Dirt Road Adventures: Happy Father’s Day, Surviving Chemo Treatment # 2 and Fun Vintage & Patriotic Ideas
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.
Hey Friends,
How is your weekend? I hope you are celebrating Father’s Day with your loved ones. Brad and I are in isolation this weekend, so it’s just the two of us. However, he’s enjoying his giant bucket of fireballs Jennifer and Jason gave him for Father’s Day!
If the weather cooperates, we hope to spend more time in the pool. It’s been raining most days, and my flowers are thriving in the wet conditions. Brad did a little fishing to kill some time, and he got lucky on his first cast. (Don’t tell him I told you, but the camera angle might be a little bit deceiving. LOL)
I’ve been feeling a bit under the weather this past week. Treatment # 2 was in some ways easier and in some ways worse than my first treatment. I’ve spent a lot of time on the screen porch, listening to the rain, enjoying the view, and taking in the scent of the magnolia blooms. However, I’m feeling much better now. It takes that first week to recover, with days 3-4 (Monday & Tuesday) being the worst. You can read more about my roller coaster of a week at My Cancer Journal.
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Adventures at the End of the Dirt Road
This is a look back at all my adventures this past week.
I’ve not planted any new flowers this year. Just about the time I was ready to get started, my cancer diagnosis threw me for a loop, and therefore, no new flowers. But Mother Nature took over, and I have been blessed with a whole planter full of volunteer petunias. Additionally, the hydrangeas I propagated last year were planted in an old wheelbarrow until I had the opportunity to transplant them into the ground. I failed to do so in the spring, but they are loving this home and are blessing me with these stunning pink blooms.
I had pre-planned most of my blog entries so that if I weren’t feeling good, it wouldn’t matter. Here are some new ideas and some old favorites. In case you missed them.
In Case You Missed It
Smokey & Sweet: Salted Caramel, Candied Bacon, Dark Chocolate Brownies
Looking for a new brownie recipe? Try this smoked salted caramel dark chocolate brownie recipe with candied bacon. YUM! This easy recipe includes a boxed dark chocolate brownie mix, prepared caramel, and smoked sea salt.
How To Use Galvanized Tub Planters In Your Landscape
Do you love Vintage Galvanized Tubs or Metal Tin Buckets? I have several that I’ve collected and used to create galvanized tub planters in my landscape and garden.
21 Inspiring Ways To Decorate With Glass Cloche Domes
Welcome back, friends! If there’s one decor piece that I use regularly to enhance my decor vignettes, it has to be the glass cloche dome. Cloches come in various styles and are a great way to add a touch of elegance to any room in your home.
The Ultimate Guide To Choosing The Best Outdoor Rug For Your Space
Do you need help choosing a durable outdoor rug for patios, porches, decks, and front doors? A simple rug can transform an open space into a cozy area for conversation or dining.
Vintage Brooch Pillow Wraps: No-Sew Unique Pillow Makeovers
Hey friends, I’m excited to share a unique way for you to add a little sparkle to your existing plain pillows. I was inspired to pull out all my vintage brooch pins after finding a red, white, and blue scarf at the thrift store.
DIY Patriotic Twig Wreath: Dollar Tree Star Craft
Y’all, I love creating projects from foraged items that can be made practically for free! If you enjoy eco-friendly projects like this one, you’ll love today’s DIY Patriotic Twig Wreath tutorial.
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
- If vintage garden ideas make your heart go pitter-patter, you will love Cindy’s charming summer garden article.
- KariAnne tells the best stories, and I know you’ll love her latest yard sale tale.
- Nothing catches my eye as easy, dessert, and blueberries. I can’t wait to try Stacy’s Blueberry Dump Cake Recipe.
- Looking for some unexpected ideas for your walls? Check out Jennifer’s 7 Creative & Unique Wall Ideas.
What’s In My Cart
- I just finished Harris Faulkner’s book, Faith Still Moves Mountains. I was gifted this book and will be passing it along to others in need of inspiration. If you know someone going through a tough time, it’s a very encouraging read.
