Early morning in the back forty.
We have another foggy morning today. It’s been that way for the past couple of days. I love it. It’s also been quite warm lately – perhaps a bit too warm! But I’m appreciating it while it’s here, this last little stretch of Indian summer.
We mowed the front lawn on Monday – rather exhausting, as usual. We caught it before it became impossibly long, so that’s a good thing. Still have to mow the corral and the back forty and I have to remember to do another round of weed whacking, but today, later this morning, we head out to get our Covid vaccinations. We’ll be happy to have that done! I expect to conk out later in the afternoon – that has been the only reaction I’ve had with the shots.
I’ve been seeing the groundhog who lives under the shed a lot. He’s eating lots of grass and green things because it will soon be time for him to hibernate and he needs lots of body fat to get him through the winter. I often wonder where all the now grown up babies are. Initially, there were six, but one died. So five babies hung out here for a few months, routinely getting into mischief and driving me more than a little bit crazy, but mostly being adorable and fascinating to watch. Buddy stayed around the longest, but even he eventually took off for parts unknown. I miss them a bit. Where are they? I know they went off to build their own underground homes, but did they go far? Are they in the woods? Or in the field beyond the back forty? Sigh. There always remains the ‘wondering.’
I miss the birdsong, though there are still some birds chirping and calling. I haven’t seen a robin in ages, so I assume they already headed south. I still see goldfinches and sparrows and carolina wrens. The crows seem to be around a lot. And the blue jays.
Lots of squirrel activity as well; gathering and storing nuts for the winter.
The limelight hydrangea, which is now that lovely shade of pink. That bush has grown by leaps and bounds and it’s now huge, Do you see that little white blossom at the bottom? It’s the only one that hasn’t turned pink yet.
I read all your comments about autumn memories. I was just so busy that I didn’t have time to reply. But I loved all the memories you shared. Thank you!
Okay. I have to make the second cup of coffee before we head to the pharmacy for our vaccinations.
Stay safe.
Happy Wednesday.
hope the covid shots go easy, with no bad reactions for you and don. same with the yardwork so you can enjoy the day. :)
that wondering (about your buddy the hedgehog, our earl the squirrel, people …) is hard on me, but God provides not only for us but through us and i want to be part of that so do what i can and trust God. :)
continuing to read here! starting an old fave today, “a natural history of the senses” by diane ackerman. highly recommended reading … at least once. :)
hope you, don and everyone else have a great day! stay safe, too.
kathy
ps … yes, i can see the single white blossom. everything in its own time!
kathy
xo
Thanks so much, Kathy.
Stay safe.
That’s a beautiful hydrangea… interesting with the little white blossom hold out! Hope your vaccinations go well!
Thank you. Just got back and all is well.
Stay safe, Barrie.
I love your limelight hydrangea, it is so pretty. I think I’m going to schedule flu shots for Mom and I next week. This week has been busy with so many things and the shots usually knock me out for a day so next week is better. Then a couple of weeks later we will get the covid booster. My Mom is starting to have some hearing and memory issues and it’s so hard to watch this happen. I’m hanging in there and we are doing the best we can. She will be 93 on Oct 18th. I know my time with her is drawing to a close so I try to take each day and treasure the blessing. Sorry I got so melancholy! Hugs to you and Don.
hugs to you, too, linda … every day and especially in this bittersweet time.
happy early birthday to your mother (in case i miss it; am not good lately at tracking dates and days of the week) and peace to you and your mother.
keeping everyone here and your families in my prayers.
kathy
Thank you Kathy! It is a bittersweet time of life.
Bless you, dear Linda. I know this is a difficult time. Prayers for your dear mom and for you and your children and grandchildren. You are right: treasure each day with her. It’s so fortunate that she’s right next door to you.
Much love,
Claudia
Thank you Claudia. One day at a time.
xoxo
Wow, that limelight hydrangea bush is humongous! We have two much smaller ones and I love to pick some now, bring them inside, and pile them in wooden bowls on the hutch or elsewhere for fall displays.
I started the Gershwin book, Summertime, you mentioned recently. Really enjoying it. I just love the quote by the playwright S.N. Behrman on the first page of the book: “The fact is that in the Gershwin years there was nothing more thrilling than to hear George play the piano. It heightened the sense of being alive.” That must capture perfectly what it was like to be privileged enough to be around these geniuses in those days. And also the reason I love history and non-fiction so much. I’m always convinced I missed out on something important by not being alive during whatever period I’m reading about.
Hope all goes well with your vaccinations today. I have been frustratingly attempting to schedule my first shingles shot. I never get a confirmation so either I now have two appointments for this Saturday or none. Guess I’ll wait to see what they wind up texting me eventually. When I see that it works, I’ll schedule flu and later covid. Because you wait 56 days between shingles shots, I wanted to get that one on the calendar first.
I’m grateful we still have goldfinches and blue jays as well. It’s eerily quiet now most of the day despite all my feeders.
Take care,
Kay
I know – I really feel that quiet. The other day, I came across a video I shot of the Secret Garden in the spring. It was filled with birdsong. It really pointed out just how quiet it is these days.
Stay safe, Kay.
We have been enjoying warm, sunny days but cooler weather is coming along with some rain. It’s been so warm that we haven’t had much fall color change yet.
We got flu and Rsv vaccines yesterday. I had chills and fatigue by late in the day. I feel ok today. I am planning to get covid vaccine in a week or so but I’m dreading it. The last one made me very sick with teeth chattering chills. I guess it’s better than ending up in the hospital with covid though.
Take care
It is. When I do this again next year, I will not get the flu and RSV at the same time. I think that led to a couple days of ‘reaction’ that I might ot have had otherwise.
Stay safe, Marilyn.
The limelights are looking fabulous. I know what you mean about birdsong — it’s phased off here, too. I didn’t hear any on my woods walk yesterday and not much at home. Our heat dropped a lot today — you’re in for a cool spell! Now I must go check your last post. My reading schedule has been erratic of late!
It’s rainy and cooler this morning, Jeanie. I think it will be significantly cooler this weekend.
Stay safe.
I’m waiting for the Moderna vaccine to come in; all my pharmacy has now is Pfizer, and that’s a non-starter for me. Should be within the week, and then I’ll be lining up for mine too. The home you and Don have built together is just lovely. Comfortable. Not overly manicured, and not shaggy unkempt either. Just comfortable. Your hard work has paid off. Loved the one white hydrangea blossom on the bush. Cracked me up. Renegade — kinda runs in the family? And that first picture of the sunlight peeking through the woods is beautiful. So peaceful. The seasons, they are a changin’.
Thank you for your kind words, my friend.
Stay safe.