of caps and corsages and certificates...

That could only mean someone is graduating, right?

And someone was!

That someone was our sweet grandgirlie, Maggie...

standing next to her favorite friend in the pink dress. 

'Graduation is only a concept. 

In real life every day you graduate. 

Graduation is a process that goes on until the last day of your life. 

If you can grasp that, you'll make a difference.'

~Arie Pencovici

I couldn't help but notice that Maggie and her friend wore wrist corsages.

Too cute!

As I recall...

grad ceremonies are long and boring and feature one speech after another.

Not so in pre-school grad ceremonies.

 We were entertained from beginning to end...

by the graduates!

They sang their favorite songs...

and did the actions with enthusiasm.

And each one stepped up to receive their certificate.

We clapped.

Lucy clapped...

and clapped some more...

for her sister.

'What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.' 
  ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

And before the clapping died down...

there were caps flying through the air...

and diplomas being used as horns.

Now where did they learn that?

'There is a good reason they call these ceremonies 'commencement exercises'. 

Graduation is not the end, it's the beginning.'

~Orrin Hatch

Pre-school grad...

a milestone on the journey!

Maggie...

I'll leave you with a verse to take with you as you go forward from here.

I’ll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home. 

I know what I’m doing.

 I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you...

 plans to give you the future you hope for.

Jeremiah 29:11

The Message 

 

the garden tour of the year...

Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; 
they are sunshine, food, and medicine for the soul. 
 ~Luther Burbank

I agree!

The 11th annual Chilliwack Rotary Garden Tour happened this past weekend.

I was there.

I think I have gone every year since 2005.

I tour for a good cause...

Rotary.

And it's always a good time...

usually in the company of a sister. 

And I go because...

I get to see the backyards of the places one normally just drives by.

Like this one...

on the same road as our farm.

A place I pass by many times every week.

Who knew they had exotic birds and beautiful gardens behind  the house?

It's always fun to pick up ideas for garden art.

Decked out bikes seem to show up in many a  garden!

I toured with my sister and a friend...

and we took a lunch break at our local airport cafe...

...famous for their pies.
They are meant to be shared!

After lunch we made our way up the mountain for the last three gardens on the tour.

We saved the best for last!

 

Each garden had a Rotary Club host at the entrance.
I had a favorite one...
but forgot to take his photo. :)

Here was a garden with a view...

...sprawling and inviting.

This particular garden has been in-the-making for only eight years.

The hosts welcomed us warmly...
even serving coffee, tea and goodies from their finest china out on their deck.

 And my favorite place on the tour...

...was the last one we visited.

It sat high on a ridge...

 

...and had 2 1/2 acres of gardens, paths and ponds.

 

With an incredible view...

and a lovely home...

...it was really something to 'crow about'.

I think I might do the tour again next year!

strawberry delight....

We have been enjoying local strawberries every which way this week.

Crepes with strawberries and whipped cream.

A feast of juicy strawberries over the kitchen sink.

Strawberry shortcake with a group of friends.

Yesterday we had strawberry waffles for lunch at Krause Berry Farms.

Yum!

We have heard much about this farm in recent years...

but this was our first visit.

It is about a 45 minute drive from our place...

and since we were in the area...

we decided to stop by.

We are glad we did!

Who knew...

there are gardens and a market...

and a bakery...

and a winery.

And u-pick berry fields open to the public.

And all things strawberry at this time of year!

The lunch kit reminded me of one my daughter had some 30 years ago.

The ceiling was lined with pie plates.

Rolling pins hung from the beam.

And one whiff of the fresh-baking-aroma...

was enough to make anyone hungry.

I saw this fresh strawberry pie leaving the store...

in the hands of a young gal who said...

'I love my dad!'

Her dad will be thrilled!

Who knew old church benches would one day provide ringside seating at a strawberry field?

I had to think about these washroom signs for a moment.

Cute!

Out in the fields...

families were picking strawberries to their hearts delight.

'Tis the local strawberry season.

Don't miss it.

They are the best!

I'll add one more garden photo.

Just because...

that's where I am today.

In a garden!

I'm enjoying the annual Rotary Garden Tour...

a ticket to view beautiful private gardens in my home town.

It's always a treat!

Have a great weekend!