Patriotism, Wildflowers, Watermelon & More

For my American readers, I hope you have a great Memorial Day weekend.  For my readers from other countries - Memorial Day is a US federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May (May 30 in 2011). Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates U.S. soldiers who died while in the military service. First enacted to honor Union and Confederate soldiers following the American Civil War, it was extended after World War I to honor Americans who have died in all wars.  We also honor those who are and have served in our military.

Memorial Day often marks the start of the summer vacation season, and Labor Day its end.

We will be going to visit my Dad's grave this weekend where hubby will clean the bronze marker with brass polish and soap and water, sweep the dried grass away and put a nice shiny finish on the bronze.  I will arrange a bouquet of flowers from our farm in the bronze vase we had installed.  My Dad was a Marine in World War II in the South Pacific.  His unit of over 200 went in on the first wave to hit the beaches of Iwo Jima  and only 17 were not killed or wounded.

The beaded item above is a pin I designed and created, it's actually fairly small, about 1 1/2 inches tall and 2 inches wide.  This flag was the first flag and the 13 stars represent the first colonies in America. This is popularly called the "Betsy Ross" flag.

Moving on.. I just had to show you how our Cairn Terrier, Buddy, looked after his recent trip to the "beauty salon".  :-)

Above.. I volunteered at Multnomah Falls on Thursday and on the way home I spotted this big patch of wild Larkspur and pulled off the road to get this photo of them.  So pretty!

I was impressed with the canopy of fresh green as I drove along the Historic Columbia River Highway.

Screeeeech.. pull over... take photos of a patch of wild Lupine.  They'll be prettier in a few days when they fill out more.

Hubby found this tiny bird egg lying on the deck, it must have fallen out of the nest in our eaves.  I put it in the tiny bird nest I have in my glass lantern.  Does anyone know what kind of egg this is?  Wren?

Above is a Watermelon hot pad I was inspired to make from my blog friend Kate at The Garden Bell.  She was inspired to make several of these after reading an article in Martha Stewart Living magazine that had several vintage examples of this fun design.  I made one years ago but lost it in one of our moves.  Kate shares the pattern, in case you want to make one, and if you do, do share photos with me!

Last but not least, my sweet blog friend Lucy from Lucy - In The Sky selected me to be a recipient of this blog award.  How sweet is she?  The recipient is supposed to share 10 things about them - so I will do that.  You're also supposed to pass on the award to others, but what I'd rather do is tell you that all the blogs in my "Blog List" are favorites, please click on them and visit them, and tell them I sent you!


Ten Things
1. I met my hubby when I was 14 and a freshman in High School, we married a few months before I turned 21.
2. When I was 6 weeks old our house was rolled over and destroyed by a tornado in Oklahoma and my Dad saved me by shielding me in his arms.
3. I saw The Beatles live in Seattle.
4. I was a full-out hippie chick and lived in Hawaii right after I graduated high school.
5. I love antiques and our 100 year old farmhouse is filled with them.
6. Grandkids are the reward you get for raising kids of your own.
7. I like to be a positive person - negativity is the bane of the world.
8. I love to swim.
9. I love art and crafts.
10.  I lived aboard my sailboat in the San Juan Islands of Washington state and singlehanded the boat on many occasions.

There ya go!  I hope you have a wonderful weekend and thanks for stopping by to visit.  I really do love my peeps that come by and also love your adorable comments!
((hugs)), Teresa :-)