Friday, August 14, 2015

August Days

Well, where have I been?  I haven't had time to post anything or visit my blogging friends; most of the time we haven't had time to even sit down and eat.   Hard to believe I haven't posted since May; time is just flying by.  So much has happened this summer and it will take me many posts to catch up on all the activity.  I uploaded hundreds of pictures from my camera tonight.  Obviously they won't all fit in one post, so I'll have to spread this out over time.

The major event of the summer is over, Joel and Abby's wedding on June 27.  It was a beautiful day and everything went perfectly.  They have not received their photos from the photographer yet, so I will wait until I have my copies to share.  I have a few of my own in the meantime:
The beautiful bride, our new daughter, Abby.

The New Mr. and Mrs V: June 27, 2015
The Old Mr. and Mrs. V leaving church
And at the reception in the garden
There will be LOTS more photos to come on the wedding as soon as possible.

We had another wedding in July, one week after Joel and Abby were married.  Friend Ann's daughter Jessie was married here at the garden. We were lucky and had another beautiful day.

Randy and Jessie's wedding, friends of the family

I want to write separate posts for each wedding just as soon as time allows and I have all the photos.

Along with all the wedding fun, we've had visitors galore here again this year.  Bus trips, conifer conventions, our annual booyah party and people calling from the 'Our Wisconsin' magazine article from 2014.  A rough estimate this year is approximately 400+ people have come to see us here in our rocky paradise.  Since May the visitors have been constant.  We have one more garden club touring August 24, and then things will quiet down some, at least with scheduled visits.  We do have two more weddings in September and October, though.  It is really nice to have people come to visit; sometimes we get so jaded with the work that we forget to look at the garden.

And it's good to leave the garden sometimes, too.  I had a doctor's appointment today for a thyroid check and we were gone for a few hours.  When we came home it was near sunset and we slowed down on the road to appreciate the light.

I always tell people they can't miss us, it's the little white house with the brown roof and flowers.
View from the road




My color scheme hasn't varied much the last few years, but the Supertunia Vista Bubblegum petunias put on such a show that I can't resist them.


The driveway entrance

So, in a nutshell, that's what's been going on around here since May.  There's lots more to talk about, but it is after 2AM.  This ol' gal definitely needs some sleep.

More soon!











11 comments:

FlowerLady Lorraine said...

It is so GREAT to see a post from you!!! It was pure delight too, seeing two different bride & grooms on their days.

Your gardens are beautiful works of heart/art. Sometimes we need to get away for a bit, or see it through others eyes to get a different perspective than the one we always are in and that is in 'work mode' to make the gardens and keep them going.

Love and hugs for you dear Karen and Carl too. May your weekend be a lovely one.

FlowerLady

El Gaucho said...

Karen - I'm so glad that you're back posting, your photos and stories are always immensely enjoyable. The gardens looks amazing (as always), and I hope you have some time to rest and recuperate before winter sets in.

Karen said...

Dear Rainey, thank you for always being there for me. You are so right about the perspective aspect; some days we get so fed up with the gardens that we wonder why anyone would want to see them. It is a good idea to take a step back now and then. :-) Hugs to you!

Karen said...

El Gaucho, so good to hear from you, too! Where did this summer go? Ack, before we know it we'll be shoveling snow instead of mulch. We're going to try and take some time to enjoy the blooms that are left (but the mortar mixer will be making an appearance very soon, GROAN!!) Great to hear from you!

Alison said...

Aha, I knew when you left me a comment that there would be a new post! So good to see. It sounds like you've had a busy, but good, summer. Congrats on getting a new daughter. She was a beautiful bride, but how could anyone notice her when YOU looked so spectacular!

Pamela Gordon said...

It's great to see a post from you Karen! Congratulations on the marriage of your son and the addition of a daughter to your family. You look beautiful! You've been busy with the weddings and gardens so no time for blogging. It's been a good summer here with an even mix of sun and rain. Take care and enjoy the rest of August.
Pam

Karen said...

Alison, you're too kind! (And you made me blush, lol!)

Pamela, Thank you!!

Beth said...

Hi Karen, I've missed you! Glad you have hundreds of pictures to share with us. I can't wait to see them. You have a beautiful new daughter. So happy for you. You and Carl look great and the gardens are gorgeous as always. I recognized Supertunia 'Vista Bubblegum'! I like it too. It is a reliable performer. Enjoy the rest of your summer!
Blessings, Beth

Beth at PlantPostings said...

Oh yes, you have been busy! What a wonderful setting for weddings--your family, friends, and others are lucky to have such a beautiful place to celebrate their special days! I would love to come visit your garden some day. Maybe next summer. I hope you'll find some time to relax and enjoy your garden during the next few months. :)

Roslyn said...

Great to hear from you Karen. I'd guessed you'd been busy with Joel's wedding and your summer garden. Looking forward to seeing more photos and hearing all about the happenings.
You'll notice we have moved and I've started a new blog. We have to start again creating a new garden so in the meantime I will just enjoy yours (from a distance) so the more pikkies the better please.

Indie said...

Aw, congratulations on gaining a daughter! She looks so beautiful, and the gardens are so gorgeous! What a beautiful place to have a wedding! That sounds like one busy summer. Do you regularly fertilize your Bubblegums? I'm always astounded with the show they put on! I have the feeling that my petunias feel rather neglected...