Monday, April 1, 2013

I’m Just an April Fool…

tulips

For red tulips…

This past weekend, the weather here was gorgeous!  Not too hot, and most definitely not cold.  Stuart and I raked winter’s insulating blanket of dead leaves off the flower beds, and these tulips were eagerly waiting to show themselves.  When we bought our house almost 7 years ago, the yard was a complete wreck-in fact there really wasn’t any yard or gardens left after the previous owner used the property as a parking lot.  But these red tulips came up the first spring we were here, encouraging us to not lose hope that one day all would be beautiful again!

 

For useful gadgets…

Friday, Paula and I made a quick dash to our usual thrift stores, and I bought this hand rake at Goodwill.  I’ve wanted to try a hand rake for a while now, for removing leaves from around plants that are delicate and break easily. I’ve seen expensive models, but I was hesitant to make the purchase until I tried using one.  After this weekend, I can say without hesitation that I love it!  While it’s cheaply made-it only cost $1.50-so far it’s holding up well, and I wouldn’t hesitate to buy a higher quality, more expensive one in the future.

hand rake

 

For vintage fruit themed kitchenware…

I also snagged this gigantic and colorful 16” enamelware tray at Goodwill!  I entered the housewares aisle, spied it, swooped in, grabbed it and exited the housewares aisle.  All in under a second. I was pretty pleased with myself.  When I showed my find to Paula, it left her speechless.  That’s a good thing, isn’t it?

tray

 

For rhubarb…

I love rhubarb!  All three of my plants made it though winter again, and are coming up bigger than last year.  I have a bunch of new recipes to try out-thanks to my favorite new cookbook author, Nigella Lawson.  I’ll be experimenting, and sharing, too!

rhubarb

 

For my daughter…

Two peas in a pod. That’s what Amy’s first grade teacher said Amy and I reminded her of.  I’ve never forgotten that.  I found this perfect salt and pepper shaker set recently and fell in love with these two sweet peas and their darling little faces.  Just me and my girl!

peas in a pod

 

And for you, my readers…

Happy Spring!!

9 comments:

  1. Valerie! I am back. Well in the form of commenting, any way. I will do a post for the morning. So don't feel like you have to dash off to my post, because there isn't a new one yet. Just wanted to stop by and see ya. I love the s&p shakers. They are so cute!!!!!!!!!!!!

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    1. I'm looking forward to reading your post when it's posted! I need a dose of Renae:) Hope you had a wonderful Easter weekend!! xx

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  2. Those red tulips are gorgeous! I just love the bright color. And the salt & pepper shakers are too cute! Love the backstory :)

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    1. Thanks Tammy! I love tulips too! I wish they could bloom all summer:) The salt and pepper set make me smile every time I see them:)

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  3. I raked leaves off my lawn and flower beds this weekend, too. It was such wonderful weather! My joints are paying for it today, though. Oh well. :)

    No flowers yet for me - they're taking their sweet time coming up this year.

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    1. I can sympathize about those sore joints! I was telling Stuart I need raised beds that are high enough for me to sit on the edges of when I work. My knees! Hugs! xx

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  4. What a neat plate and I just love those salt and peppers.

    Only 1 of my 3 rhubarbs came back this spring. I hope my asparagus makes it!

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    1. Thanks Lisa! I sorry about your rhubarb! It's so discouraging when that happens, but I'm optimistic about your asparagus!

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  5. I LOVE rhubarb! My parents have a batch that like to spring up in the backyard. When I was young my mom would make a rhubarb cake for her and I, since the others didn't really like it. Ahhh! I can't wait for spring to finally come (as I write this, it's snowing/raining in Minnesota...)!

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