Friday Favorites: Ups & Downs

 This was one of those weird weeks with all kinds of ups and downs.  Our weather was up into the 100's and then down into the 60's at times.  We celebrated a birthday and said goodbye to a beloved family member.  We had beautiful sunny days and torrential rain/ thunderstorm/ tornado warning (which is SO RARE for us!).  Sometimes I felt like our week was just like any other summer week and at others I though it felt like the longest week we've had a very long time.  But for today's post I'm going to try to just focus on the things that made me smile. 




It was another super hot day on Friday so I spent part of my afternoon in the lake. 




Alec made this delicious espresso cheesecake with an Oreo crust and a thick layer of chocolate ganache on top for my mother in law's birthday; I  only had one small slice but wow was it delicious! 







Saturday, after a quick breakfast on the deck, my husband and I headed to Lowe's so we could work on installing my mother in law's closet systems this weekend.  She has such a pretty view!

Finishing up The First Husband

 






Sunday was so beautiful out that I spent a good portion of my afternoon on the deck reading my latest book (Come Away With Me; I read it in a day and a half despite being busy!).





Sunday night Ian, my husband, and I all went out on the boat; the guys were fishing while I finished up my book. It's so pretty to watch the sunset over the lake.






I took the boys hiking on Monday after funning some errands and getting freshly made donuts!



We hiked two trails for a good long hike all through Bigelow Hollow.  





We went hiking again on Tuesday and finally found the covered bridge we had stumbled across by accident a few years ago (we had to use Google maps WITH AllTrails to find it!)







Between the passing of my aunt and my mother in law's birthday I ended up making quite a few cards this week.  I always enjoy the creative process!





We've had some really beautiful mornings on the lake! And made sure to get out kayaking nice and early to enjoy it one day this week.




I was kayaking with the boys but they took off and I could not catch up to them!


Wednesday I dragged the boys out furniture shopping to try and get some ideas for our basement and we ended our outing with a yummy lunch at Panera Bread. 



Their strawberry poppyseed & chicken salad is my favorite! 

Linking up with: On the Edge, 








Comments

  1. HollyAugust 20, 2021 at 6:55 AM

    I am sorry for your loss but enjoyed reading about your glimpses of joy this week

    ReplyDelete
  2. Maya KuzmanAugust 20, 2021 at 6:57 AM

    I scratch my head and wonder how is it possible that August is ending! Time literally flew by!
    I love that you try to focus on things that made you smile and judging by the pictures you have tons of memories to treasure!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Andrea NineAugust 20, 2021 at 7:20 AM

    Lots of ups and downs here too my friend! You sure do look cute in that green swimsuit in the lake! I’ve spent most of the week in the pool. That espresso cheesecake looks divine and I love the cards you made! Happy week!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Doused in Pink | Chicago Style BlogAugust 20, 2021 at 8:15 AM

    I'm so sorry for your loss. That espresso cake looks delicious! I haven't made cards in years and love the ones you created!

    Jill - Doused in Pink

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne August 21, 2021 at 4:18 PM

      Thanks! I try to make cards monthly for any family/friend birthdays but I have gotten out of that habit.

      Delete
  5. Tamar SBAugust 20, 2021 at 8:28 AM

    The cheesecake looks amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Dara @ Not In JerseyAugust 20, 2021 at 8:48 AM

    I am sorry to hear about your aunt. That bathing suit is really cute!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Lindsay's Sweet WorldAugust 20, 2021 at 10:53 AM

    Your family has been in my prayers. I hope everything starts to look up for you soon.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Claire JustineAugust 20, 2021 at 3:02 PM

    Sorry for your loss.

    You cheesecake looks amazing. Lovely photos from your week. Thanks so much for sharing your post at this week's Weekend Link Up :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Jo TraceyAugust 20, 2021 at 5:41 PM

    That cheesecake looks the business - as does that reading spot on your deck. I'd love to see one of those covered bridges in real life!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne August 21, 2021 at 4:19 PM

      They are so pretty! We have a few covered bridges around...

