Tuesday, July 21, 2009

7/22 Outdoor Wednesday # 28

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It’s time for “Outdoor Wednesday”. Learn more about “Outdoor Wednesday” HERE

1. POST your outdoor photos and the Outdoor Wednesday logo/button on your blog and link back to  http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/ so that others will be able to find all the links to other Outdoor Wednesday posts.

Reminder: Do NOT link in until after your post is up.

2. Add your Name and the Permalink to your post (NOT your general blog address) in “Mr. Linky”. For help with permalink see HERE. 

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This summer has been especially hot and dry in my garden. While weather patterns vary a bit around the Lower South, we all have to deal with some brutal summer heat and some fairly common summer drought spells.

Take a drive around your area in the summer and notice how most landscapes become a sea of green, or in my case this summer a sea of tawny! While the summer heat and stress does shut down many of our spring bloomin' beauties there are many other flowers that can take the heat and in fact even thrive in it.

Here are a few of my favorites for summer color in the Lower South. These plants love the heat but most do need moderate soil moisture to keep them blooming and productive. A good watering once or twice a week will be enough to keep them blooming up a storm.

Hardy Hibiscus

Thryallis

Red Bird of Paradise

sonora106.jpg red bird of paradise image by munkeybee

Indigo Spires

Firecracker Plant

Don’t forget to visit other Outdoor Wednesday participants by clicking on their links. Check back later to make certain you visit all the Outdoor Wednesday participants.

HERE ARE THIS WEEK’S PARTICIPANTS: 

 

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92 comments:

  1. JadehollowJuly 21, 2009 at 10:16 PM

    So Glad to see you back Susan! I love the firecracker plant.. that is beautiful as well as that Bird of Paradise! I bet the hummingbirds flock to em.
    Hugs,
    Debbie

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  2. Barb July 21, 2009 at 10:19 PM

    We have missed you, Susan. The colors of the flowers are just stunning. So lovely!!

    Sending good thoughts, prayers and hugs to you. Please know how much we appreciate your hosting this event!

    Barb

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  3. KathleenJuly 21, 2009 at 10:21 PM

    Susan, it is good to see you! Good thoughts coming your way, and thank you for hosting!
    We have been wet, wet, wet....no happy medium!
    Your hibiscus is beautiful..they bloom in August here..
    Hope all is well!
    Kathleen

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  4. PegJuly 21, 2009 at 10:21 PM

    Your flowers are lovely in spite of the weather. Most of them are things I don't have in my garden. I wonder if they will grow in my area. Glad to have you back. Hope your mother-in-law is doing better.

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  5. Christi @ A Southern LifeJuly 21, 2009 at 10:23 PM

    I really like that firecracker plant. I'll have to look into that for my landscape. Hope all is well with you! Take care!

    Christi

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  6. KatJuly 21, 2009 at 10:30 PM

    So glad to see you back Susan. Thanks for sharing these beautiful flowers. Our drought level has been upgraded to extreme, so we aren't seeing much bloom here. Although the crepe myrtles seem to be hanging in there. I love that firecracker plant. With our aquifer dropping a foot a day, I just don't feel right watering anything right now, so our yard looks lovely - NOT. But everyone for the most part is trying to conserve, so at least we don't have the only ugly yard lol. Thanks for sharing the pretty flowers! Kathy

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  7. Lisa @ Fern Creek CottageJuly 21, 2009 at 10:31 PM

    We have red bird of paradise here in Las Vegas too and I think it is so exotic looking. I've tried growing it in my yard several times and it always dies. I just have to enjoy it as I see it around town.

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  8. CIELOJuly 21, 2009 at 10:31 PM

    Happy Outdoor Wednesday, Susan!

    cielo

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  9. Becky K.July 21, 2009 at 10:33 PM

    The red bird of paradise is a fascinating plant. I doubt that it will grow well in PA or I think we would see it around as it is so pretty.

    Hope you and yours are doing well.

    Becky K.

