Hidden Gardens Tour and Early Birthday Treat

Two very good friends and former co-workers treated me to a very special Sunday afternoon/early birthday treat. The Hidden Gardens of Fort Worth Tour featuring seven very lovely, private gardens in the historically-signigicant West Side neighborhoods of North Hi Mount and Crestiline were the afternoons activity. It was a nice look into some of the private gardens both large and small. D & L not only provided this wonderful tour, but also took me out for a late lunch and presented me with a potted planter to add to my own garden. What special friends I have. Thanks, girls!

The front yards were planted with lots of color.

This yard wasn't on the tour, but just in the neighborhood.

This is one of the terraces in the back yard of Ft. Worth's Martha Hyder.

Looking from the back of the house you would be overlooking Ft. Worth and part of the Trinity River.....unbelieveable vista.

Happy Anniversary to Us!

Today, Smitty and I celebrated our 38th wedding anniversary. Beautiful roses arrived at my workplace early this morning and then I was treated to a wonderful, quiet dining experience at Saint Emilion, a country french restaurant in Ft. Worth. It was a relaxing evening with wonderful cuisine in a quaint little french cottage. We spent a wonderful 2 hours enjoying good food and good conversation. Thanks to our kids who called separately and wished us a happy anniversary. You make us proud!

Dinner for two $100+...good food and conversation with your best friend and husband of 38 years......PRICELESS!

Mother's Day

I am thankful that I have a husband who remembers that I am the mother of his children and always chooses the right card with just the right words to express it. I am thankful for a daughter who is creative in her gift giving and selects verses that come from the heart. I am thankful for a son who loves his mother and is not afraid to express it and who prepared a wonderful meal especially for me. And, add to that, they each married someone who I truly call "my children" as well. Of course, I can't forget LilE who brings such joy to my life. Thanks to you all for making Mother's Day so very special.

Smitty, my best friend for near 40 yrs.

All my children: Elle, B, Klee and JD

LilE...the face says it all!

May Flowers

It doesn't seem like I have a lot to blog about these days. Our lives are pretty routine and I don't have much to post that would be of much interest to many people. But, I do have some pretty spring flowers that I thought I would share with you. This clematis blooms early and is just stunning. I have it in the driveway to the garage and see it when I leave out each morning and return each evening. I also included one of the blooming azaleas this year. They were really pretty.

Pay Back??!!

I posted last week about our trip to the hill country to see the beautiful bluebonnets and wildflowers. The following Monday afternoon I began to show signs of the effects of springtime allergies. It has been a long time sime I have succumbed to such, but there was no escaping it this time. After a week of self-treatment with little effect, I yielded to co-workers advice and went to the doctor. One Z-pack and bottle of cough medicine later finds me on the way to recovery. Were the bluebonnets worth it?.........yes, they were!

Great Job, One Voice!

Last Sunday night I had the privilege of directing a small ensemble at our church who presented a concert for the evening worship hour. This group consists of people who first and foremost love the Lord and secondly love the gift of music. What a wonderful evening of praise and worship through music and personal testimony. Thanks to all who commit each week to rehearsal in preparation to lead in worship once a month and who spent additional time preparing for this concert. They bless my heart!!

One Voice Ensemble (minus J--who we wish a speedy recovery)

Road Trip---Texas in the Spring

We so often talk about New England in the fall, but I can truly say that Texas in the spring can compete head to head. It didn't take much coaxing when good friends B & W called with a road trip to the hill country and bluebonnets. We always plan our days around the spectacular sights and the recommended cuisine. We were not disappointed with either this weekend. I can only post a few of the spectacular pictures that were taken as we traveled through Burnet, Llano, Fredricksburg and back. Enjoy those that are posted and let me know if you wish to see more!

TEXAS....You can't beat it!!