Our weather has been alternating between rainy and sunny lately. We’re glad for the rain, which we sorely need, and it does make us appreciate the sunny days even more. We have to take it a moment at a time in regard to the weather, but one thing is certain – we’re getting ready for spring on the southern Oregon coast.
The butterfly bush got its annual hair cut last weekend.
Of course, Wally and LuLu turn everything into an event.
There’s not much of it left at this point, but it’s trimmed down to a near nubbin every February. . .
And by summer it looks like this again:
Ohhhhh, doesn’t that make you long for spring? It will come. Promise.
Oh this makes me 'itch' for Spring. Just to be able to get outside in the gardens, but that's a ways away with all the snow we have. Such beautiful pics Leslie, looks like the goldens are have a grand time helping out Dad! and I love the white crown sparrow - I have a few in my yard over the winter and then their gone come spring. These pictures just brightened up my day - thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI so enjoy your posts. They are always very heartfelt and refreshing. I planted a butterfly bush several years ago, here in Illinois, but it eventually died. Maybe the winters are too harsh, except I have seen them flourishing at other places here. Spring finally looks hopeful here but the weather in this neck of the woods can always surprise you. As I looked at these photos I was reminded of Rich's work last year painting your beautiful home. I'll bet you both have really enjoyed it. Love the lawn chairs, too.
ReplyDeleteCan you send some of that warm sunshine to the East Coast! Thanks for sharing this glimpse of Spring, Zledlie!
ReplyDeleteSigns of spring are popping up all over your lovely garden. And with such good helpers you'll have everything tip top in no time. We are in North Carolina this weekend. Oooh, Leslie, the warmth feels so good - absolutely delightful! Spring peepers call from the ponds every afternoon, and flowers are already beginning to bloom here in the south (we're almost on the line of north and south Carolina). What's on the agenda for Rich this year now that the painting is finished? I am really going to try and garden this year. I don't know how I'll fare but keep your fingers crossed that my back will cooperate (she smiles). I'm looking forward to your garden photo's this year and all the fun adventures in store for Wally and Lulu. Have a wonderful weekend my friend.
ReplyDeleteOh, such happy pictures! And looking at that green lawn and leafy foliage, I am looking forward to our spring and summer here. :)
ReplyDeleteLeslie, I can't wait for Spring in Cleveland! If it doesn't come, I'm going back to Austin, TX where the sun shines. Love your pictures and descriptions. You have a beautiful yard and family. Thanks for once again bringing sunshine to my part of the world!
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful joyful photos! Makes my heart sing. While this winter was harsher and longer than most in recent times, I still love the crisp cold; the pristine white cover after a storm; the sunlight bouncing off the snow prisms. I enjoy each of the seasons. None of them is all good or all bad; each has its special charm. So fortunate to live where I can enjoy all four of them.
ReplyDeleteWhen I die, I want to come back as Lulu or Wally. They are the most beautiful canines I have ever seen. And you photography is only matched by your talent for making those spectacular greeting cards. Don't ever stop sharing your love of nature, Wally and Lulu.
ReplyDeleteWe are getting ready for Spring - those words are music to my ears!! Great pictures - makes me feel better just looking at them and not the foot of snow that has not melted yet! The sun is out this AM so hopefully some more will melt! Thanks for bringing sunshine into my day!
ReplyDeleteWhy yes... yes it does! :-) It is good to see that Wally and LuLu are as helpful as Ranger is when pruning bushes and trees. hee hee Hope it is a sunny day today Leslie!
ReplyDeleteOMGoodness! My butterfly bush will never get that big. I would be surprised if mine made it after this horrible winter. I have had to replace mine 3 times over the last 10 years. Yours is absolutely stunning. It looks like I need to move to the Oregon coast! :)
ReplyDeleteAwww, look at Wally and Lulu helping with the spring preparations! lol And my Goodness What a Fabulous butterfly bush!!! I know come spring it will be Gorgeous!! 8-)
ReplyDeleteHugs
Shannon
Wally and Lulu must be an absolute joy to have working in the garden with you. They would make all the jobs so much fun.
ReplyDeleteWonderful pictures Leslie, I'm so happy you have to beautiful goldens and a lovely backyard for them to play in!
ReplyDeleteIt looks like Wally and Lulu were happy to help clean up ;) Oh my your pics of summer just made my heart sing, I can't wait!!
ReplyDeletewill you please come do my pruning, too, Leslie? Jack rented one of those "bucket lifts" this weekend and he has been working on trees badly in need of pruning. Beautiful garden! hugs, de
ReplyDeleteMy internet was down all weekend so I couldn't come visit! I'm glad it's back now so I can enjoy these beautiful pictures. It already looks like spring there! We're getting 2-4 inches of snow tomorrow. Boo Hoo!
ReplyDeleteI want to come live with you guys! You are having a way nicer winter & you always have WAY more fun too!
Oh, I'm so longing for Spring to come. It's so fun to see the babies enjoying some time out in the sunshine and helping with the pruning. Your bush looks fabulous. I hope I can get my yard to look half as good.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh - SPRING????? REALLY????? I sure can't imagine spring coming any time in the near - or even the distant - future here! I'm happy for you. We are still having VERY cold temperatures and have so much snow here that it will stay until June. :( Not a great winter.
ReplyDeleteThe blooms are jaw-dropping beautiful. How can you ever tear yourself away from this paradise. I heard spring was cancelled in the east this year. Hope it was a mistake. Kidding. It'll come. One day.
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