The blossom of this tree peony is eagerly awaited each season. . . last to appear, quickly shattered.  The color is so delicate and beautiful that words can hardly describe it.  Lemon chiffon.  Magenta accents.

This moment is when I long for a superior camera and the skills to operate it!

There isn't much knitting or quilting going on - when the gardens beckon I cannot resist their siren sounds.   I did cast on an Adamas shawl - in a pretty Knitpicks lace.  Hilary is attending a wedding in June and does not even know that she NEEDS this yet.  I hope to have it finished and ready to present (casually!) in time for the big day!  

You know, when and if she calls to ask - if I have 'anything' in case the night grows chilly ...  

This is JUST the thing - a delicious peppermint-stick pink baby alpaca shawl for my darling girl.  She looks exceptionally beautiful in ANYTHING that she wears.  My hands are raw and chapped from gardening - I have to stop and reapply moisturizer just to be able to work on this lace!  And it's worth it - every stitch.  There is such incredible pleasure derived from creating something of beauty for my daughter - all of you who are mothers know exactly what I am speaking of!


The gardening efforts were gigantic this weekend.  We managed to put in a few raised beds and new ideas are on the horizon for the direction that the vegetable garden is headed toward.  

I am giving the cloth a second chance - I will try anything that promises to eliminate the hours and hours that I spend weeding.  What a peculiar photo of my tomato wires!

New asparagus plants went into the ground - along with basil, parsley, cabbage, lettuces, red and yellow onions, peppes, broccoli, tomatoes, beans, zucchini, horseradish, dill, leeks, etc!!!  It's going to be a good season.