“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”
Psalms 51:10
Happy Thursday dear friends! I am excited that we are supposed to get some much needed rain over the next several days with cooler temperatures forecasted. With so many that have been impacted with the devastating rains, flooding, and tornadoes I have tried not to complain about our lack of rain. It seems that weather is always a topic for conversation and let’s not forget to keep those who have lost so much in our prayers. With summer a couple of weeks away, have you made plans for vacations or staycations, projects to begin or complete? Today, let’s talk about summer plans, do you have trips planned or will you just enjoy staying at home? I am sharing some of our summer plans and offering a few trip suggestions. Be sure to read to the bottom of this post to find out the winner of my giveaway!
Perhaps you have made plans to visit one of our U.S. National Parks. I took this photo of Mt. Rainier on the first day of summer 2016, a huge contrast from our Alabama heat and humidity!
Last fall we visited the Grand Teton and Yellowstone. We have been to many of our national parks and I highly recommend them if you have not made plans as of yet or for the future.
Maybe you have beach plans. As we have gotten a little older, Butch and I much prefer the mountains over the beach. But who could resist a beautiful Caribbean Beach…
…or the beauty of Big Sur? I am grateful that I have had the opportunity to see some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, but our Alabama coast and the Panhandle of Florida have the whitest sand and most gorgeous emerald waters, I place their beauty at the top of my personal list!
If you want to escape the heat, a trip to the mountains is just what you need. We have taken many trips to the Rockies and to the Smoky Mountains over the years. This is Maroon Bells near Aspen…
…and Big Sky Country In Montana!
Maybe you have plans to cross the Atlantic and visit beautiful destinations in Europe. The ever popular South of France that includes Provence is a place I hope to return one day…
…as well as Venice, Italy which remains one of my favorites!
We have no travels plans across any oceans this summer. The hubby’s dad is 93 and mine is 88, we don’t want to be so far away that it might take more than a day to return home. However, we are returning this month to a place we discovered two years ago and were immediately smitten with its beautiful and peaceful surroundings. It is the perfect place to get My Renaissance Man to slow down and rest. I know there will be an upcoming blog post on our return to The Swag!
July will bring a business trip to Austin, TX. I haven’t gone on this annual trip in a few years, but we are going to take a few extra days and visit the Texas Hill Country again and will be staying in a historic cabin at Settler’s Crossing in Fredericksburg. This is not the cabin we have reserved, but I took this from their website. A sweet Instagram friend highly recommends this bed and breakfast! Of course, I will let you know all about it!
You can check out our Travel page here!
Much time will be spent in the garden this summer…
…weeding and hopefully enjoying a little flower therapy for our labor! I plan on many meals and early evening hours spent in our garden!
You may remember that we recently purchased six acres that adjoins our existing property. There is an old barn and the remains of a historic home that burned in January of 2018. RM and our son have been clearing debris and many hours have been spent on the tractor. Hopefully by the end of summer, it will be much improved and maybe we will share photos of the barn!
Of course, my camera will always be on ready for a photo opportunity!
Last summer we did several inside projects and our dining room wall color drastically changed from red to a pale shade of blue! This summer I have a couple of inside projects that we will be working on and I plan to share when they are completed!
My most favorite times will be spent with our princesses!
I would love to know your summer plans…trips, projects, or much needed rest and relaxation!
Now for the winner of the book “Flowers With Southern Lady.” Congrats to Roxanne, I will be sending you an email. Thank you to all who entered and wishing you a joy-filled weekend!
Linking with:
Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch, A Stroll Thru Life, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home, Rustic & Refined, Life and Linda, Celebrate & Decorate, Me and My Captain, Shabby Fufu, Designthusiasm, Imparting Grace, Calypso in the Country
Nancy Sharp says
I always enjoy your beautiful pictures. I am in awe of your beautiful garden. I can’t even imagine keeping that going.
I’m looking forward to a family reunion in Tennessee. (We live in Florida) Our family spans many states and it will be wonderful to see them all.
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Nancy, the reunion sounds like so much fun! Have a wonderful day!
Roxanne Bernard says
Pam, you certainly captured the beautiful country we call home, especially appropriate on D Day where so many of our fathers and grandfathers gave their lives for it. I was happy to see rain this morning also. My recent trip to Cape Cod and Boston was probably my big summer outing. My husband grew up in a military family being transferred all over the world, actually attending 18 schools in 18 years. He does not like to stray too far from home anymore. ☹️
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you Roxanne. We enjoyed our trip to Boston and Cape Cod a few years ago. I understand not wanting to stray from home, it is the best place to be. Happy Thursday!
