Would you like to take a walk with Scout and me? It won’t be taxing. Just a quick trip around the property. It’s a lovely day and the sun is shining. (At least on Thursday when I took these photos! Friday’s forecast is rain.)
The hydrangeas, zinnias, pokeweed and sedum are really hanging in there. That second photo is of my cosmos. I planted all sorts of cosmos seeds and only one came up and it’s just now blooming! Such a nice autumn surprise! (Note to zinnias, sunflowers, bean vines and cosmos: I promise to plant you earlier next year.)
As Scout is well over 13 now, we find these walks around the yard are the best thing for her – not too taxing but full of scents and sights and a sense of adventure. We try to do this with her every day. We’re lucky that we have almost 2 acres here for her to explore. We stay out of our woods, though. Too many ticks for both humans and dogs.
I had 4 inches chopped off of my too-long hair yesterday. Feels so much better.
It’s my dad’s 89th birthday today. Happy Birthday, Dad!
Don’t forget that I have two giveaways going on. One is for a copy of The Unfinished Garden from my book review earlier this week and the other for velvet pumpkins from LoveFeast Table. The book giveaway ends tonight. The other giveaway ends on Saturday evening. Just scroll down and you’ll see the posts.
I’ll be back later at 8:00 EST with A Favorite Thing. Please join me!
Happy Friday.
It looks so lovely where you live. I see some peeks of fall color. I am jealous. We are supposed to be 104 by Monday. It will never end here.
You guys have more than your share of heat, Elaine. Enough, already. You deserve a break!
Good morning, Claudia! Thank you for sharing your lovely pictures with us. My flower gardens didn’t do well with this summer’s drought and I am so happy that yours hung in there to bring you autumn joy. Every time I see a picture of your lovely home I just want to hop in my car and drive over for a glass of iced tea and a good long chat on your porch! Have a wonderful weekend!
I wish you could, Martha!
Hi Claudia, Your house looks so inviting in that beautiful light. Your flowers are in much better shape than mine this fall. My hydrangeas are fried and even the knock out roses, which usually bloom until November in their current location, have stopped. I’m hoping to get all my herbs in and dried or frozen before a frost. So far, no real color here at all! Nellie is not doing well–she has to have a bladder and kidney test and maybe an ultrasound. We need some good wishes sent our way. It is pouring today, Friday, just as predicted! Perfect day for a cup of tea and getting the fireplaces ready. Linda
We’re saying prayers for Nellie, Linda. I’m holding her in my thoughts.
That is my kind of stroll! Lovely flowers and such a gorgeous day. :)
Hi Claudia!
I’m so glad to see Scout enjoying her stroll around your georgous property! Loved your pics, especially the one of your cottage with the sun and shadows!
Happy Birthday to your dad! My mom’s birthday is tomorrow and she will be 86.
Xo,
Charlotte
Claudia you yard is lovely still and what a sweet walk for you and Scout! These are the wonderful days before it gets too cold out! Enjoy!
hugs, Linda
What a beautiful day it was there. Very cool here right now. Scout must have loved her walk. Show us your hair Claudia! Happy Birthday to your dad too!
Have a lovely weekend,
Sue
I took a photo of myself and hated it, Sue. So until some magic happens, you probably won’t see a photo.
Your property is lovely! Same weather here… and does it also seem to you that the colors are going to be muted this year… some are turning brown already, not a pretty autumn hue.
Yes, I think they are going to be muted. Our Maple is getting some nice color but not nearly as vivid as in other years.
Please extend my very best wishes for a happy birthday to your Dad for me.. You’re so blessed to still have him.
I enjoyed “our” walk. I wish I had as much property to stroll around on. Your house is lovely.
My garden is dwindling and it makes me a bit sad.. It was so pretty this spring~~~then summer came with all of the heat and hardly any rain. There is always next spring to look forward to..
Have a wonderful weekend.
Charlotte in Va.
Makes me sad, too, Charlotte. I almost can’t look too closely or I’ll get depressed.
Your property is so lovely, Claudia! It’s so good that Scout gets to tour ‘the back forty’ each day. Does she like to sit on the porch with you during the day? I notice you and I have a lot of the same flowers, except for the zinnias. I forget every year to plant them … and then kick myself when I see them filling people’s garden beds! I love watching the squirrels and birds eat the pokeberrys. Have you ever tried dying yarn with them? It turns a beautiful burgundy color, but sadly it’s not sun-safe and if it’s in the light too much it fades to gray! Looking forward to your Favorite Things! Take care and have a lovely weekend.
Scout loves to sit on the porch and police the neighborhood. I try to get her out there as often as I can.
I’ve never tried dying yarn with pokeberries – what a neat idea!
Love your property..it’s lovely..Happy Birthday to your Dad..4 inches off your hair !! That’s a lot…I’ll just bet it feels better..Have a great weekend..
Oh it feels so much better. I have baby fine hair and when it gets too long it does NOTHING but hang there. We have to go to a wedding tomorrow, so that was reason enough!
It worked. You are updating in my sidebar again. :) Thanks for the lovely walk. Still hot around here and rather humid today. So nice that you have such a lovely big yard for Scout to explore. I love your house! Have a wonderful weekend. Tammy
Yay!
Your house is so charming! What a great place to live. There is so much beauty around you.
Enjoyed the “walk”.
nancyr
Thanks for the walk. I needed that. :) And happy birthday to your dad. Mine is 85 and seemingly going strong.
It’s nice to see some blooms, it’s still too hot here. Can’t wait to see your new haircut!
Thank you for reminding me how lovely fall yards can be. Frost will come soon and all this will be gone for another year. You inspired me to take my camera and walk around in my yard.
Sue in Illinois
Your garden is looking beautiful, Claudia. All the late rains have really helped the flowers that survived the heat. Have a wonderful weekend.
Hugs,
Laura
Your pictures are great. I especially love the first one of the hydrangea. What a nice walk.