Happy belated Birthday, PlantLadyJan, hope it was a good one. And hugs to everyone who needs one, and prayers too.

Paul, the pictures of the flowers you post are always so lovely, you must have a gorgeous garden. Happy Father's Day, by the way.

It's been hot here, close to 100. Some members of my garden club did a tour of member gardens on Saturday, and my place was the first stop. It was fun to see them ooh and ahh over my big yard, and talk about the potential for actual garden rooms. Moved some of my soil into a new planter bed, and did some planting and mulching in it. I'm pleased with the initial results, but it needs a few more plants. Oh rats! LOL Still have a LOT of soil to move.

Hope everyone has a great week!

PlantLadyJan - Happy Birthday and I hope it was the best ever. Wow the years go by so quickly.

Beth - Hope you have a safe trip. We left Friday and returned Sunday, went to Dollywood in TN. It was hard to leave all my blooming flowers and I could not wait to get home to see what was blooming. My husband just shook his head, I do have it bad.

Paul - Gorgeous blooms, keep those pictures coming. I really enjoy all the blooming flowers. Hope you had a wonderful Fathers Day.

Poochella - WHERE ARE YOU???? Where is that world sign she sends me? Love you girl, post soon.

Shirley

Thanks to all of you for the Birthday wishes!! I had a wonderful weekend!!! Spent my birthday at a greenhouse wholesaler!! WOW this is the neatest place. They even have a section with tables and food!! Prices were just crazy so I came home with a car full!! I mean a car full !! I even had plants on my lap!! Smile Smile Smile!! Saturday I went to the farmer's market and got more goodies!! My parents gave me a glazing ball and stand that is just the best!! I always wanted one and this one is a beauty!! Went out for dinner friday night and saturday night and I spent Sunday with my dad and mom too!!! We cooked steaks on the grill and fresh corn on the cob!! Yummy!! I will be busy planting in the gardens for the next few days!! Yippie!!
I hope everyone had a great weekend! Summer is going so quickly the 4th of July isn't that far away!
Enjoy!

Hi
I wanted to share with you all I received a special box for my pal! Thanks pal so much for your thoughtfulness!! Thanks again for including a nice long letter!! You are great about always including a letter!! Cool! So sorry to hear about your accident. I do hope you are ok?
My pal sent a kit to pamper myself with !! I received sweet pea body cream and creamy body wash and bubble bath! Also enclosed was a bird suet feeder and the suet too! My birds say thanks!! Also was a great big bone for Clyde!! Thanks so much for including Clyde as he is a big part of my life!! You made his day and mine too!! Thanks again for adding a bit of sunshine to my month! Congrats on hubby's new job!! I hope it all works out for him and you as well.
Continue to enjoy the summer!! I look foward to hearing from you soon.

teee heee heee......I thougt I KNEW who my pal was. Today, however, I got an email from her and now I find out that it is someone else. Well, I think it is.....Okay, we are half way through the year, is it time to make "public" guesses yet?

and where do you all get your cute little cartoons?

Theresa

Okay, this was requested for Poochella...
Where in the world is Poochella/Annie???

But I think we just need to be patient as I believe Poochella's last post was just Friday, June 17. She seems to check in every 2-3 days, so she'll probably post soon.

Hey, are we still going to post pictures? There were only 9 or so people who posted a picture of themselves, and several others of us who posted of our dog pals. I didn't have pictures of us on this computer before so I couldn't upload them. Having now taken care of that... Here we are:

{{gwi:1281211}}
Bob & Gina (12/04)
Lucas-Samuel-Adam

{{gwi:1281212}}
Bob & Gina

What a lovely, lively looking family!!!! Boys are so much fun and they will treat you like a queen OR maybe you'll be sorely outnumbered.
I have 4 teenage grandsons and I cannot believe how fast they grew!!!!!

Nice to "SEE" ya Gina! Great pics and the kids are adorable!

