Questions Answered

As you all know, I am fairly new to blogging. I don't quite know all of the etiquette that is appropriate for each situation. For example, I'm not really sure of the best way to answer questions that are asked in my comments. Most of the time I try to visit the individual that had the question and leave a comment on their own blog. I figure that way they are sure to see it. In the past couple of days I have had several people ask the same questions so I though a post of answers might be appropriate. So here it goes.....

Several of you wanted to know about my pond. It is a two acre pond in front of my house. It was on the property when we bought it. It was actually surrounded by trees that we removed in order to have a good view of it. I love looking out of my windows and seeing water. (As some of you know, I love water!) The water lilies were already here too! What a bonus!

I have tried to insert a link to some of my earlier posts in January when I started blogging. I have some pictures of the pond from the porch, my sunroom window, and views of the house from the pond. I couldn't figure out how to do that. I tried everything I could think of, so those of you who are good at this...please tell me how.



Another popular question I have been asked recently is about my new camera. Let me start by saying, I have the best husband! When we first got married, money was very tight. We were both teachers and couldn't afford much more than food to eat. We decided at Christmas, anniversaries, birthdays, etc. not to buy expensive gifts. We would only buy each other something inexpensive or buy something for our house. Sometimes we would just do something special together. And now that our financial situation is a little better, we still practice our gift giving habit.

With that said, imagine my surprise when John came home with a new Nikon D5000 for my Mother's Day present. I certainly was not expecting it. I love how he noticed my new found interest in photography and researched cameras and got me one. He is so sweet! I am in trouble when Father's Day arrives. Any suggestions?



One of the things I love about my new camera is how it completely stops the motion in the photo. Carson was in full running mode when this was shot.



Notice how the ball is suspended in mid air in the second shot.



Although it can be used manually, these pictures were taken in auto mode. I do not know how to make all of my own adjustments yet.



I love the fact that I can change the lens on this camera for more zooming power. We were a pretty good distance from the deer crossing the road.



The pictures also have a lot of pixels which makes a clearer picture when cropped or printed.



I also love how pictures can be taken in quick succession. My old camera would take several seconds in between pictures, causing me to miss great shots like the deer crossing the road.



Probably the thing I love the most about my new camera is the fact that it is very user friendly. If I can use it, anyone can!



But do you know what I love more than my new camera? The thing I wouldn't trade for anything in the world?



My sweet husband, John, who noticed something that I enjoy and gave me a gift to encourage me to continue growing and learning.

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up." 1 Thessalonians 5:22

Through My Lens

Yesterday, after the rain, John and I went for a walk so I could practice using my new camera. It was early evening and the air was still cool from the day's rainfall. We could hear the birds in full chorus hiding in the trees above us. I really do mean that they were hiding. I could hear them all around me, but I just couldn't see them. It is almost as though they knew that I wanted to photograph them.

We walked through the woods down our back drive to the road. We were strolling down the road when a deer crossed in front of us. I hurried to take the lens cap off of the camera and focused hoping that it was not alone. Sure enough, several others bounded across the road allowing me to get some pictures.



When we returned to our driveway we were able to capture a couple of pictures of one of the bluebirds that have taken up residence in the box that my dad put up for me. They are very shy and usually fly away before we get too close. We had seen the male and the female both holding worms in their mouths sitting on the power line earlier.






The babies must have been very hungry for both mom and dad to be so busy.



We were so excited to see so much wildlife on our evening walk. When we returned home, there was more wildlife to be found. Our girls were playing bocce ball with a friend. Now, that can really get wild!



I couldn't resist taking pictures of my hostas covered with raindrops. There is something special about little drops of water on the big green leaves of a hosta, don't you think?



Some of you may remember a previous post about my vole killer, Mo. Well, I found her sitting in her watchful position. Don't you just love animals that earn their keep?

As you can see, I am enjoying using my Mother's day gift very much. Capturing special little moments in time is truly priceless. Don't you agree?

My Giverny

Today was a beautiful rainy day. I know that most people may think that this statement is an oxymoron; however, after a very dry spring, rain is a welcome sight. It has also been unusually cool and today was no exception.

One of my favorite things to do on a cool, rainy day is to sit in the sunroom and watch the raindrops gently falling on the pond. This makes me think of one of my favorite artist, Claude Monet. His series of paintings called water lilies are probably some of the most beautiful paintings I have ever seen.

I am not an artist. I can't even begin to create a beautiful painting, but I do recognize beauty when I see it; and today when the rain subsided, that is exactly what I saw.



Many of Monet's paintings depicted his flower garden at Giverny. I have never been there, however I know it must have been beautiful to inspire such amazing works of art.



I feel as though I have my own Giverny of sorts. Mine does not sit on the banks of the Seine in France. Mine sits in the middle of the piedmont in North Carolina.



And I am sure that I enjoy my Giverny just as much as Monet enjoyed his.



I must admit, however, that as much as I love the lilies in our pond.....John hates them. Everyone who fishes here curses them. Many a fishing line have become victim to their clutches. Quite often, people give advice on how to rid the pond of these nuisances. As for me....they are part of my Giverny and I will protect them for as long as I have breath.

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.

Container Gardens, Patio, and Carport (Part 1)

I had to do this post in two parts because I can't figure out how to load more than five pictures at a time. Now, those of you who have been at this for a while need to tell me the best way to do this the next time.

This house on the garden tour had too many great details to put into one post. Although the garden was just a well manicured lawn with a few flower beds, the patio and carport was worth touring.

Don't you love the archway into the back lawn? I have always wanted a picket fence.



Wouldn't you love to have a good book and some sweet tea out here?



Most of the beautiful flowers were in pots. I really need to fix more container gardens this year.






Don't you just love the bunny?



To be continued........check out Part 2.

Container Gardens, Patio, and Carport (Part 2)

Okay, here is part two to this post. Those of you who are good at this blogging stuff need to tell me how to download more than five pictures at a time. This is getting frustrating. Anyway, this is the carport that went with the patio in the first post.

John and I want to build a carport similar to this one when we can afford it. I grew up in a small ranch style home with an open air carport attached to it. I have many great memories of birthday parties and tricycle riding under that carport. My own children loved riding their scooters there. I would love to recreate that at my own home.




Notice the ceiling fans. Isn't that a nice touch? Do you see the side porch. They called it the man porch.



Here is a closer view of the man porch. Do you know why it is called that?



An even closer view still doesn't reveal the reason.



Just step around the corner and you will see....the grill! Now isn't that porch every man's dream? I know John would love it.




I hope you got some great ideas from this double post. I sure did. Now, all I need is some money to make it happen. Tomorrow I will share my very favorite garden of the tour. Hope to see you then.