Ten Reasons Why I Need Summer to Arrive Promptly

1. Longer hours of sunlight…pleasant evening strolls with my favorite husband and pup, more time for grilling, etc, etc


2. The rebirth of vegetation! I dream of the vivid greens and bright hues of summer plants and flowers.


3. Al fresco dining


4. Summer fashions: flowing dresses, flip flops, swimsuits, big hats, big hair (why fight the humidity?!), minimal make-up & summer glows


5. Pool parties! (I’m resolving to host more this year.)


6. Television in reruns = cutting ties with the toob


7. Relaxing getaways to the lake


8. Long runs in shorts and tank tops


9. Losing myself in a book while stretched out a lounger beneath the summer sun (refreshing beverages optional)


10. A renewed lease on life…just in the nick of time to chase away those winter blues!

Our First Foray Into Flowers…

Since this will be our second summer as homeowners, Casey and I decided it was time to add a little color to our green-infused yard. Therefore, last weekend we ventured to the HOA’s annual flower sale to pluck some blossoms for our yard. The selection was quickly narrowed for us when we indicated the vegetation would be planted in a shady part of the yard. (Not a lot of option there—thank you wonderful shade trees!)

After guesstimating the amount of flats needed, loading them into the truck and paying for our selection, we were ready to go. That is until we heard the “crrrrruuuuunnnnch!” Yes, Blevins luck would dictate that our first foray into the flowers would not be easy.

Because there were many flats available throughout the day, the HOA used a local parking lot to showcase the selection. Although we arrived near the end of day one when the selection was pared down substantially, there were still quite a few flowers spread across the parking lot. And whilst my darling husband was attempting to avoid some conversing neighbors behind our vehicle, he forgot about the low-profile flowers..until we heard the startling sound of plastic crunching under our tires. Yes, we had in fact run over a large grouping of begonias.

Casey stopped in mid-crush, so we could pull the free flats out from underneath the destruction source. While no flat was completely ruined, there were definite track marks through the delicate little guys. Total, there were approximately three ruined flats. We of course offered to pay, but the sale coordinators were kind enough to wave off our unintentional mishap.

After assisting with moving the remainder of the stock to safer ground, I was happy to be on my anonymous way without an official introduction. And as I was explaining to Casey how thankful I was we got out somewhat under the radar, I was reminded that they did in fact know my name…and my address... Thank you personal check with such information. Now those HOA people will always know we Blevinses were the ones to crush our way through the first foray into flowers.

Aww well… I just hope they grow!

Happy planting!