Elevenses, then back to Brazil.......with SuzAnna's in the bag!

Gorgeous wicker loveseat with pretty floral cushions from Jeannie of Uniquitiques booth - visit her adorable shop in Hillsborough, NC.

Sharing some of the latest pretties on display at SuzAnna's Antiques.  Wooden shoe trees - no, I will not be tempted, not going to collect those.  Silvered crumb trays - already have one so will let you have these!

Pretty painted frames also in Jeannie's Uniquitiques booth.

I was at SuzAnna's Saturday to meet up with friend Vanessa of Vanilla Lavender and her mom Celia who has been visiting from Brazil.  We had some fun times during the past two weeks and I'm really going to miss that lovely lady now she's gone back - carrying an extra bag full of pretty purchases for her home.  Even though I couldn't speak Portuguese, and she doesn't speak English, we still had a ball.  Thank you Vanessa for translating!

Waistlines appear to be back.........of course when you're my age they are just a memory!

Vanessa and Celia, the sweetest mom and daughter..........

came for elevenses (that's mid-morning coffee or tea with a sweet pastry or cake snack in England!) in the gazebo...........

..........and of course were given the garden tour.  I love to show friends around my garden and at this time of year it's looking good before the Summer heat arrives.  Celia I'll miss you and look forward to your return......and I may just come to Brazil to visit you some day soon!

The Carolina wrens are back............

Winter tree image ~ the Carolina wrens are year round here.

The Carolina wren is waking me from dreamland these bright Spring mornings.  These tiny but extremely vocal birds are always in my garden.  I'm certain the original family has instructed its offspring it's a good place to hang out.  Makes me happy.  I truly love these spunky little birds who constantly sing their many songs......perched in the trees, on the back fence under the magnolia tree, on the front porch, and the finial on top of the gazebo! 

If you followed my former blog, Across The Pond, I'm sure you'll recall how many times I posted on our wren families building nests each Spring - in the kitchen window box or on the porch.  This morning one woke me very early, singing gleefully in the tree right outside the open bedroom window.................

...........most likely calling its mate!  Two days ago, while sitting here posting early morning, I noticed a pair of wrens flying back and forth to the porch with catkins and soft skeletonized leaves in their tiny beaks.  No doubt what they were up to, home building again, a tucked away nest in the planter by the front door.   This always holds faux greenery and hydrangeas and the pic below shows two of the four babies that hatched there in 2008.

Wrens in the front porch planter 2008

I'm showing you these because I will be away while this year's little miracle occurs.  I may see eggs before I leave, but hatchlings growing chubby and strong, then fledging into the big wide world, I'll sadly miss.  Wrens are wonderful parents, both mom and dad caring for the babies needs, and keeping the nest spotlessly clean.

I'll be leaving instructions for DH ~

Open and close the front door quietly

Keep the porch light off as it's directly above the nest

Count the eggs 

Write down the dates when the eggs hatch

Count the babies

Mark the date they fledge  

I'm sad I'll miss another miracle of nature - but know I'll be viewing spectacular ones while visiting Africa!

Pink Saturday ~ May Day

Sorry, unfortunately no May blossom to show you today! As a child I was part of a maypole dance group at school - today was always a special time where we performed our lovely woven ribbon dances for family and friends to celebrate the day. I loved dancing the maypole!

Those fabulous bargain-priced roses from the grocery store lasted a long time but are ready now to be hung and dried!  One bunch is already out in the warm, dry potting shed, swinging gracefully upside down from the chandelier!

This second bunch looked a little better so I have enjoyed delicate pink curling petals in the house for a few more days.

~~~~~ Perfect rose pink ~~~~~

My pile of 'next adventure' safari paperwork!  With roses close by organization is much more pleasurable.

Happy Pink Saturday....Happy May Day!

Be sure to visit Beverly at How Sweet The Sound to join in all the pinks on view today.