Berry Pickin’

I am drinking my coffee this morning

 and David said "wanna go see if the

blackberries are ripe"?

Not that I don't have a million

things around the house that need my

attention.....but my reply

"sure".

Berry pickin' was an annual event

when I was a child and I always

loved it, red bugs and all..

However, I am really not a fan of snakes,

so sweet hubby came prepared to shoot

any that might attack me and I came

prepared to shoot him pickin' those few berries

that were ripe!

While he picked, I enjoyed the morning.

We passed this old deer stand that belonged to

one of the older gentlemen who used to

hunt here. He is now with the Lord, but
I know he enjoyed many hours in this

mini tree house.

I saw lots of deer tracks, so this was a

great place to hunt.

Pretty wildflowers popped up

along the way. It was high noon

when I was snapping these pics

so there is a little too much light.

(Sigh) Still trying to master the

art of photography.

We crossed beautiful Lake

Bistineau on the way home. This is

one of the prettiest lakes in North Louisiana.

Lots of Cypress trees dripping with moss.

A little rural Americana...this old abandoned

building is used to advertise just about

everything from Fish and Fixins to

Heavenly Acres Cemetery for pets.

I think the signs are mostly what is holding it

together:))

On a corner, we passed this old log building.

It appears to have been a barn at one time.

Look at the old shutters on the window...

maybe it started out as a house???

I just love these old structures. They have

real character and a story to tell.

Wish we could hear it.

Well, I guess this pretty iron door was

put on to secure the inside of this

building...it's ironic that the building

is pretty much history and we could probably

 just walk through any wall, but this door

remains locked tight.

Well, the blackberries need another week

to ripen, but we (we meaning David) managed

to pick enough for a pie.

 I think that will be baked on Monday in honor

of all the men and women who gave

the ultimate sacrifice so I could spend

a day with my husband, picking berries and

roaming the countryside freely.

Have a great weekend!

Until next time.......

                 Carolyn  



ROSES and LACE

This week, we celebrated the retirement

of a precious co-worker by lunching at

the Roses & Lace Tea Room.

This sweet lady has been our

Day Care Director for nearly 30 years!

She has changed many a diaper, hugged

hundreds of children and been an unwavering

example of God's love in their lives.

If anyone ever deserved being treated

special, this lady does!

We had a lovely lunch and the

food was delicious!

 Our table was set with a lace cloth

and pretty pink and rose plates.

The other table was set with a lace cloth and

blue square plates for chargers. They had a blue rooster in the center.....just blue and white love. 

Notice the lace covers on the dining chairs.

More lovely roses I believe.

Here is another picture of the pink table

to show the lovely cup and saucer..more

pink roses and rosy raspberry tea to go with.

We also had strawberry soup and

a lemon dessert to finish.

(I didn't get pictures of the soup or dessert,

I was pretty engrossed in the chicken

salad croissant by then).

We also had a reception after church Sunday,

and I think this cake says it simply and best.

I can't help but be reminded of the song

by Steve Green....May all Who Come

Behind me Find me Faithful when I

think of her years of service.

Mrs. Betty, you can never be replaced and

those who come after will

find you were faithful.......

Happy Retirement dear friend.

Until next time...

             Carolyn

Le Tour des Jardins 2012

It's my favorite time of the year....

Time for the Shreveport Master Gardeners

Garden Tour!

This year's gardens were beautiful.

I always get lots of ideas like this

 patio all set for a summer supper.

I love the rooster plates and the grassy runner

and the red polka dot glasses. Not to mention

the cabbage plates and stainless.

(about the only thing I love more than

flowers.....yep, it would be dishes!)

Check out this Bird of Paradise!

It is huge and the begonias were stunning.

This garden was a bit whimsical. This

garden cabinet is made entirely from old doors.

The screen door on front has chicken wire

which allows for good viewing and ventilation.

(It also keeps the squirrels out of the geraniums!)

More fun ideas like this garden gate.

How about a cuppa tea served by this

stylish kitty?

This photo is a bit blurry, but I

love, love shells and this is a great

way to display a collection.

We saw lots of interesting bird houses. This red one caught my eye immediately. The roof is made

from part of a light fixture and the china

knob roost is perfect don't you think?

What a sweet welcome at the front door.

My favorite color...blue and cobalt blue

is just the best along with .....you got

it.....more dishes!

We had a lovely day visiting six gardens, each one landscaped differently and each one

beautifully sharing God's awesome

gift of plants and flowers.

~

Leaving you with my all time favorite plant.

This is for my sister Karen and my mama.

It makes me think of your beautiful hydrangeas.

Until next time...............

                Carolyn