Dirt Road Adventures: Summer Blooms, Change of Surgery Plans, and More
Happy Sunday, and welcome to Dirt Road Adventures! This is where we review all the exciting events behind the scenes, on the website, and the sources of inspiration I discovered online during the past week. This weekly recap ensures you don’t miss any of our adventures here at the end of our Dirt Road.

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Hey Friends, we’re in the midst of summer, with hot days, afternoon thunderstorms, and a summer flower explosion. The crypt myrtles are almost in full bloom, and the black eyed Susans are stunning as usual. I’ve been using the pool as often as possible to stay cool and enjoy the view of all the flowers as I float by. One of my posts this week was about how to keep your geraniums blooming from Spring to Fall. It really works.
In other news, I was disappointed to learn that I will need a 4th chemotherapy treatment, and my surgery will be pushed back until August 18th. I was given graphic details about what to expect with my surgery, which was scary to say the least. I had been praying that I wouldn’t need the extra treatment beforehand; however, now I’m grateful for it because I hope for more shrinkage and therefore, a less invasive surgery. You can see more details on MY CANCER JOURNAL.

Adventures at the End of the Dirt Road
This is a look back at all my adventures this past week.
Did you take advantage of Prime Day deals? I think I ordered something new almost every day. Many of the items are still on sale, although Prime Day is over. I noticed this as I was clicking through my lists. Click here in case you missed any deals.
If you were also busy shopping, you may have missed a few of my blog posts this week. But never fear, here they are in case you missed them.
In Case You Missed It

Creative Fruit And Free Flowers Centerpiece Idea: Garden Flowers & Peaches
Summer is here, and it’s the perfect time to take advantage of fresh fruits and beautiful garden flowers. If you’re looking for a unique and budget-friendly way to create a stunning table centerpiece, I have a fantastic idea using fresh peaches!

Create Your Dream Home: 5 Tips For Intentional Living At Any Stage
When we were planning our forever home, our needs looked completely different from what they did when our daughter was still living at home. See tips for planning your dream home.

How To Whitewash Wood For A Distressed Rustic Chic Style
Hey Friends, you know I love old chippy paint and wooden pieces that have a vintage feel. However, many of my projects involve working with new wood.

Best Tips To Keep Geraniums Blooming: Spring To Fall
Did you know that Geraniums will bloom from early Spring to late Fall if you know how to take care of them? Today, I’m sharing my best tips to keep geranium flowers blooming all season long.
READ MORE- Tips To Keep Geraniums

Brilliant Ways To Hide That Ugly Vent & More!
Hey friends, how am I going to hide that ugly air exchange vent? That was the first question I asked when I walked into my new house and saw the gaping hole in the wall, right smack dab in the middle of my staircase. I have found solutions to that issue and a few others over the years, and here they are.

9 Ways To Decorate with Vintage Cutting Boards & Breadboards
Do you have a collection of vintage cutting boards tucked away in a drawer? Vintage cutting boards and breadboards boast a timeless charm and unique character, making them perfect for adding warmth and personality to your home decor.
Read: Decorating with Cutting Boards and Breadboards in Your Home.
Adventures Off The Dirt Road
Why Didn’t I Think of That?
There are so many wonderful blog posts each week, and I’m sharing some of my favorites with you today.
There are so many creative ideas, and I’m always asking myself, “Why didn’t I think of that”? LOL
- Along with the afternoon showers, we are getting lots of weeds. I want to try Stacy’s Homemade Weed Killer.
- I never knew what all those nautical signs meant, but KariAnne explained on her DIY Nautical Flag Sign tutorial. It’s so cool.
- Got a broken planter pot? You’ll be breaking one if you don’t after seeing Jennifer’s Broken Terra Cotta Pot tutorial.
Coming Soon…
- Thrifting With The Gals is this week. You may see one of my latest thrift store finds being put to use.
- A nautical DIY garland made with recycled…..
- And more coastal decor ideas you will love…
- Christmas in July – A whole week of Christmas Inspiration.
My friend Patty sent me this message this week. I thought I’d share it with you.



The black eyed susans look beautiful Rachel!
To quote Winnie the Pooh: “You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think”.
Carol
Carol,
Thank you for this quote. It means so much to me to have your support and prayers. I hope you have a blessed week.
Keep enjoying today tomorrow will come soon enough. Well I’m off to kill weeds, thank you for posting the recipe. I can not wait to see the Christmas in July post. Sending hugs and prayers.
Hey Diana,
I appreciate you for stopping by today. Let me know how the recipe works for you. I’m looking forward to Christmas in July also. Can’t wait. Have a blessed week.
You’re always on my mind!! Keep floating in that pool & letting your mind relax. Thanks for sharing my succulent planter, it was fun to make!!
Jennifer,
I really appreciate you and your kind thoughts. Also, you are welcome. Ilove this idea.
I am praying for you. I have always liked your blog and always sensed that you were a good person. Hearing your fight against cancer and your prayers is wonderful. I know my husband prayed and felt at peace with God but he never fought. He just gave up the minute he heard he had cancer. He left me June 26th. Please keep up your fight and prayers. With your strength and God’s love, you will win!!!!🙏🙏🙏🙏
Betty,
I’m so sorry for your loss. I don’t intend to give up but I’ve heard of many who are not willing to fight to live. I’m so sorry your husband was one of those people. But I’m not one to judge because every situation is different and some people are not willing to spend their last days going throught harsh treatments. May God bless you and keep you strong and healthy.
Hello Rachel,
It’s terrific to hear from you as usual. Summer is looking lovely! My oldest son is there in Fayetteville for some Army training and I can envision you both experiencing summer in NC, hot and sticky, but still glorious summer! We have the same black eyed Susan’s dotting the landscape with their cheery faces here. I must attack some weeds as well so thanks for Stacy’s advice. My geraniums are stressed with our Texas heat, so will use your strategies! I am sorry for the news you received about the 4th treatment. I will continue to lift you and Brad up as you face this cancer.
My sons are both on Active Duty and went through Ranger School a few years ago about six weeks apart. It was a fraught time of testing and endurance over several months. Through a Facebook Family Support Group, I received and exchanged information, photos, prayers and uplifting . One of the verses from the old hymn, “Be Still My Soul” provided great comfort and as I searched my phone for some of those prayers and screen shots today, I came across it again. It made me think of you… “Be still my soul; the Lord is on thy side; Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain; Leave to thy God to order and provide; In every change He faithful will remain. Be still my soul; thy best, thy heavenly Friend, Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.” Catharina von Schlegel 1697-? May these ancient words provide you the encouragement and support they gave me in 2018. While my sons endured some hardships for sure, they persevered and won the day earning their Ranger Tabs which we proudly helped pin on. I pray for you to earn your Survivor Tab as well!
Prayerfully and with kind regards,
Katy
Katy
Thank you for this prayer! Life has so many twist and turns and with each one there are new challenges. Fayetteville is most likely steamy this time of year. It’s further East than we are. We went to a wedding in eastern NC last summer and it was so….. hot! I think I’m still recovering. LOL. Thank you for your prayers and kind words. Have a blessed week.