Special Exposure Wednesday

This year's drought has wreaked havoc with my vegetable garden and my lawn. But there are some plants that have flourished. Of course, all the weeds are doing just fine without rain as are my herbs, which I guess are just weeds themselves. In fact, the herbs were growing so big and taking over everything else in the garden so I moved them to pots to try to corral them. I think it's working!

Special Exposure Wednesday

Last weekend it was 110 degrees in the shade around here. People were being advised to stay inside. But, we were going a little stir crazy and decided to visit the mall. Look what we found in one of the stores - Christmas Trees - on July 8th - in all the gaudy colors Ashley loves! I'm just hoping she doesn't expect to find presents this coming weekend...

Special Exposure Wednesday

After the monster storm on Monday, we had a little visitor! We've lived in our house many, many years and never seen a frog. He must have had a wild ride on the wind!

Special Exposure Wednesday

Ahhhh, the flavors of my Southern youth - spiced pickled peaches - made with the peaches from my very own tree! (Great picture, Chip!)

Special Exposure Wednesday

My peach tree has been so full of peaches this year - so full that we have to prop the branches up because of the weight of all the peaches.



I really don't mind sharing the peaches as long as I can get enough to make a couple of peach cobblers. But the squirrels are not as considerate. They don't want to share and seem to be having peaches for breakfast, lunch and dinner...scurvy little yard rats. They leave the peaches half eaten just to rub it in.

Special Exposure Wednesday

Chip has always had the dream of visiting every major league baseball park. On Sunday, he and Ronnie clicked off #2 when they drove to D.C. to see the Washington Nationals play the Atlanta Braves:

Special Exposure Wednesday

This is my clematis plant when it was blooming...

And this is after the bloom fell off. It's absolutely gorgeous at both stages!

Thanks for the great pictures, Chip!

Special Exposure Wednesday

Ronnie is now playing wheelchair lacrosse. I don't know much about the game except for the fact that it is ok to hit other players with your stick. Exactly what a mother needs to watch...

Special Exposure Wednesday

Little Cooper is growing up....and is such a handsome fellow!

Special Exposure Wednesday

We've had a pretty rainy Spring so far. My garden is loving it - Ashley, not so much...

Special Exposure Wednesday

My little peach tree is LOADED with baby peaches! Now if I can just keep the squirrels away....

Special Exposure Wednesday

Our little corner of the world has been taken over by inchworms. They hang by thin threads and sway back and forth in the wind. The wind up in the strangest places like your hair, the kid's backpacks, and the dog's ear. But there is some good news - we have the fattest birds around!

Special Exposure Wednesday

Cooper is always so tired when he comes home from doggie daycare. All he needs is his blankie and naptime starts!

Special Exposure Wednesday

My tulips!!! (Thanks to my son, Chip, for the magnificent photos!)

Special Exposure Wednesday

Spring abounds in my yard....

My sweet little peach tree is in bloom



As is my forsythia




And a whole bunch of these little periwinkle flowers




I love Spring - until the pollen shows up, that is.

Special Exposure Wednesday

The boy's growing up...and up....and up! Ashley is even starting to like him more since he is getting bigger!

Special Exposure Wednesday

Every year in late winter, I cut some branches from my forsythia bushes and bring them indoors. For a week or so they look like just dead branches stuck in a vase. But once they start to bloom, I get the first taste of Spring long before Spring even comes knocking at the door!

Special Exposure Wednesday

I remember when Corey wasn't as tall as this gun is long....:(

Special Exposure Wednesday

I'm thinking maybe we should have named this monster dog Clifford rather than Cooper....

Special Exposure Wednesday

The reason for the season...