Seasonal Sentiments May 2026 Rewind

How are you doing?

Good, I hope!

Can you believe today is the last day of May?

For us, the month was filled with ups and downs, doctor appointments, special celebrations, and the unofficial start of summer.

As always, I’m grateful to have this space to catch you up on what we’ve been working on behind the scenes and share a little inspiration along the way.

So, grab a cup of coffee, and let’s take a look back at May together!

WHAT WE DID BEHIND THE SCENES IN MAY

A Health Update

As I mentioned in last month’s newsletter, Spring brought quite a few health-related appointments and challenges for both of us.

Rich met with his radiation oncologist and found out that he will need radiation treatments five days a week for seven weeks.

He is scheduled for an MRI on June 11th, and the radiation treatments usually start around ten days after that.

Thankfully, the doctor feels this treatment is curative, and we are hopeful this will be his last battle with prostate cancer.

We would truly appreciate your prayers for Rich and all the doctors, nurses, and caregivers who will be walking alongside him on this journey.

Unfortunately, I’ve also been dealing with my first autoimmune flare since being diagnosed with Sjogren’s.

My rheumatologist put me on steroids, which have helped control the inflammation, hives, and joint pain I was experiencing.

I’m still dealing with congestion and coughing up mucus each morning, but thankfully it seems to be improving a little more each day.

On a positive note, it’s been just over a month since my eye surgery, and I’m finally starting to feel much better.

The discomfort is gone, and my vision continues to improve.

Since my healing has been slower than expected, I’m going to wait another month before getting new glasses.

I would appreciate your prayers for continued healing too!

While May wasn’t the easiest month for us, we’re thankful for encouraging doctors, answered prayers, and all of your kindness and support along the way.

Now let’s get to the fun stuff!

Celebrated Mother’s Day

After such a stressful season, it felt really nice to slow down and enjoy a special Mother’s Day together.

I wanted to try a restaurant we had never been to before, so we headed to Summer House on the Lake at Disney Springs.

It was so good, I only wish we had tried it sooner!

I had heard they do a wonderful job accommodating food allergies and that most items on the menu could be made gluten-free, and I’m happy to say that was absolutely true.

We started with a couple of appetizers, including their signature guacamole with house-made chips, which was fabulous.

But the real surprise was the potato salad deviled eggs.

They might honestly be the best deviled eggs I’ve ever had!

For my meal, I ordered the fish and chips prepared gluten- and dairy-free, and it was delicious.

The batter was light and crispy without being greasy at all, and I would absolutely order it again.

Rich loved the fried, crispy fish tacos, and Griffin happily gobbled down a hamburger.

We were completely stuffed by the end of dinner, so we decided to take one of their famous cookies home to eat later.

I chose the gluten- and dairy-free chocolate chip cookie.

And Rich got the crispy chocolate chip cookie. (Griffin opted to get his dessert from an allergy-friendly bakery.)

I’m not exaggerating when I say mine was the best allergy-friendly chocolate chip cookie I’ve ever had!

The cookies were huge, slightly crispy on the outside, and perfectly soft and chewy in the middle.

I’m already looking forward to going back for another one!

A Birthday Weekend Full of Fun

Rich’s birthday fell on Memorial Day weekend this year, and since we don’t know how the upcoming radiation treatments may affect his energy level, he decided to make the most of the holiday weekend and celebrate.

We kicked things off Friday night with dinner at Raglan Road Irish Pub in Disney Springs, one of Rich’s favorite restaurants.

He always orders their fish and chips, and I usually do too, but since I had fried fish at our Mother’s Day lunch, I tried the braised beef short ribs, which were wonderfully flavorful and tender!

On Saturday night, we headed to the movie theater to see The Mandalorian and Grogu.

If you’re new around here, Rich is a huge Star Wars fan, so this was right up his alley.

Honestly, I loved it too! And can we just agree that Grogu is the cutest thing ever?

Sunday turned into another fun Disney day for the two of us.

We spent the day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and experienced the Millennium Falcon attraction with the new Mandalorian and Grogu theme, as well as several of our other favorite rides.

Then on Memorial Day, we met up with friends and neighbors from Kentucky at EPCOT.

We had such a wonderful time catching up and enjoying the day together.

By the end of the weekend, we were completely worn out, especially with the Florida heat already showing up in full force, but it was absolutely worth it.

As we celebrated Rich’s birthday, we were also mindful of the true meaning of Memorial Day.

We are grateful to the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country, and to the families who continue to honor their memory.

And we want to thank all who are currently serving our country!

WHAT WE DID ON THE BLOG IN MAY

Even though May was a little slower for us on the blog, I was still happy to share several new posts with you.

If you missed any of them, here’s a quick peek at what we shared!

DIY

Easy Handmade Cards With Stamps: This month’s Handcrafted Society challenge was all about handmade stationery, and I decided to keep things simple by creating easy stamped cards anyone can make. Plus, the other ladies in the challenge came up with completely different ideas, and their creativity was amazing!

Decor

Simple Coastal Decor Ideas: If you’re craving a relaxed summer feel at home, I shared how I refreshed our living room mantel and shelves without spending a fortune. It’s light, cheerful, and perfect for this time of year!

