Sunday 19 January 2014

It's Beach Weather, Let's Go!

Hello my friends, it's Sunday once again and I do hope you are all enjoying your weekend! 
For those of you in cooler climates I thought a little look at another beach in our lovely area might cheer you and give you hope that your summer will come around again; and for my friends over here in Australia, well, it's rather hot isn't it, and you're quite possibly enjoying the beautiful blue skies and cooling waves at a beach somewhere in your area, even as I type!

Just a few kms. from our home is a lovely little spot called Cosy Corner! The entrance to this beach area provides a lovely relaxing atmosphere with its shady vegetation and barbecues with picnic tables for those who feel inclined, and is a beautiful spot to spend a few hours whiling away a summer's day. 



We spent some time there yesterday, and as you can see from the pics, our little Pika just loved her run around in the sand - oh it's okay - any 'mess' left by doggies is picked up and removed by responsible owners, and as it happens we usually exercise her before visiting such places so that we have that situation under control! Well, as much as one can judge the unpredictability of little four-legged-furry-friends!!!



Afterwards we drove into Albany and visited this park which is a favourite haunt of ours.




Those homes are across the street from the park and don't they have a wonderful outlook!



I mentioned last time about new books so here are a couple of pics of those I've been fortunate enough to gather over the past few weeks . . . . most of these have been mentioned at some time or another by you lovely inspiring fellow bloggers and you know how it is - sometimes one just has to have a particular title - and so it goes on . . . . and in fact, the same thing has gone on for so long that my bookcases were crammed full and quite untidy which necessitated the purchase of more - bookcases that is!!! 


So Thursday saw J and I go off shopping and how fortunate were we - just the things we wanted were waiting for us so bought on the spot cause we don't waste time, and delivered the next morning! Now you know what I'm going to say don't you: I have spent a lot of time sorting and shuffling and to-ing and fro-ing between two rooms, trying to get all those books sorted in such a way that I'd be able to find what I'm looking for at any given time. It was tiring but oh so enjoyable! I'm quite thrilled to have everything organised again - I have trouble living with mess!

Below I am showing you the original shelves in my little room, now tidied up and displaying my special books and a few of my precious belongings . . . . 


. . . . .   gifts from family and friends, some recent and others from many moons ago, are displayed here and treasured!
The new bookcases and their contents can wait for their ta-dah moment!


You know that summer time is a wonderful time for fresh fruit, and so after shopping the other day my lovely Hubby J quickly did his thing with arranging the fruit platter - didn't he do a lovely job - it was a pity to spoil it by eating the fruit but I'm afraid that platter has been spoiled somewhat, but oh such juicy tasty morsels, and so so healthy!


And just a wee bit of colour from the garden . . . .



I would like to welcome new followers and also thank you all so much for your sweet messages and comments - I am always so happy to receive them and love the interaction that we blogging friends have amongst ourselves - it's a wonderful world!

I do hope that this post finds you all well and happy and able to spend time doing the things you love to do! I'm wishing you peace and relaxation as well as the very best of health for yourselves and your loved ones!

Lots of love and good cheer!

Joy xoxo

70 comments:

  1. Thank you for sharing this with us, I noticed last night that the nights are beginning to shorten, so spring is in it's way.. You live in such a pretty place and how stunning are those views of the beach and those lucky houses being close to that lively park.
    Have you got a wish list of projects from your new books.
    S xx

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    1. Hi Sarah, lovely to hear from you again thank you - and no I don't actually have a list cause I can't decide - there are so many gorgeous projects and I have such trouble keeping myself under control, haha! I usually go with the flow when I'm ready to make a move . . . .
      Hugs, Joy x

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  2. I think it may be a little bit cooler down your way Joy, its a sizzler up here in Perth :) When Aimee moved into her own place a few weeks ago I didn't realise just how many books she had, my overly packed bookcase now looks a little like yours, very neat and orderly! Wonderful beach shots, Even though I'm literally five minutes away... Not going :)

