Damp and dreamy garden morning -

I was 'walking the bounds' early this morning. . . . . and it was beautiful.

Cooler temperatures, less pollen, and blooming going crazy!

Rain came by way of a very noisy thunderstorm last night, washing

 and watering everything.

 

This corner in the front garden is quite lush. 

The magnolia blooms almost finished but lovely bright green leaves out now.

The acer looking magnificent after my gentle prune, the knockout rose and

 hydrangea huge already, the daylilies not blooming yet but their foliage

 looks healthy.

The sun is out now. I'm off to gather my pots around me to prepare

 them for summer bulbs and herbs (basil, dill, parsley etc.) and 

perhaps a couple of tomato plants.

Bob has gone to the Farmers' Market to pick up fresh eggs.

This evening we are attending a small wedding at an historic inn -

our first social engagement with friends - masked and distanced, 

and at least we are vaccinated - in over a year! 

It's 'casual' thankfully so won't be hard to dress for!

Kitchen window flowers from the garden for the weekend.

The death of Prince Philip has brought sadness around the world . . . .

but what an amazing long life and marriage to our lovely monarch.

My thoughts are with Queen Elizabeth and the Royal family.

Have a great weekend wherever you are.

Wedding Day to remember. . . . . .

What can I say other than the day was one of the happiest ever. . . . .for me, 

our family, new friends, many of whom had traveled far.

It drizzled some, but of course the Brits didn't mind!

The bride was drop dead gorgeous, her attendants incredibly lovely.

Venue was amazing, food delicious, wedding cake scrumptious, 

liquid refreshments plentiful.

The age group was phenomenal - five months to ninety - and everybody danced!

The biggest surprise of all, making this wedding truly a whirlwind affair, 

Cassie and Richard, determined to do it right, had taken ballroom dancing lessons! 

Their first dance was a real dance, a perfect foxtrot with several dips, no trips, 

and much concentration.

One guest held up a 10 points sign, applause was deafening.

All I can say is, it was a beautiful wedding, everyone was very happy, and 

we all had a wonderful time celebrating the newly married couple.

She's all grown up!

 Cassie & Richard's Summer photos

My beautiful granddaughter Cassandra met a wonderful Englishman.

They became friends. Very close friends.
They traveled to England to view the Olympic Games.
They became runners themselves.
Neither ran away. 
He bought a ring. She bought a gown.
They set a date.
This week his family flew across the pond.

Last evening in the North Carolina countryside, as the sun went 

down, we had a wedding rehearsal and a fabulous dinner.

We met lovely new people. British accents were heard. 

A little English princess was dressed like a rose, but named Lily. 

Her tiny baby sister never cried, instead smiled at all we strangers 

with her clear baby blues.

As we sleep I think we'll all be dreaming of a beautiful wedding.