Friday, May 31, 2013

My House "in the middle of my block, my house"


Sears kit house built in 1931, bought by me in 1995. I bought it because it reminded me of my Grandmother's house in Hubbard, Ohio. Cost of kit including everything (plumbing, electrical, bathroom fixtures, windows etc) but the foundation, $4000. I was able to get a copy of the ad that ran in the Sears catalog from Sears Archives in Illinois. 959 sq.ft. too small ;-) but the front porch makes up for it.






Thursday, May 30, 2013

John as a child


How cute is this little guy? Can't believe that he is 17 now. Where have all my babies gone?








Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Painting Digitally




I took these photos today at my house and then I used Picmonkey to "paint" them digitally. What fun!

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Skinny Legs


I love this picture. I took it of my grandson, Liam, in 2007. Titled it "Skinny Legs" because their shirts are so big it makes their legs look like sticks...ha! I mean, can you read those numbers?


Monday, May 27, 2013

Hampton Court Palace



 Looking through old photos and came upon these from my trip to England, June 2007. We did not see the inside of the palace but had an extensive tour of the wonderful gardens. I took these pictures with my old Sony point and shoot. I did get some great pictures from that trip.


 Agaphantus
 Lupine
 Lake Windermere, Lake District, Great Britain
Some where in Wales

Sunday, May 26, 2013

Decoration Day


Recently I came across an old picture of my parents taken in a park. Below my Dad had written "Decoration Day 1940".  My thought was "Yes, I remember when Memorial Day was called Decoration Day".  So, I decided to get the back story and "googled it".
 After the Civil War ended, Decoration Day was established as a day to decorated the graves of the war dead with flowers. It gradually changed to Memorial day and was established as an official holiday in 1967 as a day to honor those who died in the service of our country.
The photo above is our city's way of honoring those who died for our country who were from the area. Each flag had a tag with the name and other information about that individual who gave their lives for us. I looked at some of the tags and saw a lot of Vietnam veterans....my generation. By the way, we had a Memorial Day parade...the first in over 5 years. Due to budgetary issues, we were unable to afford a parade and a service was done instead. I understand that fund raising was done to support this year's parade.

Wishing everyone a happy holiday weekend! Remember those who gave their lives in the service of our country.
PS: Look closely at the photo and you can see the wheel of our "gun".....from WWII, I believe.



Friday, May 24, 2013

A Charm ( of American Goldfinches )




I took these photo this morning in my backyard. God made some beautiful birds and this is one of the most colorful. I read that a flock of goldfinches is called a charm. Also at the end of their song is "potato chip". I hear them singing but can't pick out the potato chip bit ;-) When I look out my back door and see these charmers out there, it makes my whole day...even better if the sun is shining.



Thursday, May 23, 2013

Last Breath of Spring



 The days are getting longer and warmer and I feel summer just around the corner. These are the last of my spring photos. All my tulips are done but I have Iris blooming and other perennials will soon follow.
This weekend, will set up my front porch....bought a beautiful fern at Home Depot to hang. I always feel that when the porch is ready, summer is here. Of course, that isn't always the case when the weather turns cold and wet and the glider is covered. I hope that this year I can sit out and watch my world on Pagel Street go by.


Sitting on this fence, small and with the sun glinting off is a Bluebird.







Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Emma


Graffiti: made in Detroit


 You can see the graffiti from Gratiot as you pass by Eastern Market. It took us a few minutes to figure out how to get to it. As you can see that the market sits up and looks out over the city ( Ford Field roof is visible as well as Comerica Park).
 We walked around to the outer edge of the market on the service drive. Risking life and limb, we crossed the service drive to get a better angle as the cars went whizzing by. It was all worth it to get great shots of this colorful artwork.
 Gratiot Ave. and service drive
 Even the dumpsters were interesting
 I won't pretend to understand any of this! I can't even read what is written here. All that I know is the art is  beautiful, colorful and you could stand for hours looking at all the detail. I love the ladies sitting in the window and my favorite "Detroit Rock City"








Sunday, May 19, 2013

Backyard Flowers




Have been out planting all weekend. Gosh, my yard looks fabulous and the perennials aren't even blooming yet. My lawn looks like a lush carpet (thank you Scotts). I did get my little back porch set up but won't get my front porch done until next weekend. Still have a lot to do...all my summer decorations need put out and more clean up to be done. Love my grass!