Flowers in the Summer House

Ooops! Almost missed the party! I've gotten behind in my blog-reading and just saw Jane's invite for Flowers in the House. Every year I vow to plant more "cutable" flowers.. every year I miss the boat. Seems I always have the same old, same old. But I do have one new addition to my offering... homegrown Queen Anne's Lace. Last year during our trip to the Cherohala Skyway in Tennessee-North Carolina, I "acquired" some seed heads from the lush growth at one of the skyviews. The seeds were strown in hopes of at least one sprout... and that is what I got. One lonely, but lovely plant bearing about 10 buds/blooms so far!

I almost resisted cutting even one... but gave in to the temptation of enjoying these pretties inside. Add some burgundy-pink dahlias and here we are!

The gardenia and hydrangea loved their very cold weather hibernation. They have produced like crazy! The air is thick with the sweet fragrance of gardenias making my evening walk more pleasant. 

My weekly habit is to cut 3 hydrangea flowers for the counter where we have our meals. I clip the ends daily and add fresh water to the Mason jar... adds much joy to the kitchen. 

One more little posey.. a periwinkle pot filled with dianthus, dusty miller, confederate jasmine, guara, lemon balm, and basil... the perfect touch for my desk!

I always enjoy reading posts about my blog-friends and their pets. I admit... I am envious of these cute creatures that share your world. Unfortunately, no pets at our house, but an abundance of these little critters. So no cute, cuddly ones just these handsome reptiles that help cut down on the bug population. Oh, if they would just eat gnats!

Thanks for the party, Jane. Hope everyone has a great week. Thanks for coming by... stay cool! We are in for mid-nineties today!

Flowers in the House

Summer Fun!

Summer has definitely arrived here! Temps are up in the 90+ degree range and children's laughter can be heard all over the neighborhood from early morning to dusk. Last week included the laughter of little ones, the talent of preteens, and an army of volunteers who gave tirelessly to over a hundred children. Our local theatre and art's council co-sponsor an Art Camp each year. I was a volunteer leader. We have danced, created art, played games, and put together an original performance this week adapted from the children's book, The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister. On Saturday, we shared our hard work with the community!

162 campers ages 4-14
 + 
55 volunteers from teenage to retired
 =

An Awesome Performance!

Octopus Dance

Being retired allows the freedom to participate in many activities that full-time employment did not allow. I fully admit... by Saturday... I was pooped; however, it was a good kind of tired! The enthusiasm and vitality of my group were contagious! 

Hoping that you are enjoying your lazy, hazy days of summer! 

If you aren't familiar with The Rainbow Fish, visit here for a YouTube read aloud of this beautiful book.

The Rainbow Fish