One more graduation photo

Just because . . . I like this photo!

Pink Parfait

This peony bush was one of three given to me for Mother's Day in 1989, the year when my oldest son was born. This variety is called Pink Parfait. It didn't bloom the first year, and when I called the nursery from where we bought it, I was told that we had planted it too deep. We needed to replant it closer to the surface. Sure enough, the following year I had a single, spectacular bloom, and every year after that, the bush prospered with an ever-increasing number of flowers.

Peonies can be tricky plants, the flowers are so heavy that they need to be staked, and if a good rainfall comes, it can destroy the blooms. It wasn't unusual to find me outside cutting flowers if a rainstorm was announced. Often, I'd cut a flower on my way to work, to keep in my cubicle. Cubicles beg for flowers.

I was very sad to have to leave my peony bushes when we moved to Naperville, but at least we took cuttings to plant in our new home. However, we've struggled to get the peonies settled in. We've had to re-plant them several times. Two of the bushes are still not talking to us. This year, finally, Pink here seems to like her new spot. It was a happy day when this lovely flower finally unfurled its petals and announced to the world: "I'm home!"

Daylilies

The Earth Laughs in Flowers

—Ralph Waldo Emerson

Father's Day

This photo was taken on Father's Day 1993. We went to church, and then to breakfast at The Paddle Wheel, a local Greek diner where we knew we could take the boys and no one would frown on the crumbs left in our wake. They also served pretty good pancakes. Now they weren't Daddy's pancakes, but he deserved a break on this day.

"To her the name of father was another name for love."

— Fanny Fern

One missing - Boo hoo!

These are six of the seven siblings that form my husband's family. They arranged themselves right to left in proper birth order. The only one missing is Ronnie who was not able to come. As time goes by, it becomes more challenging getting everyone together, so moments like this are truly priceless. Don't they all look wonderful!

Mary Ann and Bill

This is my sister-in-law, Mary Ann. When I think of Mary Ann, the phrase "multi-tasking" comes to mind. I've seen Mary Ann wear a tape recorder around her waist, listening to the latest book-on-tape, while moving around the house straightening up. She throws parties, with delicious, elaborate menus, entertains effortlessly and when the party is over, the kitchen is clean and all the food has been put away. She keeps a grueling schedule for work that frequently has her playing catch-up with her sleep, but still finds time to lead a Girl Scout troop and attend Little League games. And more, she carves out time for scrapbooking and for taking pictures. Mary Ann never seems frazzled. She is so even-tempered! I don't know how she does it all.Bill is such a family man. He is totally dedicated to his home and to helping Mary Ann raise their two beautiful children. Bill also has a large extended family to whom he is devoted. A party at Bill and Mary Ann's usually means lots of family and lots of children, and that's the way they like it. When my kids were little, nothing would excite them more than to be told that we were going to visit Uncle Bill. To them Uncle Bill represented fun. Uncle Bill always had cool gadgets, and a basement full of games waiting to be explored. Uncle Bill never changes. He still has the best and latest gadgets, and visiting Bill and Mary Ann is always, always fun.

Osteospermum Hybrid

. . . or as it's more commonly known, African Daisy, in a scrumptious color called "Lemon Symphony."


I planted this annual in the backyard in honor of my son, David, who just graduated from high school. His school colors are navy blue and gold.

 

Yellow flowers are so happy!  Perfect for our celebration!