- I was also gifted a David & Young bucket hat. I love the style so much, I’m ordering another color. The style is perfect for a no-hair day at the beach.
- I also purchased this less expensive version to wear with my bathing suit. The drawstring will secure it on the windy beach.
- This magnesium lotion was recommended to me by a friend who is a cancer survivor. My doctor approved me to use it for leg and foot pain. I’m happy with it so far—warning, very concentrated.
- I finally received these platform sneakers and the matching ball cap, and I love them. Can’t wait to get dressed up and show you what they look like on. They are still on sale. Yay!
As always, thank you for dropping by today. Stay tuned for more new decorating ideas coming this week. I appreciate all your well wishes and prayers. You are the best.
Hi Rachel,
So happy to see that you are feeling better each day. The Lord is awesome! I hope the weather improves so that you can enjoy the outdoors. It’ s been rainy here in PA too. You and your family are always in our prayers. Have a blessed week!
Love from PA,
Suzanne
Psalm 91:1-2
P.S. The pillows with the brooches look easy and fun. Just my speed. HAHA
Suzanne,
Thank you for taking the time to comment and I appreciate the recommended scripture. Glad you like the pillows. They were fun to do and yes, super easy. Let me know if you make one. As always, your prayers are so welcome and needed. You have a wonderful and blessed week.
Your geraniums are beautiful. I love all the ways you have them displayed and the porch is so inviting. My favorite is the bucket and lid that you use for a side table. I love it what a fine. Hope you feel better soon sending prayers up and hugs to you.
Diana,
I hope you are having a great weekend. Yes, that side table is a favorite and it was a fairly cheap find. I appreciate your kind words and prayers. Have a blessed week.
Hi Rachel, it’s hard now because it’s real. It’s not something you read about in a manual or that a nurse told you might happen. It’s real and happening to you. You are doing everything to help yourself and you have a great mind set. When it gets really hard, think in future terms; there is a future and it doesn’t contain chemo. Hugs to you and prayers for your strength.
Denise
Yes you are so right! This is real and I know I can get through it. I appreciate you for messaging me and your words of encouragement. Have a blessed week.
Your flowers are looking beautiful, Rachel! I hope it dries out so you can enjoy some sunshine and pool time. I’m glad your second treatment is behind you! Continuing to pray for you, friend! ❤️
Kim,
I appreciate you so much. Thank you for all the lovely cards and words of encouragement. Have a blessed week.
First, I’m so glad to hear that each day is a bit better than the last. I love how the Lord has given you little blessings. Even in your blooms and in the rain, as you sit in the quiet on the porch. Don’t you love that he’s in the details?!
Second, thank you so much for featuring my post this weekend. You are so sweet to do that, and I’m grateful for your support.
Third, I can hardly wait to see you in those polka-dotted sneakers!!! Those are the cutest things since the color pink. And you will look amazing with the ball cap too. Continued prayers, my friend.
P.S. Tell your hubs, he should have that giant fish mounted! 😉
Cindy,
Thank you so much for your sweet words of encouragement and prayers. I’m heading to the beach this week for a few days and plan to wear both. I hope I feel good enough for a photo. LOL. I appreciate you so much.
I am so glad to hear you are feeling a little bit better everyday. I think we all appreciate your commitment to us and to your blog. Hoping you feel better tomorrow and a little bit better the day after. Kim
Kim
I appreciate this so much. I’m really doing better now and don’t need any pain medications. So I can tell the Chemo is working. Thank you for taking the time to comment and have a blessed week.
Yay for your petunia volunteers and hydrangeas! I’m so happy to hear you’ve been feeling better each day. The screen porch sounds like the perfect place to listen to the rain and rest. Love the matching shoes and cap! Hugs my friend.
Kim,
Yes, I very fortunate to have some flowers without trying. LOL. I appreciate your sweet compliments.