Scribble Picnic - Picket Fence

Some of you may remember what little girls were once told.

 You will grow up, meet a handsome prince, get married, 

and live happily ever after in a cottage with a white

 picket fence. . . . . . . and so on, haha!!!!!!!

Well I guess in a way I DID just that!

I feel blessed that I did find my handsome Prince Charming and

for many, many years, we've enjoyed our little cottage with the arbor

 and white picket fence. . . . .  .shown here in my edited photo with

 a touch of watercolor.

Pop over to Michael's today - yes, he's another handsome 

younger prince - his beautiful illustration and story will

touch your heart.

It's a beautiful day for a SCRIBBLE PICNIC  - here's 

hoping there will be several participants in this week's

lovely theme.

Sunflowers are blooming. . . . . . . . . .

Back in early June I planted a packet of sunflower seeds along the low brick wall

 in the front garden in hopes they'd take root and grow before the squirrels found

 them and dug them up!  I've been watching them carefully, fascinated by their 

healthy growth, reminding Bob not to mow over them, and watering them when

there's been no rain and the temperatures have climbed into the 90's.

Just a few days ago the sunflowers were still in bud - the heavy rain from the 

thunderstorm on Thursday evening brought renewal to the garden. 

Funny how rain does such a better job than the garden hoses. How precious

is water falling from those huge clouds billowing across the skies.

Of course they are facing east, toward the rising sun, away from the cottage.

Each morning I pop over and take their picture from my neighbor's side of

 the wall - the same wall I cross to go care for the neighbor's cat Ms. Nala.

Just today and tomorrow remaining as our neighbor returns in the evening.

So, hanging out the 'sunflower flag' this week seems appropriate.

 The gold and green colors of the huge flowers are beautiful and already

 I'm picking other spots where I plan to try growing sunflowers next summer. 

 They will provide late summer food for the birds. . . . . . . . . . oh yes, perhaps

 the squirrels also!

Wishing you all a wonderful summer weekend.

is for AZALEA

Before I even thought about a post for today I headed into the garden early with my coffee mug. . . . .and of course a camera.  A close to perfect Sunday morning. Yesterday's early rain had left the azalea blooms drooping and sad looking. Later the sun shone all afternoon and by evening they had perked up with much of the pollen coating washed away. 

This morning. . . . . . . the garden is glorious. Clean, fresh, dressed for the day in full Spring gowns of various shades of pink. The small area we enjoy behind the cottage has become a joyful woodland. Birds are busy, squirrels too. This is one of those mornings when one really feels thankful for the small things in life, and the many blessings we have.

I really hope you enjoy this little stroll through

 my small cottage garden today.