Paula, my dear friend from Wallace Elementary days, invited me to visit her in Paris (Okay, Paris, Texas).  Visiting Paula and Paris has been on my “Want to Do” list for sometime, and I was so happy it finally happened.  Paula was gracious and told me to invite some of my friends to come along.  Friends – BB, Mrs. Ralph, and The Mrs. – eagerly joined the fun, and we headed for a day trip to Paris.

Paula is an avid gardner, a gourmet cook, and a mahjong enthusiast.  She is also an excellent tour guide and hostess.  (In another post, there will be more about our tour of Paris, Texas.)  Paula and Joseph moved to Paris (Paula’s hometown) a little over a year ago.  Let me show you around her lovely home and gardens.

The first thing I noticed as we walked toward Paula’s front door was this iron cross in her flower bed.  We were in visiting Paula on Good Friday, and I loved this cross.

The pretty oval spring wreath on the front door certainly made us feel welcome.

On the entry table is Paula’s collection of Beatrix Potter figurines.  These figurines are charming, and look great sitting on top of the little Beatrix Potter books.  How special that Paula includes the framed calling card that I gave her when she moved from Dallas.  We have been friends for many years.

Be still my heart.  I love her Easter table filled with rabbits.  The hot pink and lime green plaid runner sets a festive mood.

I love that she included a cross on the table.  I want to remember to do that next year.  I meant to ask Paula about the crystal basket.  It is so pretty holding the pastel eggs.

We enjoyed coffee and ginger ale to quench our thirst after the two hour trip.  The palmiers were crunchy, sweet, and delicious.  Paula told me how she made them, and they did sound easy to make, but I am not 100% sure I remember correctly.  I will ask her and let you know.

I loved these yellow flowers from her garden that filled the blue and white fan vase.

Paula mentioned that the previous owners had well over 20 tall shrubs covering all the windows in the house.  You could not see out the windows.  They had to remove all those old shrubs before they could begin landscaping their garden.  They have worked very hard during this  year to create interesting flower beds.  Her azaleas are so pretty.  Just imagine what they will be like in another year.

It was so relaxing to sit and watch the birds come to the bird feeders.  I had never seen goldfinches up close before.  Paula and Joseph’s home backs up to a greenbelt, and the area is so quiet and serene.

At the edge of the patio are these gorgeous large blue pots.

In a side garden by the garage is Paula’s herb garden.  I liked it.  I loved it.  Did I mention that Paula is an excellent cook?  It is only fitting that she has an herb garden.  

This little chair planter keeps the mint in check.  Isn’t it cute!

Violas sitting on the window ledge were so pretty.

There were so many pretty spring flowers like these white irises.

Paris, Texas was hit very hard by the December 6th ice storm.  The city has already spent over $700,000 in cleanup fees, and there are still so many dead trees and fallen limbs that need to be carried away.  It is good to see signs of spring beginning to appear.

Touring Paris was great fun, and I am looking forward to sharing more about this unique town.  Believe me.  You will want to check it out for yourself.

Blessings to you and yours,

Thank you Paula for sharing your lovely home and garden.