Country Living at my Parent's

It is my dad's birthday today. I stopped over for a visit and I should learn to Call first. My parents were gone so I decided to take photos of their yard. Happy Birthday Dad!!!

Welcome to my parent's place..out in the country. A place I call home. I grew up here. All of these lovely yard decorations were not there then. My dad retired a few years ago and this is just one of the things that keeps him occupied. You can find him outside almost anytime you stop over. I always feel at home here.
Isn't this a sweet spot? The bike is chained to the concrete bench...no riding away with this beauty.
The walkway is made from field stones. Dad created this 2 years ago just when he retired.
They have had the lattice chair on the left for as long as I can remember. It was extremely rusted and dad rescued it this spring and spent 2 days getting rid of the rust and painting it.

What does one do with extra firewood? Make shiny, happy people, of course.

My sister and I purchased the vintage clippers for dad's present.
Shiny, Happy People each with their own character. This one needed a little plastic surgery.
Would this be considered a country vignette?
Pretty geraniums propped in a wicker basket.
Handmade carts painted in country farm colors.
Wheelbarrows lined in a row close to the roadside. The Honor system is key.

This is THE place to purchase your firewood!

Happy Birthday Dad~Love Ya,
(~~)
Julie

By the Light of the Moon

My sister called and told me to step outside to
see the moon. Such a pretty glow tonight.
Good Night Moon!
(~~)
Julie
(~~)

Time to catch up...really catch up

Runners just do it - they run for the finish line even if someone else has reached it first. ~Author Unknown


"In running, it doesn't matter whether you come in first, in the middle of the pack, or last. You can say 'I have finished.' There is a lot of satisfaction in that."


I did it! Finished the first 5k of the season. Hope to get a few more under my belt before winter. There was a killer hill...It was perfect weather and looking forward to improving my pace. I am fairly new to running. I started last winter. I went from couch potato to running. I have not ran since Freshman gym class and that was forced exercise! I am proud of how far I have come even though I am extremely hard on myself after the race. The fact is I have to remember that I am almost 45 years old and I DID IT! My pace ---11:37 min/miles and I finished just at 36 minutes.

I have made some new friends along the way. It is great having someone else to push or pull you through when you think you cannot move another inch. A good ole kick in the pants once in awhile doesn't hurt to get you motivated either.


On another note..hubby put up my small raised garden on Sunday. Still haven't planted my 3 tomato plants yet. Waiting for Mr. Sunshine to show his face first.

Looks like some critter was sifting through the seeds to find all the good ones.

Isn't this the prettiest shade of pink? I cannot wait for them to fill in.
Knock...Knock...Knock

If you were a regular visitor at our house this would greet you as you enter through the garage.

This is a true statement...Wouldn't you think twice before entering?
You guessed it-Dear Hubby decorates the garage!

Thanks for stopping by and have a great week,
(~~)
Julie

Remembering Ronnie...26 years without you

Remembering my big brother Ronnie. He left this earth on 4-26-1984 at the age of 20 due to an accident.
Ronnie is wearing the blue ski vest in the photo above. He is hanging out with his closest friends in this picture. We still miss him so much. He was always in a good mood and was a typical older brother...teasing, wrestling, and sometimes just down right meanness! He was also a protector. He had to be with 4 sisters and a little brother. We had some good times and I have memories to hang on to. They bring smiles to my heart.
Until we meet again,
<3 Julie <3

Sweet Treats & Tweets

Sugary Sweet Treats...the best thing- NO CALORIES
Extra large cupcakes...
yummy ice cream cones...
layered cake...
ice cream sundae...
and a special Sweet Tweet.

You can find these in my shop

Have a great weekend...Summer is nearing

(~~)
Julie

Tip Toe Through the Tulips & Don't Squash the Bunnies

I have an obsession with field stones. The rocks in my flower garden have been plucked right from the cornfields of Indiana. Thrifty landscaping for the yard. I prefer the blue, pink, and odd color stones. You never know what you will find-large, small, or odd-shaped rocks.


I believe this perennial to be of the phlox family. It only flowers for a short period.
Casting a pretty shadow over another one of my treasured rocks.
It's almost time--can you smell Spring in the air?

This pretty tulip awaits her new mulch bedding.
Aha...this poor fellow had mulch thrown on his head...OOPS! He didn't flinch. He was a brave soldier.

The next morning I found him nestled in his home with his sibling. I hope they are safe now. I have not seen them in a few days. I feel they have left the nest.
Be on the lookout for this canine! He has to be kept away from such sweet bunnies. He cannot help himself, he is a terrier. I prefer the 2 never meet!!!!

Later tonight..posting more sweet shop goodies.

Happy Sunday
(~~)
Julie

A little birdie told me..

A little birdie told me to say HI!

Waiting for my PINK tulips to bloom-almost there!
A bluebird friend has joined in anticipation of the first spring bloom.

A little peek at some sweetness in the studio.

Summer fun is on the way soon.

Pretty Please with a Cherry on Top!


Spring is in the air and Summer is not far behind.

Happy Weekend,
(~~)
Julie