PURPLE RAIN...

I know 

that Prince sang,

 and I think wrote,

 Purple Rain.

  I don't know any of the words

 to the song 

or what they might mean,

 and if you were a fan of Prince,

 I don't mean any disrespect, 

but the title seems to describe

 what is happening 

over the Secret Garden

 these days.

We planted this wisteria

 at least ten to twelve years ago

 with the hopes that 

an umbrella of blossoms 

would cover the gazebo each coming spring.

  Believe it or not, 

it bloomed very little

 over that period of time,

 never making much of a showing. 

 But this spring is

 something different...

this is what was intended

 all those years ago...

...the only problem is 

that the blooms

 are a bit higher up

 over the gazebo 

than intended.

We admit 

that this is due to our

 short comings as gardeners. 

 Some pruning 

should have happened many years ago, 

but it is what it is...

a haven for every bee in the world

 and a

 beautiful and magical sight...

...is it any wonder

 that the fairies chose 

this exact spot

 to set up 

home keeping?

Another spot of purple in the garden 

is the lilacs. 

 We had a late frost

 that damaged some of the blooms this year 

but they made 

a pretty showing, nonetheless.

  Unfortunately, 

after all these years, 

I have become allergic to them. 

 I am finding 

that any type of flower 

with a strong scent

 does not do well by me.

I couldn't resist 

a quick display 

in the guest room 

- only because the colors are so pretty - 

then out to the porch.

  I can no longer bring them 

into the Cottage

 and that makes me 

very sad.

Thank you for your help 

in trying to identify our tiny birds.

  It appears that they are wrens 

as near as we can tell.

  They are so busy and so fast 

that it is very hard

 to catch a glimpse of them 

as they go about their day.

 I snapped these two blurry photos 

and maybe these will give a better idea.

 I will keep you informed 

when any new developments occur.  

The fairies 

are keeping a 

close look out 

on the subjects.

I received notification 

from Magnolia Market 

that Jo's cook book,

 Magnolia Table, 

was now on sale. 

 I thought it might be a good book

 as I don't imagine Chip

 would be into 

too many fancy foods 

which is the way we like to eat.

  

On the Magnolia Market website 

the book sells for $30 

but I purchased it 

on Amazon for $17.99.

Have to love Amazon!

The cook book is full of 

lovely photography of 

Jo and Chip and their kids on the farm, 

personal stories and,

 what looks to be, good recipes. 

 I haven't tried any yet

 but will let you know

 when I do.

Jo writes a personal sentiment 

about each recipe 

which are fun to read. 

 It really is

 a beautiful and 

well done book.

If you want to taste a great cookie

 - as close to home made as you can get - 

these from Trader Joe's 

are excellent. 

The Captain picked them out

 and he never reads 

any of the ingredients. 

I would have seen 

that they are vegan

and probably wouldn't have chosen them

 for that reason, 

but I'm sure glad he did.

 Very moist 

and tasty 

without being too sweet.

Have a wonderful week...

...Judy...

Sharing today with:

Keep in Touch at Let's Add Sprinkles