Peonies & Magnolias

Helleborus

2012-02-01T07:00:00.003-06:00

New Additions to Our Garden

Sparking Diamond

Cotton Candy

Tiger Jade

Onyx Odyssey

These 4 beauties are going in the planter next to the patio so we can enjoy their gorgeous blooms everyday without thinking about it. Nothing worse than having beautiful blooms you miss because you didn't walk around that side of the house!

Bella's Care Bear Quilt

2012-01-25T07:00:00.000-06:00

F & G

Two more down and umpteen to go. It would sure be nice to get this done this year.

Quilt for Bella

2012-01-18T07:00:00.002-06:00

I Spy Quilt

any excuse will work to sit on the table

front with embroidery

for 1 year hand and foot prints

pink cats for the backing

Mom put my I Spy quilt top together this past week for Bella. We decided on using white eyelet in front of the pink ruffle to make it a little more girly. Bella was excited for maybe 5 minutes. She picked out her favorites and then tossed it aside and got down her Big Bird quilt from Aunt Zelda. She then snuggled down with him for a minute and then was on her way to something else. Since she started walking there is no slowing our girl down for anything.

First Snow

2012-01-13T10:30:00.008-06:00

Our First Snowfall of the New Year

in the Garden

The weathermen hit it right this time around, 1/2"--1" in most areas around us. We backed our cars in the driveway just in case thank goodness. It started snowing about noon yesterday and we had snow showers up till midnight. Temps this morning were in the low 20s with the windchill in the teens. Thank goodness the main roads were cleared once we managed to get to them. What a way to end the work week. Should be back to the 50s by Monday.

Cross Stitch & Embroidery

2011-12-28T07:00:00.011-06:00

For Bella

her Rudolph ornament

DMC floss, 16 ct dyed aida

back of Rudolph ornament

with beaded edging and hanger

Bella's 1 year hand print

embroidery for I Spy quilt

Bella's 1 year foot print

I did manage to get the quilt top put together a couple of days before Christmas. Now for Mom to have the time to sew on the ruffle and backing.

Bella sitting in front of the stove with her hair blowing in the wind. She loves to sit here after the fan kicks on. She had a huge smile on her face after she heard the camera click for the picture!

Merry Christmas

2011-12-21T07:00:00.001-06:00

From Our Family to Yours - We hope you have a Very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year.

Ready for Winter

2011-12-14T07:00:00.006-06:00

Water Garden

this summer

so pretty and Bella loves the fish

Thanksgiving weekend bargain
to clean the bottom of the stock tank

cleaned and ready for winter

Lowe's had that ShopVac on sale Thanksgiving weekend. After Bella's parents got home from work I ran right down there to buy mine and don't you know there had already sold out. The guy said they couldn't get them unloaded fast enough since it was such a great bargain, regular $79.99 and on sale for $29.99. I called 3 other stores before I found one and they offered to hold it for me so off I went to get it.

I used it this past weekend since we had rain coming for a couple of days and that way the tank could get refilled after I cleaned it. That is the most fun I've had in the garden in a long time. It works like a charm.

Supposed to be close to 70 today and more rain tomorrow so I will be playing with the ShopVac once again.

Opryland Hotel

2011-12-07T07:00:00.005-06:00

Christmas Opry Style

Us and Ms Nancy in front of

one of their many poinsettia trees

nativity scene in front of the hotel

one of the many waterfalls

plenty of poinsettias

teddy bear

puss n' boots
only 1 of 2 characters for the kids

Bella liked him from a safe distance

lights & ornaments hanging from the ceiling

fountains galore
love the lion head

poinsettia tree in the Magnolia Lobby

lights as we are leaving in the front of the hotel

poinsettia tree in the front of the hotel

The hotel is such a beautiful place, especially at Christmas. The decorations are plentiful hanging from the ceilings and the flowers are beautiful. It didn't seem as if there were as many decorations to appeal to children as in the past. I remember taking Jennifer when she was little and how excited we all were with the huge nutcrackers and many statues placed around along with the carollers they had. In previous years we have always parked at the Opry Mills Outlet and walked to the hotel through the Grand Ole Opry area since their parking is free. They now have fences up so you can't cut through there any longer and everyone now has to pay to park. This year their charge is $18.

Hats

2011-11-30T07:00:00.001-06:00

Isabella doesn't like anything on her head and it has been hard to get pictures of her in the adorable hats my friend Deb made.

have to be fast to get a picture

but then again, if the flower comes off

she doesn't care how long the hat stays on

Last of the Roses Before Winter

2011-11-23T07:00:00.001-06:00

Wordless Wednesday

Happy Thanksgiving

Before the Freeze

2011-11-16T07:00:00.000-06:00

Our Neighbors Have Animals

These are Bella's views out the living room bay window. She sits in the window seat and watches the cars go by while waiting for the big dog & chickens.

their big dog - a great pyrenees

he just finished cleaning out the cat food bowl

Bella loves to see him and starts

hollering big dog, big dog

he is a beautiful dog and so friendly

and loves cat food!

their chickens on the front porch

cleaning up
the bird seed

and leaving lots and lots of poop

coming out from under the hydrangea bushes

at least Bella now knows what a real

chicken looks like

own own hens and chicks
appear to love their new home

Mom's pink camellia

loads of blooms this year

impatiens were doing great

until the freeze this past weekend

these were at the corner of our patio

lone iris still blooming

I've seen on many blogs the wonderful chicken houses being built and how many eggs they are getting and it all looks and sounds so wonderful.

