You know that feeling right after winter? The one where we have that first nice warm spell in March and we say with a big sigh, "I'm ready for summer!" Yeah, I'm over it. I'm tired of swimming through humidity and frazzled hair and glistening with sweat after being outside for 3 seconds. Bring on the autumn vibes and sweater weather.

A couple weeks ago, I spent the morning with Halle, our grandbaby. Now that they live closer and her schedule is more flexible with her age, I picked her up for a Chick-fil-A breakfast outing, frazzled hair and all.

This seriously made my week to spend time with her one-on-one. Scott was a bit jealous and I just told him, "You need to find your own day. I'm not sharing!" This is a big deal for me because I'm sort of a workaholic.

After CFA, Target was right next door so it seemed silly to not pop in and teach her how to "Add to Cart." We played in the play aisle for a good 30 minutes and then shopped for clothes together. She has really good taste and loves her new picnic wagon that she can fill with all her picnic items and pull around the house.

Naturally, we then proceeded to Petco to look at the fish, birds, mice, snakes, guinea pigs, and hamsters. I kept texting Erica that I was going to buy Halle a bird. What a great morning. Sigh.

After dropping Halle off with her mom, it was time to focus and engage back at work. I made a phone call on the way in and was sitting in front of the office finishing up the call. The car was off and this is important to know. Why you ask?

I was chatting away and I caught Doug walking across the porch heading out for an errand or an appointment or maybe it was lunch. Either way, I was watching him as he lifted his shirt almost to his shoulders and was completely going to town, what appeared to me, scratching his chest. To make matters more comical, it seemed he might need new pants and maybe a belt because his current ones were almost falling off as he was walking towards his car.

So here I was, sitting in my car, watching Doug and yelling, "I'm right here! I'm right here!" Then, I blew the horn.

He looked over and saw me looking at him. I mouth, "What are you doing?" and emphatically throw my hands in the air. He looks at me, realizing that he isn't alone, and starts laughing as he walks to his car. There has to be an easier way to remove your name tag than lifting your whole shirt off your body.

Of course, no one wants to see Doug without a shirt. So we included a photo of his adorable (and fully clothed) son Boone instead. You get TWO pictures of the FGS babies today. You're welcome.

These are the reasons why I love my tribe. Every day is an adventure. Some days, you see their good side and some days, well, you see another side. Just keeping it real. Don't be green with envy, ok? LOL.

Role: Landscaping Dept's Biggest Fan

Started at FGS: June 2021

Favorite Plant: Tillandsia, aka Air Plants

Favorite Snack: Airheads

Currently Watching: Avatar: The Last Airbender

Favorite Local Restaurant: Firebirds Grill

This year, I'm looking forward to: blowing away the competition!

Thoughts, Theories, & Trivia: Stay cool and let all your worries blow away!

Petunia's Gnomies are up to their mischief once again! They'll be hiding throughout the Garden Center and it's up to you to find them and solve their riddles!

They'll be hiding all day on Saturday, August 8. This is a FREE event open to all ages (geared towards ages 6-10.)

The first clue will be located within the Little Free Library. Make sure to stop there first, and check out the books inside while you're there.

This Scavenger Hunt is a self-guided event, which you can take at your own pace. If you have any questions, our events staff is here to help! We'll be stationed at The Potting Shed area all day.

Let us know you're coming by signing up HERE!

Have some books you'd like to donate? Bring a bag of books and receive a coupon for $2 off Sunset Slush! Book dropoff will be located by The Potting Shed.

The Potting Shed will be open as normal, from 12PM-4:30PM! Feel free to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy by the pond!

For Friday's Sake

Need more time to shop? Well you're in luck, because we are extending the Garden Center hours until 8PM!

The Potting Shed will be open and serving beverages and Sunset Slush until 8PM as well. Come and enjoy the ambiance on the patio and take in the sunset. Don't forget to bring lawn chairs or a blanket for seating - the patio tables go fast!

Featuring music by: John Sierra Jr.

Food truck: info coming soon!

Admission is FREE, so bring your family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers and enjoy the evening... For Friday's Sake!

These positions are full-time, year-round, with benefits. CLICK HERE to see the full job descriptions and apply!

Blink, blink. July is almost over! Can you believe it?! August starts next week! And judging by how hot it's been already, we'll need to be ready for any kind of weather next month.

Our August Lawn and Garden Care tips are here to help. Whether you're needing some extra advice with this heat or you want to know what you should be watching for as we enter into the last leg of summer, we've got you covered!

P.S. Don't forget that mums will be arriving soon! Where will you be planting or potting your mums this year?

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We post daily to Instagram @fgsdurham (Garden Center) and @fgslandscapes (Landscape and Lawn Maintenance) and Facebook to keep you up to speed with the latest information about what we're up to, what's in stock, or all the fun we're having!