Whew!

It has been non stop wackiness around Rabbit Run Cottage of late!

I have had little to no time at all to visit or post here and for that, I humbly apologize!

 I know all of you are up to sweet things around your places and I promise to drop by soon!

We celebrated our dear son's birthday last week. He is so much like his Dad...cherishes the simple and quiet things in life...so a little family party here at home was just what he wanted. His favorite coconut cake finished off a dinner of grilled hot dogs, french fries, shrimp and yes. Sushi. The boy loves his sushi!

Grace knows exactly what to get her big brother...the gift of Starbucks!

Then we attended an awards event at Grace's school. She had no idea she was

winning anything nor that we would be there!

This is the "What are you two doing here?" look we got when she spotted us!

Thankfully, the surprised look changed to a big smile for us!

We knew she was recieving awards for orchestra and art club as well as the coveted "Most Improved Student" award but they surprised all of us with another...

Grace was given one of the Presidential Awards For Educational Excellence.

The award is quite lovely, signed by the President and the Secretary of Education and came with a Presidential Seal pin.

Her teachers told us she has worked so hard, been so dedicated to learning and come so very far in the last few years. We are so proud of her, of both of our children, and all they have accomplished!

Lots more to talk about but too little time to post! Today is Grace's last day of Elementary sachool! Yikes! Where did the time go? The PTO is throwing the kids a wonderful party at the Township Rec Center. I am on the decorating committee so need to run! I have a lot of balloons to blow up! *laugh* Should be easy for me! After all, I am filled with hot air!

Thinking of you all and sending each one of you lots of love!

I hope your June is going beautifully!

Happy Fall Ya'll

It's here, that soft, sweet time of year that I love so very much. We begin putting our gardens to bed for their long, frosty nap and shifting our homemaking energies to creating warm & cozy interiors. This will be the week I am finally able to tend to that most enjoyable chore. Oh but I adore bringing the colors and treats of Autumn into our home. I will share some of that later this week but, for now, here are just a few photos of early Fall delights! Each weekend brings another

round of festivals and garden center open houses. The weather was warmer this weekend but still nice. Blue skies and a bright, beaming sun kept us smiling...that and the fact that my brother and sister in law finally recovered their electricity! Yes, after 7 days, the power company was able to have their area back up and running today. Whew!

So now Autumn can finally begin in earnest! Happy Fall ya'll...

Have a sweet week. May this Fall season be your best one ever.

Love and Hugs,

Susie Q

May I Have A Drummroll Please?

Presenting my new *niece*, Casey! On Saturday afternoon, this precious dog joined our family. You probably remember when my brother and sister in law lost their dog, Haley, to cancer. That was last Summer and I guess the time was just right to add a new fur baby to their family! Casey is a *rescued*, half black lab, half German Shepherd, ALL sweet girl. I guess it is no surprise to anyone who knows me that I am already quite in love with her. She is gentle and loving and such a pretty girl. Gonna be a BIG dog, she is just 4 months old and still trying to learn how to use those confounded long legs! I guess that gracefulness is something one has to learn, not that *I* have ever been able to develop that trait myself. Ahem...so no lessons in being nimble from Auntie Sue sweet Casey!

A little blurry I know but Casey is a not one to sit still for long! I was able to capture the first kiss she gave my nephew, Boo. I think they will be great buddies! Casey? Meet your new Daddy! Yup Casey, ask your pretty new Mama there...Auntie Sue takes LOTS of pictures so get used to it! This weekend, and today, were just so beautiful. Just a taste of Spring with warmer breezes and clear, blue skies. Oh but the sun was bright and cheery. Ah....I think Casey and I will just stay out here on her deck & enjoy it a little more. Have a wonderful week dear friends. March is finally here and Spring is right around the corner... Love and Hugs, Susie Q

Who Needs Some Happy?

Who? Me. That's who. So here we go. This is about as happy as can be on a very warm Summer morning.... Now, when your Grandma lives in a condominium and there is a pool, it makes you happy. But when you discover that the pool at your Grandma's condominium is seldom used by anyone on certain mornings, well, that is priceless. A pool just for Mom and you. Oh, and Grandma too. After all, it is her condo. It is only fair I guess....okay Grandma, this cannonball is just for YOU!