Landscaping!-Front of House

Last year we had a LONG draught, temperatures in the triple digits and a hot south wind and no matter how much I watered I lost most of my shrubs at the front of the house.  I gave up on trying to grow flowers and bought some artificial flowers and put them in pots on the porch.    At the start of this spring I decided to put flowers in pots so if we have another bad summer I can move the plants to shade and keep them watered.  Mike suggested I could set the pots on rocks and that got me started.  We went out on the property and I found rock after rock that I liked.   I kept Mike busy for several days bring the rocks up and helping me clean out the flower beds.  I think I can say the front of the house make over is a success.   

Front porch

West side of house

East side of house

Night view....I added some solar lights !

One of our friends does rock carving.....he gave us a rock with SANDERS carved in it and I decided it would look good greeting everyone as they came up the drive.   We went rock hunting again......and yes I found some  rocks and Mike graciously moved some very large rocks around several times (of course he was using the backhoe) until I was satisfied with the arrangement.  Added some flowers in pots and we have a new entry display.   

Now on to the next landscaping project....the back yard!

Memorial Day 2012 - Allen Style

Every year Allen has a Memorial Day celebration:   At short ceremony is held at the cemetery at 11:00 am  and then the Masonic Lodge serves hamburgers/hot dogs with all the fixings and home made desserts.  It was a very nice event.

The Pledge of Allegiance at Memorial Service

Opening Prayer

Our Veterans......Thanks for your service and sacrifice

Veteran's Memorial

Papa's name is on the Vietnam Pillar 

Ronnie M. Sanders

After enjoying lunch and visiting with friends it was back home for some pool time and relaxing!

Happy Memorial Day!

Lest's Catch Up - Jessie

Jessie was a Junior in high school this year.  She stayed very busy participating in choir, FCCLA, Golf, Track, Yearbook, and was Jr. Class President.  She also was very active in her youth group at church.



JUNIOR PROM........

Jessie and her date Denton ready for the prom




TRACK........
 Jessie qualified for State Finals in the 2 mile relay and the 1 mile relay.

ACADEMICS.....

Having a 4.0 GPA since starting high school entitles you to an Academic Letter Jacket at the end of your junior year!

Now we are ready for summer!

Playing in the snow!

I just discovered that this was never posted.......so here it is!

This morning when we got up there was still about 6 inches of snow on the ground so we bundled up and headed out to play! Papa got the 4 wheelers ready and we headed out to the pasture for some fun.











Papa had as much fun as the girls doing donuts!


We stayed out until we got really cold, then headed back to the house to warm up.

Let's Catch Up-Caitlin

Caitlin started to college at ECU last fall.  She decided to stay at home and drive back and forth to her classes and that way she could help take care of Nana.   She was rushed by Chi Omega and joined, and with lots of sorority activities and a late night classes she decided to move to the dorm.  She settled in and has been enjoying "college life" coming home as often as she could.  There were a lot of sorority activities on weekends...one was Dad's Day...... Cait and Papa had a good time together!  

Spring semester Caitlin carried 19 hours and worked 20 hours...she works at the ECU Library.  She made 3 A's and 3 B's....so very proud of her!

Getting back to blogging

I haven't been blogging for a while, but I am going to get back to it.  I hope to have some pictures posted in the next couple of days.