What a productive outdoor day!  I dug out the lawnmower at noon to mow down my dandelion patch.  With all the rain, it was in full bloom when the sun came out.  The grass was three times taller than it usually is when I mow.  This resulted in having to rake when the mowing was done.

It was a beautiful day to be outside.  I had to catch up on the yard chores that have been neglected.  I dislike a messy yard so it felt pretty good when the grass was mowed, the flower and vegetable beds were weeded, the perimeter of the yard was trimmed and the remaining shrubs were planted.  I even had time to lay out the shavings underneath my strawberry plants.

A small shower came over when I was almost done.  It lasted long enough for me to have a short afternoon siesta.

While I was in the yard I was thrilled to see two oriole pairs playing tag in the tree tops.  The gold finches visited as well.  I haven't seen the hummingbirds but I know they are visiting.  I've had to fill the feeder a couple of times.

The rain over the past three days has convinced me to create a rain garden to handle the excess water when the rain barrels overflow.  I've been researching plants that will enjoy that type of garden.  My choice of plants, shrubs and ornamental grasses for nature-scaping was right on.  Everything is thriving in their given areas.  The front yard will be complete next week when the bridge arrives and gets placed over the dry creek bed.

What am I going to do when the entire yard is complete?