tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2243818422470388142012-02-16T04:07:02.733-05:00the art of living from my home to yoursCONNIEnoreply@blogger.comBlogger411100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-224381842247038814.post-90740230031945232782008-11-04T08:30:00.010-05:002008-11-04T09:24:18.631-05:00

JOSEPH PATRICK DERRICKApril 05, 1965 - November 02, 2008"Should you go first and I remainto walk the road alone,I'll live in memories garden dear,with happy days we've known.In spring I'll wait for roses red,when faded, the lilacs blue.In early fall when brown leaves fall,I'll catch a glimpse of you.Should you go first and I remain,for battle to be fought.Each thing you've touched along the

CONNIEnoreply@blogger.com71tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-224381842247038814.post-6109585457960708422008-10-21T15:48:00.003-04:002008-10-25T08:23:33.376-04:00

Radiation Day @ Dana Farber, BOSTON, MA - April 15, 2008PLEASE PRAY OR light candles for Joey that his remaining days would be nothing but COMFORTABLE ones. To this day, the poor guy just couldn't get comfy, no matter what! Dana Farber declared him cleared from esophageal cancer in June and unfortunately, in July the cancer spread through his stomach.It breaks my heart tremendously that this 43

CONNIEnoreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-224381842247038814.post-61053416229085881432008-10-13T18:27:00.010-04:002008-10-14T10:22:14.179-04:00

WE'VE BEEN HAVING gorgeous autumn days in RI... in fact, it's been pretty above normal at this time of the year. I am enjoying it immensely and so does Joe. We spent our Sunday afternoon fishing (again) at Carbunkle Pond. The 30-minute scenic ride really took a lot out of him but he had a great time. Eventually, his body will let him know that it has enough but that's going to be between him and

CONNIEnoreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-224381842247038814.post-4938718736355792872008-10-11T11:23:00.018-04:002008-10-11T13:53:56.259-04:00

BACK IN SEPTEMBER, I participated on a Vintage Halloween Swap which was hosted by Heidi Ann @ FOXGLOVES,FABRIC AND FOLLY. This was my first time and I had so much fun and will definitely do it again in the future. Heidi is currently hosting a Vintage Christmas Swap, if you're interested - you're all welcome to participate.My partner Holly, sent me a lovely package of Halloween goodies which she

CONNIEnoreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-224381842247038814.post-88330220579504313262008-10-10T10:13:00.039-04:002008-10-11T13:22:57.465-04:00

I WRITE THIS in the quiet of my bedroom, Italian classic is softly playing on the computer, the older cat is sleeping in the bed, the little kitty is enjoying the morning sun in the dining room, and Joe is in the couch trying to get some decent sleep. All is tranquil, peaceful and I'm ready to face the day with a smile. Today is going to be another gorgeous and sunny autumn day with a temp in the

CONNIEnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-224381842247038814.post-63689407138783315112008-10-01T17:56:00.013-04:002008-10-02T00:18:25.908-04:00

HERE COMES THE sun...finally! We've had continuous heavy rain since Friday and when Joe enthusiastically announced that it's sunny out, I frantically grabbed my camera to pay one of the two stiff neighbors (AKA cemeteries) a visit. This would be my second time around in this place since we bought our property in 2002! To me, cemeteries always equals zombie movies...weird thoughts, I know!Anyways

CONNIEnoreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-224381842247038814.post-2202087327573950752008-09-26T11:47:00.007-04:002008-09-28T09:53:07.555-04:00

Autumn's Hidden Beauty, Rt. 9, NH Photographer: Cynthia SorelEVERY SEASON IS great. Yet, specific ones tend to relate to certain people. It's no secret that I love autumn. It's one of my favorite seasons for so many reasons. Cool breezes. Chilly nights. Extraordinary display of color. Soft woolly sweaters. Apple cider. Pumpkins and jack-o'lanterns. Scarecrows perched on porches. Needlework

CONNIEnoreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-224381842247038814.post-80909639164934172472008-09-21T16:55:00.004-04:002008-09-26T17:31:28.588-04:00

LET US NOW officially say "goodbye" to the SUMMER and I hope everyone had a great season. Mine was considerably wonderful and something to be grateful about despite of my BF's illness. I also thought I should pop in and say "HELLO" to everyone. It is gorgeous here in southern New England but our evenings are now dipping into the 40's or 50's.I would also like to acknowledge everyone's continuous

CONNIEnoreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-224381842247038814.post-40328469532569927622008-09-11T18:30:00.012-04:002008-09-26T17:32:53.115-04:00

FIRST OF ALL, I'd like to thank each and everyone of you from the bottom of my heart for the great outpour of love, warm thoughts, great support and prayers that you sent our way during these tough times. My hugs and kisses to everyone....oh, how I wished you all lived near me! Life is the same as usual @ Casa Maria... more doctor visits and tests for Joey and for me...work as usual. I did take a

CONNIEnoreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-224381842247038814.post-30730561840162512342008-09-08T16:30:00.009-04:002008-09-14T16:11:31.820-04:00

SORRY FOR THE gap in blogging... I just couldn't bring myself to write about anything upbeat at this moment. Things are just so rough for Joe and me. Joe has been on heavy pain meds to mask the excruciating back and stomach pain but they're not really helping. At this time, I am hoping for a miracle since he refused to see his oncologist. I've tried to convince him and every time I mention about

CONNIEnoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-224381842247038814.post-74256603977017636912008-09-01T16:20:00.004-04:002008-09-01T16:27:19.264-04:00

I WAS ALWAYS told to eat my greens so I sliced up this delicious masterpiece (courtesy of Victoria magazine)...a mixed greenery...a fruitopian dream...A fresh taste of lime and a hint of creme de menthe bring out some great flavors and also a great aroma that can't be missed. What a sweet treat for this gorgeous first day of September in southern New England! Click HERE for the recipe.And my '

CONNIEnoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-224381842247038814.post-90054758481322444122008-08-30T17:05:00.008-04:002008-10-02T10:22:58.049-04:00

I'M STILL HERE...just taking a little break from blogging to take care of ill BF. It was raining this morning and I was in the mood for some FALL crafting. Ever-so talented and generous Heather at Present Past Collection has inspired me to make my own fall "tussie mussie". Hopefully you'll be inspired, too. I'm pretty sure you have most of the things you need lying in the garage or basement.

CONNIEnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-224381842247038814.post-35539010299702371022008-08-24T19:45:00.009-04:002008-09-03T17:51:37.414-04:00

Stop and take the time to smell the roses,Stop and take the time to fill your noses,Stop as you stroll through life, ("pitter patter, pitter patter")-Stop And Take The Time To Smell The Roses, Ringo StarrJOE WAS DISCHARGED from the hospital early this morning, although still very sore but he's so relieved to be home. The cats were making extra little noises to let him know that they're so happy

CONNIEnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-224381842247038814.post-31620001587716457452008-08-23T09:56:00.014-04:002008-10-21T18:17:31.310-04:00

- Van Halen Concert in NY City, NY (May 2008)WE ARE NOW on our third day of excitement at Fatima Hospital. Joe's appendix is GONE! The surgery went well and he's able to get a solid rest for 5 hours while he was at the recovery room. The surgeon came out to see me after the surgery but we missed each other. At this time, we don't know when he's going to be discharged.Thanks a million to all your

CONNIEnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-224381842247038814.post-62588060709523455292008-08-22T07:13:00.016-04:002008-08-22T08:19:37.212-04:00

- early spring, Tiogue Pond, Coventry, RII'M GOING BACK to the hospital today. Joe was admitted to the E.R. yesterday and is going to have a surgery today to drain whatever is causing him this agonizing abdominal pain that is also radiating all the way to his back. The good news is that this isn't cancer-related. It's either he has Crohn's disease or appendicitis. I'd prefer to hear the latter.

CONNIEnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-224381842247038814.post-45764692777867812632008-08-20T15:35:00.004-04:002008-08-21T07:46:08.311-04:00

FALL OFFICIALLY STARTS September 22nd, but this tree at my job's property decided to get an early start! The nights temps are dropping and the quality of light is already changing. Joe was wondering if it was just him or that it was that chilly last night! Fall is definitely coming on strong especially at TJMaxx and ACMoore. I'm not ready to retire my flip flops for the season yet but on the

CONNIEnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-224381842247038814.post-71124136417400962152008-08-17T19:40:00.011-04:002008-08-18T13:03:23.527-04:00

I FINALLY BROKE down and bought a brand new couch and ottoman. I had waited for 12 years to get rid of the old one! You can see it HERE. One of the main reasons why I started blogging is to record my decorating progress. My goal is to make the living room more attractive and looks finished by Christmas. Doable, right?Welcome to my living room! Yes, you're seeing RED. Not my first choice. I've

CONNIEnoreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-224381842247038814.post-15269285881967201302008-08-16T00:00:00.015-04:002008-08-16T13:25:24.641-04:00

WELCOME TO ANOTHER Pink Saturday hosted by Beverly at How Sweet The Sound. Please visit our lovely hostess for a complete list of all participants.Isn't this the cutest shabby pink watering can you've ever seen? This was one of those purchases that you don't really need but you can't resist because it's just too darn cute. It's approximately 4 1/2" tall and 5" wide and it's gilded. I'm a sucker

CONNIEnoreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-224381842247038814.post-15141857513373463192008-08-15T10:38:00.001-04:002008-08-15T10:42:48.687-04:00

GREAT FOOD IS definitely one of the simple pleasures that we get to enjoy often here at Casa Maria. Joe is a quite a good cook himself. We used to eat out a lot but due to his disability he's learned a great deal to cook great meals. He also loves to do the grocery shopping and that really frees me up to do other things. He is a keeper...wink..wink...This New England feast is a one-pot meal that

CONNIEnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-224381842247038814.post-82012639294892538292008-08-13T11:00:00.001-04:002008-08-13T11:49:20.553-04:00

This is Country Home's April 2008 issue and I bought this magazine just for this article alone... pathetic...I know!I always dream of owning my own lavender farm...rows and rows and rows of them. Perhaps it is also your dream and this young man is definitely living in his.I do own a little slice of that dream. I planted a couple of little ones near my kitchen a few years ago. And for the life of

CONNIEnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-224381842247038814.post-82426355747281854732008-08-12T21:38:00.002-04:002008-08-12T21:40:02.610-04:00

If you're reading this post, please consider yourself TAGGED. I have seen these all over the blogosphere and I couldn't think of anyone else who has not been given of these awards. I'm so sorry for breaking the rules, ladies. Thank you both for considering me worthy of these awards. I am so honored.Brenda @ The Brenda Blog recently awarded me with The Brilliant Blog Award. I had a problem

CONNIEnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-224381842247038814.post-72987717416057162542008-08-08T00:00:00.004-04:002008-08-08T00:00:09.986-04:00

My copper kettlewhistles merrilyand signals thatit is time for tea.The fine china cupsare filled with the brew.There's lemon and sugarand sweet cream, too.But, best of allthere's friendship, between you and me.As we lovingly shareour afternoon tea.- Marianna ArolinThanks to Jan @ Jan & Tom's Place for hosting this tea party. Please visit out lovely hostess for a complete list of all participants.

CONNIEnoreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-224381842247038814.post-42074862615931624242008-08-06T14:11:00.020-04:002008-08-07T19:14:10.615-04:00

THAT SONG HAS been stuck in my head since Debbie showed a video of her funny daughter Rachel talking about nothing but bananas and which also reminds me to watch (again) Audrey Hepburn's movie SABRINA this weekend.Yesterday while at work, I was craving so bad for some crunchy deep fried TURON with coconut-pineapple ice cream. Yeah, don't be silly, I'm not pregnant!This Filipino dessert is FOR YOU

CONNIEnoreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-224381842247038814.post-17472720950570475102008-08-04T19:30:00.002-04:002008-08-05T09:26:35.952-04:00

HELLO AND HOW is everybody? I promised The Big Guy that I would STAY HOME over the weekend to have some things get done. I could've chosen to be HERE with Jodie for another summer escapade but I declined the invite. No regrets!I couldn't believed what I've accomplished just on Saturday alone!a) pulled weeds in circular herbal garden b) planted 'silver slipper' hydrangea c) did a two-week worth of

CONNIEnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-224381842247038814.post-82654875369605172922008-08-01T10:30:00.011-04:002008-08-02T15:20:18.267-04:00

To market, to market, to buy a fat pig...NOTHING BEATS A summer good eat than fresh-from-the-farm produce found at a local market!Home again, home again, jiggity jig...Grilled chicken kabobs marinated in soy sauce (that's how I like it) and lots of lemon juice...Have a great weekend everyone and ENJOY the summer!

CONNIEnoreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-224381842247038814.post-21558533339681456462008-07-30T11:49:00.004-04:002008-07-30T18:38:05.327-04:00

IN A FEW short weeks the radiant blooms opened, filled the rolling Connecticut fields with light and joy, and then passed. With a fully packed picnic basket, my girlfriend Jodie, her daughter Brianna and I drove to Buttonwood Farm located in a rural town of Griswold for another "must-see" Saturday fun.A scenic hayride brought us through the heart of the farm and right into the middle of the

CONNIEnoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-224381842247038814.post-43469463141497706692008-07-28T21:23:00.002-04:002008-07-28T21:27:18.277-04:00

TO THOSE OF you who are new to my blog, my BF Joe was diagnosed with esophageal cancer (stage III) this past December. He's all done with his radiation and chemo treatments and is now able to eat again. However, for the past two weeks, he's has been complaining of constant stomach pain. He finally went to see a GI today and he's scheduled to have a colonoscopy on August 14th.When someone doesn't

CONNIEnoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-224381842247038814.post-42212753696810671222008-07-27T00:00:00.009-04:002008-08-01T10:07:00.142-04:00

CINDY @ My Romantic Home is currently hosting OUR FAVORITE THINGS. What a great and fun idea this one is! For more great inspiration, please visit our lovely host.If I have to choose one... this bureau has to be the NUMERO UNO on the list of my favorite things around Casa Maria. It has found its permanent spot in the dining room...FOR NOW. I love to move stuff around... drives The Big Guy crazy!

CONNIEnoreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-224381842247038814.post-14876851658245815852008-07-26T00:00:00.006-04:002008-08-15T20:44:52.020-04:00

WELCOME AND THANKS for stopping by on my 3rd PINK SATURDAY. And please, don't forget to visit our lovely host Beverly @ How Sweet the Sound.Today I'll be showing you two of my (new) favorite things... photography and teacups...in PINK, of course! One of the kitties broke the handle of this teacup! I hate to throw this away so I found another use for it. Works great as a vase for small

CONNIEnoreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-224381842247038814.post-77280903619969014072008-07-23T00:00:00.018-04:002008-07-27T17:12:33.169-04:00

I'VE BEEN TAGGED again... this time by a new friend and fellow blogger Margie @ Josie's Niece. She's also new to the blogging world and if you have a chance, go check her out and say "hello". I hope I'm not boring you all but here are another 5 facts about me...WHERE HAVE YOU TRAVELED?The Philippines (where I originally came from), South Korea and Japan.In USA: the 6 states of New England, NY, NJ

CONNIEnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-224381842247038814.post-2014731747085067142008-07-20T16:28:00.055-04:002008-08-01T20:39:01.599-04:00

"Insects play a vital role in a garden, but are unnoticed, so I put them on on such a large scale that you can't help but notice them."- David Rogers, the ArtistMY GOOD FRIEND Karen (we also work with the same company) and I have one thing in common... we find so much joy in gardening. Yesterday we spent most of the day exploring the beauty and wonders of the Garden in the Woods in Framingham, MA

CONNIEnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-224381842247038814.post-71593988256922388942008-07-19T05:59:00.018-04:002008-07-19T07:59:26.110-04:00

WELCOME TO MY 2nd Pink Saturday and thanks to everyone who visited and left lovely comments on my very 1st PS. In case you missed it, please click HERE.And as always, thanks to Beverly @ How Sweet the Sound for hosting this fun and cool event.Today, I'll take you all for a quick virtual tour of my country. I'm originally from the Philippines but I recently became a US citizen. Our culture may be

CONNIEnoreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-224381842247038814.post-71468071745660127232008-07-13T18:18:00.116-04:002008-07-15T22:45:03.368-04:00

AND THE WINNER is...#5 and that would be you "FANCYHORSE"... selected @ random. Please e-mail me your complete address and the goodies will be on your way. I hope you'll enjoy the rasberry teas as much as I do. Thanks to everyone who left a comment.o O o My very good friend and fellow blogger DEB @ Wisteria and Roses just tagged me. She's also new to the blogging world and if you have a chance...

CONNIEnoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-224381842247038814.post-36874992291681879412008-07-12T00:56:00.003-04:002008-11-10T08:40:08.193-05:00

WELCOME TO MY very first PINK SATURDAY with fellow blogger Beverly @ How Sweet The Sound. Thanks a million for hosting this event!PINK is one of my favorite colors aside from white and green. So, here are a few of my favorite finds...I have three pink tea cups in my small collection and I use them all the time...Another good find from an antique store. As far as usage, they're not worth the yen I

CONNIEnoreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-224381842247038814.post-4116113067537745842008-07-11T08:24:00.018-04:002008-07-11T10:20:06.466-04:00

FOOLED Y'ALL! I'm up early. And I have nothing much better to do than fool around with my photos with some help from Big Huge Labs. Make one for yourself from HERE.Have a nice weekend everyone! It's in the 80's around here and no humidity...love it...love it...love it. Yup, you read that right but try living in RI for a while... the humidity is a big killer around here! I am heading to Block

CONNIEnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-224381842247038814.post-76168902101063521642008-07-08T10:51:00.039-04:002008-07-11T20:52:39.643-04:00

THE RASPBERRIES ARE growing wild in my backyard so why not make some iced tea? And who couldn't resist taking pictures of these beauties? I don't know about you but I just find blogging not only mentally exhausting but also physically demanding...^_^ Just trying to get the best angle possible wasn't that easy for my aging back!If you're an iced tea lover like me, I'd like to introduce you to my

CONNIEnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-224381842247038814.post-18559098541841234052008-07-03T21:23:00.017-04:002008-07-04T18:30:02.315-04:00

THIS POST IS loooong overdue! It's has been super busy around here in my little casa but I've accomplished a lot of things.A couple weeks ago, my "walking buddy" @ work, Jodie and I went to Plymouth, MA for her church's annual meeting and for some R&R. PLYMOUTH is best known for being the landing site of the Mayflower and the Pilgrims. If you want to learn more about the historical city of

CONNIEnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-224381842247038814.post-46723730868071938132008-06-30T11:20:00.039-04:002008-07-01T19:05:19.930-04:00

I WENT TO CVS this past Saturday to look for a specific magazine that I could take to the beach with me. Nada. I checked out the nearby WALGREENS and was disappointed...so I just quickly grabbed a magazine cause everything about it just looked fabulous and yummy and Romantic Homes is one of my favs, anyways. While reading halfway thru it... wait a minute...THIS IS "THE MAGAZINE". Duh!However, the

CONNIEnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-224381842247038814.post-31202612141025035152008-06-23T10:20:00.031-04:002008-06-27T07:47:15.612-04:00

I HAD A GREAT and eventful weekend. I hope you had one, too.I had a very small Tea Garden Party last Saturday that I casually mentioned here. And last Sunday, a friend and I took a one-day trip to PLYMOUTH, MASSACHUSSETTS. This is going to be a two-part post, so please, check back soon.We had an excellent weather last Saturday! Had the table set for four including myself and BF but one of the

CONNIEnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-224381842247038814.post-22279935858752677662008-06-20T09:50:00.022-04:002008-07-04T22:35:54.316-04:00

FIRST, THANKS TO everyone who stopped by to say "hello". It's really nice meeting you all. Come again and don't be a stranger.The weather has been so gorgeous in Southern New England! Just perfect for gardening and grilling.Cielo @ The House in the Roses is hosting "Show Me Your Garden Party" and I am participating.The petunias smell soooo good and are happy in this old wheelbarrow that BF found

CONNIEnoreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-224381842247038814.post-43167491085547839582008-06-12T22:20:00.005-04:002008-06-27T07:46:04.500-04:00

HELLO AND WELCOME! My name is Connie and thanks for stopping by.I was inspired by so many great blogs out there that I decided that's it's time for me to join in. I hope to share my thoughts, my dreams and my passions for romantic living, crafting and gardening.Please feel free to leave a comment, share tips and ideas, get inspired and be inspired, and most of all, let's have FUN!

CONNIEnoreply@blogger.com11