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    1. Yeah, I think ours was in the highish twenties Grace whereas Perth had high thirties - I don't want you to suffer but please keep it up there! Isn't it amazing how those books accumulate, but who could be without them! I don't go to 'open' beaches on hot days either, but Cosy Corner has so much shade around it it's wonderful! x

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  3. I do LIKE your bookcases Joy, everything is indeed in ship shape and tidy. I must say I like things that way too, and books are easy to find when you want one.I am impressed with your Dh's still life of the fruit, he certainly has an artists eye for arranging them on that platter! we are bunkering down for another heat wave, not sure if it will make it as far south as your place, but keep cool if it does, and enjoy more visits to that lovely beach spot you have there!

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    1. I don't want that heat down here Krissie, it's all to much!
      I am rather attached to those bookcases - Ikea from years ago!
      J is pretty good with that sort of thing - flowers too!
      You keep cool too and if it helps just think that before too long we'll be complaining about the cold, haha! x

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  4. The beach at cosy corner looks beautiful Joy, I can see why you like it so much. Your shelves are lovely too. I like the way that you have combined your books and your other special things, it looks so pretty. Hope that you have a great week. xx

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    1. Thanks so much Amy for your kindness and I hope your week is wonder-filled! x

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  5. oh your beaches are dreamy! and nice to be able to take your dog, we can't always do that here in the summer. Nice to have those cube book cases to display your treasures! and that is definitely what I call a fruit bowl! Heather x

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    1. Actually we can't always take our dog either Heather, which has been a bit of a problem for us at times - but we do have special 'dog beaches' too, which is a good thing, for most dogs love a run in the sand don't they! Thanks so much for popping in again and I do hope things are going well for you.x

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  6. What a beautiful place you live in, Joy - thanks for sharing all these wonderful pics and yes they have brought a little sunshine to this foggy Sunday morning here :-)
    It is a mission to rearrange and sort to books, isn't it, but I do love that bit at the end when you can stand back and look at them all neatly sorted & looking pretty on their shelves.
    Ooh and your fruit platter looks sooo yummy too!
    Wishing you a happy & blessed week ahead,
    Hugs xx

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    1. Hiya Gilly, how's your weekend going? Sorry to hear you've been having fog!
      It is a lovely feeling of satisfaction and even delight isn't it, when all is sorted - until it's time for dusting again! That fruit is almost all gone now, but then that's summertime isn't it!
      Loving blessings and hugs xo

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  7. Hi Joy glad to see you are well. I knew you lived somewhere in WA and was concerned you may have been affected by the recent fires. You do live in beautiful part of the world , we got through our heat wave.....just.....phew! Melbourne never gets that hot for so long usually that is. Bookshelves look great, how long until they are full again? :-)

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    1. Hi Susan, yes, we're in beautiful Denmark and although we weren't directly affected by the fires, we did live in that exact area before moving down here - right on the corner where the fires started!!! Poor souls to suffer through such an experience and of course the suffering goes on doesn't it! You've certainly had it hot over there too - I hope you have cooler weather for a while now. Ah, you made me laugh - those shelves may soon be full again, but I have left a little bit of space here and there, haha! x

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  8. We are also enjoying the most wonderful beach weather. Thanks for all the news ans so lovely to see your photos. Love the new look shelves ! Have a lovely warm and 'fruitful' week....xx

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    1. Oh I'm pleased to hear you are also having good weather Leeanne - enjoy it! Thanks so much for your lovely message - it certainly is fruit season and one must make the most of it! xx

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  9. Wow! What a beautiful world you live in Joy! Has the national tourism board been in touch with you yet? You could be their official spokesperson - I can feel that sunshine, the sand between my toes, let me go book my flight... ;-) I do love your new pile of books, because I don't have any of those, so please let us know more about them in due time (I've had my eye on the crewel books, another WIP for 2014!). And bookshelves lined with beloved books are the best decor...enjoy your Sunday! Lots of love, Chrissie x

