Roses...

A rose is a rose...

I love them!!!

so romantic...

'Til next time,  Love ya,  Jean

Backyard side garden...

I redid my backyard side garden 

the other day...

It had been a few years 

since it really got any close attention...

(Click on pictures to enlarge)

So,   first,  I edged the grass...

And concentrated on getting the weeds out...

I had planted some strawberries and the water was running off onto the walk instead of staying at the plants.  So I made a little terrace effect with the grey bricks and filled it in with some soil.  It works now and looks nice.  I then added some pine bark mulch to top it all off.  I love how it looks now.

Ahhhhh... gardening...  my passion,  my love!

'Til next time,  Love ya,  Jean  

Ferns...

On the East side of the house,
morning sun...

A close up view ...

There are two types of ferns here...

They grew on their own...

This is an example of 

one of Mother Nature's miracles...

I love it!  Don't you?

'Til next time,  Love ya,  Jean

Dancing Butterflies...

My "Dancing Butterflies"  Peony is so pretty this year.

This is a very reliable plant... 

always blooms so prolific...

It is just so beautiful!

The blossoms are as big as my hand!

A great addition to any garden!

Look for it!

"Til next time,  Love ya,  Jean

working hard...hardly working...

Gardening today...

75 degrees today and no rain...

Hope you enjoy your day!

'Til next time,  Love ya,  Jean

My silverware collection...

It is raining,  so I'm not gardening today.

I did a little this morning in the rain, 

 but then it started to pour,  so I had to come inside.

So I thought I would do a post for today.

I uploaded some pictures from my camera,  

and I thought you might like to see my silver collection.

It's plated,  so it's not real valuable.

My silverware that I've collected over the years...

I cleaned these pieces last week, 

 they were so dark and dirty looking...

I do love the patina on the creamers 

and my daughter's baby cup though...

 The three trays are ones that I pulled out
 of a dumpster behind a jewelry store.  
What a lucky find that was.

It was the dumpster that we used 

when we had the candy store...

The Disney Ears were made by my sister
for Christmas a couple of years ago.
They are tree ornaments,
but I like to keep them out all year.
They are so cute!  I love them!

I have found a few things at yard sales 

and I eagerly scarf them up!

Most of the pieces came from thrift stores though.

I have so many collections...

I have the hoarder instinct,  I think!

But I try not to overdo it!

I'm running out of room to put the stuff!  Lol

'Til next time,  Love ya,  Jean

A New Recipe...

I have a new recipe for you...

This is not low carb,  but I indulged in a small piece...

My family loved it!

It is called "Cuppa".

This is easy and quick to put together.

Love that!

So here is the recipe:

Cuppa

1 Cup flour

1 Cup Sugar

1 Cup Fruit Cocktail with the juice

(I added some extra maraschino cherries on top.)

Mix and bake in a 350 degree oven in a greased pan 

for about 45 min or until golden brown on top.  

I used a glass pyrex dish about 9" x 13".

I tripled the recipe for the size of the dish.

I served mine with homemade vanilla ice cream.

Delicious!

As you can see,  not much left...
This size served about 13 people.
So,  you can adjust the size of it
by how many cups you choose to do.

My 4 year old Great Grandson loved it!

He picked all the fruit out,  then ate the rest.

I hope you like this, 

and you will make it for 

your family or friends,  or yourself.

~~~

On another note,  I've been gardening like crazy. 

I also had a wonderful vacation with my BFF in Tucson,  Arizona.  We visited her relatives and had a great time.  The country is so totally different from what I am used to.  Cactus, succulents and sand instead of flowers and green lawns.  It was a wonderful sight to see the cactus in bloom.  The colors are so brilliant.  We did see some beautiful gardens with roses and flowering plants that were so pretty.  It was a wonderful trip and we hope to go on another excursion next year.  We don't know where yet,

 we're thinking about it.

I should have some gardening pictures for you next time.  We are just starting to get some flowers now.  We are past the Spring bulbs now,  but not quite into the annuals and early summer flowers.  I am still doing clean-up,  edging,  digging weeds, and spreading bark mulch.  Lots to do,  not enough time in the day!

My body is sore all over,  but I am happy with my accomplishments!

'Til next time,  

Love ya,  Jean