Pic Today 5/31/12

PETUNIAS:

SUMMER'S DEPENDABLE FLOWER

On the last day of May,

we're ready for summer to arrive.

And that means a new wave of petunias,

summer's most dependable flower.

And breeders have been busy,

creating new hybrids, new colors,

new long lasting blooms.

Look for fabulous shades of purples and pinks,

and surprising warm yellows and corals.

Plant some in window boxes and planters.

Let your summer be filled with color,

with perfect petunias!

Pic Today 5/30/12

DAUGHTER IN LOVE

Annabelle came home to visit

this past weekend . . .

and brought a boyfriend along.

(We approve of Jordan.)

It was great to have the family together (again.)

It seems to be expanding.

(Funny how that happens.)

Pic Today 5/29/12

THE ART OF

CHINESE DOUGH SCULPTURE

It's interesting to see how a few colored pieces of dough

are turned in a matter of minutes into lively figures

by the trained hands of a Chinese folk artist.

Chinese dough sculptures date back to the Han Dynasty

(206 BC -- AD 220).

Materials and tools used in making dough sculptures

include a white rice flour, mixed with honey,

lard and powdered sugar (with pigments for coloring.)

The figurines are generally about 3-inches tall.

The sculpture of the handsome gent shown here

was completed by Mr. Li in less than 10-minutes.

Amazing, don't you think?

(Anyone we know?)

Pic Today 5/28/12

SHEEPIEPALOOZA

IN ST. LOUIS

Fifty Old English Sheepdogs

kept cool this weekend in HOT St. Louis

when they went boating in Forest Park.

It was all part of the agenda for this year's

SHEEPIEPALOOZA,

an annual event which brings "sheepie" lovers

together from all corners of the country

(Canada, too.)

(And yes, some of them jumped in for a swim.)

Pic Today 5/27/12

OPENING NIGHT

CHINESE LANTERN FESTIVAL

MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN

The wonders of this exhibition

are beyond words.

Let the photos do the talking . . .

(Fortunately, the Lantern Festival

is on display now through August 19.)

"Art by day, magic by night."

Pic Today 5/26/12

ONE FLOWER THAT LOVES IT

HOT, HOT, HOT

We're under a sizzling hot heat-wave now,

which is perfect weather for

the Prickly Pear Cactus.

The hotter the better,

and they thrive without rain.

I guess spring time is finished,

so let the cactus flowers BLOOM !!!

(Here's a glimpse of the show

we're having right now.)