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    1. Yes, we are very fortunate Chrissie, but no the tourism board hasn't caught up with me - YET! I will attempt to talk more about the books for they are all really good - and the Crewel ones are really interesting and thorough and remind me of when I was in school and we were taught Jacobean style embroidery - of course I'll have to deck myself out with different threads/yarns for this work! I haven't sewn a stitch this week and am feeling withdrawal symptoms coming on, but sometimes we can't fit in everything we want to do eh!
      Have a great week, Lots of love to you too, Joy xo

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  10. That wee pop of colour as cheered me up no end.Joy what is that white plant in your garden?
    just cannot remember its name.You are so lucky to live so near to a beautiful location, so good for the soul x

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    1. I'm so glad you feel cheered Joy - and the flower is Honeysuckle - and I do believe that when it comes in more pinky shades, rather than the yellow and white, it's called Woodbine - at least that's what I was told many years ago. The aroma is delicious!
      Have a great week! xx

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    3. Thanks Joy, I love the smell of thst plant x

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  11. How lovely your photos are and the bookcases are perfect. I love the way you have displayed and stored your books but also your precious things.

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    1. Hello hello and welcome! Thank you for your lovely message - I really do appreciate it and please pop in again soon! x

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  12. The beach photos are spectacular Joy, I love your new book shelves, they look wonderfully organized. We have chilly weather here, three frosts in a row for us, now everything will be brown.
    Hugs,
    Meredith

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    1. Hiya Meredith my friend - it always makes me happy to have your messages, thank you! Sorry to hear of the frosts - they do wreck the gardens don't they, such a shame! Sending you happy sunshine thoughts!
      Hugs, Joy x

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  13. My Lovely Joy what a fabulous place you live in - the colours are just so stunning. I would give anything to live near the sea as it just refreshes your whole being and makes you feel so alive. I love your home and what a wonderful array of things, I spied Miss Tilley there and I am so that she is in a fabulous home, she must be thanking her lucky stars to have arrived home to you Joy. What a wonderful post as always, your words always make me feel better. Big warm hugs to you my lovely friend.
    Dorothy
    :-)xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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    1. Lovely Dorothy, thank you for all your kind and caring words and I hope that some day your wish for a place by the sea will come to fruition! Yes, my 'Peggy' is very happy sitting there, just at the left of my desk - she was promoted to a slightly higher position!
      I'm wishing you blue skies and sunshine and a wonderful week!
      Much love, Joy xoxo

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  14. Now will you stop teasing us with your gorgeous beach pictures! Well done for your book tidying-up. I should do the same! I just have so many interests!
    Despite the winter weather, I have three pots of different spring bulbs developing exciting buds right now! Pre-spring is on its way! Have a wonderful Sunday!

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    1. Ha ha, no I won't stop Sandra, but to be honest there are days when I'd love a wee bit of your cooler refreshing crisp air! The more interests, the more books, and the more difficult trying to sort and group - problem is one can't really do just a small area at a time, it comes down to full involvement!
      How delightful to watch the bulbs shooting through and growing - I love Spring and new life!
      A wonderful week to you Sandra, Joy x

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  15. Oh Joy, I can't help but be a little envious of that gorgeous beach and the lovely weather you are having. It is cold, dull and grey here today in blighty! Your very sweet dog looks like she is having a wonderful time, I know my dog would love that sandy beach. Your book shelves look lovely so colourful and full of very interesting things to peruse! Have a lovely week. Julie x

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    1. Oh dear - how about we do a swap for a few days - I don't really want 'grey', but the heat does become too much at times so a few crisp days I could really appreciate; we humans are never satisfied are we, haha! Thanks so much for popping in Julie - and I wish you a fun week, Joy x

