sweet morning

I went for my favorite walk early this morning. After days and days of rain, it is pure green lushness everywhere in our mountain desert state. I love it when things are this green; it isn't always this way in Utah.

It was a misty morning spring wonderland...and I just have to show you John's garden... John is known as the "candy man" by our kids. John has a big tub of candy in his garage, and it's reserved for the neighborhood kids. There's just one catch-- the kids have to name a flower in his garden to get a piece from the candy tub. The kids love this. Sometimes when we're outside, John drives by and tells the kids his candy jar is too full... they run up the hill and walk with John around his garden.  Mini horticulture lesson exchanged for a tootsie roll. I can't tell you how sweet I think this is.

John and his wife Char's show stopping tulips are over four feet tall. And in every season, his garden is equally spectacular.

Huge!

See?!
  

Around the side of John's house... 
  

and down the rock path to the "ravine". I've blogged about this spot before, but it's my favorite spot of spots... it is so peaceful to me with its arching trees, flowers, and tiny babbling brook :) 
Meadow sweet and periwinkel cover the hillsides.      If there really are fairies; I know they must  live here...

 

Someone has already painted the park bench for summer. 

I like to stop and sit awhile here some mornings; watching the sparkling stream and the white cabbage butterflies dancing along the stream's edge just a few feet away... John's house is just above the hill and bench. And you can hear him whistling as he works in his garden. Just whistling away, and the notes drift down the hillside... it's like listening to the prettiest song of all the prettiest, worbliest song birds. Not something you hear everyday anymore, is it?

One day on my way back up the path, John was heading out the front door... he was dressed in a white shirt, black slacks and a big black bow tie. I told him he was looking awfully sharp. He said he belonged to a barber shop quartet and he just was heading off to the "old folks home" to put on a show for the "old folks" with his singing buddies.... Now John is eighty-years old, mind you, and his hair is as white as the dress shirt he was wearing that day. Oh man, I love  it. 

(I can't carry a tune in a bucket, but I sure do hope I get the chance to be just like John when I'm eighty :) xoKelly

P.S. I'll get back to making something fun to share next week... my family generously shared a virus with me last week, and I'm just getting back on my feet-- sooo busy playing catch up around here.

Comments

[cindy geilmann]

I sorry you've been sick my friend. Thank you for such a beautiful stroll this morning. It was just what I needed. Have a great day.

Big Hugs
cindy@stitches

[Brenda Justabedofroses.blogspot.com]

Nice you shared your 80 year old friend John to us through your eyes Kelly. He would be pleased.

Who will forget him when he's gone? How could they with tootsie rolls and his love of sharing his garden knowledge.

The children probably make his day. And what beautiful tulips!Our Utah desert is pretty green.

thanks for sharing...thanks for your handmades today, they were spectacular to say the least!
And so was Sophies picture, we'll have it hung on Monday with a blog if she doesnt mind.

[Jeni Carlson]

I love John. Never met him, but I love him. Surrounded by flowers. Big tub of candy. Still singing. Bow tie wearing. Love it all! Tell him he has a fan.

p.s. Love all your pillows. My Mom bought one today.

[Traci]

how nice of you family to share. poor thing. glad you're feeling better. wow, johns garden is amazing. how sweet that he teaches the kids. gotta love neighbors like that.

[Maria]

How SWEET is that! What a neighbor to have, and his tulips are fabulous!
Kick that bug into the beyond and be well! :)

[Mimi Sue]

The tulips have lasted a long time this cool spring don't you think? Also lots of babbling brooks with the snow melting. You're so lucky to have a wonderful neighbor like John. Does he do garden tours? I'd love to see it. Mimi

[Julie]

What a beautifully written post, Kelly!...Lucky you to have such a beatiful place to walk. I loved the part in your story about hearing John's whistling from afar. And that he sings to the "old folks" in a barber shop quartet! Oh, I love a good men's quartet! I'm sure it brings folks lots of enjoyment.

xox Julie

[Margo]

Love the misty look of your photos here. Looks like a charming spot, and it sounds like you have one of those coveted and wonderful next door neighbors.