The Gardens

I seem to go every year..so this year is no exception. Sarah P. Duke Gardens is still changing and is as beautiful as ever. They just constructed a new fountain in the middle of what was, a circle of roses.

This time however was Aunt Elaine's first visit.

The terrace gardens are still my favorite.

Loved these!

Kathy and I.

Aunt Elaine, Kathy and I.

Beepa, Kathy and I...phrase for the day "UP your NOSE!"

Had lots of fun ♥

Sneak Peek

A sneak peek at the Gardens...where my sister gets hitched in just about a year!

I will fully admit I have been a bit skeptical (of the location, not the groom-to-be ☺)...but after seeing they recently planted a lilac bush in the gardens, which we saw in full bloom...memories of NH came flooding back and brought tears to my eyes, and I told her she was meant to get married there! ♥ The very next day she was one of the lucky few to book her date. ☺

Visitors

Our long awaited visitors finally made it down here to good ol' NC. Auntie Liz and the all boys came for the week and we had a blast! With all the going here and there's we managed to squeeze in another trip to Duke Gardens and the Museum of Life and Science (since the boys hadn't been).

(there's a dragonfly on that there flower)

Lots o' lily pads....

....giant ones too...

...I love them, think they are so pretty.

Jack and Kathy taking a break on the bench...it was a hottt day!

Dru...following the rest of 'em that zipped up ahead.

Another bridge...somehow I missed this one the three previous times I've been there?

Kathy and Beepa

They painted the white bridge red to go more with the oriental gardens surrounding it.

Can't get enough of that bamboo ☺

Traditional Japanese house....

....nakey feet please☺

The boys on yet another bridge.

Beepa taking full advantage of what little breeze we had while strolling into the pergola.

Step Gardens...

...peekin' in on the poison dart frogs again...

...love these lil' guys....and more butterflies...

While they visited we also painted gourdes...mine took a lil' longer but I finished! I painted one for myself this time...just needs a sealant and it's good to go....

...all three sides ☺

Had SO much fun! Can't wait 'til they visit again!

Can't Let A Lil' Rain Stop Us

Yesterday, despite the untimely rain, we made yet another trip to Sarah P. Duke Gardens. Kathy had never seen them, so we had a quick tour of part of the gardens so she could get a peek at the pergola.

The umbrellas were very necessary.

Then to avoid the inevitable down pour to come, we booked it outta there and headed over to the museum for the day.