Oh, Deer

I looked out my bathroom window one morning last week and saw a deer! When I stepped outside with my camera I saw 2 more. I've seen their tracks since moving here a year ago but haven't ever caught them hanging out in my yard until now.


I think they were probably scheming how to get into my vegetable garden, but so far they have stayed out.

You may recall that a year ago a big pine tree fell on my front flower bed. Here it is a year later, fully recovered.

Here is the hibiscus we bought a year ago at the flea market. The flowers are HUGE!

Zinnias are my personal favorite.

Celebrating 40

I turned 40 on August 4. Although most of my friends are older than me, 40 still seems so much older than 39. We had a party in my backyard with homemade popsicles, taco salad and 2 amazing cakes: a 4 layer cake with strawberry filling and buttercream frosting from the bakery at The Red Brick and a Chocolate Mocha cake made by my sister-in-law. My friends, Christy, Kevin and Kate came from Kansas for the party. Rodney and Carmina came up for the party and to pick up their 2 kids who have spent the past 2 weeks up here with me and my folks. My aunt, uncle and cousin came from Ontario and an old friend came from Indiana. It's been an awesome 2 weeks off from work. Thanks to everyone who made it happen!

Check out this watermelon that cousin Suzanne and Aunt Gladys carved!