Silver Linings

Soggy and Sluggish - this Spring of 2019!!!

It's been awhile since my last post - perhaps the sluggishness 

has settled in far too deep?

It's been the wettest and coolest Spring that I can remember

and just last evening the farmer finally was able to plant his fields.

I don't think it's ever been this late here on this farm!

He is relieved - to say the least.

My vegetable garden remains seedless and ironically this was the summer

we decided to stay home to do some serious gardening - sigh.

All is not lost, however ...

It's been a busy time in spite of the rains and there have been many

bright days with Silver Linings...

We have been blessed with an unusual number of orioles, red breasted 

gross beaks, and beautiful finches.

What a joy to watch them and to hear their happy singing.

Fresh Oranges and Welch's Grape Jelly are their favourites

Then off to our nation's capital, Ottawa, for the annual tulip festival.

Except that not many tulips were blooming yet.

We did find some early blooming varieties and enjoyed biking 

along the Rideau Canal.

Ottawa is a beautiful city any time of year or weather!

A great way to spend Mother's Day

with dear friends on the bike trail.

The raging Ottawa River - many floods along its way this Spring!

If you could zoom in closely you would see the bottom path that

goes around the back of the parliament buildings, was completely under water.

Historical Byward Market area in the city.

"Maman" in front of the National Gallery of Canada

Silver Linings?

When it's sprinkling outside,

one must put on an apron

and do some sprinkling on cookies!!!

And during the sunny breaks - do some perennial transplanting ...

Mr. Sun did come out to play at times.

The annual Mennonite Relief Sale saw a few peeks of sunshine

before the down pours ... but the rhubarb booth sold out

and oh, the quilts!!!!!! 

How I wish I had more time to sit and watch them all sold.

So many gorgeous and stunning pieces of fabric art.

The Silver Lining to this day was when the crowd stands to sing,

"Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow" in four part harmony!!!

A long standing tradition just before the 125th quilt is sold - it brings tears to my eyes

every time!

We were blessed with a beautiful sunny Spring day (with a cool breeze) for our

Family Picnic in Stratford's Upper Queen's Park.

Sisters ...

And, this little sweetheart!

Then June arrived and so did my fragrant Lily of the Valley.

One of my all time favourite Spring flowers!

A Silver Lining to any dreary day...

In my Mom's vase. She always used it for this flower!
Today, June 13, would have been her 103rd birthday.

Then, the best part of all - my youngest niece's wedding day.

It was a beautiful day - we felt SO blessed.

Each and every one of my siblings and their spouses were in attendance

(a rare occasion indeed as one of my sisters lives in Northern Ontario and

doesn't make it to the South West very often).

I can't wait to see all the pictures ... here is a sneak peek of that 

beautiful sunshiny day:

My "baby" sister Evelyn and my BIL Richard, walking our youngest niece Elysia, down the grassy aisle!
Picture credit - our Becky.  God is Good!!!!

Our Becky!!

A commissioned butter lamb made the picture. It's a tradition and it's on Mom's bread plate!

Everything was perfect!

A Gerber Family Favourite - anytime, even after a huge wedding banquet!

Congratulations Elysia and Robbie!

We are all SO happy for you.

May God bless you in every way.

And so today, the rain has returned with gusto, 

leaving puddles and swollen rivers once again.

But, we will not fret, for many Silver Linings are sure to be in store.

Summer is just around the corner - right?

Till next time - enjoying each day - rain or shine!
And ------ WTG Raptors - history is made!!!! Talk about Silver Linings!!!