THE SCENTS OF SPRINGS

Hello Friends,

I wish I could capture and keep the 

wonderful scents of spring.

Jasmine is always a favorite of mine.

The picket fence along the driveway side of my house

is covered with Jasmine and its always a wonderful welcome when you pull in.

The sweet smell of Jasmine greets you and on 

breeze mornings it lingers

and welcomes you at the door.

This is the one time of the year

that I can have the sweet scent

of flowers throughout my garden and in my house.

Fresh flowers from your own garden

is there anything better?

Gardenia - Yep can't get any better

It's a shame the blooms don't last long, but the short rewards are wonderful.

My Gardenia bush is directly out my favorite window

and last year it had gotten as tall as the house,

blocking the bird action,

so I pruned it drastically this fall.

 I have been rewarded with an abundance of blooms.  

Each one more fragrant than the last.  

I have had no luck with drying this beauties and when one

does hold it's shape it turns brown.  

They would be great to tuck in a dried wreath or Tussie Mussie.

Check out where I will be visiting and linking and make sure you sign up for Ivy & Elephants Birthday Giveaway - it is wonderful.
http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com/

I need some of their magic, how do they do it?  Patti and Paula my hat is off to you gals.  I think we both started blogging around the same time and you have remained so consistent with your posting - it shows.  You are one of my favorite regular stops.

 I myself am always MIA esp. when the seasons change.

I stay away for months at a time and that just doesn't get it.  When I get back in the grove I have to relearn all those tricks over again.  

Gosh it's exhausting.  Who am I kidding - I am going to 

 blame it all on Pinterest.

I am just so happy I don't forget how to get to your blog,

I would miss you if I couldn't drop by for a visit.

The Everyday Home for Homework Wednesday
Lindsay @ Southern Lovely for Show and Share
Lucy @ Craftberry Bush for Inspiration Gallery Thursday
Yvonne @ Stonegable  for Tutorials - Tips and Tidbits Thursday
Gina @ The Shabby Creek Cottage for Transformation Thursday
Sherry @ No Minimalist Here for Open House Party on Thursdays
Katherine @ Katherines Corner for Favorite Things Thursday Hop
Niki @ The Vintage Farmhouse for Creative Things Thursday
Kathy @ A Delightsome Life for Home and Garden Thursday
Richella @ Imparting Grace for Grace at Home
Susan @ Between Naps On The Porch for Tablescape Thursday
Pamela @ From My Front Porch To Yours for Treasure Hunt Thursday
Desirie @ The 36th Avenue for 36th Avenue Party Thursday
 http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/2013/05/time-travel-thursday-150-talented-time.html 

Katherines Corner

The Charm of Home

Antiques and Teacups

The Farmhouse Porch

Elizabeth & Co.

Coastal Charm

French Country Cottage

The Rose Garden in Malevik

Fox Hollow Cottage

The Shabby Nest

Imparting Grace

Chic on a Shoestring Decorating

Timewashed
The Tablescaper
Little Red House
Adorned From Above
Pursuit of Functional Home
Funky Junk Interiors
A Diamond in the Stuff

 Savvy Southern Style

Fine Craft Guild

The Vintage Farmhouse

No Minimalist Here

Southern Lovely

A Delightsome Life

The Shabby Creek Cottage

Sincerely, Paula

The Thrifty Groove

{Primp}

Craftberry Bush Boogieboard Cottage The Dedicated House Common Ground Not Just a Housewife A Stroll Thru Life

 Rose Chintz Cottage

My Romantic Home

The Brambleberry Cottage

Coloradolady

From My Front Porch to Yours

Redoux

art.of.66

Petals to Picots

504 Main

A Little Knick Knack

Five Days Five Ways

Finding Fabulous Natasha in Oz It's So Very Cheri

Jennifer Rizzo Green Willow Pond Hope in Every Season Faith, Grace, and Crafts Our Delightful Home My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

Back Yard Makeover - Phase 1

Hello Friends,

I hope everyone is enjoying a lovely spring and with spring

comes outside projects.

 After spending the last few years fighting weeds,

I decided I would begin on a new course for my lawn.

It is called elimination!  Yes, you heard

right.   

                                    

 My  Back Yard Makeover first began with

putting down a patio.  Recruiting help for me

was the challenge.  

Directly out my back door 

we began with laying 16" concrete

patio pavers.  

  

I am already loving it and the

frosting isn't on yet.

I have always loved

checkerboard patios

so we began with laying 

all the block/pavers then removing

those that would be replaced with sod.

I love it!  

It will be a challenge

keeping it trimmed but one

I am up for.

I can see lots of years of fun.

It mows easily but the ole trustee scissors do 

the trick.  I can see where you 

would need to trim it weekly.

That sucker grows and we really haven't 

been having a lot of rain. 

So for now I have a patio but I will be adding

a few more rows to extend to a more

desirable size and buying an weed eater. 

I have to admit the labor was

the biggest espense of the project.  

I hope you have enjoyed my Phase 1 of my

Back Yard Makeover. Just in the Knick of Time.

What have you been up to?

I am joining a few parties, hope to see you there.

