Another week has come and gone… quickly. We had some beautiful days this week; one of them even got into the 60s. My daughter and I visited the Chicago Botanic Gardens on Wednesday. Not too much was growing yet. We saw lots of Snowdrops, a lone crocus, and a few iris reticulata.
Can’t wait to see what 26,000 tulips looks like. You can see they are barely starting to emerge from winter hibernation.
One of my favorite gardens is the English Walled Garden. It has cozy spots to sit, sounds of trickling water (not yet though) and lots and lots of flowers sooner than later. Today, you can see the architectural elements of this garden. Oh, we found snowdrops and 3 tiny iris reticulate here too.
I find the Japanese Garden inspiring, peaceful and beautiful. It is on a manmade 2-island plot which is connected with 2 different bridges. Cherry blossoms as well as lilac rhododendron will soon be in bloom in this garden.
On Thursday I walked around our yard to see what I could see. The crocuses are fully in bloom. The magnolia buds look to be plumping up.
Dolly news! I bought a new Ann Estelle to dress one of my new outfits in. The other outfit is being worn by my Ann Estelle model. One 10″ AE (I have Sophie) is enough for me, so my doll will accompany this ensemble. These are for my brother-in-law’s wife’s good friend. Her and her husband generously put us up this past summer for a family reunion. I was so touched by her hospitality; she didn’t even know us and was very welcoming. I think these will be decorating the bedrooms of her little granddaughters.
I am still working on a set of hat knitting patterns (one written pattern–4 hats) for 4″ Amelia Thimble and Pukipuki. I want to test them out first. It’s been so long since I started writing the pattern; I want to make sure that it all makes sense.
I wish you all a beautiful weekend. I’m afraid this next photo sums up ours, weatherwise. Not quite a big snowfall (I hope), though flurries with lots of wind is forecast.
Thank you for stopping by, my friends! ❤
Cindy Rice Designs 
bonjour CINDY
tres beau jardin ca va reverdir avec le printemps la neige a un peu abimée le gazon
amities de FRANCE
Hello, Marie. Thank you for writing. ❤ Yes, these gardens will be full of green grass, leaves on the trees, and flowers everywhere very soon. I love this place!
Very interesting seeing the bones of the gardens. The structures get lost when everything comes into bloom.
The Ann Estelle’s and outfits are very sweet. I’m sure they will be treasured.
Luckily, we have sun today. Way more rain this year than we are used to. I can finally get out in the yard wearing my mud shoes and do more pruning. 🙂
Hello, Joy. Thank you. I thought it was interesting that the AE (basic) is slightly taller than the one I had (Emerald Lass) at home.
You now sound like us here in IL where it’s cloudy… a lot. It’s a big celebration when the sun shines, isn’t it? Hopefully the amount of rain you’ve been having will prevent fires later on in the season.
Enjoy your Sunday, hope it’s sunny again today. ❤
Hi Cindy,
I’ve been wondering about you and praying all is well… I was thrilled to see your name pop up in my email. I’m glad to hear you are on the mend. God is soooo very good! Thank you for sharing your beautiful photos with us. Your outfits are just the sweetest. I’m sure the new owners will be thrilled. Continued prayers for you and your sweet family.
Hello, Ingrid. With God’s grace I will continue to mend. I need to remember to be patient. So happy you enjoyed my photos–loved sharing them with you. It’s so nice to hear from you; thanks for writing and for your prayers. Enjoy your day! ❤
Magnifique jardin et très jolies tenues !
Thank you. These gardens are one of my favorite places to visit. ❤
The Chicago botanical Gardens look beautiful Cindy! And it was nice your Daughter could accompany you. I can only imagine how it is being there when real growth starts. Cherry blossom trees are a favorite of mine. It is nice you are having growth in your yard , the crocuses are pretty with the magnolia’s. How cute, two Ann Estelle dolls. both outfits are so pretty and it will be nice gifting your Brother-in-laws wife’s good friend. I am sure she will be excited to recieve this little Girl. I hope the weather is improving since this post was published!! Have a lovely day Cindy, hugs, Terri xo.