Bears, Flowers & BBQs

The bear now has eyes, nose and mouth.  It's almost done - but I think it needs two little brass buttons where the straps come onto the overalls.  What do you think?  Now.. I've shown my bear to family and someone who will remain nameless told me that the eyes are crooked.  HMPH!  I tried to explain that it's handmade and by it's very nature, things aren't store-bought perfect.  Do you think the eyes are okay or should I add some to the left one?  :-)

Hayden looks somber here.. him and his bear.

Dang.. I love this flower and am sure I have identified it before but do you think I can remember?  NO... do you know what it is? 

I was out back of the shed where Dayle is preparing the ground for the play structure construction project - they've bulldozed the hillside a bit to make a flat spot and Dayle has picked up a truckload of wood chips that are recommended for play areas - and I noticed the apples on our old tree are small and turning red, aren't they cute? 

Back on the deck - my Playboy rose has 2 new blooms.. they beguile me.. so very pretty. 

The above rose has been open longer and has darkens.. the one below is newer to open and is still yellower.  LOVE. 

The 4th of July rose has one stem that just opened.. the rest of the bush is spent.. it should put on more buds soon.   

I love the look of these roses.. they are exciting! 

I was visiting with Dayle while he was planting the Jasmine in the new ceramic pots he found for them.. and I admired how nice the garden is looking since Kristi weeded it.  Dayle hung up a few geraniums on the gazebo for me. 

Here is the pellet BBQ I got for Dayle for his Father's Day - it's a Green Mountain brand.  You get pellets in different woods such as apple, maple, cherry, pecan, alder, oak, mesquite and hickory!  He's BBQed chicken and steak so far... and next we want to try salmon.  On the grill right now is marinated teriyaki chicken breast.  We have this with our salads, and also small portions of mashed potatoes and lots of fresh veggies.  We are VERY happy with this BBQ.  The heat is indirect so there are NO flame-ups from drippings onto hot coals or hot gas burners.  The meat has a nice smokey flavor.

The deck is a bit messy as we're planting and such.. and it's been cool today.  But of course we ran out of potting soil on the first Jasmine and have to get more before we can plant the 2nd one.  :-) 

We are taking Kristi and the little guys on the Sternwheeler day after tomorrow.  The big boys went last year.  The Sternwheeler Columbia Gorge gives our volunteers at Multnomah Falls a complimentary cruise to familiarize our people with their product, it's a win-win situation.  I will take photos.. but you knew that, didn't you? :-)  Enjoy your week!  ((hugs)), Teresa :-)