Kathy

Stephanie for Sunday Showcase Party at,  http://bystephanielynn.blogspot.com
Sally for Blue Monday at,  http://smilingsally.blogspot.com
Marty for Inspire Me Tuesday at,  http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com
Mix It Up Monday at,  http://flourmewithlove.blogspot.com
Make it Pretty Monday at,  http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com
Mop It Up Monday at,  http://ishouldbemoppingthefloor.blogspot.com
A Return to Loveliness at,  http://adelightsomelife.blogspot.com
Ricky Jill for My Happy List at,  http://artandhome.blogspot.com
Masterpiece Monday at,  http://boggieboardcottage.blogspot.com
Susan for Metamorphosis Monday at,  http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com
Amaze Me Monday at,  http://dwellingstheheartofthehome.blogspot.com
Martha for Tea Cup Tuesday at,  http://marthasfavorites.blogspot.com
Sandi for Tea Time Tuesday at,  http://sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com
Katherine for Tea Time Tuesday at,  http://ladykatherineteaparlor.blogspot.com
Nifty Thrifty Tuesday at,  http://coastalcharm.blogspot.com
A Return to Loveliness at,  http://adelightsomelife.blogspot.com
Angie for Knick of Time Tuesday at,  http://knickoftime.blogspot.com
You're Gonna Love it Tuesday at,  http://kathewithane.blogspot.com
Tuesday Cuppa Tea at,  http://antiquesandteacups.blogspot.com
Friends Sharing Tea at,  http://bernideensteatimeblog.blogspot.com
Weekend and Projects Link Party at,  http://isabellethorntonlechateaudesfleurs.blogspot.com
Nifty Thrifty Tuesday at,  http://coastalcharm.blogspot.com
Welcome Back to the Scoop at,  http://thefarmhouseporch.blogspot.com
Kathe for You're Gonna Love It at,  http://kathewithane.blogspot.com
Angela for, Assets and Efforsts Linky Party at,  http://hickorytrail.blogspot.com
Make Bake Create at,  http://hopeineveryseason.blogspot.com
What's It Wednesday at,  http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com
Home (work) Wednesday at,  http://theeverydayhome.blogspot.com

SPRING IN THE SOUTH

HELLO FRIENDS,

I AM SO HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY AND BLESSED.

I hope you are enjoying a lovely

spring. Here in the deep south it is 

unbelievably cool. 

 Finally I think I have my blog MOJO back. Despite that due to my carelessness I am short a decent camera and my phone is broke (I found out the hard way that they just don't like having a trunk slammed on them). I hope to remedy it this weekend.

I have been so busy in my yard this spring, enjoying every minute, that I can't 

wait to share some of my blessings.  

This is the front of my tiny cottage, roses are in bloom and everything is so happy with the cool days and nights.

My bird feeder is usually packed out

with those cute hungry critters.  But it is almost dusk and they are heading to their nest to settle in for the night.

To the left of my porch this

20yr. old transplant graces

my yard.  Oak Leaf's are wonderful.

I can sit on my glass porch and enjoy the view while sipping my morning JAVA. 

  Drop by and visit Inspire Me Tuesday, and check out what Ricki Jill has been up to

a brand new blog facelift. Just Terrific

Thanks for dropping by,  Kathy  

 

http://ricki-treleaven.blogspot.com/2013/05/my-happy-list-bloggy-friends-with-mad.html

A Tiny Cottage on Grand

Fairies, Fairies and More Fairies, Oh My

My backyard was filled with every shape and size of Fairies and a 

few Brownie's and Pixie's were joining the party.

I celebrated spring with a Fairy Party for all my

little friends, a party I imagine they will remember forever.

I have enjoyed planning this party.  Could it be because I Believe?

Kids at this young age are such a joy to experience, 

Moms and Grandmothers too.

To look into their faces and see the miracle of imagination

  is wonderful.

It's not about what you spend...this I know firsthand.

I asked each child, as they left, what was some of their

favorite parts of the party and the majority said

Fairies, 

  Marshmallows and Bubbles.

Thank you Dollar Tree and Dollar General. 

 Fairies make any beautiful spot their home.

This oversize birdcage is just perfect.

The little Fairies are on a quest to 

find the homes of the tiny ones.

Bubbles, Bubbles and more Bubbles

This spring has been so delightful here in the deep

south and I took advantage of it.

I have worked on a checkerboard patio that 

I am thrilled with.  

I will update you on the other backyard project soon, I promise.

I was so sad when the very last Fairy left, but it

gives me comfort in knowing that

lots and lots of the tiny folks live here, there

and everywhere in my yard.

Thanks for joining us, Kathy

http://romantichome.blogspot.com/2013/05/birdcages-show-and-tell-friday.html
 http://www.remodelaholic.com/2013/05/outdoor-patios-and-pergolas-arbors-for-summer/
 http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/2013/05/frugal-friday_10.html
 http://www.remodelaholic.com/

BELIEVE

Things like Fairy's and Lightening Bugs

and Wonderland 

To see these things through a child's eyes...... is to Believe.

    I said I was having a FAIRY PARTY for my friends children 

and Grandchildren.

But I Fudged.......I had it for me

What fun we had

What Magical Day it Was!

I will be sharing more but I must close for now

I am so tired

I think I will lay in this Fairy Mushroom Ring and dream of dancing.

 

BELIEVE