Roll Out the Barrel

Instead of planting flowers in this small barrel this year, we bought a stepping stone at a local garden center and made an end table for the patio.  It works well and since I don't have to water it, I have more chances to sit! 

Up and About

In my previous post, I shared my outdoor, off-my-feet activities.  Today, I'd like to show you what keeps me out of my chair during the summer months.

We have several birdbaths.  When the birds use them, the water gets dirty and much of it gets splashed out.  Filling them takes me to all corners of our lot.



Our fountain needs frequent additions of water too. 

For color, I filled this planter with orange, yellow and red annuals.

Impatiens do well in our yard in the many shady areas.  We love the red ones and continue to plant them year after year.

I planted impatiens all around this pin oak in the backyard...



and our crimson king maple in the front.  These two areas take the most time and energy to fill but are well worth it.  Before long the plants will miraculously fill the planted areas and the soil will no longer be visible.



Our wheelbarrow planter sits under a tree so of course red impatiens were the perfect choice to put in it.



All of our peony bushes blossom at once and only once each year.  I sure wish they'd take turns and that the flowers would last a bit longer than a week or two. 



These three hydrangea bushes under the overhang don't catch the rain so I have to remember to water them regularly.  If they're thirsty, they pout by drooping their leaves.  They're a sad sight and I simply can't ignore them! 

When I'm satisfied with the yard, I grab my sunglasses and my MP3 player and head out for a walk around the neighborhood.  With half a dozen cul-de-sacs nearby, I can walk for an hour without getting far from home. 

I hope all of you are enjoying your time outside.  There's nothing like fresh air and exercise, although fresh air and sitting down has its merits too.


Let's all have a terrific month of JUNE !!

Sum...Sum...Summertime!

Summertime draws me outside.  I like to mix it up by dividing my time between sit-down and up-and-about activities.  Today I'd like to share a few of my favorite off-my-feet pastimes.

Observing birds at our feeders is a joy.  We have more than enough feeding contraptions to keep a variety of birds coming and going.

When I have only a few seconds to sit, I open a crossword puzzle book.  I must admit, there's nothing like a difficult puzzle to get me back on my feet again!!! 

Journaling calms me and allows me to put my life in the proper perspective.  (You wouldn't know that by the angle of this photo!)

I recently discovered LUMOSITY and am addicted to the brain stimulating games they offer.  They're not exactly relaxing but I love a challenge. 

I just finished this book yesterday.  It's the second in the HUNGER GAMES trilogy.  I'll start MOCKINGJAY later today.  I understand why Suzanne Collins' books are bestsellers.

Blurry, but none-the-less, a majestic male cardinal.  Birdwatching is awesome; you can enjoy it while you're doing something else.  A quick glance up can award you a pleasant sight like this. 

I hope you've enjoyed these photos and the accompanying words.  I'll be back soon to share some of my up-and-at-em summertime activities.

I'd love to know you better by hearing about your favorite summertime stuff.

(I know it's not officially summer yet.  Please humor me!)

'

Wheeeee!

I'm on a mini stay-at-home vacation until May 31st, thus I have no excuses for not posting here.  Stay tuned!

(That is, if I can haul myself out of bed.  It's tempting to hang out there some days!!  Today-Day One I got out at 7:30.  Not bad, huh?) 

Lon's Big Catch

Lon caught this 47 inch muskeye on Lake Vermilion, Minnesota on 5/12/12.

Two days later, he caught this 37 inch Northern. 

Lon and Jared had a great time on their fishing trip this year.  These are only two of the many fish they caught.

A Bogged-Down Blog

My blog and I are bogged down.  Actually, my blog is fine.  I'm the one who is dragging.  Don't give up on me because I'll figure out something to say or photos to share one of these days.

Come on sunshine!  Who doesn't benefit from some of that?

...and here's Miles!!

Have hat, will travel!  Wearing Lon's hat, Miles is ready to go.

Miles is full of smiles.

Holding Miles is a big challenge.  He wiggles and squirms nonstop.  I loved every minute of it!!   

We had a fun afternoon at John and Phyllis'.  My niece, Brittany, came from Appleton with her son, Miles.

Besides those already mentioned, we were together with Bob, Bonnie, Maria and her sons, Colton and Hunter.

Besides the fun of being together, we had a blast watching the Kentucky Derby.

What are you enjoying today?