But we live in the country more or less and chickens can and do run wild at times. This summer is the first time we had chickens visit our garden and there were only a couple of them. No big deal we thought. Then those 2 decided to bring their friends and this past week we had at least 7 at one time digging and scratching up everything they could. Mom mulched the new hydrangeas one morning and by the time I got home in the afternoon all the mulch was in the driveway where the chickens had moved it. Amazing how well they can clean the ground but so very frustrating also.

So Mom called our neighbors and she said yes her husband had been having trouble keeping them in their pen this summer but they would try fix the problem. Her husband stopped by to talk while we were re-mulching Saturday afternoon and said we could have fresh chicken for supper if they stayed a problem. Alan will be thrilled I'm sure, NOT.

While growing up we city kids would visit our grandparents farm in TN every summer. One of the highlights were picking up eggs from the hen house until we found our first chicken snake. It was at least 6' long and I swear our feet didn't touch the ground all the way back to the front of the house. Pape took a hoe and dragged him out. Us city kids were scared spitless!

Then there was the summer they decided to get the chickens ready to eat. Pape wrung their necks and we yelled and screamed while headless chickens flopped all over the back yard. Then it was time for grandma to do her thing and we didn't even watch that. One of my brothers still does not like to each chicken. haha

Playing in the Leaves

2011-11-09T07:00:00.000-06:00

We've just had a gorgeous weekend, yesterday and today is going to be even better. Sunny and in the 70s. After such a hot, hot summer this fall is absolutely perfect. Alan started blowing leaves and Mom was raking them onto her blueberry bushes getting ready for winter so Bella wanted to play.

what have you done to me Momma Sandy?

am I supposed to enjoy this?

I can move around?

I can scatter them?

I can move my body?

Oh boy - so many to eat!

I don't want to get out!!!!!!!!!!!

Fall Color

2011-11-03T11:52:00.009-05:00

Yesterday afternoon I walked around the garden and took some pictures of our fall colors. We have had a fantastic fall this year! The month of October was wonderful, temps in the 60s and 70s for the most part with rain here and there.

blue skies looking from the back corner of the garden

maple tree in front yard next to the road

birdfeeders and water moved to the porch

Mom and Bella sit in the window to watch

the birds during the day

back patio we can't keep clean from the leaves falling

lilacs in full fall color

ginko tree is a beautiful shade of gold

barn at the back of the garden

We have had rain since this morning and hopefully it will stay all day. Sure will make pulling weeds a lot easier this weekend. Progress is being slowly made in the clean up but there is still a lot to do. We are trying to move peonies, iris and daylilies that have out grown their spots into the newly cleaned areas. I don't imagine we will have very many more weekends to get this done but then again there is always next year right around the corner.

Our Little Halloween Fairy

2011-10-31T08:05:00.003-05:00

Bella was not thrilled with her costume and couldn't wait to get it off. She pulled the flowers off her wand and ribbons off her headband before we even knew what she was doing.

2011-10-10T07:00:00.000-05:00

Blogging Break

My Cousin

2011-10-05T09:07:00.003-05:00

Billy (Marshall) Partridge

4/30/1957 - 10/2/2011

Rest in Peace

We Love You & Miss You

Bella Bella Bella

2011-09-28T07:00:00.001-05:00

1st Birthday

1 year portrait

getting ready for cake

present time

Almost 1 Year Already

2011-09-21T07:00:00.008-05:00

Isabella

will be 1 year old Sunday the 25th

checking out her new rocker

her birthday hat my friend Deb made

she loves them and they are so pretty

I found this wicker rocker at a junk shop a couple of months ago and all it needed was a fresh coat of white paint and a little girl that loves her new chair.

Weeds, Weeds & More Weeds

2011-09-15T07:00:00.001-05:00

But first lets enjoy the mums starting to bloom. Caught these at Walmart as they were unloading for 98 cents each. Beautiful lavender mums by our garden gate.

2 cast iron kettles full

our very embarrassing weedy garden

my work in progress every Saturday morning

hoping for rain every Friday night!

made progress this past Saturday

weeded and moved hostas from

behind Alan's shop to their new home

I re-weeded the little pond area and

started down the row weeding and

moving plants as needed

big white birdhouse with rotted

foundation - killed all the termintes

and yellow jackets - now for a new

bottom and to get it back on it's post

new telephone pole piece found on the side of the road

got it planted and concreted in this past weekend

it's behind the stock tank and will have an

old mailbox on it for fish food, etc

After the rain Labor Day weekend it was a joy to work in the garden this past weekend. The temps were in the 70s and the weeds came right on out. It didn't seem to matter how far down we dug the ground was still moist. I really need to win the lottery so I can stay home and work in the garden every day. Those pesky weeds wouldn't stand a chance then. haha

Little By Little

2011-09-13T07:00:00.003-05:00

We made some progress during the months of July and August. I chose to start at the back of the garden since it is in the shade during the morning hours with our 95+ degree summer days these past months. But first here is a beautiful flower blooming:

"Cypella Herbertii" Goblet Flower

an Iris relative and gorgeous

I planted by the little pond so it wouldn't

get lost in the mess we call a garden

our line of crape myrtles

trimmed up and ready to bloom

stella de oro daylilies and

3 new hydrangea seedlings planted this weekend

we started from Grandma Belcher's bush

all cleaned out and weed free

bald cypress trees not happy with the

summer heat and no rain

the back corner

K-Mart red daylilies - weed free

chase tree and rose bush both trimmed up

sweet autumn clematis gone

and rugosa rose free to live

I plan on making a concrete block planter

and replant the roses in the near future

Wild Cat sleeping while we work

I am so glad our 90+ days seem to be behind us. Over Labor Day weekend we got about 2" of rain which has helped with the weeding so much, now I can actually dig out some of the blackberry vines and weedy trees instead of cutting them down which makes for a huge since of accomplishment.

