What happened to June?

Hope everyone is having a great week and gearing up for the 4th!  I'm not really sure where June has gone. It has been a busy time for us with lots of birthdays, several trips and just life in general. I looked out of my window this morning and was pleased to see that my canna's are flourishing on plain ole' neglect!

A walk to the front yard shows all is well, except for a few weeds that have taken up residence . I would like to introduce you to my ant, Andy. We grow em' big here in the south!

See him... on the bench?  No, they're not quite that big around here in real life but if you have ever been bit by a fire ant, you would swear he was that big. Those of you in the colder climates are lucky. . . they are really mean little rascals!

I have some great advice I will share about getting rid of them, stick with the professionals!  I did some research (on the net) and came up with several remedies. First I sprinkled instant grits onto the ant hill. Supposedly, it will make them blow up when they eat it and then drink water. It only makes them happy and fatter.

Then I tried boiling water and adding dish detergent. It does a great job of killing your sod. The ants . . . well, they just moved the queen and built a new hill about 3 feet from where they were.Just stick with the professionals, they know what they are doing.

I have not had a chance to decorate for the 4th and we will be out of town again but I have enjoyed seeing all of the beautiful decorations on your blogs. You are all so talented. 

I did manage to change one thing on the porch. I pulled out my watermelon pillows. These will have to do until I get more time.

 I think I will research time management. . .  hopefully I'll do better than I have with the ants.

I'm glad you dropped by and y'all come back!

I'm linking this post to: 

REDnesday and Outdoor Wednesday

Sunday Reflections

How precious is your steadfast love, O God! All people may take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
Psalm 36:7


When I first saw this heart in the sand it made me smile. I couldn't help but wonder about the one who drew it. Perhaps it was drawn by a child for his mom in appreciation for a fun day at the beach . . . or
an outward expression of puppy love from a spirited, young, adolescent . . . or perhaps a couple in their autumn years grateful for yet another day together.

Love has been the subject of countless books, poems and discussions throughout the years. It's image has been used to sell everything from mouthwash to cars and yet the world often forgets the giver of endless, unconditional love.

There is no one excluded from your limitless love, Lord. That includes me! I am so grateful to find shelter in your protective love. I know life will be filled with ups and downs, but I also know that if I continue to trust in you, the "downs" will be buffered by the knowledge that I am perfectly safe and truly cared for by you.
It is so comforting to know that I am never disqualified from receiving your love. It is always accessible to me. Only my unwillingness to accept it can ever deprive me of it.
You are my God. I thank you and I love you!


I am linking this post to Spiritual Sundays  - Come join me for wonderful, uplifting posts.

Maine Retreat

Hope everyone is having a wonderful summer! I know I have been awol for awhile. I have missed keeping up with all of the fun things you have been doing on your blogs.
I just got back from a cool Maine retreat. That part of the country is just breath taking and the weather was a welcome break from the smouldering heat we are having in S.C.

After flying into Portland, our first stop was Camden. I love all the beautiful old homes on the bay.

The beautiful blue sky, crystal clear water and backdrop of the mountains created such a peaceful, serene atmosphere... unlike the hustle and bustle  I had just left at the airport. In my rush to get through security, I failed to remove 3 Tums from my jeans pocket.To my dismay and embarrassment, additional security was called over after the announcement that there was a white female with an "anomalie." After relinquishing my three little Tums I was able to go on my redfaced way! I really needed those Tums after that little drama.

Oh well, I guess they were just doing their job.... better safe that sorry. You never know what a Tums terrorist has in mind.

Glad y'all dropped by,come  join me at Watery Wednesday and Outdoor Wednesday