Zinnias from Liberia...

Many of you know that this blog is named after our mother, Babs.  She is such an inspiration to us in so many ways---we have not met anyone who can take her place.  :)  She and our dad, Dave, are on the adventure of a lifetime, serving in Liberia, West Africa by showing love to children who desperately need it.  Mom and Dad were/are amazing parents to us and we know they are bringing love, hugs, and smiles to the children that they have contact with in Liberia, through the Rafiki organization.  You can follow their adventures through their delightful blog at http://daveandbabs.blogspot.com. 

We miss Dad and Mom terribly, and we love to hear from them and see what day-to-day life brings them in Liberia.  Mom has always been an avid gardener and, back home in California, she had an amazing yard full of beautiful, interesting things.  (All three of us kids used that backyard for our wedding receptions---it's perfect for a party!)  Now, in Liberia, Mom is facing new challenges as she tries to enjoy gardening in a very different climate!  Still, she is coaxing some flowers out of the ground and she sent us this "very Babs-ish" update on her zinnias.  We hope you enjoy this.  Below are pictures of her garden cuttings and a little note---so you can get to know the real Babs!  :)

"Here are the first flowers from my zinnia flower garden.  They may be the only flowers from my zinnia garden, as there are big, monster beetles whom apparently have nothing better to do than chomp off the plants at dirt level!  They do not eat the stalk or nibble on the buds;  no, they just snip through the main stalk and walk away from the crime scene.  Brutal, they are!  Every morning, there are at least two or three more plants cut.  The garden gets smaller each day.  (Sigh...Africa wins again!)

But at least I can share this bouquet with you all.  Note the nice vase;  almost as nice as those lovely vases on the BabsBlog!  The zinnias are such a cheery flower, even an olive oil bottle looks sweet.

Love, Mom"