Cross Stitch Quilt Blocks

2011-09-07T07:00:00.000-05:00

Finishes

For Connor - LDI

The Football Player

The California Raisins - Sporty Raisins

14 ct White Aida, DMC Floss

For Connor - LDI

The Jogger

The California Raisins - Sporty Raisins

14 ct White Aida, DMC Floss

I had forgotten how much fun these little characters were to stitch. It has been about 25 years since I stitched my last one and that was for one of Jennifer's friends when she was a little girl. I went to San Francisco for a work trip and stitched it on the plane ride there and back.

Bees, Butterflies & A Dragonfly

2011-08-31T07:00:00.001-05:00

It seems we have had more bees, butterflies and dragonflies this year than ever before or maybe I've had more time to enjoy. Hot, hot days and they just flutter around the garden drinking in their nectar. It is a beautiful sight.

bumblebee on false dragonhead

dragonfly (snake doctor)

on one of our concrete benches

and we seen a chicken snake later that afternoon

butterfly on the zinnas

which they dearly love

another on the butterfly weed

and another on the false dragonhead

This past weekend was very nice, 80s and no humidity and it was easier to work outside. We are back in the 90s again this week with slim chances of rain for the weekend. We have been trimming, cutting down and trying to get the garden back under control - yeah right. Don't know if that will ever happen but we are sure trying. We are going to start watering on Friday and Saturday nights so we can pull, dig and get the weeds/tree sprouts out and mulch down. We have our work cut out for us and hopefully will have a garden we can enjoy more and work less next year. haha

Bargains

2011-08-25T07:00:00.000-05:00

More Bargains for the Garden

beautiful coneflowers for $1 each

on clearance at a local nursery

2 cute thatched nesting pockets

on sale at Duncraft

2 metal crosses

on clearance at Hobby Lobby

and the best for last

2 concrete pedestals at a yard sale

Friday evening & YES they are as

heavy as the look

New Daylilies

2011-08-23T06:00:00.000-05:00

Our Newest Additions

Tropical Heatwave

Leanne Bilsborough

My friend Lynn was so kind to provide me with a link to the Lily Auction and I of course had to go and check it out. Didn't take me 5 minutes to find plenty of beauties to bid on and these are the 2 I won. They were shipped fast and arrived in perfect condition and now are planted in a light fixture planter waiting for better weather to go into the ground. Now to go back and see what else I can find that we just can't live without.

This & That

2011-08-18T07:00:00.001-05:00

Around the Garden

white coneflowers

didn't even know we had these

pink coneflowers

keep coming back every year

new hostas

awaiting better weather to plant

front - raspberry sorbet (to have mauve flowers)

left - abiqua drinking gourd

right - pizzazz

foxgloves bought on clearance are blooming

yippee

rose of sharon bush

blooms don't even need limbs anymore

magnificent tiger lilies
bigger & better every year

This is turning out to be a very dry summer for us. We have the water sprinklers out and going 3 nights a week with us using watering cans for the pots around the house. At least we seem to have left the high 90 degree days behind and hopefully they won't come back. Our humidity is so much easier to deal with when the temps are in the 80s and low 90s.

Hosta

2011-08-16T10:07:00.005-05:00

Ming Treasure

my favorite hosta

enormous 6" pure white flowers

2 down and lots more to go

finally a homes that it likes

After about 12 years and 6 plants I finally have one that is blooming. It has the most wonderful fragrance, almost as strong as the honeysuckle vines in full bloom. It is a delight to sit on the patio or just going in and out the back door. The fragrance is strong enough to stop you in your tracks so you can enjoy it to the max. I am so glad I finally have the perfect place for it to grow and us to enjoy.

Surprise

2011-08-11T07:00:00.007-05:00

Pink Surprise Lilies

a real surprise since we didn't plant

one in the new hosta and hydrangea bed

these hostas were moved from behind Alan's shed

2 of the hydrangeas were from Walmart's clearance

and the other from our friend Lynn's garden

thank you so much Lynn

left behinds in the corner garden

in the bed next to Alan's shop

up close and gorgeous

These lilies are a continuous surprise every year. We seem to finally be getting more and more of them, not always where we move them to but still gorgeous where ever they decide to come up.

For the Birds

2011-08-09T07:00:00.011-05:00

Birdbaths

starting in the backyard

in Mom's bed of roses

seen from the kitchen window

in the bed of peonies and lilies

hanging in the Bradford Pear tree

over the patio for the hummingbirds

hanging in the tulip magnolia bush

off the front porch for the finches

in the knockout rose and peony bed

very shallow - have to fill every 2/3 days

2 cute little ones for the new

hosta/hydrangea bed - they

don't even hold water for 1 full day

looks good though

walking into the garden

new birdbath from Lowe's

surrounded by daylilies and peonies

at the front of the garden

surrounded by daylilies

walking around the other side of the garden

new flower one from the Wild Birds Unlimited Store

I just couldn't resist - very shallow and

have to fill every day

sure looks good surrounded by weeds!

I worked Saturday morning at the back of the garden trimming the dawn redwood and bald cypress trees up a little and cleaning out the dead limbs. I also managed to clean up and trim the crape myrtles that came back from our cutting them down this spring along with the tulip magnolia and rose of sharon bush. Two daylily beds also got cleaned out and mowed down for the summer. It is now possible to walk into the garden from the back driveway without bending over or sliding through anything since one of us is usually carrying Bella. It sure made our walk to the stock tank to feed the fish Sunday evening so much more enjoyable.