Shirley, isn't it wild that we'd rather stay here and watch flowers bloom than go enjoy a vacation? lol I think most of us worry about what we'll miss when we're gone. Did you enjoy Dollywood? I'd love to go see it.

I guess everyone is busy outside these days with the height of the season. It's getting too hot here already for me to want to be out much. I'm not supposed to be in extreme temps but I don't mind cause I don't like them anyway. ;-) Give me spring or fall anyday!

Dig happy ya'll,

Nancy

ilsonshine - Thanks for putting out the world sign for Poochella, maybe she will surface now. Love the picture of your family, what a nice family too.

Nancy - Loved Dollywood, I like the shows. They have very talented groups in those shows. I missed going when Dolly was there, she always is there on opening day each year. She gave Gold Passes for life out this year and I missed it. Probably worth $3,000.00 if you live a long life. Get to go each year (all you want for free) one day pass is $43.50. I was sick when I found out she did that this year.

Shirley

Did you realize today is the longest day of the year? Each day will get shorter after this.

Shirley

I got a wonderful package from my pal...Golly she can stuff a box..lol..I got a whirly metal windchime that is giving my cat fits..She is facinated by it...A cute puppy dog windchime.. A little decorative birdhouse that I hung on my shepards hook..This one is a butterfly and I already had a Ladybug one...A terracotta planter with a daisy holder.. It says candleholder but I think some herbs would be too cute in it..A little carved elephant and a carved Tiki man... such cute things...PLUS... enough seeds to start my own secret pal garden all kinds of neat things to grow...
Hope my Pal is doing great and life is sunny..
Thank you soooo much for making my day..
Hope the group is doing well..HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL THE JUNE BABIES...
Ronda

Hi there everyone! You all are posting such beautiful pictures of your flowers. I just love looking at them. I don't have a lot of time now to wander around my flower beds, so I still get to see all kinds of pretty blooms when I come here!

I got the nicest package from my pal yesterday. She sent a very sweet letter and note card. She also sent me a Calgon bath set to pamper myself! Maybe I can get DH to watch Gabby one evening while I soak in the tub. :) I also received a very pretty garden themed picture frame. And here is the sweetest part. Gabby received her first package in the mail also. My pal sent a seperate box just for her. She received a cute Winnie the Pooh quilt, and darling red and white dress, and the cutest little undies with ruffled lace on the backside. That was so sweet. I can't wait to see how she looks in her dress! Thank you so much from both of us!! In your letter, you asked how long we had been waiting for Gabby. It's been a year and a half since we started waiting. My husband and I have been trying to have a baby since we got married over 5 years ago. Thank you Nancy and everyone for all your kind words. Yes, it has been a very difficult thing to go through, but you know what... I can barely even remember the pain we went through now. I just look at that little face and know that everything we went through was worth it. I know God had a plan for us and it included Gabby coming into our lives. The timing was just perfect.
We went to the Dr. yesterday for her check up and she weighs 9 lbs. 14 oz. and is 22 inches long. She gained over a pound in a week and grown 2 inches already. He said she looks very healthy and is doing just great! We went to my parents house then for dinner and then did a little shopping. (you know, diapers and stuff, lol) It felt good to get out of the house with her for a little bit. And I was so proud when people would come up and say how pretty she was! Definitely a proud Mommy!! Ok, gonna try and repost that pictures that turned out so small. Going to try and post one of her yesterday too.
{{gwi:1281213}}
Hope everyone is doing well! Happy belated birthday to PlantladyJan! Yaya, I'm keeping you and hubby in my prayers! Dusty, where are you? Hope everything is ok. I've missed you the last few days! Hugs to all!! Teresa

{{gwi:1281214}}
Ok, here's the picture from yesterday! I went shopping at the Baby Gap and just fell in love with this outfit, so I dressed her up in it for her Dr.'s appt! The rate she's growing though, I don't think she'll be able to wear it too many more times! lol. Teresa

Oh! Teresa, she is absolutely darling, and the outfit makes her look even sweeter/cuter!! I am soooooo happy for you. I used to work for Right to Life of MI and saw some wonderful couples who wanted a baby soo badly to love and care for. They would express their longing and sadness when hoping/waiting to adopt. They had such a hard time waiting especially with knowing that over 30 million babies had been aborted since '73. I am so very glad that your dream has come true with this sweet little angel, that truely is a precious gift from our Heavenly Father.

