One of the many reasons my girls love to visit my parents' house is bc they have the most beautiful yard, full of happy gardens, well-fed birds, and one joyous Golden Retriever.
I had the pleasure of house-sitting for my parents recently, and one of my duties included keeping my mother's flowers watered. (Usually she also writes "deadhead all 4 million petunias DAILY!" on my list of chores, but she forgot to write it this time, which made me feel like I'd won the lottery.)
On one early evening last week, I decided to take a stroll through the yard, and I brought my camera along. The sun was getting ready to go down, and there was a slight breeze that caused the windchime that hangs just outside the door to sway...
I walked down the steps of the deck into the most beautiful, sunny yard...
I have no idea what variety of yellow flowers these are, but they were everywhere! No wonder the kids love to frolic when they're here!
Oh, wait a second. I was pulling pictures from my back yard. Oopsies! hehehe?
Here are some from her yard, starting with a windowbox just behind the windchime...
It's fun to look around and spot something unusual...
Some of you have probably met Major, Friday's brother; he's such a sweet boy, full of sunshine and oh-so-high on life...
I love these, even though they're spent. Something about their delicate look is just so charming to me...
An urn, way out back...
This little caterpillar has hung here so long, the bark of the tree grew around its hanger...
Like I said, one never knows what unusual things one will spot...
Was that your doing?
This is another spent flower that looks beautiful to me... They were once daisies, but now they look like little pincushions on a stem...
My favorite flowers...
The only bad thing about getting down on the ground to take these pictures is it gets the attention of Major. If I'm not on my guard, I'll get this boy coming at me like a freight train and I'll end up in a full body cast...
So far, I've made it up off the ground before he reaches me.
Here's a garden pick that is stuck in some rocks that surround a little fountain...
Oh great. There is literally no hiding from this boy.
Getupgetupgetupgetupget UP!!
I breathe a sigh of relief that he was just overjoyed about getting a drink...
The sun was getting lower, and I decided it was time to go back to my yellow gardens at home. It truly was enjoyable walking through my parents' yard - especially since there was no deadheading to do. ;)
But the next time I have to house-sit, I should probably wear a suit of armor... just in case.
*Edited to add: After Joann's comment, I must tell you that I truly don't have dandelions in my yard - I was just kidding bc I knew Mom would insist they were mine! But they're not either of ours. (Hi, Joann!) :) The first dandelion photo came from here, and the second one came from here.
Lovely picture of your mum's garden and her dog. He's a cutie.
Hope your mum is doing fine. :)
Posted by: Gabi | June 28, 2011 at 03:48 AM
your folks must have a good sized yard! enough room for major to run and share the space w/all the pretty flowers and things. chairs under the tree and a bench near the water garden. or is that major's watering hole? :)
he like friday is a handsome boy! and i loved the yellow flowers from your yard. i've never seen so many yellow flowers in one place before! i usually dead head mine as soon as i see them! LOL!
what a fun summer day!
Posted by: joann tx | June 28, 2011 at 06:34 AM
Paulette, girl! You are an amazing photographer. I can't get over what an "eye" you have. Your mom's yard is really pretty, and Major is adorable! I look forward to seeing more photos!
Posted by: Robin Hager | June 28, 2011 at 07:03 AM
What a beautiful garden. Wish I had the yard to have a lot of flowers in.
Posted by: Leslie | June 28, 2011 at 07:53 AM
Loved the pictures! Not only do you take great pictures, but you always manage to put some humor into it and make it a story too. Major is so cute! He definitely looks like the enthusiastic type. lol!
Posted by: Margaret | June 28, 2011 at 08:13 AM
Hey Paulette, I just wanted to say that I always love your pictures! I miss you guys and hope you're doing well. I was thinking that maybe we should coordinate with Audrey and all take a trip to Omaha to visit sometime next year. Tell your family I said hi and we love you!
Posted by: Jon Kelly | June 28, 2011 at 09:16 AM
That picture of Major running towards you would win a contest - love that one!!! Love your yard ... I mean your Mom's ... always such a delight to walk among her flowers via pictures here and on her blog. If I could copy and paste them on my own yard - that would be super keen. LOL
Tanya
Posted by: Tanya | June 28, 2011 at 09:18 AM
Gorgeous photos. Simply gorgeous.
Posted by: Kathy K | June 28, 2011 at 09:30 AM
I love your pictures. Great job.
Posted by: Sheryl | June 28, 2011 at 01:02 PM
What a beautiful garden your Mother tends to. I love Major. He has such a spirit about him. Looks like you did a fine job watering in your Mother's absence.Your pictures are just great.
Posted by: connie | June 28, 2011 at 03:31 PM
I love the pictures !
marylin France
Posted by: marylin | June 29, 2011 at 01:32 AM
I LOVE that pic of Major running towards you! What a cutie. Your mother's garden is amazing.
Posted by: Siobhan | June 29, 2011 at 04:06 AM
Thanks for sharing the beautiful photographs. Your Mom's yard is so very pretty. Looks like Major enjoyed your visit!
Posted by: Melody Heck | June 29, 2011 at 07:57 AM
Paulette, what an eye you have and what a great narrator too. You are so lucky to have so many gifts and blessings in your life. Thanks so much for sharing them. Always enjoy visiting your blog. :) Cathryn
Posted by: Cathryn | June 29, 2011 at 08:40 AM
Your Mom has a truly tranquil and beautiful yard. Thanks for capturing it with your photos. I truly enjoyed them and the pics of Major too!
Posted by: Lynn | July 05, 2011 at 08:21 AM
What a lovely big yard for Major to run around in. And the flowers are beautiful too. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Debra | October 24, 2011 at 11:29 AM