Tulips

Greg captured these pictures of our tulips in full bloom.

Of course, he couldn't resist a shot of the basketball hoop.  Lol.

Monet's Garden

There was a charming little flower garden in front of the glass place.  Such an unlikely spot with cars driving by, and not a particularly attractive building.  But the flowers caught my eye.  The combination of colors reminded me of a painting.  I liked how the red poppies stood out among the smaller varieties.  So lovely.

Mother's Day

I usually like to eat out for breakfast on Mother's Day, but we had been so busy that it seemed better to have a quiet morning.  My preferred gift is always flowers for the front yard, and my boys didn't disappoint!  They spent much of the day planting and doing yard work.  :-)  Later in the afternoon, I asked to stop by a coffee shop and go for a drive.  It was a beautiful day!

Blackberries!!

We've made two pies, eaten a bunch, and more are coming!

Our Petunias!

The Main Flower We Plant Each Year

From a Single Bush

Third picking, more on the way, and sooooo yummy!

Manito Park

Click here for a post I did on Manito in 2008.

The Strawberries are Ripe!

Just Picked!

Little Trees

God ". . . calleth those things which be not as though they were." Romans 4:17b

When we bought our house seven years ago, we signed papers from the homeowner's association agreeing to a number of requirements, one of which was to plant trees every so many feet in our backyard. I have spent numerous hours poring over garden books and researching the internet to come up with a list of plants that I felt would work well in our landscaping plans. Three weeks ago we finally brought home three little trees, basing our decision on what they will become when they are full grown. It is hard for me to see them as they are, because I am excited for the time when they will fill the place in our landscape for which they were chosen.

So much potential.

Perhaps this is similar to how God sees us. I already love these skinny, crooked trees with their sparse sprinkling of leaves. We tend them carefully, making sure they have plenty of water, watching for strong winds that might blow them over. We may need to add stakes if they start leaning. One will require fertilizer in the spring and two will probably need pruning for shape and to remove awkward or crossing branches.

My favorite spring tree is the flowering cherry. They often need to be replaced after about twenty years, but that didn't discourage me from getting one! I am delighted to see that it turns orange in the fall, which it has already done. We planted it almost directly behind the kitchen window so I can see it as I do dishes or cook.

This is our crab apple. I really wanted a climbing tree next to the play area, and Kylen is anticipating picking its sour fruit.

Here is an evergreen that I thought would be nice behind our variegated red twig dogwoods in the front, since they drop their leaves for winter. It will be about seven feet tall and have a perfect cone shape. It's so cute! Reminds us of a tiny Christmas tree.

We plan to get more trees in the future, but this is a happy start!

Potatoes!

Potatoes, potatoes!
O’ how I do love them!
The most perfect food
In all of creation!

So versatile, they:
Grate, dice, chop or slice!
With butter and salt
More tasty than rice!

Naught else can compare!
Bake, boil, fry, or grill.
I’ve tried many ways;
All make a fine meal!

So eat them tonight!
And eat them tomorrow!
Just one little bite
Will ease all your sorrow!

We grew potatoes, my favorite food, for the first time this summer. I was EXTREMELY excited when we harvested some last week! You can also see a couple of our onions. Potatoes and fried onions…mmmmm….and a little bacon…with butter and salt….I need to go eat!

Yard Curiosities

About a month ago I snapped some shots of spring around our yard . . . And never got around to posting them! My favorite was of a leaf left over from last fall. We found several of these during our clean up. Portions between the veins had decomposed leaving behind these intricate and delicate details . . . natures lace. Isn't it spectacular? In the midst of death and decay, there is beauty and wonder in God's creation. Isn't He thoughtful, making this leaf to fall in just the right place and have just the right conditions so that I could enjoy it? How I love and praise Him!

Here are our tulips back then:

Here they are now:

Greg got some really nice shots:

For several years I have wanted to hang a couple of baskets from our porch but never saw any I really loved. This year I found some gorgeous ones for sale in the doctor's office (on behalf of boy scouts) of all places! Most of them were sold. I was grateful to get two out of the last three.

Our new watering can: