Everywhere were signs of spring.  The fields were being prepared for plantings.  The three of us(my twin grandsons and me) were heading out to the country greenhouse I used to visit every spring, when I was a young mother.  I talked to them as we drove, showing them the upturned soil,  pointing out the farmers and horses out in the field working, and reminding them to look at the trees starting to get green.  Very simple lessons in the growing seasons of life:)

We drove up the long lane, on a stone driveway.  Our car was the only car at the time, but I pointed out that some people travel in different ways than we do.  They did seem interested:)

When we walked into the greenhouse, we stopped and stared at the brilliant beauty in front of us.  Their little eyes were big as they stood there taking it all in.  Sometimes I forget the wonder of it all.  I explained to them that it was a greenhouse and that it was where flowers are grown and sold. They actually seemed to listen to what I was saying.

The fact that I have always liked flowers, and that my grandmas instilled a love for flowers in me, made me want to teach my grandchildren the wonder and beauty of flowers.

I showed them the different flowers and told them their names.

At their young age, they did show interest and enthusiasm, maybe just to appease their grandma. 

The brilliant colors and varied blooms created a breathtaking scene.  These folks sure do know the keys to growing. 

I asked if it was too early to plant outside and they confirmed that it was.
I purchased a few individual plants that I will keep inside until I can plant them outside.  They thought the cart concept added fun to the visit.

They did offer many suggestions as to what more I should buy.

I could have spent hours in this greenhouse, but they were eager to head to the park playground. Okay, maybe this visit won't make them want to be horticulturalists, but it was good for them to see it all.

On the wooden poles out front of the greenhouse, large plastic bags with openings for pansies, hung from each poll.  What a clever concept!
Summer will be here soon.  Today the possibility of thunderstorms, is in the forecast.

Thank you so much for stopping by.  I promise I won't have flowers in every post:)

As you would expect, the playground at the park, brought them much more excitement than the greenhouse experience.

 

 

The big tree is blooming in the side garden, and I find myself looking forward to this time every year.

Each delicate little bloom provides exquisite beauty, including those blossoms that fall on the ground.

Another pretty flower has found a home in my side garden.  My dear aunt gave it to me.  Creatively, she formed it out of flea market plates glued together.  The white and clear stones she glued on to it, add to it's uniqueness.  I feel honored to have one of her creations.

She glued this small glass bottle on the back of the plates.  We used a black iron rod to hold it up.  Best part, I will not have to water it, no matter how hot and dry it gets this summer.

I had to stop the car and capture the brilliant yellow daffodils, growing right along the road.

I wondered who planted them, since there were no homes nearby.  What a kind gesture on someone's part, to plant bulbs for everyone to enjoy.  The site brought me a smile on this clear, warm spring day.

 

 I discovered our annual visitors again. 

Together they traveled to our back yard to nest and deliver the eggs.

It was good to see them again. 

They seem to enjoy each other's company.

 

The weather was exceptional today.  It truly does feel like spring here.

Thank you for stopping by.

 

 

 

We drove through miles of countryside on Saturday morning.

We made a great find.

A barn and house filled with "forgotten for decades" treasures.

The perfect way to celebrate an anniversary, especially after being served a delicious country breakfast before our find.

 

 

A real treasure trove, and so attractively displayed before we even entered the doors.

Old containers filled with fresh pansies, were sitting everywhere, outside the door to the store.

We opened the old door and were greeted with this warm, cozy scene.  It felt like we were stepping back fifty years.  It smelled like someone had been baking all morning, and the fire in the corner, created warmth.

I found myself wishing I could sit down on the rocker and watch the fire for the rest of the morning.

The owner added a special element to our visit, with her gracious hospitality and conversation.  The prices were great and the inventory was well chosen.  Many memories came flooding back to me, as I walked through each of the rooms.

 

 

 

 

I remember that my grandmas both used brushes like these, and I pictured them laying on their wooden dressers, just like the scene before me.

 

 

 

I can only imagine the stories these rolling pins could tell, if they were able to share.

 

 

 

 On a cool April morning, we leisurely viewed the well worn treasures waiting to find a new home. The owner thanked us for coming and warmly invited us back.  I look forward to the next visit.

Hope you are enjoying your Sunday afternoon, and appreciated the privilege of stepping back in time with me!

                                                            
This is what I was doing 38 years ago today.

An (antique) picture I found depicting the special day.  I am so grateful for the memories and the years since then.

Wishing you the recall of some special memory today!

 

 

 

As I was driving home this evening, I was lost in thought.

I was thinking about this blog, and new posts, and the lack of

new and interesting material to share with you all.

 

I thought to myself, should I tell them what I have been up to lately?

 

Then I thought, why would they want to know?

 

I was sure I could make up something quite exciting and off-the-charts in the interesting category, but since I try always to keep this blog real, I knew that would not work.

No, I would share the truth with them, and with that truth, I would tell them that there is really nothing in the world that I would rather be doing at this stage of my life.

And, I knew that after they would see the pictures I shared, they would understand.  I am sure they would.

 

While babysitting this weekend, I can't tell you how many games of hide and seek I played...

Or how many times I counted to ten, and then loudly pronounced that I was coming, ready or not:)  Yes, this was one of her carefully chosen hiding spots.

In the attic we found a box of her mother and aunt's stuffed animal and Beanie Baby collections.

She begged to bring them all down and set them up to watch "Barney" with her.

 

Then she begged to take them all home with her.

I am sure her mother thanks me for saying "no".

Oh, and yes, I also spent time helping to blow bubbles which brought enjoyment for these two special visitors of mine.

So you see, tonight I do share only "a little something for you" because truly that is what I have to share.  You are so kind to keep stopping by.

They are in their thirties.  They are parents to four children, including a young baby, and yet they bravely took on our family Easter celebration.
Their hospitality and relaxed spirits immediately put everyone at ease.
There were tables and people everywhere, and all had a memorable time together.  I thought I would share a few of the pictures I took, with you.

Two of my neices created these unique and colorful eggs, using string and balloons.  One of my neices, the Pinterest Queen, helped the hostess have the courage to attempt some of the fun projects that she finds there (on Pinterest).  I thought this bowl of "eggs" looked so pretty the way she  arranged them with stuffed animals and painted eggs, for the children's table.

The weather was cool, quite windy and overcast, causing the bright yellow tablescapes to brighten everything.

My oldest granddaughter comforts my the youngest granddaughter.  I love seeing that.

Can you believe how handsome the young men are at this table?  At the far end are the host and hostess of the celebration.

My sister-in-law in the middle and her two daughters.  Lots of work to be done, and these three are always there to help out. We each brought food and that made the job a bit easier for the hostess.

Some handsome young guys too!

The weather coorperated long enough to host an annual egg hunt.

Oh the joy of opening and inspecting the finds of the day.

Beauty, joy, fun, and fellowship filled the few hours of our time together.

Thanks for stopping by this evening.