Winter Pick-Me-Ups

Nothing beats the winter blues as much as flowers. Have you ever noticed how a simple vase of flowers can brighten any room? I am so thankful that there are blooms that emerge in late winter to remind us that spring is coming.

The winter daphne not only looks beautiful this time of year...its scent is heavenly. My husband described it perfectly the other day. He said that it smelled like Fruit Loops. I have to agree. The sweet scent of this shrub does remind me of the many bowls of Fruit Loops that I ate as a child. I get to enjoy this scent everytime I walk into my front yard. It is planted right beside the front porch steps for visitors to enjoy as they pass by. I also cut some of these and bring them in for their beauty and lovely scent.


My hellebores are beautiful outside against the dull winter landscape, as well as, grouped together in a vase to brighten any room in the house.


Their blooms will not last quite as long as some cut flowers, but for several days one can enjoy their beauty.



I am so thankful for these little winter pick-me-ups. What are some of the pick-me-ups that you enjoy during the winter months?

Warm Winter

On the news last night I heard the weatherman say that this was the warmest January in over seventy years. I believe it! Around here it looks like spring has sprung. Although I am perfectly content with the warmer winter, I sure hope that my plants will not suffer from the early blooming. These blooms do not usually show up until March.


hellebores


Yum, I smell Fruit Loops!


Nope, Chord, it's a winter daphne!


Daffodils already?


Blooms on my star magnolia???


Unfortunately, the pretty pink blooms are turning brown after a couple of days. :(

Well, it looks like winter has been cancelled in North Carolina this year. How is winter treating you in your neck of the woods?

Things That I Love

As I was taking my morning stroll around the yard, as I do every spring morning to observe new plant growth, I couldn't help but feel a wave of thankfulness rush over me. Everything was beautifully washed from a gentle rain that fell yesterday, the birds were singing sweetly in the trees, and the sun was shining brightly. I started to think about how incredibly blessed I am. God has given me a wonderful family, supportive friends, and beautiful things to enjoy.

The idea of beautiful things takes on many different meanings for people. To me, beautiful things are not the most expensive things, or the latest or newest things; in fact, most of them cost nothing at all and some are quite old. They are simply things that make me happy when I see them. So here it goes - a list of just a few of my favorite things!



--Hellebores humbly swaying in a gentle breeze
(I have always wondered why such a beautiful flower would hang its head.)



--mud on my shoes from a newly planted garden area
(I didn't realize that the dirt on the outside of the bed was so soft.)



--a one hundred year old chest once owned by my husband's great grandparents
(Can you believe that someone once told me that it would be beautiful if I repainted it?)



--a friendly little chick-a-dee that allows me a closer look
(I think he is learning to trust me.)



--early morning dew on a budding camellia
(early morning dew on any flower for that matter)

These are just a few of the little treasures that I enjoy; but none of these can compare to the treasure that I find in my Lord and Savior who said himself, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:21

What are some of your favorite things?