Flowers II

Frog and I just have to show more pictures of our garden.  He loves his position under one of our sego palms.  Up and a little right of him is another hanging frog which is part of a group of frogs.  I just love frogs---and turtles.

We have an Australian Tree Fern next to our back door.  We hope to arrange more of these ferns on the porch soon.

It's hard to see the vine growing in this pot because of the volunteer petunias that have come up.  I love when things just come up----so much fun.

We have several Gerbera Daisies in the yard.  This one is being watched closely by our metal bunnies.

This clump of Calla Lilies has increased in size since my last picture.  They, too, come up voluntarily all around the yard.

This picture shows many of my succulents.  The Aloe on the left has a couple of spikes that will be blooms soon.  Right now they look more like asparagus.

Couldn't end without showing you the hanging basket with a succulent and some Cobalt flowers.  It is just breathtaking!

"SISTERS"

These three sisters are very dear to me.  From left to right, my Aunt Tillie, my mother's oldest sister,  Aunt Jo, the middle sister,  and my mother about age 14.

Here I am on the left with my sister Darlene next to me, then cousins Barbara and Mary Ann, who are like sisters to me.  We all grew up together.  This picture was taken in 1987.

About 4 years later, here are Darlene and me at the house in McHenry.

My cousin "sister" Mary Ann at Heather's wedding in 2000.

Here I am with Sandy----Duane's sister at our home in Chino Hills.  One of the nice things about getting married is the extended family you acquire.

My daughter, Heather, was tickled pink to finally have a sister when Adam married Melissa.  Here they are with Melissa's Maid of Honor and best friend, Lindsey.

A happy Melissa again with another newly acquired "sister" Kim and her two daughters Amanda and Valerie----more sisters!

Spring Flowers

I love when the daffodils bloom-----Spring is my favorite time.

Old standbys, Calla Lilies, have been blooming in my yard since 1973!

Geraniums, so easy to grow, are so bright and cheery.  I love all the colors and varieties.

I never have much luck with azaleas, but I hope this one will be the exception.  The color is so lovely.

This basket happened by accident.  There were cobalt flowers in it that seemed to be dead.  I planted this succulent, (that my daughter-in-law, Melissa gave me) over the cobalt, and the cobalt came back!  Just love it!

I'm so pleased with how this arrangement turned out---a Bird of Paradise that bloomed twice, a cluster of Cymbidium Orchids and a Calla Lily.  I also like my String of Pearls in the hanging pot behind the arrangement.  On the table also are parsley and chives.  Gardening is such fun.

HEATHER

My first born, Heather, is celebrating her 38th birthday this year.  It seems like yesterday that I welcomed this little face into the world. 

A few days later, Heather's real personality came into play.  Love the positive attitude.

As she got older, she was always fun to watch.  She loved to imitate dance moves----still does today.

Here's the fun loving Heather at a birthday party given for her by Gloria, her babysitter.  She's between Gloria's two sons, Eddie and Andy.

Later birthdays always included the neighborhood kids from left to right Kristie, Heather, Kenny, Holly, Adam and Katie.  Many good times were had at the old kitchen table.

When she went to school, the group expanded to include school friends as well.

How proud I am of all she's accomplished, not the least of which are these two little darlings!