Big Momma and Ain't I Pretty

I would love to do something like this but it probably involves welding which I don't think I should take up. I would probably burn down the garage.

HOLD THE PHONE and Euphorbia....

More from the Lafayette Greens. We liked this plant but didn't know its name so I emailed those nice people.

The metal sculptures are by artist Tim Burke. They have also had days that they have guest chefs at the gardens. I keep up with the activities by email, not as good as being there though.

It is a very hot one here today as I guess it is also where you are. Everyone is home from Michigan safely with good memories. Happy Friday. John and I are enjoying a popcicle.

Lafayette Greens....

These are some little plant markers that I liked at the garden in downtown Detroit. I have lots of pictures, they have been working very hard there, but I am having a problem with blogger uploading. Are you?

Just wondering, and also, is anyone watching Dallas?

Permission granted to come Aboard.... Titanic Exhibit at The Henry Ford

While you are waiting to go aboard the Titanic, you read about the "passenger" you are to be for the voyage (next picture). And no, you don't get to take pictures once you are aboard (also no cell phones, etc.)...
When you first enter, it's like euphoria....the excitement, the luxury, seeing the first class staterooms, reading the menus and seeing the dishes and artifacts.

Then as you progress, it becomes more serious at every turn, the lighting changes, the sounds change and by the time you are at the end, it is very sobering. You have read the quotes by the passengers all through the exhibit and it's like they have become real people to you. At the end there is a wall with the list of passengers , those who survived and those who died and you look to see where your "name" is on the list.

Jeff pointed out that there were as many crew members as passengers and those below, of course, suffered the greatest loss.


Of course, we had to have our picture made on the Grand Staircase, I insisted. Even though we were not dressed for dinner with the Captain.

more at www.thehenryford.com and www.promenade.expeditiontitanic.com.

The Cousins...

Jacob, John and Adeline, the newest generation of cousins....

Austen, Rebecca, Jordan, Rachel, Isaac, Tyler, Dylan and Charlie...April 23, 2012
at Tyler's birthday/graduation party.

Of course there was cake and lots of good food and friends and family!! A happy day.

Family weekend.....

Jordan is here from Las Vegas, Isaac from Denver, Kynda and Mark from Illinois; Tyler's graduation-birthday party was yesterday and today we are going to The Henry Ford to see the Titanic exhibit.

Our first stop was Bangkok 96 for Thai food, then a tour of the Proven Winners Gardens. Next time I will be showing you lovely people pictures.

Garlic scapes...

I never knew what to do with these weird things that bloom on my garlic. I didn't even know they were called "scapes". Go here and you can learn about them, and also have a laugh ....she will make you laugh.

Also, that's my new Value World container. $1.91

Flag Day 2012...

I am learning to do this so bear with me...I love the part "under God" where he gives a thumbs up.

Love in a Mist...

I planted this from seed last year, decided it was puny and I didn't like it. I thought I pulled it up but this is it the second year. I guess sometimes it takes two years for some things to get growing. What an intricate flower it is.




This is ye olde watering hole at the plot. Max prefers it to a dish. A soft rain this morning that I am thankful for. Happy Monday.

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel....

Only two of our group of retiree friends turned out to see The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Barbara had seen it before and I will probably want to see it again. I hope Kynda and Vi will get to see it in Springfield and you too!

One of my favorite parts was when the young hotel-owner's Mother was trying to convince him to give up his Father's dream and have an easier life. He tells her "it would be easier....but it would be smaller."

Other blessings big and small, Jeff went back to his job (big one) and Charlie got a triple (small one). Love from Michigan.

Books that came my way.....

From Barb, a fun book about a nice Amish quilter and her kookie quilting students and how things go together for good.
I'm still reading this...not a novel but reads likes one, I am struggling through all the medical stuff to learn about Henrietta and her amazing story of the gifts she gave us. From my friend Neen.

Read this one because David Bell is an assistant professor at Western Kentucky college. Why that matters I don't know. It was good but I was waiting for a shocking twist in the end, but his ending was fine also.
Read this one in a day and a half . I love Anne Tyler writing and her characters are always so real. A Patchwork Planet is my favorite by her.

I forgot one that I really liked, "Lone Wolf" by Jodi Piccoult. I love my kindle and I love my library, they work together nicely along with friends that pass along good books.

At Graye's Greenhouse 2012

I love going to Graye's at anytime of the year. They have the unusual plants you don't see anywhere else.

This time I bought BROOM CORN plants! Also some tomatoes new to me SIOUX and BLOODY BUTCHER and SWEET AROMA.

I planted two other new-to-me tomatoes, SILVERY FIR TREE and Kynda's PINEAPPLE tomato. We should have lots of salsa this year.

Love from Michigan.

Strawberry Spinach.....

This plant is about 18 inches tall now and bushy. I planted it from seed last year and it was pretty pitiful, I almost did away with it. This year it is really nice and an unusual flower. You can eat the leaves but why would you?

Graduation Day for Tyler...

Proud Mom!!!
Happy Family!!

We are all so proud of Tyler and his honors, awards and that wonderful academic scholarship. We wouldn't want to leave out his time in the marching band . The music at the graduation was so beautiful and the choir sang Galinda and Elphaba's song from Wicked, Because I Knew You.

I had a good driver, granddaughter Rachel, and John Michael kept us informed when there were freeway construction barrels. It was so good to see Annette, Mike, Dylan and Tyler and spend some time at their home. It was a beautiful day. Thanks Tyler.

Ernest Markham, a clematis.....

My first blog post was Ernest. June 2008....

Still beautiful June 2012....getting a clematis? Buy Ernest!

Today will be a happy day for us. Rachel, John Michael and I are going to see Tyler graduate from Linden High School.

Also when the tomatoes and okra are in, the garden is finished, and mine is! I hope your garden is finished also.

Flowers on Mineral Springs.....

These are called "Fine Line". Second year for them.

Blueberries!!! (and my shoes). Second Year also...

Hostas, just a few of them...

and Baptisia.... Happy Saturday...