Memorial Day Weekend

Happy Memorial Day to you and your family. May we all take time to remember those who served our country so that we can be free. Please click here to see a Memorial Day post from two years ago.

BEE happy on World Bee Day!

Today is World Bee Day, which is not to be confused with National Honey Bee Day celebrated in August. Today is intended to be the day that we all realize the importance of bees and other pollinators in our world. We would be negatively impacted without them. If you will click here, you can read an interesting article outlining the vital role of bees.

We all can take an active role in maintaining the bee population. You may consider planting nectar-producing flowers to attract them. Did you know that it takes the nectar of two million flowers for bees to produce one pound of honey?

These pictures from my camera roll show bees in our backyard enjoying coneflowers and bee balm.

While bees are considered to be the most important of the pollinators, we know that birds, bats, beetles, wasps, moths and butterflies (as shown below in the zinnia patch) are all vital to our world. I read that globally,  90% of wild plants and 75% of crops are dependent on these animals and insects.

We refrain from using harsh chemical pesticides in our yard since they negatively impact pollinators. We have concerns about mosquito foggers and yard services because they are harmful to all insects...not only the pesky blood-suckers. 

It is enjoyable to view pollinators in action and we found it so fascinating to watch this little bee working the flowers at MO Botanical Gardens a few summers ago!

Let's all buzz out and plant some flowers for our pollinator friends. Bee happy that we can do something to help them since they do so much for our world! Happy World Bee Day!

A Patriotic Porch

My mother's porch is all prepared for the approaching patriotic holidays! 

I love how metallic wreaths catch the light and shimmer.

She and I are both huge fans of Kimberly Queen ferns due to their more upright growth pattern and the fact that they do not drop leaves. This one will double its size by the end of the season.

She made this little fairy garden using the miniatures that Dollar Tree carries each spring. It is sitting on top of the gold garden stool flanked by the chairs.

Late spring/early summer she always brings out the white wicker chairs and stores the wooden rockers in the garage until fall. I think they look so clean and inviting for the summer months.

Her little dog says that she agrees and also finds the patriotic pillow to be very comfy!

                    Have a happy weekend!

A Painting Project on National Limerick Day

We gave these garden statues to my mother many years ago and after so much time outdoors, they were in need of a little attention. 

The faux-patina finish had faded and even worn away in a few places, so we decided that they were in need of a little rejuvination. 

I began by painting each figure black.

Then I applied metallic copper paint using the drybrush method. Carefully, I dabbed the nearly dry brush over the entire surface.

Both the little boy who is enjoying his good book and the little girl who is assisting him have a fresh look and are ready to return to my mother's yard.

Aside from its being a perfect painting day, did you know that today is National Limerick Day? I will leave with you one that I made up for the occasion. 😉

There once was a girl who had fun

Painting anything under the sun.

So when she saw these statues were in need,

She grabbed paints and a brush with lightning speed

And refinished them one by one!

Tuesday Tablescape

Everything's coming up roses on today's table! This lovely table topper served as the inspiration for this setting and the profusely flowering roses at my mother's house perfectly complement the  fabric.

A talented friend quilted and gave me this topper for my birthday last week. I took it over to my mother's for the tablescape. 

My green stoneware dishes are a perfect match to the leaves and stems of the roses on the fabric.

Take time to smell the roses. 🌹

Getting into Patriotic Mode

 I have begun putting out the patriotic decor. I enjoy having red, white and blue touches throughout the house