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  10. Mary @ Framed and TaggedJuly 21, 2009 at 10:34 PM

    I hope all is well with you and your family.
    Your flowers are beautiful!...I love the firecracker plant too and I need to add that to my garden. I think our ruby throated hummers would love it.
    Happy Outdoor Wednesday!!

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  11. the wild raspberryJuly 21, 2009 at 10:36 PM

    hope you get some good rain soon....your flowers are gorgeous!
    chasity

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  12. ShellbelleJuly 21, 2009 at 10:41 PM

    Oh Susan, it's so nice to see you back. I hope this means that all is well with your family.

    Your flowers are lovely, but I can't see a pic under Indigo Spires. Not complaining mind you, just wanted to let you know.

    I have never seen a Red Bird of Paradise, it is so unusual and gorgeous. I always love to learn about new plants, especially those that grow in the South!

    Welcome back Susan, we've all missed you.

    ReplyDelete
  13. CraftyMammieJuly 21, 2009 at 10:43 PM

    so many beautiful flowers! i'd love to have either one of those.

    my first outdoor wednesday entry, finally!

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  14. Cindy (Applestone Cottage)July 21, 2009 at 10:46 PM

    Hi Susan,
    Hope things are going well for you. I love southern flowers and these are some beauties! Cindy

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  15. AnonymousJuly 21, 2009 at 10:49 PM

    Welcome back Susan, hope all is well in your corner of the world. Thank you so much for hosting Outdoor Wednesday, I know it has been rough lately.

    I love the vibrant color of your hibiscus...so lovely.

    ReplyDelete
  16. JeanneJuly 21, 2009 at 11:00 PM

    It's nice to see that your back. Beautiful flowers. We have been having lovely fall weather here in Wisconsin - Unfortunately it is supposed to be the middle of Summer!

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  17. Blue Creek HomeJuly 21, 2009 at 11:05 PM

    Gorgeous flowers. I don't have anything blooming besides crepe myrtles right now. The herds of deer that visit us daily just eat them all up.
    So glad you're back!
    Rhonda

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  18. SavoringTime in the KitchenJuly 21, 2009 at 11:11 PM

    Beautiful flowers! I love the hardy hibiscus flowers, they are so big and elegant. Sadly, they mean summer is winding down.

    ReplyDelete
  19. The Quintessential MagpieJuly 21, 2009 at 11:11 PM

    Susan, I am so happy to see you back this week, and I hope things are going better. We've missed you SO much.

    You've got some beautiful plants there. We've had a pretty wet summer... or at least the first part was after a long spring of little rain. Hope you get some rain soon.

    Thanks for hosting. Much love and Happy Outdoor Wednesday to you...

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

    ReplyDelete
  20. g.suzieJuly 21, 2009 at 11:13 PM

    Welcome back and hope you are on top of your game again! Your flowers are amazing, they are plants we don't normally see in our neck of the woods. Thank-you for sharing, happy Outdoor Wednesday to you!

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  21. Confessions of a Plate AddictJuly 21, 2009 at 11:17 PM

    Hi Susan! I hope things are going better with your family! We miss you! I love your flowers...especially the firecracker plant! I'm going to have to look for them around here! Enjoy the rest of your week!...hugs...Debbie

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  22. UnknownJuly 21, 2009 at 11:18 PM

    Your flowers look so beautiful! Hope all is well.

    ReplyDelete
  23. MomMomJuly 21, 2009 at 11:20 PM

    Love your pictures. My plants are all so sad looking in the hot sun. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  24. GiovannaJuly 21, 2009 at 11:25 PM

    Oh that bird of paradise is gorgeous!
    I love hibiscus, I have them planted all around our back yard in every color I could find!
    Beautiful pictures : )

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  25. sunnymamaJuly 21, 2009 at 11:28 PM

    The flowers are beautiful! Hope you are well :)

    ReplyDelete
  26. Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart)July 21, 2009 at 11:32 PM

    Susan, thanks for hosting a fun day of beautiful exteriors... it's nice to have you back.. the hibiscus is beautiful.. This is the first year in many years I haven't bought one. continued prayers and thoughts sent your way..
    hugs ~lynne~

    ReplyDelete
  27. Joan@anythinggoeshereJuly 21, 2009 at 11:48 PM

    Thank you so much for being our host for this wonderful party. It is late and my first link is wrong, but I am having a giveaway and I did the right one under it. Sorrry!

