Monday, September 3, 2018

Welcoming Calvin and Garden Gazing

On Saturday we traveled to Southwest Portland to my sister Denise's house for a family gathering.  My brother Robert's daughter Jessica was visiting from Indiana and we finally got to meet her 7 week old son, Calvin.  She also brought her darling 2 year old daughter, Cora.  This is my sister's front garden and I had to show you how amazing it looks, she planted a dozen little pots of Lantana and they spread out, talk about colorful!!


I had a corner to finish on the C2C blanket for Calvin, so I crocheted like a madwoman while we visited.  My brother's son Josh and his family arrived, also with us was his daughter Johanna and her family.  It was fun to see the kids having fun and getting to know their newest cousin.  Jessica on the left, Denise's daughter Whitney holding Calvin and my SIL D'Ann on the right.


Thank goodness I finished the blanket and then had to sew in many ends, but Ta-Dah.. I got it done.  Here is the center of attention wearing the hat I made for him and the matching blanket.  :-) I'm happy that 1. The hat fit and 2. It will fit for the whole winter!  :-)  What a nice time we all had spending time together.  Jessica's husband works in the race car industry and was at the Portland International Raceway for the Indy car races that day.  


Yesterday we just enjoyed our world here at home.  We sat out on the back deck and enjoyed the birds, the flowers and the perfect weather.  A hint of Autumn was in the air, too.  Our Bonfire Orange Begonia is massive, I wonder how big it might get next year?



My 4th of July rose put out new flower growth after I pruned off the spent blossom bracts and it's neat to have these blooming at the end of summer.



Dayle has been feeding a large flock of Goldfinches with 4 "socks" full of Niger Thistle seeds.  None of these were a full yellow, I wonder why?



Our red lace leaf Japanese maple put out some new growth, Dayle feels they need to be pruned off.  We're having a major difference of opinion on this.  I want it to grow bigger, he wants it to be pruned into a mushroom shape.  Your thoughts?



From my comfy wicker chair I am taking most of these photos using the zoom lens of my Lumix DMC-FZ1000 camera.  Our Douglas Fir tree in our woods is loaded with pine cones.



The sounds of falling water in our pond adds to the lovely sound of birdsong.



Our massively huge Chestnut tree is also loaded with nuts, they will begin to fall soon.



The orange Geranium juxtaposed in front of the colorfully leafed begonia that has never flowered.


Zooming in on a tiny miniature rose bloom, the size of a 50 cent piece.



I wish I remembered the name of this but it's leaves are as colorful and a flower.


Pretty.



Time to take down the patriotic bunting.  :-)



The hanging baskets are waning a bit, I am going to miss their colorful presence.  


I hope we get some more of these starry sky petunias again next year.


The little pagoda Dayle brought home from his dad's back yard after he passed away.



Sometimes the simplest images are the most powerful.


A pair of Day Lilies in bloom.



Dayle's red Banana is looking good.. it's not going to enjoy the coming winter weather.



Just passing time enjoying warmth and the sounds of nature.



Look how dry the "grass" is.  Actually, our yard is really just whatever decides to grow.  We're casual like that.  :-)



Kristi made shrimp Étouffée for dinner the other night, it was delicious.  It took us back to our 5 years of living in Louisiana.  


We tested out this cedar stain.  We're thinking it might be a shade too dark?  What do you think?  This is 2 coats.



This is one coat of stain/sealer.


Last night we all went to dinner at Tad's Chicken 'n Dumplins.  They had all the doors wide open to the Sandy River and the temperature was perfect.  A very nice dinner.  Hayden wanted to order oysters.  We all tried to convince him he might not want to do that and thankfully he changed to a "salmon fill-it".  :-)



I thought I'd show you the other side of the sign -- the other side says "Tad's Chic Dump".  :-)


Today is Labor Day here in the USA.  It's held on the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.