Cross Stitch Quilt Blocks

2011-08-04T08:26:00.003-05:00

Finishes

for LDI Flower Quilt

Funky Flowers

By the Bay Needleart

"Beatrice"

14 ct White Aida, DMC Floss

Funky Flowers

By the Bay Needleart

"Cassandra"

14 ct White Aida, DMC Floss

For the Birds

2011-08-02T09:50:00.003-05:00

Birdcages

white cage hanging by the patio

with the bluebird of happiness

red cage hanging by the driveway

new bird we found at Ross' to grace the cage

we just have to smile every time we drive by

Critters

2011-07-28T07:00:00.002-05:00

The Latest Cat Food Critter

I'm watching from inside the porch

taking his picture through door

open the door and he backs off a little

he's not afraid of me at all

I'm still standing in the doorway

clap my hands and he retreats a little

but only for a minute

back to check out the missing bowl of food

He finally ran away after I stomped my feet and clapped my hands several times, I was back standing at the doorway again by this time. I had been bringing in any food our Wild Cat doesn't eat every night about the time it gets dark. This raccoon has decided to come early, the past couple of nights he has shown up around 6:00. So much for leaving the food out for Wild Cat, he will have to eat a lot earlier from now on.

Velvet was laying on top of Mom's new car while all this was going on. Don't know why we thought he would be any help. haha

For the Birds

2011-07-26T07:00:00.000-05:00

Birdfeeders

hummingbird feeders over the patio

awesome seeing them eat

watching from the kitchen windows

or sitting on the patio

small feeder as you

start walking around the garden

feeder I found at TJ Maxx

in front of garden

thistle/sunflower feeders

for the finches on other side of garden

my other TJ Maxx feeder

at the back of the garden

big feeder at the end of the garden

our neighbor's chickens have found it

they love eating what has been spilled below

2nd thistle feeder at fireplace

garden next to house

For the Birds

2011-07-21T07:00:00.012-05:00

Birdhouses

are they coming or going

shade garden by patio

I got 6 of these bluebird houses

at Lowe's on clearance

pre-drilled holes are a blessing

for putting them up

Hobby Lobby clearance $2.50 each

and they still have 2 on the shelves

what were people thinking to leave them

nesting boxes, have 2

one on each end of the garden

in my corner garden

the daylilies have had it

at the back of the garden

old house that fell down

and the butterfly house

they have never used!

Cross Stitch Quilt Blocks

2011-07-19T07:00:00.000-05:00

Finishes

For Ryan - LDI

Whimsical Sam by

Janet Morningstar of Moonlight Inspirations

14 ct White Aida, DMC Floss

For Ryan - LDI

An All American Dog by Alma Lynne

14 ct White Aida, DMC Floss

More Water

2011-07-14T07:00:00.005-05:00

our other 2 little water gardens

at the end of the patio

the sound of water is so refreshing

sitting on the patio

the impatiens are doing great

along with 3 little goldfish

little pond in the garden

got the water lily from Lowe's and it's

almost ready to bloom

we have 2 little goldfish in this one

bloom time for the water lily

Walking around the house and garden is so much more enjoyable with the water gardens and their wildlife. We have more birds and frogs than ever before along with everything we don't see and probably don't want to see. The water lilies are so beautiful whether they are blooming or not. I can't wait for the red one in the stock tank to grow up.

Firsts

2011-07-12T07:00:00.009-05:00

garden is coming in

first mess of green beans,

green peppers and tomato

Bella picked out her pepper

now to see what that little finger can do to it

cherry tomatoes

tomatoes from Jennifer & Clemente

very plump blueberries

better this year than ever before

raspberries

and Mom's raspberry jam

New Water Garden

2011-07-07T07:00:00.006-05:00

Stock Tank Heaven

I finally bit the bullet and went to TSC

for a 6' round stock tank for our new water garden

side with Japanese & Louisiana Iris

we are rooting some of Grandma Belcher's

hydrangeas which will go on the other side

more rocks are on my list for Lowe's to

finish this flower bed

elephant ears I was excited to find 1/2 price

at a nursery we went to last weekend

then went to Home Depot and darned if they

hadn't gotten in a new shipment of black

elephant ears for the same price and much bigger plants

also have plenty of water iris blooming and

3 bags of hornwort sunk on the bottom

metal crane and porcelain fish I

caught on sale at Hobby Lobby

orange cord hanging in the back is for

the bug zapper which has sure made

it more pleasurable to sit outside

impatiens doing very well

they get late morning and early afternoon sun

seem to like the water staying in the bottom

of the pot all the time

caught the pots on clearance at Target

looking from the back of the tank

towards our swing we are enjoying once again

I built a ledge of concrete blocks so the fish could swim through and put a stepping stone on top for the flower pots with impatiens to sit on. I did the same for the elephant ears, fish and crane around the edges of the tank. I wanted plenty of places for the goldfish to hide since we have cats roaming around. I also put 2 water wigglers on the ledge to help control any mosquito problem we might have with this much water. It only took 2 days before we had tadpoles swimming around although there are not that many anymore since I put in 4 goldfish Saturday.

The bug has bit, where or where can I put another one and how many can I fit in our gardens. Won't Mom be thrilled!

My Favorites

2011-07-05T07:00:00.000-05:00

Bella - 9 Months Old

Wordless Wednesday - Daylily Heaven

2011-06-29T07:00:00.016-05:00

Daylilies

2011-06-23T07:00:00.008-05:00

a few of our daylilies

just starting to open

new birdbath from Lowe's

waiting to be placed in it's new home

beautiful pink/yellow in the kitchen garden

new huge wheelbarrow from Lowe's

during their Father's Day sale

lavender blooms

The daylilies are in full bloom and glorious this year. We have gotten rain every day since Saturday and still have more in our forecast. Days are hot and muggy but well worth it with the rain.

