~summer's first week~

From Burkburnett, Texas~
Good morning friends and family!

Last week at this time we were winding down the final days of school.  Boxes were packed up, lockers cleaned out, addresses and phone numbers exchanged, and a whole lot of "good byes" being said.  A few tears here and there, then we were all out the door.  

Summertime, here we are!
As for our household, it promises to be a full one.

We've been busy here as we try to get things done outdoors that have been begging for our attention since we moved here in mid-January.  One of the very first things that we did after our arrival was to have someone rip out all of the bushes that had been planted around the outside of the house and in the backyard as well.  It was a bit of an ordeal but we are surely glad that we did it.  

We took this photo back in early February just prior to removing the bushes.  The ones that were planted here had been uncared for and had grown up all over the place.  They were all around the house.  

A treasure trove of things were found underneath them.  If some kid is looking for them, well at least they know where they were now.

In place of the bushes, we have begun the process of adding perennials and annuals that bring a little bit of variety and color to the yard.  It's nice that now, nearly 2 months after the initial planting began, we are beginning to see the fruits of our labor.  We have had an abundance of rain for the past several weeks and last night received yet well over another 3 1/2 inches of it all.  Everything is growing in our flower beds, grass and weeds included!  There will be plenty to do when it finally all dries out. For now we are enjoying the colors and varieties of many different flowers.  

I love everything that we have planted but these remain some of my favorites of them all. Gardening and growing things are very therapeutic for the spirit and our overall good health as well.  I give thanks to my mom and grandmother for showing me how much fun it truly is to play in the dirt.  Sure beats taking medicine for what might ail you.

 That old wheel came with us from Colorado.  Mike wasn't going to leave it behind.

The Russian Mammoth sunflowers are nearly 5 feet tall now.  We're still patiently waiting on a hummingbird to show up.

 The very first clematis opened up a few days back.  It looks like a little purple pinwheel.

 Mike loves dahlias and this is one of several that are up.  Their beautiful flowers are very stunning.

The zinnias are alive and thriving once again.  This ring of them was from seed saved back from last year.  We have them planted all along the fence row.

 Mike redid the area where we originally had put our water collection barrel.  He put in new paving stones and redid the guttering.  Soon that birdcage will house a fairy garden.

 The first fairy garden that I made is doing well.  It's been fun to watch it grow.

This is one of many bird feeders around the house.  It's been so enjoyable to hear their songs each day.  Although we've gone through a lot of feed for them, it's been worth it.