Monday, May 29, 2017

Garden Art...

 I love art in the garden.  Bought things or something old is new again, it doesn't matter.  If it catches my eye it is in the garden.   I don't have a lot going on with flowers right now and it was way too cold this weekend to do any projects.   This post is focused on my eclectic garden decor.  

We got this beautiful wind chime when we were married.  Words cannot describe the music it makes.  This year I moved it from the porch to the woods, where the wind would hit it.  I don't regret that decision.  It almost makes the cold wind that has been blowing for days bearable, almost.

 I don't remember where I got the turtle, but I have had him a long time.  He has many scars. Last year while shopping with my niece she showed me the little metal lady bug below.  She has one just like it.
I love adding quotes to the garden.  The shovel was an old shovel left behind from firefighters deep in the forest long ago.  The board came from an old barn where we used to hunt.

 The decoration to the right is a slug trap.  It has never caught a slug, but it is pretty.  Below is an old stump we found on the property when we were building.  

 I made this bumble bee house probably 20 years ago.  Can you tell?  I've hauled it around and it looks worse for the wear.  Like the slug trap it has yet to see its purpose fulfilled.  

Below, an old NO TRESPASSING sign finds a kinder purpose.  The quote has always held a place in my heart, as my husband and I are together for all seasons in a mountain greenery.
 An old shell, with a round rock placed inside brings brightness to my little shade garden.  Below I found that bench deep in the woods when we brought the property our cabin is on.  I carried it out to the road, a quarter of a mile through the understory.  The red box on it was another find.  It is filled with sand and rocks from the beaches in Denmark.

 I actually have a theme by the greenhouse.  I have tried to keep everything around it metal.  The old washtub holds my tea garden.  The watering can holds the parsley plant that made it through the winter in our kitchen.  Below is part of a windmill given to my by our wonderful neighbors.  The box was found at an abandon farmstead.


 The plane above was too colorful to ignore.  The washtub below was tossed in a junk pile.  My dad couldn't figure out why I was excited to find it.  It works great to corral wayward wild strawberries.
Below, old chimney liners (I think that is what they are) work great as a butterfly attractant or planter.  Your choice.

 

I love the weathervane.  It is store bought and I'm afraid not made the best.  My arrow seems to have issues.  Still I love the blues.  I'm trying to find ways to add more stained glass in the garden.

Below was a challenge from my in-laws.  They brought two cow waterers and challenged us to make something with them.  Lo and behold, a combination bird bath, bird feeder, sign post, and trellis for vines.  

 I missed some things.  I hope some of the decor gave you ideas for your garden.  Old or new as long as it is something that catches your eye and brings you happiness is all that matters.  What type of art do you have in your garden?  I hope your Memorial Day weekend was warmer than ours.  I am thankful for all of the veterans who sacrificed for our freedom.  

Sunday, May 21, 2017

Amazing...

My flowers have been amazing this spring.




The birds have had amazing colors.





The wildlife is amazed with each other.


Most of all, I'm married to an amazing man.  He is always making me flower beds.

 It looks warm, but it was actually quite cold, thus, the hat.


I am thankful to live in such an amazing world surrounded by beauty and married to someone who spoils me. 

What is blooming at your home?  What birds are you seeing?  Any weekend projects?  Despite the cold weekend.  I was able to enjoy it.

Wednesday, May 17, 2017

Gone fishing, hunting, hiking, bowling, card playing, and vacationing...

Spring turkey hunting is a Fuller family tradition.   Our nephew came from Minnesota with his family and Kelly's mother for a family vacation.  Since the kids missed school, homework dictated the 5 year old keep a journal of the weeks activities.  He had a lot to write about.  We kept them all busy. Tradition also dictates that the weather is horrible while they visit.  Luckily, this time we had a great amount of sunshine. 
On Friday we drove to South Dakota.

On Saturday we hiked around Devil's Tower.  Then we seen prairie dogs.


 After a long road trip, we went hiking the next day.  I chose Devil's Tower, but this time we took the shorter route.  I learned from last year's mistakes.  It was a nice hike and we saw many rock climbers.  We enjoyed a picnic lunch afterwards.  Then we drove the scenic route home making a stop at the 100 year old store in Aladdin.  Meanwhile, the men had a successful turkey hunt.  

On Sunday we went to Friendship Tower. Then we played giant Jenga.

 Monday the men had another successful turkey hunt.  When they returned we all hiked to the Friendship Tower at Mt. Roosevelt.  We went out for a nice Mother's Day dinner and then the games began.  We played giant Jenga and bean bag toss.  Later that night we played a mean game of Deer in the Headlights.  The worst part is the game was only for ages 8 and up and we were all beaten by a five year old.  
On Monday we went cat fishing.

 We had another successful fishing trip.  Everyone caught fish.  It started slow, but things picked up.  We even caught the turtle that has been living quite well robbing our bait.  The turtle did get a reprieve.  Afterward, we enjoyed a catfish dinner.  Not as good as my mom's, but we tried.  Then a few more rounds of Deer in the Headlights.  
On Tuesday we went bowling because it rained all day.
 Bad weather finally caught us, but it didn't slow us down.  The ladies went antiquing.  We found all sorts of treasures for garden decor.  Then we went bowling.  Unfortunately, nobody got a turkey.  It was sad to see their vacation end.  We enjoyed the company.  Ella enjoyed all of the attention.  It is always good to spend time with family.   
Do you have any visitors coming?  What activities do you enjoy with company?