I bit the bullet today. I had to go to Best Buy to get a new memory card for my camera (mine died at a most inopportune time) and the tripod section caught my eye. I figured...hey, it's about time I invest in one and I did (I actually invested in two...a larger one and a mini one for jewelry photo's). So...before I started taking pictures with my tripod...I took a picture of my tripod!
And of course, I had to take some more pictures of my beautiful magnolia tree! It smells really good too!

I took these pictures when I was outside tonight...just one day later than yesterday. I'm sure you are going to understand why I had to try at least one more time to have a Magnolia Tree in my yard :)

I admit it...I live on and own and operate an apple orchard and I can't grow ANYTHING! It's a bit ridiculous.

When I was attending the University of Wisconsin, Madison, I used to walk to school along Old University Avenue in the Spring and see all these gorgeous trees full of the most beautiful flowers! I told my husband that I really wanted one of those trees. Then I told his parents the same thing. Two years ago, they brought me my very own Magnolia tree home for my birthday. I proceeded to kill it...it didn't even make a year. But...I didn't give up. The next year, I convince my husband to give me one more chance and we bought another magnolia tree...which we planted near the old, dead one. And...a year later...I'm happy to share with you pictures of it starting to bloom! Can't even tell you how proud of myself!