Back in Virginia

23 years of shirts above silent auction tables

The Memorial Day Charity Tennis Tournament was awesome. We did a lot of work but raised about $25K for the Arthritis Foundation and everyone seemed to have a good time. I was in charge of the raffle, but did lots of other minor tasks during the weekend.. Also got in three matches before my partner and I were totally out of the tournament and we had fun playing.

Then spent days going to Drs, pulling weeds, packing, taking care of last minute house things. Got the palms and other big trees trimmed - picked the wrong company to do the trimming and won't use them again. I have good friends and thus all will be well eventually (thank you, thank you Debbie) but was a harrowing last day and delayed my departure for many hours.

Finally got everything in the car and off I went. Spent first night just past Savannah. Then stopped in Charlotte to shop at Trader Joes and Whole Foods, with-in-laws list in hand. If only that was all I bought :)!  Trying out some new and very reasonably priced wines from both places.  Could have stayed much longer as there are many, many stores in Charlotte I'd like to check out.  Sister-in-law's daughter lives there now, so we are already planning a return trip - though no date associated yet.
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I love the entry in Wythe County (county I live in)! It is such a beautiful view.

Entering County

Nearing my exit

Flag Iris

 Then all of a sudden I am back at my Va. home and am greeted by beautiful flowers. Only a few are pictures here. It rained today and some don't look so good anymore - especially the peonies, but they haven't all opened so there will be more to enjoy.










Poppies in the shade

Gigantic iris

Garden looked very dry, so the rain today is a welcome happening. Some plants have done great since I was gone. Others not so good. Beans are coming up; radishes need to be thinned, lettuce is showing its early growth, zucchini are flowering but have almost no leaves (very strange); and two of three cukes have disappeared. Basil looks like something besides humans have enjoyed.  Tomatoes and peppers have all survived.  Will assess more tomorrow and decide on what needs to be replanted.