My next-door neighbor Joyce Kurtz has the most extraordinarily beautiful Peace rose. Yesterday's showers made it even more lovely, so out came the macro lense again.

The subtle gradations of color from pale pink to warmest yellow are magnified in the raindrops. This has been one of the best springs in memory for roses, and this beauty will continue showing off its' blooms until September.

I am so fortunate to have Joyce as a neighbor and friend, not only for her lovely roses but for her kindness and thoughtfulness in all that she does. At Christmastime she bakes the best cookies and shares them with all her neighbors, and I, for one, look forward with anticipation to that time each year. She treats me just like a part of her family.

Her husband, Ed, was the garden keeper and I still miss my long talks with him about everything from how to grow the best tomatoes to controlling the yearly influx of Japanese beetles (he used a jar of kerosene and I use a jar of white vinegar). He knew I hated the squirrels (aka Tree Rats) who wreak havoc on the garden and my potted plants and would patiently listen to my ranting tirades. June 28 will mark the fourth year anniversary of his death following a bout with cancer. My heart always goes out to Joyce as the end of June draws near, as I know she still misses her best friend and companion of some 50 years.

I made Ed a promise before he died that I would cut the grass and care for the garden for Joyce, but I admit I am sadly lacking in his instinctive gardening skills. Their front lawn has gone from the pride of the neighborhood to a sorry patch of withered grass and thriving dandelions, the result of my setting the lawnmower blades too low to the ground. I have my work cut out for me and would appreciate any advice on how to rid the weeds and bring back the lush lawn of old.