Remembrance

 Here in the USA, this weekend marks a time of remembrance.  We celebrate this special holiday with cookouts...parades...and cemetery visits.  It is known by some as Decoration Day and others Memorial Day.

For myself it is time to remember all the men and women who have served this country.  May their service and sacrifice never be forgotten.

Also I visit the graves of my beloved parents, grandparents as well as my husband's family.  I know they are not there but it seems appropriate to leave some flowers and pay tribute to what their lives meant to those who knew and loved them

Remembering can be sad but it also has a hidden blessing.  It reminds us to slow down and appreciate the people  who still remain with us.

God Bless

Debbie

"And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me."  Luke 22:19 (NIV)

Zoomed

Oh my the month of August has zoomed by.   It was a busy time here.

While I was bird watching the garden grew wild and tangled.  It definitely could use a bit of pruning.

Those peaches that I thought would all be gone because  the resident groundhog was stealing them...well he left me plenty...the last of them ended up in these peach crumb muffins.

 The neighbor's generous gift of zucchini made its way into pickles.

Some sketching and plein air painting
was done.

Pastel painting and Watercolor sketch

So much for those "lazy days of summer".  Maybe if I hurry I can find them.

Looks like maybe these two did.

Enjoy what is left of August before it zooms by.   See you in September.

Hugs Debbie

Variety of Visitors

The  summer garden brings a variety of visitors.   Some are plain...

Others are quite colorful...

Some jabber loudly...

while others are more subdued...

and some are
 so tiny they might be missed.

No matter the color or size though all are welcome.

So glad you stopped by for a visit too.

Hugs Debbie

"He has made everything beautiful in its time."
Ecclesiastes 3:11a (NIV)

 











.

Summer

The garden knows...

so does this field of corn.

The lawn has no doubt.

Schindler 15 weeks old

That makes me sure too.

Yes summer is officially here!


Thanks for taking a moment to visit.   Hope you all have a wonderful week.
 
Hugs Debbie

August

 Most often August is generally very hot and dry here.   This year though we are enjoying cool temperatures.   The garden has received an abundance of rain all summer.   This has made everything flourish.
 I am appreciating that the flowers are still blooming well.

These morning glories will keep the show going until frost.

 The dill seems to love the extra moisture.   It has spread everywhere.

Don't recall the poppies ever blooming this late in the summer.  They dislike hot weather.

Holly Hocks continue to grow tall.  Wonder if they are trying to touch the sky!

Even the field remains lush and green.  It still needs mowed every week.





Some folks enjoy those "dog days" of August.  I much prefer skipping them.   How about you?


Thanks for taking time to visit.   Hope you have a great end to your week.    God Bless!

"In the Garden"

When early morning beckons me outdoors I am often reminded of the old hymn "In the Garden".

As a child my grandmother would sing this song until sleep would come.

Sadly it is not a hymn that is done much anymore.  Growing up in a little country church it was often played for prayer time.  More modern choruses have crowded it from the worship services today.  I certainly miss it.

The words and music were written by C. Austin Miles.  It's first copyright was 1912.

"I come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses;

 And the voice I hear, falling on my ear, The Son of God discloses.

And He walks with me, and He talks with me, And He tells me I am His own;

  And the joy we share as we tarry there none other has ever known."


Thank you for letting me share this sweet hymn with you.   Have a blessed week!

A Day's Blessings

Here are some blessings I found today.


A single flower...

a peaceful spot...

a blue sky

a garden patch...

and some creative endeavors!











Hope you found some blessings today as well.   Have a great week.    God Bless!

Changes

 Summer has brought changes to the garden.   Our spring in Ohio was extremely dry.   The crops looked rather sad.   The drought seemed like there was no end.   Then June arrived.   It brought an abundance of moisture.  

Now everything is flourishing.    The grass has become lush.   Daylilies and hollyhocks are bringing bright color to the flower beds.  The beans and squash have grown in leaps and bounds.  The corn was much higher than knee high by the fourth.   Isn't it amazing how some changes make such a difference!

 

 

Here is another one that has done some changing...

 

  

 

She just turned six months old on the fourth of July.

 

Hard to believe she was this little. 

 

Just goes to show the importance of savoring each moment.   Nothing stays the same.    Everything will change given time.

 

Hope you have a wonderful evening!

A morning frolic

I am

ready for my morning frolic.   Even though there is a light dusting of snow it matters not.

The dawn is here and there is fun to be had!

 

The garden looks like a good place to explore.   Perhaps I will find a bone hidden there.

 I think I would rather have a run instead.

Mornings can be such a delight!

 

Hope yours is too.

 

 

Thanks for the visit!