Hey! A package arrived Monday from my pal. She shared with me plants from her garden including: Coneflower-purple, Feverfew, Honeysuckle Vine, Siberian Iris-purple, some Voodoo Lily Bulbs, and a Mystery Plant from the 1st plant given to her (that reminds her of a hardy geranium) Neat! If you ever identify it, please let me know. Now, let me say again that I hope you (and all-y'all) know that a note or email, card or e-card would be just fine too. Thanks!! for thinking of me and sharing from your tenderly loved and cared for garden, especially when youÂve had soo much going on! I appreciate it. You are very sweet!

Hi Gina
Thanks for sharing your family at home with us your gardenweb family!! Great picture!!

Teresa What a glow you have on!! Looking good! Oh such a cute outfit on Gabby! Look forward to seeing more photos as she grows.

Hey what is up with Dusty? Are you painting again? LOL I hope you are doing well.

Pooch we miss hearing from you!!

To all enjoy your gardens!

Teresa - Gabby is just a little baby doll and I guess we are all godparents. You will have to keep us informed of all her achievements.

I think half this group is on vacation (they sneaked off).

I received the sweetest package from my secret pal (I know who it is but I'm not telling). She has been very busy and told me so in the sweetest letter.
I received some plant markers for basil, thyme, chives and oregano. I do have chives planted but now I intend to plant some thyme, basil and oregano (have to use these cute markers). Also I received a flowering herbs candle and it smells sooooo good. Thank you secret pal.

Shirley

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to Aprils_Garden, Happy Birthday to YOU!!! & Maaannyyy More, Cha Cha Cha

LOL... Look at the time signature on ilsonshine's post above. Gina, did you wait all day until just past midnight to make that post? Great timing

Happy birthday to Aprils_Garden. Did we see a photo of you yet???

Aprils_Garden - Happy Birthday to you, hope you have a wonderful day.

Shirley

Hi Everyone,

Looks like almost everyone has great pals! I have only 2 people I need to check up on. I know my pal has been ill, but I did hear from her....she sent via ebay...a bare root japanese maple....green! I love it, definietly my favorite gifts are actual plants! I do hope she is feeling better, and I am really glad she is still in touch because I would hate to lose her from the ring. Her gifts are so thoughtful, although I miss hearing from her personally, I hope she feels up to writing soon.

It sure is hot here! I finally got my ftp program back on my computer (my computer crashed months ago and I had to load everything from scratch, and never got around to that) so I am anxois to post some pictures for you all.

YaYa

Happy Birthday Aprils-Garden!! Best wishes for a fun filled day!!

Dear Secret Pal,
I received your gift yesterday. How perfect it is, too!!! We are having temps in the 90's this week. My pal sent a pitcher with a big green/blue flower on it and some nice big blue and green glasses to match. Even my husband and son were thrilled and thought they were JUST what we needed. She also sent country time lemonade, and some Tetley iced teas in two flavors--luscious peach and kiwi and cool raspberry and lemon. I will be making some sun tea with those. Needless to say, the guys promptly washed the pitcher and glasses and made lemonade. Yum!!! Thank you my dear pal for another wonderful and thoughtful gift. You ARE the best!!! Mary Ellen/Mellen

