My Mother's Day Present

My sweet husband bought me the best mother's day gift. It was a new camera! I couldn't wait to go out and take pictures. Now, if my pictures are not very good I have nothing or no one to put the blame on except myself. I hope I can learn how to use all of the features of this camera. I am pretty challenged when it comes to new technology.

Aren't the knock out roses pretty? I know that nothing beats the old fashioned roses, but these sure are easy to take care of.






This is another variety of peony in my garden. I wish I could remember the name. Does anyone out there know what it is?





The day lilies are just starting to bloom. I think these are Happy Returns.



It will be nice when they all bloom.



I can't wait to see what all I can do with my new camera. I just love my man. He always seems to know just what I want. Tomorrow I am heading out early to see if I can capture some good pictures of birds with the zoom lens. Wish me luck.

Happy Mother's Day!

I just wanted to take a moment to wish all of my blogging friends a very happy Mother's Day! I know a lot of you are mothers, and of course, all of you have mothers. Make sure you take the time to tell those closest to you how much you love them.



I have not posted for a few days because I have been very busy. I don't have a lot of time today either, but I was starting to have blogging withdrawals. So... I just had to post something. I will keep it short and sweet.

I couldn't let this week go by without sharing a picture of my peonies. I wait all year for this. However, their blooms don't last nearly long enough. Some of you may remember my peony cages that my dad made, well they were not tall enough. I have already put in my order for taller ones next year.



I also wanted to share a picture of my broccoli. I can't wait to harvest it.



This weekend also held another treat. I got to meet Ree Drumond, aka the Pioneer Woman, at a book signing on Friday evening at Jospeh Beth Bookstore at South Park Mall in Charlotte.



The wait was long but we were given a letter and called by groups so that no one had to stand in line. That was a great idea. We actually enjoyed dinner with some relatives at an outdoor bistro while we waited our turn. After a day of shopping and an evening of waiting, I didn't quite look my best when I finally got to meet her (9:30 p.m.). She seemed very nice.



My little Vanna White, aka Carson, decided to show off my newly signed cookbook.



Today, I had my mom, dad, brother, and aunt over for a Mother's Day lunch. I kept it very simple with chicken salad croissants, chips, a veggie tray, and key lime pie. I didn't want anyone to have to do any work preparing a meal today. Thank you my sweet John for baking and cutting up the chicken and veggies to make my life easier today. I just love my husband.



Carson loves her grandma, aka my mom. I do too! I am so thankful to have her still with me. My heart goes out to those who have lost their mothers. I know that is a void that will never be filled. May God truly bless each one of you on this beautiful day.

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

I don't ever want to give the impression that my life in the country is perfect. In fact, there are many things that make it far from that. I know that on our blogs it is easy to show only the pretty pictures and share the parts of our life that make every one wish they could live that way; however, to me, it is very important to be real. (My kids are reading this and they know the truth!)

There are parts of my day that I just love: the morning walks around the yard, the quite moments studying God's word in the sunroom, and the evenings spent on the pier or the porch with my love.

Then, there are the parts that I would rather not mention, but I will: constantly cleaning up the dirt tracked through the house, smelling the neighbor's freshly spread manure, and washing the dogs who love to roll around in stinky stuff.

Today my pictures represent some of the good, some of the bad, and some of the down right ugly stuff that I have seen this week.

Good: one of my snowball bushes that is starting to get its blooms



Good: one of my peonies that is growing nicely in the cage that my dad made



Bad: Mo, after getting very dirty during her afternoon romp yesterday



Down right Ugly: The pollen that is covering everything in sight



As you can imagine, the pollen is even getting tracked into the house on every foot that enters my door. (And that can be a lot of feet over the course of a day!) I am just praying for the rains to come soon to wash it all away.

So, before you pack your bags to move out of the city, or your beautiful suburban neighborhood; remember, the grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence. But I think I will stay here. There is much more good than bad or ugly.

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4: 11-13

Things Are Happening Around Here

During my daily walk around the yard, I realized that things are really starting to happen around here. Things are blooming, budding, and growing all over! This has to be the most exciting time of the year for me. I love the changes that seem to come with the dawning of each day. Am I the only person who finds joy in new discoveries in the garden every day? Regardless of whether I am alone in my feelings or not, I literally can't wait to wake up in the mornings to see what the day holds.

I hope you don't mind my sharing some of these happenings around my house.



I know that spring is really here when I notice my peonies starting to peek through the soil. I happened to mention to my dad that I needed something to support them as they grow; he made me seven of these cages and brought them to me this afternoon. My dad has to be one of best there is!



The loropetalums are blooming. I love the dainty little flowers, and the color is gorgeous.



The star magnolia is in full bloom now. I have enjoyed watching the white flowers sway in the breeze. Fortunately, the nights have not gotten cold enough to damage them yet.



The redbud is getting ready to open its pretty pink flowers any day now.



This time of the year when the sun is setting, even the pond seems to come alive. I love the way shadows come over the water and the last light of day illuminates the trees in the distance. What a peaceful ending to a perfect day!