Happy West Virginia Day!

Happy 146th Birthday, West Virginia!!

Happy Birthday... (Now Go Away, Mom!)

Junior has no interest in my 46th Birthday! After returning home late from taking a Rescue Yorkie for much-needed surgery, Junior sought refuge anywhere he could from my after-hours effort at a party!

Happy Memorial Day!

This burgundy iris cluster in the Partierre is so spectacular on this Memorial Day weekend!

Well Earned Relaxation....

Following the conclusion of the Master Gardeners Garden Tour, Todd and I took the evening off to visit our parents at Nebo and check out the sunset at Panorama!

Garden Journal - Master Gardeners Plant Sale & Garden Tour

Today is the first day of the Master Gardeners' Plant Sale. Toddy pulled the little red wagon home from the Park with our purchases!

In conjunction with the Plant Sale, the Master Gardeners organized a walking "Garden Tour" of downtown Berkeley Springs and Highspire is "Stop #1"! Todd's help in preparing the Gardens for this early season Tour was invaluable!

Miss Paras, Todd and I are ready to welcome our visitors to Highspire. We are so pleased to be asked to participate in the Master Gardeners tour! The Garden Tour and the Plant Sale continue through 4:00PM tomorrow.

Garden Journal - Happy Easter!

This little bunny has hopped over to Highspire to wish us a Happy Easter!

Happy 1st Birthday, Gabby!

In lively style and against all odds, Gabby celebrates her 1st Birthday today! Gabby shared the occasion with her Yorkie and Kitty Pals at Highspire!



In addition to puppy cupcakes and vanilla ice cream from her Mommie, Gabby received a beautiful pink Birthday Rose from Aunt Stephi and Uncle David!

C.C.'s Christmas Tree

In loving memory of my beloved Yorkie, C.C., who passed away in June, my Christmas tree theme this year is "C.C. - The Yorkie Princess of Highspire". My tree is draped in glowing pink and ivory beads, lace snowflakes and several Victorian dolls. Hiding deep in the branches, Yorkie figurines peek from behind translucent cream and gold ornaments. On top of the tree (right), a sparkling full-size tiara rests on the pink, silver and rose ribbon spray that C.C. wore at her last birthday party on January 13, 2008.

I'm thinking of you this Christmas, C.C., and missing you always.

Arnold the (Birthday) Party Animal!

Today is the first anniversary of Arnold's arrival at Highspire! Then he was 12 years old, had been surrendered to Rescue and was anticipated to live only 2 to 4 months because of advanced congestive heart failure. Since I don't know Arnold's exact birthdate -- and a whole year has gone by -- I've declared today to be Arnold's "official" 13th birthday! Thanks to great medicine and vetting, Arnold is feeling good, relishes his walks and cuddle time and enjoys being Big Brother to his Yorkie pals at Highspire...and Arnold is obviously quite the (Birthday) Party Animal!!

Garden Journal - Thanksgiving & Holly!

Today is Gabby's (the Baby Yorkie) first day home following her fourth operation to address birth defects. Gabby is taking it easy during recovery, but still joined me and the rest of the Critters of Highspire for turkey!

Afternoon sunshine and temperatures in the mid-40s made the Garden pleasant for strolling. I planted this holly (above) in May near the Stone Pool and its berries add a striking new dash of winter color to Highspire!

Election Day!

The Boy Scouts put out the flags bright and early this morning for Election Day!

Happy Halloween at Highspire!

Trick-Or-Treat was busy at Highspire with almost 300 children in attendance. This year I dressed as Snow White. Todd set up the outdoor decorations. Friends helped hand out treats and watched the festivities.

Garden Journal - Happy Fall - Autumn Joy Sedum!

Happy First Day of Fall! In the Xeriscape Garden at Highspire, rosy-colored Autumn Joy sedum and spiky Yuccas are in their early Autumn glory! Center, purple Brazilian Verbena enjoys a final flush of bloom.

Tashia's Freedom Day!

Today is the one year anniversary of the Rescue Me! Yorkie Rescue Labor Day transport which freed 14 Yorkies (including my darling Tashia!) from slavery in an Arkansas puppy mill. One year ago was the first day that any of those dogs (some up to 6 or 7 years old) had ever seen the sky or walked on grass or felt sunshine on their face. Every one of them was terrified as they left Arkansas on my transport and headed up North toward their New Lives!

Now look at my brave, sweet Tashia one year later. She is standing in the grass, completely comfortable in the sunshine -- and striking a Noble Pose to boot!

Tashia was four years old when she was freed, but I'll never know her exact birthday. No worries!...I've designated Tashia's "Freedom Day" as her "Birthday" too so we'll always have occasion to remember and celebrate her arrival! So....Happy Birthday (and Happy Freedom Day!) to you, my little Tashia!!

Click here to see my video of the 2007 Rescue Me! Labor Day transport.

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Today is Daddy's Birthday -- he would have been 94 years old today. I'm always thinking of you Daddy and miss you alot on this special day....

Happy Birthday Mommy!

The potted Courtyard hibiscus is gorgeous in celebration of Mommy's birthday today! Happy Birthday, Mommy!

Garden Journal - Happy 4th of July!

Highspire looks terrific for the 4th of July!

Even Miss Lua is ready to Celebrate!

Happy West Virginia Day!

Let's all celebrate and honor West Virginia's 145th Birthday today!

Happy April Fools Day!

The spring bulbs in the Xeriscape Garden are popping up everywhere!

Garden Journal - Happy St. Patty's Day!

Although its far too cold for shamrocks on this St. Patty's Day, there are many beautiful purple crocus highlighting the Garden right now at Highspire!