Roses

This is the rose bush that did not bloom for two years after we got here.  I am so excited to see all the buds forming and the few that have opened up.  I have, in my usual manner, provided ample neglect.  We have trimmed it back each year as it was threatening to overtake the porch but aside from the annual trim, everything else has been the lovely weather we have here.

The day lilies next to the rose bush are almost ready to bloom as well.  It was exciting to see just what the previous tenant had planted and it is even more exciting to see that our neglect has not harmed any of the plants.

They have bloomed!!

I have been thrilled to watch our flowers slowly begin to bloom.  It has been an interesting summer here.  It is almost August and I have only seen 3 salmonberry blossoms.  By late July the past couple of years, there has been a bumper crop of berries.  This year, the blueberries still have yet to bloom. Of course, I may not be looking in just the right spot.  But these beauties are right out our front door. I love the variations in color with the columbine and the peony is an amazingly huge flower. 

The best thing outside our front door is quite possibly the rose bushes that are beginning to bud.  There was one rosebush already here when we moved in.  In the past three years, we have not seen a single bud.  This year, they girls lost count around 52.  We also added two miniature rosebushes.  Last year, while they gave us some beautiful roses, someone from the neighborhood either cut them back to the ground or trampled them until the stems broke off near the ground.  Either way, I was unsure if the rosebushes would be back this year.  They are beginning to blossom too! I am excited to be able to share garden fresh roses with friends this year, especially as it seems we will have one or two to spare.

Not quite "raindrops on roses..."

I love this huge flower. It may be my new favorite!

Caught a fly on this one.

As you can see, this stem has 3 flowers. I don't think it will support all of them...

New camera + Family trip

Sliding with Barometer in the background

I guess only kids are allowed to survive...

Russian Church

Waiting to fly

All the cousins at the "Northernmost Denny's in the World"

Aunt Rachel and Lady A next to the Alaska Pipeline

The Duchess saw a BEAR!

Cousins... too cool for school!

Deep thoughts being shared here!
Also, a word of warning about crossing the white line in the background.

Hello! I'll be your server this morning!

The Duchess knows how to race that dogsled!

Sisters

Not quite as interested in this part of the tour

Lady A was laughing because her aunt and uncle kept moving in front of the camera!

Fun family photo!

Love these two!

The men.
Alternately, the tallest flanked by the shortest.
Or, the youngest flanked by the oldest.
Take your pick.

Our "Rustic" Cabin

Taking a picture of me taking a picture of her

Not sleeping.  Also, not smiling. But we can see his face!

Flipping the switch

Denali

Another view

I asked Mom what she thought about being on the train and getting all the hiccups sorted out.
This was her response.

Lady A in a pensive pose.
I was trying to show Princess N how to adjust the camera settings to achieve different effects with the lighting.