Cherry Limeade Margaritas

     Since our front porch is now featuring red accents (see next post), we assembled the ingredients for an appropriately colored drink with which to toast the new look. Actually it was entirely coincidental, but what the heck, claim the fame! Frozen limeade, cherry juice concentrate, ice and tequila were placed in a blender and whirled into a luscious froth. Instead of a traditional margarita glass, I served the drink in a heavy-bottomed cut-glass tumbler which was less apt to tip and break on the concrete. A lemon slice was added as a bright garnish and our frosty, fruity treat was ready for the patio tribute.

Glider Gets Cool

     Many a sunset or an approaching storm is watched from this glider on our front porch. Despite the wrought iron construction, it is quite comfortable and the rhythm of the sway is soothing (even the high-energy dog enjoys a sedate "swing"!)

     The cushions and pillow on the glider got a recent revamp when I realized how faded they had become from the wicked western sun. They were mismatched as well - thrown together more for comfort than style. A piece of cotton fabric (part of a gift box of several lengths from a sewing friend who was moving cross-country) was just enough to cover both. I added some red button tufts to match the tiny red floral print, and threw on another pillow, scarlet with white stars, that usually was part of my Fourth of July decor. Lastly, over the back I draped a tiny nine-patch quilt, which was pieced some forty years ago for my dolls and while not big enough for warmth, it complements the red color scheme. Altogether the effect is a cool, comfortable resting place - for humans and canines.

     

Shady Landscape Project

     The ground around this stately ash tree is a combination of bumpy roots and very thin soil - a landscape challenge that is ugly to observe and further aggravated by an energetic squirrel chaser. Pop has long wanted to alleviate this eyesore so when a friend asked if he was interested in some free concrete retaining blocks (removed for a pool installation), a new project was born.

     Using an old but trusty Radio Flyer, Pop transported the blocks from his truck to the back yard. He arranged them around the base of the tree, taking care with a level and some filler rocks that the horizontal surfaces were uniform (and moaning from a backache that evening!) A few days later, the new bed was filled with compost and garden soil, and Pop visited the local nursery with some definite ideas that he had gleaned from research. He chose a combination of hostas and caladiums - shade-loving plants with colorful foliage. After composing, planting and a thorough watering, Pop was rightfully proud of his gardening enterprise.

A Girl and Her Toad

     Mikayla likes pretty dresses and hair accessories. She is equally at home in her soccer uniform or digging for worms. On summer evenings, she and her little sister can often be found catching lighting bugs (or fireflies, as they adamantly corrected me).

   
     A bonus catch tonight was a small toad and Mikayla was delighted to pose with her squirmy friend - the beaming smile gave a slight indication of how thrilled she was with her new pal, who has a new, albeit temporary, home in a Little Tikes Playhouse.