I'm here! I'm here! lol Shut the computer off for a few days.. then just did email. I had a ton to get done and if I start surfing I can be here a while. I'm not really painting again.. but sort of! lol Been doing some stenciling... lol Got my area all wired and rigged out in the back building loft for drying my flowers and I already have 3 lines full! LOL It's a big loft too! My office is pretty much 100% set up and fuctioning! Finally! I was just about there the week it was in the 90's and started smelling cat urine!!!! I don't have any cats! It was hidden in the carpet and the heat and humidity brought it out... to say the least I was ticked! I think cats are just filthy! I love em.. but if they don't live in my barn at home, the don't live at my house. I know there's some good cat's out there but I don't know many! It's worse when they get old. Anyhow... everything came out and I ripped up the carpet and smelled and smelled the flooring... then decided to have hubby re-place that too.. I'm not taking any chances.. man that stuff stinks!

Happy birthday Plant Lady and Aprils Garden! And anyone else I may have missed! Hope you both had great days!

Lil T I just love Gabby! She's such a beautiful baby! Hope she got her days and nights on track.. that's always tough!

Yaya,
Haven't heard anything from my pal this month, in case I am one of the 2 you are checking on. I don't know who your pal is, but I sure hope she gets well soon! Seems she's been sick quite sometime now! Yaya's pal, please get better soon!

~Dusty~

I received a nice box from my SP yesterday.
There was a Spanish Flag Vine in it. I'm going to plant it on the fence of my veggie garden....since the veggies aren't doing too well this year (It's been to wet and rainy).I also received the cutest birdhouse....using an old hinge for the roof. I love it! And, a potpourri type pot (don't know the proper name!)with lilac scent. Mmm....yummy. It will be really useful...I have stinky dogs and cats. I think I'll give it a try tonight.

Thanks pal for the great box.
Becky

I'm here too! I am just getting around to posting about the package I received earlier this week. My Fabulous Secret Pal sent me chocolate mint & golden lemon thyme (yummy!) and pennyroyal plants. She also sent a pair of gardening gloves, a summer citrus scented air freshener (did you make that?) and patriotic notecards, notepaper and napkins. Just in time for July 4th! She also sent bracelets, toy ponies, stickers and noisemakers for DD. Thanks so much! I really appreciate everything you have sent!

Jenell

Hi All:
I got a great package from my pal.I got a beautiful garden journal, a friendship plaque, a sweet pink fluffy pen (I LOVE pink), a set of windchimes, some great seeds and seedpacks, a snake plant, and some sedums! My pal is always sending the most thoughtful gifts. I am 99% sure I know who it is but I'm NOT tellin! :)
Theresa

Here I am, back in the saddle again! I am honored to have received the spinning globe! LOL Have been inundated with graduating the dearest daughter, having company, and all that that entails. What a week! It was great fun and I am so proud, yet exhausted. Theresa in OH you better treasure each minute with little Gabby (love her sox by the way) because she will soon be flying the nest- it goes that fast.

I am catching up on all things Garden Web and glad to hear everyone is doing well. We had a visitor sleeping a foot from the computer all week, so no web-surfing for me.

Am kind of disappointed Beckster didn't get a bee in her package. Hmmm... perhaps we can all pitch in and add to her collection?

Last but not least, Aprils Garden, my humblest apologies for a late delivery of the flaming birthday cake of love!
If you're still here and not too old to type- let us know how your birthday went.
For you: Happy Belated Birthday!

Hey, Beckster, send the rain east! It's tttooooo Hhhooottt & dryyy!!

YaYa, when you get a chance, could you post a list of all the people who are on our wonderful Garden Circle Exchange Ring? I think you've added some new people and we probably don't have their birthdays yet and we don't want to miss anyone if we can help it. THANKS!!

Oh, Oh, Oh, I don't wanna miss a cake, rrrrr I mean Birthday, Oh-Oh-Oh

Hello Everyone!

Sorry I have been so absent lately, more about that in a moment...

Thank you all for your wonderful birthday wishes! I had a very nice birthday spent with my family and a couple friends took me out to dinner last night and we had a great time.

