And then there is the flowers...

 I never know what I will find in my bird houses.  One year this one was full of bumble bees.  This year it is chipmunks.  In fact, we have chipmunks everywhere.  I ordered some live traps and some are going to have to be relocated.  Would you like some chipmunks?  Just let me know and I'll send some your way.

The little wrens have picked the bird house right next to our bedroom window.  I am happy about that as they have such a cheerful song.

Last year when we went bear hunting in Minnesota a friend of Kelly's gave us some old unused park signs.  They were in terrible shape, but we saw possibilities.  I set up a little workstation on our deck and got to work sanding and painting.

I think they turned out dandy.  We were excited to hang them up around the property.

Of course the picnic grounds sign had to point to our deck.  It was the perfect place.

The parking looks sharp.  Now I have to repaint our house numbers.  The old sawmill site sign was made for my husband's wood shop.  

The Tomato Taj Mahal is flourishing.  

My tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, peas, herbs, spinach, Bok choi, carrots, and okra all look grand. 

And then there is the flowers...

It made the long cold winter wait a faint memory.  

I am thankful all we have to deal with is hail.  There has been a lot of tornadoes throughout South Dakota, North Dakota, and Minnesota.  Always a worry if everyone is ok.  Hope you are safe and enjoying projects, wildlife, and blooms.  

Goal achieved...

 We have lived in our cabin for 23 years.  When we were building the cabin, I would put stain on the logs and next to my staining set up I had a saucer filled with birdseed.  I would watch the chipmunks eat the seed while I worked.  My overwhelming thought was someday I will have them eating out of my hand.  Well, that day is finally here.

We have three little baby chipmunks, and I figured it was now or never.  They love our wooden sidewalk, because it is a very safe place to play.  It took a lot of patience, but I am overjoyed to have them eating out of my hand.  They like it because the bigger chipmunks are afraid to come near me.

My roses and iris are on full display.  The garden is a riot of colors.

The porch is a plethora of flowers and scents.  My Miss Kim lilac, Congratulations Iris, and Theresa Bugnet Rose are very fragrant.  Soon to be added is my peonies. 

These little buggers are from my grandmother's garden.  They are so happy.

There is nothing more intricate than irises up close.  

Baby chipmunks aren't all we have hanging around.  This little guy has made an appearance or two.  I am certainly blessed to be able to see nature from my front porch.

These Australian Copper Roses are just breathtaking. This is the first time they have bloomed back-to-back years.  Usually, it is every other year.

I have some wrens hanging around.  I'm not sure if they are going to use this snappy little wren house, but I sure hope so. 

I am always thankful for my life.  It hasn't been easy and I don't take it for granted.  My husband and I have worked hard to make a peaceful home.  

I'm sure your well past roses, irises, and peonies. What do you have blooming?  What is your favorite flower scents?  Is there a garden goal you want to achieve?  

Drat...

 One thing I have learned is enjoy every moment while you can...

Nothing say summer like Smores.

Pay attention to the little things.

The porch is perfect.

First little poults of the season. 

and then...

Drat!

Snake in the grass...

 I saw this little snake in the grass today.   I was actually quite excited as I really appreciate snakes.

Life is pretty amazing if you look around.   We saw this beauty at work.  Everyone was careful and gave him plenty of space.

I walked around Spearfish on Wednesday while my husband was at the doctor's office. 

I needed some distraction as my job has been extremely stressful.  My only solace is we have been on the ropes before and managed to keep going. Everyone day is a different battle.  Thirty one years has taught me this too will pass, just like a kidney stone. Slow and painfully.

What has distracted you lately?  Was it a pleasant or unpleasant distraction?