Little Things In My Life

It's said that life is made of all kinds of little things that add up to the whole. So, with that thought in mind, I decided I will show you some of the "little" things that caught my eye, imagination, (and pocket book!) this week. (I hope everyone likes pictures!)

Seed pods on a nameless shrub ....... and a lime green leaf-hopper near by


The Prairie Garden .... and a young grasshopper who lives there ....


Tall, dry thistle silhouettes ...... and a bit of color among them .....


Salsify (Oyster Plant) .... and, of course, Queen Anne, who will eat it.


Baby Stick-Tights . . . and a tiny mushroom forest


Mystery Lily .. and delicate Hydrangea both just opening


Two winged visitors in the gardens ....



Window boxes after a severe pruning ... everyone had
become leggy and unkempt. They will be back in a few weeks.



Thea and Garm trying out the "Nuzzle Nest" Mom ordered
from Pug Zoo. Very cozy and comfy!!


Tiny Chinese ceremonial tea service and ficus bonsai bought
from a very persuasive Chinese gentleman at our
County Fair.

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It isn't the great big pleasures that count the most,

it's making a great deal out of the little ones.

Jean Webster

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Bye for now,

Alyssa

It's Pugdimonium!!

I've decided that it's time for a "Pugs Only" posting. There have been requests for more pugs (Mary!!) so here they are. Because they aren't too active by dog standards, most of the pictures are of them sitting or laying down. Or positioned by windows so they can bark at someone or something outside i.e. Mom, Dad, Various Friends and Relatives, UPS Truck, Post Man (Woman), Neighbor, Neighbor and his Dog, Wild Turkeys, Deer, Raccoon and 'Possum.

The bedroom and breezeway are prime spots for outside viewing and the arm
of the couch works well for just chilling out.


Dad had better not pay too much attention to Garm
because . . . .


some other little dog is ALWAYS watching and insists on joining in . . . .


but, happily, everyone can fit on the smaller couch.

(Notice that Steve has a different tee shirt on.)

Ashley has a special fondness for Garm and look how
I caught Thea in action!! She looks like Maniac Pug!
This is how she is half the time.






Garm loves this recliner and is a big ol' snoozer. My neck would
be soooo stiff if I slept like that.


Who is this little angelic dog with her dolly?
And who says animals don't smile??



Aww . . . .

In the world of No,

dogs are Yes.

Robert Sward

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This is a short and sweet post because I've got the latest Harry Potter novel and plan to do a lot of reading tonight.

Bye for now,

Alyssa

A Family Outing

Every month I go with my sister and her children (and their girl friends) on what we call a "Family Outing". July's Outing was to Boerner Botanical Gardens in Hales Corners, Wisconsin. It's a fantastic group of gardens set in acres and acres of wooded parkland called Whitnall Park. We have been going there since we were children and it holds many special memories.

Today Cindy, Kelly (her daughter), Jesse (her son), Mika (Jesse's girlfriend) and I were in the jolly little band that comprised this "Family Outing" group. Jesse is just getting into photography and spent a lot of time finding interesting close-ups. I just snapped away and ended up taking 220 pictures!! Don't worry, I've only included a "few". This will be pictorial so I want to explain the very colorful "horses". These were painted by various individuals, schools, and organizations to raise money for the Botanical Gardens.

As a wonderful ending to our Outing, we had a little picnic. It was in the same picnic area that my family and I had enjoyed 50 years ago. It brought back such fond memories and Cindy and I shared them with the kids. What a perfect day.

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"The family is one of nature's masterpieces."

George Santayana

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Bye for now,

Alyssa