Flags, Flowers and Family

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bk54_kHK7n4/WwwykOUBPsI/AAAAAAAAN_k/dBkNrP1NsD0gHE_SGmtIIRxJrF6u4yuyACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180515_190152_506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bk54_kHK7n4/WwwykOUBPsI/AAAAAAAAN_k/dBkNrP1NsD0gHE_SGmtIIRxJrF6u4yuyACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180515_190152_506.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;">Well hello there my friends.</span> I may very well be talking to myself since it's been almost a<u> full</u> year since I last checked in. It wasn't intentional by any means...we live in the country and the internet is for the birds. Finally, got something back up and working. I can't wait to catch up with everyone and see what you all have been up to. </span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">As for me, I'm just taking it one day at a time, doing life the Valerie way-it's been a long rough 12 months filled with a lot of loss but somehow Spring came around again (even though it's really been short) and it's already time for Memorial Day.</span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;"> How'd that happen?</span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>I mean really? </b></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">It was just Christmas. </span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">It's already garden season and I'm behind again.</span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">We've had 2 temps here that make life hard for farmers- soaking wet and hot. </span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">It's a scorcher today and our fields are too wet to till. </span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Mother Nature did pull out a few showstoppers though- check out my climbing rosebush above. I'm about to propagate the heck out of her so we can have her beauty all over the farm. </span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7H1nMMyFtaU/Wwwym8yADEI/AAAAAAAAN_s/hYtuUhJp8_sKuhPVYk4reLStLQwo1vVkACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180506_160932_287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7H1nMMyFtaU/Wwwym8yADEI/AAAAAAAAN_s/hYtuUhJp8_sKuhPVYk4reLStLQwo1vVkACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180506_160932_287.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The goats are as cute and ornery as ever. I mean if you want to love a creature and get exercise all at the same time, get a goat. Like multiples. They really love to be in pairs and you will burn twice the calories.</span></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fJ4cpzSYURA/WwwylqhL5XI/AAAAAAAAN_o/XP0QxZjbax89O0fQew-TAdqCvtOYeHSSwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180518_180344_606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fJ4cpzSYURA/WwwylqhL5XI/AAAAAAAAN_o/XP0QxZjbax89O0fQew-TAdqCvtOYeHSSwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180518_180344_606.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">As for the family part, the hubby and kids keep me busy as ever and the farm is about to be invaded by children all Summer-just the way I like it. </span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <img src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NbWzkfJAITU/WwwypNuK1gI/AAAAAAAAN_0/IgSE1c1Ze1kn3ADvfwIFO1TiG3ENn2JwgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180426_110838_042.jpg" /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Apparently, we are going to throw the ultimate 10 year old birthday party for my son in July. He's already handing out invites to everyone we know. I may have 1/2 the county at my house.</span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;"> Geez Louise right?</span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The rosebush above is one of many my stepmom had me plant at the farm for her a year ago December. Sadly, we lost Kaye suddenly in August. It's been heart wrenching for us all especially my dad.</span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cjpRumFbRHw/Wwwyx51lB5I/AAAAAAAAN_4/11P8LjsJFC86hZt6Q3SmtNloUF6J3Ow1ACLcBGAs/s320/20180429_152602.jpg" /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">He still hasn't joined us at the farm yet. They have a place all set up here and we keep praying he will come out sooner vs later. He comes for the day and I tell you the dude can work circles around us all.</span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Why didn't I get that energy?</span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AGbkdi_D_UM/WwwyoVthZWI/AAAAAAAAN_w/ejM7HfnyoqUDgXEnyv4F6zgOEnynRX4nwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180428_090420_720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AGbkdi_D_UM/WwwyoVthZWI/AAAAAAAAN_w/ejM7HfnyoqUDgXEnyv4F6zgOEnynRX4nwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180428_090420_720.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">I got my old baker's rack all set up with plants again this year and NO I still haven't painted the glider the neighbor sent down years ago. I'm really going to get it done this year.    </span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">                                </span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">For real.  </span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">  I am.    </span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Quit shaking your head, it's going to get done. Wink.</span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Now for the flags I've got to go get them up.</span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;"> It's Memorial Day. What are you up to?</span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">XOXOXOXO,</span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Valerie</span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">If you'd like to see some of my past Summer Decorating Ideas check them out <a href="http://www.cottagemakingmommy.com/2016/05/10-magnificent-ideas-to-celebrate.html">here</a>.</span></div> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <br /></div>

Flags, Flowers and Family

Well hello there my friends. I may very well be talking to myself since it's been almost a full year since I last checked in. I...