Where The Red Fern Grows Revisted

The early morning was exciting at our house. Annie decided to get Shelby to play Where The Red Fern Grows and tree a raccoon some time during the night. This poor guy got stuck in our young maple tree instead of a tall pine. He couldn't climb any further. We convinced the dogs we don't live in the Ozarks and that a raccoon isn't a threat to our safety. Once the dogs got inside and JEJ snapped a picture, the raccoon came down the tree and ran to safety. They are still on the lookout even later today for that guy. I guess they want their dog food to be protected!

Camera Critters: Perfect Poses

Last evening I caught perfect poses of our English Springer Spaniel Annie

and our Australian Cattle Dog Shelby. Sometimes it is hard to catch them so still. Enjoy other Camera Critters here.

Parade Magazine Inspiration Close to Home

Today the cover story in the Parade magazine is entitled " The War They Still Fight" and Major Jason Waggoner shares the story of his recovery from losing a leg when he stepped on a booby-trapped mortar round in southwest Baghdad. He talks in the article of the support of his wife Brianna pictured above. Five weeks after the accident he was discharged and began rehab and has even played golf now with his prosthetic leg.
Every story you hear about the war breaks your heart. Then one really hit hard because it is close to home. Brianna is my neighbor KH's daughter. We all heard of the explosion right after it happened and have kept Jason and Brianna in our prayers as we kept track of his progress. What an inspiration to see this beautiful picture of this couple on the cover of Parade magazine this morning. KH's grandson is also pictured in the article. Jason is quoted as saying "My mission is to get well." You can find this story by Tim O'Brien at http://www.parade.com/.

Class of 2008 With A Grandson Included

Today was graduation at my school. Being a small school we never have large graduating classes. I like that because it is much more intimate and meaningful. We have a tradition of using a local drumming group to play the procession preforming the tribe's native drumming songs. Another tradition is that graduates choose a family member to escort them. We have sisters, brothers, grandparents, and children of the graduates walk in with them. I love the part of our nontraditional graduation procession.When I married my husband his children were raised so I acquired a large family of children and grandchildren. One of the grandchildren graduated today. It was a joy to watch the family filled with pride and joy as Q graduated. Here he is posing with another graduate and cousin at the end.

Two of the second grade students I visit every day as I work in their classroom came up to greet me and pose for a picture. I love seeing families and friends gather for a significant event in the lives of their children and grandchildren. There are lots of smiles, tears, pictures taken, and flowers presented. It was a good day!!

Spring Bouquet #4

A Tour of the Gardens After the Rain

After a long week it was nice to relax and take time this evening to tour the gardens. The rain let up and the evening turned beautiful as I caught photo images on my tour. Early June we can always enjoy the beauty and scent of irises. I purchased some new lupines last fall and was excited to see them already blooming.
The purple columbine blends in well in the flower bed with the dame's rocket.Some friends moved a few years ago and dug up all their iris plants. We were the grateful receivers of many of those plants. This white one is a luminous beacon in the garden by the pond.