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  28. IreneJuly 21, 2009 at 11:49 PM

    It's nice to be surrounded by flowers. Makes you happy. The hibiscus looks like a petalled skirt.

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  29. CandyJuly 21, 2009 at 11:58 PM

    Oh it does make me want to endure the heat to have flowers like these. But we are also conserving water. Live in the country with a water well and sure don't want to run out.

    Thanks for sharing yours, Candy

    ReplyDelete
  30. Maya@A Beach Lovers PlaceJuly 22, 2009 at 12:08 AM

    Wonderful blooms. In the North East, it's been raining a lot..., and I think my rosebushes are not getting enough sun -they're supposed to be blooming non-stop, but don't. Happy OW and thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Glenda/MidSouthJuly 22, 2009 at 12:14 AM

    Hi Susan - Glad to see you back. Thank you so much for hosting this event, even tho you did not post every week. You are so kind to do so. I have a few outdoor photos on file, but did not take time to pick and choose for a post this week. To much other going on. Glad to see you back, and hope all is going well for you.
    Glenda

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  32. UnknownJuly 22, 2009 at 12:17 AM

    Beautiful flowers! Thanks for giving my a chance to link up and enjoy others summer enjoyment outdoors.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Marina CapanoJuly 22, 2009 at 12:26 AM

    Hi Susan!! I hope things are going to better with you and yours family!
    wow! Just beautiful flowers!!!
    thanks for all!

    Marina

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  34. Pat@Back Porch MusingsJuly 22, 2009 at 12:28 AM

    Such amazing beauty!!

    I also want to wish you a great day, this coming Saturday!!

    ReplyDelete
  35. UnknownJuly 22, 2009 at 12:42 AM

    Those Indigo spires are beautiful! Thanks for hosting again Susan... Hope all is well!
    Have a great week.
    ~Really Rainey~

    ReplyDelete
  36. ClaudiaJuly 22, 2009 at 12:49 AM

    Like many many others I am so happy to see you back. I certainly hope all is going better.

    Your colors you shared are yummy!

    TTFN~~Claudia ♥

    ReplyDelete
  37. TootsieJuly 22, 2009 at 12:53 AM

    I FINALLY made it! your photos are beautiful! Mine are filled with weeds...but the flowers are finally coming around.
    I do hope you will one day join in on my Fertilizer Friday meme...and Flaunt your Flowers!

    ReplyDelete
  38. AnonymousJuly 22, 2009 at 1:19 AM

    Susan - Your flowers are just lovely. I hope all is well and it is good to have you back. We look forward to many more Wednesdays. My favorite is the hibiscus.

    Charla

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  39. Mary BergfeldJuly 22, 2009 at 1:42 AM

    Susan, despite the heat you seem to still have lots blooming. Your photos are terrific. I hope all is well with your Mom. Blessings...Mary

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  40. ChandyJuly 22, 2009 at 2:12 AM

    Hello Susan, long time no visit! Sorry about that... been hectic over here plus a surprise vacation stay at the in-laws. Hope things are getting better on your end.

    Your flower pictures are stunning! I love that hibiscus!

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  41. PaulineJuly 22, 2009 at 2:13 AM

    Your flowers make mine look so pitiful ... what awesome pictures

    ReplyDelete
  42. Hootin AnniJuly 22, 2009 at 4:27 AM

    Hmmmmmm, around here and Arizona too, they're called Mexican Bird of Paradise. I love the fern like leaves on that bush.

    My Outdoor Wednesday is flowers with a 'passion'.

    Have a great day.

