Ever since I was 8 or 9,
I've been overjoyed by frogs. One summer we met our Tiffany cousins at a beautiful park on the way home from Huntington Beach. It was inland a bit before Disneyland in the Brookhurst area. The ponds were filled with frogs and tadpoles. I gathered as many as my dad would let me take home and made a cage of sorts for them in my bedroom. I soon realized I had to let the frogs out, to live in our gardens back by our Jackson Street patio, by the camelias and the ivy.
However, I continued to raise the very large tadpoles. They were facinating (to Finna as well as the rest of the family). Once the cat knocked the screen off the top of the 9x11 baking pan they lived in and one or two got out. I remember finding one, covered with dust in the far corner of the bedroom.
This is about how I've felt the last few weeks... basking in the sun in my backyard.
The Crawford Gladiolas. Last year Dennis brought me a container full of bulbs. Kessler and I carefully planted them and we had fun watching them grow. Dennis said to be sure and dig them up before the ground froze. Well last winter I had major work done on my yard and had trenchwork done all over. I wasn't able to dig them up, as that area of the yard was blocked. Darn it! So they were covered with new dirt and weed meshing to prevent growth and more dirt. Didn't think I'd ever see them again. You know those Scottish blooded peeps... these weren't ordinary gladiola. Early summer I found two plants that had worked their way through the weedproof covering. I wondered if they would make it into blooms. Well with lots of water and a little coaxing they are blooming beautifully and gracing my garden. Amazing!
Budlin, cozing on his daytime spot on my desk by the window. He loves sunshine as much as I do.
Poor Bud is aging (12 now - 84 in cat years). He has an ear that is injured, and a few aches here and there, but he still has a soul mate -- her name is Ezita.
Now here is Britt's new look, has anyone seen him on his yellow bullet?
This photo is with me and my mother, Alisa, and Olivia Mary. Kessler was nearby eating chocolate chip cookies. We went with Grammy and she made us Pigs in a Blanket (sausage rolls) for brunch to eat on the way and we had icy cold red grapes. Yum!! When we came back we went swimming for a bit at Grammy's pool. I'm spending the night tonight and we went to Yoga and then to Rubio's in AF. After we came home we washed the car by hand. Whew what a day of memories and special times.
However, I continued to raise the very large tadpoles. They were facinating (to Finna as well as the rest of the family). Once the cat knocked the screen off the top of the 9x11 baking pan they lived in and one or two got out. I remember finding one, covered with dust in the far corner of the bedroom.
What a gorgeous couple and extra beautiful bride. Beautiful memories.
Uncle Dave & Ana treated Kess, JaNise and Grammy to a retreat in Snowbird. It rained and thunderstomed yet it was so much fun!! What a way to start the summer. Ariel caught her first fish, as did JaNise - (4 actually). Kess caught 7. The pond was stocked with beautiful rainbow trout and it was catch & release fishing.
Here's my second oldest grandson, Max. He's always been such a doll. He's a great ball player. Here he is after a baseball game - one of his last high school games, as he just graduated!!
Oh, such happiness! The "Windows of Heavan" have given me blessings. It's like Christmas in June. I've dreamed for over a year of landscaping my yard - had such challenges with drainage, etc. to overcome first. After 3 months of planning, it was finished Thursday. Notice the beautiful Canadian Cherry in the front ( in Ana's honor), with a new Weeping Larch on the right, and a new Norwejian Spruce on the left.
This is right outside my back sliding door. A Redbud & spreading Yew.
This view is from my door into my neighbors yard (someday we'll have the rest of the fencing). Another cherry, a clump version this time, a Canadian Hemlock (planted by Dennis), my three origianal cedars, and a Maple Flame clump.
This view shows the southeast part of my yard with a beautiful Norwejian Fairway Maple, and a Maple Autumn Blaze. The rose garden is in the far corner.
Here against the back of the house is a scattering of Dense Yews, Emerald Gaiety Euonymous, another Flame Maple Clump, and notice the Gladiolas who were determined to reappear this year! Photos were snapped between thunderstorms.
#20 - Max age 18
Isabelle - what a doll. Izzy is irresistable, zestful, zuberant, and a "yippie" girl. She's now eight and will be baptized soon. 
Brittany Lauren Larson, (Lauren from great Grandpa Laurence). What a beauty she's become - inside & out. Brittany is Beautiful, real, intellegent, trusting, true, adorable, nurturing, and a Young 23! Sure do love you - my oldest grandaughter, leading the way.
