My Sunday Guidepost #115

Caring for others creates the spirit of a nation.

~Pat Nixon

Party Time in the Garden

Yeah, it's that time of year when the peony buds become huge explosions of color and scent overnight. Festiva Maxima is a glorious white with unpredictable red color breaks. This year the breaks are minimal. No complaints!

This peony holds a special place in my heart.  She came from a wonderful neighbor who loved gardening as much as I do. It sprouted out in her front yard, much to everyone's surprise, after she removed the overgrown junipers. It's officially Festiva Maxima, but I always think of it as Joan Winkel. I wish she still lived two houses up so we could share our enthusiasm. 

And it's my most rambunctious and reliable peony.  I think it knows how much I love it!

Iris is the Goddess of the Rainbow

Every day brings another old friend into the garden.  Like my very favorite bearded iris--Batik. (Shhh, don't tell the other iris.)

I admit that I like the floral showoffs. If I'm going to expend time and effort, then I might as well know the rewards are well worth it!

The buds on the peonies are getting bigger and showing color so I think they'll burst out if we get even a tiny bit of warm weather or sunshine.

Snip snip snip

The coronavirus has us all living life differently.  During this quarantine, I did something I've never done before. I cut my mom's hair. 

I'll pause for a sec while you contemplate the possible outcomes.

Yeah, everything from "what a great job" to "uh-oh".

I trim my bangs and ends when they get too rambunctious.  I am the designated barber for my guys.  Even the dog lets me cut her snowshoe toes, back skirt and ear mats. 

But I've never attempted anything that a decent hairdresser could probably do in their sleep.  Not that you'd want them to.

Her hair (my mom's, not the dog's) is shorter.  It seems to be even side to side. There are no obvious holes or chunks. She says it feels much better.  I noticed she didn't tip me though.