    ReplyDelete
  43. aspiritofsimplicityJuly 22, 2009 at 6:08 AM

    Beautiful flowers! I love summer.

    ReplyDelete
  44. Southern LadyJuly 22, 2009 at 6:21 AM

    I love those summer flowers, Susan. I'll have to remember them for next summer.

    I hope this finds things going better for you. Thank you for continuing to host our "Outdoor Wednesdays."

    ReplyDelete
  45. ClassyChassyJuly 22, 2009 at 6:25 AM

    Very inspirational photos - I joined in your meme today - I hope to see many others in the Great Outdoors! Happy Wednesday!

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  46. Historical sites with charmineJuly 22, 2009 at 6:35 AM

    That was so very beautiful!We have the bird of paradise growing all over India.This is my 1st and i thank you for this opportunity.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Maria BergJuly 22, 2009 at 6:39 AM

    Red Paradis flower, I saw it in India when I was working there, I wich it could grow in Sweden.
    MB

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  48. BarbaraJuly 22, 2009 at 6:56 AM

    Dear Susan, Miss you, hope things are improving at your house and you will be back up and running.

    Your pictures are great.

    Happy Outdoor Wednesday

    ReplyDelete
  49. susanJuly 22, 2009 at 7:15 AM

    Susan-So glad you are back and hope your MIL is doing well. These are gorgeous, especially the firecracker plant. It is my DREAM to have a sprinkler system installed. Right now I am the sprinkler system. By August I am usually resigned to letting my annuals die a natural death :) Thanks for hosting!

    ReplyDelete
  50. SmilingSallyJuly 22, 2009 at 8:31 AM

    You have so many gorgeous plants. What a wonderful outdoors you experience!

    ReplyDelete
  51. squawmamaJuly 22, 2009 at 8:43 AM

    Susan, I have finally made it back to some kind of regular postings... Your pictures are otstanding and the flowers look so beautiful! Thanks for hosting Outdoor Wednesday!

    (((HUGS)))
    Donna

    ReplyDelete
  52. AnonymousJuly 22, 2009 at 8:49 AM

    You're back! Everything must have been well again.

    The bird of paradise that I see on your picture is not what I had in mind. I haven't seen one like that where flowers open and there's that cluster of balls.

    Glad you're back!

    Li

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  53. LADY JANEJuly 22, 2009 at 9:14 AM

    Susan...Beautiful post! Continued hugs and prayers!

    ReplyDelete
  54. MarshaJuly 22, 2009 at 9:14 AM

    I just love these heat loving blossoms - the colors are so vibrant and beautiful. Hardy hibscus is a flower I envy, I planted them several times over the year and they always freeze out. The bird of paradise flower is gorgeous...does it have another name, I googled and came up with the tropical version that looks like a bird. I would love to see if it would grow in a northern garden!

    ReplyDelete
  55. CarolynJuly 22, 2009 at 9:32 AM

    Hi Susan,
    It is nice to see all your different color plants.I love the hibiscus plant.

    Thank you for hosting,
    Carolyn

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  56. stefanieJuly 22, 2009 at 9:48 AM

    boy, i know what you mean by tawny, poor plants. yours are gorgeous!!!

    ReplyDelete
  57. xinexJuly 22, 2009 at 9:49 AM

    So nice to see you again, Susan. Your flowers are amazing especially the red bird of paradise...Christine

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  58. Lori EJuly 22, 2009 at 9:56 AM

    Oh the hardy hibiscus. I have one in my garden and every year when I bring a blossom with me some where to show people no one believes it is real. Of course it is about 10 inches across.

    ReplyDelete
  59. Cass @ That Old HouseJuly 22, 2009 at 9:58 AM

    Hi Susan! It's good to see you here again -- and I am going to admit that while I don't envy some aspects of Southern living -- I DO envy the flowers. That hardy hibiscus is spectacular -- love them, but can only have hibiscus for a few months here in NJ.

