Gardens!

Can we talk about the weather? As usual I made a stop on the deck this morning, to watch the pesky squirrels and listen to the sounds of the morning. I could have stayed for awhile longer or until the sun covered me. The humidity is low and I am not sure what the actual temperature was, but it was soooo comfortable. Good weather for reading and drinking coffee.

We needed a break from the past few days of 95+ degree weather. It is difficult to breathe when it is that hot. We had to go out Saturday, and getting in and out of the car occasionally, was awful. I can understand those with Asthma struggling to breath in hot weather. God bless them.

Below is some pictures of my sister's flower garden. I've decided she must go out every morning and sing to her flowers. I can just see her, coffee in hand, and slowly strolling through the gigantic garden of well chosen flowers. I hope you enjoy.

There is no doubt at the hours of labor she has invested over the past few years. These pictures, needless to say, do not show her whole garden, with its Lilly ponds next to the house, the thinking benches setting periodically throughout, the yard art so expertly placed, and each flower chosen well to make a bouquet of colorful yet fragrant arrangements that only God with the help of my sister could do.

I guess I said that right. I think the gift of gardening or green thumb as its called must have been passed on to the others - and skipped over me. I'm not complaining, just truthing. My drawback is that I have very little sun, and the flowers that thrive in the shade are usually those with no bloom. Anyway, I love what I have done, but not enough to go walking in the garden in the cool of day, and "sing" to them. (Sorry sis, just had to say that).

It is natural, when we visit Tenn to see what else she has done to her garden. Also the garden of another sister who lives close by. Again, I could be envious of both their gardens, but try not to, so as when I make a visit I can enjoy the fruit of their labor with them. Setting on Martha's patio, ones eye is naturally drawn to the hillside where she has made a once rough area come alive with her choice of flowers and decor, and steps leading into the woods. I have no pictures to share, but may insist that she share some with me so I can share and do some bragging! Nothing wrong with that now is there?Martha has surrounded her home with a walkway lined with hostas and blooming plants. Then on the front side across the driveway, nestled in the dense shade of the trees, there is a gazebo, picnic table, and every semblance of a park. Wait a minute, I'm not through. Flowing along side the park is a rock creek, that begs for feet to go wading, or a child to go fishing. Beyond that is the county road that connects Long Branch, and Lewis Branch to Tennessee Ridge. That is the best I can do to show you the picture I see.

Nina, on the other hand keeps me abreast of her green kingdom, and these are the pictures she sent. I love the one with the morning sun filtering through the trees to shine on her home. Just proves my theory of the beauty of Tennessee. There is nothing like it anywhere on earth - well except for Arkansas the Natural state,

filled with untouched Mountains, Valleys, and rolling hills.

A

As I get into my week, I may come back to share again. Until then count your blessings - name them one by one, and it may surprise you what the Lord has done.Grammyof13