Reynolda Gardens (How I Named my Blog - Part I)

It was about 4 p.m. and we had just gotten back from shopping, running errands, etc. and there was a message on our machine.  Some friends of ours were going to Reynolda Gardens later and wondered if we'd like to join them for ice cream and a walk through the rose garden.  Skipping ahead, they picked us up around 6:00 and off we went.  They surprised us with a picnic instead of just ice cream.

We decided to park at their church across the street where there were outside tables.  Now I must be the only human on planet earth who doesn't like "homegrown tomatoes" or tomatoes from anywhere for that matter.  Ketchup, spaghetti, etc. fine, love it, fresh tomatoes...eeewwww.  So my picnic was crackers, chips, and dip, while everyone else dug into tomato sandwiches.  Well almost everyone, there was one other human not consuming tomatoes, but then he's 5, and a picky eater thus far.

We had showers earlier, but I hoped we would be rain-free for our outing.  We were just about done eating when the sky opened up.  Fortunately the tables also came with umbrellas!  Most of us stayed dry except their 5-year old who delighted in getting as absolutely wet as possible.  Stand back I think he's going to shake.  Mom, of course, brought him a change of clothes.  They think of everything don't they?  (All my kids have 4 legs and fur - see the picture of  "my little boy" on the left.)  He's another story for another day.
 
Moving along, as we started through the garden, the sun came out bringing with it the most beautiful rainbow - actually a double rainbow, with repeating bands below it.  I'd never seen anything like it.  We took cellphone pictures, and went on and on about it.  I think that was indeed the highlight of the evening.  Oh, and the roses were pretty, too,  Good times, good friends, makes the world go 'round.

Let's Feed America!

It was another successful day at the grocery store Friday. Harris Teeter has a triple coupon promotion going on this week. I scored several freebies and some more really good deals, most of which are going to the Food Bank. They are in extreme need of donations, both food and financial. September is Hunger Action Month, and there are donations boxes all around town, including my YMCA.

Their most-needed shopping list includes: lean protein, whole grain and pasta products, and canned meats, vegetables and fruits. My collection includes cereals, pasta, rice, peanuts, peanut butter, jelly, canned beans & fruit.

Here is a link to the full list.