Six years ago, my Dad had 5 bypasses to his heart, an operation that saved his life. When Dad recovered, that was the last we saw of him. For the first time in several years, he felt great! He went fishing, traveling, hunting, things that used to require too much energy. But when Dad was going through his surgery, I had a small baby and couldn't go up to the hospital until after his surgery. I also had a need to do something very physical. Do you know what I mean? So I went out in our woods and cleared out the many stumps and woodpiles leftover from building our driveway through the woods. I was praying for Dad every minute.

Anyhow, by the time I was finished (it took 3 days), Dad was well on his way to recovery and we had a wonderful little path through the woods. My children call the path "Bypass Lane" in honor of Dad's operation.

The next summer I had some bricks leftover from our fireplace and chimney construction, so I made a little area in the woods for my loveseat glider and tables which were a gift for Mother's Day. I love this little area. I call it the "Courter's Quarters" in honor of my hubby's and my courting days. (Actually we courted on a loveseat in front of my parent's woodstove. I made sure we brought that woodstove with us and it's in our basement waiting for future courters!) I need to sweep away the anthills and stuff more moss between the bricks.

This same neck of the woods is where Maggie keeps her five bunny cages. This is wonderful because it allows just enough sun to keep her bunnies comfy but is nice and cool in the summer.

Every year I try to add at least one plant to Bypass Lane. So far I have a rhododendron, 2 azaleas, and 4 hostas. This year I want to add something with color. My only rule is that it has to be a perennial.

Tonight we spent a lot of time practicing. Our family is signed up for a lot of special music at church next month.

At dusk, my children and I put on boots and went snake hunting. We have a few woodpiles around our property, so we had lots of fun. The only snake we found was a juvenile cornsnake that is popular on our property. We decided to ignore him. Maggie really wants to find a copperhead to tan. Better luck next time.

Mike is in Canada for a few days, so life here is very relaxed. We planted our new hydrangeas. Went to the farmer's market and got some more watermelons and strawberries for dinner. Everything was delicious!

Enjoy this beautiful weather. Many blessings ~ Kathie