family love from east to west

It was a year ago today that my son, Jason,

went to his interview in Austin, Texas.

He loves his job and loves living in a great city with amazing weather.
Knowing how I love "looking up,"
Jason sent me some beautiful photos taken on his commute to and from work.

We are so proud of him... but oh how we miss him.

♥

Chris and I were able to visit Amanda during the first part of my February break.
We enjoyed some of our favorite things!
Of course
talking ♥ talking ♥ talking!
I'm not a big shopper, {and neither is Chris} but I wanted to stop at the Vera Bradley Outlet nearby.
Unbeknownst to us, there was 40% off sale going on... that is off of their outlet price!
... so we were very, very tempted...
Like crazy ladies, we waited an hour and a half
just to get inside the store.

Chris was thrilled :o) NOT!
but
He was a real honey bunch and got us coffees at Starbucks and
we talked even more ♥

{I'm glad Starbucks found a nice mild blend...have you tried their "Blonde" coffees?}

I was able to take home the purse I wanted for such a great price!
 {It retails for $69, is on sale for $49 online and at the outlet it's $34 and with 40% off ... I paid only $20}

 We took home a few gifts too!

We also just love the Walkway Over the Hudson.
Amanda's dogs, Chino and Mr. Darcy love it too!

A stop at Adams Fairacre Farms is a must as well.

 I picked up amazing produce at amazing prices
and these sweet red tulips to bring a little springtime to my father's house.

On Monday, it was off to my father's in central New York.
We had a great visit and some heavy work to do.

Remember the days when people installed wall-to-wall carpeting over hardwood floors?

Look what was under my father's carpeting!

His home looks like new ~ even the air smells fresher!

{Chris always asks if he can help!}

We moved around a lot of furniture and emptied the china closet and buffet.
I found some sweet treasures that were most likely last handled when Dad moved over 30 yrs. ago.
When I picked up my mother's pie holder, I held it for a long time thinking that
it was last used when she was alive.
These sweet treasures had been stored away too long...

Dad was so happy to see some of these things,
Right now, the pretty red crystal candy dish has a little bluebird in it,
but some of his favorite candies will be in it soon!
The dessert tiered set and pie holder came home with me ♥
He's happy that these things came out of their hiding place!

How has this week been going for you?

Are you enjoying amazing weather like Jason?

Or,

are you having deep winter weather?

Here, in the northeast... we are supposed to have a little snow tonight.

2 - 4 inches...then rain.

Still... a very easy winter... and I like it!

Have a wonderful weekend my friends
and always look up as do the others at Sky Watch Friday!