My garden in August

This has been a really challenging year for the garden.  It was so hot so early on that I haven't been inclined to get out there and take care of it.  I really intended to put stakes in so I could tie up my native perennials, but they are lying all over the place, just like last year

My herbs have been doing fine, but they don't need a lot of care

The cardinal flowers have taken over the rain garden, but the butterflies and the hummingbirds love them

My streptocarpus did well on the front.  However, they cut down the tree next door to us, so I'll be putting in sun-loving plants next year

August trip to MBG

The best thing at this time of year is the water lilies.

This water mimosa has taken over completely!!!!

Ottoman garden

Nice combination of lilies and glass

I love these succulents

Bees in the Kemper Center

First Day of School 2018

Time for 2018-2019 school year. This is the first year that Ben and Maggie have been in the same school since 2011. This is also the last year that they will both be in the "first day of school" picture.  Ben is a senior and Maggie is a freshman this year.

They had a great first day.  They went to each class that they will have, no A day and B day on the first day.  Maggie seemed to do OK, Ben took her early this morning and made sure she knew where all her classrooms were.  Then we went and got her school supplies this evening and Ben helped her put everything together.  They both had plenty to tell us when we got home tonight, so hopefully that's a reflection of excitement and they are looking forward to the year ahead.

Flora Borealis at MBG

Ben and I went to Flora Borealis with Arline. It was interesting, but not nearly as good as their usual exhibits.  I think they tried to do too much with too little-something for the kids, something with conservation, etc.  Still, it's always nice to go to the Garden at night when they have it lit up

Nice lights by the sidewalk

Ben and Jane trip to England 2018, Day 16

Our last day. We went to Caernarfon Castle for the day.  It's an amazing place and hasn't been turned into a theme park like Warwick has been.  It may be my new favourite castle

View from the ramparts

Courtyard

Arrow slit in wall

One of my favourite pictures of the whole trip

Ben on the ramparts

Ben and me

Ben and Jane trip to England, Day 15

Our trip is coming to its end. We went to Liverpool for the day. I hadn't been to Liverpool in a long time.  There are some really amazing buildings there

Of course, The Beatles are the most famous Liverpool export

The docks have been renovated and made into trendy shops

Ben and Rich at the docks

The Cavern Club

Sophie on her slide in the garden

Ben and I went out to dinner with Rich and Jude while Marie babysat Sophie.

Ben, Rich and Jude

Ben and me

Ben and Jane trip to England 2018, Day 14

Marie, Ben and I went up to Chester to visit Rich and Jude (and Sophie, of course!!).  Rich met us and we went into Chester for the afternoon. 
Ben and I standing in the middle of Chester

We walked around the walls.  I love walled cities and walking the old walls.  Rich said he had never walked around the walls before.  Chester's wall was originally a turf wall built by the Romans, but has been improved on over time.  It is still the most complete Roman and medieval wall in Britain. 

Cowper House was built in 1664

Chester Castle-started in 1070 and built onto over the years

Ben and Rich

Ruins of St. John's church

Chester city center

Chester cathedral

Chester city center

Eastgate clock

Marie in the park

Marie and Rich

Archway in Grosvenor Park