Tuesday, June 8, 2010

" Camp and Plants and Toads and Mirrors, Oh My!"

What a weekend ! A long one but in a good way. We started out with a drive to another town "in search of " swimwear for Katie. First I have to say that she is quite modest so when at the last minute she requested a suit for camp, I just couldn't say no.

So Saturday morning Jake, Katie and I took off to go to a different Wal-Mart as she couldn't find anything at ours. This involved driving on the interstate. She has driven on it once with her dad. I opted out on that trip. Next week she starts her driver training with her instructor. The first thing they have to do is go onto the interstate.


I sat in the backseat while dad sat up front with her. I must say that I was quite impressed with her driving skills she has acquired so far. I was a bit nervous at first, but after seeing her skills and confidence..


lets just say that I loosened up a bit ! The trip was a successful one as she managed to find swim shorts and a top over which she chose to wear a T-shirt.

We had a gorgeous weekend, most of which we spent outside planting, mowing and of coarse weeding ! I believe we planted around twenty assorted perennials and annuals. Trees and bushes. This is part of the end result.

 
My little miniature pine tree is to the left of the photo. This is only one section of the back yard. There are three more as well but this is the one that I was able to complete.

Sunday afternoon rolled around and Kate was all ready for camp. We packed up the back of the car and off we went. The setting of the camp was quite lovely. In the woods just off of a lake.


The road leading to the camp.

 


It really looked like a peaceful place. It has a nice little pool as well as several cabins, a canteen and worship center.


We arrived about ten minutes before Kate's best friend. This is the first time that we've ever left Katie anywhere that she won't be with family. I was feeling anxious for her but I could tell that she couldn't wait for me to leave !


Dad snuck this photo of her! She was so happy once her friend arrived!

 
I am quite sure that she was equally as happy when we left! She is sharing a room with five other girls.

 Now I have to be perfectly honest here. I was really a bit nervous leaving her here. No cell phones allowed. I realize that she isn't a baby anymore but she still is my little girl and always will be. Monday afternoon I received a call from her and I did panic for a moment,until I discovered that she forgot her sunglasses and belt and wanted to know if I would bring them to her.

O.K. I feel better now. She said she was having a great time. Now I can relax and breathe !

 
So now that everything is good with her and my husband is back to work I would like to tell you a little surprise I had yesterday. After Jake went back to work yesterday I went Lowes and bought some more flowers to plant. I worked outside most of the day and had one more flower to plant.

I was sitting on my lawn cart digging a hole for this flower next to the garage, when I noticed, out of the corner of my eye, something move. I glanced to my right when I noticed my little toad friend sitting about six inches from where I was planting the flower. " Oh Hello ", I said and continued to plant.


You can see how close he was to the red flower that I was planting, he is well camouflaged. He is on the bottom right of the photo. He sat there the whole time and long enough for me to get a photo or two of him !



This is as close up as I could get. I literally had  the camera, no flash, in his face ! I discovered where he was living and it looks to me as if there are two of them there. I need to get busy on that toad house this week and get it put in the ground !

I know this has been a long post and I haven't forgotten about posting a photo of the " Big, Heavy Mirror " that my husband was dreading to hang. He did get it hung and I am going to leave you with another "Before" and "After" picture.

Here is the "Before"....


And now the "After"....


I am sorry as I didn't realize that this photo was so blurry! That's me for ya! Anyway you get the idea and I am so proud of my husband. He did a great job but then I knew that he would! 

Oh yes and one more thing I forgot about. I woke early this morning, 5:30 A.M. and of coarse the dogs were waiting impatiently to go out. When I spotted this I just had to take a picture, I hope it is clearer than the last one.


If you look closely you will see that it is a double rainbow! Too bad that I wasn't awake enough yet to go look for the "Pot O' Gold" ! Maybe next time !

28 comments:

jules said...

She will have a fantastic time!

Maria said...

Hi Diane!
I was just able to spend a few enjoying your posts since last week!
Your post on hobbies was really great... and I love your little "Zen" frosting guy... so funny!

I remember when my kids went to our "local" not too far from home camps through church. They always had the best time.
and
Speaking of God, isn't it amazing how a little creature as simple as a toad, can be so "smartly dressed" to avoid danger!

Rainbows and DOUBLE rainbows are just such blessings to the eyes first ...then to our sense of joy...

One time, the yard across the way WAS the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow ... I finally saw with my own eyes why it's called that. The trees and grass were actually shimmering with mostly a golden light. It was awesome!
It was early in the morning and got me right out of bed... I could see this glow from my bedroom windows.
Take Care, Diane and ...
THANK YOU for all of the sweet visits you make ~

Wanda..... said...

Gee Diana, you had me feeling sorry for you and your concerns of having Katie away at camp, but it is only 10 minutes away! I'm sure she will be fine.

Your pink petunias look nice in their unique planter, my purple coneflowers aren't blooming just yet!

The livingroom looks great, your mirror has a Mediteranean look, goes well with that Tuscany feel you wanted. My mother had a mirror almost just like it, a black wrought iron look. I loved it, the mirror is broke but the frame is in the barn.

Beautiful double rainbow...good omen!

♥...Wanda

Teresa said...