Easy Patriotic Entertaining Ideas: With Memorial Day behind us and the Fourth of July right around the corner, I rounded up simple, festive ideas that don’t feel over-the-top. From table decor and wreaths, this post is full of inspiration you can mix and match for your own home.

Organization

How to Organize Greeting Cards and Remember Special Dates: I shared how I organize greeting cards, keep track of birthdays and special occasions, and avoid forgetting important dates throughout the year. Plus, I included a couple of free printables. If you’ve ever found yourself scrambling for a birthday card at the last minute, this post is for you!

INSPIRATION FROM AROUND THE WEB

I always enjoy seeing what my blogging friends are creating, decorating, and growing each season.

Here are a few posts that caught my eye this month and might inspire you as well!

Style Year-Round Americana Decor. If you love classic Americana style but prefer a more timeless and sophisticated look, you’ll want to see what Linda has put together. Her beautiful ideas prove that red, white, and blue decor isn’t just for patriotic holidays—it can work all year long.

10 Best Cut Flowers to Grow for Beautiful Homegrown Bouquets. My friend Wendy is one of the most talented gardeners I know, so whenever she shares gardening advice, I pay attention! In this post, she shares her favorite flowers for creating gorgeous bouquets right from your own garden.

A Creative Patriotic Mailbox Makeover. I never would have thought to use a pool noodle in patriotic decor, but Diane came up with such a clever idea! You’ll have to see how she transformed her mailbox with a festive holiday look.

Where to Buy Herb Plants. Have you been thinking about starting an herb garden but aren’t sure where to begin? Stephanie shares helpful tips on where to shop for herb plants and what to look for so you can bring home healthy plants that will thrive.

DIY Serena & Lily-Inspired Rattan Candlestick Holders. You all know I love finding ways to get a high-end look without the designer price tag, and Rachel does too! Her Serena & Lily-inspired rattan candlestick holders are beautiful, budget-friendly, and surprisingly easy to make.

FAVORITE SEASONAL FINDS

Father’s Day is just around the corner, so this month’s favorite finds are all about celebrating the dads, grandfathers, husbands, and father figures in our lives.

Whether you’re looking for a thoughtful gift on a tight budget or hoping to splurge on something special, we found a variety of fun ideas to fit almost any price range.

No matter what type of dad you’re shopping for, hopefully you’ll find a little inspiration to help make him feel appreciated this Father’s Day.

Click on the blue links below the image for details on our favorite Father’s Day gift ideas!

No 1 Dad Mug | Bluey T-Shirt | Apple Watch

Food Storage Gift Box | Google Fitbit Air | Dad Jokes Card Game

Best Dad T-Shirt | Stainless Steel Tumbler | Dad Dopp Kit

Coupon Book | Tool Ballpoint Pen Set | Apple AirPods Pro 3

HOME ORGANIZATION WEEKLY TASK

This month, we’re focusing on the personal living spaces in our home.

These are the rooms and storage areas we use every day, but they can easily become cluttered when life gets busy.

Spending just a little time each week to declutter, organize, and refresh these spaces can make your home feel more peaceful and functional.

Here’s what to work on over the next few weeks:

• Week 23- Primary Bedroom. Create a calm and restful retreat by decluttering surfaces, clearing out anything that doesn’t belong, and organizing drawers, nightstands, and other storage areas.
• Week 24- Primary Bathroom. Take inventory of toiletries, cosmetics, and medications. Toss expired items, organize cabinets and drawers, and give the room a thorough cleaning.
• Week25- Primary clothes closet. Sort through clothing, shoes, and accessories. Donate items you no longer wear, organize what’s left, and create a closet that makes getting dressed easier every day.
• Week 26- Coat/Cleaning/Linen closets. These hardworking storage spaces often become catch-alls. Straighten shelves, remove anything you no longer need, and organize supplies so they’re easy to find when you need them.

POSTS YOU MIGHT LIKE FROM OUR ARCHIVES

As we head into summer, I thought it would be fun to revisit a few older posts that pair perfectly with this season.

Whether you’re looking for a simple DIY project, decorating inspiration, or ideas to help you get organized, these reader favorites are worth another look!

DIY

DIY Seashell Ball– If you love coastal decor, this easy DIY seashell ball is a fun project to add to your summer decorating. It’s a beautiful beach-inspired accent that looks right at home displayed in a bowl, cloche, or decorative tray.

Decor

Seven Simple Summer Decorating Ideas– Looking to refresh your home for the season without spending a lot of money? In this post, I share several easy ways to bring summer into your home using items you may already have, along with a few budget-friendly decorating ideas that can make a big impact.

Organization

15 Ways to Prepare for Summer– Before summer gets into full swing, it’s helpful to spend a little time getting your home, schedule, and outdoor spaces ready for the busy season ahead. This post is packed with practical ideas to help you prepare, stay organized, and enjoy a more relaxed summer.

Closing Thoughts

Thank you for spending a little time with us today and for following along with our adventures, projects, and everyday life.

Your prayers, kind messages, and encouragement mean more to us than you know, especially during seasons that feel a little more challenging than usual.

As we head into June, we’re looking forward to sharing more summer decorating ideas, DIY projects, and updates from around our home.

Until next time, I hope you find a little time to slow down, enjoy the longer days, and make some special memories with the people you love.

Happy Summer!

Blessings, Donna and Rich