pictures from around the place

I took this picture this morning right after I milked Bonnie.  Sir Loin is ten months old, and as big as his mom.  The only reason we haven't weaned him is that Bonnie would be the only cow on the place without him; I'd rather she have some sort of bovine companion.  Cliff's brother is going to bring some calves here to wean, like he did last summer.  At that time, we'll haul Sir to the butcher shop down the road and I will dry Bonnie up so she can put all her energy into the calf (I hope there's a calf... I'm gun-shy after our experience with Secret) growing inside her.  
My friend Joanna is flying in tomorrow; she lives in Centreville, five minutes from Dulles airport.  She and I met years ago in the old AOL chat room where I met so many wonderful people.  I had hoped some of my pretty flowers would be blooming for her visit; unfortunately, the tulips are fading fast, and the last daffodils have lost their petals.  

There's a bloom trying to break out on this iris, but it won't make it in time for Joanna's visit.  The peonies aren't doing anything, and there isn't so much as a bud on the rosebushes and the tall phlox.  The lilac bush is trying hard, but it won't bloom for at least another week.  


When I moved back here behind the barn, I went into a frenzy of flower-planting.  Most all the things I planted have lived through the winter and are starting to grow.  Unfortunately, I don't recall what some of them are.  

This, for instance.  

And this.  

I'm pretty sure I bought both of these at Home Depot when they were closing out their nursery stock.  Or maybe it was Walmart.   Anybody have a clue what either of these are?  I remember my readers identifying Blazing Star for me last year... a plant which really doesn't impress me, by the way.  


The Crepe Myrtle tree I planted was killed by our harsh winter.  I got it on closeout, so I didn't pay a lot for it.  I've since learned that local nurseries won't guarantee Crepe Myrtle trees (or bushes, whatever they are) because it really isn't hardy enough for the zone.  

Cliff pulled the dead tree up by its roots and stuck two traffic cones in the hole; I'm really wanting a Crimson King maple tree to put there; but they are so expensive, I just haven't been able to talk myself into buying one.