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  16. Such a gorgeous post full of much needed light and colour! Love those beach photos...it is very damp and cold in Scotland right now so it cheered me up to see those. Lots of lovely looking aft books there too. Hope you have a happy week!
    Marianne x

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    1. Lovely Marianne, I'm always happy to see you here and to have your sweet messages, thank you! I hope that sunshine is just around the corner for you - the winter does tend to drag on doesn't it, and summer gets a bit hot and long here - change comes eventually and it seems like no matter which part of the world we are in, we are ready for it!
      I wish you sunshine and happy crafting! Love, Joy xo

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  17. Ooh I think we could do with some of your warm sunshine over here. It started off miserable today but has brightened up although its cold. My son over in Aus says its still very hot over there and I noticed gorgeous blue skies when I facetimed him today. The beach looks wonderful, I would be hard pressed to leave it.

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    1. Hello Anne - oh how I wish I could share the blue skies and sunshine with you - just the odd day here and there would be such a lift I'm sure - but Spring is on her way to you . . . . soon!!! When it's really hot here we stay indoors as much as possible or else risk having our brains fried - sometimes it seems like we can't win, haha!
      Wonderful week to you lovely, Joy x

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  18. Such a gorgeous beach in a wonderful post Joy, this made me smile I love seeing you're bookcases too. Have a great week
    Clare xx

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    1. Thanks so much Clare - I do hope your health is holding up and you're able to do the things you love this week! Joy xo

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  19. What a lovely post. I feel happier having read it! Your photos are all beautiful and they make me feel like I'm there too. The beach is just gorgeous, I wouldn't be able to stay away if I lived near there! Your shelves look very nice and neat. I'm like you; I need things to be put away properly and everything to be tidy. The fruit platter looks very seasonal and delicious, I would love one of those big plums right now. I hope you have a lovely week, Joy!

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    1. Oh dear, I'm so sorry you missed out Jennifer for now the plums are all gone along with the rest of that beautiful platter - no, we didn't eat the platter, just the fruit - and it was sooooo good! Time to replenish! I'm so glad you enjoyed your beach visit my friend, we are very fortunate to have such in close proximity to home!
      Happy happy days to you and warm hugs, Joy xo

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  20. Hello lovely Joy it is so lovely to see that you have been enjoying the glorious summer and thank you for taking us there with you. Cosy corner sure looks like a wonderful place to visit and it seems that your little Pika had a lovely time. Your bookshelves look amazing and what I would do to have a few hours to flick through your books and to see what treasures you hold there. I love looking through other people's books, I always think it says so much about the person. Everything looks so beautifully displayed and I am sure it is going to give you many a happy hour to look at it and enjoy flicking through the books on it. Those fruit look wonderful, especially the peaches, it is the one fruit I love and miss. I never really think that the peaches in the UK are up to much. Your garden looks wonderful and I am sure you must be enjoying many hours outside looking at all your gorgeous blooms. I hope you have a wonderful week lovely Joy and take good care of yourself. Much love xoxo

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    1. Ah lovely Hannapat, what a sweet and long message, thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed our little beach visit and I would really enjoy having you here browsing through my books - I wouldn't even mind if you untidied them again! These particular peaches were actually the best I've tasted in a long time Hannapat so I'm hoping we can get more of the same, but usually that doesn't seem to happen, sadly; they were the white-fleshed variety.
      Now you take good care of yourself and have a hap-hap-happy week! Lots of love, Joy xoxo

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  21. Hello Joy, what a wonderful post. Your beach looks amazing and what a gorgeous area to live.
    Oh my word such brilliant bookshelves, I am in awe as I love books, and your display of little ornaments. Beautiful, beautiful flowers with their vibrant colours. Enjoy the rest of your week.
    luv
    irene
    xxxx

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    1. How lovely to see you here again Irene and thank you so much for your lovely message - I'm so glad you've had a nice visit - and books are the best aren't they!
      Hugs, Joy xo

