Rearranging

Funny how buying three new plants leads to changing the entire front flower bed around. I'm thankful for my husband who never tires of the lists I give him. It's a pleasure to work by his side.

Early Harvest

We've had broccoli twice now, and boy, has it ever been good! How about you? Are you eating from your garden yet?

A Successful Trip to the Nursery

A trip to the local nursery proved more successful than the chain home improvement store, and I found my Annabelle hydrangea as well as a snow queen oak leaf variety. Bliss! Too bad I don't have a small pond to put this water lily in.

Annabelle Hydrangea

I dream of having my home landscaped in white. I'm enamored with a friend's Annabelle hydrangea, and intend to start there as soon as I can find one.

Calla Lily

Such beautiful elegance!

Pink Dogwood

The spring has been intensely beautiful. It's only a pity that the trees don't hold their blooms a little longer.

Work Day

It was a busy day from sun-up to sun-down. Soil tilling, grass mowing, construction, painting, weeding, planting, watering, cooking and baking. Everyone had several tasks to attend to, and everyone worked cheerfully. Nicely done!

Two Visitors

Upon our return from morning errands we found two visitors sitting beneath the basketball hoop. We were shocked when they approached us as we exited the car. Having just been to the grocery store, we searched the trunk for something suitable to offer them. Hot dog buns and crackers fit the bill. (No pun intended.) After spending a bit of time with our new friends, we went to carry the groceries into the house, but they wanted to follow.

Abigail ran inside to fetch them a drink. Boy, were they thirsty! Feeling as though we had satisfied their lunch cravings, we headed inside for a meal of our own. Abigail kept checking on them, though. After about an hour's nap they waddled back down the driveway and made their way to a new destination. We were happy to have been able to provide a respite for the weary travelers.

Digging Potatoes

I spent the late morning digging potatoes in our raised bed garden. Not too many, just enough for a few meals.

The earth was soft, and there were many creepy crawlies!

My neighbor Pauline, who is older and wiser, digs her potatoes with a spoon. She never cuts potatoes in half like I do. Oops!

The cold water from the hose felt magnificent on my dirt covered feet, and had me wishing that we hadn't already closed the pool.

Asparagus Fern

Early in the spring my husband visited the local high school greenhouse, which is run by the FFA. His search for tomato plants, peppers and a few other things came up empty. As he turned to go, a last minute thought popped into his mind. "Do you have any asparagus?"

The young girl excitedly grabbed a very tiny plant. "We have just one left," she beamed.

"Good. I'll take it."

My sweet husband drove home, and entered the house. "I wasn't able to get tomatoes or peppers, but I did get some asparagus!"

I hated to burst his bubble, but I informed him that this plant wasn't asparagus, but asparagus fern. Never mind, though, I'd re-pot it and place it indoors.

Several months later, and this lacy little plant is thriving in my sewing room window. It gives me a chuckle each time I look at it.

Good Morning, Glory

For several years now we've had a clematis planted in front of this trellis near out porch. It would grow 12-18 inches high, and then fizzle out. It never once flowered. I was tired of the disappointment, and grabbed two packs of seeds this year. One for morning glories, the other one moon flowers.

I tossed the packages to Collin one morning and asked him to plant them. And slowly, they grew. The vibrant green, heart-shaped leaves proved to be a charming backdrop for pictures of Autumn and Jon. Still, though, no flowers appeared.

Until this week, when we were greeted with a beautiful sapphire blue.

Glory, indeed!

Collin is bound and determined that the vines will climb up the pillars of the porch as well.

No moon flowers have yet appeared, but we have hope!

Scenes from Our Garden

Time to dig out zucchini recipes!

Columbine

Quiet Retreat

Several weeks ago the girls and I were on the way home from a wedding dress fitting. We were driving along a back road when we passed an expansive estate surrounded by lush green trees and shrubs. It was rather difficult to see from the road, but we noticed an "Open" flag hanging in the driveway. Not being from that area, I wondered aloud as to what the place might be. That weekend, I mentioned it to my friend. She informed that it was a gift shop, surrounded by beautiful gardens, and that the owners lived right there in a separate house. 

Last week, after Autumn's second fitting, we stopped by. We had a wonderful time walking along the wooded paths, taking in all of the scenery, but none of us had brought a camera. This week as we headed out for another fitting I remembered to throw my camera in the car.  

From the minute you step out of the car, beauty abounds. Small patches of edibles are worked into the landscape, and there are flowers everywhere. 

As there is no sign that actually says "Gift Shop" or "Store" or anything of the sort, I was filled with trepidation as we exited the car. I felt like we were trespassing, and because there were many paths to take, and not a sign in sight, we had no choice but to forge ahead. 

Not only are the grounds beautiful, but you are truly welcome here. As we entered the gift shop, we were greeted by Lucille. She has lived here for 53 years. She assured us that we were indeed welcome to wander wherever we wished. "Nothing is roped off, take your time, enjoy!"

Enjoy, we did! What a peaceful place! As you pull into the drive, the gift shop is on the right. There are gardens and landscaped paths that are carefully thought out. The shop is hidden from view for the most part, nestled in beauty. 

To get to the house, you must walk through an open garage, and over a wooden bridge. It can't be reached by car. This is a side view of the house from the bridge. 

Can't you imagine taking tea here, or settling in with a good book? 

 We wandered past the main house on a rambling brick walk, rounded the corner and discovered this; a one room schoolhouse turned guest home. 

What a clever door knock!

A peek inside: I'd be happy as a guest here!

Walking back toward the gift shop, we get to cross over the bridge again. So enchanting! Although, carrying groceries to the house in the rain or snow might not seem so wonderful!

The serene nooks and crannies seem to be endless. Lucille has six children, and my girls certainly thought them blessed to have grown  up in such a wonderful place. 

Until we saw this guy, that is!

Lucille encouraged us to walk out behind the gift shop as well. 

We were glad that we did.

We walked down the path to the overlook...

and caught a glimpse of the river that looked a brilliant emerald green. 

Once back in the gift shop, we told Lucille of the snake that we had seen, and showed her the pictures on the camera. She said that she hadn't seen a snake in years, probably due to the fact that she has two large dogs that wander everywhere with her. Except that they were busy sleeping on the floor of the gift shop! 

We were blessed this day, more by the quiet graciousness of a woman who was eager to share with others what she has been blessed with, than with the beauty that surrounded her.

Daffodils

Autumn and I left the house at 6:15 AM and headed to the surgical center. She had all 4 wisdom teeth out. The procedure went well, and she wasn't at all emotionally affected by the anesthesia, like Mac. She's now home, resting on the couch with bags of frozen green peas on either side of her face. 

Our house has been on the market since January 2nd, as we'd like to move about an hour north. Not one person has called to see it. Until last week. They scheduled an appointment for tomorrow afternoon. Knowing full well that Autumn was having surgery today, I still set the appointment, thinking she'd be feeling a little better by then. We weren't in the door for 10 minutes when the realtor called and asked if they could come today instead. I was totally unprepared, but said, "Sure!"

So the ten minute tidy began. Clean two bathrooms, minus tubs. Make beds. (Remember we left REALLY early!) Do the breakfast dishes. Clean fingerprints off of doors and light switches. Throw the large pile of ironing waiting to be done into the dryer. Done. 

And they stayed all of about 5 minutes. 

I think I need a nap!