Bye Bye May

 Those sweet May days are over in a few hours and I really needed to get one last post in.  I feel like I'm rushing around these days and not getting anywhere.   Then I look at my gardens and realize I've been busy and actually getting things done! After the last couple of years when Jack and I weren't able to get it all done it feels good to see progress at the Pines once again.  However, I hardly ever miss a Memorial Day to give my thanks to those who gave their all to this country we love.  I want to say thanks to those who have served, are serving and to the families who have lost loved ones in the wars.  

My Dad, (the one with the X)..my hero!  Drove a tank in WWII.

My brother, Greg, who fought in Viet Nam.  Another hero! My oldest brother, Phil, also served during Viet Nam but he served in Thailand.  I don't have a photo of Phil in uniform. I'll have to work on that! It's never too late to say thanks to a Veteran or someone serving now.  Also I can't let this month go without saying how much I miss my Mom who passed away on May29th, 2020.  I still find myself thinking I can call her and ask a question about something or just to chat. These past weeks as I've worked in our yard I thought of all the times I saw my Mom doing the same thing. Painting, planting, pulling weeds, all the fun stuff.  When Mom passed away a friend gave me a lovely wind chime with words that said when someone you love passes away the memories become treasures. So True!

In the middle of the pergola hangs that wind chime.  As I was mulching this area yesterday there was a lovely breeze and when I heard those chimes I felt like Mom was sending those memories to me with each melodic chime.

The peonies are in bloom as usual on Memorial Day weekend.  Again memories of the peonies

 at our house when I was growing up.  I loved them and like to watch all the ants crawl over them and I remember Mom saying that the ants help open up the blooms.  Not sure if that's true but I like the idea of it anyway! So this month has slipped by on speeding wings and now Summer is officially started no matter what the calendar may say.  We had the kids over on Memorial Day and we grilled out and had our first real Summer gathering. On Friday night Jack and I put in our first fire in the fire pit.

Our weather has been beautiful and it was a great night to sit around the fire and enjoy the evening. We even made pie iron food!  Pie iron pizza and also some desserts.  It was great!  We also put our garden in on Saturday and we put the herbs near the kitchen on the deck.  Good for running out and grabbing what I need when cooking.

So that ends my May musings and now onto June.  June will find us flying the hopefully friendly skies to Portland, Oregon to see our Grandson, Taylor, graduate and spend time with Craig and family.  It's been 2 years since we've seen our #2 son and Grandkiddos.  Way too long!  Jordan will be keeping the house safe and Annabelle company.  We'll be back for the rest of the festivities of Summer before you know it.

Save me a seat at the table! Night all and good bye to May!