It is time for another weekly recap where I simply share with you pretty photos, fun stuff we have been up to and hopefully some inspiration.
Can you believe it is September already? Where did summer go?
So what has been happening at Sweet Valley Acres?
Most intense storms I have ever seen
We had the most intense lightning storms. Here is a little peak but if you want to see the whole thing click here. I slowed it down so that all the veins of the strikes were visible so that is why the audio is odd. This storm went on for hours.
Annie got a make over
I had some fun decorating Annie, our greenhouse in soft pinks and whites just as a little refresh before she becomes enveloped in fall colors.

The flowers in my garden are finally in full bloom so I thought it would be fun to fill all sorts of vases, jugs, etc., with all the different flowers and display them.

We are co-existing with bears
We saw our local bear enjoying the last of the Saskatoon berries right from out deck – he is a shy one so no worries for our safety. He does everything to avoid us and visa versa!
Summer’s Bounty
The Dough Bowl Divas and I had another dough bowl challenge where we decorated up our dough bowls with our own summer’s bounty. Mine was cherries from local orchards and flowers from my garden. That white dahlia is HUGE!!!

A visit with my mom
I travelled down to visit my 90 year old mom. She is one of the hardest working women I have ever met. She has always maintained a huge landscaped yard on her acreage. While she can’t do as much now, she still tries. Look at her arbours of never ending trumpet vine.
It was a hot evening so we spent it outside. This is the view over her pond – I can get lost in the view forever!

Wine tastings
My daughter’s boyfriend, Scott, treated us to two wine tastings and the most gorgeous wineries. Did you know that we live in an area of Canada which can actually grow grapes and our wineries win many international awards?
Both wineries are owned by Anthony von Mandl. The first one we went to is Mission Hill Winery. It has such an old world feel that I absolutely adore. It even has it’s own outdoor amphitheater where they hold concerts through the summer.



Next up was Martin’s Lane, which is named after Anthony’s father. It is the complete opposite to Mission Hill in that is modern and edgy.



The first photo is a magnificent spiral staircase. The second and third photos show a seating area that has hanging slats which can be moved to create walls.
That’s a wrap
That is it for my weekly roundup. I hope you enjoyed it.
Did you get to see the chicken feeder diy planter I made for fall? I shared it last week but if you missed out, please click this link. I have been surprised by how popular the project was but it sure is cute.
Coming up this week
Here is what I have on my to do list:
- take down all my summer decor and welcome fall! The nights are getting chillier so it is time but it pains me to say goodbye to summer.
- write a post about my wonderful mother-in-law, who we named our greenhouse after. She was such a beautiful soul and I count myself exceedingly blessed to have had her in my life.
- plant all my fall flowers.
- if the weather is good, a little road trip to the pretty country side is in order.
Wishing you a wonderful week ahead!

Missy
September 12, 2022Love this new look! Each section is a fantastic “nugget!” And, as usual, your photography is amazing!
Crystal
September 12, 2022Thanks so much Missy! We have been cramming as much fun summer stuff in as possible. Glad to hear your trip to the mountains was wonderful!
Wendy McMonigle
September 12, 2022Way to go Crystal, this is a beautiful post and YES, I love your new look!
Crystal
September 12, 2022Thanks so much Wendy! Thank you also for introducing me to Flodesk!