Summer's Serenade

Almost an entire month has passed since we have been graced with a decent amount of rain.
If we didn't commit to watering faithfully everyday, the shrubs and flowers would have been long gone by now.
It's a never-ending chore, but we've learned from experience, and keep hoping when those clouds roll in at dusk, we will see a little relief.

"The steady buzzzzzzz of the Katydid chorus,

the bass solo of the croaking Frog,

the steady woof-woof-woof a barking Dog

- a summer night's serenade."

~Michael P. Garofalo : Cuttings

Guess Who Came To Dinner

A certain little unannounced guest stopped by for dinner last night.

Despite acres of grass and trees, my flowering petunias were the chosen fayre.

The struggle continues.

*sigh*

 

Hello Summer

"Spring flew swiftly by, and summer came; and if the village had been beautiful at first, it was now in the full glow and luxuriance of its richness. The great trees, which had looked shrunken and bare in the earlier months, had now burst into strong life and health; and stretching forth their green arms over the thirsty ground, converted open and naked spots into choice nooks, where was a deep and pleasant shade from which to look upon the wide prospect, steeped in sunshine, which lay stretched out beyond. The earth had donned her mantle of brightest green; and shed her richest perfumes abroad. It was the prime and vigour of the year; all things were glad and flourishing."

~Charles Dickens, Oliver Twist

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Knee Deep In June

 

Tell you what I like the best --

'Long about knee-deep in June,
'Bout the time strawberries melts
On the vine, -- some afternoon
Like to jes' git out and rest,
And not work at nothin' else!"

~ James Witcomb Riley : Knee Deep in June

Hotter Than A Pepper Sprout

As with most of the country, we are enduring a late spring heatwave. 98 degrees hot, and hotter as the weekend approaches. No rain in sight.

It makes for dangerous conditions if you suffer from breathing problems or have to work outside for prolonged periods of time.

It also shortens tempers.

 

The birds are hiding out beneath the canopy of trees. Every once in awhile they appear at the birdbaths to quench their thirst, all have their beaks gaped wide open in an effort to cool down.

Birds do not have sweat glands, so they can only lose heat through breathing.
Even dipping your toes in the birdbath seems to help.

 

 

 

Stay safe dear friends.

Spring Cleaning

Incredible blue skies and sunshine today. Lots of the stuff, it surely feels like we are in the midst of summer with this 85 degree heat.
A break in the past few days of rain, and the Mr. takes on the task of washing the house, no small feat I can tell you.

Norseman's blood runs through my veins, after the temperature rises above 80 degrees I'm wilted like a head of week-old lettuce.

The best I can do is be the cold-water runner, when I spot the worker flailing.
*Sigh*

The Fairest Month

June Days are upon us.

Heat and humidity are now a daily occurrence, followed by cooling, nightly pop-up storms.
The songbirds are raising their second clutch of babies.
Lightning bugs light up the night sky, and the sound of tree frogs fill the air.
The season's first garden-grown tomatoes are ripe for the picking, and those coveted sweet Vidalia onions are back in the stores.
A little bit of normalcy in an otherwise chaotic world.

 "Mine is the Month of Roses; yes, and mine

The Month of Marriages! All pleasant sights

And scents, the fragrance of the blossoming vine,

The foliage of the valleys and the heights.

Mine are the longest days, the loveliest nights;

The mower's scythe makes music to my ear;

I am the mother of all dear delights;

I am the fairest daughter of the year."

~  Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

 

 

 

 

 

Let The Merriment Begin

The Platinum Jubilee Celebrations have begun!

Throughout Great Britain and many other countries, there are thousands of street parties, parades, and much merriment afoot, in the celebrating  of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's seventieth year on the throne.

I will be joining in the celebrations albeit from afar, my Union Jack flying, the teapot readied.

Seventy years on the throne, and a lifetime of genteelness, grace and dedication. 

Three cheers:  Hip, Hip, Hooray, Hip, Hip, Hooray, Hip Hip Hooray !

God Save The Queen