thank you, June

precious jewels

fragile, trusting, miraculous newbies

photo courtesy of Anne's instagram posting

a rescued bed no longer obscured by hideous yews

stormy days that close spectacularly

joyous blessings to close this glorious month.

an especially joyful June day

Happy 13th anniversary, Anne and Matthias.

Dearest hearts, all my best wishes.

an anniversary

A lovely coincidence: my 300th post,
the joys of a life shared.

Many thanks, Sweetheart-O-Mine.

a super dad

Happy Fathers Day to my children's favorite super hero.

Truth be told, you're my favorite too.
Thank you, Jerome.

a trio of joyfulness

Jerome's subbing as organist in a sweet old county church just a few miles outside of town this past Sunday.

A marathon car and boat washing station manned by Phil and Mallory.

Our new grape arbor now planted.

Last night at dinner, impromptu pasta and salad with Anne and Matthias, we were discussing how many frogs and toads we'd found while working that day. Each perfect and each reminding us of our responsibility as stewards of this little bit of earth.
Joys indeed.

simple pleasures

sharing our corner of creation

first friday of june

my first successful lupine

I think I'm in love.

days 4 and 5

I missed posting the 4th day of June due to the joy of the day… the arrival of our son, Phillip. Then Anne and Matthias and the dogs joined us for grilled burgers and generally hanging out til nearly dark, which in western Wisconsin is 9 pm.
Today it's sweetness and light, birdsong and sunshine.

And newly opened iris everywhere, such as these in the pond.

3rd day of joyful june

Chickens.

Wouldn't want to live without them.

joyful june day 2

the girls who share each day

and bring the joys only they can bring.

the first of June

I know if I type these words they'll revolve in my head all day, but I can't resist. June is busting out all over! It seems all manner of growing things exploded around here since my last post. Tiny buds and shoots are full blown and summer is here in earnest. There's joy at every turn.

Speaking of joy, I will be joining Anne in her focus on joy in June. I love the idea of a single photo with bits of comment. Should fit into the full agenda June has in store. Thanks again for a great idea, Anne.

And speaking of joy and great Anne ideas, I can finally post on my participation in Anne's 3rd year of Handmade Joy Exchange. 

I had been waiting for Laura, the recipient of my hand-mades to actually receive them and have the time to post about it before I wrote a blog sharing both my sending and my receiving. Though I had feared my package to England was "lost at sea" it just decided to take the scenic route, much to my relief. Sorry about the delay, Laura.

Meanwhile, my package from Laurie arrived quickly and beautifully right on time. I felt I should wait to post about them at the same time, so my apologies to Laurie. Everything about her package to me was/is beautiful.

Laurie, aka Hedgerowrose, must have an amazing life, crafting and growing such beauties. I am thrilled  by each of these. Thank you, Laurie.

Thank you Laura.

Thank you Anne.

Joy abundant.