Outdoor Wednesdays-My Favorite Lake

Thanks again to our hostess Susan at A Southern Daydreamer, make sure you check out every one's outdoor posts this week. I always enjoy seeing what everyone shares! I am posting pictures this week from my favorite lake in California.

I love Lake Tahoe, California and look forward to going with my family every year for rest, relaxation and just to enjoy the beautiful scenery. We go boating, hiking and golfing and no matter where you look you can see the beauty in nature from our Creator.

Emerald Bay

From the shore of Emerald Bay

One of the oldest structures around Lake Tahoe.

The Rubicon Trail is an easy trail and we also enjoy hiking up to the falls.

A view from the Spooner Lake Trail near Lake Tahoe, another easy hike.

Sunset view from our condo at South Lake Tahoe.


Have a wonderful Outdoor Wednesday!

Flaunt Your Red-Japanese Red Maples

My favorite tree is any variety of the Japanese Red Maple. While we were on vacation last summer in Alabama I accidentally stumbled onto one of the most beautiful nurseries I've ever seen just a few minutes from Lake Martin where we were staying. The nursery is Millstone Nursery in Dadeville, Alabama.

They specialize only in Japanese Maples and most of them are the various red varities. I've never seen such a selection! The red barn was just so picturesque I just had to stop! It reminded me of something you might see in New England in the fall.

The owner , a charming "southern belle" had a soft accent and she was the most gracious hostess. She walked the entire nursery with me and told me about each tree I seemed interested in. Her husband had retired and they started the nursery to supplement their income and obviously love these trees. They live adjacent to the nursery and get to enjoy these colorful trees everyday!










She told me which ones were grafted and which they raised from seed and then she recommended a few varities she thought would do well in Oklahoma. She offered personalized service and was such good company. Her plant knowledge was extensive and she was my kind of gal! After agonizing with so many beautiful trees to choose from- I finally choose small trees that I could squeeze into the back seat of my car. The prices were very affordable I was happy to choose 3 varieties.

Red Coral Bark Maple-

The red coral bark maple is a beautiful tree and the bark is red all year -after the lime green leaves drop you still have great winter color!

Summer sunset has great year round color and is a fast grower.

Lastly I picked a deep red Japanese maple grown from seed she said would be of the 'Bloodgood' variety . It was a bargain at $5.00!!

I put my little trees in patio pots so I could move them around my yard and patio. (and in case I ever move -they are coming with me) I did put them in the garage this winter to protect them and now they are doing just great!

Thanks Stacey for being our most gracious hostess for Flaunt Your Red! I know everyone will enjoy not missing any posts! Can't wait to see what everyone shares!! I'm off to Canton Texas for some serious flea market shopping!

Outdoor Wednesdays -May Flowers

This week my garden is starting to blossom everywhere I look! All the rain mixed with sunshine this past week has coaxed my little friends to finally show themselves. Here are a few pictures of some of my easy to grow garden girls!








Perennial mallow-reseeds easily and doesn't need staking! Sweet pink flowers appear in mid -May. In the background is a nice climbing rose I have had for years...it blooms again in the fall and smells wonderful.

The oakleaf hydrangea is just starting to flower..I just love these white spikes in full bloom! My plant has taken several years to establish but well worth the wait.

Above- Spirea with fluffy pink clusters of blooms...

and a real favorite of mine-perennial geraniums-'Johnson Blue' is the variety...I have had these plants for over 10 years and divide them every few years to keep them going! What a easy plant to grow. This is one of the earliest bloomers in my yard.

Santolina with fernlike gray silver foliage is a pretty plant even after the spring flush of yellow flowers are gone.

My 'Nikko blue" hydrangeas are loaded with blooms this year...I love cutting them and making flower arrangements with these beauties. I should have plenty this year for cutting and drying!

Our Oklahoma state wildflower is the 'Indian Blanket' so showy, bright and best of all -reliable.

Have a great Outdoor Wednesday! Thanks to our wonderful hostess Susan at A Southern Daydreamer. I'm on my way to check out all the beautiful posts!

Memorial Day- Walk in the Garden

I worked in my garden this morning planting flowers and reflected on the blessings I have namely my family, my faith , friends and the freedom to worship my Savior and live in America. As I walked through my garden I was grateful to those who made sacrifices so I could take a walk in my garden.

Hope this weekend you have an opportunity to meditate on all you have to be thankful for!

Have a safe and blessed Memorial Day!

Pink Saturday-Pink Posies

Pretty pink rose: variety 'Sonia'

Clematis vine: variety 'Ernest Markham' -bright fushia pink!

Pink Orchids in a butterfly conservatory. They really stand out!

More pink ladies...

and what's not to love about pink?

Hope you each have a great pinkie day! I'm off for a couple days to attend my youngest son's graduation from college!! It's this Saturday so I think I'll wear pink!

Miss Bloomers

Outdoor Wednesdays-My Favorite Flower Market

Don't you just love outdoor flower markets? This is my favorite at Pikes Market in Seattle.

I was overwhelmed at the selection of flowers, the vibrant colors and bouquets available....







and better yet, the bouquets are so affordable. I couldn't make a decision about which one to buy so of course I finally purchased a bouquet with a stargazer lily in it!





I almost always have fresh flowers in my house, either from a favorite florist (mine has 1/2 price days on Wednesdays) the grocery store or my yard. They bring me such joy!




Happy Bloomers!

Pink Saturday

Happy Mother's Day!


The Tea Rose Cottage in Carmel, California: This adorable little shop is so pretty and so pink and is full of teapots and English china. I just love shopping there!







Pink cyclamen at the cottage we stayed at in Carmel. I love this "window box" they just change out the pots seasonally...I put this on my wish list for my house.








Pink Cleome in my backyard. So pretty and reliable-it reseeds easily year after year!








The grand lady of my garden- my mophead hydrangea "Nikko blue." She likes pink too!







And of course I can't leave out my favorite pink flower the Stargazer!









Happy Pink Day!