Well, we need to start off talking about our new critters. Thanks to Art Whitt's request (and pledge to pay to have then neutered if necessary!) we have two delightful rabbits to replace our dearly departed white rabbit. If you recall the white rabbit was eventually done in by an unhealthy relationship with our hen - not at all appreciated by her other close companion, the rooster.

These are two females, a Palomino (just like the name suggests - the color of Roy Rogers's Trigger) and a Harlequin (multi-colored). Tina Glasco donated them - her place is called Tina's Pals and Poultry. They are fun to watch hop around but we need to be careful if we try to pick one up because they do have great back legs (with nails) for digging purposes.

The other new arrivals are four Silky chicks - two gray and two white ones. They were donated by Michael Garrison who is Grace Newland's (she lives in the Health Care Center) grandson. He was also nice enough to bring with him for a visit, the evening he delivered the chicks, one of his magnificent white turkeys, a Guinea, and a Sex-linked Rooster. Now that I have your attention, just what is a sex-linked chicken? For most birds it is not apparent what sex they are at birth. That's true with our chicks. We won't know for some time who is a hen and who is a rooster. But with the rare breed of sex-linked chickens, the roosters at birth are white and the hens are orange so there is never any confusion.

Glenna Robinson in Dietary has donated her chicken high-rise - well not too high; these Silkies won't get nearly as big as our current hen. Also they will never develop typical feathers all over but keep their fluffy, hair-like look - so won't be able to fly. The chicken “coop” is painted and awfully cute. Be sure and get close enough to see how it is decorated - let's just say that Martha Stewart might approve - and yes Martha does raise chickens. Our hen already lays her daily egg in it.

Currently all chickens and bunnies reside in the Gazebo Courtyard because construction has finally begun on the long-awaited water garden in the Penguin Courtyard. When the water garden is completed we'll move some of our critters to the other courtyard so there will be something to enjoy in both locations. Do rabbits know how to swim?

The Garden Club (everyone who goes is a “member”) has been traveling again. Last month was a trip to the gardens at Gilcrease Museum. Making the trip two hills over were: Elsie Brackett, Violet Cox, Juanita Davis, Macie Dillingham, Patty Flint, Clara Hewitt, Vallee Kidd, Ruth Johnson, Fran Lewis, Margaret McConnell, Olive Specht, and Art and Margery Whitt.

They visited the Victorian Garden and the Colonial Garden. There are actually several more theme gardens but time and logistics didn't permit that. Gilcrease Museum is only a few minutes from St. Simeon's. It really is one of the most remarkable places in this state. And since the gardens are all outside (duh) there is no charge to tour them. You should visit them several times a year since something different will be in bloom. Doug Young (his mom, Aline Young, is a resident here) is one of the people responsible for those beautiful grounds and gardens.

Next up is our annual visit to Cleo Cox's famous Day Lilies Garden. It is also nearby - hope that you can make the trip!

The Saint Simeon's Gift Garden will have expanded hours of operation in July. Thanks to Auxiliary volunteer Lou Ann Harris, the Gift Garden will be open from 2 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 6th and Sunday July 20th.

Come shop and enjoy ice cream at the Ice Cream Parlor!