And the Beat Goes On

Oftentimes, I have no clue where to begin relating the joy and blessings we find ourselves involved in. 

Here is the little couple of whom I speak, two lovebirds that go way, way, back.

For the most part we avoid selfies but every now and again, an occasion calls for it. Bruce drove us to Gibbs Gardens on Saturday and oh my, oh my, what a place in the spring. Before we get into that, is it any wonder I can't see as well as I might like? Look at those Price eyelids!! The hat is cute though. Actually I purchased it at one of the downtown shops last year, however, before this trip had worn it maybe once. Turns out it worked beautifully, keeping the glare of the mid-day sun from bothering those squinty eyes. 

I will talk a little about the gardens soon but first off, on Friday I made the mistake of going on a hike again because it was billed as a wildflower hike and seriously, how could I say no to that? Once again, the pre-trip talk was that it was an easy trip. So they said! No hike has been easy for me because it is all so new and why I keep trying to do new strenuous things at my age is downright silly. Dr. Dan Stroup, our leader and wildflower expert, is pictured here beside the lovely waterfall we came across.

Turn about is fair play, or so it has been said many times before, he took this very flattering photo of yours truly crawling over a huge log. Anita flanks my rear and D'Anna is carrying my poles and both are wondering why in the world am I on this hike!

But first we had to get there and I was lucky enough to catch a ride with Anita, who is not only good and kind, but fearless as she demonstrated driving through this heavy fog. Count me happy to have been in the back seat!

And as you can see by our ponchos the predicted rain fell but not nearly as much as we feared. Here's the whole group post poncho wearing time.

The Appalachian trail crosses the same land. Our hike was called Wasilik Poplar Trail and if you want to know more, click here.

Immediately we noticed the little plants that turned out to be a wildflower called Mayapple, although the ones we saw were not yet in bloom.

This one is called a Rue Anemone.

And here is one of the many Trilliums we saw, a plant that has many colors and is widely found, most especially in Appalachia.

It was super fun finding the flowers amongst all of the fallen leaves, if only I did not have to hike to see them!! Actually, if I can take my time, and I do not have an audience, I am not nearly as nervous as when I am with the group of experienced hikers, although isn't that the way it is with most things? 

The main thing is that I returned home intact with some fond memories of good folks.

Before we go on another excursion together, let's talk about home for a few moments. The CHAIR is done! Isn't it fantastic?? Yesterday afternoon, in good weather I sat in it on the porch while reading. 

I am super proud of Bruce ! Not that I am not always proud, but even more so because he's never done anything like it before. 

So those pesky squirrels forced our hand. They were enjoying a feast on the Bird Buddy. Bruce moved it away from any trees and here's where it is now.

He's pictured putting out topsoil ,but before that he dug the hole with the post hole digger he borrowed from John. After a little bit of drama, realizing we were very far from internet connection, we got that solved and here is some exciting news to round out this story. Bluebirds!!! Never has a bluebird come to our feeders before, and I do mean never. Our yard was bereft of bluebirds!  I tried luring them in and it seems to have worked! The bag of mealworms was just the ticket. Not only did I put them on the Bird Buddy tray, I put some atop both of the birdhouses. Time will tell if they decide to nest on Campbell Street, but obviously we hope that they will.

Friday afternoon the awards for Silver Arts were handed out in a small ceremony in the church fellowship hall. At the last minute I decided to enter a wall hanging. Here are the entries in quilting.

Can you pick mine? In short order I need to get over there to watch the entires while the public files through, should they care to see what us old folks are doing!! 

I am so loving my windowsill, however, by the time next week rolls around, my mountain view will be covered by the new growth on the trees outside the kitchen window. It has been so nice seeing the mountain.

The front living room window affords a view of the TREE that is gorgeous beyond words. We saw our fair share of Japanese Maple trees during our visit to Gibbs Gardens on Saturday. I know, right, a field trip??? 

It will not surprise you in the least to learn that I took a gazillion photos of every beautiful thing that I saw, and there was something at every turn!

There is a lot to say and see about that visit, and I hope I find time to document it because the weather was glorious, the company the same, and the drive there super special. I was hoping to see more tulips, but perhaps we were a wee bit early. Hard to say, but I did get this shot that I think you will like.

If any of my readers watched some of The Masters golf tournament, also in Georgia, the grass and azaleas are similar. In other words, out of this world!

I am done with my volunteering for the day, and now it is time to go grocery shopping. The cupboards are not so bare, but the fridge most certainly is! 

Until next time, I remain,

your friend,

Gail