Backyard Marvels

I am not exactly sure what the name of this particularly beautiful plant is, but when I saw it, I knew I had to have one in my garden this year. I was so elated when Ro treated me to this special garden gem. I had a feeling the hummingbirds would just love it.

Sadly, I haven't been able to spend as much time outside as I normally do. I haven't seen any hummingbirds go to it, but I am certain they have indeed found this plant. I enjoy looking at it while I have my coffee on my patio. The flowers' life cycle promotes an interesting display. First the balloon out and explode open in a most vivd red. They stay open for about a week and then the color starts to fade to a yellowish pink. i am sad to say that I know that this lovely vine is an annual. It would be nice if I could enjoy it next season, too, but maybe I will find another lovely plant to fill in this spot in my garden?

This seems like a lovely image for The August Break.

Attention, Class!

It is frightening to think back and realize just how quickly summer vanished! It seems like the kids were just starting to get excited about school being over and Ryan was getting ready to graduate from high school. And now, here we are kicking off a brand new school year. Kait is a junior in high school, Alex is a sevvie and Quincy is starting Kindergarten on Thursday. We celebrated with fresh-baked cinnamon rolls for breakfast and hugs and kisses all around!

I really liked this snap of the two older kids. Some, times, I really miss the old film photographs. You know the ones that our moms put into those practically dripping with chemicals PVC pockets that turned our baby photos a tell-tale orange? Oh! And let's not forget the sometimes delightful grain from the film! Okay, so this image isn't old enough to have the "aged characteristics"....but I love what they do for this image!

Hey, Kids! Here is to a STELLAR school year filled with lots and lots of A's! I love you guys and am so very proud of each and every one of you.

P.S. I signed up to play in Susannah Conway's August Break and have been so scatter brained, I finally remembered to mention this is one post for that challenge!