Enchanted Rose Garden

 Before summer's end, I wanted to show you the rose garden me and Jess visited recently.  It really was enchanting, with many unusual and lovely features.  The groundskeepers who take care of this garden do an exceptional job keeping it clean, groomed, and maintained.  We first picked up some coffee and donuts before heading over there, and once we got to the rose garden, we sat and talked for a while.

When my kids were little, I used to take them to the small donut shop by the railroad tracks.  This was always my favorite donut, so I chose it for myself.

There was a shaded picnic area with benches and umbrellas, so charming.

I had just bought the cat stuffie at Barnes & Noble for Francesca, so she brought midnight to the rose garden to get acquainted. 

This area was right before the rose garden.  The hedges were so green and groomed with a creative design.

There was a delightful fountain that looked so refreshing on the warm summer day.

I thought this lady statue was beautiful.

Time to explore the gardens.

I was immediately drawn to the reds, and there was an abundance of them in this one area.

Then, there were the whites, which are always so special and pretty.

Charlotte walked along, and the yellows caught her eye.

There was a variety of colors - the Corals were very unique.

And the most beautiful blush.

Then, there were the pinks.

There was even a bush with tiny California poppies that Francesca admired.

The arches were something else!  I can imagine the fairies having a good time swirling and fluttering about. 😉

There were cute little lighthouses and fixtures all throughout the garden.

And shaded benches to rest or eat or ponder or just be.

Francesca's favorite flower is the red rose, and she wanted to see how it smelled.

Because Charlotte does everything her sister does, she tried it too, but all the petals fell to the ground.

Jess and the kids walked to the end of the garden to see what was up, while I stayed behind for a moment to take pictures.

I thought these purple flowers were tiny and sweet.  Not sure what they were.

The Italian trees stood tall and grand, and I believe these are called Italian Cypress or Tuscan Cypress.

There was even a gazebo to enjoy.  I thought it would be perfect for special occasions.

I definitely want to go back to this enchanted garden sometime.  It is really a peaceful place, and Jess enjoys taking the kids here from time to time.

  When it was time to snap the picture, little Charlotte made a face at her mama.

Mini Bookstore

 Some weeks are filled with work and repairs and clean-up afterwards.  I had three service visits last week - for cable, landscaper, and a water heater leak, all of which were taken care of.  I pretty much know all the workers in the area now, and they know me, so they always do their best to get the job done without too much hassle.  I usually go into town about every three days just to see what's NEW.  There are already Fall displays out, and I found this cute floral cup with decorative acorns.

A slow cooked seasoned chicken with white rice, using the olive oil Nel brought back from Greece.

Nothing like a ham and pepper jack cheese sandwich on nine grain bread.

Nel made a mini bookstore that I thought was so cute.  She had fun putting it together.

My mom and dad's anniv. and my mother-in-law's anniv. were in August.  Jess and Brian's anniversary is this week - it will be 10 years!

 My August calendar page says Pure Peace.

  My blog friend sent this to me, and I thought it was nice to share with you.

I've always loved the story of David - who had great courage and a deep faith - as he went from a humble shepherd boy to a brave warrior and the anointed King of Israel.  I watched the animated movie, David, on Netflix and loved it.

Nel and Jess sent their brother these cards with very special written words inside when he received his degree.

And here they are with their brother many moons ago.

Jess came across this on one of their outings, and Charlotte had the best time exploring.

Enjoy the rest of these warm summer days.  Fall will be here before we know it. 😉