Thunder Booms the Night

Tonight we are having lots and lots of storms and this little blondie is just downright nervous about it. The thunderbooms and lightening are keeping me up as well.

This is what Callee thinks...she's happy she's not having to find shelter like last summer. She lets me know in her very own way. Trust me.

On the Mend

A week ago this coming Wednesday I had that dreaded, yet welcoming female surgery. A hysterectomy. Knowing I have pretty much followed in my mother's footsteps for the "nature's way of life" I knew this would eventually happen. I just didn't expect it so soon. It started like the flu and grew into what felt like a bunch of aliens invading my southern hemisphere. After numerous tests and confusing results, those aliens were trapped, put to death and transported for dissection at a Columbia hospital.

Life isn't always fun, but I am so thankful for good results. What I didn't expect was to be so sick to my stomach. I'm a weak baby when it comes to pain and being sick. The older I get, the bigger of a baby I become. Mom took care of me for a few days at her house. Oh how I miss to be waited on and spoiled. She is an excellent nurse. I really tried to be a good patient, but I'm not sure I was completely.

My boss surprised me with a visit to the hospital right after my surgery and brought me a smiley, sunny bouquet. Another co-worker came for a visit which made time go by so much quicker that evening. I was so happy to see her, she really cheered me up. Due to all my queasiness, I wasn't allowed to leave the hospital until 5:30pm the next day. I was trying to stifle it so I could go home. And what is it about the person transporting a sick one manages to hit every stinking pothole on the way home? It happens to everyone I know.

While I was at mom's, hubby brought over a box of flowers that my sweet step-daughter Erica sent me. The were gorgeous. I wish I had remembered to send for my camera. All of the flowers had bloomed and I missed the whole beautiful bouquet, which would have made an amazing portrait. There were 3 each of yellow, white, coral and pink. Mom and I watched them bloom in that exact order too. They were just small buds blooming into a huge flower. Erica, I love you and thank you so much for that surprise. You are a real sweetie!!! (I still wish you lived closer though, hint hint)

The picture you see above was given to me by my supervisor Sherry. They were perfect to look at during my long night in the hospital. It really helped a lot.

The first picture that lead to all of this, is from 3 of my co-workers and 3 supervisors. A huge bouquet of all kinds of flowers. It's really funny how flowers can pick us up when we aren't quite feeling so well. I know for men it may be golf balls or movies, but flowers really make me appreciate the big picture just a little bit more. But even more than that, are the friends who take the time to do these kind things. I've received lots of notes, calls, facebook comments and flowers. Thank you so much to everyone. One of these days I hope to pay it forward.

Pink

For the past month we have looked and looked at some of the prettiest flowers I've ever seen. Then I fall back to the flower I absolutely hated growing up. Petunias. Don't ask me why, but I hated them. Now I love them. I hope I can continue to make them look like the photo above. The pink is very showy too!

This is my big project for the summer. I purchased the tall, greenery at a Mennonite greenhouse for very little cost. I had some other flowers already at home without pots, so I put them all together. Hopefully this Missouri humidity and a little love will produce wonderful blooms for us this summer.

Up to 47

Last night my hubby was attempting to show me a 4 leaf clover he had found. He stuck a stick near it, but unfortunately, Annie knocked it over. He was looking in the area and I went a little further from him. Luckily, I found one too.

This afternoon while I was messing with flowers, Hubby continued to hunt for his lost clover. He found it! Not only that one, but 5 others. I hope this is a sign...

Goodbye Bag

Some time ago, mom and I went shopping at the Lake of the Ozarks. She purchased the special blue bag that you see above to get an addition 15% off of the items she was buying. And also any future buys as long as she brings the bag back with her. Since it was one of our favorite shops we thought it was a good idea. However, Reynaldo had other ideas. The minute mom brought over something in this bag and sat it on the floor, ReyRey claimed it as his own. We both forgot about it and it soon made it's way into my bedroom. I called mom to let her know and even sent her a few photos with Rey sitting inside the bag in the hallway, the bedroom and who knows. She gave up on this bag and let him have it. He was happy. Last winter he slept in it beside the bed.

This morning I was cleaning my bedroom and found the bag under the dresser. I sat it on the bed. Rey just found it and made himself at home. He mews and cries a little until he gets himself situated.

After all that, don't bother him. If he hears you come near him or hears me turn my camera on, the ears turn backwards.

A Kiss is Just a Kiss

We've had a lot of thunderstorms lately. They seem to be making Kia anxious so she needs a little extra TLC. The funny thing about this photo, I cannot believe my hubby let her get this close to his face.

A Cat Story

A few weeks ago I neatly folded up my favorite fuzzy blanket and placed it at the end of the couch. Hubby called me into the living room and said, "Look at Rey." Rey figured out he could crawl in between the fold and be nice and cozy. I asked Hubby if he put ReyRey there and he said, "no, he did it himself."

Even though he looks like a homeless cat, ReyRey had a nice hour long nap between the folds of my favorite blanket.

