Y Is For Yoho And Z Is For Zinnia

It's Alphabe-Thursday at Jenny Matlocks.  There are tons of fun posts to read here.
I'm squeezing Y and Z into one post.

First there is Y.
Y Is For Yoho National Park in British Columbia, Canada.

(My father's photos may not be borrowed or pinned)

Takakkaw Falls,  in Yoho National Park.  Our family camped here in the summers while I was growing up.

(this photo from the web)

I stood in the mist at the bottom of Takakkaw Falls and had the rainbow shine on my skin.  I will never forget that amazing experience.

(My father's photos may not be borrowed or pinned)

The Yoho River, a tributary of the Kicking Horse River.  (That is me in blue.)

(this photo from the web)

Emerald Lake, one of the most beautiful lakes in Yoho National Park.

(this map from the web)

And then  Z.    

Z  is for Zinnias.  This is no surprise to anyone.  You knew I would use zinnias as my z word, didn't you?  Inside the house in a vase or outside in the garden, I just can not resist these happy, jewel toned blossoms!    One of my very favorite flowers!   

And that brings me to the end of the alphabet.   Thank you Jenny for hosting this fun alphabet meme!  I have met some really wonderful people, laughed a lot,  been moved to tears a few times and learned a few things along the way.  

 Hope you all have a wonderful week! 

Happy Independence Day!!

Happy Independence Day!

(One of the pics in this mosaic was taken by my sister.)

Stay cool and enjoy the holiday
weekend with your family!

(family photos may not be borrowed or pinned.)

X Is For Xavier

It's AlphabeThursday at Jenny Matlock's  and the letter of the week is X.  

X is for Xavier.

Saint Francis Xavier.

The Church of St Francis Xavier, which was designed by Barry Byrne,  is known locally as  "the Fish Church".   It is located across the street from Rockhurst University.

(this photo from the web)

(One of the photos in this post was borrowed from the web.)

Rose Garden

I love roses, so we wandered through the city rose garden last night.  The rose bushes were already past their prime, but a few blooms were still putting on a show.    I wish I had taken pictures a couple of weeks ago when they were at their peak of perfection.  

Staying Cool

The only way to stay cool on a day like today.

Jump right in!  The water's fine!

W Is For Wheel

It's Alphabet Thursday at Jenny Matlock's place, and it's time for the letter W.

W is for Wheel.

 Mr. Garden and my niece 

This enormous paddlewheel is from the Steamboat Arabia, which sank in the Missouri River one hundred and thirty-some years ago.  After it sank, the boat and it's cargo were covered by thick river mud.   As time passed,  the river changed it's course and the boat lay undiscovered  under farmland for years.

(this pic from the web)

 A few years ago 5 men and their families dug up the boat and opened a museum.   Included in the mud-preserved cargo were dishes, boots,  buttons, tools, farm implements, perfume and pickles.  The Treasures of the Steamboat Arabia museum is very much worth a visit if you ever pass through Kansas City.

(this pic from the web) 

(two of the pics in this post were borrowed from the web)

Home From the Farmers Market

I'm home from the farmers market with blueberries, chamomile, wildflowers and an apple pie.  What a perfect way to spend the morning.

All Sorts Of Packages!

I am finally getting caught up and getting this posted!  All sorts of packages full of goodies (gifts, prizes and some purchases I made myself)  have arrived in the mail over the past few weeks and I have been wanting to share these with you... so here goes.

 

I'll start with this package from Dawn at  A Cottage State Of Mind.  She had a give-away to celebrate  the first year anniversary of her blog.  And instead of picking one person to win, she decided to send a package of goodies to every single person who had entered her giveaway!!  Talk about GENEROUS!!  WOW!!!   Anyway,  my package arrived last week.   I have already written a proper thank you to Dawn, but I wanted to  share this picture with all of you!    I love all the PRETTY blue/green items, the teapot, the bluebirds, the forget me nots, the M. Bastien magnet, and the gorgeous crocheted and embroidered doilies and towels.   She must have spent a lot of time looking back through my posts and comments to find all of these things that I have mentioned are favorites of mine!    THANK YOU again Dawn for sharing your treasures with me!!   I am thoroughly spoiled!   You are such a sweetie!!!   

Here is a close up on that beautiful bluebird plate!

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Isn't this a GORGEOUS bluebird linen?  A couple of months ago Teresa of Meadowbrook Farm visited an antique store near her home and took some pictures of things she thought were kinda pretty but had decided not to purchase.  She posted the pics on her blog.  One of them was this little embroidered piece.  I love bluebirds, so I e-mailed her and she connected me  with the shop owner and a few days later  I was able to complete the purchase.  I appreciate Teresa playing the role of "antique  broker" for me!  I truly think she is one of the NICEST bloggers I have ever met!!! 

As you can see in this picture, the little bird towel is feeling right at home with some other items I already had.  THANKS again Teresa!  I think of you every time I see this.  

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A couple of weeks ago  Diane at  Saturday Finds had a baby shower for her daughter.  She included her online friends during the week by hosting some fun little shower games on her blog.  I guessed on a couple of them and ended up winning the "guess the size of  the expectant Mommy's tummy".   :-)  I was SURPRISED to hear that I had won a prize and was DELIGHTED to receive some of Diane's ruffled crepe paper, a cake magnet, and scrapbook bits. I think I will make some cards with these.  My daughter immediately snitched the glittery pink Paris tag,  but I was happy to share it with her since she is the one who has actually been to Paris.  THANK YOU so much Diane!  This added some FUN to my day!!!

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A couple of years ago  I started to collect the hammered aluminum trays that I remembered from my childhood years.   I recently found a couple more online and was THRILLED when this package arrived!  I just LOVE them!!   Susan's blog, The T Cozy , is amazing, and her  etsy shop, T Party Antiques, is chock full of wonderful finds!  I appreciate the QUALITY of her vintage pieces and the friendly and prompt service she provides, and hope you have a chance to visit her too.   THANK YOU again Susan!!  

I am a very lucky girl and am enjoying all these wonderful new bits and pieces!  Have you received anything wonderful in the mail recently?