Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Best year ever for the Oakleaf Hydrangea






I put in this oakleaf hydrangea possibly 4 or 5 years ago, and I never remember it looking quite this wonderful... We DID have a rather mild spring, and the loads of rain have kept it from drying out, I suppose. Anyway, thought I'd post a couple of the backyard. (By working in the yard those delightful days last week, I got my worse case of poison ivy ever !) It's miserable !, and you'd think I'd learn to stay away from it ! I DO spray it with Round-up whenever I spot it, but must have missed some !
Here are a few other views of my deck, and garden, too.

Thursday, June 19, 2008

GARDEN VIEWS


Here are some views of our wonderful Botanical Gardens from Wednesday. My daughter and I started off at a cute little coffee shop on the "Hill", which was in a converted bank building, called Shaw Coffee.... Then we visited the gardens, trying to capture some images, and then a lunch in the Sassafras Cafe, with it's outdoor seating. THE DAY WAS DELIGHTFUL !!

Monday, June 16, 2008

Recent Stuff



Aren't these cute? I recently found them and just sold them on ebay... I haven't sold much that way lately. Still busy with the house and other ventures. Our son Jim's birthday was this weekend, and the family came over for dinner, and lots of yardwork has kept me busy , especially when the weather has finally been pleasant.
I think these two porcelain figurines are possibly German. I found them in Perfect Condition.

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Newest Paintings



My newest paintings, a commission from a dear friend who just retired, These cuties are two of her darling grand children, and I'll be doing the two girls (who live in Australia) after I receive the pictures. I've been seeking out commissions for portrait painting lately, and have taken a few examples to display in Kirkwood and Glendale, at the Recycled Rose, a darling shop on Sappington Rd. The creative woman who owns the shop has such great vintage things there, as well as fabulous hand-made gifts and items for the home. Sue does the most fantastic flower arrangements and wreaths, also. Her shop is the place to stop in Glendale for a little charm and inspiration. She also has wonderful vintage and hand crafted jewelry... Sue is having a "Flea Market" on her parking lot on Sappington Rd. across from the Glendale Fire Station, this Saturday, starting at 10:00. She has arranged for 12 or so people to be there selling their things, It should prove to be REALLY FUN !!!!

Friday, June 06, 2008






You haven't heard from me for a few days or weeks, I guess, but I'm here, sorting out the various challenges that our 90+ year old house has lately decided to throw at us !!
First off, our central air conditioning "conked out" on us, leaving us with the choice of staying in this house for the long haul, and investing $8,000. in a new complicated a/c arrangement (it's in the attic, you see)...Next we woke up several days ago to find no hot water.... Our hot water heater would not light after 3 tries, and we finally realized it, too, would have to be replaced.
I still got to stay with Gracie, and instead of cooking our usual crableg birthday feast, we all went to the Miso restaurant in Clayton for sushi-- It was a delightful change, and I think we have made it over the worst in the house.....
4 window air conditioners are humming along, in different parts of the house, and a new hot water heater... I guess it says something about being flexible, because you certainly can't control some stuff, so you just might as well " go with the flow" and make the best of it.. HA !
Here we are for Diane's 32nd birthday,( We love you, Di Di) and a few choice one's of sweet baby Grace...