Friday is for Flowers, Fashion, Fingers

First of all, thank you for all your kind words on my Feeeeeelings post.  I really appreciate it, even though I didn't expect a soul to say a thing.  I've moved a bit out of the funk but the stress remains, which I'm sure is a factor simply because of all the issues with my in-laws right now.  Yet, this too shall pass, right?

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While out running two weekends ago, I saw some spectacular flowers but didn't have my iPhone with me. This past weekend when I went out, I made sure to take it in case I saw some more.  I can't really explain why, but summer and flowers make me so happy.  So happy.  (You too, Lori?) Take a look:

 The front of this yard was covered in Irises.

These were bigger than my fist!

Ooops cut off a little - I've got mad foto skillz. How can someone not be happy when they see a Pink Peony?

Same area but here's an open Pink Peony

I've also pretty much got the patio set so I'll have a post with photos of the rest of the flowers and an update on the veggie plants coming soon.

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I've already started shopping for the vacay because goodness knows I can't possibly wear stuff I already have!  (Right, Shelley?).  Stealth shopping of course which involves going when Mr. Helen is at work then assimilating the various items into the closet so that when he says, "I've never seen that!"  My honest reply is, "Well honey, it's been hanging in my closet."  One of the things I love most about summer is sundresses and when we go to St. Martin, I am usually in a bathing suit with cover up or a sundress.  Here are a couple of the dresses I found and put into the closet, near  some of the other sundresses so they can get to know their friends...

Of course I needed shoes too.  (Right Fran?), We do a lot of walking so I need either need flats or a smaller heel.  I happened to find perfect shoes that will go with a couple of others I'll take.  Left to right is a flat, a kitten heel and a small wedge heel.

But the stressful hard to find item is the bathing suits.  I try to take at least 3. Each time that we've gone to St. Martin, Mr. Helen and I end up in a tug of war over my bathing suits.  Because he wants me to let a lot more hang out than I am willing to usually.  I know that I am my own worst critic about my body, but really, there has to be a limit on how teeny of a bikini a woman my age and in my shape should be wearing! It's been probably 8 years since I wore an outright bikini but I did find a two piece that I'm considering.  (No price tags have been removed or harmed in the process of taking photos.)

There's a regular bottom with the short skirt over it. But I love the colors!

Along with this tankini, that I do love.

Both suits are La Blanca which is a brand I look for.

Here's the coverup that I found on a clearance rack for $5!!

Guess I'm stuck on this Caribbean blue color.

I'm well on my way to making a pretty decent fashion statement, don't you think?  I'm sure I'll have more to share before we go.

Here's the finger(s). This is one of my two favorite summer colors that I tend to get over and over again.   Happy Friday everyone!

Shorts Story

by OPI