Our Little Princess

2011-06-21T07:00:00.001-05:00

Bella

Our little princess will be 9 months old on Saturday. We are having so much fun with her and treasure every moment!

This past weekend was great for the rain bucket. On Saturday it rained off and on all day, more rain during the night and Sunday morning we had even more rain. You could hear the flowers and grass growing when you walked outside. It was wonderful to walk around the garden and see puddles of water!

Roses

2011-06-16T07:00:00.006-05:00

a few of our beautiful roses

We did manage to get a couple of small rain showers on Tuesday, really more of a drink than a shower but better than nothing. Then on Wednesday afternoon storms rolled through and we got a good rain. More rain is in our forecast at small percentages but hopefully we will manage to get some which I need since Mom has gone visiting for the next several days.

Still Hot in the Garden

2011-06-14T07:00:00.013-05:00

We finally got a break on Sunday -- the high was only 88. The garden is looking much better since we started watering although on Saturday we got plenty of thunder and lightening but no rain. If we are lucky we might get some rain tonight or tomorrow. Probably scattered showers but that is better than nothing. We've been trying to get all our new plants in the garden and some maintenance taken care of.

got a fresh coat of paint on the patio chairs

love that rustoleum paint - it covers everything

queens anne lace making a good showing

part of the garden to avoid for now as

chiggers love us something fierce

got the windmill painted

need to find new parts for it

Uncle Billy's garlic

new water wiggler for the birdbaths

looks so neat & runs on 2 D batteries

got the foxgloves planted

also planted foxglove seeds

back side of little pond area

solar fountain in little pond

works great with full sunshine

shoots little bursts with shade

my little goldfish sure loves it

pacific coast iris all planted

in corner by little pond

hopefully easier to keep alive here

umbrellas for 2 of the tree peonies
they were wilting under the 90+ degree sun

butterfly weeds and yellow daylilies

blooming better than ever

Dog Days of Summer

2011-06-09T09:44:00.005-05:00

And it is only June 9

After a very nice, rainy and cool April and May our temps have been 90+ for the last 12 days and the 7 day forecast is more of the same. We have had no rain and lots of thunder last night with again no rain. The forecast has spotty showers but so far they have all missed our flower garden and don't look promising for the next 7 days. It is now time to pull out the garden hoses and sprinklers and let them get to work.

watering the middle of the flower garden

watering the lilies and roses in the backyard

You could hear the flowers weeping with joy as the water began to fall and I'm sure we will be weeping when we receive our water bill next month. I see much more of this in our future to keep the garden alive.

Vacation Shopping

2011-06-07T08:39:00.005-05:00

Itoh Peonies

Keiko (Adored)

Pink Double Dandy

Yumi (Beauty)

Yellow Doodle Dandy

Our newest additions to the garden. While taking Linda and Wayne to Shelbyville I passed Southbranch Nursery in Murfreesboro that was just begging me to stop. On the way back home I did and seen these beauties. On Monday Mom and I went back to Shelbyville to pick up Linda and stopped on the way to buy these beauties. The pictures don't do them justice, they are gorgeous.

The Itoh peonies are a cross between a herbaceous peony and a tree peony. This cross combined the best traits of both parents: great vigor, large distinctive flowers, strong stems and long lasting blooms. Monrovia is partnering with leading Itoh breeder Don Smith for these beauties.

Garden Art

2011-05-27T07:00:00.001-05:00

Art in Our Garden

new concrete birds for the big

rose pot in the center of the garden

we found 2 of these on clearance at TJ Maxx

bluebird back in his cage for the summer
in the planter by the patio

birdbath planter with lavender/white flowers

this year - million bells, african daisy & geraniums

close up of lavender million bells

my favorite annual this year

birdhouse by driveway

now you can see it since we cut back the crape myrtle

gathering the watering cans in one place

front hosta garden

one of the swings in garden

cherub with spiderwort

the best it has ever bloomed

cicadas have arrived

thank goodness we don't seem to have very many

I will be on vacation until June 6.

Wordless Wednesday Roses

2011-05-25T07:00:00.000-05:00

Pots for Monday

2011-05-23T10:19:00.013-05:00

New Pots for the Garden

I picked up a chicken feeder the last time
I was at Tractor Supply for my hens and chicks

old tub with the bottom rusting out

full of multi colored zinnas

old wash tub filled with mini hostas

blue mouse ears, cameo and little treasure

and mini iris in the back

love my new/old wash tub

found it sitting outside an antique store Friday

perfect timing as the mini hostas arrived Friday also

huge old light fixture in concrete planter

the cactus made it through another winter

smaller light fixtures for patio planters

found the base 1/2 price at Hobby Lobby

more light fixtures waiting for a new life
Mom is using the huge ones for her strawberry planter
good for keeping the moles out

The best thing about these light fixtures is they came out of the dumpster.

More Is Always Better Isn't It

2011-05-19T07:00:00.000-05:00

More Gorgeous Peonies

huge white with yellow center

3 sword dance in front corner garden

up close sword dance

masses of white

masses of dark pink

This time of year is the greatest with plenty of peonies to pick from for bouquets throughout the house.

Wordless Wednesday - New Lantern

2011-05-18T07:00:00.002-05:00

Gorgeous Peony Tuesday

2011-05-17T09:54:00.008-05:00

After a very rainy, gloomy weekend the sun is finally

shining again and the peonies are blooming better than ever!

Grandma Belcher's White

Grandma Belcher's Pink

New Dark Pink

Coral

New Pink

The peonies along with everything else in the garden has sure enjoyed this cool wet spring we've been having.

