My favorite time of year; when wildflowers are everywhere. In this case, Dame’s Rocket, also known as wild phlox, which is all over the place – the secret garden, alongside the garden beds, on the edge of the woods (as in the above photo) and in the woods. This period doesn’t last long, but I try to take as many photos as possible. This is the border of the woods that is right next to the main path.
I actually worked on Memorial Day. I had a coaching session with someone. A longtime friend of mine (who I coached years ago in the National Tour of Oklahoma) recommended me. So we worked a bit on a British dialect for an audition she has on Wednesday. So I spent a bit of the day in prep, and then we had the session.
It was a gorgeous day yesterday, but quite hot. I just read in the NY Times that this summer is supposed to be hotter than usual – especially out here in the northeast. Sigh. It’s already been very dry here. We really need some rain. Last summer we battled drought, so it makes one wonder – more of that this summer? I hope not.
In the meantime, I saw a goldfinch yesterday and, for the second time, an eastern swallowtail (butterfly.) The swallowtail was beautiful. I saw the mama and papa Carolina wrens chase off a larger bird that was hanging around. I just now glanced outside – I can see their nest from here – and both parents are busy feeding the babies. And it’s intense; constant flying in and out of the nest. Those babies must be quite hungry this morning.
We watched a series – on HBO Max – about an infamous cult that was based in Albany – just an hour north of us. It was call NXIVM – pronounced Nexium. The name of the series is The Vow. I’m fascinated by cults and always have been. People got sucked into it thinking it would help them be better people. I won’t share the sickening details, but the cult leader is now in prison with a 120 year sentence. I have many adjectives on the tip of my tongue to describe him, but evil and vile will do for now. All of this was going on while we lived here and we were sort of oblivious, though I do remember reading about them when sentences were announced because one of the enablers – charged with sex trafficking – was an actress years ago on the series Smallville, so the press jumped on that. I still can’t get the whole thing out of my mind.
We’re now watching a two-part documentary on George Carlin.
I finished the Elly Griffiths and I’m trying to read something really short while waiting for her final two books in this series to arrive at my local library. And, of course, I’m reading a chapter a day of War and Peace. We will reach the midway point of this readalong on June 1st.
Okay. I’m also starting a new puzzle – another Renoir painting – but this one is darkish in color so it will be a challenge.
Stay safe.
Happy Tuesday.
Wow, so much green in your woods! In the Bay Area all our hills have lost most of their green. No rain coming soon. I saw a program about one cult, it’s amazing, sadly so, how many intelligent, professional people become involved. Enjoy your books and puzzle!
It’s stunning, isn’t it? The same with these cult members.
Stay safe, Barrie.
Who was in the national of Oklahoma you coached years ago? Just curious if it was the one Jerry was in. (Christine Ebersole played Ado Annie and Laurence Guittard was Curly.)
We’re having glorious weather too — and no rain, no humidity. I like the no humidity but if this keeps up, could be trouble.
I’m the recipient of generous Netflix password sharing and just last night found out I can’t log in anymore. Not sure how it will work now. I may have to get it…
No, it was a later tour, based on the production at the National Theater in London starring Hugh Jackman. Imagine my surprise one day when I saw a comment from Laurence Guittard on Don’s facebook page. (I love his voice and I loved him in A Little Night Music.) “You know Laurence Guittard?????” “Yeah, I worked with him years and years ago at the Old Globe. He’s a great guy.”
Don continues to surprise me.
Netflix recently cracked down on password sharing.
Stay safe!
Its been dry here but yesterday through this AM we had more than an inch and a half of rain – not good for Memorial Day celebrants but nice not to have to water this week! I’ve been on the reservation list for the most recent Elly Griffiths for months (they open the list as soon as the library orders the book, before the release date). Since I’m just now reading a J.A. Jance for which I was on the list for months I know my turn will eventually come!
Beautiful flower pictures, thank you. Perhaps the girls will venture out among the flowers…..
Ceci
I really want some rain, but it looks like none is in the forecast this week.
Stay safe, Ceci!
dear Claudia/Don — no rain here either — that very green in the horse/cattle pastures will soon be turning brown b/c upper 80s – 90s on the way late week here. it is like we went from winter to midsummer over nite. not my favorite, haha!! so enjoy pixs of your wildflowers — thanks.
hope you all enjoy some time together. stay safe/healthy
It’s so green here now, and like you, I know it will change to brown.
Stay safe, Linda.
I just love coming across something we never planted that suddenly appears. We’re sort of laissez-faire gardeners. Unless it’s invasive, we kind of let our 16 yr old garden alone. I was just noticing today the Jack-in-the-Pulpit that has appeared in the same spot the last 3 yrs is enormous this year, I aggressively weed until it gets so hot I can’t stand it in the sun. By then – usually right after July 4 – all the cone flowers and Shasta daisies are in full swing and the weeds are easy to ignore,
No rain in sight for this part of the country either. I see lots of watering in our future.
Take care,
K.
Same here. I weed until about July and then I give up.
Stay safe, Kay.
We need rain here, too. But everything is still lush and green. Our rhubarb is going gangbusters. Could be a pie in my future. I’ve never understood why rational human beings join cults. I’m sure studies have been done. I think of those 900 people who drank the cool-aid in Jonestown, Guyana in 1978. It’s a scary world out there. Enjoy your evening. Hugs, Elaine
I don’t understand it, either, which is why I’m fascinated by the whole thing.
Stay safe.