My first coneflower has opened. I have scads of them throughout the property, so I look forward to this every summer. To me, they are the perfect cottage garden flower.

How did we spend our anniversary? Mowing the entire front lawn and secret garden in very hot and humid weather. It had to be done, but we were pretty tired at the end of that chore. Don cooked a great breakfast, a picnic-type lunch (veggie hot dogs and burgers) and a great dinner. We listened to James Taylor’s On the Fourth of July, which seems as if it was written for us. Several years ago a friend sent me a link to the song on our anniversary and I fell in love with it.

By the way, all those thunderstorms that were predicted for Friday? 100% chance of 2-3 inches of rain? Zip. We heard lots of thunder, but no rain. That’s the second time that has happened lately. We really, really need the rain. Sigh.

We’re taking it easy today. Don’s back is bothering him – too much lifting – so he has been ordered (by both of us) to refrain from any of that work for the next week. He, like me, doesn’t always know when to stop. I’m much better about that nowadays, but I’ve had years of experience working outside and last year kicked my butt so I made a vow to ease up this year and I’ve been pretty successful. I also made a vow to know when to ask for help and I did that, as well. Don, on the other hand, is a little newer to all of this. He’s learning the hard way, just as I did. So he’s on back rest. I’m sure he’ll walk his paths, etc., but no dragging falling trees or lifting rocks or even hoeing.

I’m reading Faith Fox  by Jane Gardam, a British writer that I discovered in Oblong Books last year. She’s a wonderful and funny writer who completely gets human nature and her characters are richly detailed.

Maybe more work on the dollhouse today. Or the puzzle (which is unbelievably difficult). Or both. It’s going to be hot and humid again, so I’m headed out to water everything after I finish this post.

Stay safe.

Happy Sunday.