May 31, 2009

Day 151 - Washing the car

What a beautiful day today! Here my dear husband is washing my car. He always keeps both of our cars clean and especially enjoys washing them himself when the weather is warm. Thank you, Honey!

May 30, 2009

Day 150 - Bag plant


Day 150 - Bag plant
Originally uploaded by Karin Beil
These bag plants intrigued me when I saw them at Jewel. I figured I would give one a try. The plants are growing through holes in a green plastic bag. We hung it on the front porch next to the front door.

May 29, 2009

Day 149 - Bridal shower


Day 149 - Bridal shower
Originally uploaded by Karin Beil
Two lovely teachers from the school I retired from are getting married this summer. Kathy teaches 1st grade and Karen teaches 2nd grade. I loved attending the shower for them today. I'm so happy for both brides-to-be and wish them a lifetime of happiness!

May 28, 2009

Day 148 - Horse races


Day 148 - Horse races
Originally uploaded by Karin Beil
My retiree group spent the afternoon at Arlington Park Race Track this afternoon. I was sad that I forgot my camera, so I had to take a photo of the Daily Racing Guide when I got home. Although the weather was cool and I didn't win, I had a great time watching the races, touring the paddock area, and visiting with friends!

May 27, 2009

Day 147 - Rain gauge


Day 147 - Rain gauge
Originally uploaded by Karin Beil
It has been raining for two days. This is our rain gauge by the patio. It looks like we got about an inch and a half of rain. Sun is predicted tomorrow, so lots of growing will be happening in the gardens!

May 26, 2009

Day 146 - What is it?


Day 146 - What is it?
Originally uploaded by Karin Beil
We've been working in our gardens this spring. They've been sorely neglected for the past few years. We're making good headway as we cultivate, weed, and plant new perennials. Does anyone know what this plant is? Is it a weed or a plant? I have several growing in a shaded garden, and I'm not sure whether I should pull them out or not!

May 25, 2009

Day 145 - Birdhouse


Day 145 - Birdhouse
Originally uploaded by Karin Beil
Our Cubs birdhouse is home to a sparrow this spring. I peeked inside today, there is a nest, but I don't see any eggs yet. We enjoy watching the birds from our patio or kitchen windows.

May 24, 2009

Day 144 - Lilacs


Day 144 - Lilacs
Originally uploaded by Karin Beil
I wish you could smell the fragrance of these lovely lilac bushes that are blooming by our patio! The lovely aroma is drifting into our house through our open windows today. This is another one of my spring favorites!

May 23, 2009

Day 143 - Hibiscus


Day 143 - Hibiscus
Originally uploaded by Karin Beil
The first bloom of the season opened wide on our hibiscus plant. I bought a little plant to put in a pot on our patio this year, but the little plant sure has a big flower! this is the first time I'm had a yellow hibiscus. I look forward to lots of blooms all summer.

May 22, 2009

Day 142 - Peony bud


Day 142 - Peony bud
Originally uploaded by Karin Beil
Our peony plants are now over 30 inches tall and full of huge buds. They are often open by Memorial Day, the colorful show will be a bit later this year. I love cutting some and bringing them into the house to enjoy.

May 21, 2009

Day 141 - Expressions


Day 141 - Expressions
Originally uploaded by Karin Beil
What an enjoyable evening! I attended the show choir performance at the high school. Four of my former 3rd graders are members of this award winning group. Also, my 2 daughters graduated from this high school & were members of the choirs, so attending tonight's show brought back many happy memories of sitting in this same theater watching them perform.

May 20, 2009

Day 140 - Gutter


Day 140 - Gutter
Originally uploaded by Karin Beil
Our maple tree is still dropping whirlybird seeds at a record rate. Dear hubby just cleaned out this gutter a couple of days ago and it is already filling up again.

May 19, 2009

Day 139 - Love


Day 139 - Love
Originally uploaded by Karin Beil
Scott had cataract surgery this morning. The drugs they gave him at the hospital really knocked him out! Here he is at home, sleeping on the couch with the plastic shield protecting his eye. Also protecting him is Lucy. She slept next to him on the couch for several hours.....true love!

May 18, 2009

Day 138 - Whirlybirds


Day 138 - Whirlybirds
Originally uploaded by Karin Beil
I couldn't resist playing with the whirlybirds this morning. The maple tree in our front yard releases its seeds at this time every spring. It seems like one day they are all in the tree & the next day they are scattered all over our yard & driveway. We'll be plagued with the baby maple trees popping up in our gardens for months, but the maple seed is an interesting part of nature.

May 17, 2009

Day 137 - Gerber daisies


Day 137 - Gerber daisies
Originally uploaded by Karin Beil
We worked in the yard a lot today. The plants, flowers, bushes, & trees are beginning to burst with new spring growth & color. I love the bright orange of these gerber daisies. I have them in a pot, sitting in a garden, and they add a great spash of color!

