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?