Cross Stitch

2011-05-11T13:35:00.002-05:00

A Cross Stitch Finish

For Shruthi (LDI)
Caterpillar Baby by Ellen Maurer-Stroh

14 ct White Aida, DMC Floss

Mom's pink roses - just gorgeous

Day Off

2011-05-10T08:56:00.011-05:00

I started on Saturday morning and got all of the marigolds planted at Jennifer's house, 8 large pots for mosquito repellent. I sure hope it works as well this year as last year. Races were rained out so we went shopping for the afternoon.

Sunday I managed to get most of my flowers planted until I ran out of dirt. I only have 1 pot of marigolds left so will get those done this week. It was in the high 80s so I didn't really mind running out of dirt. haha

Yesterday I had the day off so I needed a project to make the day count. It was 86 again and muggy to boot. Put the fan on the porch and made my start.

but first

my #1 helper gave out and went indoors for the AC

white Louisiana iris blooming in
the kitchen rose garden

light blue Louisiana iris blooming
in the kitchen rose garden

this is what I started with
originally built for a fire pit we never used
at end of our back patio

new mini water garden
got my galvanized tub at TSC
& the duck 1/2 price at Hobby Lobby
gotta love their sales
just need a goldfish now

Mom's new bench from Steven R & family

for Mothers Day

perfect place to sit and enjoy the sound

of water

my #2 helper
he managed to lay close enough to swat
at me as I walked back and forth

Iris

2011-05-04T07:00:00.001-05:00

Some of Our Iris'

light pink with dark yellow on the ground

light blue and white

peach from our neighbor Mrs. Harris

blue and white

more light pink with purple in the background

my variegated purple and white

new white

gorgeous purple and white

Saturday was a gorgeous day and we got a lot done around the garden and at Jennifer's flower garden. Most of the mulching is done at her house and now on to finishing mulching at our's if only the rain would stop. The rains started again late Saturday night and rained off and on all day Sunday, Monday and Tuesday morning and the temps also sank down to the 50s. It moved out yesterday afternoon and thank goodness they were right and the sun briefly came out. We need some serious dry time and warmer temps to even be able to work in the garden much less plant the new bulbs we have. Today is cool but the sun is shining and the rest of the week should be even better!

After the Rains

2011-04-28T07:00:00.000-05:00

Oh how the flowers have loved the rains

white iris with purple edges

the first to bloom after all the purples

lavender clementis

the is a sprout from another clementis in the garden

planted in the concrete whiskey barrel

in the driveway daylily row

first of the pink peonies to bloom

double white clementis

best it has ever bloomed

Mom's yellow roses

We are definitely water logged but the garden is blooming better than ever and the hummingbirds are back. The weeds are growing faster than ever and I don't see how we will ever catch up. We have plenty to do in our spare time whenever that might be.

Before the Rains

2011-04-26T07:00:00.001-05:00

Our coral peony bush is the first to bloom this year and thankfully I got a picture of them on Saturday before the storms rolled through Saturday night and Sunday.

the pictures just don't do them justice
they are absolutely gorgeous

mop bucket full after Saturday night
and Sunday morning rains
we got an awful lot of water dumped
and now have a very soggy flower garden

an unwelcome visitor after the Sunday morning rains

Sunday afternoon was full of dark skies, lots of wind, heavy rain and tornado warnings. Thankfully no tornadoes were spotted, just lots of very dark clouds for a while and of course our unwelcome visitor going around in circles just outside the back yard. Our neighbor came over and took care of him for us and then 3 of the biggest black turkey buzzards finished the job and finally took the smell with them!

Monday was more rain and today is starting out with even more. Some areas already have 2"-7" with another 2"-7" coming by tomorrow night. Flooding is already in progress with more to come I'm sure. Thank goodness we live on a hill!

More Additions for the Garden

2011-04-20T07:00:00.000-05:00

We are having a perfect week weather wise this week so far and we have some more beauties to plant.

Miss Saigon Dutch Iris

found these at Walmart - 18 bulbs for $5

had to get 2 packs of course

spider web hen & chicks
from our local nursery - best prices there are

more hens & chicks
went to get mulch and couldn't resist

Red Dutch Oriental Lily
also found these at Walmart - 4 tubers for $5
can't buy just 1 so I got 2 of these

We almost finished mulching the flower beds at Jennifer's house yesterday and will finish when we plant her annuals next week. We have storms moving in tonight so have plenty to keep us busy this afternoon.

Getting It Done

2011-04-14T07:00:00.004-05:00

The Beauty of Spring

& Mulching

the first rose to bloom

dogwood tree on back side of house

little pond has been mulched around
louisiana iris and little cattails sprouting in pond

thrift - keeps coming back
year after year

front hosta bed is mulched
Alan found a snake here the day after I mulched
thank goodness it was the day after

purple iris

front corner garden 1/2 cleaned and mulched
now to finish cleaning it before the weeds come back

peony & daylily bed in backyard is mulched

texas rose is blooming it's heart out
lots and lots of little yellow pompoms

lavender iris

rose bed in backyard is mulched
and more purple iris

oakleaf hydrangea is putting out leaves

virginia bluebell & money plant blooming

hellebores & more money plant blooming

little narcissus

more virgina bluebells around the flag pole

We've made a good dent in cleaning out the debris from the garden and mulching but boy do we still have a lot to do. I also want to add another small container pond and later on a bigger stock tank container pond. Now we just have to figure out where they will fit in. Mom has also gotten our new peonies planted this week - 10 in all, more beautiful colors to add to our collection!

