Staying Home

 Since Rachel's visit, I've found that traveling is a little too expensive these days so when you live somewhere you love, why not just stay home!

Unlike my little baby Bluebirds that flew the coop shortly after this photo was taken! He's giving me the eye!!

 This mom can stay close to home, so I guess I can too!

 The Summer Tanagers have arrived and the woods are full of

Robin-like songs of tweetle-dees and tweetle-dums.

 The papa Cardinal is ever chirping a warning call.

 Last year I planted wildflower seeds over my septic tank since it's difficult to mow there. This year new flowers are coming up that weren't there last year! It's such a wonderful surprise!

 I also planted this Rue and a Fennel for butterflies to munch or lay their eggs on, hopefully!

 I want a pond in my yard. Since I'm not financially ready for that I put a galvanized pail here last year and tried to grow pond plants.

I mostly grew algae, but the water was clear and this year I added a few "feeder" goldfish. I don't have any real good pictures of them yet, but I think they like their home in the bucket over the store!

 My beautiful Bottle Tree is growing. I've got some clear bottles that will be replaced eventually but for now, the pink bottle from Deb in Helena is taking the top spot.

Thank you Bette, for my beautiful Tree! It is a wonderful focal point in my yard!

Here's hoping that if you are having to stay close to home, you're world is full of beauty and nature!

Where Have I Been? Helena, Alabama

 Well, you know, every year Spring sets in, and in some places it comes a little earlier than others! This year we had a very early Spring and of course who can do anything but go adventuring at this time, be it on the road or in your own back yard! This Spring I finally went to visit Deb at Deb's Garden in Helena, Alabama. Rachel was here visiting from chilly NY and she, Morgan and I hit the road for a garden adventure, which was just splendid!!

One of my favorite things about Deb's Garden is the abundance of detail. Just enough of the little things that make you smile and want to sit a spell.

 Each item has a story and that's really what having a home garden is all about, isn't it! All the hard work mixed in with the experiences along the way.

 You can read all about this lovely garden by going to Deb's Garden and find out why I was so drawn to it and why I am so glad I found Deb! Click on her blog name to go there and enjoy!

After our garden tour Deb took us to lunch at a fantastic Pizzeria, Papa Saia's where we enjoyed the view of the river and the sound of running water from the deck.

 And after our delicious meal we walked the river and just enjoyed the wildflowers.

 Helena is a beautiful town and voted one of the top places to live in the States!

Deb,

Thank you so much for allowing us to come and visit your beautiful home and garden, for the great lemonade and wonderful company!

We had such a good time!

Something different!!

 This is something I've been thinking of doing for some time now. Well, part of it.

Some of you might remember my rain chains from an old post back in 2008 seen here. I love these chains and brought them with us when we came south. However I have no gutters to use them with at this house. They sat in a box in the shed for nearly 3 years now and well...shame on me!

I've become a person who loves to find new uses for old things and although the chains aren't that old, they sure were calling out for a new use. (since I have no gutters!)

A few days ago, I decided to hang them under the eaves of my back porch. Then it wasn't very long before I thought that they might enjoy a little greenery within.

 I had some struggling "hens and chicks" in one of my strawberry pots and the idea clicked. I placed a few small rocks in the "tulips" of the chains, added a little dirt and the plants!

They are protected by the eaves of the roof and in full sun.

We shall see how they do!! And I'll be sure to share with you whether or not this turned out to be a good idea!

Just Another Day in the Yard

The Bluebird nest has gone from a few sprigs of grass to a beautiful work of grassy art! Way to go! to my hard working mom and dad!

 Butterfly sightings are increasing.

 Apple blossoms just all of a sudden appear!

 The daffodils are still standing tall.

 Changes are beginning.

 The porch is being utilized.

 And my Dogwood tree never ceases to amaze me!

 The little Tufted Titmice are very entertaining to watch...

 ...and are ever watchful!

Don't mess with MY suet!!!

Of Birds and Bottles

 Well, lately, up here on the mountain, it seems to be all about birds.

Mostly Bluebirds. I found a couple tiny salt and pepper shakers that fit right into the theme.

 See, there he is! Mr. BB checking out the new box!

And just in case I don't have enough Bluebirds or nest boxes, I thought I'd add another apartment for anyone who is interested.

 And then there is the thing about Bottles!

My Step-mom, Bette, sent me the most wonderful early birthday present!! A BOTTLE TREE!! Oh I've been wanting one for a very long time! She was SO shocked that it didn't come with the bottles but I told her not to worry! Finding the bottles was half the fun!

 Darn if I wasn't fresh out of bottles. EXCEPT for a bottle of a very old wine. It's a funny thing about that bottle. My best bud, Deb, from NY, gave me a bunch of old bottles of wine years ago. We didn't know if the wine was any good and it turned out that they were not. I dumped all the bottles and sent them to the recycle bin long ago...well, all but one bottle. Somehow it made it's way south, here to Alabama where bottles have a place. A very important place.

On a bottle tree. Now I have a piece of my good friend Debby right here on the mountain with me!

 THANK YOU BETTE!!!

Now just because the barrow is turned over does not mean I drank that bottle of wine!

 The Camellias are putting on the best show they ever have.

 Two new houses sharing the yard.

 Oh! And something I've discovered.

If you are able to get Picasa through your TV, it sure is nice to see your blog photos shuffle randomly across your home screen!

Popcorn anyone!