A LOOK BACK AT 2021

Hello Kindred Spirits...welcome back to Estelle's.
This will be my 12th year of blogging....that's a pretty long time...
I told the darling toward the end of 2021, that I thought I would
probably close down my blog...the inspiration had left me...
If I didn't feel creative, then I had nothing to share.....
his reply was, "I think you should keep at it...."
Perhaps the pursuit of happiness is one of the defining motivations
in our lives...We are drawn to a range of attitudes and activities
that are designed for comfort and happiness in security and simplicity.
A life well lived is making connections with friends and family,
showing care and concern for others and taking pride in where we live.
I believe in this...you must put effort into your life if you want to
reap the rewards....if you put little effort into your life, there's not much
to look back on...each day is our gift.....let's don't miss the ride......

Estelle's is about a lifestyle...celebrating the seasons.
We strive to stay relevant in our retirement
and enjoy life as best we can.....
We adopted a hygge way of approaching food and entertainment,
the holidays and seasonal activities, in the spirit
of family...we're glad you're here!
This is a snapshot of Estelle's in 2021 and what was accomplished each season!

Celebrating Spring

We created  floral arrangements for Easter

Celebrating Summer

Lunches on the Patio

Planting seeds in the flower pots around the pool

There is joy to be had when growing something beautiful
from seeds.....

Capturing the glorious blooms from the Vitex tree
on a warm summer afternoon

Making sure that sweet summer fruits are on the table
for a light afternoon snack...can't you just taste those
dark, sweet cherries!!!

Turning summer's sweet strawberries into the
darling's favorite pie!

We made homemade peach ice cream for the first time

I learned to make my very first Dutch Baby

I also perfected the best Coconut Cream Fried Pie we ever tasted!

CREATING COMFORT

The bedrooms were transformed by adding new quilts....

Creating warm and welcoming comfort foods.....

Learning to perfect the Midnight Quiche

We made homemade soups....the BEST French Onion Soup....

And, homemade Broccoli Cheese Soup for two....

I hosted a lovely ladies Book Club
and featured the book, Tea with Jane Austin!

Celebrating Autumn

We made dried apple slices for decorations.....

We dressed the FARM HOUSE table for the season.....

We had a ball creating a welcoming Fall from entry.....

We carved a Jack O' Lantern

We scattered fall décor on the patio
creating a lovely seasonal vibe....

We made the fall afternoons outdoors special.....

We added small touches of the season to bring coziness to the soul....

We added a darling fall leaf banner to the mantel....

We dressed the piano in Autumn splendor....

We created a beautiful Thanksgiving dinner together as a family....

We created another beautifully decorated Christmas tree.....

So, that's what Estelle's is about...
a small blog that strives to bring you something interesting
to bring into your home as we share and connect .....
embracing the simplicity and pleasures of everyday living!