Monday, May 14, 2012

MOTHERS DAY AND MONDAY

Monday Monday - who wouldn't love to be transported back to the innocence of the 60's.  I didn't mean for this post to become melancholy but for some reason I am having a blue Monday. 

We had a wonderful Mothers Day yesterday and I hope all of my blog friends who are mothers, grandmothers or were fortunate enough to celebrate the day with your mother enjoyed it as much as we did.

We had brunch at the beautiful and historic Club Continental which is about 10 blocks from my house.  It is a wonderful old estate home which encompasses 27 acres on the banks of the St Johns River.  The Italianate mansion was built in the 1920's by the Palmolive Soap family and is still owned today by the great granddaughter.  You can see the history of the club on the website if you have any interest.  I am so pleased there is so much of Florida's early history right in my own area.  When you enter the gates you feel like you have stepped back into old Florida - the 300 year old live oaks heavily draped with spanish moss - it just beckons you back to an earlier time.

Here are a few photos we snapped yesterday after brunch.

Mom and I are standing in front of the Club Continental - the courtyard includes lovely landscaping and a circular koi pond surrounds this island we are standing on.


This is my little family


 I don't know what my dad was doing - I did take another shot but my mom was looking goofy in that one so I opted for this one since she looks good and Jody looks good. 
A beautiful fountain dedicated to the memory of Caleb Johnson Massee - one of the recent owners of Club Continental who passed away in 2010.  You can see the beautiful live oaks surrounding the circular drive.

Here is a shot from that fountain back to the mansion - check the website for some much better views and shots of the interior.  If you are ever in this area - they have suites available to the public and it is the site of many weddings and other functions.

 just one parting shot of a beautiful shawl I started a week ago.  It is Saroyan and the yarn is Malabrigo Rios for any knitters out there.  It has a beautiful leaf border - if you look closely you can see it.  I thought it would be hard but if you keep careful row notes it is not hard at all and I love the colorway -  Indiecita
Well friends - I almost never do a Monday post - Working full time - Monday is usually a drag day - getting back into the work groove.  However after writing this post and looking over the photos of my dear family - I don't think I am having a blue Monday any more - I think I am having a really "blessed" Monday - I have the dearest Mom in the world - we share so much - I am so blessed to see her often - she is not only my mom but my best friend.  So this post is dedicated to her and to all the great moms out there.  Love you Mom !

13 comments:

Margaret said...

Looks like a wonderful Mother's Day. I love your family photos. I hope you're not blue anymore. Mondays are a bummer, but as you say so many blessings!

Nancy said...

I am glad you enjoyed a Mother's Day brunch with your family, and I enjoyed your photos! Your shawl is going to be beautiful - such pretty yarn! Hooray - glad you are not feeling blue anymore!

Katrina said...

What a sweet dedication to your mom and looks like you both had such a nice day :-). I spend lots of time with my mom too so I totally understand how you feel about your mom being your friend!!!!

Laurie in Iowa said...

It looks like the perfect place to celebrate Mother's Day.

Ellen said...

It sounds like you had a wonderful day with your mother and the rest of the family. How lucky you are to have your mother so near by so that you all can spend so much time together.

Beehive Needleworks said...

I am delighted that you enjoyed a lovely Mother's Day with your precious Mum. You are truly blessed to have her near.
The Mansion and grounds are beautiful! It is wonderful that its history, and grounds have been preserved.
LOVE your shawl...the colour is lovely!
Wishing you a grand week Melody!
Sending hugs from my beehive...
Judy xx

Cari said...

This was a lovely post Mel. I love the pics of your family...especially Mom. It sure looks like you had a wonderful day !! Your shawl is beautiful ! I have this pattern and should cast on right away !! Hugs and thanks for sharing!!

Rugs and Pugs said...

Mel ~
Thanks for sharing! Great pictures.
Hugs :)
Lauren

Jackie's Stitches said...

You have a wonderful family! I'm glad thinking and writing about them turned your blue Monday around.

Greg and I were at Club Continental about a month ago. Unfortunately it was raining so we didn't get to see much of the grounds. The food was delicious though.

Jeanne said...

What nice photos Mel - I'm sure your mom feels blessed to have you as her daughter. I don't see my mom very often being almost 2000 miles away...which of course makes me feel pretty guilty. I will be seeing her in June though.

I hope you feel better tonite. It's easy to get in the dumps, believe me I know. Life can overwhelm you at times. Your knitting is lovely, the colors are like beautiful water.

mdgtjulie said...

Looks like you had a wonderful Mother's Day. I love the pics. They're beautiful. And the Oaks are gorgeous!! Glad you had a good Monday too. I don't mind them, but I know a lot of people do!!!

Karoline said...

Looks like you had a great day.

Love the colours in your shawl

Susan said...

So glad you had a good time with your mother (and father). Love the shawl--such pretty colors!