    Gorgeous pictures -- as always! Cass

    ReplyDelete
  60. AnonymousJuly 22, 2009 at 10:16 AM

    Susan,

    It is a true pleasure to join your Outdoor Wed. again! Your flowers are looking good! I know the weather has been a bit hot and dry... but they still look terrific!

    xoxoxoxo
    Donna Marie

    ReplyDelete
  61. DoloresJuly 22, 2009 at 10:34 AM

    This is my first Outdoor Wednesday. I love being outside and working in the yard.
    I don't have the linky on my blog..... not sure what I did wrong, but I do see my name on this blog....I'll re-read the directions.
    Your flowers look beautiful!
    Dolores

    ReplyDelete
  62. LVJuly 22, 2009 at 10:39 AM

    Glad thing are better for you and family. Your blooms are so pretty. I love hibiscus, but seem to have a hard time getting them to live. Thanks for sharing such beauty and letting me visit with you today.

    ReplyDelete
  63. ellen bJuly 22, 2009 at 10:47 AM

    Good morning Susan! The flowers are all so pretty! We are experiencing a very dry summer here in Seattle and my lawn is pretty tawny!!
    Blessings...

    ReplyDelete
  64. SandraJuly 22, 2009 at 12:04 PM

    What pretty flowers. The hardy hibiscus are such beauties. I just planted five of them. :) I hope things are smoother now in your life. Please take care.
    Blessings,
    Sandra

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  65. Susan @ The Good Life!July 22, 2009 at 12:44 PM

    Your flowers are beautiful! I wish it were a little hotter here!

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  66. CindyJuly 22, 2009 at 12:54 PM

    The colors in your flowers are so vibrant and beautiful. Thank you, Susan for making this possible. My blog is new and I have gotten some very sweet comments from joining your blog party each week! Hugs, ~cindy s~

    ReplyDelete
  67. Tamara JansenJuly 22, 2009 at 1:10 PM

    Hi Susan.....thanks sooo much for giving me the name of that firecracker plant. Junior and I have been wracking our brains trying to think of it since seeing them in Victoria!

    ReplyDelete
  68. Regina July 22, 2009 at 2:09 PM

    Beautiful blooms. Thanks for sharing.
    Hello Susan.

    Regina

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  69. RobinfromCAJuly 22, 2009 at 2:41 PM

    So glad you're back! I hope everything is settling down for you. All of the flowers are beautiful but that hibiscus is stunning! What a beautiful shade of red!

    Robin

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  70. UnknownJuly 22, 2009 at 5:26 PM

    Love the combination of colors and textures! Firecracker red with the Indigo Spires has to be one of my favorites...

    ReplyDelete
  71. Beth at AuntiesJuly 22, 2009 at 8:21 PM

    Hope you are feeling better and I am glad you are back with us. The flowers are beautiful. It is so always fun to see the different varieties of plants which grow in different places. I enjoyed the Hibiscus as always, but had never seen the pretty Firecracker and the Red Bird of Paradise. Thanks for sharing and for hosting us!

    Beth~♥

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  72. ElaineJuly 22, 2009 at 8:34 PM

    Since I live in the Desert Southwest where it is way over 100 most days of the summer, I love seeing plants that will bloom in the heat! I particularly liked the Firecracker plant and I think I'll try that here. Thanks.:)

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  73. ~~RhondaJuly 22, 2009 at 9:44 PM

    Susan, we have hibiscus and salvia. The others I haven't grown. But the colors are beautiful! Thanks for hosting Outdoor Wednesday! ~~Rhonda :)

    ReplyDelete
  74. CindyJuly 23, 2009 at 12:12 AM

    Great blog and your photos are beautiful. ~Cindy

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  75. JustineJuly 23, 2009 at 8:19 AM

    Are those your flowers or are ya cheating again? LOL Beautiful!

