After months of planning and eager anticipation, the day of our daughter Sara’s wedding flew by all too quickly. It was a whirlwind of activity from the moment I awoke until my head hit the pillow that night! I hardly had a moment to catch my breath until I was in my seat in the […]
Leslie Fehling
Linguine with Tomatoes, Brie, and Basil
Fresh-picked aromatic basil … juicy, ripe, ruby red tomatoes warm from the garden … ooey, gooey, melty Brie cheese … garlic and pasta — is your mouth watering yet?! This is one of those meals that just screams SUMMER! A friend gave me this recipe years ago, and I’ve been making it every summer since. […]
New Life in the Late Summer Garden
It’s easy to be excited about gardening in the spring. All those fresh, brightly colored flowers are just bursting with life, and there’s so much potential in what we see, but by August (and even earlier in warmer parts of the country) everything’s looking a bit tired and worn out. Some plants are ready for […]
Summer Wildflowers
I guess I should post this sketch before summer is over and the fields of wildflowers have all faded to winter browns and grays. I just love watching the progression of wildflower varieties that come and go in the fields and roadsides in our area throughout the year. I’m trying to be more aware of […]
Watercolor Wedding Invitation
When my daughter, Sara, got engaged last December, she asked me to do the artwork for her wedding invitations. Since the event will be held here at Summerhill, she thought it would be nice to have a drawing of the house on the invitation. The blue hydrangeas that surround our house in the summer set […]
Advice to a New Bride
I bought this quirky old framed poem at an antique store two years ago, in anticipation of the day that I might give it to my daughter. It was just too funny to pass up. Since Sara’s getting married in three short weeks, I think it’s time. Hmm, where’s she going to hang it so […]
Kitchen Sink Memories
A common kitchen sink. What could be memorable about that? It’s just a functional part of all of our homes. Mine’s not beautiful or special. It’s not made of the latest high tech material. It’s just a plain old kitchen sink that has ten years’ worth of nicks and scratches. I’ve been spending a lot […]
Wild Rice Chicken Salad
I first tasted this great chicken salad at a friend’s house, and I couldn’t stop eating it! It’s so-o-o good. The recipe was originally from Southern Living. Give it a try – I think you’ll love it. (Note gluten free modifications below.) Wild Rice-Chicken Salad 2 (6.2 oz.) packages long grain and wild rice mix […]
Sour Cream Coconut Cake
I had company over the weekend – aunts and grammas and cousins, all in town for my daughter’s bridal shower. I made a great dinner Friday evening and, for dessert, I served this wonderful coconut cake. The recipe originally came from my aunt, Marie Staley, and I often make it for my Summerhill Weekend Sewing […]
Embroidered Bedding Set
We had a bridal shower for my daughter Sara yesterday at a wonderful tea room in our area – the Johnston House, in Mars, PA. I was really looking forward to giving her the gift that I’ve been working on for several weeks. There had been a few close calls where she had walked into […]
