Touring Gardens

 After 2 years of COVID cancellations, the girls and I were pretty excited to resume our tradition of enjoying the Back Alley Garden Tour and Tea in Shepherdstown, WV. With some major determination and perseverance we were also able to continue the tradition of finishing school before this trip. A weekend at Grandma and Grandpa's to start summer vacation is just right for all of us. 

We also have had the tradition of creating a group for this day out. This time Christie was with us. It was a really hot day. Finding just the perfect hat at the thrift store saved the day for Anna. Because of how hot it was, we didn't see every garden this time, we picked the ones that were grouped together. That was also just right for this year.

Each yard and garden space is so unique and has its own beauty. This one was probably my favorite.

Grandma and her big girls.

Tea time. We each pick 4 sandwiches and 3 desserts. There was hot tea and cold tea or lemonade. It was just right to cool off before the second half of our walk.

Came around the corner of the house and there were dinosaurs hanging out in the plants. If you linger long enough, there are always surprises to find hidden in the plants and flowers.

The old water wheel was running this year. The barn had the year 1738 on it. It's a surprisingly deep drop from the top of the wheel to the bottom. It's always a highlight when this stop is included on the tour.

On our walk back to the car, I was so surprised to run into Chrissy and her friends. I haven't seen her in over 2 years and it was so nice to see her in person. We chatted for bit and grabbed a picture.

Christie and I had to detour to the little house before we left because we took a picture here almost 20 years ago. She came along with me to this very garden tour while they lived in MD. At that time, we believed that to be a once in a lifetime experience. Life brought her and her family to WV and what a gift it has been to be able to visit her when we are in town. So this little picture was a full circle moment. I'm so glad we kept in touch all those years they lived on the West Coast so that we could pick up where we left off.