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  22. I can feel the sunshine and the heat just reading this Joy. What a beautiful beach and the park is lovely too. I seem to be cold all the time just lately and am in deep hibernation mode, it's gets so I can't even be bothered to leave the house unless, I have to of course for work and shopping, I'm quite happy in my little cocoon but when I see beautiful places like those you are showing us I would just love to stroll through the park or lie on that beach and feel the heat on my face. Yes the fruit looks yummy it's very refreshing on a hot summers day and your flowers are lovely. Have a great week Joy. xx

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    1. Yes, I think winter can gradually get into your bones Linda - I often feel the same during that season although certainly not right now although I would be grateful some days to feel cool!
      I hope you warm up and have a happy week! Warm hugs to start you off, Joy xo

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  23. Ohhh, thanks for sharing your lovely summertime with us, Joy! I especially enjoyed Pika's romp on the beach :) Your bookshelves look much tidier than mine, but I share your delight in having books and treasures at hand... things that fuel my curiosity and creative interests. Your description of your method of knitting on our conversation on your last post reminded me of a video I watched
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P51GByV0H2w
    Is this how you knit as well? [It is amazing!!!!!!!] xx

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    1. Hello Gracie, how lovely to hear from you and sorry I'm late in replying - the nasty old migraines struck again!
      Thanks so much for the link - that IS similar to how I knit, only my RH is closer to the point end of the needle and I hold the yarn closer too, not way up in the air - gosh there are a lot more styles of knitting than I had ever imagined and all so interesting - you've really got me going on this! How's yours coming along?
      I hope your week is a happy one, blessings to you and yours, AND hugs, Joy xo

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  24. Lovely pictures, the last time I was visiting my brother in Perth we spent a weekend at Margaret Rive, it was gorgeous. The next time I visit we are going to Albany but for a bit longer. I will make it March or April as the heat in January was much too hot to allow us to see everything.

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    1. Hello Pam, welcome to my little spot! You are very wise to wait until after the main heat of summer to visit our beautiful country and will be able to enjoy the sights much more. All the best with your plans! Joy

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  25. Hello Joy. What beautiful beach photos and what a happy poochy Pika! running along made me smile!
    Oh what a collection of books I keep meaning to do a post with my books. I would love to have a flick though many of your books. I like the look of hoop-la especially.
    How lovely to see the honey suckle in your garden I love the heady scent you get from it in the evenings.
    Hope you have a lovely week.
    Speak soon FB xx

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    1. Hiya FB - I hope all is well with you, I'm a bit behind again I'm afraid, but will catch up!
      Hoop-la is a great book with loads of ideas and inspiration - I'm sure you'd get a lot from it FB; I will show more of it soon just to whet your appetite a bit more and send you off on a spending spree. Why not - you can't allow me to be the only one who spends pocket money too fast!!!
      Take good care of yourself lovely - love and hugs, Joy xo

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  26. What beautiful scenery at the beach Joy! The water is so blue!!! Here in Louisiana we are not so blessed to have such lovely blue. Only if you go waaayy out into the Gulf, then you will see blue!
    Love your collection of books, My goodness sooo much inspiration on those shelves however do you control yourself!
    Have a lovely week, Shari

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  27. Hello Shari - I must admit that I actually don't control myself very well at all and never know which project I'm going to take up next! Perhaps we're all bitten with the same bug in craft blogland, haha!!!
    I'm happy you enjoyed seeing our lovely blue again, it's rather magical isn't it. I hope your week is going really well, hugs, Joy xo

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  28. The beach pictures are certainly warming ... especially while I'm sitting looking at -18C on the thermometer ;) You could open your own library Joy! What a lot of books. I used to buy and buy and buy books too. Now I'm very selective about what I pick up. But sometimes I still can't resist a particularly nice knitting or sewing book and scoop it up (after checking it out thoroughly in the store though!). I recently bought one on baby blankets ... if you could see it, you'd understand why it came home with me. Your flowers look amazing even with the high temperatures you're receiving there. Cute pup! Wendy x