May 16, 2009

Day 136 - Mr. Tree


Day 136 - Mr. Tree
Originally uploaded by Karin Beil
While out for our early morning walk with the dog, I spied this tree. How clever! I would love to know where the face was purchased. It sure brought a smile to my face :-).

May 15, 2009

Day 135 - Ecstasy


Day 135 - Ecstasy
Originally uploaded by Karin Beil
This is one happy dog! When my husband, Scott, came home after lunch today, Lucy rolled over and got her belly rubbed. If only it were that easy to make humans happy!

May 14, 2009

Day 134 - Blue sky


Day 134 - Blue sky
Originally uploaded by Karin Beil
After a very rainy day yesterday, this is the beautiful sky we enjoyed all day today - such a pretty shade of blue! When taking this photo, I felt like I had to get a piece of our roof & trees so people can tell it really is a sky.

May 13, 2009

Day 133 - Rhubarb muffins

With all the rain we've had this spring, my rhubarb plant has grown quickly out of control! While we were out in the garden yesterday, I picked some stalks and today I made yummy rhubarb muffins. Looks like 'someone' ate one already!

May 12, 2009

Day 132 - Carrot treat


Day 132 - Carrot treat
Originally uploaded by Karin Beil



Lucy's very favorite treat is a big raw carrot! Our vet says they are good for watching her weight and great for cleaning her teeth. She's going to be a very healthy dog!

May 11, 2009

Day 131 - Lilies


Day 131 - Lilies
Originally uploaded by Karin Beil
What a beautiful day today! My husband and I used part of the day to do some gardening. Here we are transplanting some Day Lilies to a new spot.

May 10, 2009

Day 130 - Mother's Day


Day 130 - Mother's Day
Originally uploaded by Karin Beil
Happy Mother's Day! This vase of pretty tulips was delivered yesterday. My dear daughter who lives in Denver sent it. Thank you, Kristin. I love you! I look forward to hugging you in person when you get home in June.

This afternoon, we were invited to my oldest daughter's house. She fixed a scrumptious dinner! She also sent me home with leftovers and flowers. Thank you, Cheryl. I love you!

I am a very lucky mom
to have two wonderful
daughters!

May 9, 2009

Day 129 - Snow? No!


Day 129 - Snow? No!
Originally uploaded by Karin Beil
At first glance, this looked like a freak spring snowfall. But, thankfully, no! These are the petals from the blossoms on our neighbors tree that were blown down during the wind & rain last night.

May 8, 2009

Day 128 - Roses


Day 128 - Roses
Originally uploaded by Karin Beil
My sweet husband surprised me today. He bought me a dozen roses while I was gone subbing. When I got home, he said, "because you deserve them". Yes, he's a keeper!

May 7, 2009

Day 127 - Flowers


Day 127 - Flowers
Originally uploaded by Karin Beil
It is getting close to Mother's Day, which means the weather is getting warmer and outside plants will be safe from frost. I stopped at Home Depot today to pick up soil & grass seed and came home with some plants to add to our gardens. I'm looking forward to shaping up our gardens now that I have more time.


Dinner out with friends!
Happy Birthday, Patty!

May 6, 2009

Day 126 - Morning view


Day 126 - Morning view
Originally uploaded by Karin Beil
I LOVE this view out our bedroom window this week. These trees are so pretty and a joy to see as I raise the bedroom blinds each morning. I wish the blooms would stay longer, but a good wind or rain ends the beauty for another year. I do enjoy them while they last!

May 5, 2009

Day 125 - Squirrel bungee

We love watching the wildlife in our backyard. When we saw this bungee feeder for the squirrels at Lowe's we just had to add it to one of our trees. We are anxiously waiting for the squirrels to discover this new toy!

May 4, 2009

Day 124 - CD fish


Day 124 - CD fish
Originally uploaded by Karin Beil
I subbed in the art room at Ivy Hill today. I loved the project the teacher had hanging in her windows. Before I retired last year, I had given her a big box of outdated CDs. She's a great recycler and came up with this cute project. Each sea creature came out unique after the children created them from 2 CDs and an array of craft supplies.

May 3, 2009

Day 123 - Spring blossoms


Spring blossoms
Originally uploaded by Karin Beil
I love this time of year! These are just a few of the beautiful trees I saw while out for my walk today. It's too bad that the blossoms don't last longer. The neighborhood is so colorful and fragrant!

May 2, 2009

Day 122 - Rosemont Theatre

We attended "Jesus Christ Superstar" at the Rosemont Theatre tonight. Great show! We've had the tickets for nearly a year. My husband bought them for me for my birthday last July. What a sweetheart!

May 1, 2009

Day 121 - Sangria


Day 121 - Sangria
Originally uploaded by Karin Beil
What a great way to celebrate friendship, TGIF, and a friend's birthday! Dace, Sue, and I meet for dinner about once a month. Tonight's dinner was at Max and Erma's in Deer Park. Sangria is new on their menu and an excellent choice as a refreshing spring cocktail.


Happy birthday, Dace!
I hope you get your wish!