Looking Back

Sometime it is fun to take a stroll down memory lane and look back.

This photo of the blue bird was taken several years ago.  They are such a lovely bird and it was so exciting that I was able to capture this one on film.

I snapped the rainbow one early morning just before taking off for work.  What a great way to start one's day!

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It would be a shame to never experience God's beautiful promise to us! (Genesis 9:13-16)

Bluebells and tulips blooming together in the spring always make my heart flutter.   How about you?

 Hubby and I no longer ride but this certainly brings back special memories of those wonderful days we traveled to our favorite places.

Here are two of my sweeties - Shelby and Schindler...they are gone now but not forgotten.  Perhaps they are waiting for me!

Thanks for joining me on looking back.  May need to do this again soon.

Hugs

Debbie

" I thank my God every time I remember you."  Phil. 1:3 (NIV)

Setting Earlier

 The sun is setting earlier these days.   A month ago we saw dusk arrive at 9:00 and then a few weeks ago it was 8:30 and now it is 8:00.  

 Our summer has been exceptionally hot and dry.  Rainfall has been scarce.

We are now seeing many trees and fields in distress.

 The leaves are already changing color due to the drought.  

Been spending quite a bit of time "looking up".   Praying for some showers to come soon.

From visiting some of you...know that this dry spell has been your experience as well.  Hope you get rain too!

God Bless and have a good first week of September.

Hugs

Debbie

"Again he (Elijah) prayed and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops."  James 5:19 (NIV)

  

Welcome to...

 the Gardens at Hippley Village.  

Hubby surprised me last Saturday with a visit to this lovely botanical garden situated in the small town of Columbiana, Ohio.  It was established in 1997 when three acres were purchased and designed into a beautiful sanctuary for folks to just wander through and enjoy.

The gnomes greet one and summon you to look inside the small structures sprinkled around the grounds...

waterfalls are all along the path...

a Koi pond is filled with color...

Snow White and the seven dwarfs...

characters from the Wizard of Oz  make this a delightful place for children to roam...

as well a doll house filled with vintage baby dolls sitting in strollers and on rocking horses.

a train garden is close by nestled near the end of the trail.

Soft music from the 70's plays through speakers as you move around enjoying all the wonderful details that were created.

I have many more photos but will finish with this last part - 3 D brick people that pay tribute to the couple who started this project the Hippley's.

Hope you had a nice time visiting Hippley Village.  Thank you for stopping by.

Hugs

Debbie

"Now the Lord God had planted a garden in the east in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed."  Gen. 2:8 (NIV) 

Signs

 I am seeing the signs of summer winding down.  There is a different feel to the air.   Morning mists are more apparent...

Ironweed  has appeared...

Strawberry vanilla hydrangea is starting to turn that lovely soft mauve...

Ripe tomatoes are on the daily menu...

Acorns and falling leaves are being found underfoot...

 Yes, the signs are here...summer is beginning to wave goodbye.  May all of you enjoy the rest of your week.

Hugs

Debbie

"And God said, "Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years."  Genesis 1:14 (NIV)

Hot & Dry

August has started off being hot and dry.

Even the Zinnias are not doing well with the high temperatures and lack of rain.

The summer started off with being extremely wet but has now moved in the opposite direction.

That old saying  "It is either a feast or famine" appears to be true with these past two months.

The cone flowers may not be at their best but they  refuse not to bloom.

In fact, they've  been inspiring some of my small painting challenge.  Been rather busy with life and have fallen behind on the goal of 100 tiny paintings by the end of March.  Hope to catch up in the next few weeks. 

  
 With the heat here and the garden slowing down am finding some time to read.  Lauren K Denton is a new author to me.  Am really enjoying this novel.  Takes place in Alabama.  Who doesn't enjoy a good southern novel full of a bit of romance and mystery?  Will certainly be checking out a few of her other books.

Best go for now.  May all of you have a good week - what ever the weather brings.

Hugs

Debbie

"In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun, which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion, like a champion rejoicing to run his course.  It rises at one end of the heavens and makes it circuit to the other, nothing is hidden from its heat."  Psalm 19:4b-6 (NIV)

Returned

Hi friends, I've returned.  It is good to be back.

Had a good break.  Looking forward to catching up with all of you.  Will be around to visit soon.

July here at Harmony Hills was extremely hot and dry.  Fortunately the white phlox survived the heat and has blessed us with some lovely blooms.

The pink lilies have such a sweet scent. Always enjoy their fragrance when gathering veggies.

Speaking of veggies...the squash and zucchini are producing lots of fruit.  I think zucchini bread is on the menu soon.

The little hummers are busy buzzing everywhere.

They seem to be enjoying the beginning of August.

They really adore this Rose of Sharon bush.  I think the color attracts them.  They are always stopping there to rest and gather some nectar.

Gunnar turned a year old in July.  He weighs 80 pounds.  He is one busy boy but very sweet. 

Well I will go for now...looking forward to seeing what has been happening with each of you.

Have a great week.  

Hugs

Debbie

"He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him."  Psalm 126:6

Summer break

 Going to take a wee summer break.  Will be back in August - God Willing.  In the meantime please enjoy the rest of July.

God Bless

Debbie

"Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."  Matt:11:28 (NIV)