Nice Surprises......

Sometimes when I buy my perennials, I wonder what color of a bloom I'll get. I am pleasantly surprised with these. But, then again......what's not to like about a flower?

Japanese Lily

Hibiscus

I was surprised with how tall this has gotten. It stands about 4 feet and has engulfed the area around my mail box. I was hoping this was going to be a dark red color, but I like this better!

Lazy, hazy summer day...........

Today was kinda hazy out, but that didn't stop these two from having fun. I like that my son has friends over, and lately it's been often.

Today Bradie came over and I let them both drive my car, they were comfortable with each other since they went through drivers training together. I even sat in the back so they could enjoy the drive a little more.

When we got back they couldn't wait to have fun in the pool, and as usually my son asks......."Mom, will you take pictures of us to put on our myspace?" No problem since that is one of my favorite things to do.













They tried so hard to blow bubbles in unison!




Best investment was that slide, always good for a laugh or two!!

Maybe it's just a female thing........

I wonder if is just a female idiosyncrasy but, Jade is just like I am, last to fall asleep at night and first up in the morning. Oh, but the kicker is.........just like me, she can't wait to wake up Mason. Just as I can't wait to wake up my husband,....... getting right in his face, scooting closer and closer, just trying to get him up and going for the day (he'll sleep till noon after going to bed at 11:30 pm).






Come on get up.......I'm bored!!





Then once I've gotten the hubby up..........that little stinker sneaks in and nestles in his arms for a little nap! He doesn't mind.....she has him "wrapped"!!

My goofy guy......

Colton let me try out his new camera and get shots of he and his friend in the pool. Oh, and I had to sneak this in there......

I just have to post my Canna one last time, as it finally is finished blooming! I'm glad my son picked this one to plant!



Earlier today as I was paying bills, I felt this little tap on my leg, it's my little guy asking for a little attention. I'm never too busy for that!



He's Mr. Affectionate the last couple of days. Maybe he knows that tomorrow I take him in for his shots......trying to make me feel guilty about it! Oh, I hate needles too buddy....I understand!

Meet the world's best sister...(to me anyway!)

I am at my father's house waiting to let his cleaning staff in. So, what better to do than blog....


I looked through his pictures on his computer and "borrowed" these.

I love this picture of my sister. She's 7 years older than I am and we are so close! She is my best friend, like no other! The best thing about this picture is that her eyes are open....she usually has the knack of shutting them just as the picture is snapped!



I had to copy this too........my "surfer dude" nephew Nick.....chilling out!




I don't think he'll mind that I 'borrowed' them! Thanks Dad!

My little buddy......

Of our two cats, Mason is more reserved and laid back. He just quietly steals your attention. However, he is the first to run to you when you call. Jade on the other hand will wait it out as if to say..."No, you come to me".... in a diva sort of way. Right now this lovable little guy is nestled in my lap looking up at me from time to time. I wonder if he's thinking...."hey, when are you gonna get off the computer and feed me?"

Now little buddy......now!

150 photos later.......

As I was inside getting caught up on 10 loads of laundry.....my son was outside getting over 100 shots from his new camera. He couldn't wait to get up and start snapping away. He asked me what he should take them of? Well, I love flowers...so to me there is nothing better than a picture of a flower......well, except children and family of course!


Zinnia's

Crocosmia...(first time to bloom in three years!)

Balloon Flower

Black Eyed Susan

Purple Coneflower

He did great playing around with that new piece of technology! He took many more.....you can see some of his favorites here.

It was burning a hole in his pocket......

My son couldn't wait to spend his birthday money. His camera recently broke, the shutter/lens would not open up anymore. I have been researching for the best deal and we were able to get $105 off this new camera! I love it when we find bargains! The salesman was very kind, matching an on-line add and I had $55 dollars in coupons to deduct!

Now, if I could only stop when I am ahead.........

Hey, I want to come out too!

While my son was away delivering commodities for the Senior Center, Jade and I thought we'd play. She is a true companion, following me wherever I go. I decided to capture the 'bloom-in-progress' of my Canna, and she just had to see. Actually, she wanted out so bad....but, I'm a meany and wouldn't let her go. I don't want her to get fleas :{



It's blooming, slowly but surely.............




