Catching Up

Hello my Friends,

I do hope you all have had a good week. Most of us have been basking in sunshine and high humidity....only to be cooled off with rain soaked evenings. I have to admit I love the sun and our fabulous summers. My only complaint is they are far too short........

Many of you have been and are back from vacation....I hope it was all that you expected and more. My own summer has been quite quiet this year. I have chosen to stay close to home  and see the sights in my own neighbourhood so to speak. After visiting Fort Edmonton and attending Heritage Days (another real treat for tourist) that is held every summer over 3 days - featuring many cultures. There were over 80 huge tents this year. Each tent represents a different country and the people are dressed in the appropriate clothing, the food was delicious and unique to each culture.  The entertainment was wonderful, and really can only be appreciated by attending this event.  Edmonton does offer something for everyone, it is a huge city and I enjoy all the things only a big city can offer, but I so look forward to arriving home. Morinville is small, very quiet with only one set of street lights. Oh yes my kind of town.

 My friend, Helen and I have also just returned from spending two days in Jasper. I love the mountains, two days was only long enough to make me realize how much I miss spending more time there. We have made plans to return in November for a retreat that is being held there. It is put on by Native Canadians. I so hope she doesn't change her mind as I am looking forward to it already.  November is not a good month to travel through the mountains in Alberta, so I won't go on my own. Now later this month I may drive myself to Banff to meet up with friends from Calgary.  Will share this with you all when my plans are confirmed.

I wish I could show you some of my recent pictures, especially my hanging baskets. They must weigh nearly 50 pounds. I wanted to sit on the door step and dead head them but they are far too heavy for me to lift. I stood on a stool and cleaned them up, they are lovely. Unfortunately I cannot say the same about many of my other flowers or plants. Oh some are not too bad, some are even quite nice but some have root rot. I think the hanging baskets did so well because they drain automatically.  Every year I learn a little bit more about gardening, next year I will see that my pots have more rocks and a far better drainage system.  Also,  I think I will cover them with plastic bags when expecting rain. One of my blogging friends suggested I do this.  I am still enjoying their scents and colors and I love all the insects and creatures they attract. I have had more birds visit me this year than ever before, my favorite are the humming birds just outside my garden door. It seems they feed every time I sit down for a coffee.....I love it.

My friend Terry is arriving Monday for a couple of days. She is to have a procedure as an outpatient Tuesday morning. It is not serious but I always worry a bit when my family or friends need to go through testing or procedures. She is driving in Monday morning and we are going to Costco during the afternoon, I have already started my "list" of things to do. Great friend aren't I,  but in my defence it was her idea. She is also going to try and help me upload pictures again to my blog. I am so close to achieving this, fresh eyes just may do the trick.

It is so good to have most of you back, it seemed so many were away in July. Wishing you all a great week.

Good Night, God Bless and many, many hugs......:-)