      Delete
  10. JoesetteAugust 20, 2021 at 6:17 PM

    The cheesecake looks amazing! I"m sorry for the loss of your friend.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne August 21, 2021 at 4:20 PM

      It was amazing! Alec did such a great job on it too; I don't think I have ever made one that didn't sink in the middle or crack all round the edges.

      Delete
  11. smkelly8August 20, 2021 at 7:37 PM

    That cheesecake looks tempting. My condolences about your aunt.

    ReplyDelete
  12. NatalieAugust 20, 2021 at 7:50 PM

    I'm sorry to hear about your aunt. Looks like you made the most of the week. Thank you for linking up with #weekendcoffeeshare.

    ReplyDelete
  13. LeanneAugust 21, 2021 at 2:34 AM

    Those lake photos (and you getting all tanned in the sun on the balcony) make me so envious every time I read your posts - we're still in the middle of a really wet winter - mild but wet - and I'm starting to long for those warm summer days. And yes please for the espresso cheesecake - we could share a slice out on your balcony!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne August 21, 2021 at 4:20 PM

      We've had a really wet summer this year so I try to sneak outside whenever my chair is dry!

      Delete
  14. AstridAugust 21, 2021 at 7:08 AM

    I definitely feel you about the ups and downs of this week. I'm sorry about your aunt's passing. I'm glad though that you could express yourself in the card making process. That espresso cheesecake sounds delicious.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne August 21, 2021 at 4:21 PM

      Thank you. The cardmaking definitely helped. I always feel so helpless when a friend or family member dies on what to do to help those left behind.

      Delete
  15. Amy JohnsonAugust 21, 2021 at 9:18 AM

    You live in such a beautiful area to do so many fun things. I'm sorry for your loss. Your cards are beautiful

    ReplyDelete
  16. Gary A WilsonAugust 21, 2021 at 11:06 AM

    And what is it about these old covered bridges? How are they so drawing to the eye and inviting to the spirit? The fact that they are covered doesn't even make much sense except, hmm, if you were caught out hiking when it began raining, these bridges would be a great spot to hang out in dry comfort while waiting for the storm to pass.
    Yea - I'll go with this.
    Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne August 21, 2021 at 4:21 PM

      They are so quintessentially New England feeling to me too.

      Delete
  17. Kim CarberryAugust 21, 2021 at 11:22 AM

    You have had a week of ups and downs. It feels like Autumn here, the weather has been terrible. We're forecast storms and even though it's not cold it is grey.
    That cheesecake looks and sounds delicious.
    I am so sorry about your aunt. Sending love and hugs. x

    ReplyDelete
  18. JanetAugust 21, 2021 at 1:17 PM

    Love the reading by the lake pix, and that cheesecake looks amazing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne August 21, 2021 at 4:23 PM

      Thank you! I love reading by the lake... it's usually so peaceful.

      Delete
  19. NY Foodie FamilyAugust 22, 2021 at 7:59 AM

    So sorry for the loss of your aunt. Those are beautiful cards you made. That espresso cheesecake looks amazing! It looks like you and family are really enjoying these last few weeks of summer! Hope you had a great weekend and don't get affected by Henri too badly!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne August 22, 2021 at 9:16 AM

      Thank you! Only time will tell.. we're gearing up for long term power outages and hoping for the best!

      Delete
  20. KirstinAugust 22, 2021 at 2:52 PM

    So many things I loved in this post:
    1. Cheesecake looks amazing....wow!
    2. Love the closet organizer...I need to think of how I want to do our closet in our next phase of the house
    3. That sunset was amazing.
    4. Yes, please on the donut. Looks yum. Reminds of an apple cider donut I had at a local farm one fall...so good
    5. I love covered bridges.
    6. My mom used to make cards. So pretty

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne August 23, 2021 at 6:15 AM

      Aw, thank you! It was a tasty week that's for sure.

      Delete
  21. DawnAugust 23, 2021 at 10:49 AM

    So sorry for your loss. Your area is so beautiful. You find the most wonderful nature spots.
    Blessings, Dawn

    ReplyDelete
  22. Heather{Our Life In a Click}September 14, 2021 at 10:44 AM

    That cheesecake does look amazing. Love your swimsuit! So many lake days and sunny reading. That all sounds perfect!

    ReplyDelete

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