Yard

Yard

Saturday, February 14, 2015

Bronson Xander Armit

We have welcomed a new Grandchild into our world, and I am deliriously happy.  When Adam and Melissa went to the hospital to start the inducing procedures I cried and said to Duane, "My baby is having a baby!"  It took 30 long hours, but here he is:

 
All 8.5 lbs. and 21 inches of him.
 
 
Adam, the proud papa, has been very busy swaddling and changing diapers.
 
 
There are no words for a Grandma's happiness.
 
 
And Grandpa wouldn't put him down.
 
 
Melissa is already the perfect mother.  She is so happy!
 
 
We love you Bronson!
 
 
 
 
 

Sunday, February 8, 2015

Out in the Garden


It's February, and the weather has been fabulous in Southern California.  The garden seems to be coming alive.  When I went for my daily walk around the property, I found lots of lovely plants.  I'm itching to plant more, but am worried about a possible late frost.

 
There are lots of succulents in our yard.  I love these that form a rosette.
Succulent blooms are usually brilliant.  Thus, this wonderful orange color. 
 

 
The Kalanchoe plants always put on a spectacular show.  They are succulents too, and often just drop a leaf or branch and start a new plant.
 
 
I just planted this Aloe Vera last year, and it is blooming quite nicely right now.
 
 
This old watering can leaks, but it is perfect for succulents that trail.
 
 
I've always been fascinated by String of Pearls succulents.  They look like peas, but will hang down and where they lay can start new plants.
 
 
I have my ducks in a row, and 3 of them hold succulents.
 
 
I call this a Solstice Plant, but I may be wrong.  The long spikes with purple flowers on top always look so pretty in flower arrangements.
 
 
Couldn't help but notice this lone Gerbera Daisy.  Usually they don't pop up in winter.
 
 
I was trying to get a picture of the pink Azalea in the background, but there is a pink Geranium next to it, and lots of Nasturtiums getting ready to bloom.
 
 
Here we have a fuchsia Ivy Geranium, and another Solstice on the left through the tree.  I don't know the name of the purple flowering vine on the right, but it also puts on a show at this time of year.
 
 
A plant that has become quite popular lately is the Kangaroo Paw Plant.  They come in several colors, but I think my red is lovely.
 
 
Last, but not least, is one of our Staghorn Ferns.  It hangs right in the middle of our Pomegranate tree.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 

Sunday, January 11, 2015

Showered


 
Melissa's baby shower was given by these five extraordinary girls.
 
 
They chose an outdoorsy adventurer's theme, just right for a little boy.
 
 
They decorated everything and even had to remove some of Melissa's furniture to do it.
 
 
When Grandma and Grandpa arrived with their BFFs Jeannie and Paul,
we were all amazed!
 
 
Then Melissa came, and as you can see, she was delighted!
 
 
Among the many guests was Tracy, whose baby (also a boy) is due 2 weeks after Melissa's.
 
 
The food was delicious and served in a most unusual way.
Daddy, Adam, did so much to make the day a success.
 
 
Each guest was told to bring a favorite storybook, and Llama Llama Red Pajama was a hit.
 
 
Melissa really loved the handmade gifts.
 
 
Melissa's mother made a gorgeous blanket.
 
 
A favorite gift of Melissa's was this crocheted tower, just like the little toy ones.
 
 
Adam enjoyed himself too, and also entertained the 4 men who came.
 
 
He especially liked the Handy Man baby outfit.
 
 
After opening the gifts, the guests got to make their own S'mores.
Maddie couldn't wait.
 
 


 
The baby's room is perfect, and I just can't wait to see Baby A in this crib!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Monday, December 29, 2014

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!


No one loves Christmas as much as I do.  And this year you could really feel the love.  Expecting a new grandbaby adds a whole new dimension! Everyone is so excited about Baby A.

 
Melissa is due in February, and we couldn't be more pleased.
 
 
Amanda and Valerie are such sweet and lovable granddaughters.  No wonder we can't wait for another grandchild!
 
 
Grandkids, Maddie and Reese are a delight! They love every part of Christmas, and it's fun just being around them.
 
 
So blessed to have found this man to share my life with.  He has added so much joy to my life.
 
 
 

 
Moments from Christmases past.  Maddie in her first Christmas performance (preschool).  Scott and Kim and their girls the first Christmas we celebrated together, and cute little Reese, who loves hats!

 
Remembering also, our dear friend Marian who spent many Christmases with us.

 
A surprise for Baby A.  A dowel tree made by his Dad, and his Grandfather, Dave.
This Christmas was so special in so many ways.
 
 


 
 

Thursday, December 25, 2014

Duck Hunting 2014


Duck hunting has always been Duane's passion, but this year there was an added attraction.....


His son Scott has become a bona fide duck hunter!  Scott took to it like "a duck to water"---WooHoo!

 
In addition to hunting at Duane's Duck Club, the boys also took a boat duck hunting expedition.
 
 
So Scott has added Havasu National Wildlife Refuge to his hunting experiences.
 
 
Thanks to Paul for bringing his great boat blind.
 


          Navigating could be somewhat difficult with underwater trees and the like.

 
But, once they were in place, they were completely camouflaged.
 
 
Duane loved every minute!
 
 
Scott joined Pat and George McGuire in their boat for a while.
 
 
A good time was had by all!
 
 
Way to go, Scott!