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 We arrived home exactly 2 weeks after leaving for our Northern Europe/Baltic Sea cruise. We took Monday, June 9th, to recover from the time change and from the nearly 23-hour previous day. On Tuesday, we made a trip to see the chiropractor for some much-needed body adjustments for both of us. We enjoyed lunch, a long visit, and a quick dinner with long-time friends, Bill and Donna, while we were in Watertown. 

It was time to tackle projects at home on Wednesday.

Monday's Flowerbed update:

The peony was blooming! I didn't miss it!

One of the 3 Pasque plants had a flower while I was gone.

The Icelandic Poppy was in bloom!

I had not planted any vegetables or bought flowers that would need attention while we were gone for the two weeks. The neighbors offered to help, but I decided that plants would be available when we got home, and if there weren't any, well, so be it. Wednesday was spent shopping for plants, purchasing soil, and digging in the dirt. I was in my Happy Place.

Wednesday's Happy Place results:

4 of the 5 tomato plants, all different varieties

The burpless cucumber plants

The mojito mint, the grape tomato, and the sweet basil

OFD and I attended a mojito tasting on the cruise. I learned what I was doing wrong and why my mojitos did not taste as yummy as those on the ship. I took careful notes and have a new mojito recipe to try this summer!

Geraniums do very well in the planter in front of the condo.

So I bought a second planter as they require very little work.

The flowerbed is in desperate need of some attention. 

It will have to wait for another day.

Thursday's Project:

We had bought this slate name plate in 2008 when we purchased the park model in AZ. We brought it home with us, as I had a plan for the slate.

But first, I had to trim the grass, pull the weeds, and spray some weeds in the perennial flowerbed. I broke the slate name plate and laid the pieces amongst the flowers. 

I added the yard decor I had saved from previous years, including the flickering flame solar lights. I also put a few of my collected rocks back in the flowerbed. 

I'm not going to plant any wildflowers this year, at least not in the flowerbed as a border. The bed looks so much better after Thursday's work.

The Icelandic Poppy had a while flower on Thursday!

Wild Roses

We have quite a grouping of wild roses between my flowerbed and the neighbor's potato patch. The roses are just beginning to bloom. In fact, two wild roses are growing next to and in my rhubarb plant!

The hibiscus was the only plant I had bought before we left on the cruise. I took it to the neighbor's patio so they could water it. I gave it some fertilizer on Wednesday and brought it back to the deck. I was rewarded for my work.