A Mother's Day Excursion Part 2

After all the ooing and awing we did at Strawberry Hill we cruised on over to Vintage Hill Farms. My husband's father was laid to rest not too far from this place. It's on a huge hill that is absolutely amazing. I'll take green mountains over snow covered mountains any day!! Vintage Hill definitely had some very unique items. The owners have a beautiful vintage home place too. Mom and I talked about how much fun (and work) it would be to have a place just like this. It took our breath away.

I'm not real crazy about the darker petunia, but had to think really hard when I saw it mixed with the lighter pink. It made both colors really pop. My pics just don't do it justice!

If only we had room in the car. A car that was already filled with several baskets.

The back of the owner's home place. Truly breathtaking!!!

A small lily pond in the back. Only to be independently wealthy with lots of books and a comfy chair...

Loved this one too.

When we saw these, we knew my hubby would enjoy this trip. He could watch the birds while we browse.

Gorgeous!

Pink and purple, two of my favorite colors!

I had to laugh when I saw this. It reminded me of having deer antlers hanging on the wall. I'd take this over that any day!!

Mom found a huge Christmas cactus type flower. And, it even matches her outfit!

I have a plant like this, but the leaves are not nearly as long. I need to work on that one.

Another birdcage with an interesting topper.

This was only a little bit of the pots they had there. Really cool things to plant your flowers.

ReyRey's live in girlfriend Callee must have some relation down in this here part of the woods. Had to be. This little err big girl ran right up to me like she knew me.

Lots of frog statues. Great ones too! Mom loved them!

A Wisteria to die for, makes me want to curl up in the little cubby area and take a nap!

Mom asked me to take a pic of the horse. I wish I had zoomed. This was taken as we were leaving the property.

The front of the home place. I love this place!!!!

The get to watch two of these big guys in the side yard too! There had to be some more animals behind the property too. We could hear some strange animals sounds while we were looking at the back of the property.

It was one of those trips I didn't want to end. As we were pulling out of the long drive way my mom said, "this was a great Mother's Day".

And that my friends, was my favorite part of the day!!

I love you Mom! May we find many more side trips to enjoy!!

A Mother's Day Excursion Part 1

Happy Mother's Day to my beautiful mom Linda!! Yesterday after a quick trip to Sam's in Columbia, I told mom we should return on Sunday to go to Strawberry Hill Nursery. A quick check on the net and we were on our way early this morning. And believe me, it was so worth the second trip back to Columbia in 2 days.

Years ago when I went to thru Colorado with my parents, I suffered in the back seat while listening to my mom say, "Mercy, MERCY ME!" every time we turned the curves on the mountains. I was so sick of each view of the mountain(s) and the I-lost-track-of-the-number-of-times mom would chant her Mercy Me mantra. I vowed never to return to Colorado. Just so you know, I haven't. I have no desire to see another mountain for as long as I live. (Unless someone wants to pay my way of course.)

Today we shared a mantra. When we first walked into the greenhouses at Strawberry Hill we couldn't help but to exclaim "how beautiful" and "oh my goodness" while taking in the blooming beauty of the flowers and plants. A lot of love and care has gone into each one of those beautiful plants. The prices were quite lovely too!!

Purple is mom's color this year. We packed home some purple petunia's to add to her color scheme this season.

Lots and lots of Portulaca's. LOTS. Beautiful in every Portulaca colors!!
I brought home a mixture of 3 colors. It's already huge and it's not even the middle of May yet.

If we could have fit all of these in the car. Maybe next time.

When we were leaving I had to snap this pic since this is the first view we had of the first of many greenhouses.

The gorgeous farm across the road was very inviting. It made us wish for a home in the country.

After this stop, we headed north to Booneville to the Vintage Hill Farms Nursery. Lots of unique plants and amazing countryside. I took lots of pics there so I'll share those with you tomorrow.

Opening Day 2010

Brent and I were fortunate to celebrate Opening Day in St. Louis last week. It was a quick trip and started a little late, but we made it. So of course, since as long as I can remember, the epitome of St. Louis is prancing in the picture above. My heart flutters every time I see these guys in person. If I had the money, I'd be more than happy to shell out for their appearance. I just hope August isn't rolling over...

A Visit from Florida

We eagerly awaited Erica's arrival from Florida. Our visit went entirely too fast. We spent one afternoon at the Rothwell Park in Moberly. It was a hot springy day. Looking back on these pictures which were taken just after Easter, the dull trees are now filled with greenery. It's amazing how fast nature flourishes. Timmy is a perfect example of that...he celebrated his 2nd big birthday the very next weekend.

Looking for Easter Eggs

I took this sweet picture of my niece Candace while she was searching for eggs.

Sweeties

Erica and Julian

Fun Day at the Park

Isn't it funny how I take an awesome picture and some unknown kid always shows up? It happened to me in Olde St. Charles when I had to ask a kid to get out of a pic with my cousin Emily. Yesterday it happened when I tried to get a pic of my stepdaughter Erica and grandson Timmy. She slid down a long curvy slide with him having such a good time. The unknown kid behind them must've jumped on board as soon as they took off. But what a great pic!!