In a garden each day brings something new . . .

I love the rapidly changing sights of spring.

As the daffodils wane, the hosts begin to break the earths surface and a pear tree

glows with fresh blooms.

Oh Miss Spring , each day a different outfit!

Lori Ann

(I posted this on my work blog the other day, but thought I'd repeat it here as well . . .
my little sign of spring to come!)

When I lived in the country there were bluebirds, always and everywhere.

 I loved that first sign of spring when one might come sit on my studio window sill

to reassure me that yes, it's really coming!

How beautiful is it that something so simple can bring a smile and hope?

I have missed my bluebirds.

Living in the suburbs they don't like such close quarters.

Yes, I've seen them on walks to the park, or drives in the country, but

in the 10 years we have lived here never in our backyard.

Until . . . . . Sunday !

Even taken thru the screen this image makes me smile.

A bluebird in the suburbs.

Movin' on up?

Or loss of habitat?

But for today I'll just smile!

May you always have a bluebird on your shoulder,

Lori Ann

2013 hopeful . . .

Hopeful . . . 

Of course this word can mean many things to many people.

For this blog it means that I am "hopeful" that I can be a better garden 

blogger in 2013.

Last year was not the prettiest of garden years . . . 

i spent my days playing defense with a garden hose  . . .  watering relentlessly

just to keep everything alive in the heat.

I am "hopeful" that this new year will bring a lovely garden season,

nice warmth, just the right amount of rain, plenty of sunshine

and no bugs!

But I'll work with whatever we get.

In the mean time . . .  enjoy this photo I took right after Christmas of

the kitchen garden during a pretty snow.

Lori Ann

Fruits of our labor . . .

My Monday morning . . .  A garden is hard work, but the rewards . . . . wow, I am so grateful!    You honestly can't get any better or healthier than this!  This morning was tomatoe sauce day!  I have been flinging bags of tomatoes into the freezer , we were running out of freezer space.  This all actually started with the planting of our garlic last fall!  We grew EVERY element that is in this sauce . . . from the tomatoes, onions & red peppers to the garlic and oregano. I use red peppers in my sauce . . . as they give a depth of flavor and a richness that is amazing!   The house smells so wonderful as the sauce is cooking right now!  This evening?  Eggplant Parmesean..... YEP, we grew the eggplant too!  :-)

Have a happy day!

Lori Ann

Happy 4th. !

 May you Fourth be happy and safe !

Lori Ann

I'm Excited!

Let me introduce you to Judy Condon.

Judy is the author of the

"Simply Country"

book series.

Her books cover real country homes, decor and seasonal decorating.

2 years ago she published her first garden book.

Simply Country Gardens

it was such a hit with readers that her second garden book,

Just Country Gardens 

was released this year!

The reason I am so excited ?

(Aside of course, from being greatly inspired by all of the beautiful gardens).

Our own humble gardens will be in her 2013 garden book!

(Judy hasn't chosen a name yet, but I will definitely keep you up on the title and 

release date once it's announced !)

In the mean time you can order and of Judy's books thru

Marsh Homestead Antiques

Enjoy and tell your friends!

Lori Ann

My thirsty little helper!

Lacy has been "helping" me in the garden.

She works so hard , often checking the perimeter for strangers,

 running along the fence with her dog friends

checking on me now and then and sunning herself on the deck.

She gets very hot and loves to have a nice little drink from the

freshly refilled bird bath!

I guess the birds won't mind!

Tomorrow is the 

"Quailcrest Garden Fair"

in Wooster, Ohio

FUN!!!

http://www.quailcrest.com

Have a sunny day!

Lori Ann