Unexpected Blessings

Today was my dear friend, Bev's birthday.

My good friend Carolyn, Bev and I 

started the party with coffee and gifts at my house.

We gave her no details of the day.

We took her to lunch then hit up 

a nearby small town for antiquing.

We had not been to these towns in years.

We junked and gabbed.

On the way out of the first town,

we drove by a lovely home and garden.

We decided to drove around the block to get a better look.

Bev said "go down the alley!"

I said "okay but she is in the yard raking

so I'll pull over an you tell her her garden is lovely."

I stopped and Bev called out to her.

The lady said " pull in and get out and I'll show you around.

The best part is hidden".

Bazinga!

I didn't take my camera with me,

so I took a bunch after we got back to the car.

She was an elderly lady.

and just so sweet.

The house was where her grandparents had lived.

The frame house they first lived in burned

and they rebuilt a 5 room brick bungalow.

Over the years she added on to it.

Now it has 11 rooms.

The garden is fabulous.

She told us people from

St. Louis Botanical Garden had stopped to see it.

Just when you would be dying over a little "room"

there would be another little "room."

So many fountains...

cobble stone patios...

pergolas...

arches...

magazine worthy.

Then to top it off she says

"well, come on in the house."

Holy house walk!

We were dying.

I wanted to high five my pals

and "stir the chili". ha

It was so charming.

Wood paneled walls, 

coffered ceilings, and

balconies overlooking the gardens.

It was just brimming with the love of it's owner.

She was an absolute delight.

We stopped to tell her how lovely her home was

and ended up being so blessed by the experience.

We plan to return to see it in the snow

and again in full bloom.

I hope we become friends.

We left her with hugs until next time.

 We were blessed and happy.

The best part of the party...

A beautiful garden and a beautiful gardener.

273. birthday parties

164. fern fronds

100. giving a gift