Butterflies and Zinnias

My hubby spotted this butterfly today on our zinnias. He was able to capture these two pictures before two mockingbirds engaged in war right over his head and scared the butterfly off. He said feathers were flying! They were probably arguing over who was going to eat the blueberries on my blueberry bushes. I think they have eaten more of them than I have. They dive bomb me when I try to pick them. At least the pretty butterfly managed to escape the wrath of the menacing mockingbirds.





I am linking to Show and Tell Friday at the fabulous My Romantic Home blog.



I am heading for the Lone Star State tomorrow to visit family so I will most likely be away from my computer for a few days. I hope I don't suffer from blog withdrawal because even when I am not posting, I am reading and enjoying all the wonderful blogs out there. Have a lovely weekend!

Marlee

Thrifty Finds and Sentimental Treasures

Happy 4th on the 5th. I hope everyone had a fabulous holiday. I am still celebrating because I have the day off from work. Woo hoo!! My goal for the day is to conquer some clutter.

I only found two garage sales in my neighborhood this weekend and one was a bust....mainly little boys toys and clothes, neither of which I need anymore. The other was a sale that an elderly couple was hosting. It was a two day sale, but I missed the first day of it. I did manage to score a few picture frames, a cute set of funky shaped glass nesting bowls, a basket and a candle holder....all for $3.00 total. Since I am trying to get rid of some of the clutter in my house, I think I need to adopt the policy of taking out the same amount of things that I bring in (yeah, like that is going to happen, but I can dream).

The basket will get spray painted but I haven't decided what color yet. I probably won't paint the candle holder because it is an off white color with a brown glaze and I like the way it looks. My sweet sister gave me a cast iron griddle and cornstick pan that belonged to our grandmother. No telling how old they are. I can't wait to bake some cornbread in that pan.

I am linking to Rhoda's Thrifty Treasures . Check out her wonderful blog. It is so inspiring!

I am also linking to Nifty Thrifty Tuesdays at Coastal Charm, an awesome blog I just discovered. Love your blog Linda!!

Have a great week!!

Marlee

Proud to Be an American

I am linking to the strut your stuff Red, White & Blue party @ somewhat simple.

Happy Independence Day!! The baby backs are on the smoker, the hamburgers are about to go on the grill, the sweet tea is made and there is chocolate pie in the fridge so life is good here!

The fourth kinda slipped up on me this year so I didn't get much decorating done but I did want to share with you a picture of my 4th of July tablescape (and I use the word tablescape loosely). Note the hungry gnome in the background waiting on his burger.



I went all out with this tablescape and used my finest paper goods. I managed to find a set of wooden stars hidden away in a drawer and placed them in a vase. And I found my lighted stars and flags and draped them over a plant on my sunporch. We are feeling the spirit of the 4th here in Mississippi!



Wishing you and yours a Happy 4th!

Marlee

Backyard Blooms

Hi y'all. I am linking this post to Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home.



It's been a busy week at work so I haven't had time to do much of anything that is blogworthy. I have been watering plants though so I thought I would share pictures of some of my favorite plants in my backyard.



This is called a Blazin' Lime Bloodleaf Coleus. This plant is almost 3 ft. tall and still growing.

This is my wildflower garden where I just threw out zinnia and sunflower seeds. The best is yet to come with this one because not all the sunflowers have bloomed. A red sunflower is close to blooming and I will share a picture of it when it does.

This is my pink mandevilla vine. It has almost made its way to the top of the pergola.

Caladiums in a pot on the deck.



The Big Hib (not the real name of it, just my nickname for it)....a perennial hibiscus...these blooms are almost the size of a paper plate.

And last, but not least, a strawberry cake with chocolate icing that my 16 year old son baked. He was in the mood for cake so he went to the store, bought a mix and a can of icing and made a four layer cake. It is very yummy. Not too shabby for the first cake he has ever made. Way to go Nick. Keep those cakes coming.

Have a Happy 4th of July everyone!! God Bless America!!

Marlee