Thank you Secret Pal for the birthday package that arrived right on time! There was a cute Happy Birthday stuffed bear, some yummy raspberry creamsicle scented candles, a pretty wood plaque with a rose on it and a magazine called Weekend Gardening that is just full of fun projects I can't wait to try! In answer to your question I have 4 children, a 14 y/o girl, 12 y/o boy, 7 y/o boy and a 5 y/o girl. I have to say they love my packages from you as much as I do! It is always an exciting day in the house when one arrives. Thanks for being a great pal.

OK, now for why I have been away. My husband lost his job at the end of April- pretty much the result of new management in and old employees out. I feel as though I sort of crawled into a hole and have been living there while I process the change in our lives. Chatting on the computer was just something I haven't felt up to doing which is silly since I really enjoy doing it. I guess I just wasn't ready to say anything and since it is constantly on my mind I felt deceitful in not mentioning anything- if that makes any sense. I am feeling much better lately and have really been enjoying having him finish so many projects around the house that have been put off for years because he was so busy working. Anyway, please forgive me for neglecting you all and hopefully you can help bring me back to my normal self.

I am trying to catch up on all of the news from the group.

Dusty, I am so sorry to hear of your Kool Aid kid, you are in my prayers.

Teresa I am so happy for you- your picture didn't show up for me but I will track it down at photobucket

I am enjoying all of the pictures and I'm sure I have missed lots more news during my quick reading of the threads I missed. You are all wonderful, caring people!

April

Mellen-What a thoughtful gift from your pal. A pitcher and glasses, great for this season filled with iced tea or lemonade.

Dusty - Too funny about the cat urine. I must say I would do the same thing. I like cats if they stay at the barn but don't want them in the house.

Aprils_Garden - Nice family, 4 children. Now that mine are gone I wish I had more than two. Sorry to hear about your husband and his job. Hope he finds something else he likes. I have seen that new management stuff where I work many times. I have been with the same company 22 years and have seen it all.

Poochella - Congratulations to your daughter upon her graduation. Good to see you back. Yes we put out the where in the world are you sign for you. Has your dahlia fire and ice bloomed yet? Mine is now blooming and oh so beautiful. I hope to get my computer fixed where it will download from my digital camera again. I dread calling the computer guy again, he charges $45.00 an hour.

Shirley

Hi Everyone,
I have to make this post short and sweet.. so please don't think I am being rude!

I want to thank my secret pal for a wonderful book she sent me this month. The book is "The Pond Doctor" Which I really really wanted!!! You made my year secret pal! Thank you very much ! She also sent me a nice letter, both in the box and in email.

Pal, I will reply to your email asap.. I am taking most of this week off.. and only came to the shop to post I got my box for the month so my pal doesn't get in trouble.

They say death comes in 3's.. well we're on #2 now. I was at the shop yesterday am when my DD called screaming MOM MOM MOM!!!! I screamed back WHAT? What? What?!! "Renee and I just found Ron dead!" WHAT???? They had spent the night at Renee's Dad's house Sat night... woke Sunday morning and found him dead on the couch.. his feet were already purple! They heard him upstairs at 1:30 am but them they went to sleep. Needless to say I have 2 16 year ols that may need some counseling! DD kept waking up last night screaming in her sleep. Keep her and Renee in your thoughts. These poor girls have been getting hammered this month!

Again, thank you secret pal for the wonderful book! My pond surely needs some Doctoring!

~Dusty~

Oh, Dusty. I am so sorry to hear about Ron. I'm guessing he was your family pet? In any case, I'm sorry for your lose and will keep your family in my prayers.

Dusty I am so sorry for all the absolute loss and strife in your lives. That is a very traumatic experience for anyone, but for your daughter and her friend (I am reading that is was the friend's Dad found dead,) with the other recent accidental death, I would encourage counselling for certain. So sad for you all.

