{Satsuki Azaleas Wakaebisu in Front of Our Home}

It was in 1994, that we had a fairytale spring and all of our Satsuke Azaleas 'Wakaebisu' where blooming so pretty. One could say that was picture perfect! The 'Wakaebisu' is a Rhododendron indicum. The name translates to fifth month and that is exactly true, as it is a late blooming Azalea variety. This species can be found on the southernmost four islands of the Japanese island chain. Let me first show you the picture-perfect Wakaebisu in full bloom in May of 1994 and I will end with the sad thing that I found yesterday... dried up buds because of the harsh weather. Friday they looked like I could make a beautiful photo of them but nope. Seems to be hard in our climate to keep them. In the front we've replaced them once and now there are only a few of them left, in our wood garden... Join me for a Garden Tour!

Yes, this is a typical blue sky for the time of the year...

Our Vintage Woodwork looks so pretty here in the front porch and gable!

These Satsuki Azaleas Wakaebisu complimented the roof color of our home so well!

Showing here also the Vintage Woodworks gable above our kitchen bay window...

Vintage Woodworks balusters on the balcony and again gable ornament.

Vintage Woodworks front porch balusters clearly visible.

Better view of the balusters on balcony.

Yesterday's photo from the Wakaebisu with severe drought damage...

Its buds died from drought even before opening up...

"In joy or sadness, flowers are our constant friends." -Kazuko Okakura (1862-1913)



{French Country Style Lavender Sachet WINNER}

Sorry that I did not post this right away after midnight of May 1st, but I was not feeling too well for working it all out. So here it is... Out of 42 chances I've selected ONE! Who is she??? Let's have a look at what she gets, first! From my blog on April 16 for Worldwide GIVEAWAY of French Country Style Lavender Sachet you can see the beautiful item here below...

Well, I can certainly see why several bloggers list a sign on their side-bar stating: This is an Award Free blog... It is quite some work but I don't mind doing this for loyal followers and readers and foremost for helping others to get some traffic too.

By the way, one of my participants was Brigitta from Creative Chaos and she's having difficulties in guiding her previous followers to her new blog. If you please would stop by and renew your following status with her; that would make her quite happy!

Now...

# 21 was Ginger from Savannah Granny so the French Country Style Lavender Sachet does not even leave the state of Georgia; what a coincidence!

Congratulations Ginger for liking me on Facebook with the button on my side-bar and for placing my button on your blog and of course you already did follow me.

Hope you enjoy it for Mother's Day!

My 7th Blog Award

On Sunday, April 17, I got this Kreativ Blogger Award passed on by Doris from "Hold my hand"  A social worker's blog. We were in Fort Lauderdale, Florida at that time... So finally I want to share it with my readers and also pass it on to others. I felt honored by Doris for receiving this! This Kreativ Blogger Award obviously came from the German branch of bloggers...

So, here are the rules:

1. Link back to the person who gave you the award.

2. Tell 5 facts about myself... 

3. Give this award to others.
 

Okay the 5 facts about myself:

1)  I love people and their culture.

2)  Animals I love... could run a zoo!

3)  Being outdoors in nature makes me happy.

4)  Love to crochet, especially the fine DMC thread.

5)  History and Geography are two favorite subjects.

 

• Lisa from Informal Home in Australia
• Lory from Il filo del cuore.... Ricami in Italy  (translated, her blog reads: Embroidery the thread of my heart - enter her website to see an incredible talented lady's treasures...).
• Catherine from Corner of Cat's Mind in Canada
• Paola from Laboratoria di zia polly in Italy
• Sizzle and Zoom from Cruisin Over Sixty in Southern California, USA
• Michelle from Shabby Prim Delights in Australia
• Becky from One Shabby Old House in Florida, USA
• Carolyn from Just one more stitch from Texas, USA
• Mark & Susie from Posh on Palm in Florida, USA who did a book signing for Fifi O'Neill 
• Sesè from Semplicemente Femminile in Italy (translated: Simply Women)
• Hilary from Positive Letters.... inspirational stories in the United Kingdom

Sure, I could list many more here! But if you broaden your horizon by paying these a visit; you already learn a lot. I feel privileged myself for being able to interact with them!