gnomes, car trips, back yard paths, and bits & pieces of the past...

Just got back from North Dakota again - sadly there were no fun antiques accompanying me home with this trip.  Evy and I drove out to my grandpa's for a family reunion - lordy that was a long drive - took me 9 hours.  I was so tired on the way out there and had to make numerous stops to wake myself up.  According to my meticulously planned calculations I should have been in a chemically induced state of insomnia.  That was definitely not the case.  The coffee, two Rock Stars, and two "5 Hour Energy" shots I consumed during the drive really had a poor showing - very disappointing.  Falling down on the job they were.  I really kicked it up a notch on the way back though - made it in 8.5 hours.  I know.  Driving and sleepiness aside, the reunion was fun and we had a really good time visiting my family, hanging out at the family farm, and playing Cribbage and Rummy.

Wanted to share a few pictures of the back yard - and one random vignette picture from the Family Room.  Also, just got my Moo cards - they are so fun and cute.  Oh and I'm totally loving the picture editing site Picnik.  Not sure if others have used it through Flickr, but it's pretty fun.

Anyone see a lurking gnome?

A rose from my back yard - I have no idea what kind.  I'm sure someone looking at this knows what it is.

  Mostly I just think it's pretty, but it would be nice to know its name.

I'm sure it looks like this path goes some where, but it doesn't.  I like that it looks like it has a destination - it really should lead to something fun.  Some day maybe it will.  For now it just sort of meanders its way to the back of the property.

I planted a peony bush last year and was so excited this summer when it produced a number of beautiful blooms.  Just love those peonies.

And, like I said, a random picture of a little vignette in our Family Room. The post cards, pictures, and receipts are all over 100 years old.  They all relate to my great grandma and grandpa in some way.  A receipt for material and for music school, tickets to a play in Minneapolis, pictures of my great grandma, and post cards written to her or by her.  I love that I have these little bits from their lives.  Just every day things they touched and used.

I hope you all are well and having a good week.  Can't wait for the new "Psych" and "Monk" on Friday. 

Comments

[Katy]

Wow....a 9 hr drive!? I am soo not good at long distances! Hope you had a nice time at the reunion though! Love all the pics you shared! :) Have a great rest of the week!

[Jen@thecottagenest]

I don't quite know what my deal is but I love gnomes. They just make you smile! Glad you are home safe and sound.

[Karla]

You go girl. We did an 8 hour drive a few years back and ugh! Never again. Fabulous backyard photos. Love the gnome.
Karla

[Katie]

I love the gnome... He looks like he has just always lived there. In that tree. For centuries. And peonies...yes, yes, yes! It's always a rotating answer for me when asked about my fave flower...hydrangeas, peonies, and gardenias. I have about six peony bushes, and I have somehow managed to plan trips during their blooming times for the past two years. And by the time I get home, they are brown and kissing the ground. This coming year... I *WILL* be home to watch my peonies bloom, so help me!!! I discovered picnik about a year ago...fun. And easy. Which for me is a must. :o) Onto Monk...I had never seen an episode until recently. My husband insisted that I watch it because he calls me "Monk" all the time because of, well, let's call them my "particular ways." Am I OCD? No. Am I completely anal retentive about almost everything? Guilty. Okay, I'm seriously not as bad as Monk...but I do see some eerie similarities...Haha!

[Catherine]

Great pictures - flowers are beautiful! Love the path too - looks like it'd be great for kids to explore! Hope you are well and recovered from the super long drives! Catherine x

[Josephine Tale Pedder]

I love the little gnome! So sweet but he needs a gnome wife! I also love peonies. My old dog Brownie died several years ago and my father buried her under her favourite peony bush. The photographs all look beautiful. I will have to explore that photography site. Enjoy your weekend Allison. xx

[Kim]

A 9 hr drive with a child?? God Bless You!!! I just finished up a 1 hr. airplane ride with Hope & it just about drove me up the wall :)

I love your photos of your yard. I see that you have used several varieties that work in shady areas, which is what I have as well.

[sadie]

I love the little gnome peeking in your back garden! So sweet!

Evy is an angel to behave on such a long journey. :O)

I love picnik. It's my latest obsession. I can't upload any photos without 'picniking' it first!

Have a lovely week

Sadie C
:O)

[sadie]

and after all that I forgot to say what gorgeous flowers you have! I love roses and peonies. We've just planted another new peony this year, so I'm looking forward to seeing it flower next year.

:O)

[Rosemary]

Hi there,
Thanks for sharing! Love the photos. Glad you had a fun time. I loved the new Psych!! We love that show, it cracks me up. Plus they have Santa Barbara refferences. I'm only an hour away from Santa Barbara. Even though they don't film it there.
Have a great week,
Rosemary

[Steph]

I love peonies, yours is so pretty! Also love your back yard and that little path to nowhere! :)

[Lindsey]

I love all of the beautiful pictures of your home! Your decorating style is so delightful!

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Each photo was so beautiful in a wonderful and unique way.This was a lot of fun. I really enjoyed looking.

Deirdre G

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Absolutely love all the trees....you are one lucky girl to have privacy like that!!! Can appreciate your pathway so very much - look forward to seeing where it goes...."someday"
~tracie

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