Shirley, no my dahlias are lollygagging slackers waiting for consistent warm weather. We had a few great days last week, but not enough of them in a row to get them growing. most are under a foot tall, some two feet. I am proud to announce that Fire and Ice is my one and only success (so far) at taking a cutting and getting roots- so I have two of them! Can't wait to see them in bloom.

Take care Dusty of you and yours.
Pooch

I forgot April's Garden! AprilsGarden, I am also sorry to hear about your husband's job loss. We've gone through that as well and it's no picnic unless you like dining on uncertainty and worry. But on the bright side, as you noted, lots of things get done around the house. Here's my favorite quote from that time in our lives: Hubby to friend: "Our dog hardly sheds at all." Me: "When, exactly, was the last time you picked up a broom or a vacuum?" Floorcare then became his next assignment!

I hope something will turn up for your husband that is an even better opportunity. Don't be a stranger- we will all listen and you don't have to even make us lunch.

Theresa, the pictures of mommy and baby are so adorable. Thank you for making that one larger. I love her little outfit but I think you're right, she may not wear it many times. ;-) They sure do grow in a hurry.

Dusty, I know you and yours are overwhelmed by grief right now. I have no words that will help with your losses but know that I am thinking of you and praying that the pain will heal quickly and leave you all with warm memories to cherish.

We got rain----twice----in 3 days!!!!! Yipee ki-yo ki-yay, galloping all the way! You should see my hair frizzing and it is soooo nice! lol

Here's a pot of plants that my pal sent me just as tiny tots and look at 'em now! I'm going to plant them in the ground when it starts to get cooler but in time for them to put on roots for winter. Aren't they pretty?

The old glider in the background was my grandmother's. She bought it the year I was born, in 1951 and it's one of my prized possessions even though it could stand a new coat of paint!

It's nice to see some of the ones who haven't been around in awhile. Stick around folks, it's the best place to be.

Nancy

dusty,

i certainly recommend counselling. my son was 9 when he came home from school and found my father. he was so brave. he called 911, then called my mother and then me. to this day, i'm so impressed how he cared for his 'gramps' in death. i signed him up for a loss and grief group immediately. it was the best thing we did in such a terrible situation. i am a real advocate for counselling, for any reason, at any time. it never hurts to talk.

april, so sorry to hear about your husband's work situation. i know all too well about new management. i am just going back to work after losing my job in november. took all that time to find something, to the point where i was beginning to think my age and salary were factors in my inability to be marketable. but now, once i get something, there are other offers coming in. when it rains it pours.
of course, at the peak of garden season i have to go back . amazing how many weeds grow in one week's time.

i got my first bloom from the beautiful sunflower seeds my pal sent me. also, i have one dahlia coming up. i also have so many other things blooming and have taken pics on a borrowed digital camera and then the camera went kaput. i am now trying to recapture everything on a toss away camera. hopefully, i'll get some decent shots.

those of you that have a digital camera, what brand and model? what are you likes and dislikes? i know squat about them, but want one.

oh, remember my bunny? she had 5 babies. i thought at first it was 2, then saw 3 hiding in the weeds. then one night after i swore she abandoned them, she came back and we watcher her nurse. i got a few pics, hope they came out okay.

got some much needed rain today and it's still going on now...thank God. i am so hose challenged, i'd rather God take care of it, and i still haven't gotten my rain barrels up and running

I think my last message totally disappeared and never made it on the board. Anyway, it was to wish Happy Birthday to the birthday ladies, congratulations to our new mom, and get well to YaYa's husband. Since then I see that others have new concerns in their lives and my thoughts and prayers will be with each of you as well, both with the good news items and the bad.
My younger daughter got married Friday evening so that was a big day in our lives - and you must excuse me for bragging but I have to say that she was the most beautiful bride and just beaming with happiness. (It also seems like Friday was the last day we had without rain and thunderstorms. We had a terrible storm a little earlier so I was so thankful to have good weather on Friday.)
Take care and keep posting the great pictures!
Sandlapper Rose

Just a quick update. We are off again in the boat for a floatilla cruise with a bunch of friends. We'll take Ernie this this time around so we won't have to be back at any given time. the garden is what it is and will do what it does in spite of whether I'm here or not. the elbow is about half way healed. I can shift gears at the helm so that's a good thing.
April honey hang in there. This is almost the worst life can hand you. It's scary as hell but at least you've got each other, if you don't seriously maim each other first.

