we are ok...

the line that went through had 70 mph winds and tonadoes...

when it got here...

it was not bad at all...

we were ready, prayed for protection...

and prayers were answered...

there are several people in towns west of here where people are trapped in rubble...

keep them in your prayers tonight...

we still have more rain and thunderstorms moving through...

but God kept us safe...

thank you for your prayers!

pray for us...

there are 3 tornadoes on the ground 2 counties west of here...

should be here within the hour...

another photo tip...

rainy days make the best photos...

just make sure you clean off your lens often...

and hold your camera face down when not in use...

the colors are more vivid when wet...

and take photos of ordinary things...

like rain drops in puddles...

and plants that don't know where they belong...

weathered things look better wet...

greens are greener...

take above shots...

groupings...

through shots...

the focus is on the new green leaves...

but keep in mind the back ground...

reflections in a bird bath...

hold your camera above your head and see what happens...

no, these are 3 of the same shot...

the camera focused on the pedestal...

this time on the tulip...

and I got water droplets...

and then this one...

same subject matter...

3 totally different views...

and look for the absence of color...

I love rain...

I love walking in it...

not as much as when I was younger...

but I still love it...

that's why we are putting a roof on the deck...

so I can sit out in the rain...

so the next time you have a rainy day...

grab your camera and coat...

and take a walk...

a slow paced walk...

and show me what you find...

a little surprise for you...

I have been saving these photos for a rainy day...

and we finally have one...

so come along with me for a stroll past this wonderland...

this is a property here in town...

it used to be an old church and parsonage...

until a master carpenter and master gardener moved in...

this was the church part...

and the doors that went into it...

this man used this area as his shop...

it was large enough to do big projects...

Rebecca has been inside and walked the gardens but I have not...

all I have seen was from the outside...

this fence lines the street...

with planting room between the fence and sidewalk...

this walkway leads to the front door of the old parsonage...

and at different times of the year...

different things pop up...

everything he planted has grown well...

and his vision was great...

but this place has sat empty for years now...

they moved on...

and this spring early...

they came back on the weekends and have been trimming, cleaning and clearing...

I wonder if they are going to put it up for sale sometime soon...

a wide gate into the courtyard...

for a utility wagon to haul gardening supplies...

and at the very end of the property...

is this adorable little shed...

the plantings were grown by seed...

some varieties are old fashioned...

it is full of roses and lilies and so many wonderful things...

some day, when we are driving by...

and I can catch him there...

I will ask if I can get some photos of inside of those gates...

this was all created by one man...

the place was in ruins when he took it over...

and the yard bare but for a tree or two...

I hope this inspires you...

to build a secret garden...

a little hide away that cannot be seen until you walk through at gate, an archway, a gateway to another time and place...

a piece of Heaven on earth...

a place that calms the soul...

I hope you had a fun stroll with me today...

thunderstorms going through and much needed rain falling...

the greens are so intense...

happy thoughts coming your way...