Backyard Sanctuary

Over the years we have been able to create a backyard atmosphere of serenity and seclusion.  The fences are covered with a vine that adds height to the fence and added privacy.  The deep greenery cools the air and keeps the city noises at bay.  In addition to the two original trees planted seventy plus years ago along the edges of the yard, we have added trees for shade.  The biggest tree in the middle of the yard, a  volunteer sapling which had to come out, was growing up between the house and the air conditioner. So my husband determinded to dig it up, but it came with no root ball.  Although we were not optomistic about the tree's survival, we planted it in the middle of the yard.  It has thrived and now provides abundant shade throughout the yard offering a shady spot to settle in any time of the day.

 The focal point of the yeard, a small fish pond nestles under the shade of this tree edged with flagstone, planted with water lilies, water hyacinth and a water grass.  Gold fish in varying sizes and colors ranging from pure white to liquid gold dart among the floating greenery.  A watering can with a begonia and a tipped bucket spilling out impatiens brighten the edges of the pond. Large red bolders tumble in groups of two and three for additional accents at three curves of the pond.  At the water's edge a ceramic cat lounges, dipping its paw into the water.  A small table with a luxurious Boston fern and white Andrionack chair sit by the pond inviting a moment of repose. 

Flower beds fill the edges of this shady retreat with color, a feast for the eyes.  Watering cans of various sizes decorate the yard.  One can hangs for a shepherd's crook overflowing with pink and burgandy impatiens.  Others sit amongst  flowers ready to supply a refreshing drink to the flowers at any time. I located one in my mother-in-law's garage, long out of service and showing years of use.  We have found others at antique stores for a total of six.  White iron plant stands of different sizes and shapes hold flower pots up above the greenery to increase impact. Driftwood from the ranch provides a change of pace from the rocks and foliage. Two windmills, one a wooden dutch replica and one a minature ranch windmill signal the changing breezes.  An Indian Trail of Tears weathervane anchors the west end of the pond,  An old red barn birdhouse hangs from a large arch in the corner of the flowerbeds.  A victorian house birdhouse sits sedately on a white iron stand near the hydrangea and an old barnwood bird house hangs near the back door. The steps into the kitchen through French doors from the back yard are loaded with pots of flowers and house plants bringing the beauty of the backyard  right to the kitchen as well.

All of these points of interest and beauty offer a refreshing spot for daily lunches in the yard or for time to unwind at the end of the day while watching the fish in their evening feeding frenzy.  In the quiet of an afternoon, reading is a perfect activity. The beauty, coolness and quite of this space provide so much enjoyment.

Not Flawless but Perfect

We celebrated our daughter's wedding Saturday. She had waited patiently for God's best for her and when they met, it was quickly apparent to both of them that his blessing was on their relationship.  Two months after their engagement, they are husband and wife.  Two months to make wedding arrangements is a rather short amount of time, but with God, nothing is impossible.  I think he has delighted in lavishing his blessings on them.  The charter school where she has taught since its inception held its first graduation in a beautiful chapel on a Bible school campus with a spectacular view out to the Colorado mountains.  At the time she commented that this would be an awesome place for a wedding.  It was available only one weekend all summer and that was this last Saturday. Originally, the chapel was not available Friday night for the rehearsal, so we anticipated practicing at her former school; however, several weeks prior to the wedding, we found out that arrangements had been made so we could have the chapel for the rehearsal and the wedding.

 We shopped for a wedding dress and found one in a bridal shop.  An hour and a half after we walked in the door, we had purchased a dress  that made her feel beautiful-- and she is.  We met with the lady at the bakery, the sister of a woman our daughter works with, and decided on delectable cake tiers, each a  different flavor with different fillings and a classic design that was simple yet elegant.  The flower shop woman put together sample bouquets of deep pink roses accented with lavender roses, royal blue delphinium, white orchids and star gazer lilies to match the royal blue and hot pink wedding colors.  These flowers would also decorate the four-tiered cake.  Our daughter found royal blue bridesmaids dresses in the right sizes for her petite matron of honor sister-in-law and tall elegant redheaded best friend.  Her townhouse was rented out a month before the wedding to a new teacher at her former school.  A teaching position in her small new community opened up, and she signed a contract to begin teaching one month after her wedding. God's blessings have been evident each step of the way, and the culminating delight was the ceremony on Saturday.

The wedding day was a beautiful with a crisp clear Colorado sky decorated with billowy clouds.  The reception area was ready for guests. Tables covered with blue and topped with lace table cloths from grandmothers and great grandmothers held the food. Silver candelabras, pink candles, bows, and tulle decorated the tables.  The cake turned out beautifully with blue scrolls flourishing on the sides topped with abundant fresh flowers.  Heart-shaped sugar cookies baked by a friend and rose cream cheese mints (a favorite of the bride) made by grandma and cousins indicated the love that went into the preparations.