Tree Peonies for Tuesday

2011-04-12T07:00:00.001-05:00

Our Gorgeous Tree Peonies Are Now Blooming

dark pink

white

light pink with dark centers

Newest Additions

2011-04-07T07:00:00.000-05:00

For Our Garden

Peaches & Cream Peony

G H Wild & Son Nursery

White Fortnight Lilies

Also Called African Iris/Butterfly Iris

AND
Isabella's present to Mom
April Dawn Camellia
this is a hardy camellia for our area

Time Flies

2011-04-05T07:00:00.000-05:00

Family Photos

Bella's 6 Month Picture

Clemente, Bella & Jennifer

2011-03-31T07:00:00.000-05:00

Beauty in Blooms

redbud tree

white lilacs out growing and out showing
the french purple lilac

pond plants coming alive

wood violets

rose champion coming on strong
under the pine tree - their favorite place

Mom's new star magnolia

tiger lilies coming along very very well

march rose

appears to love it's new home

clementis' all sprouting

We've had rain most days this week but the temps are climbing back up. Can't wait for the weekend to get here. Our to do list is getting longer and longer and then Bella smiles and who thinks of the to do list - surely not us.

Lilacs & Work

2011-03-29T10:09:00.006-05:00

The Lilacs Are Blooming

our old fashioned lilacs
lavender perfection and awesome perfume

trip to our local TSC
got a new little rake,
chicken feeder for hens & chicks,
galvanized tub for little pond

wild cat sunning himself

I took a day off last week while it was so beautiful so Mom and I could work in the garden. We made a good dent in cutting the crape myrtles and general clean up. Lots more to do and not enough pretty days. Weather is getting better once again every day this week and the weekend is supposed to be perfect. Sure hope they are right.

Blooming Thursday

2011-03-24T07:00:00.001-05:00

More & More Blooms

bridal wreath by the pond

Aunt Mary's bush
smells so good

tulip magnolia & star magnolia

in the garden

jane magnolias roadside at the front of the garden

big tulip magnolia at the corner of house

This big tulip magnolia is in full bloom. When coming home and rounding the last corner this bush can be seen and it is magnificent.

Spring Is Here

2011-03-22T07:00:00.001-05:00

What a gorgeous weekend we had, lots of sun and in the high 70s. It can't get much better than this.

Mom's camellia

blooming it's heart out

both blooms are on the same bush

Mom's work - she finished cleaning out the flower
beds Saturday around the house

black gold - we ended up with a tub full

after emptying both tumblers

I got 1 bed mulched Sunday afternoon

and finished cleaning the little pond

got it refilled Sunday afternoon also

Now to just get all the flower beds around the house mulched since Mom has the leaves cleaned out and then onto the flower garden. We have also seen lots of evidence that the deer are enjoying our tender hostas just emerging. I see much more Advil in our future.

Mom

2011-03-16T07:00:00.000-05:00

Happy 76th Birthday Mom

Mom's birthday was Sunday the 13th and we started celebrating the Wednesday before. Dinner out and shopping every night. More food and cake than we have eaten in a very long time. What a way to celebrate!

Spring

2011-03-09T07:00:00.005-06:00

Spring is Getting Closer & Closer

Bella riding her new toy lion
this summer we will be chasing her I'm sure

Louisiana Iris - Window Shopping

new from the lawn & garden show this past weekend

got 2 and these will go into the little pond

miniature roses for my office

star magnolia is budding in the garden

if the frost stays away it should be in full bloom soon

We've had lots of rain and cooler temps this past weekend but supposed to warm back up and more rain this coming week. I'm more than ready for the warm spring air to move in and stay here.

Spring

2011-03-03T07:00:00.004-06:00

Spring Is Right Around Our Corner

the old fashioned buttercups are starting to bloom

greenish/white lenten roses

mauvey/purple lenten roses

Our tree peonies are starting to leaf out and the other peonies are starting to come up. We should also be getting our new peonies the first of next month to plant. The bradford pear tree and numerous bushes in the garden are starting to bud and I can just feel the allergies coming right along with them.

Even better the Nashville Lawn & Garden Show starts today and Mom and I are going this afternoon.

Cross Stitch Finish

2011-03-01T08:29:00.002-06:00

AJ the Airplane

for LDI

by The Stitchworks

14 ct White Aida, DMC Floss

Our Little Princess

2011-02-23T07:00:00.000-06:00

Miss Isabella

she will be 5 months old Friday

Ready for Spring

2011-02-17T07:00:00.001-06:00

New Peonies

for our flower garden

Red Carpet

double red that does not fade

double row of petals around a fluffy center

Mrs. F. D. Roosevelt

fragrant soft seashell pink

with a rosebud center

General MacMahon

watermelon red blooms

bowl shaped and fragrant

We received our new 2011 catalog from Gilbert H. Wild & Son last week. Oh so many peonies to drool over and hard to decide. We finally settled on 3 new ones for now and got free shipping to boot. Can't wait for April to get here and get these babies in the ground.

Valentines

2011-02-14T12:38:00.009-06:00

Our First Valentines with Isabella

my favorite outfit - love her hat

Her 1st Valentine Ornament

Tralala's Petite Chat Freebie
14 ct Hand Dyed Aida
DMC Floss 3685 & 99 Varigated
Weeks Dye Works 1091 Whitewash

1st Mini Bag

Buzzin' For You

Vee & Company Freebie

14 ct DMC Impressions with Light Pink Hearts

DMC Floss - Color Substitutions, Heart Buttons

Background Fabric is Inside Lining

Made by Mom

Bella's Valentine Tree

I thought I would start our tradition for her with an ornament each year and a perfume bottle along with her chocolate. She will also need a new bag every few years I'm sure since I just happen to have different size bags waiting to be accessorized.

Happy Valentine's Day

Cross Stitch

2011-02-10T07:00:00.001-06:00

Finishes

Care Bear E Block

For Isabella's Quilt

For LDI

BJ the Bulldozer

by The Stichworks

14 ct White Aida, DMC Floss

Snow, Snow & More Snow

2011-02-08T07:47:00.011-06:00

Snow, Snow Go Away

Come Again Another Year????

