A Little Destruction

It's been awhile since I bored you with a kitchen remodel update. Does this project seem like it's taking forever to you? Because it sure does to me. We have entered a most exciting phase this week - removal of old laminate and countertops and installing granite! I'm really excited about how this is going to change the entire look of what we've done so far. Jeff pulled off the laminate from the backsplash yesterday. I freaked a little bit when I saw the old wallpaper underneath one side. After I started whimpering Jeff assured me it would be tiled over and I would not have to remove it. Whew...

What you can't tell from these photos is that the countertops have been removed too. They are just sitting on top of the cabinets. Tomorrow Julio will come out and level the cabinets, because they are crooked. I could have told him that because every time I sit out an egg on the counter it rolls forward and tries to crash to the floor.

Today we go to the granite yard and pick out our slab and the installers will arrive on Thursday to put on the new countertops. So excited!

When I Am An Old Woman, I Shall Wear Purple...

Flowers are still abounding here in the Holmes' yard...and lots of purple, I just noticed today. Everyone who knows me well knows how much I love purple. Always have. It has so many beautiful shades -- lavender, violet, royal, orchid...and all of them quite lovely.

And so one of my favorite poems must be "When I Am An Old Woman." Here's a sample...

When I am an old woman, I shall wear purple

With a red hat that doesn't go, and doesn't suit me.

And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves

and satin candles, and say we've no money for butter.

In other words, I'll be just as feisty as I am now. Probably more so. Sorry.

Summer Flowers

I am the first to admit that I do not have a green thumb. In fact, I've probably admitted to such on this blog several times. Anyone want to go through the history and see? Nah. Me either. My biggest plan for this summer, garden-wise, was to do as little work as possible. I enjoy the fruits, but not the labor, right? Thankfully with our mild winter most of the red begonias from last summer returned a few weeks ago and have been growing steadily ever since. 

I love how they all end up growing together and making one big carpet of flowers.

Just planted these flowers this week. They are supposed to attract butterflies.

Purple Petunias that popped up in my front porch pot. (Say that fast three times.) What's not to love about that?

Knockout Roses - best Texas flower ever! They are gorgeous in color, heat resistant and drought resistant, along with self-cleaning - a really good choice for those of us in hellfire summer temps who don't want to worry about our flower beds. (Thank you, Nanny!!)

Lots of peaches on the tree this year...shhhh.....no one tell the squirrels. I don't think they've discovered them yet, hence "lots of peaches on the tree this year."

Love Impatiens and found these especially pretty.

This year's new discovery - Tuberous Begonias. I really have no idea what that means, but aren't they beautiful? You can see I tend towards pinks and purples in flower choices and I thought these added a little touch of sunshine to my backyard.

And no summer planting would be complete without one pot of Patio Tomatoes. My mouth is watering thinking of picking one of these and eating it right from the plant, with salt of course!

Praise the Lord and Pass the Snowcones

If ever there were a school year that I was glad to see go it's this one. Between me being the freshman sponsor and Rebecca's last 3 weeks, I've been ready to go turn myself in to the crazy farm. As of a few minutes ago, the last project rolled off the printer and I am calling it done! Yes, the girls both have 3 finals tomorrow, but what does that have to do with me? Nothing, I tell you. Nothing! And I can assure you we are all the better for no one relying on me for a good grade on a biology or government test.

So now I'm feeling a little like this...

...and a lot like this.

SUMMER HERE WE COME!!!!!

Photo of the Day with Question of the Day: Why?