Rose of Sharon

One of my favorite shrubs is the "Rose of Sharon!"  My very good friend, BH, was so kind to give me some starts off her fabulous shrub.  It is huge!!  So, she has gifted me some "babies" the past three years or so.  They are just beginning to bloom, and are doing quite well in their new homes.

The "mother" shrub was a collage of pinks, whites and purples.  It is so fun to see what color the "babies" will be.  This one happens to be all white.  Another is all purple and still another is a collage, just like the momma.  Oh the fun to flowers!  Thanks BH for the colorful palate!

New Math

For those of you mathematicians out there, or maybe math enthusiasts, here is a summer math equation that is taking quite a bit of work for us to solve!  So, here are the details -- from the beginning -- I think the beginning of June, to be exact.

We live in a rural setting, with a nice grass pasture.  Two ponds are in the pasture, and this summer the rain has been wonderful -- so this made it an even nicer summer resort for cattle guests.  At the beginning of June, Mr. Fixit's brother brought us 10 bred cows.  We were quite excited to receive bred cows, because last year's 7 open heifers created too much of an allure for the neighboring bull.

So, the ladies settled in nicely.  They were all due to calf in mid to late August.  Not a problem though, because Mr. Fixit's brother, Farmer "F" was coming to collect them around August 1.  So, these girls just needed to eat and relax their summer days away.

Farmer "F" was coming to collect the girls on August 15.  Well, one lady had her baby -- early -- so we were now at 11.  Farmer "F" came to collect 5 of the ladies on the 15th.  We penned them all (with a little grain treat) and sorted off the 5 closest to calving for the trip home.  The remaining 5 could be collected on the 18th.

Mr. Fixit continued providing daily grain, but #96 would NOT be swayed.  She knew something was up, and would not go into the pen.  Farmer "F" returned, and we still could not get her penned.  Yikes.  So, Farmer "F" left the trailer with instructions to call him, once we had all 5 gathered.  *Sigh*

It is now September, and the trailer still remains in our yard.  The boys have enjoyed exploring it!  Now we have a total of 8 bovines in our pasture.  Five mommas (or mommas to be) and 3 babies. 

The new plan is to allow the ladies to calve, and then try (again) to gather all sometime later this month.  I told Mr. Fixit that the "put out the food, and hope they all come in at the same time plan" does not appear to be working.  I think we need some additional panels and people to fence off a small area.  Then, we can work together to drive them to the pen.  While Mr. Fixit and I both may not agree on a plan to "catch" these girls, we both agree on one thing: #96 will NEVER be on our guest list again!

Picking 'Matoes

One of "K's" favorite summer time activity has been "picking 'matoes!"  I have to hand it to him, he really has stuck with this project.  Each night he asks Mr. Fixit if they are going to pick "'matoes."  Sometimes, "K" has been a little exuberant in his tomato picking, which results in lots of green tomatoes!

"L" has also fallen in love with the tomatoes.  He really enjoys holding onto a tomato, and squeezing it.  Of course, then the poor tomato gives way, and "L" delights in the slippery seed pulp.  Finger painting usually then commences.  So, thankfully, we have had a few green ones to spare -- which are more difficult to puncture ;)

Nothing says summer like a garden fresh tomato!  Yummy!!

Picnic!

Recently we joined forces with three other families to enjoy a yummy picnic potluck together!  The occasion was to celebrate our memories with "Sweet J," our home daycare provider.  The night was a warm one, but we enjoyed some delicious food and some park play time too!

"L" is feasting on applesauce, pizza, pasta salad, crackers and cheese.  Rice krispie treats and cookies were featured for dessert, but my guys were too excited to hit the playground to inquire about dessert!

Summer is coming to a close, so take advantage of those final warm days, and have a picnic venture of your own!  We sure enjoyed seeing "Sweet J" and "C" along with seeing how much the kids have grown!

Hanging Out

Outdoor play is "K's" favorite part of the day at the child care center.  He loves exploring all that is in the outdoor environment.  "K's" teacher snapped this photo of "K" hanging out in the shade.  Who knows what discoveries occurred this day?  I do know that the tomatoes were turning red, so I believe that some tomatoes were picked!  Of course, every day is a great day to snatch some flower blooms and gather a roly poly or two.  Take a chance to explore your outdoor environment.  Who knows what you might find!  Or, if you need someone to explore for you, I have some very thorough explorers, ready for action ;)

Buggy Boys

Outside play is so much fun!  Both boys really enjoy exploring rocks, wood chips, flowers and insects, so outdoor time is great fun!  The daycare site has several hours of outdoor play each day - weather permitting - so when Mother Nature cooperates, there is lots of exploration to accomplish!

Wooden push buggies work for pushing "friends" (other little classmates), or for filling with treasures discovered while exploring the outdoor play area.  Both boys are ready to explore - and possibly - share this buggy in the process.  Who knows what might be discovered??

Big Bro & Little Bro

It is so exciting to see the boys interact, now that "L" has gotten a bit older.  Sometimes, they love playing together, and then other times, watch out!!  This photo was snapped by one of the boys' teachers at the center.  "L" had some outside time while "K" was already out playing. 

The photo was snapped as the boys discovered each other.  I was told that they "chattered" for a bit, and then proceeded to play with the wooden buggy that is beside them in the photo.  It was nice to know that they really can be kind to one another and share toys too!