Down in the Valley-O

Our house has been for sale for just a few weeks, and we've had tons of showings. It's the time of year when buyers come out of hybernation and hit the pavement. We've had 6 showings in the last 5 days. Hopefully the foot traffic keeps up and someone's interest will turn into an offer. Our backyard has been graded and power raked, and the sod should be showing up next week, so long as the weather cooperates. Hopefully someone will buy our house! Its an unusual situation (at least for me) to be selling my house without having any idea of where we might buy our next one. We should find out next month some time... I'm waiting with anticipation. Meanwhile I'm constantly keeping the house in order and thought it would be a good opportunity to take a few pics to remember the house, and all the hard work we put in to it. Its been nice being close to family, being in a nice ward, and having an amazing view from our front door. But now it's time to get going-where to? Stay Tuned.

I'm a Yankee Doodle Dandy

Only 3 weeks into the long haul and we've decided I better go out for a visit:-) Some time next month my sweet sister (who totally owes me) is taking the rug rats while I paint the nations capital. I've heard how beautiful and green it is out there, not to mention all the history. I've been reading the Pulitzer prize winning biography of John Adams (thanks Cody) and it has sparked more than a little interest in the area. Belonging to the local chapter of Republican Women I am quite fascinated by our country's government and its democratic process. I had an awesome American Heritage teacher in college who was very passionate about the fact that 2 different parties are needed in order to reach fair compromises and keep each other in check. Unlike the ultra-conservative right wing crazies on the radio (not to say I don't generally agree with them) I appreciate having two parties in the government rather than just one. One could complain endlessly about politicians (it is a free country after all), but I believe most every politician is there to fight to make America better, whether they be democrat or republican. I must admit that any time I walk into the polling place to vote, when I leave it is with a lump in my throat. So many men and women have died for our freedom. Many people around the world have no say in their government. When I go to cast my ballot, though it's only one vote, I know that it counts. I don't know why I was so fortunate to be born in this great country but I am grateful for it. God Bless America.

Planting Time!

It's finally been nice weather for a few days and I've been diving into the dirt. I had a few plants I'd ordered online waiting in their pots and I was anxious to get them in the ground. Among them are 3 Nikko Blue Hydrangeas, 1 Forever Pink Hydrangea, 1 Double Mock Orange, 3 Blue Chip Campanulas, 3 Clustered Bellflower, 1 Azalea, and 3 Stella de Oro Daylilies. I just love planting and imagining how the flower bed will look in a month or two.

I planted the Azalea and 1 Blue Hydrangea in Pots for the porch, that way I'll at least get to take them with me when we move, since they are pretty small and take a few years to mature. I haven't given up on growing strawberries yet, after my failed attempt last year. I love strawberrys and I think Lil' L will enjoy growing them as well. I think we'll be potting them this year. We've also been cutting a few of the tulips and bringing them in.

Last week I let the girls plant a bunch of Zinnia Seeds in potting soil. Then I let them help me with some peat pellets. I couldn't believe how much they liked it, and that it kept them busy for 2 hours! Its good to have kids around, or I might not have noticed how exciting watching dirt expand can be. I also planted an array of Shock Wave Petunia Seeds, pink, rose, purple and ivory. I decided to try some Cantebury Bell seeds as well, although I'm unsure about the luck I'll have with them, since the seeds are all so tiny! I was tickled this afternoon to see the first 1/8" sprout coming out of a few of the petunia pellets (pictured above). I've got big plans for them in my front porch, and for hanging baskets out on my back deck. I love starting seeds, not only because its cheap, but very rewarding. I've started 40 seeds, just of petunias.. So I may have a few extra-- assuming most of them make it, and I don't forget to water them or make some other amatuer gardner boo-boo. Ahh, spring is in the air.