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    1. Oh gosh Wendy, that's cold! I have become very choosy too now, with my book purchases, and am really enjoying building up my 'craft' library; you haven't seen the books on the new shelves yet!!! I'll tell Pika you said she's cute - she'll be very happy, thank you! Happy days to you Wendy, Hugs, Joy xo

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  29. Oh my, Joy! I am glad I came back to your blog post. I was fairly certain I left a comment here when you first posted but it doesn't appear to have "taken". Well with my memory perhaps I only thought I left a comment ;-)

    I just love your beach scenes and all the flower and fresh fruit photos too. You always seem to capture some of my most favourite things. Just think all these things are of the earth and/or grow in the soil. I am forever grateful for the beauty of the earth which is there for us to enjoy. Don't let me forget the books which are one of my favourite things because I love to read. One does need some nice bookshelves when one likes to read :-)

    Have a wonderful week ahead.

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    1. That's funny Joyful - sometimes I have forgotten to press the 'publish' button, leave that particular blog, and then realise I've been in too big a hurry and have to go back in and do another message! I think it's all about busyness!
      We are indeed blessed by natures gifts and I'm happy you enjoyed my little selection of pics!
      Thank you for your lovely message Joyful - enjoy your week! Blessings, Joy x

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  30. Hello JOY My Dear Friend, I am so sorry to have been missing for so long. I absolutely LOVE your Beach Photos. Oh, how I wish I could walk along them with you and Pika. He is such a sweet doggie. Your bookcase is very grand. I love it. I love fruit and your Peaches My Very Favorite looks so yummy, I could eat heaps of them. Your flowers are always so very beautiful.. I can not even image Spring or Summer at the moment. We have 2 feet of snow on the ground and it has been the coldest and snowiest Winter on record for us. Just ghastly... Hugs Judy

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    1. It's always so nice to see you here again Judy - I know life has been very busy and challenging for you recently so I appreciate that you can pop in and leave your lovely message!
      A walk along the beach together would be very lovely Judy and certainly quite a change from your experience at this time - two feet of the white stuff is very deep!!! Never mind - Spring will come eventually and it will be beautiful and very much appreciated no doubt!
      Take good care of yourself, warm hugs for you my friend, Joy xo

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  31. The beach! Be still my heart! I am thick in Winter and trying to make the best of it!

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  32. Hello Jayne, thanks for dropping by! The beach looks very enticing yes, but the garden needs a day (or more) of beautiful refreshing rain! Balance is difficult isn't it - in most areas of life! Your Springtime will come again and in the meantime it looks like you are making good use of the Winter months - I had a quick peep into your blog! Joy

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  33. Hi Joy, it is so lovely seeing sunshine and warmth in your lovely photos - the beach looks amazing! Looking forward to following along with you this year :-) x

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  34. Hello Eilidh and welcome to my little place, it's lovely to see you here! I look forward to sharing and getting to know you! Joy x

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  35. Oh Joy, you make me long for summer! Weather here is weird, quite mild but very wet. It's great to have a sort out isn't it, such a sense of satisfaction when you're done. I really fancy some fruit now... Sam xx

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    1. Hi Sam, always lovely to see you here, thank you. I hope your weather pattern takes a turn for the better soon - most folks feel better with a wee bit of sunshine and I wish you lots! Joy x

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  36. This post was such a tonic Joy - those photos of that blue sea and sky, just breathtaking and what I needed to see after all our grey, wet weather here. I like the look of your books, especially Little Stitches. x

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    1. Thank you Gillian, I do enjoy my books! I would love to be able to send you some of our sunshine! Joy x

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  37. What feels like constant grey skies and wet and windy days here was just made a bit less gloomy by this post ... thank you Joy.

    And how lovely to see all your books ... I don't think anyone can ever have too many books :)

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    1. I'm so glad it brought you a wee bit of cheer Annie - thank you so much! Joy x

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