Latest from the flower gardens

Robin has said this is the year of the Sunflower, she has also said this is the year of the Dentura Lily, either way it has been a splendid year for both.

The Sunflowers have been out for some time, as you have seen in recent posts, the Dentura's foliage has been flourishing also.......

Now the blossoms are coming in full strength. Very beautiful. I think it's been a great year for everything so far, I don't know if this is the year of anything in particular, or just a blast from the past. I hope you have enjoyed this year as much as we have.

More Primitive Craft designs from the barn

We had a very productive Monday.

Robin spray painted these hydrangea, to be used in an assortment of arrangements.

We were able to knock all these out, plus a couple of other future posts, Monday as well. The barn is such a great work space, it makes these kinds of crafts, very enjoyable to make.

Now for some painted photos, above we have tissue box covers, and below, are two different kinds of candle holders.

These two designs will each receive their own electric grungy candle. Great looking, so far, if I do say so myself.

Candlestick Maker

Sunny day today. Beautiful Sunday.

This is a practice candlestick that I made today on the lathe. The next candlestick will have a larger base, I was just trying to get the form down, before I turned the real thing. We also put together a couple of tissue boxes that I will post pictures of after Robin paints them.

Kindred Spirits

The definition of kindred spirit is a person who shares beliefs, attitudes, feelings or features with another. I, like everyone else, have found kindred spirits along my lifes journey. I am also lucky enough to have married one of my kindred spirits. Robin's creations sometimes speak volumes. I like this for obvious reasons, it means one thing to me, but it could mean something different to you. It may make you think of that one person in your life that still makes you smile. It may even be a gift for that special person. I really like the items Robin makes and I'm pretty sure she likes them too, that's why they don't hang around very long, she puts a little blood, sweat and love in each one of them.

Barn windows

This was my project today, I didn't set out to put windows in the barn, I just went up there with an open mind. I let the barn dictate what I was going to do today. I started moving some boxes around and before you know it I was cutting down windows to fit the openings I had. I know they don't match, but it's a barn, use what you have is our motto. I've had these windows sitting in the loft for a long time and a couple of passes through the table saw took care of any size issues we had.

Strawberry and cream

This is only the third strawberry we've been able to pick this year. The plants are looking healthier and have more fruit coming now, which is encouraging, so it seems we will have more. I don't think we will be having "strawberries and cream" any time soon though. Having them up on the hill gives us something extra to go and check on which is half the fun. It's nice to have all the different gardens to check, very relaxing to just stroll around the yard, and it is a built in excuse to be outside enjoying the late afternoon or early evening. Robin has been doing this for a long time, and now that I have some things to check on, I can see why she enjoys it so much.

Made By Mom

If you scroll down the blog, and look to the right, you will see a new button. Buy Mom Made is a neat idea to promote moms in business. You click on the button and it brings you to a list of over 400 different websites of all kinds of cool things. Robin's Floral Designs joined the list yesterday and I was able to check out a few of the sites, a good variety of goods and services. So if you have some time and want a unique, home made gift idea, check it out.

Trip to North Creek and Riparius

Took a family ride up north through Chestertown, North Creek and Riparius last weekend. We were delivering an arrangement for a funeral and continued north for a little scenic pleasure. This church is in North Creek, Robin and her family used to attend when they were at camp, I could tell it brought back some good memories for her.

While we were walking through the village this train was blowing it's whistle and we were able to see it pull away from the station and head towards the station below.

Riverside is the name of this station and it is in Riparius. Fitting name, because it is right next to the river, and very clean and well kept.

We also visited a small pottery and art gallery which is next to this station. The kids enjoyed the day, especially the ice cream in Warrensburg, it was a great way to spend a Sunday.

Colors of summer

Robin and I were talking about the seasons yesterday, the likes and dislikes, and our favorites. A gentleman mentioned to us yesterday that summer was half over. It doesn't feel like it's half over. We don't want it to be half over! For me, this has been one of the best spring and summers, I have had. No specific reason, just enjoying every day, and will continue this through the remainder of this year. In our conversation, we decided to enjoy all of the seasons and not pinpoint one, waiting for it to come and then sad to see it end. Looking back to previous posts on this blog, has helped me appreciate the winter and spring, and now these beautiful flowers will be with us in the middle of next winter!

What's for dinner?

The vegetable garden is in full swing with this beautiful weather we are having.

Summer squash and Zucchini. Every year Robin and I say we are going to pick them small and enjoy them. It doesn't take long, with this kind of weather, for these guys to get out of hand. These pics were from Friday.

And the picture from below is from about an hour ago. One picking down, hopefully, many more to go! These are cooking right now with butter, onion, garlic, bread crumbs, and salt and pepper. Let me say it now, even before I taste it, YUM!

Sunflowers

The sunflowers are starting to show their smiling faces. I don't know if it's just me, but when I look at these guys, I just imagine them with a big smiling face.

Maybe it was too many cartoons when I was a kid.

Maybe it's because I know they make Robin happy and that puts a smile on my face. I hope they put a smile on your face too.

Balloon flowers

These Balloon flowers start out all folded up in this little pod.

This is what they look like open. Robin got these a couple of years ago and I think they are my favorite now. It's funny how your favorite, changes as the year progresses.

We are in the midst of a heat wave here in the Northeast. Three days of 90 degrees or better. After having a great spring, our summer is starting off, like summer. We will change how we live for a few days, lots of swimming, and the house will be closed up to keep the heat out. Then when we get that thunderstorm later in the week, all the windows will be open, and we will welcome the big breeze inside.

Rasberry!

I picked our first rasberry today. While I was (finally) mowing the lawn tonight, I spotted a ripe rasberry, and promptly took a photo and gave it to Robin. Mowing the lawn took a little longer than planned after I mowed over Ginger's dog cable. It wrapped around the middle blade and took me a little bit to remove it. Great night to be outside doing anything, even unwrapping a stubborn dog run cable.