Roxanne Bernard says
Thank you again for my terrific book!! I am thrilled! I grew up reading my mother’s Southern Living magazines and have been a faithful subscriber for years and years. Everything they publish is top notch! 💕
Pam @ Everyday Living says
You are most welcome, I know you will enjoy!
Roxanne Bernard says
I meant to say Southern Lady, sorry! I subscribe to both magazines, decorating/home magazines are my vice!
Pam @ Everyday Living says
I do the same thing, both companies are located in Birmingham!
Bonnie Morgan says
I enjoyed your review of some of your trips and ideas for summer vacations.
I am so happy for the rain coming today. Our yard is parched and I have a sprinkling system but it cant keep up with temperaturesin the high 90’s for several weeks. I believe it has been three weeks since we had any rain.
Congratulations to Roxanne on winning your giveaway.
Your princesses are adorable. What joy!
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you Bonnie. We haven’t had rain in three weeks until this morning. It is welcomed. Do you have any trips planned this year?
marmeladegypsy says
No ocean travel for us, either. I’m looking forward to getting up to the lake, opening the cottage and doing a few day trips from there. And meeting up with a couple of bloggers I’ve long followed but never met! Maybe England in 2020 — that’s my hope and plan!
Pam @ Everyday Living says
I know you enjoy your cottage on the lake, it sounds so wonderful. You should write a book on that cottage and use your paintings!
Shirley @Housepitality Designs says
Beautiful images Pam!! I recognize many of those photos as we love to travel. Congrats to Roxanne!!
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thanks Shirley. You are definitely a traveler!
Penny at Enjoying The Simple Things says
We plan on some long weekend trips to the coast of NC and SC this year. We have been to France and Italy and loved them both. Beautiful photos on your blog post today. Congrats to the winner!
Pam @ Everyday Living says
The coastal trips sound perfect, Penny! We have been to the Outer Banks and Oak Island In NC.
Clara says
Beautiful photos Pam! We’ll take a short trip to the Smokies in the fall & hope to find a destination for a longer vacation during the late fall. I must agree that the sugar sand beaches in southern Alabama are beautiful & we enjoy them every few years but prefer the mountains now. Congrats to Roxanne! Remembering D-DAY & the bravery & sacrifice of the greatest generation. What a blessing to still have your Dad & FIL. So many family stories to cherish. Enjoy your day. Clara 💕🇺🇸
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Yes we remember Clara. That will be on our list the next time we make it to Europe, we both want to go to Normandy. Butch and I much prefer fall vacations. Have a wonderful weekend!
jenniferwise4heritagemakers says
I have such a travel bug. I loved seeing all these pictures today! Thanks. 🙂
#graceathomelinkup
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you Jennifer. Have a great weekend!
Stacy Averette says
Thanks for sharing your beautiful photos! We went to Glacier National Park a few years ago and LOVED it! So beautiful. There’s so many places I want to see (many of them you shared). Our summer plans include a beach trip to visit our son who’s interning at a Christian student camp.
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Sounds like a great summer, Stacy! Thank you for visiting.
Sandra at Maison De Jardin says
Congratulations to Roxanne – I know she will enjoy the lovely book. Enjoy your trips to the mountains – the mountains are always so peaceful. There is nothing quite like those “Country Roads.” We have no travel plans – perhaps, next year.
So love your beautiful garden photos and of course, those precious little girls. Have a lovely day and weekend, dear Pam.
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you Sandra, we do love those “country roads.” Enjoy your weekend!
Heritage Hall says
Setting down in your exquisite garden would be vacation pause enough for me, dear Pam. Congratulations to Roxanne, lucky lady. As ever, your pictures are a feast and incentive to pack
the bags and venture forth. Our children and grands will be here for the week of the Fourth and they will be the icing on the cake this Summer. A staycation with perks is planned otherwise. You, RM and yours have a grand time. Today’s scripture is balm for the soul…
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Mary, to have your children and grands visit is the best summer plans. Have a wonderful weekend!
the Painted Apron says
Such gorgeous photos Pam, you have been to so many amazing placing! I know you’re going to enjoy summer at home this year with your incredible garden and pretty little princesses! Congrats to Roxanne!
Jenna
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you Jenna. Enjoy your weekend!
Kari at Me and My Captain says
God gave us so many beautiful places to visit, didn’t He Pam? We have been fortunate enough to have visited the same places! We love the mountains too…Thanks for sharing your photos,… they make me want to “hop” into them again, just like the movie Mary Poppins, when they all jumped into the sidewalk chalk drawings to visit wonderful places.
