A New Day

Simply gorgeous day today- sunny, 80 degrees, and breezy. So there is the decision working inside or out... so a little of both...

First thing, make a list and head to the home improvement store.  Cactus soil, Azalea soil, paint, watering can, a hose.

 I needed potting soil for a Gardenia that I recieved as a gift.  I think it needs to be repotted.  After searching the Internet I add high ph potting soil to the list.  Well, I couldn't find the azalea soil.  Wasn't at Wally world either so later, my friend, Mariellen and I went to a greenhouse and I bought something they suggested.  Not sure what pot to put it in.... so I'll have to think about that.... I'm hoping to keep it alive for many years to come....

Choosing paint is a painful experience for me.... see color is wonderful, but.... my husband is a white paint kinda guy.  See if you paint every room the same color... touch ups are a breeze.... and well, makes sense.  But he's a good sport, so a pretty shade of white and one focal wall in a soft green.... the paint is chosen, mixed and shaken.... next is the actual painting of the room.  So excited!

There were so many gorgeous plants at the greenhouse.  Not overdoing it was a challenge.  Leaving with about 10 items.  Nothing planted today but home and watered.  Spent some time weeding, trimming, cleaning flower beds and pots.  The beginnings of a cheery yard.  The daffodils are about done.... the tulips are beginning to bloom and the peonies are about 8 inches high.  I'm looking forward to those beauties blooming this year.... all of them really.

For the last 2 years I've missed the spring blooms.  My mom was sick and I went out to visit and spend time with her every couple months.  It was hard but wonderful too.  I enjoyed spending time with my mom, daughter and sisters, and their families....  But it was hard because my guys were not there, so I was torn.  Life is a crazy ride. We try to control things but we really have little control over anything except our own behavior. Being kind and leaving a positive impact is the best we can do.

Tonight as I relax, laundry is happening.   And because it was a good day including eating, I indulged in a chunk of dark chocolate.  I'd like to drop 10lbs by August.  Morther of the bride.... that'll be me!

All in all, it was a good day.  There are many projects started.... and by taking little steps,  doing something every day I'll get things done... and that's the plan.  Not to overwhelm myself and burn out but to keep moving forward and achieving each goal.  Looking forward to what tomorrow will bring.

Favorite Flowers and E's Clue

It is simply beautiful here today... I didn't get much sleep last night as Lex returned from his trip to Chicago very late... The boys get back today around 3 or 4... and Erin gets home next week... 

I love this weather... warm, sunny, a slight cool breeze, the birds singing, butterflies, bees just perfection.  I was looking at my peony.. It is simply gorgeous!  I am so glad I was able to keep it protected from the frost... 

I was just trying to figure out my favorite flower... 

I do love those Peonies.  The deep pink and yellow color (there are other varieties too)... Their delicate petals... 

The Sunflowers grow so tall and they turn their heads toward the sun.  They get so heavy from the seeds that when fall comes they hang down cast as if anticipating the long cold winter to come.

California Poppies- The State Flower... remind me of home.  Their orange color and simplicity.  They love the heat!

Tulips-  I love how tall and straight, how proper they look and the many varieties... I have a purple that I love.. Big Purple cups on a tall slender green stem.  Amazing.

Asian Lilies are Amazing... they grow so tall and their trumpet like flowers are boldly colored.  I planted quite a few varieties... White, Yellow, and Pink... I have a red one the color of Merlot... I want to plant a few Oranges... They will lean toward the sun too.

Primroses remind me a very sweet neighbor who moved to Florida.  When I walked Bitsy, we would chat about flowers and birds.  If I was working in the yard, she would stop on her way home from the cemetery and we would chat.  I tried to send her a letter but I came back.. I miss you Grace~  Primroses remind me of you.

I'd say those are my favorite flowers- though I have many others planted in the yard and I love seeing what everyone else has planted in their yards. The flowers attract birds and bees and butterflies and I love watching them fly and flutter around.  I love this season and try to really appreciate all that God has created and blessed us with on earth.  My God, Father God, Jesus, Holy God, You are to be worshiped.

Here it is kiddo!  Your Clue!  

6 days and you will be home... Get cracking and study for finals... This is SSS#2  I don't think your gonna get a clue for SSS#1 ... You only have a week and then all will be revealed!  Hug Aunt Jen and Ali for me and all the children!  Get Mrs. Ross's address!  and oh what was the other thing I wanted to say... hmmmm.... oh yea... Study!  LOL   Love you lots!

We are very proud of you

     The job you're doing away at school.

Staying focused and doing your best

     Finding a balance is a difficult test.

This super secret surprise,
     Is coming together late at night 

Each circle placed inside a square,
     As I work, you're lifted up in prayer

The colors~ To show your pride

     Take it in the car on a long ride.

To warm you up when the temps are low

     My attempt~ Love to show

On those days,  when you need a hug

     Wrap it around you like a bug in a rug.

And when you do, think of me~

     And the rest of your loving family!

Rainy Morning

I awoke to the sound of rain... Got up and did some laundry... And now I am waiting and wondering.... Will we still have baseball?   I welcome the rain... It is a soft and gentle continuous rain.  Watering the lawn and the flowers... cleaning everything, making everything look fresh.

I bought some flowers yesterday and wanted to get them planted before the rain came... but the baseball game prevented me from getting them all planted.... maybe tomorrow.  They are so pretty and I love all the different colors....

The call came... That double header--- canceled!


Oh, What a wonderful day.... I made Biscotti, we had a meeting with Cindy, our AYA Local Coordinator and now the boys are working on homework.  A nice, leisurely morning... And if they can accomplish some homework, we may go bowling tonight... That, I guess, will be up to them!

In the mean time.... I am going to do another load of laundry....  Today I am thankful for the rain!  God's blessings raining down on me.  I still need to finish the church bulletin for tomorrow...  Ahhh, so glad to have those 5 hours back.  God is so Good!