The Gingham Dog Tot Lot....

 Twenty years ago I took Jacob and Jordan to the Gingham Dog to play.  I thought today would be a good day for John Michael to enjoy this sweet little neighborhood park so we packed a lunch and headed over.  

Sadly, it has changed a bit,  and although the grass was cut , it is now a playground for a group of ducks....

 We have had a lot of rain but I think there's more to it, perhaps the city of Allen Park doesn't have the money to maintain it.  You can see the ducks and how happy they are.

John said it's okay GG.  We ate our lunch at the same picnic table as Jake and Jordan and I did and John enjoyed his Bigby smoothie. I told him Jake and Jordan never had smoothies when they were five but they did get to play on the merry-go-round, their favorite.

Love to all.

Green Beans

I haven't had good beans in two years so I picked a new one from Park's.  They are called Cobra and maybe because of the rain, they are extra good.  They are big but tender.

I also have a favorite cucumber "Cool Breeze" and seeds are kinda hard to find.  They are a bit fuzzy which washes right off.  I made some summer pickles for our dinner at Blessed Hope and they really liked them.  I just didn't make enough.  John Michael and I ate some that I had just sliced and put in cold water overnight.  I would like to make some sun dills also.  If you have a favorite recipe, please send.

And  please say a prayer for Austin, a young man (teen) at Blessed Hope, who is really struggling.  We had about 25 or so people and it was so hot I'm sure some just didn't try to get out. Rose and Val, our chief cooks, always have plenty of food.  I try to be the chief bottle washer but mostly I just enjoy being with everyone. 

Some new books....

I was reading Sandcastle Girls by Chris B. when Rebecca brought me the new Hosseini book. Then I returned a movie at the library and they had the other one for me.  I sat down and read the first chapter while John colored a picture and haven't been able to leave it alone since then.  So much for the sewing I intended to do.

The rain has gone away now and the sun is shining, everything is growing and the Michigan crop of corn is just in.  I am so happy for the farmers this year, their crops are going to be abundant.  Happy Saturday everyone.

21st Annual Salute to America at Greenfield Village....

 How could anything go wrong when Superman is there to save the day!!!!

 It was a very light rain at this point, look at all those sissies with their umbrellas.......

ONE HOUR LATER....My umbrella was leaking... bet Jordan was wishing he was back in LasVegas....Rebecca was texting and Jeff was well-prepared.....

Sadly it was cancelled about nine oclock.  I wanted to hear the Detroit Symphony play and of course the fireworks would have been beautiful.

We will try again next year.  We learned the ropes this year (bring more food and ponchos).  Good things too were we picked the right time and got a good parking spot and set up  on the lawn next to some church friends, had a good walking workout and FUDGE.

Thanks everyone for travel prayers  for Jordan and sweet comments.  Happy Monday morning.

Sunday church bouquet....

Have a lovely Sunday everyone. 

The garden walk of Garden City, Michigan

 The butterfly house at Barson's Greenhouse is open.  Brenda is available to tell you all about it.

 Their water source....

 Markers to identify the plants they need....

and I picked this one to wish you a Happy Fourth of July Independence Day.

Tuesday

 This is my hose basket, made by Barbara (below).  Isn't it clever, she actually followed through on a pinterest idea.  It's my birthday present.

 And this is Bailey, who has never got to be on the blog.  He lives with Barbara.

 Charlie takes his driver's test today, he is kinda nervous about the parking (who isn't).  Jordan is in Utah for car repairs on first leg of his journey.  It rained all day yesterday and is cool this morning.  The roses are loving it.