I adore the photo of your little princesses. What a joy our grands are.
The Captain and I have planned a few “short” trips, much like our recent trip to Sanibel Island…a few days here and a few days there in various states.
I really like the Fredericksburg area of Texas, so pretty there. My twins were born in Dallas, and we travelled all over Texas while living there. (I learned to like Tex-Mex food while living in Texas, LOL). We always loved the fruits and veggies from the McAllen area as well as the birding and butterfly sanctuaries.
Congratulations to Roxanne, I know she will enjoy the Southern Lady book!!!
Hugs and Blessings sweet friend.
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you Kari. I like short trips or even day trips. Any recommendations of things to definitely see in the Hill Country? We were there in 2014, but only for a day. Have a wonderful weekend!
Anonymous says
One of these days you will come to Maine where you’ll always have a place to lay your head. Enjoy the hill country.you will find lots to like in Fredericksburg.
Pam @ Everyday Living says
I so hope to get to Maine!
handmade by amalia says
So much loveliness, Pam, from those darling girls to your magazine-worthy dining room and all the travel eye candy. WOW. I wish we had some summer rain, can’t think of anything nicer just now, very hot and dusty around here.
Amalia
xo
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you Amalia. Hopefully you will get rain soon!
Mary says
Your photos look like they could be out of a travel magazine Pam…Maroon Bells takes my breath away with that gorgeous reflection! My hubby would be in heaven if we were able to acquire some acreage, especially with a barn! Love your sweet princesses. Enjoy your weekend, we are finally getting some much needed rain. ♥
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you Mary. It has been coming a monsoon here all day. Have a wonderful weekend!
Tea With Jennifer says
What a delightful post Pam! I hope you enjoy your travels & have fun with your projects! Of course little princesses make life full of fun! ♥
Bless you,
Jennifer
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you Jennifer!
Maristella says
Your pictures are really breathtaking!Well,travelling isn’t at my plans at the moment…My mother in law has Alzheimer’s disease and need us closer for a while.I am grateful for this virtual tour!Congrats to the lucky winner!Hugs!
Pam @ Everyday Living says
I am so sorry to read of your mother-in-law. Thank you Maristella. Blessings~
Noreen says
I love your photos! You capture His beauty so perfectly, thank you for sharing. On the 17th we are heading to San Antonio for two days(just a quick visit), but will drive to Fredrickburg-heard it is such a beautiful area. Then in September, being inspired by you, hubby and I are meeting our traveling companions at the Tetons and Yellowstone for a week or so. Next year are our bigger trips. Thank you again for your posts. Love them.
Noreen
inspiredbyjoydianne says
I loved this post so much but just getting around to commenting. Bob and I went through many years where we could not get away or if we did I was on pins and needles. We are so grateful and thankful we had the great joy of taking care of parents who are now in their Heavenly home. I admire you so for this. Your suggestions look fabulous. Bob and I prefer the mountains to the coast but we spent a week in Florida at a beautiful resort in February and then a seven day cruise. We recently spent a few wonderful days in Boone. There are so many small towns around Asheville that offer so much. We are going to visit some of them and try to get to Biltmore frequently. The South of France is on my list, maybe next year. Plan to spend time with grandchildren also. What a beautiful picture of the princesses. Congrats to Roxanne!
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you Dianne. I love taking trips nearby and your summer plans sound wonderful. Enjoy time with the grands ❤️
Margaret Robinson says
We live in Pebble Beach – a relatively short drive from Big Sur. It’s an amazing place and in getting to many of the places you’ve been, think I’m like you – the best places are far closer to home. Thanks for the great posts each week.
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you Margaret. You live in a beautiful area. We drove the 17 mile drive and Pebble Beach, Monterey, Carmel…all so gorgeous!
Chloe Crabtree says
I can’t wait to see pictures of your barn and what plans you have for that. I enjoyed the glimpses of your lovely gardens. I can understand you just wanting to spend time with those Princesses! I have a couple of those myself! We will be heading to Italy this summer, my first time there. This isn’t my favorite time of year to visit, but it is business related. I feel you with the rain! We finally got some in Florida, too!
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Chloe, thank you so much. What part of Italy, I have been three times and want to go back.
calypsointhecountry says
I always love seeing all your travel photos! You always visit the prettiest places. Thanks for linking up to Take Me Away. I am a little behind with my June recap but should be finished with it tonight or tomorrow…lazy days of summer! Enjoy your weekend!
Shelley
Pam @ Everyday Living says
I love your travel link-up Shelley!