Happy 4th of July

 I got so much done this weekend.  Lots of little projects I needed to finish.  I put my little bears out to wave the flag.  

I apologize for the night shots.  I thought I had taken photos of these little buggers and then realized when I went to put together my post I had not.  I of course added them despite the late hour. 

I painted all of my lanterns the same color and replaced broken glass.  I have been in love with lanterns since we went to Denmark in 2013.  I got candles for all of them and they are ready to go for the evenings. 

The lantern in the middle is from Denmark.  It made it back in a soft sided suitcase. I put laundry inside and surrounded it with cloths on the outside.  The baggage handler in Denmark took it from me and tossed it on a cart.  I was sure when I got back it would be in pieces, but it survived.  

I went to one of my favorite spots and found a plethora of wild strawberries.  Needless to say, I thought I was in heaven picking those bright little jewels. 

Another small project was to soak my goat wagon in linseed oil.  Poor thing was dry and needed some small fixes.  It is good for a few more years. 

My Canadian series William Baffin rose is blooming.  It is taking over since my yellow rose and Australian Copper have finished.

I still have peonies and a ton of daises.  There is always something blooming.
My husband and I went off roading today and I spied this amazing plant.  It is called Elkweed or Frasera speciosa.  I've never seen it in the Black Hills before.  I was enraptured.  I couldn't wait to get home and research it.  To learn more: https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/nativeplant/243/

We also came across this ghost town.  It had held 200-300 people in the 1880's.  I am astounded as it is in the middle of nowhere.  They said it failed, and the town was soon abandoned due to the extreme difficulty of transporting the ore to the smelters.  I could see why.  

After a fun weekend how better than celebrate then Smore's on the deck?  It was a perfect evening. 

My wonderful husband knows how much I love my Smore's.  He got me North Mallow Marshmallows in caramel swirl and chocolate chip.  That paired with home grown strawberries and mint chocolate made for Smore's heaven.  

We have had quite a few storms roll through.  Although it has been difficult to sleep when lighting is striking all around you, it has been worth it to see these sunsets.   

That was my 4th of July in a nutshell.  I really needed a relaxing weekend and this fit the bill.  What did you do for your 4th? 

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?