Kate Lloyd's Blog, page 13

September 6, 2016

Is The Grass Always Greener?

Recently, the oldie song “The Other Man’s Grass is Always Greener” has been weaving its way through my mind as I walk in the neighborhood. I can’t help noticing the many parched lawns and drooping bushes. Yet, some lawns are emerald green, an expensive investment in a city with high water rates.

A psychologist claims there’s a “Grass is Always Greener syndrome”,which extends far beyond yards and foliage. I admit to comparing myself to others, especially writers who are able to churn out copio...

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Published on September 06, 2016 04:00

August 16, 2016

Kate’s Favorite Pics!

Congratulations to Angela Brocato-Skaggs, winner of the Copper-roofed Amish-made Birdhouse from Lancaster County, PA, plus a signed copy of one book from the Legacy of Lancaster Trilogy: Leaving Lancaster, Pennsylvania Patchwork, or Forever Amish!

We payed a visit to friends and admired their recently remodeled Puget Soundhome!

BeachPorch

This lovely back porch looks out onto Puget Sound! A perfect spot for morning coffee.

Kitchen

I adore this stylish and practical kitchen, designed and built by owners. Sigh.

NauticalMantel

I...

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Published on August 16, 2016 04:00

August 9, 2016

Poor Taste

While many agree what culinary delights taste good or bad, poor taste seems up for grabs. Is poor taste all in the eye of the beholder?

Is keeping up with the Joneses or striving to surpass them part of human nature? Growing up, my parents taught me excessive show of wealth is in poor taste. Not that I don’t enjoy Ferraris and Alfa Romeos, automobiles I once sold, but what is the point of driving the showiest vehicle on the road? To elevate yourself, while making others feel inadequate? Or si...

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Published on August 09, 2016 04:00

July 26, 2016

Multitasking Madness

Even though I’ve claimed for years that I thrive on Multitasking, when I try to concentrate onmore than one venture at a time, my creativity diminishes and the project takes longer. Bummer.

The sky above the bay invites my mind to wander into the stratosphere.

The sky above the bay invites my mind to wander into the stratosphere.

That explains why my brain flips and flops as I attempt to write a new manuscript and post blogs simultaneously. Guess I’m not Wonder Woman after all. I can’t juggle either.

I just might use this adorable seaside shed in a novel someday.

I just might use this adorable seaside shed in a novel someday...

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Published on July 26, 2016 04:00

July 19, 2016

Kate’s Favorite Pics!

Three cheers forCherese Akhavein, winner ofthe lovely Amish-made Table Topper from Lancaster County, PA, plus a signed copy of one book from theLegacy of Lancaster Trilogy:Leaving Lancaster, its sequelPennsylvania Patchwork, orForever Amish!

Thanks to everyone who entered!I received great tips and smiled often.

I’m always on the lookout for lawn chairs!

Two-rockers

Two rockers in need of company!

Sleek-and-Practical

Sleek, stylish, and practical!

Two-chairs-with-pillows

A lovely spot to read and sip hot or iced tea!

Two-red-chairs

These two red chairs are eye-c...

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Published on July 19, 2016 04:00

July 12, 2016

Lost and Found

If I hadn’t been searching for woolens to mothproof, I never would’ve made my discovery!

My Grandma used to take me to FAO Schwartz every Christmas.

My Grandma used to take mysister and me to FAO Schwartz every Christmas.

In the chest at the foot of our bed, where I stow my grandma’s down comforter and a lion from the former FAO Schwartz, I uncovered woolen items hunkering at the bottom. I found the plaid mohair lap-blanket Mom gave me as a child (I’d looked for it last winter without success) and the marvelous bedspread and a shawl my mother used. Fo...

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Published on July 12, 2016 04:00

July 5, 2016

Kate’s Favorite Pics!

Teri Guntrum is my Blog giveaway winner of the lovely Amish-made potholders, plus a copy of one signed book from the Legacy of Lancaster Trilogy!

Thanks to everyone who left a fun comment! Glad to know I’m not the only scavenger/collector of oldies-but-goodies.

The ‘Dog Days‘ of Summer Walking your dog is a great way to meet people, as long as your pup is friendly.

Walking your dog is a great way to meet people, as long as your pup is friendly.

I doubt anyone would be foolish enough to steal this car!

I doubt anyone would be foolish enough to steal this car!

Walking your dog is a great way to meet people, as long as your pup is friendly.

This professional dog walker has his hands full.

This cute old English sheepdog (link; http://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/old-english-sheepdog#/slide/1 ) pup will eventually weigh 80 to 100 pounds!

This cute Old English...

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Published on July 05, 2016 04:00

June 28, 2016

One Man’s Trash is Another Man’s Treasure

Years ago, while enjoying a walk, I glanced down an alley and spotted an eight-foot long metal hand-rail leaning next to the homeowner’s trash and recycle bins. I knocked on the front door and a gracious woman greeted me. She told me she was remodeling and didn’t want the railing anymore. Sure, I was welcome to take it, but she warned me it was very heavy.

I still love this decorative wrought-iron railing!

I still love this decorative wrought-iron railing!

At that time, we owned an aged Suburban and our older son still lived at home. I told...

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Published on June 28, 2016 04:00

June 21, 2016

Kate’s Favorite Pics!

Found my blog Winner! Congratulations to Amy, the winner of the lovely Amish-made pillow from Lancaster County and one signed book from the Legacy of Lancaster Trilogy: CBA bestseller Leaving Lancaster, CBA bestseller Pennsylvania Patchwork, or Forever Amish.

An Overnight Trip to the Beach My husband drove right past this nursery without even slowing.

My husband drove right past this nursery without even slowing.

When we arrived, Mount Baker and the Cascade Mountains greeted us.

When we arrived, Mount Baker and the Cascade Mountains greeted us.

When the tide is in, mowing the lawn is one of my husband’s favorite pastimes.

When the tide is in, mowing the lawn is one of my husband’s favorite pastime...

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Published on June 21, 2016 04:00

June 14, 2016

Tossing and Turning all Night?

Do you adore or dread going to bed? Odd as it may seem, bedtime brings me joy. After washing my face and brushing my teeth, I draw back the covers, fluff the pillows, and slip inside my cocoon feeling elated. I make note of this sensation because I figure it will evaporate should I wake up in the middle of the night.

Where I head at the end of the day with a smile on my face.

Where I head at the end of the day with a smile on my face.

I read a book for a while, peruse articles from a little magazine I love, Family Life, and then something from the Bib...

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Published on June 14, 2016 04:00