Hi Everyone! Sorry I was away so long. It's been a busy, busy year and I have so much to share, I don't know where to start! Months ago I posted a picture of our new house - a view from the road. What you can't see from that image is the back yard, which had been sadly neglected for many years. Let me tell you a little about the former owners and residents of our little cottage. They were a sweet old couple in their 90's. Now mind you, this is a super-small town, and when we arrived, the local folk wasted no time in letting us know how well-loved and respected these citizens were. Mr. F. (The names have been abbreviated to protect the innocent) had been an engineer and Mrs. F was a teacher at the middle school. We're told by their nephew that Mrs. F was largely responsible for the school's library expansion. As a result, a plaster bust of her resides in the Middle School Library, which is kitty-corner across the street from us. I can almost feel her watching over her beloved home & yard. Talk about having big shoes to fill - My Guy and I wondered if we'd ever fit in! Mr. and Mrs. F. must have been extraordinary gardeners too, because nearly the entire backyard was a giant mass of flowers and of course the weeds that moved in while the F's grew older and less able to tend to them. When we viewed the house for the first time, it was April, and there was still a healthy coating of fluffy white snow on the ground. We assumed there would be grass beneath it. Silly us!!
It is apparent that Mrs. F. loved her flowers, and as I take on each small section of the yard, she is never far from my thoughts. I can only imagine the time and love she invested in this home and it's yard. It is with those thoughts in mind and with respect to Mrs. F. that I've tried to salvage what I can, and donate what I cannot or do not want to keep. One of the highlights of the yard is an enormous wild rose bush in the NE corner. Isn't she wonderful? I'd love to know how long this stunning gal has called this little spot home.
It is my hope that I'll find the right balance between putting my own personal touches on this yard, while still offering an appreciative nod to the talented lady whose flowers still bloom.
Here she is from far away....
And up close....
Until next time, take care and take time to smell the roses!
Hugs,
Shari