EArthly, I just found this on another forum: for digital camera research. We use Canons both still cam and movie. Generally easy to shoot, upload to computer, and manage all the little software stuff. If you want close up flower photos get a higher optical zoom. A minimal zoom of ten is what I'm aiming for on our next camera. And other than that, I know squat too!

Sandlapper- Congratulations to the beaming bride and her family! Weddings and babies are so inspiring.

Have a safe flotilla Lilylouise. You have a good attitude about your garden- I am finding myself more carefree about the garden this season as well. Although I do harbor some ill will toward the deer who browsed off my sedum tops, blueberries and a couple dahlias. Bambi go home.

Where in the world is Veeja?

Here is a link that might be useful: Digital Photography Review link

Wow, I got the world sign, everyone is learning to use graphics, makes our thread lots of fun. Dusty my thoughts are with you, april good luck with dh's job search. poochie my dahlias are about 1 ft tall one with a bud on top. if you are in area stop by my roses are in full bloom here is a pic of one bed

Dusty
Hugs and Thoughts and prayers are being sent your way. That situation is hard enough for an adult to handle let alone a child. Hang in there Dusty!

HEY EVERYBODY!! Yes I know I haven't spoken in awhile it has been rough here but reading on this forum seems like my problems are mild!!!! I wish everyone the best of luck with all of the current situations!!Time is definitely a healer. I received a wonderful kit of garden tools from my partner and it is so funny because there are some bonsai tools in there and my 5 year old son says to me mommy look a shovel that is just my size!!! I really appreciate the kit I was just telling my dh how I need to invest in some tools and kazaam!!! They were on the porch when I came home yesterday!!!!

Dusty, I'm soooo sad to hear of another loss and for Kayla and her friend being the ones to find Ron. I have a cousin (I think 11-13yrs) who found his grandmother (who w/ his grandfather was raising him). It was even worse as she took her own life. It would be good for the girls to be able to talk with a qualified counselor. Parents/family/friends can only do so much. I'm praying that you all will feel God's loving arms around you giving you some comfort and peace.

April, I'm sad for you and DH too with your situation. After my divorce (abt 9 yrs ago) my 21m/o son and I moved back home with my folks. The D, being a single mom, not receiving child support regularly, leaving many supportive friends to move back with family was all difficult enough. But then trying to find a job in a rural area was hard too as placed didn't want to hire me as I had an M.A. and they figured I'd leave soon to find a better job. It was hard to see people I knew from my home area as they'd ask all about things and I hated not being able to say things were great, and rather telling of being divorced, a single mom and unemployed. In my prayers I kept hearing "Be still and know that I am God" Psalm 46:10 and it isn't easy for me to sit still or to be quiet (may have something to do with ADD?). But this made me rely on God even more. Tough times can sure bring us closer to God and to our family. So hang in there and have faith, and remember "tough times never last, but tough people do." Meanwhile, enjoy the time you and DH have together and all the little things that might get fixed.

So as to not end this on such a sad note, let me say that it is without a doubt that our Heavenly Father brought Bob into my life at just the right time. It is amazing how He can make things that seem so bad work out to be so good in His time. When Bob and I got engaged my DS (3 1/2y.o) started (on his own) calling him Daddy Bob just a few days later. The timing was just right as it was a few weeks later that my son lost his father. That was sad too, but being still and trusting God brought me a wonderful DH (whom I was told was "a good man" by a very High Authority : ) ) and he even adopted DS#1, so he nows that he was loved so much that he was even chosen to be a dear son. : ) It is so good having a husband who is truly "a Good Man" who leads his family spiritually, provided for financially, and in so many other ways. Good things will come when we have faith, trust and an ear that listens for that still, small voice that wants to be heard if we'll just be still and listen.

