A-Z Photo Challenge: Z is for Zebrawood

My son in law hand turned this Zebrawood bowl on his wood lathe, he gave it to us as a gift in December on our 39th Wedding Anniversary. I am constantly amazed at how thoughtful and kind he is..most definitely a keeper! Zebrawood describes any wood with light and dark stripes..but the distinctive stripes are most commonly found in the species Microberlina in West Africa. Well, we are at Z.. and Martha is taking a break until school is out, I will miss this challenge:)

A - Z Challenge: S is for SNOW!

Thought I would show you some comparisons photos so you can get a good appreciation for SNOW! Keep your eye on my lawn bench near the now covered fire pit. The snow has not been moved in this area, it is what it is.

December 15 after the Snowstorm.

December 20, during the snowstorm.

I took this one late this afternoon, December 23, 2008. The bench is nicely camouflaged.

The birdbath, do you suppose it will disappear under the snow?

Thanks Martha at Menagerie for hosting the A-Z Challenge!

Hope you have a White Christmas! :)

A- Z Photo Challenge: R is for Rudbeckia

Rudbeckia 'Indian Summer' is one of my favorite flowers! They are so cheerful! I love all yellow flowers, you probably could tell just by my blog header! These are sometimes perennials, sometimes annuals, they do re seed to a certain extent. They love full sun, and are not fussy with needing water, they bloom in August here in Minnesota and last the better part of the month. You can also use them for cut flowers, I don't because I like my flowers outside. Martha hosts the A-Z Challenge over at Menagerie join in anytime! :)

A-Z Photo Challenge:O is for Oxeye Daisy

Oxeye Daisy's real name is Leucanthemum vulgare..now if you had a name like that you would probably change it! Oxeye Daisy will grow almost anywhere, I wanted just a sprinkling of them along our front driveway. I planted half a dozen plants...they don't stay put..their seeds go everywhere. Over the years they have moved down the road toward my Perennial Gardens. Alas... I have finally discovered why one reference said " The Oxeye Daisy is often grown in flower gardens, from which it may escape." Escape..you betcha it does ..it escapes running with wild abandon! Many States consider it a noxious weed. I read recently that the State of North Carolina actually does plantings of it.
I like the whole Asteraceae Family of plants, and these little daisy's are no exception.
If the Deer shear them off at ground level, they just become shorter more compact plants with lots more flowers to enjoy..and then of course much more seed to spread.

Thanks to Martha for hosting the A-Z Challenge! :)