 The guests arrived from one end of the country to the other. College friends whom she had not seen since they graduated came from Seattle, Idaho, Kansas and Washington DC.  Family from California, Florida, Wyoming, New Mexico, Kansas and Colorado joined in the celebration.  Community members and colleagues of both the bride and groom offered their support as well.  Everyone dressed in their wedding attire: the groom and groomsmen in their tuxes with royal blue vests and ties, bridesmaids in slim knee-length royal blue dresses, flower girls twirling in their white dresses, hot pink bows streaming down the back, and three ring bearers in classic button-down light blue shirts and black Wranglers with their cowboy boots and belts.  The bride was glowing with happiness and an inner beauty in her elegant white gown that fit her perfectly.

The chapel was full; the ring bearers dutifully held their ring pillows and walked solemnly to the front; the little flower girls were coaxed to walk the aisle and toss flower petals along the way.  The bridal march signaled the bride's entry on the arm of her father.  Her dad, moved with emotion and joy, determined to keep a smile on his face as he walked his daughter to the front and gladly responded to "Who gives this woman to be married?" responded, "Her mother and I," and took his seat next to me.   We listened with reverence as a trio of her friends sang "O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus" a capella, filling the vast reaches of the chapel with rich vibrant melody.They exchanged very traditional vows to " love honor and cherish till death do us part."  As they exchanged rings and repeated their lines, she mistakenly tried to put the ring on his right hand. Laughing at the "ring malfunction" and forgetting what she should say next, she asked if they could start that part again.  Enjoying every moment of the ceremony, they continued, rings on the correct hand; their delight in each other radiated.  After they kissed and were introduced as husband and wife, the guests errupted with applause and cheers. The bride and groom wanted a reception line so they could be sure to talk to each guest who came to support them. Everyone mulled around visiting and enjoying the time and refreshments.  This wedding was about the people, not the party.  The day was filled with joy and celebration of two lives joined in marriage.

At the hotel the next day, my sister-in-law said that everything at the wedding was flawless.  I responded that it was not flawless, but it was perfect.  It was a perfectly wonderful and appropriate celebration of their new life together. God is so good!

Abundant Fruits

I walk all around the neighborhood either to and from work or just for daily exercise when I am not in the office.  We live in an older estabilshed area with tree-lined streets and no two houses alike. Landscaping varies so much from one yard to another that each day's walk provides many things to observe and comment on.  This year spring came early with no late frost destroying the blossoms, so all the plants are ahead of their usual schedule for blooming and producing. I enjoy making jelly and jam as well as putting up produce from the garden, so when I see a tree with fruit that no one is using, I can envision jars of sparkling jelly on the counter.  Last year my friend and I noticed an heavily laden cherry tree on our walk to work, and we were able to determine who lived there and ask if they might let us pick cherries.  The homeowners readily agreed and even picked with us on a warm summer evening. I made two batches of cherry jam, my son's new favorite.  Unfortunately this year because if a heavy October snow storm this tree lost at least half of its branches.  With the diminished produce, we did not ask to pick the cherries that we passed each day on the way to work. 

Wishing for cherries for jam this year, I noticed several options.  Surprisingly, there are cherry trees lining the entry way into a local shopping area.  No one is using the fruit, but I had no idea where to even start to ask permission to pick.  I did pick crabapples in a hotel parking lot one year, but all that I had to do then was walk inside the lobby to talk to the manager.  I also noticed two cherry trees in the front yard of a house I frequently pass on my morning walk.  Because I walk early to beat the heat of the day, I have not seen anyone out in the yard, nor do I want to knock on the door so early.  Last week there were even several branches loaded with cherries that had been cut down, and I  thought sadly that here was a bountiful rich crop of cherries that would be wasted.

  This morning, on the Fourth of July, I was a little later on my rounds of the neighborhood because I had been on the phone with family.  As I passed the house, a man was just coming out to get into his car.  I decided to be brave and ask if he would consider letting me pick cherries.  He was very gracious and told me to help  myself and that I could use the ladder just inside the back gate right by the garage.  When I got home, I called my friend and told her that I had found cherries to pick.  Emboldened with the success of that request, I called another neighborhood owner who has an apricot tree so laden with fruit that the branches are touching the ground and nearly breaking.  He also agreed to let us pick fruit in his yard.  We loaded up my ladder in her SUV and went to pick.  We both came away with plenty of cherries to make several batches of jam and a bucket of apricots as well.  As I spent several hours this afternoon pitting cherries, I realize again that not many people want to make the effort it takes to use these fruits, but I appreciate that they are willing to let me pick in their yards.  Canning is time consuming, but the rewards are so sweet.  One batch of deep ruby red cherry jam sits on the counter waiting to share with family, friends and the neighbors who shared with me!