Dusty, I'm so sorry to hear of another loss for you and the kids. I will be praying for all of you.

Thanks everyone for your words of encouragement about the loss of my DH job. We really think it was probably for the best because he put in SO many hours, usually at least 65 or more a week including almost every Saturday and some Sundays. It is just really hard be be still and wait for the better situation to come! I do have faith that he will find something much better, but it is scary anyway. I have been a stay at home mom for 14 years (really pretty much my whole adult life) and I like my job and would like to keep it! My youngest will be off to kindergarten this fall and I had lots of big ideas about what I would do with all my new free time! :-) I would hate to have to get a job and mess that up! LOL

I am loving all of the pictures, I promise I will figure out how to do them soon! My garden is looking great as long as you can ignore the weeds. Some areas are brand new so it is a constant battle (I also planted seeds and I am terrible at figuring out what is what until the sprouts get really big)

Contrats on the weddings and graduations- it is great to hear what is going on with everyone!

April

Here is a picture from a few weeks ago of Gentle Shepherd, one of my day lilies. We haven't had enough sun lately to encourage the day lilies to bloom, but that's okay - the rain is needed as well.

I tried to reduce the size of this picture, but I am not sure it worked. Also, someone asked about digital cameras. This was taken using a Nikon Coolpix. I am still learning how to use the features on the camera but have been happy with it so far. However, I still like my film camera as well so sometimes I use one and sometimes the other.

Sandlapper Rose

Hi All,
Skoochmagooch! Good to hear from you- I thought you'd been swept away by a thunderstorm or some such thing. Welcome back.

SandlapperRose what a beautiful daylily! Am I the only one who can sit mesmerized studying every line, ripple, and color change on any bloom? So many of them are just miraculous in their patterns and designs. Lovely.

Veeja! Your garden bed is so tidy and so full of color- gorgeous. You should get that photo over to the cottage forum, they'd go crazy for your purple trim! I found a bud on a foot tall dahlia just now- I left it. It might be the only bloom I have all year at this rate!

I had a beautiful stand of dark blue and white delphiniums 7-8 ft tall some of them. That was before the rains hit :(
The stand of astilbe is flushing out some color now, so I'll try for a photo of that and you can all laugh at my means of holding back the adjacent woods of Japanese Knotweed!

Just now remembering to post that I got a really cute note from my Garden Exchange Pal this month. Thanks, Pal! My head had been spinning with the graduation and wedding on my agenda. (Wouldn't you know it - now this week seems too quiet! LOL However, I had a root canal on Tuesday so I am giving myself permission to rest up for a few days.)

Sandlapper Rose

Rest well after that root canal Sandlapper. I've a few of those under my dental belt, so to speak. I think a hot fudge malt might help you heal!

I arrived home after a really long work day to find a wholly unexpected box from my WonderPal. What a brightener that was for me as I expected nothing, but now I'm all set for 4th of July!
Inside all packed in the most adorable antiqued flag-painted metal tote box were Flag plates, bright red napkins, deep blue cutlery, Flag playing cards and an entire bag of Andes mints! I really love the flag box Pal, and all its contents. I also enjoyed a personal note in a floral card and accompanying matching magnet "Friends that plant kindness gather love." That is so true.

I have researched the bulb of Ismene Calanthina (Peruvian Daffodil) for best planting practices and think I have a great spot for it. Looks and sounds wonderful by description and I love the 'scented' feature. Your hosta is doing great and tradescantia as well. I shouldn't jinx things by saying so, but my new shade bed of hostas has been remarkably free of ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~\/ slug damage this year. Just incredible for our slug infested environment.

Thanks again Pal. I wish you a safe and wonderful 4th of July outing with your family. And the same for the rest of our gang!

Look for the new July Thread.

YaYa