid the “Black Friday” shopping day like the plaque.)  I love the celebration of family and friends gathering together that morning to prepare a meal that later disappears in just a few minutes. And I hope during this time that we not only give thanks for life’s many blessings, but that we celebrate the people around us as well as reflect on those we’ve met through the years who have made a difference in our lives and in our children’s lives.

Thanksgiving is also a wonderful day to thank those who contribute their time, money or food to organizations such as the Food Bank of Southeastern Virginia, an organization that works hard to be sure that many families have a good meal, especially on this holiday.

Relax, reflect, celebrate and enjoy. Happy Thanksgiving!

I’m definitely into simple ideas for decorating and entertaining. Now that the weather is cooler, get inspired by Southern Living ~ 100 Fabulous Fall Decorating Ideas. And here are some delicious ideas for Halloween appetizers and drinks.

We’ve collected a few quotes for all our Dads out there. Hope you are having an awesome day.

“Any man can be a Father but it takes someone special to be a dad.” — Anne Geddes

“My father always used to say that when you die, if you’ve got five real friends, you’ve had a great life.” — Elbert Hubbard

“When I was a kid, I said to my father one afternoon, ‘Daddy, will you take me to the zoo?’ He answered, ‘If the zoo wants you, let them come and get you.’” — Jerry Lewis

“Life was a lot simpler when what we honored was father and mother rather than all major credit cards.” — Robert Orben

“By the time a man realizes that maybe his father was right, he usually has a son who thinks he’s wrong.” — Charles Wadsworth