Well, considering it use to look like this......click here

Fond Memories....

My brother Greg was in town this weekend to visit my mother and spend some time with us. This was taken 26 years ago, but I love this pic. Just wish my sister wasn't hiding so much in the back. We visited my mother on Saturday and had the best day with her. To see her smile and laugh was great! She was always really close with my brother and it didn't take much time at all for her to connect him as her son. I am so thankful, considering he flew in from California, where he was watching his son surf in a competition for the USA Surf Team. He lives in North Carolina in Ocean Isle Beach, and has his dental practice in Shallote.

I think this is one of my favorites because it was one of the last taken before we all spread out with our own families. I am glad we stay so close by calling each other every week!

Can't make up my mind.....

You probably have noticed that I frequently have changed my background!

Well, that is because I have stumbled across a site that has many nice ones to choose from: http://thecutestblogontheblock.com/ . Just click on the website listed and choose 'Free backgrounds' on the left side of the page.

Check it out, you may find one (or ten in my case ;) that you'd like to add.

Once you find one you like, click on it to get the code to add to your blog.

Cheerful friend........

A few reason's for this post..........

Today I went to my fellow blogging buddy Diane's site at http://www.nelliesnest.blogspot.com/ and saw my cat's two adorable sisters. You should go to her site and check them out....also, she is really creative with cards and stamps....so check that out too!

Also, I posted Jade because today after I had visited my mom, she must have sensed I wasn't all chipper. She greeted me at the door with cheerful meows and rubbed against my legs, giving me so much affection. Just what I needed. My mom was having a hard time today and I get a little down knowing I can't change her circumstances. I even tried to cheer her up with her favorite.........Culver's single scoop of chocolate with Reese's peanut butter cup crumbled on top. No luck :(

Well, there are good days and bad that she has........I'll just pray for a good one next time! In the mean time....I'll enjoy this lovable beauty (thanks to Diane)!

Beautiful blooms......

Oh, I wish summer lasted forever! I wake up and look forward to looking at my flowers and the new blooms.

This little bee happened to be enjoying a Zinnia bloom today! I love my Zinnia's! You'll have to click on the pics to get the full beauty of the litttle bee and flower!




My Hibiscus is so vibrant red. I just found the macro setting on my husbands camera. Oh, he knew it was there....not I though, because I'd rather just start playing and discovering before I read the manual!



Oh, the anticipation.....I can't wait to see the bloom on this baby. It is called a Canna. This thing has been taking forever to bloom. By looking at this bud.........it is gonna be a beauty!

OK, Mom....I'm listening....I remember....good things come to those that wait! I'll be patient!

Do you like our hair?

I remember I had taken a pic of Rachel and Nicole like this 7 years ago.........

So, on Sunday, I asked them to pose again with their hair flipped back. They probably thought their old Aunt Linda was goofy....but they obliged! Personally, I think they are so cute!

Watch out girls, I'll probably ask again in seven years.

Aunt Linda loves you!

Celebrating with family......

Sunday afternoon we had the family over to celebrtate my son's and husband's birthday, which are three days apart.

My nieces brought their friends with them too. Come see the fun we all had......great day.....lots of laughs.......priceless!


A little basketball. Rachel held her own against the guys; Darek, Jordan and John. You go girl!




Of course some chicken fights. My niece Nicole and her friend Jordan won!




My three nieces........Brooke, Rachel and Nicole




My brother-in-law Chuck trying to grab and throw his daughter Nicole in.





Chuck had fun on the slide.............




Almost looks like Colton and Darek are trying to race Chuck...




My hubby captured that one!




They had a ball playing "king of the raft"!









Ok.....a compromise.......we'll all try to fit on it!!!






Oh you ask where's my son........on the bottom of all that.......UNDERWATER!!!




That float is not doing so well now........we seem to lose a lot of floats that way!

Oh well........price of float...$19.99...................fun had with friends and family..........priceless!