Ah! Life! It is good, all of it. I love your yard, it looks so inviting. I hope you are not going to be too lonely with Katie at Camp. Any plans?((((HUGS)))) TT

Pramoda Meduri said...

best wishes fr katie..nice pics and its always nice to know more abt ur days with ur familyy..:)

thanks Diana.. be happy..:)

Lois Evensen said...

The only other double rainbow I remember seeing was at sea. It's a very impressive sight. Your toad buddy is a cutie. :)

I really enjoy your blog. :)

Best,
Lois

Anvilcloud said...

Nice double rainbow. I've only seen one in person once.

Diana said...

Hi Jules,
I do hope and pray that you are right!
Love Di ♥

Diana said...

Hi Maria,
I had no idea about the pot of gold. It sounds like a beautiful sight, I wish that I could have seen it too!
And Maria, you have such a beautiful blog! Love Di ♥

Diana said...

Hi Andrea,
No need to thank me, reading your lovely words is thanks enough.
Blessings and prayers are all around you.
Love Di ♥

Diana said...

Hi Wanda,
I really had no idea that I would feel so much anxiety about Kate. I kept joking with her all week saying " You're gonna miss your MaMa!". Little did I know that I was going to be the one doing all of the missing!
I do think however, that she will miss her own bed!
Love Di ♥

Diana said...

Hi Teresa,
I am a bit lonely but as usual I have so many projects planned! I always have something to keep me busy all of the time but I do miss Katie and Jake!
Love Di ♥

Diana said...

Hi Prams!
Thank you for visiting me and I'll bet you really liked the rainbow!
Love Di ♥

Diana said...

Hi Lois,
I am so glad you can appreciate Mr. Toad/AKA George! Not many seem to enjoy amphibians as I do!
Thank you Lois, I am always happy to see you here!
Love Di ♥

Diana said...

Hi AC,
I have seen a double rainbow once before. As half asleep as I was, I had to get a picture!
Love Di ♥

Vicki said...

Sounds like a wonderful weekend! I think you have found a true friend in that toad. Perhaps he suspects that you are going to build him a house.
All your flowers look lovely...lots of hard work but such a beautiful reward. You rainbow photo is great! I love, love, love rainbows!
Love you.
Vicki

Bernie said...

So glad Jake hung the mirror, it look lovely Di.
Katie is probably having the time of her life, poor mother bear is missing her young cub....and its only normal that you would be.
I love how green everything is, and seeing your flowers....Don't know what is happening here, still trying to have my deck done. We have such a short summer I hate missing this time.
Our weather is still not that warm and it has been wet.
I love double rain bows, my dad said they were good luck to see, I have seen a couple in my lifetime. I love the mystery of thinking about the good luck.
My friend Terry is coming in for a doctor's appointment tomorrow, going home Thursday, always love her company.
Have a good week.......:-) Hugs

Diana said...

Hi Vickie,
I know it probably sounds so silly But I really enjoy this little toads company while I am gardening!
It makes me feel like all of the hard work is worth it!
Love Di ♥

Diana said...

Hi Bernie,
I am so proud of Jake's work. Poor dear was so doubtful!
Yes I am still the worried mother! Even though I know how strong willed Kate is.
I do hope that your summer starts soon. But if not, just remember that when you move to Florida, you will have nice long summers! I think that you will miss your fireplace!
Love Di ♥

Barb said...

Fun getting caught up with you, Di. I really like the arbor and your blue chair and table there in the shade. Katie will have a fabulous time and you will have some "Me" time all for yourself. Looks as though you will have a toad family. Wowza - that rainbow is spectacular.

Jenny said...

I am sure she will have a blast! Have a good week ;-)

Rinkly Report said...

It must be rather nice having separated gardens, so that you can actually complete one and sit back and admire it before you move on! I've never heard of a toad house! What if there ARE two and they breed! You'll be over-run!!!

Dee said...

Love the double rainbow...and I hope you are finding lots to do while katie is at camp.I have some of the funniest letters from when my daughter went to camp. I am sure she will have lots of fun things to share with you when she gets home.

Ginnie said...

You;ve really been busy. The rainbow is for luck ...

Jerelene said...

Hi Diana!
I wish you could have come over here to look for a swimsuit..we could have had a nice visit :):)
Your yard looks great!!
Hope Katie has a wonderful time at camp!!
Love and hugs....Jerelene

Sniffles and Smiles said...

What a great post, Di!! So fun to hear all that you've been up to! You are an extremely busy lady indeed. Sounds like Katie is having a fabulous time...what a pretty camp! And your garden is so gorgeous!! You definitely have a green thumb AND an artistic eye! Love the double rainbow! Amazing! Love, Janine XO

Rebecca said...

Catching up with ya....

The yard picture - awesome! Lookin' great!

The mirror picture - what a perfect accompaniment to your fireplace.

The rainbow - God smiling on your week of activity and accomplishment. (Hope to hear of Katie's good experience at camp.)

Eileen said...

Nice post!
I can well understand your anxiety about Katie being away, first time is always the hardest.

I love your mirror, it really compliments your new living room nicely!

Double rainbow! Beautiful!
My sister-in-law told me that at her Mom's burial she looked up and saw a rainbow and remembered that her Mom had told her when you see a rainbow in the sky it means a loved one in Heaven is saying 'hello', so it meant a lot to her to see that rainbow at that precise moment.
I guess your Mom was giving you a double 'hello'!

Love to you,
Eileen