I take great joy in having perennial gardens because they are so entirely out of my control. Each year we wait excitedly to see what plants return, how big they are and what joy they will bring. This year the blossoms are wild and free and are bringing us great delight. I've started a medicinal herb garden that is tempting me with plants I hope to make into salves and lotions. June has been full of berry picking and jam making, a brief escape to the woods and hiking along waterfalls. Swimming and boo boos, sunset walks, visits with dear friends and playtime have been the rhythm of our days. There are many odd things about this year. The 17 year cicadas are here now and I think the chickens are the only ones who enjoy them. But when you look, you can always find the handiwork of the Lord. Bird song at 5 in the morning is a marvel to me. Sometimes it is very noisy, a veritable tuning of an orchestra! The nightly lightning bugs lighting up the sky signal a Creator who cared so much for us that He gives these tiny gifts, often missed in the busy hum drum of daily life. It's also incredible to see life through Phoebe's eyes. She can't wait to put on her "baby soup" (bathing suit) to splash in the puddles or chase an "oofly" (butterfly). She delights so easily and I'm learning to delight all over again.