Father Winter decided to pay Northern Middle Tennessee another visit yesterday afternoon. I left work at 1:20 because Jennifer called and said our road was covered and slushy already. It was still raining at work.

The roads were fine until I reached the red light in Greenbrier and then the winter storm appeared. It was amazing that the road before the light was fine and after the light was not. Thank goodness we only live about 5 miles or so from the light and no one seemed to mind poking along at 20 miles an hour.

This is our road in front of the driveway leaving for work this morning. Nice and frozen. I walked out before leaving to see if the black part was really the road and it was - with a nice coating of ice of course.

another 3 inches to clean off the trucks

sticking to the trees again

so neat to watch

shade garden close to the house

wrought iron collects snow very well

good thing no birds in this house

accumulating on more trees

drifts really well with the wind we had

It would be so nice if Father Winter would pack up his bags and leave town. Unfortunately he is scheduled for another visit tomorrow afternoon. Mother Nature needs to kick him out of town since he apparently has no plans to leave on his own. Spring can't get here fast enough.

Real Snow This Time

2011-02-02T07:00:00.000-06:00

Please join me in a tour of our winter garden as I shuffle around in Mom's new rubber boots. She found these on clearance at Ross' and they are wonderful. I've got to get me a pair.

Enter Our Winter Wonderland

our garden gate

the magnolia tree looked fabulous

bird cage by back patio

chubby robin waiting for Wild Cat to finish

so he could eat

chubby's friends weren't so confident

they chose to wait higher up

neighbor's barn at edge of our flower garden

butterfly house

basket hanging at back edge of garden

swing with a cold seat

bench with an even colder seat

little pond in garden

birdhouse in the reading corner of the garden

back patio swing

Last Wednesday we got snow, 3 inches of this gorgeous stuff and the roads were horrible. I took a vacation day, stayed home and played. By Wednesday afternoon the main roads were clear and the back roads were starting to slush up. By Thursday afternoon everything was back to normal. It seems like we have had more snow this year than ever before. They said this is our normal only we haven't had normal for the last several years. Here's hoping normal doesn't visit us again any time soon.

Our own state groundhog, Chattanooga Chuck, is predicting no early spring and lots more winter. What a major dud!

WIP's

2011-01-27T07:00:00.003-06:00

Cross Stitch

my jar of DMC labels I had to buy

for 2010 projects - time to empty and start anew

Isabella's Valentines Ornament
Tralala's Petit Chat
14 ct Hand Dyed Aida
DMC 3685 & 99 Varigated
Weeks Dye Works 1091 Whitewash

For Mom

Magnolia - Nora Corbett

25 ct Antique White Lugana Over 2

DMC Floss, Mill Hill Beads, Kreinik

The Shores of Hawk Run Hollow

Carriage House Samplings

22 ct Water Gray Hardanger

DMC Floss

Mom's Magnolia is a carry over from last year and The Shores is a new start. My goal is to get both done this year along with Isabella's Care Bear Alphabet quilt, small projects for her and the LDI kids quilt blocks.

I told everyone that would listen this past weekend that I didn't have time to work, I needed to be stitching. No one listened and I came to work this week like always. What a dud!

Quilts of Old

2011-01-25T07:00:00.002-06:00

Baby Quilts

Mine

Embroidered and made by Grandma Belcher

Jennifer's

Cross Stitched by Me

and it took the entire 9 months

Isabella's Floor Quilt
my very first quilt as a teenager
and it is perfect to cushion the floor
as she starts rolling over and over

Looking For Sunshine

2011-01-20T07:00:00.002-06:00

Winter Color

Where O Where is Spring

After a gorgeous weekend in the 50s Monday rolls around and the rains come again. More rain on Tuesday and through the night with snow showers for Wednesday morning and a light dusting on the ground but not the roads thank goodness.

our magnolia sprout growing by leaps and bounds

red birdfeeder in the garden

more green in the corner garden

red berries the birds love

empty birdfeeder
the wild turkeys tried to get on
so funny - they are too big and it is too little

red wagon by holly tree
sure makes the red berries show up

green moss - so pretty

bee and sunflower birdhouse
on side of old shed

old shed still standing the test of time

snow showers lingering Wednesday morning

dusting of snow

We did manage a little sunshine Wednesday afternoon before the clouds rolled back in and it is supposed to start snowing sometime this afternoon/early evening and depending on what station you watch we could get a dusting to 3 inches of the white stuff. Where is spring? It needs to hurry up!

Family Portraits

2011-01-18T07:00:00.000-06:00

Four Generations

Jennifer scheduled for Isabella's 3 months pictures the week of Christmas. Daddy had to work and I didn't so Mom and I went with them and had our's taken together.

We thought we had it planned perfectly. Isabella napped, woke up and we fed her, dressed her and arrived with 5 minutes to spare for our appointment. Unfortunately, the lady taking the pictures was running 25 minutes behind so by the time she got to us our happy little princess was no longer a happy camper, she was hot and and hungry again. So after feeding her, taking her tights off and holding her in front of a fan to cool her off we were once again ready. No smiles but at least she was not crying any more. haha

Cross Stitch Finishes

2011-01-13T07:00:00.002-06:00

The First 2011 Finishes

For Linda - Happy Birthday

Monkey Shines Bookmark

Stoney Creek Magazine, October 2009

14 ct Beige Plastic, DMC Floss

Isabella's Quilt
C&D Alphabet Blocks

14 ct White Aida, DMC Floss

Hope to have done by her birthday 9/25!

For LDI

My Little Pony - Whizzer

14 ct White Aida, DMC Floss