IT'S GOING TO BE A SCORCHER!

It's only 6:30 am and already warm! A good start toward the 99* it will reach before days end. Josiah took these pictures Saturday morning before work at Daryl's Nursery.
I love the flag hanging to the side with not even a breath of a breeze to stir it. You'd think this was the tropics!
This one is looking up through a Smoke tree.
Awesome pictures, Josiah!

FIRST WEDDING IN BROWNS BACKYARD A BIG SUCCESS!

Just double checking to make sure everything is perfect. Preparing the way for the bride with rose petals.
It was a good turnout for 1:00 on such a hot day! In the future I would advise waiting till at least 4:00 pm though, as the yard is in the shade by then.
Pastor Chris giving Donald and Lori encouraging words from God's word.
Pastor Chris introduced them for the first time as Mr. and Mrs.! Then everyone helped get the chairs next door for the reception, and just like that it was over. It was a very rewarding experience for us to be able to help our neighbor's son's wedding day to be as special as possible. We formed a special bond with Donald and Lori and of course this whole experience has brought us closer to our neighbors, Larry and Jane, whom we love dearly. It's hard to believe that they only moved in in April!

BUSINESS AND PLEASURE

We had an appointment in Portland Sunday afternoon to get Carissa's new Speech Easy devise fitted. Afterwards we debated about whether to go to the Rose Test Gardens or Swan Island Dahlia Farm. The dahlias won. On the way we stopped at Willamette Falls for a quick look.
Now how would you like to look out your front window at that?!!
"Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; they are sunshine, food, and medicine to the soul." Luther Burbank
Wondering who Luther Burbank was? He was an American plant breeder and horticulturist. The World Book Encyclopedia says he developed many new trees, fruits, flowers, vegetables, grains, and grasses. You have heard of the Burbank potato haven't you?

Today is our oldest daughter's birthday. It seems like only yesterday. It was 104* that day and as far as we know still holds the record. Happy Birthday, Jessi! We love you!!

SWAN ISLAND DAHLIA FARM

We had great fun picking out and photographing our favorites and enjoying the beautiful day. By the way "Happy Birthday, Dennis, who as of Thursday, will be able to get that senior discount and a Golden Age Pass!!!

Carissa and I enjoyed relaxing by the Koi pond. It was a beautiful place to spend a Sunday afternoon. It was a quiet interlude before our hectic week. Saturday is the wedding in our yard for the neighbors. So be praying for us as we do last minute dead heading and sprucing up, as well as squeeze a birthday celebration in!