May 30

I had to work this weekend, so was out early this morning. There was a low mist hanging over everything, which always makes for a beautiful drive in. When I saw this old wagon, sitting on the edge of a field, I had to stop and take a picture. Such a peaceful Sunday morning!

May 28

Some of my favorite flowers are blooming! This is one of our Siberian Iris. We have several clumps of them growing around our yard. The color looks so pretty when there are a bunch blooming together.

May 27

We have a maple tree in our back yard, and right now the seeds are coming down. When the wind blows it looks like it's raining seeds!
I wanted to show you how full of seeds our grass is. And - there are lots more waiting to come down!

May 26

This is the corner of my dining room. I was sitting at the table paying bills, when I noticed how the sunlight was coming through the blinds and shining on the branches. I like the stripes of light.

May 24

I got this pretty glass ball and hook for Mother's Day from my daughters and son-in-law. We were looking for a good place to put it, and decided this little bed, next to our flag pole looked just right!
I love the detail in the hook, and there are colors swirled in the ball although they don't show up well in the picture.
Thanks Laura, Aaron and Heather - I love it!

May 23

After lots of rain the past two days, we are having a gorgeous day today. I took this picture Friday evening, when it looked like the sun was ready to break out.

May 21

Excuse the poor quality of this picture. It was taken about 18 years ago, and is a picture of my son, Andy.
It's Andy's birthday today. He is currently in the army on Colorado, so I can't see him in person, but I wanted to wish him a happy 22nd birthday!
Andy - we love you and are so proud of you. Hope you are enjoying your day!

May 18

We have a huge greenhouse near us that attracts people from all over. I've heard of people driving a few hours to come here. There are so many customers on the weekend, that we have to have police directing traffic to turn onto their road.
I was there to buy a few hanging baskets. It's fun to wander around, although a bit overwhelming!

May 17

More crazy cat pictures!
For some reason, Oliver feels he needs to investigate every new thing that comes into our house. If it's a bag, he really needs to get into it!

May 16

A few days ago I showed you this picture of an individual blossom on our viburnam bush. This is a picture showing a bigger section. Don't the blossoms look like a lot of white butterflies?

May 14

I was out doing errands today, and passed this field that was filled with baby goats, and a few horses. It was quite a sight! This is only about an eighth of the field, but because I had to take this picture from the car, I couldn't get the whole thing. Aren't they cute?

May 13

The town I grew up in, (which is about 20 minutes from where I live now) is hosting a traveling Dr Seuss exhibit. I love Dr Seuss, so I stopped there today and was able to see the statues. It had been really raining, but it stopped while I was looking at these. There were only 6 statues, but they were all fun too look at. Isn't this one cute?

May 12

We have a viburnum bush in our back yard that is blooming. I love the way each flower seems to be made of several flowers. It's so full of flowers that when I look out my kitchen window, the whole bush looks white!

May 10

We have this bush growing in our back yard, and although there are very few leaves on it, it's starting to flower. The flowers are tiny, about 3/4 of an inch across, and there aren't many there yet. They look so simple and delicate up against the branches.

May 9

My family has spoiled me today! These flowers were sent by my son, who is stationed in Colorado. I also got to talk to him today.
My husband and daughter Heather made me a wonderful breakfast this morning. We then joined my daughter Laura and her husband Aaron at their church, and then went to their house where Laura had prepared a wonderful dinner. Tonight, my husband made a light supper, which means I've had the whole day off from cooking and cleanup. It's been a great day, made better because I was able to spend it with most of my favorite people!
Happy Mother's Day to all of the Mom's out there!

May 8

My daughter Laura has taken up running and today she ran her first official race.
The Riverbank Run happens every year here in Grand Rapids. It's a popular race and runners come from across the country and even from other countries to run it. There is a 25K, 10K, 5K, wheelchair race and a 5K walk. She did the 10K run.
Of the 3623 who finished that race, 2204 of them were female. Laura was #997 of the women. I think she did great for her first race.
The weather was awful; 36 degrees and raining in the morning. It kind of drizzled throughout the race. We went to watch her come in, but she finished with a big group and we missed it!
Here she is with her husband Aaron, after the big race. Good job, Laura!

May 7

Rain, rain and more rain today!
This plant is called a Lady's Mantle. It's one of my favorite plants when it rains, because of the way it collects rain drops.

May 6

Our lilacs are blooming!
I've always loved lilacs. They make me think of the big lilac bush we had outside our kitchen when I was young. Not only are they beautiful, but they smell so good!

May 5

This is another shot from the Tulip Time Festival. There are people walking around in authentic Dutch garb, including the wooden shoes. This couple was kind enough to pose for me.

May 4

It's Tulip Time! Every year Holland Michigan is host to the Tulip Time Festival. The city is filled with tulips, Klompen dancing (Dancing in authentic Dutch costumes, wearing wooden shoes), parades, dutch food and special guests.
My sister, daughter and I walked through the streets of Holland today. I did have one issue - when I went to take a picture, I found that my memory card was left in my computer! I nearly had a panic attack! I had to borrow my sisters camera to take pictures. The tulips were past prime this year, because of early warm weather, followed by wind and rain. We still enjoyed what we saw!

May 3

This bush is called a flowering almond. I think the flowers are such a pretty color.
We grew this bush from a cutting from Bob's Mom, and she got hers from her Mom. It adds sentimental value to know that it's been in the family for years!

May 2

We have a flowering crab apple tree in the front of our house. It seems to flower beautifully every other year. On those years the whole tree is covered in pink flowers. This is the "off" year, where there aren't many flowers. However - I'm enjoying the ones that are there.