Happy Changes In My Garden, Solar Lights and Standing Planter Box

 

Two of my Christmas gifts from my sons on display in my garden. The solar flood light and the peacock sculpture on the right are the new additions. The peacock on the left and the bird bath are long time garden features. The floodlight is actually subtle, not blazingly bright, and casts a romantic mood in my backyard. It is on from about 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. You can't see too clearly but the birdbath is about 30 years old and is made of cement with pebbles embedded in it. Kind of old school, I love it. Behind is an old pink rose waiting to bloom.

I have considered buying one of these raised planters for a long time but they are a bit pricey and a hassle to put together. This is another surprise Christmas gift from my sons. Yes, they do treat me like a princess. Now I can grow vegetables while standing up. No more kneeling or leaning over to garden for this senior lady. 

I soaked Chinese sugar pea seeds overnight and planted them. I have an old wooden raised garden bed that is one to two feet high that is close to falling apart and I changed it to a flower garden. This week I planted seeds of zinnias, knee high sunflowers and knee high sweet peas. I bought the seeds from Eden Brothers and they arrived quickly, within a week. Yes, I live in a temperate climate. Nights have been about 40 degrees and days are reaching 70 so I can plant some seeds. 

As I sometimes say "Gardeners and Christians are hopeful people." We plant a tree or a seed or share a Scripture and wait in hope.

Daddy loved God, R. Sargent Shriver

Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well
Originally uploaded by Lawrence OP
R . Sargent Shriver, with many accomplishments to his credit, including founding the Peace Corps, died January 18, 2011 at the age of 95, and I treasure the following words that his son Mark, said about him. I hope these same words describe me, and they are an ideal to aim for, that is for sure.

Mark Shriver said about his dad:

"Daddy was joyful 'til the day he died and I think that joy was deeply rooted in his love affair with God. Daddy loved God and God loved him right back. ... Daddy let go. God was in control and oh, what a relationship they had."

Mark said that his dad in his frequent traveling always found a church to attend each morning for daily mass.

Daddy loved God, and God loved him right back.

I think that is a beautiful summary of a life.