2019 - The Bulbs are Blooming at the Dallas Arboretum

We took a walk today at the Dallas Arboretum and enjoyed the beautiful bulbs in full bloom for the first of week of March 2019.   I've visited many public gardens and my personal opinion is this garden is one of the best in the nation.  Also, I highly recommend obtaining an annual pass, that way you can go for an entire year, bring a guest, and parking is included - it is definitely worth the initial cost.  I go walking in the early morning, bring my husband or a friend and have a lovely view that provides incentive to explore.

https://www.dallasarboretum.org/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIrIau7PDw4AIVRNbACh3zmArtEAAYASAAEgJ3XPD_BwE


When you first walk into the the Arboretum you can see downtown Dallas on the other side of White Rock Lake.

Down this row of old crepe myrtles, with their beautiful sleek bark, you can see the frog fountains at the end of the path.

There's always plenty of seating - in fact my husband and I sit numerous times on our outings to just enjoy the beauty.

One of my favorite features at the Arboretum is the "cave" which has been made with large fossil ammonites and white quartz geodes.
 

 

 

You can quickly see how many color combinations were used this year for tulips, daffodils, narcissus, hyacinths, violets and pansies.

The beautiful smell of hyacinths wafted across the breeze - I can still remember the scent when I see this photograph.

 

 Along the main path we come upon some new topiary sculptures.

I'll end my post here at the end of the pathway where we see White Rock Lake again.  Even on a cool breezy day it is definitely worth the trip!

Family Holidays - 2018

2018 did not see a lot of blog posts from the Rainbow Magic Sparkle Butterfly, but I hope that 2019 will be a more active year.  I close out the year fondly remembering the good times and having the will in my heart to look at the bad times as good learning experiences that provide hope for the future.  Here are some photos to chronicle our holiday season this year. 

Playing Scrabble at Thanksgiving

 

 Christmas Hedwig

Our patio looks very festive this year.

The pansies and fern are doing well.  Our temps have only gotten below freezing a couple of times.

 

 

Snickerdoodles.

 Pumpkin performing tricks on Christmas morning.

 Merlin snoozing under the Christmas tree.

 Amelia's perch to watch birds and squirrels.

The reluctant Christmas lion - Merlin.

Who is that lion?

Morgan watching who's coming down the stairs.

Morgan with her Christmas rat.

 Our gumdrop tree with spice gumdrops.

 Mama finally got her antique Christmas clock this year.

 

  The wax covered amaryllis I purchased were beautiful.

Blackberry pie.

 When Pumpkin visits she greets all newcomers!

 Our Christmas mantle.

 

Christmas salmon is ready to go in the oven.


The vegetables are ready for roasting in the oven.


Wild rice is done.

 Our Christmas dinner table.  Our advent wreath glows in the evening.

 

 A toast to 2019.  Prayers for a good new year.

 Pumpkin is always waiting for a morsel to fall to the floor.

The holy family.

Both amaryllis bloomed on Christmas day and adorned the holy family.

I cut out different snowflakes this year for decorations.

We wish all our dear friends and family a happy holiday season.