Year in Review Part 2

I want to start Part Two with a heartfelt thank you to all of you who take the time from your busy schedules to read my blog, especially for the comments that you leave. I read each one and I appreciate them so much. It was only two years ago, during the winter months, that I even discovered blogs. I started Robin's Nesting Place in April of '07 and it has been such a wonderful experience, made wonderful only because of the responses from you and getting to know you through your blogs as well.

Now, for the continuation of my "2008 Year in Review":



Late May and early June is the time for peonies in Indiana. They are so beautiful, I just wish they lasted longer!



The garden really comes to life in June! I think this is my favorite month for flowers in the garden. The peonies, miniature roses and lilies are gorgeous!



Right after a rain is my absolute favorite time to take pictures! I love the rich color and the water droplets in this picture of the lilies.



These are the petunias I grew from seed. In June they are just beginning to fill out and bloom well.



Just about the time the garden was abuzz with activity and things were at their peak, we got the news of my husband's job layoff. My favorite time in the garden was met with half-hearted interest. While I didn't feel much like gardening, I could always lose myself and forget about my troubles behind the camera .



I love photography and I love holding a camera in my hands. It absolutely thrills me to catch something unusual with my camera. I was amazed by this leaf cutter bee and couldn't believe I actually captured it in action!



We had no deep roots in Indiana and were open to a move any where, or so we thought. There was a job offer and it would have required a move. Maybe the roots were deeper than we had originally thought. We love Noblesville, and had just settled in to a wonderful church that was much closer than our former church. We had already gotten attached to the people. Our children had already bonded with friends. We did a lot of reflecting and praying during this time.



We decided to pass up that opportunity and hang on a little longer. Thankfully we had visits from very special friends and family during the summer and it was a most welcome and wonderful distraction.



There were other wonderful distractions as well.



In August I visited the Indiana State Fair for the first time. I went alone and had a wonderful time just me and my camera!



It was during the month of August that my husband had a job offer that he accepted. We were thrilled that prayers had been answered and he was only without a job for two months and we didn't have to move! It was a very long two months!



I could finally relax a little and start breathing normally again. It was during the month of September that I had a hummingbird drink from the feeder while I held it. That was quite a thrill!


I was never completely happy with any of the hummingbird pictures this year. I spent many hours sitting on the patio waiting with my camera in hand trying to capture the perfect shot. It never happened. Maybe next year.



I especially enjoyed the cosmos, zinnias and sunflowers during the month of September.



Once again, I collected the black swallowtail caterpillars from the garden and watched the complete metamorphosis. This picture was taken on the day that I released the newly emerged butterfly. Another thrill!



I barely remember autumn this year.



I had one virus after another, one that lasted just about the whole month of November. There was a work injury and some other health issues. It was all I could do just to keep up with work and the household necessities. I didn't feel creative at all and my blog was sorely neglected.


Before I knew it winter had settled over Robin's Nesting Place,



the holidays were upon me, and now here it is the beginning of a brand new year.

I love fresh starts and new beginnings. I am looking forward, to be quite honest, with a little fear and uncertainty, to the new year ahead. I certainly hope it will be a better year. I'm hoping that 2009 will be a great year for each of you as well.

Once again Happy New Year from Robin's Nesting Place!