Birthday Lunch

Yesterday my "best friend from 7th grade" Shirley celebrated her birthday by inviting us to her home and making lunch for us all!  It was also my sister Roberta's birthday a few days ago, so we had a double birthday party.  :-)  Younger sister Denise arrived home just the day before from a 3 week trip to visit Lake Erie and surrounding places.  Shirley made an Italian Chopped Salad, I brought fresh baked artisan bread, Denise brought iced tea and Roberta brought dessert.  Shirley has created a wonderful garden at her home and gave us a tour before lunch.  I was charmed by this old shutter that was planted with succulents.. she has it hanging on the fence.  

Shirley started a collection of keys on this wall and each time I visit there are more.. it's quite a collection now!  

Shirley also had a painting I gifted to her many years ago.  One of my octopus ink paintings of a covered bridge that I photographed on the way to visit my mom years ago.

Shirley has a neat little garden area that her husband John made for her along their front walkway and the Dahlias have done well there.

They have the cutest potting bench in their back yard, above it in the center is a bird house that I had built for me and painted ivy on it and gifted to her.  :-)  Isn't this a charming area?

We had a wonderful lunch and chatted away.. I forgot to take a photo of the chopped salad but did get this shot of our dessert.  Yum!

I found the neatest handmade gift bags for the girl's gifts.. :-)

And gave Roberta and Shirley each a handblown glass pumpkin for their fall decor.  We had a lively discussion on our current political situation.  The 4 of us agree on things, so that is good.  :-)  I won't say anymore about it.. :-X

I made it through some difficult traffic and arrived home.. Dayle was on the tractor mowing the field.  I have been wanting to take a photo of our Hawthorn tree which is covered with berries.. very fall-ish!

See how many berries there are?

When I walked up upon the deck I noticed one single pink Gerbera Daisy in bloom.  So pretty.

I think this is an Abe Lincoln rose.. in bloom in the garden.

My basket of Moss Roses is still going strong.

We added a pumpkin by the back door.. come on in.  :-)

I'm heading off to the pool soon.. I was hoping to go on a scenic drive today but that fell through.   :-)  What are you doing today?  ((hugs)), Teresa :-)