    Justine :o )

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  76. ElisabethJuly 23, 2009 at 8:46 AM

    Lovely colors, Susan. Wonderful shots...thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  77. AnonymousJuly 23, 2009 at 3:30 PM

    hello pretty woman.how are you.i know i haven't made my 50 this month,huh?i'll catch up later,ha.
    i guess you know whats happening,so i won't bore you with more.
    my goodness nearly 400 followers.you're famous.ha.your flowers and your yard are gorgeous.when do you have time?with hubby,children,house and yard.superwoman,......love ya ...ann

    ReplyDelete
  78. Envoy-etteJuly 23, 2009 at 11:09 PM

    First off - 123 links! HOLY COW!!!!
    I've been gone too long! Congrats!!
    Well, those flowers can cheer anyone up even on a hot Southern Day. I love red and yellow together!

    ReplyDelete
  79. Missy WertzJuly 23, 2009 at 11:39 PM

    WOW, over 120 participants! Congratulations!

    Stop by my blog when you get a chance. I have something for you. :-)

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  80. Maude LynnJuly 23, 2009 at 11:39 PM

    Gorgeous! I love the indigo spires.

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  81. Bargain Decorating with LaurieJuly 24, 2009 at 12:53 AM

    Susan, I've been praying for you and yours. Hope all are doing better. Beautiful flowers! laurie

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  82. The Quintessential MagpieJuly 24, 2009 at 11:08 PM

    A little bird told me it was your birthday, Susan, and I want to wish you a happy one!

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

    ReplyDelete
  83. Southern LadyJuly 25, 2009 at 7:03 AM

    Just a note to wish you a very happy birthday, Susan. Have fun celebrating!

    ReplyDelete
  84. Marty@A Stroll Thru LifeJuly 25, 2009 at 10:03 AM

    Love all the flowers, they are so pretty. It is so hot here not much is blooming, but come fall things will start to show their pretty colors. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!! Hope you have a great one. Hugs, Marty

    ReplyDelete
  85. BeverlyJuly 25, 2009 at 10:54 AM

    Susan, I understand today is your birthday. I wish you a day and year filled with joy and love.

    My mother's birthday was yesterday, and mine is tomorrow.

    ReplyDelete
  86. ColoradoladyJuly 25, 2009 at 11:36 AM

    Happy Birthday!!! I hope your day is filled with sunshine, lovely flowers, family and love. Have a great day!!

    ReplyDelete
  87. StephanieJuly 25, 2009 at 1:22 PM

    The Flowers are so very beautiful!! Heavenly!!

    I tagged you over at my blog...I hope you will "play"!

    ReplyDelete
  88. JeanneJuly 26, 2009 at 12:08 AM

    Hi Susan, I heard it was your birthday from Barbara at the Purple Goat Lady. Happy Birthday Susan. I hope you have a wonderful day on Saturday. Beverly's birthday is tomorrow. Her mom's has just passed.

    I do love the beautiful flowers you posted. I missed doing an outdoor post this week but I will be home from Kansas City tomorrow or Monday. It is a long drive and we may stop overnight. We have been gone so much this summer and I can't wait to get home for good.

    Until next time.

    Hugs...Jeanne

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  89. JeanneJuly 26, 2009 at 12:11 AM

    I thought I should add her Mom's birthday has just passed. It sounded like she passed or something weird. Jeanne, again.

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  90. UnknownJuly 26, 2009 at 3:22 AM

    Happy birthday to you
    Happy birthday to you
    Happy birthday dear Susannnnnnnn!
    Happy birthday to you....and many moreeee!

    You should know that there are nooooo secrets in bloggerville! Hope you had a fabulous birthday and may all your birthday wishes come true!

    xoxo
    Tina

    ReplyDelete
  91. BarbaraJuly 26, 2009 at 6:25 AM

    Susan, we had a great time at your party....Hope your MIL is better and you can come back to us.

    Come see the party and read the comments, they are for you.

    Barbara

    ReplyDelete
  92. ♥ KathyJuly 26, 2009 at 11:03 AM

    Beautiful pictures Susan...I missed you ♥

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for stopping by my blog and taking the time to comment! I enjoy reading all your thoughts and will try to answer any questions you might have for me. Have a wonderful day....hope to "see"you again soon!

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