~Happy Kitchen Blues~

Happy first day of summer!

Having fun getting the kitchen all ready for summer:

new mason jar water bottle for my lemon water . . .
fun red, white and blue strawberry contact paper to decorate under the kitchen sink . . .
an old blue and white pitcher with garden bounty. . .
handwashing my plate rack plates so they're all sparkly clean to welcome summer! . . .

How do you like to freshen things up for summer?

~Out in the Garden~

I hadn't been out in the garden for a while thanks to two things happening simultaneously: three days of solid torrential downpour (with thunder!), coupled with a nasty cold virus the Youngest brought home and then decided to share with me. 

So when today dawned with some sunshine and I found myself actually able to (sort of) breathe and move around, camera and I tip-toed out into the garden as soon as all the males headed out the door.

There's nothing like a quiet morning-garden after lots of rain.

I enjoyed a calm putter along to visit my plants and see what's blooming.

The hydrangeas were glowing with health- lots of rain made them happy happy happy. The picture above and below is of my largest bush. This one likes to show off with lots of blooms in multiple colors. I need to pop over with some scissors and fill a white pitcher up with those pretty soft pastels. mmmm!

Below is my latest garden acquisition- a 'rescue' plant from Lowes.
You can see how she got scorched last month during some unusually hot weather. They had her sitting sadly in a corner with a 'half off' red slash through her price tag. 
"Yes, you can come home with me, my love. I'll take care of you. I'll give you lots of cold drinks on hot days and I'll tell you how wonderful you are every time I walk by. And in turn you will give me lots of pretty blue and purple blooms and fresh new growth." 
(Yes- I talk to my plants. This is why I need to be in the garden ALONE) ;)

 So far it's been a very rewarding partnership.

 Here is a glimpse of the project I've been working on over the last six weeks . . . continuing the stepping stone path along one long side of my 'lilac' flower bed.

 I'm nearly done- only about four feet to go! Of course, that's about 12 or so more stepping stones to level and dig in to the ground. Maybe by the end of the month?

 And as I continue on, I see the chimney roses could use some pruning. One more thing for the 'to do' list.

 Those purple spike flowers are now fully in bloom. I have no idea what they're called (could you tell?), but I love how they break up all the green right now.

 And more purple! I was surprised to see the butterfly bush is starting to bloom. That's not 'suppose' to happen until July.

 On the other side of the house the daisies seem to be popping up every minute.

 And another batch of roses are starting to open.

 More color . . .

 and a late blooming iris in the mix.

 The butter-bur also loved all the rain we've had. And all the snails loved the butter-bur!

 This is in the back alley along our garage . . . I discovered these wild roses growing here several years ago and they get more prolific each year. I absolutely love them . . . my own little 'secret garden' :)

 And one more beauty to share . . . the garage actually got cleaned out right before I got sick! One can now walk to and from the car without tripping over old pots, buckets, newspaper and broken trellis pieces. Proof positive that beauty is in the eye of the beholder!

So what's growing in your garden? Or your garage for that matter!

~Concert Master~

The Youngest had his final Orchestra Concert this past week. 

We were very proud of him for not only being chosen to be 'Concert Master' for his orchestra, but also for being voted "Most Inspirational" by his peers.

Love this goof. 
He was excited over the award but a little thrown off by the rose. He immediately began thinking of female friends to pawn it off on, but then he got it right . . .

he gave it to me! ;)

~Some Friday Swing~

The Oldest is off to an all-school Jazz Swing Dance tonight- looking all spruced up and oh, so handsome!

I keep asking myself how on Earth he could be graduating from 8th grade- where did time go? When did he get this old?! When did I get this old?!!! And with High School just around the corner all I can ask is how much more grey hair will I have by the time it's over?!!! 
Wait! . . . never mind- don't tell me. I'm thinking ignorance is bliss at this point! ;)

Happy Weekend! 
Cheers!

~All Stars~

Proud of our boys as they both were chosen to represent their school (for 6th and 8th grades) at the All Star District Track Meet tonight. They both worked hard and the Oldest even came home with a ribbon.

Best part of the night? Hearing the Oldest love and encourage his younger brother who was feeling down over his own performance. Those words he spoke were far greater than any ribbon he could ever bring home.

Sometimes I just love being their Mama. Tonight for sure.

~Elk Rock Garden~

Yesterday was a stormy, dark, spring day- thunder, hail and rain in torrents that ripped most of my rose blossoms from their stems. :(

So I'm looking back a bit to last Sunday, when the sun was warm and gentle and blossoms were opening everywhere you set your eyes.

Bliss.

Not only was the weather in the range of 'ideal' and 'perfect', but as it happened to be Mother's Day, it also ended up partly being spent in a garden: 

Specifically, Elk Rock Garden- 

an open-to-the-public garden tucked away on a hillside along the Willamette River in Portland. We had discovered it just last year and I had been longing to go back.

Last Sunday was my chance.

So go get comfy . . . perhaps grab your gardening journal to jot down some ideas, because this garden has all sorts of gems!

For instance-

This gorgeous canopy of wisteria holds a secret . . .

a bench tucked away inside! Complete with a moss and fern covered stone wall. And even three men willing to pose for my camera- proof positive that it was indeed Mother's Day. ;)

 I can't begin to describe how fragrant this little hideaway was . . . or how peaceful you feel tucked away in a refuge drenched with dangling blossoms.

This is your view just looking up!

For me, this is beauty. I see God here.

And that's just the beginning . . . there are pathways to explore. Some leading down; some stair-like winding up. There is so much to see!

 From above you find a commanding view of the main house.

And, another spot to pause and mark the moment. 

(Only on Mother's Day)

We meander on until we reach the Willamette below.

Everything looks so blue from up here.

Further in, you come upon a wooden bridge dress up with white wisteria. A lazy creek goes underneath. Fairytale stuff right here!

 We had to decide to either go across or go around. 

As I was already going around just to capture the bridge, we continued on and found the head of the creek and a bench to enjoy it on. Such a pretty spot and all overshadowed by a huge rhododendron in bloom.

Our bench view . . . yes, there seems to be a bit of a take-over by the vegetation, don't you think?

Upward and onward . . . we can't linger too long with antsy young men- even if it is Mother's Day.

As we went along, I paused as I could for some close ups . . .

I thought this bush was amazing- it has mottled pink and green leaves. Pink leaves! I was pretty impressed, but quickly found I was alone in my enthusiasm. 

It was apparent that the troops were barely hanging in there, so they hit some greenspace while I wandered on.

I loved this trellised area- talk about the perfect canopy to dine under! I would love to do this in my own garden.

Lush plantings in dappled sunlight.

 Stepping stones leading. . .

to sun sprayed trees- can you feel the magic?

I found this stone 'staircase' very appealing. Doesn't it just make you curious as to what's around the bend?

And in fact, it leads you right by this simple beauty. An old pipe, rocks and plenty of moss. Just add water and instant water feature. Okay, there's probably a pump somewhere in there, too. ;)

I hope you enjoyed reliving my Mother's Day Meandering with me. 
It really is a special place- full of serenity, and I've been just busting with inspiration for my own garden! . . . 

Now I need to go back in the summer and see what's blooming then!