Peony Time in Birminghiam

My favorite time. We don't have an abundance here in Birmingham, but they are much loved.

Anticipation!

I adore peonies.  I will admit I've been stalking the peony garden at our fabulous Birmingham Botanical Gardens.  Yesterday they seemed ready to pop open... but not quite.  I can promise I will be back and capture them in full bloom. I can't wait!

Sweet Peonies

I almost let "peony season" get away from me, but have a very fragrant one for you today.

In Honor of Our Mothers

My hope today is that of the mothers that read my blog will have a very, very special day. For those of you who have lost your moms, may precious memories fill your hearts.

I picked this gorgeous full blown peony to honor our mothers.  Thursday afternoon I was strolling around the Birmingham Botanical Gardens seeing what was in bloom.  A nice lady stopped me and said, "The peonies are GORGEOUS, go right up that path!".  I smelled their sweet frangrance before I ever saw them.  How right she was.  I had a hard time tearing myself away.

The bottom photo is a rare family shot.  Usually the grandchildren are the subject of all our photos, and I rarely make an appearance in front of the camera!  My son- in- law Jason, caught my daughters Kathleen and Melissa with me on Easter. They are both terrific moms and I am very proud of them.  I wanted you to meet them.  They're going to strangle me for posting it.  Shhhh, don't tell them!!

I leave  you with some words of wisdom from one of my all time favorite authors, Erma Bombeck.  I regret I never got to meet her. I think we were kindred spirits!

“When your mother asks, "Do you want a piece of advice?" it is a mere formality. It doesn't matter if you answer yes or no. You're going to get it anyway.”

I resemble that remark.

14 days from today, we'll be staggering around Charles DeGaulle Airport,  bleary- eyed and sleep deprived looking for a  French taxi driver that drives an SUV capable of hauling all of our luggage. HA!  How do you say , "When pigs fly"  en français?

Merci Alice for: "When pigs fly" or "Quand les poules auront des dents" ("When hens have teeth")