I never promised you a rose garden....

but,

today, I was blessed with a visit to one 

here in my town.

It is a major attraction in the spring,

but when September sneaks into town,

the place becomes relatively quiet,

and dominated by bussing bees

preparing for winter.....

It has been very hot here...

have I mentioned that?

today it got up to 92 degrees.

So the roses are 

"given it all she's got, Captain!"

Well, I know they aren't all roses...

but they were all lovely...

smiles

A Long Hot Summer....for the birds....

It has been in the 90's for weeks.....

I live in the southeastern US,

and we are accustomed to hot.

But this is extraordinary.....

and the birds are suffering....

so when I have a moment,

I go out to make sure the birdfeeders are full and the 

water dish is wet.

Momma Cardinal is especially thankful and shows it.

She is cautious though, and checks things out carefully before diving in...

Papa Cardinal is just coming out of his "molting stage" and isn't really interested in public bathing....

So, he eats to compensate, I understand this....

The Titmouse is an exhibitionist, and loves a good splash about....

Soon, he attracts the attention of a kindred spirit...

And the Fun begins...(notice the amount of water on the pavers)

What FUN!

Soon Mamma C is anxious to join in but doesn't know if she is welcomed...

"Sure!" Says the Titmouse, "We all have a bit of hydrotherapy here..."

And so she begins her bath...with enthusiasm...

Don't we all love how it feels to be clean and refreshed!

Summer Freedom

That's the name of a cool contest at Shutterfly.

And simple too....

And you get free stuff just for entering...

you don't even have to win...

you still win.

COOL, huh?!

So...

why don't you 

pick one of those fun photos

of the children,

or the grandchildren,

or your sweet pup,

or your beach trip,

or your garden,

or the skies,

or the fair,

or the 

crazy neighbor who 

cuts the grass in her underwear

(don't ask.....)

You know the photo 

that makes you think of 

Summer Freedom.....

pick it

upload it at Shutterfly

and 

enter for some free prints.

Cool!

You can view my entry here and vote for me starting April1, 2010.

http://contest.shutterfly.com/contests/showentry/317547

smiles