Roots and Routes Jodi

I filled the hummingbird feeder expecting tiny helicopters… and this guy showed up instead. 😂

Apparently the nectar bar is open to everyone in the neighborhood.

Finally put my new paint sprayer to work on a small bathroom cabinet makeover and I’m impressed with how easy it was to use. 🎨

The cabinet started out black, got a coat of primer, and finished in a creamy beige paint. For this project, I used the smaller orange nozzle, which was perfect for a smaller piece.

One feature I really liked was being able to rotate the spray pattern depending on whether I was spraying vertically, horizontally, or working in tighter areas. And the lightweight design made a big difference from start to finish.

I forgot to take before-and-after photos, but this sprayer has definitely earned a spot in my DIY toolbox for future furniture and cabinet projects.

You’ll find it in my Amazon Storefront — link in bio!

Nobody talks about this part of pond ownership. 🐟💦

Everyone loves the clear water and happy fish, but what keeps a pond looking its best is regular maintenance. This filter has been working hard, and every time I clean it I’m reminded just how much algae, leaves, and debris it’s keeping out of the pond.

The best part? Once you’ve cleaned it a few times, it becomes a quick weekly routine. A few minutes of maintenance is worth it when the water stays this clear.

If you’re looking for the pond products I use, check out the link in my bio to visit my Amazon storefront!

The first sunflower opened this morning, and it looks like a Strawberry Blonde! 🌻

Meanwhile, the rows of sunflowers out in the field are getting ready for their turn. If all goes according to plan, there are going to be a LOT more blooms very soon.

And yes, most of the field is planted in ProCut sunflowers. Unlike branching sunflowers that keep producing side blooms, ProCuts grow one perfect stem with one bloom—making them a florist favorite for bouquets and arrangements.

The first sunflower is here. The rest are coming soon. 🌻✨

Nothing fancy yet—just stock, snapdragons, and yarrow from the flower field today. 🌸

The snapdragons are pretty. The yarrow is useful. But the stock? The stock is the reason I keep opening the door just to smell the house.

Next year’s goal: grow a LOT more stock. I don’t even care if I sell it. At this point, I’m perfectly happy growing it just for me. 😂

I touched it once and it closed up. So naturally I touched it two more times. 🌱😂

Now it’s completely offended. How long does it take these things to forgive and forget?

I was outside doing evening chores when I looked up and saw this. 🌙✨

The crescent moon and Venus put on quite a show tonight. Sometimes the best views don’t require a road trip, a ticket, or even leaving your backyard.

Did you catch it too?

After a day exploring Augusta, Missouri wine country, and the Historic Daniel Boone Home, we ended our anniversary day with dinner at The Main House in St. Charles.
The historic Main Street setting was charming, but it was the food that really impressed us.
I ordered the crispy halibut over mashed potatoes with asparagus, and Lenny went with the chicken risotto finished with a red wine reduction. Both were absolutely delicious and honestly some of the best meals we’ve had in a while.
I’m usually too busy eating to remember to take pictures, but this was one of those meals that looked just as good as it tasted.
If you’re visiting St. Charles, add this one to your list.
📍The Main House
📍Historic Main Street, St. Charles, Missouri