Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Lots of Family Birthdays in the Spring and Summer

Brian had his 40th.  Getting help from Samara.Matlin home for the summer from her first year in college.Emerson was next.  She had a pajama party Friday night and Saturday morning this lady arrived with a lot of cool animals.  It was very informative and everyone had fun with the animals.2 Monkeys.Two bunnies, so cute.Emmy really fell for this one.Kangaroo.A duck.Even a snake.
Ian.Matlin and her boyfriend.Our girl is 8!!Roller Blades.M&M Ice Cream Cake.It was devoured.Kids having fun.Everyone headed over to check out Ian's tree house that Grandpa built.Samara peeking out.
We had a blast!  Thanks birthday girl!!

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Busy in the Yard

I am trying a new spot for Pumpkins this year.  I have never had good luck with these, so hopefully they do well here.  I love decorating with pumpkins in the fall.  I have planted 3 different types of seed:  white pumpkins, Jack-O-Lanterns, and mini pie pumpkins.

I am so far behind in my blogging.  I have been very busy at work.  My last day is the 27th of May.  I can not believe it  -  I am retiring -- well, almost.  I gave my notice 2 months ago and they just hired someone yesterday.  So I will work as I am needed if we are in town.  I will be able to work at home, which I won't mind at all.  I am so looking forward to retiring and spending more time with family and enjoying many of my hobbies and my hubby of course.

 We are having a great crop of strawberries this year!Found these comfy, colorful chairs at Joanne's, I would like some more in other colors - this is all they had at my local store.Bandit is with us where ever we go.  We just adore him.Our Home - we love it.Oh yes, another one  - Dave had to have a pond in the front yard.  I have to admit it is very cute.  Our yard looks better than ever- I think it improves every year.  It is fun to watch things in the yard come back strong and hardy.My hydrangeas, hope they have lots of blooms this year.  Daylillies!I cut this Butterfly Bush way back this year, but it is taller than ever.I am not sure what this tall flower is?? But it looks great in my "cottage-y garden".  The pink flowers are called "Pinks"  My aunt Jeanette gave me these 3 years ago and they come back every spring.  This climbing rose will be bursting with blooms soon.This is new and doesn't look so great now, but hopefully....My Fig bush looks good.A turtle showed up in one of the ponds - he was gone the next day.We deserve a rest on our front porch;  I love hanging out here knitting and relaxing.My Favorite Summer Beverage!Knitting a washcloth in one of my favorite colors.Things look a little bare, but not for long.And the pool is looking great."Knock Out Roses" are our favorite, we don't have much luck with the traditional roses.Tomatoes.Cukes.Rhubarb.I have also planted green beans, melons, squash, mixed lettuce, peppers, brussel sprouts, okra and zuchinni.

I have started a new mint garden.  It use to be where our pool is now.
There are many types of mint.  So far we have Spearmint, Peppermint, Thai Mint, Chocolate Mint.