Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Walking, Garden Fun, and a Great Book!

 I really missed "the neighborhood" when I was away all day teaching.  Yesterday I went for a morning walk and it was quiet and peaceful (because everyone is at work, right?)

 I found this little bird feeder in someone's pretty yard.
 All of the fresh new leaves still look juicy and lush.
 Can you name this rose?
 This backyard looks like a park!
 The treetops and the clouds in the sky make the outdoors so welcoming.  Peaceful.
 Bill got to hold sweet baby James on Father's Day.
 We celebrated with a two hour fun fest!  Chicken wings, potato salad, fruit and chips! 

 All of the females wanted to hold James, too!

 I've had a collection of stuffed singing birds for almost ten years, but now the girls are all having fun with them.  
 Aw, Miss Bug!  YOU are a wonder!
 We LOVE Christie!  She's full of calm and cheer.
 Go, Plum Cake, go!

 I love Birdie's dress!  She likes being close to her mama.
 She got to hold baby James, too!
 I finally cozied up the plastic deck chairs.

 I'm just about finished with the planting.
 Pool things and balls in the spider pit.
 Here's my kitchen herb garden.  Smells sweet!

 Toadstool spotting!
 I broke a leg on this 5 dollar garage sale cricket chair.  I sawed the legs off so we can have a garden perch.  Bill says the grands will fight over it.  Oh well.




 Hello, Robby!

 Something tells me this is the summer of the hollyhock!
 See how my Peter Rabbit garden grows?
 Come on over!  You can sit in my garden perch!
 Sorry about the security system sign, but aren't the roses lovely?
 Do you like the bird church? We missed you last Sunday.
 The peonies are still brightening up the front garden!




I just finished The Doll's House by Rumer Godden.  WHAT a wonderful children's story.  Have you read it?

I've always loved dolls.  My favorites are rag dolls like Ann.  This story is about a farthing doll.  The story centers around the little "family" of dolls and their desire for a house.  It's so cheerful and sophisticated, too!  

Thank you for your encouragement regarding letter writing.  I sent two yesterday.  I know it is VERY important to keep an updated address system.  That way it's easy to decide who to write to.  
Summer is so beautiful right now.  We've had warm breezes and moderate temperatures.  Otherwise, I would not have been able to endure an entire afternoon of gardening.  I'm planting red today.  I plan on drinking another BIG glass of lemonade when I finish.
The birds are frequenting the feeders and yesterday a flicker spent a good deal of time eating seeds.  His gorgeous plumage cheered me.

It's time to tidy my desk and turn the iron on.  Thank you so much for stopping in.  

28 comments:

Nancy McCarroll said...

It is always fun seeing your pictures and garden. I spotted those toadstools right away under your flag bunting, then got to see them up close with your later picture.

Knew you would have a big Father's Day celebration. Fun to see the family.

ann said...

You are enjoying being work-free. Your yard looks like a little paradise. Is Little James the only boy? I can't remember.

TexWisGirl said...

lovely neighborhood and blooming yards! looks like you enjoyed your family time!

Anonymous said...

Hi there toadstool sister, oh I enjoyed a little catch up time over here. Your grand babies are all growing so much and are adorable. I love your garden, everything is looking so pretty. Love the birdy church,thats so cute. Looking forward so much to seeing the Peter rabbit garden grow. I so much want to visit Beatrix Potters. House,I hope it will be this year. Have a wonderful summer dear friend,best wishes julie xxx

Farm Girl said...

I just love all of the flowers and all of the green. I love all of the lovely little grands you have and James is just about the cutest little boy I have ever seen, it is nice to see him getting loved up.
I love the pictures of your garden and it looks wonderful.
I am so glad you are having such a nice time.

Jeannette said...

Nice Basil! Some bug thought mine was nice too...

Lovely capturing of your family gathering. I suspect your grandchildren will treasure your gentle documenting in future days. They are such good memory prompters and sweet trails through time...

Julia said...

Thanks for your visit and comment to my blog Pom Pom. I appreciate it very much. I hope that you visit again.

Little James will never get bored with all the lovely girls around him. Such a sweet little boy. I can tell he's loved very much. Congratulations on this new addition....

Your yard looks lush and beautiful and I dig that garden bench.

Your peonies are beautiful. Mine are still budding and growing so tall with all the rain we've had. I can't wait to smell them.

Hugs,
JB

Happy@Home said...

Lovely to see you enjoying your neighborhood and life in general. So glad you shared these glimpses with us.
Baby James is precious and I love his head of hair.
That book looks right up my alley. I must start looking for it while out treasure hunting.

