I don't remember the last time I took a two week break from blogging. This one was unintended and it's the result of just having too many things on the calendar. We're definitely enjoying the end of summer weather with day trips to Ithaca and the Finger Lakes, and a fair amount of entertaining.

This weekend will serve as an example of our schedules. Friday morning I got up early to start dinner preparations since we were entertaining. I was not happy to discover that the refrigerator was not working. The freezer was fine, but everything in the fridge was warm. It's a long story, but by Saturday we'd figured out (and solved) the problem but not before having to toss a lot of food, and transfer all our frozen food to my mother-in-law's extra freezer.  Friday afternoon I spent three hours at our final Cooking Matters class run by Food Link at the refugee center where I volunteer twice a week. We had a potluck luncheon and there were many delicious international dishes to choose from. Saturday we spent with Matt and our granddaughters while Betsy attended her sister's bachelorette party. We spent a few hours at the zoo, and just hung out playing on the swing set and blowing bubbles in their backyard, but let me tell you, a one-year old, a two-and-a half year old, and a nearly six year old can keep you really busy no matter where you are! Yesterday our book group met for lunch and a discussion, and I attended a going-away party for one of the refugees who is moving to North Carolina. Then I finally got to the store to replace all the food we had to throw out. This week, both of the nonprofits where I volunteer are closed so hopefully, I can get back to a more consistent posting schedule. I spent a couple of days last week playing with a new stamp set, so I'll have cards to share as well as photos from our July vacation. But now, here's the 5 in 5 before I miss this month's deadline.

Nearly a year ago, Matt started working on our front yard. By the end of October, he had replaced our front walks with a new brick walk, and started the new landscaping. You can see before photos here (last September's Five in Five.) This summer he replaced the the front porch, and we had new railings made that extend down the steps providing needed support for some of our less mobile friends. I thought this might be a good subject for this month's Five in Five.

This is the view of our house from the street. We replaced our glider (to the left in the photo,) and Tracy built a brick "platform" for it to sit on.

Here's a closer look at the new front porch and railings. The house was built in 1931, and the stones on the top of the porch had worn away.

Last fall, Matt planted a total of six hydrangeas (three on each side of the walk) and a hydrangea tree, all of which are blooming this summer. He also left some bluestones on which we've placed some planters.

The planters on the front porch.

And, finally, a closer look at the planting closest to the house.

Matt also redid all the landscaping to the right of the driveway which is so much better than it was before. Now we're working (again) on the back of the house. Tracy's laying a small patio below our shade gardens for our fire pit (only used once since we bought it two years ago), and a set of red Adirondack chairs. I'm not expecting it will all get done this summer. I'm linking this up with Sandie, who kindly hosts this monthly meme.