Walk This Way.....

We're almost there with the walkways....We just have to feather out the sides with topsoil and seed.  Then we have 22 bags of mulch to put down...all by Saturday and then I'll have final pictures to share.  So for now:

So much easier on the toes than crushed stone:)

Hope you're having a great week!

The Verdict

Source

A while ago, I mentioned that I was coaching our mock trial team. Well, yesterday we went to trial competition....

and.......

we........


won!!

It was a good feeling for our students.  They prepared for several weeks, late into the afternoon, and sometimes had their doubts.  But they did it....and I am so proud of them:)

To Do List

I can't imagine remembering all that has to be done without making lists....how about you? We have a big family party scheduled for Mother's Day.  Family from Germany will be visiting my in-laws, and family from in and out of town will also be coming.  There's nothing like company to motivate us to do the things we have to do anyway - just makes it more exciting! Some has to be done because it's the best time of year to do it - otherwise it's too hot and dry,  and those items are in red. Here is the list and what we have done so far:

Mowing, mowing, mowing:)
Mulch and plant around the mailbox
Pull the weeds and mulch the top of the rock wall
Fill the beds in by the new walkways with topsoil and mulch
start getting the pots ready for planting
fill in the bare spots along the driveway and seed
touch up and stain the Adirondack chairs and bench
Plan the menu
shop for the menu
purchase a grill (our last one was built in with the patio so we didn't take it with us)
plant the seedlings that we purchased before they dry out


Well, here goes....you know what we'll be doing this week.  I'll have an update on the walkways when they are completed - in the homestretch now!   Happy Monday:)

Source

Peace in a Garden

Today was the dedication of our city's Honorary International Peace Garden.  There is a trail of these gardens in New York State commemorating the peaceful friendship our country has had with Canada for the last 200 years, since the War of 1812 ~ I see a future field trip possibility for my students.  However, for today, it was also a chance to recognize and support my mom for her work in this garden.  It has been in the works for the last 2 years.  Dignitaries, media, and many, many volunteers were present for this special event.  Here is the globe representing the hope for peace among nations ~ and put together by our neighbor ...who fixes everything we seem to break - thanks Rob:)

Beautiful flowers.  There will be more gardens and hardscape designs to visit ~ it's a work in progress!

That's my mom assisting the speaker - it was a breezy, but beautiful sunny day!

The stone marking the dedication of the garden.

These are stones that can be purchased and engraved thanking people who have helped to support the creation of this special place.

The moment arrives for the raising of the flags of many nations....

Go Mom and Dad!

Switzerland!  

Aren't these flags just beautiful ~ I must admit that I got goosebumps as they went up!

A twenty one gun salute.

Playing "Taps".......

I can't wait to see how this garden progresses and I love what it stands for.  May you always find peace, whether it be in a garden like this one, or in your own special space and heart:)

Nice job Mom!

Weekend Fun

Each year since we owned the land, we have planted seedlings.  We have planted over seven hundred Colorado Blue Spruce.  This year, we are planting Douglas Fir seedlings.  So far, we have planted about 150. Always so grateful for help from family... and for post hole diggers!  Two years ago, we dug holes by hand - not as much fun!

Creative ways of moving from trail to trail!

And these lovelies who have migrated by the thousands up here.  We usually don't see these beautiful butterflies this far north.  Apparently, they have made their way here due to the warmer than usual March  that we had.

It has been a beautiful weekend so far ~ hope yours is as well:)

Follow the Yellow, I mean Gray, Brick Road....

Here's the latest on the walkways....making progress each day!

Champ welcomes you although he blends in with the doorway:)

Most of the cuts in the stone are made...now it's finishing edges and filling in between the stone.

"There's no place like home!"

Can't wait to show you the finished product ~ thanks for stopping by!

Progress

The walkways are coming along. You can really see the colors of the stone and now I can visualize the end product.  I love watching this come together!

loving the colors and how they go with the stone on the house

Eventually, the path will wind and curve but the stone is put down first, and then cut.

The shot below is off of the screened porch out the back.  It will be so nice to step down on to the bluestone, instead of the crushed stone.  Our hostas are beginning to peek up on the right:)

Out front, I planted yellow daylilies, hydrangeas, and Black-eyed Susans.

I can't wait to go to the nursery and come up with a color scheme for our pots and annuals in the flower beds.

Getting some inspiration here:

Source

Source

I love sweet potato vine in container gardens!  I am also planning a small kitchen garden to go on the deck (away from our feathered and furry friends). Can't wait until the weather is warm enough to get started:)

Have a great Wednesday!