The strength of nature shown in a tiny vine clinging to a dead branch at the back of my garden. I gave it a little tug and it was wrapped around there right. I’ll leave it be.

I’m not a regular in Target stores but over the years have made a few trips, but it was only today after walking past one of these contraptions that I finally realized it’s supposed to be a shopping basket. How ugly!

I’m slowly building a rapport with the local deers who use my front garden as a short cut to the cemetery. They often spend the night in there when the gates are locked and this one came over for a chat and a sniff of my hand. So cute.

A wreath for the military and dogs lost in service at the gazebo in Front Royal.

 

I fell in love with this Cuban Oregano at Sunflower Herb Farm just outside Front Royal. It had grown a little wild but I bought 3 plants to put in the front yard. The deers won’t touch it, it’s so fragrant.

Janice and I at the local ice cream shop which had a fun mirror. And we got photobombed.

A busy day of planting squash and zucchini as well as some flowering plants, seeds, getting rid of yard trash and then digging a small pond. There won’t be any fish, just a few plants. This will be a watering hole for frogs and toad, lizards and insects. 

Two shrubs which I need to identify have exploded into bloom at the front of my house. Soft pink and pale yellow flowers are a huge attraction to the bees. This makes me happy.

I was shocked to see how many Roundup products Target carries. Not good, why is this still allowed to be sold? I guess until stupid people wise up and stop buying it.

Boss Man trying to fit a 20” air conditioner in a 19.5” hole. We laughed!

Driving home the back roads, along with everyone else, to avoid the roadwork back ups on 66. Interesting crinkly clouds.

The first delphinium at The Blue House enjoying its watering.

This is Marty, our grocery store, Martin’s, newest employee. We wanders the aisles, bleeping and flashing his blue lights until he finds a spill. Then he alerts the staff and his lights turn yellow to warn customers. He’s very well behaved.

Catching rain during a torrential downpour at the VA Wine Festival in Front Royal.

Heading towards the mountains and home after picking up a couple of bargain chairs.

A family of gooses taking an early evening stroll at our local recycling center.

I took the day off to work in the garden, planting perennials and sowing some last minute seeds. These cyclists stopped for a chat, they were heading to a local bed and breakfast. 

14 May 2019

Front Royal Main Street at 6:00am. Not a soul around. I love this small country town.

Kota’s memorial ginkgo tree is doing well. The leaves are out and it’s looking so healthy. Happy!

Rain all day long so made this comfort food. Kielbasa with beans and tomatoes plus fresh basil, ladeled over red lentil pasta and topped with grated mature cheddar. Yum!

11 May 2019

While working the Maryland Craft Beer Festival I came across my new favorite beer. 

Dayum...

I found a natural weed killer recipe online and decided to give it a try, not really expecting much, but was amazed. Just 2 days later it’s worked!

Here’s the recipe:

Natural weed killer - 1 gallon white vinegar, 1.5 cup Epson salts, 2 tablespoon Dawn dish soap. Combine them and spray 

Good golly! I only planted these bush beans on Sunday!

A rustic scene driving to work. So nice that it’s light on the morning drive now.

Loving my chiropractor, I always feel good after a cracking visit.

Trixie Treat enjoying the remnants of yoghurt that I left behind, and she has it on her nose.

Pink flowers mark the route of the Winchester Apple Blossom Parade.

Spent a great evening hanging out at local breweries with a friend and then a scrabble game Uber the back porch while a storm raged. Great way to end the week.

Constable clouds out of my dining room window this evening.

Some plants inside on of the homes on the garden tour today. Loved the geranium, would be wonderful to get one to that size.