Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Summer is Here!

   We had a cold and wet spring, but all of a sudden, summer is here!  Lots of daily photos to catch up with today, so not much talk.  The photos start on May 8th.  Still very cold and wet.  There were a few green buds on our maple tree in the front yard.

My tulips were slowly emerging.


The hepaticas in my mom's woods were slow in coming, but sure were beautiful this year.  They don't last very long, but are one of my favorite flowers when they're here!


Czar summer coat came in, but the leaves hadn't started budding at the farm yet. This was May 11th. The horses had to bear a few cold days and nights this spring.  But after our long hard winter it probably didn't seem so bad in comparison.


The crab apple tree in our front yard finally started to bud.


You could almost see them grow from day to day.


There is a wimpy little azalea plant in our front yard, it's kind of tucked away and hidden from the road and doesn't do too much, but it's always one of the first things to bloom.


The tulips at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum are beautiful again this year, in spite of the long winter!  The man in the background told me that he is the one that designs the garden each year.  It was really interesting to talk with him.


The crab apple tree is getting closer to blooming!


Another trip to the farm.  Hello handsome!  I love when they come running to see me.  Even if it is just because they want a treat.


The woods was filled with Spring Beauties again this year.  So many flowers that it looked like a carpet of snow!


The crab apple tree was in full bloom when we got back from the farm.  This was taken on May 19th, my late grandma's birthday.


One of my few tulips.  I planted pink ones a few years ago.  This is what came up this year.  Looks yellow to me!


And the crab apple tree is already fading.  Still beautiful though!


Another trip out to the Arboretum.  Such a pretty day to visit.


I was able to plant all of my planters, window boxes and flower pots before we left for Memorial weekend.  Trying some trailing Verbena in the window boxes this year. I love the color!


The trillium were beautiful at the farm and the cabin this weekend.  Spring is waning and summer is here.


Little Henry was at the little cabin with his family.  He was loving the tire swing!


I finally had time for a horseback ride this weekend.  A shaky start to the riding season, but hopefully with a little work we'll get there.  Then the rain came.  Here's my pretty boy after one of the rain storms.  He's too smart some days.


And last but not least, one of my planters on my front step.  It's a Tuesday that feels like Monday because of the holiday...


....but it finally feels like summer, and that's all that really matters to me!  Thanks for stopping by.


Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Summer is Near

We are getting hints that summer is on its way.  A look at the calendar says that it really should be here by now, but it's coming, so I can't complain!  There have been some new birds at the feeder, they must be passing through.  I'm not sure what this little cutie pie is.  I need to dig out the bird book and look it up!


The leaves are starting to bud and open up on the trees.  I can't wait until this crab apple tree starts to blossom...so beautiful!


Eric and I caught a sunset over a pond in Eden Prairie this week, it was so pretty.  So many clouds and jet trails going every which way.  And it was nice enough to be out without a coat!  Bonus.


I stopped by the same pond the next day and snapped a couple of pictures of some geese.  I bet they are happy that they can swim now instead of stand around on the frozen pond!


There have been a few morning doves around the yard for the last week or so.  They like to perch on top of our 3 season porch.  They make the coolest sounds.


Unusual birds, pretty skies, open water, buds on the trees....summer is coming I just know it!  Thanks for stopping by!


Saturday, May 3, 2014

Happy May!

After at least a solid week of rain...well maybe not, but it seems like it!...the sun is finally shining today.  Blue sky and soft clouds.  A nice change from the photo below!  Poor little cold and wet birds!


Last week I went to the Como Park Conservatory for a little touch of summer and some warmth.  The tulips there were past their prime, but the lilies were gorgeous!  Nothing like a large glassed room full of blooming flowers to make you feel like there is hope for spring!


I bought some lilies for at home, they smell nice, but don't pack quite the punch that a full room full of flowers does!  If I could afford a room full of flowers I could afford to get away for most of the winter and then I wouldn't need them.


Rainy days outside make taking a photo a day more of a challenge.  Fading daisies were all I could come up with this day.


The lilac buds aren't growing very fast...but at least they are growing.


My lilies are looking a little better!


I finally refilled the bird feeders, the cardinal is happy and dry for a nice change.


I was taking photos outside when Brian arrived home from his class, he was better looking than the leaf buds that I was trying to capture, so he became my photo of the day.  Hi Brian!


I'll end with tulips.  They are starting to grow in the garden, but are pretty far from blooming.  It's good to know that they are coming up though!


The sun is shining this Saturday morning, we are in town for the weekend for a change...so I better get cracking.  It's looking like a good day to get some things done outside!  Have a great weekend.  Thanks for stopping by!