Fresh and cooling rain

has come several times......leaving us with much needed moisture,

a fresh fragrance, and lovely rainbow afternoons.

As much as you have read about my dislike for the cactus

that is trying to take over the acreage......

this time of year......I have to say.......I enjoy

it's unique beauty.

Cactus rose blossoms in the prettiest colors of soft yellow,

peachy orange,

and vibrant yellow, cover each thorned paddle and are

 filled with busy, buzzing, bees. 

These past few days, I have kept my hands busy making 

miniature decor for my miniature kitchen scene.

I have to say........I can get completely lost in making

miniature things!

 I want to invite you over to my " My Country Kitchen"

blog to share a wonderful cool and delicious recipe with you.

This is such a wonderful dessert/fruit salad for those hot days of summer

and for get togethers.  It would be wonderful for this Memorial Day 

weekend!   Just click onto the link below

Peach Gelatin Salad

for this wonderful recipe! 

Have a safe Memorial Day Weekend.

Sometimes we come to life's crossroads

And we view what we think is the end.

But God has a much wider vision

And He knows it's only a bend-

The road will go on and get smoother

And after we've stopped for a rest,

The path that lies hidden beyond us

Is often the path that is best.

So rest and relax and grow stronger,

Let go and let God share your load

And have Faith in a brighter tomorrow,

You've just come to a bend in the road.

(Helen Steiner Rice- The Bend in the Road)

wishing you a clear view and happier days soon!

Pretty days......and hopefully......happier days ahead?

I hope this finds all of you well and that you have not suffered from this dreadful coronavirus.
I hope you all have found a way to "hang on" and to get through this difficult time.  Sunny, pretty days always give me hope that things will be better..........I truly hope that this will be true when it comes to this virus.

Today.........come take a walk with me, and look at the crooked, twisted mesquite trees that are fully leafed out and make every space

look welcoming......even on the hottest days.

New paths have been made deeper into the "woods"

and now there are more spaces to create more 

"wildscapes"

Usually, everyone in this area knows the mesquite trees are 

small thorny bushes.......which , we have plenty of those. 

Here, on the grounds, we are also happy to have very old and 

large mesquite trees that are actually "trees"

even the large stumps that look dead

have new growth sprouting and twisting upwards

I love the way they bow over to each other, making a

natural archway. I am in the process of making a "sitting area " here.

All along the grounds, hundreds of wildflowers are in bloom.

Many have sprouted in the spaces I have cleared in the woods.

They seem to know exactly where to sprout and to show their beauty.

Wild birds are filling the air with their songs.  

Wherever there is water, they are sure to show up for a drink or a splash

As many of you have seen through the news media, one positive thing this virus has brought out......

is the spark of creativity in many. I hope after this has all passed, that everyone will still hang on to 

their imagination and keep creating.

From the grounds, there are so many "gifts" from nature. With just a little bit of time, 

you could create  rock flowers along some paths with the natural rocks that you find along your walk.

they also serve as a great decorative accent to the cement walk ways

The latest thing I have discovered is the beautiful color that

the flowers and plants give in the process of natural dyeing. 

I am not an expert on this.....so if  you are interested, you can find many helpful tips on

natural dyeing on the internet.  Go out and see what plants in your yard can give you an amazing color.

Even on the hottest days........Sophie still loves to tag along and 

 explore the grounds as much as I love to.

Now ......tell me.......what is growing in your backyard?

Have you found time on your hands and a new creative pastime?   

Whether it be in sewing, carpentry, gardening, or any other

creative outlet, I would love to hear about what  you are creating!