Beth said...

You have a beautiful blog! I enjoyed all of the wonderful pictures.
Thank you for stopping by my blog! I am your newest follower!
Beth

Kezzie said...

How i love the light, beauty and love in your posts Pom-pom! The garden is idyllic and not surprised your children glow here! x

Attic Clutter said...

HI POM.OH such a great idea taking the camera on a morning walk(:)
snap the neighbors yards...LOL
pretty stuff
hugs,Patty

Pooch said...

Hey, I can do that! Turn my iron on! That's about as far as I'll get, though! ;)

Enjoyed your wonderful post today. Wishing my grands lived closer! Such a lovely day for your family.

:)

Sue McPeak said...

Great to see your 'Walking' photos and of course all the 'Family' ones, too. Cute as a bug is that Baby James, and his Mom does look like the picture of 'Calm and Carry On'...I bet she loves being a part of your world. Pretty yard, garden and porch...love the cozy chairs and the one in the Garden. Thanks for a very pleasant visit...so enjoyed myself!
Sue at CollectInTexas Gal

Granny Marigold said...

I have not read The Doll's House but I am currently reading The Complete Brambly Hedge (Jill Barklem) and enjoying it for my own sake as well as my Grandchildren's. Today we are going to read about The Secret Staircase!!

Leslie said...

What a cheery, pretty post! This time of year is so wonderful with all the myriad of colors and posies. And I spotted your hanging laundry and even that is a beautiful sight. Many blessings, L

Elderberry-Rob said...

How lovely that you are slipping into retirement so elegantly, I like your garden and I think your little rabbits will respect your patch, I certainly hope so. You have a beautiful family, baby James is so delicate. I hope you are going to have a lovely time writing. I haven' read your book but I have heard of the author so maybe read something else of hers. I am reading a nice book I will blog about it soon. Betty x

Heather LeFebvre said...

Love your peonies! They are just gorgeous in their beautiful red!! Your garden and neighborhood are looking good -- such a nice time of year for plants, not too much heat yet and still some water. Love all the pics of your grand babies and of course fighting over baby James!!! :) Love the rainbow in the one garden picture :)

Amy at love made my home said...

Good to know that the letter writing project is going well! I hope that you get some lovely replies as well. Your garden is beautiful, so much colour, the peonies are stunning, I do love peonies so very much! Your grandchildren must have so much fun going around the garden spotting all of the little decorative things that you have tucked in here and there! xx

GretchenJoanna said...

Is that first rose a Double Delight? I am not knowledgeable about roses :-) But I like the second rose a LOT.

I've read some books by Rumer Godden but I don't know The Doll's House. Now I am curious. Have you read anything else by her?

I have some plastic patio chairs like yours that need cleaning up for the summer, but they won't be very inviting unless I make them cozy the way you have - SO nice! I wouldn't have thought of it if I hadn't seen yours...

Gumbo Lily said...

I love seeing all your beautiful people! You must love being surrounded by them. I like your quilty deck chairs very much. They could be in a magazine. Your yard and flowers and garden are looking just grand. How's life at home? I hope you are happy.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful family as the beautiful yard. Cute little babies.You are having a nice time with your family!

M.K. said...

Your porch chairs look so welcoming and cozy - I did not notice until you said so, that they are plastic! Love use of fabrics. Baby James is very loved. Your garden is really bursting at the seams! Good work :) I love the happy look of those polka-dotted bouncy balls. I bet the kids love them.

Thistle Cove Farm said...

have always loved Rumor Godden's name...lovely! although I'm not sure I want to visit here again, Karen, unless you remove the cin buns header photo...that's truly mean.

Lisa Richards said...

I love how you cozy up your lawn chairs and your herb garden is so cute! I'm glad you now have time to take peaceful walks through your pleasant neighborhood. You have a beautiful family! :)
Happy summer to you all!

Stephanie Faris said...

Morning is definitely the best times for a great walk. I wish we lived in such a beautiful neighborhood. I'm afraid all I'd see on my walk are some broken down cars and unmowed lawns!

Sara at Come Away With Me said...

Those leisurely neighborhood photo walks are such a joy when one has retired! I like your new red and white polka dot blog background, and your garden perch chair too. Your life is full and rich.

Sara at Come Away With Me said...

Oh yes, and how could I forget Rummer Godden! I don't think I've read this one, but I do own "Little Plum" another delightful little children's story. At one time I had many of her novels and her sister's as well (Jon Godden). She has been a favorite author for a long time.

Lynn said...

I love all the colorful, summery pictures. Your herb garden and flowers are just lovely :)

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