There’s something about the cycle of flowers and plants that makes me alternately happy and melancholy. First, I start anticipating my tulips in January when I spot the shoots coming out of the ground. Later, they sprout leaves and the stem grows, culminating in a sometimes stubborn bud. All too quickly, the tulips open wide yet, not liking the sunshine or warmth, they lose their petals, one by one. In order to allow the bulb to gain strength, you need to let the foliage die down which is very unsightly. The price we pay for beauty?
I was impressed by the sunlight on these, even though they’re cold weather flowers.
This is as good as it’s going to get!
I wonder how many other tulips have decorative leaves. I’ll have to shop around!
I’ve never had any luck with parrot tulips and got a huge surprise when I spotted this beauty in my flower bed. 2014 was the last time that one has come up. Isn’t it incredible? On the nostalgic side, as I drove by my former family home, I thought about the rhododendron by the front porch blooming and could hear my mom’s voice, “Mike and MaryAnn (close friends) got that for your dad when his mom died.” The pink azaleas by the driveway were a gift from me for Mother’s Day when I was at university. My older daughter used the fall blooming blue and purple hydrangeas for her wedding bouquet; I’ve also taken many bunches of them to the cemetery. I could go on. I’m reminded that when I talk about that house, it’s also the story of my family and of me. Even the plants have their own history.
I had to share this last photo of Sharky at the Fair. He spotted these plastic balls with kids playing around in the water inside them and was eager to try it out. I secretly rolled my eyes. What will entrepreneurs think of next to cost fairgoers money? What kind of dumb idea is this? But Sharky loved it and had such a marvelous time, smiling and laughing constantly. I was wrong…again.
Speaking of Sharky, John and received a very cute invitation to his 6th birthday party. The snake and exotic bug show is scheduled earlier for those who want to see the critters; others can come later for pizza and cake. As is traditional with Sharky: No gifts–although drawings and notes are gratefully accepted. No singing of the birthday song which embarrasses him. Chocolate ice cream cake for dessert–his favorite! Note: Although I’m willing to hold a snake, there is NO WAY I’m willing to touch an exotic bug or have one on me. *shiver*
After too much talking about the Early Bird Wild Halibut three course dinner at several local restaurants, John and I finally took action. On a 75 degree day, we showed up at Anthony’s for one of the most delicious dinners EVER. I expected to be disappointed; instead, I savored every bite.
This is the face of a VERY happy man! 🙂
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