Now I know why . . .

. . .  Jesus retreated to a Garden.  All of life began in a Garden and this summer has breathed life into me as I retreated to our yard.  Lots and lots of rain meant - the weeds sprouted quickly in late May -- so I worked feverishly for 2 weeks once school was out for the summer weeding, mulching and planting.

Mother's day I received a gift of Gardenia perennials and lots of annuals and bags and bags of mulch from Terry and Bethany.

Bunnies bought from the garage sale across the street

A nautical theme for the front door

In the background: a rain barrel (Terry's Father's day gift)

 The kids play out as much as they can when they are over -- Terry and I love to have our morning coffee before the heat sets in.  We invent projects to keep us outside.

Creating holiday pallet art --  more pictures to come!

 My classroom has no windows.  I don't experience the outdoors much during the long 9 months except to drive up 169 in the morning when it is nearly dark and rush to my car in the scorching afternoons. The year has had plenty of challenges that left me weary.  The summer in my garden has renewed me and given me a fresh outlook.  I started the summer exhausted . . . I am revived.  I planted tiny bedding plants and they have flourished -- as have I!






I truly believe the saying "one is nearer God's heart in the garden than anywhere else on earth."