Blooming

Even though I groused about the cost

and inconvenience

of digging the pond,

I am really glad

Mr. insisted.

One yellow,

one peach

I may just frame one.

In Bloom

Sometimes it has been suggested

that our garden is like a park

and perhaps we should charge admission.

Pwish-pwash I say!

Enjoy the blooms!

Before the bunnies get them!

Southern Charm

Mr. and I recently visited

St. Simon's Island, GA.

It's lovely there.

You must cross over this bridge.

We saw this old, craggy live oak tree.

It's so romantic.

In fact, it's called "Lover's Oak".

The Native Americans supposedly met there

for romantic rendezvous.

The road splits around the tree.

See this old cemetery?

Soldiers from the North and South are buried there.

I have never seen

Confederate flags on graves before.

I would LOVE to enjoy lemonade on this porch.

I wish my porch oozed this kind of hospitality and grace.

My house doesn't even have a porch.

And my neighborhood association would

NEVER allow such a lovely iron fence.

Suburbia is sucking the charm out of America.

Hospitality

Recently while sitting with a group of 16,

someone special commented that it was MUCH nicer

to dine at a restaurant

than to have the host

cook and serve all of us.

I am small and petty,

so I noted to the special person

that I am known to entertain 11

for 3 meals a day, 4 days in a row.

The special person intended to compliment me by saying

"That's because YOU are more organized!"

I heard it like this:

YOU can do the work, so you SHOULD do the work.

Others are exempt because it is harder for them.

However, I am trying to be more positive.

I told this story to a dear friend.

Today she sent me this:

Do not neglect hospitality, for through it

some have unknowingly entertained angels.

Hebrews 13:2

Once again I am ready to be gracious.

Thanks, friend.

Cincinnati Flower Show

I am told that the Cincinnati Flower Show is one of the best.

I don't know about that.

This year, it was TOTALLY worth

the $18 (in advance).

I loved it.

Mr. and I forced the children to attend.

Inspired?

I am hoping to plant my annuals this week!

Sister Too at the flower show

Big Sister makes a wish.

Target sponsored this huge display

inspired by

Liberty of London.

Larger than many other displays.

and more colorful as well.

Friday Free Time!

I dread grocery shopping. Dread it.

Seriously.

I only liked it when we lived in New York

and Peapod.com delivered them.

To my kitchen.

And...

when we lived in Wisconsin and shopped at Sendicks.

The best grocery store ever.

But now...

I find it's not too bad.

If you shop at Whole Foods.

On Friday

from 6-8PM

when they serve snacks

and...

wine.

for

$5

Talk about your recession fun.

I have made a standing reservation.

Except for next Friday,

when FIL turns 75

and I have to make a command appearance.

I hope there will be wine.

Because it is mandatory for anyone who works in a school.

Why won't Obama let me claim

wine as a job expense on my taxes?

Chicago

Introducing Aman and Neetu,

all the way from India

(the country)

We toured Chicago

Mr. and me

Sister Too in her lovely

Indian tunic

which, though I was told many times the Indian name for,

I have already forgotten.

Too cold for the fountains to be running,

but a fabulous place for a picture

with the Chicago skyline

and one unsmiling

twelve (and a half) year old.