No matter which country you hail from, I am sure you can all join us in appreciation of the workers who keep your country successful.  ((hugs)), Teresa :-) 

14 comments:

  1. A lovely blanket and hat, and what a gorgeous baby, so nice to have a big family. I bet his mum loved your thoughtful gifts. Your garden is looking amazing, I always love to see that 4th of July rose. I didn't know you lived in Louisiana for a while, I imagine that was quite an experience. CJ xx

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  2. Your sister's Lantana garden is beautiful, Teresa. What an adorable little one wearing your sweet creation. Family times are just the best, aren't they? Your flowers always look so healthy and happy. The bonfire begonia is really beautiful and aptly named. I like the lighter stain personally, but the darker one is nice as well. I'm glad you are enjoying cooler weather. It's quite warm and humid here and my poor plants sure would like for it to rain. ♥

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  3. Awwwwwwwwwww...the little guy is so cute and that hat is just perfect on him. Congrats on the new family member!!!

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  4. I love seeing the pictures of your family. It’s so nice that you are all able to get together so often. And you finished the blanket in the nick of time. That sweet little baby looks so cute with the hat and blanket that you made. It’ll keep him warm in the cold Indiana winter.

    I have to say, my favorite picture was of the Starry Sky Petunia. That is one beautiful flower! I’m sure you’re loving the blue skies that we’re having these days after all the brown of the last month. The days are warm and the nights are crisp. My favorite time of year. Thank you for the pictures of Tad’s Chick Dump. We’ll have to go back there sometime soon with you and Dayle.
    Many blessings,
    Betsy

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  5. Such a joy to visit and see your wonderful family. The new addition is a delight and thankfully you managed to get the blanket finished in time. You are blessed with a beautiful garden, all the amazing shrubs and flowers look stunning.

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  6. Your garden is a paradise Teresa and your pictures are wonderful. I love the sound of water falls in gardens, so calming and relaxing. The tiny miniature rose bloom is so pretty and the Starry Sky Petunia, utterly stunning. Must try and source some of those! Glad you had a lovely time with your family and got that blanket finished for that gorgeous little lad. I think your Japanese Maple would look good growing free style personally. We have a small garden and have to prune our trees, given the choice, they'd be huge by now. As for your decking, I really like the colour of those samples the colour might fade a bit over time possibly.

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  7. Darn, my tablet swallowed my comment. Trying again....

    Calvin is adorable and looks great in that cute hat!

    I loved all your garden photos. The starry sky petunia and the tiny rose - wow! And the maple, and your sister's lantana, and the chestnuts....

    I like both versions of the cedar stain. Not much help there. :)

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  8. I'm with you on the Japanese maple.

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  9. I SPied the hospital blanket!! hahaha . I swear every mom takes one home. (accidentally of course) Those first day smells keep the baby calmer at home , I swear. Love your zoom feature!! wowza. Hope you win the battle with hubby and pruning! We have so much rain here and with more predicted, I am glad we have no big garden to fuss over. The woods are my haven. I so enjoy YOUR flowers though!

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  10. Hmmm I just lost my comment on my phone.... but enjoy seeing the fine hat and blanket you made for Calvin. So glad for the happy family gatherings you had. Thanks for sharing the gorgeous photos. I vote for light stain and a mushroom cut for the bush 🤗

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  11. I hope you enjoyed your Labour Day weekend. I've started listening to this digital radio station based in Knoxville Tennessee as they play an awesome collection of classic rock, so I was hearing all about the Labour Day happenings which is funny considering I'm in Melbourne Australia! I love your 4th of July rose. I found one growing at the Victorian State Rose Garden (just 20 mins from my place) this time last year and absolutely fell in love with it. However it doesnt seem to be available in garden centres here. You made a lovely blanket for little Calvin too! Xox Louise

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  12. Calvin is so handsome in his hat! I know you must enjoy your extended family very much. Your flowers are looking marvelous and mine are started to fade, just a bit. Will soon be fall :)

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  13. Yeah, you got the blanket finished in the nick of time. Calvin is adorable. Glad you had a good time with your family! Lovely flowers. I like the stain you have...2 coats is nice! It looked like it was going to rain here this evening but the clouds passed by without dropping rain...hopefully in a few days it will! Our grass is brown...bleah! Have a good weekend!

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  14. Family time is so special, especially when it involves cute little ones and brand new babies. Love the hat and balnket you made for that sweetie.

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