Hi everyone! The party was great and I cant wait to tell you about it, but right now I am logged on at the library. Victorias party ended at 5p.m. Sunday and at 5:03 we were hit with a massive storm and power outage throughout our county. About 25,000 people are without power including us. Fortunately one of the guest who had left called and warned us about the storm headed our way and we just got the tent and tables and chairs and everything else taken care of and under cover when the rain and wind hit and the power went out. We still don't have any power, and I dont know how long this will last! Ugh! But at least everything went well for her open house. I am going through computer withdrawal! See you all soon (I hope!)

Oh how they grow.....

This is what all the fuss is about. My baby graduates tonight. The years have flown by. It doesn't seem that long ago that she and her sister were playing dress up in my garden.

Or a ballerina princess in dirty tennis shoes :>)

Learning how to use a sander with Daddy. My girls and power tools...it's a combination that makes my hair turn grey just thinking about it.

I think she was aptly named Victoria. I see a theme here as I go through her pictures. Lots of crowns.
And tonight she takes another big step into adulthood. Victoria graduates with honors and next week we head out for freshman orientation at her University. I think it is going to be an all too short summer. Congratulations baby girl. I love you.

More red...and a garden

Still playing the red game.. an egg scale from my brother and sister (in-law, but I never think of that suffix) for my birthday. It looks exactly like the one my grandmother had, just not as well used. I love it. I have wanted one forever. Karen & Clarence, you are the best!

And a dark salmon columbine that seeded itself next to my brick red garden shed. It seems very shy with its eyes always on the ground. I love it when God adds to my garden:>)

I am far enough north and east of most of you that I am coming very late to the garden game, but I finally have some things blooming. I noticed they are almost all shades of blue and purple. I have pink and cream roses and other flowers too, but they just aren't out yet. Another wild columbine. I did not plant these and the funny thing is that the columbine that I have planted over the years have not survived! I dont know where these came from but aren't they lovely?

My favorite blue sberian iris. I love how tiny these are, and they bloom profusely.

Spiderwort, not a favorite because it is so invasive. I have tried to eradicate this from the garden to no avail. Sometimes you just have to give in and learn to love it.

Now this one is a favorite, a snowball bush. I love the fluffy white balls of flowers these get and how they "snow" as the petals drop off. I have it planted next to the chives and roses.

Ignore the soaker hose, I havent had a chance to mulch yet, but I just finished planting these jelly bean petunias. Soft shades of blue, pink, salmon, yellow and purple. They should look wonderful when they have filled in.

I am pretty much done with the real work of preparing for the party. A few little odds and ends to do and a silly fiasco that I may be able to bring myself to tell you about some day (I am SUCH a dork sometimes!) Tomorrow we begin the baking of desserts and treats. Along with our own open house we help other people in the church who are going through this. They bring a dish to ours, we bring a dish to theirs, it is good fellowship and we "bear each others burdens". Earl is making cheesecake bites for our party...covered in chocolate. Oh, of course I will show you! And the cookies, and the decorations when they are up and all the good things . You have been with me through the worst of it, now I can't wait to share the fun:>) Thanks for being there. I love you all.

I see Red!

Sara at Sadie Olive is hosting an "I saw red" blog party and I couldn't resist just a quick post. Red is my favorite color. A few quick snaps around the house and garden and I have it. There is much more red than this in my home, and if I have time I'll add to it. Right now I am trying to psych myself into doing the rest of the cleaning before the party (yes still !) It is cool and rainy and I really just feel like putting my feet up. Ah well, plenty of time for that after Sunday. The show must go on. Enjoy the red, and I'll keep you updated on the preparations!

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6 Days.....

Ok, I'm calmer. Reality check. The trim on the shed is not going to get painted this week. It looks "rustic". Besides, you all say nobody will notice and I'm taking your word for it. Thunderstorm chances for Sunday are only 30% now, I can gamble with that and the forecast may get better as the week progresses (Please God!) I decided a fun project was in order for yesterday so I made this fun banner for the pergola. It actually says Congratulations, but I can't ge the whole thing in the picture, too long. The tent will be set up outside the back door and Victoria has chosen a color scheme of blue and green. Not her school colors, but she doesn't like to be boxed in on things like colors. She is a lot like her dad, but there is some of me in her too:>)

My sister in law came over Saturday and helped me make the pizza dough for the grilled pizzas and our Sunday School class has signed up for everything from cookies and salads to helping set up and take down the tent and tables, and manning the kitchen so I can mingle with our guests. There is still plenty to do this week, but I think it is manageable. I've unpacked my bags and decided against running away from home:>) Thanks for the perspective. It's all going to be all right.

(Darn it, will you look at the mildew on that pergola? On second thought, don't look! I'm going to have to add that to the list. Sheesh!)