My Beloved Ajuga

A Nosegay of Ajuga

Most would consider it a weed, but to me it is the sweetest of flowers. In my old home it grew rampant in the grass, in the far corner of our yard. I'd purposely allow it to grow free and tall, along with the grass it shared its space with. Often my old neighbor would stare at my lovely patch of Ajuga...obviously he didn't understand its true beauty. He'd cock his head as I'd kneel down to pick large bouquets to grace my home.

Oh, how I love May. Oh, how sad I will be to see it go. My sweet children know how I feel about the month of May (and Ajuga). They offered, with all seriousness, to pretend that June was really May still; how sweet to be so loved.

And yes, I planted some Ajuga in the grass here too. Also, in the garden where it wanders about, always looking for a new little corner to bless me in...oh and it does!

Forcing forsythias

Come the end of January, many of us New Englander's are desperate for spring. We are sick of the long, dark, cold days and deeply ache for signs of spring. I spotted robins in town shortly after Princess Mercy arrived home...surely it was a sign that winter was soon to end.

While visiting me mum on her little patch of heaven, she graciously offered me some of her forsythia branches that grew in the field near the cows pasture. Her grandbabies all ran outside, happy for the visit to the cow pasture, to see some of their favorite cow friends. I grabbed my camera and shot a few moments of outside, as they are rare for me here in winter. (brrrrr)

Me mum clipped a good armful and then I carted them home in Katrinka our tank. I placed them into a vase filled with fresh water and patiently awaited their lovely yellow show that they'd soon offer us. Every few days I refreshed their water and then brilliantly their show began.

I guess I am sharing this because 3 of my girlfriends came over, they were all surprised that they were 'REAL' forsythias in full bloom. None of them knew you could cut them, bring them in, and force them to bloom. Silly me, I thought all mums taught such things. I forget that not everyones mum is a Master Gardener.

So, give it a try...you can force other spring blooming branches too, some require a longer wait, but apple blossoms and crab apple blossoms can really display their beauty magnificently too. I haven't tried my pink weigela, but that might be worth the go, while I wait for them to come into bloom outdoors.

Only 3 more days until spring officially arrives...awwhhh, I am going to SHouT for JOY!

The last harvest of roses

Ah, another summer has come and gone...so have my lovely roses.

I was taking a walk through some of my picture files and came across these that I hadn't posted, well, I meant to, but you know how life happens. So for today, let's pretend that the roses are still blooming and that a touch of that wonderful scent lingers~ in a bouquet lovingly gathered to breath in all of their glory.

You can see I am not the only one who admires them.

Homemade weed killer

After pondering how I could make my life easier, I came up with this idea of mixing up some easy-peasy homemade weed-killer. You see I have several brick and stone pathways encircling our home and gardens. I kind of enjoy having skin on my fingers. So in an attempt in not having to rip off any skin, I whipped up this non-toxic weed terminator. Let me tell you my children are cheering, because usually by this time of year I have them positioned along the walkways pulling their fair share of evil weedlings. Now they each have a spray bottle filled with my little solution.

Weed-killer :

needs-empty spray bottle (recycle one or in my case 6), water, white vinegar, a tablespoon or so of dishsoap.

Mix equal parts of vinegar and water (boiling or not), add the soap and kill those weeds.

*Warning, this will also kill your plants, moss and grass...so aim carefully.

Keep at it, for as you know those evil weeds will continue to try to overtake you, your sidewalks and well, you get the idea.

When I get to heaven I am going to give a good sideways glance at Adam and Eve...those weeds all happened when they decided it was a good idea to rebel (sin) and take of the fruit that God had clearly told Adam to NOT TOUCH!

And guess what homeschooling moms...this is science...so go at it with a big teaching grin!

A walk in my garden-wordless thoughts

From our Window

Another rainy day. The boys and dog are getting eager for the rain to stop...yesterday the dog was wet and sad (check the pictures of Silly Bunter for yourself!)

My garden is happy, my flowers are singing and all the trees, well they are clapping their hands; as this rain will surely help them to unfurl their leaves for spring.

Today is ours, lets reach out and let God use our lives to influence others around us...we need His Kingdom to come to earth as it is in heaven.

A trip to me mum's

Gathering hickory nuts for Grammie

My mum has been building a new house- they just received there c.o. (certificate of occupancy), so really now it is their new HOME. Quite lovely, a little downsized from their last home, though I will miss that one, but from their new backyard view I can see the old farmhouse.

They divided their 150 acres and decided to build a new place on the front lot. They were blessed to have a Christian couple come buy their home and a wonderful mentoring friendship has begun. Curtis and Christine (the new owners) are graciously letting their horse, Asa , live in his old barn, as his new living quarters hasn't been built yet.

My mum has the energy of a 30 year old-her husband (my step dad, my dad passed away while I was pregnant with my oldest Pirate) David has the energy, determination and strength of 12 young men. Quite the couple!

Margie, me mum, is a master gardener, she is self taught and her knowledge is amazing. Only a trickle of that rolled down to me and it is still coming praise God! I am always amazed as she throws in a new garden area, adds a huge garden feature or just goes about keeping the weeds out of the acres and acres of gardens. Did I say the woman is amazing?

I was lucky to have my mum always at home, in my growing up years. She was quite the homemaker, organized, loving, homey, and 'out of the box.' I think this is why so many people who know me describe me as a, "free spirit." Not that I am a rule breaker, but I am definitely my own girl and not a follower of any- but God. Thanks mum!

They have the coolest toys too, back hoes, dump trucks, kabota, ATV's....always something fun and useful to borrow.

We had a beautiful day for our visit and can't wait for everything to be ready inside...my favorite part is the garrett (a cozy little attic above the kitchen, destined to have a bed for me to come sleepover!)

My mama is so sweet, a true inspiration and a wonderful grandma to boot!

A Summer Evening at our Home

Thought you'd like to take a quick walk around my house this beautiful summer evening...our little piece of serenity from the hand of God!

When we bought the house two years ago, I was so blessed to find all the wrought iron throughout the house and property, God knew what would bless my heart and soul!

We moved from our old home in preparation for what the Lord told us would be coming...more children. The house is such a blessing to us- it is a reproducion Early American Colonial.

I am greatly blessed to have such a nice home and yard-I pray that it gives God glory as we use it for His will for our lives.

We are pondering an addition in the future, we want to have the bedroom space for all the children God wants for our family. He is a God of provision and a Father that Loves to bless his children-to which I am so grateful!

Heaven comes to earth

I am so excited-look at all the great perennials I got at the local plant club sale early Saturday morning!

Originally I thought this laundry basket would hold all my "to be bought" plants...guess I have a plant addiction...thanks mom ;-)

Just bursting with joy! Can't wait to get them all placed in their new home!