Mother Nature's Bounty

Meadow wildflowers make me smile.

 

 

  "He who is born with a silver spoon in his mouth is generally considered a fortunate person, but his good fortune is small compared to that of the happy mortal who enters this world with a passion for flowers in his soul."

 

- Celia

 

 

Red Sky At Night

A peaceful sunset this evening.

Cooler temps, after a warm and breezy Summer's  day.

Peace.....such a lovely thought.

Respite

Summer days are slowly waning.

Thankfully we've been graced with rainfall this past week, the flowers and humans are grateful.

The deer have been drinking nightly from the birdbaths, a little respite from their daily trek to the nearby pond.

I'm looking forward to cooler days, as with so many others.

 

 

Bloom Where You Are Planted

The Rose of Sharon (Althea hibiscus syriacus) has bloomed it's heart out for close to a month now.

These are the hardiest of bushes, withstanding heat, drought, and even a barrage of Japanese beetles this year.

This particular bush was a volunteer, a single seed or two carried by the wind or possibly a bird.

It is also a second generation plant, the original bush belonging to my husband's mother who shared it's propagated beauty from her garden to ours.
Oftentimes they are considered an invasive plant, because they tend to spread so easily, but not to this gardener, we enjoy those endless blooms throughout the months of July and August, year after year.

Gone But Not Forgotten

 

My handsome Oliver has been gone two years today, I miss him with a passion. 

Rest easy my sweet boy.

💓

Donkey Love

My daughter's little farm is home to four miniature donkeys and one regular sized donkey, J.D.

J.D. is in his late twenties, his age is approximate, we think he could be older since he was a rescue from a local farmer.

He's the King of the Castle, his girls adore him.....

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.

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

Snoozing

Cats sleep, anywhere,

Any table, any chair

Top of piano, window-ledge,

In the middle, on the edge,

Open drawer, empty shoe,

Anybody's lap will do,

Fitted in a cardboard box,

In the cupboard, with your frocks-

Anywhere! They don't care!

       Cats sleep anywhere.     

                    

~ Eleanor Farjeon (1881)

                                                                      

For The Birds

The Perennials have been slower to return this
year, mostly because we've had more than our fair share of frosts and freezes these early Spring days.

Better late than never.

 

The Goldfinches will soon be devouring the seeds of this Tickseed.

It makes happy little birds

 

“Sometimes goldfinches one by one will drop
From low hung branches; little space they stop;
But sip, and twitter, and their feathers sleek;
Then off at once, as in a wanton freak:
Or perhaps, to show their black, and golden wings,
Pausing upon their yellow flutterings.
Were I in such a place, I sure should pray
That nought less sweet, might call my thoughts away.”

 

John Keats