Don — Page 65

Again With the Rain

August 1, 2018 at 9:36 am by Claudia

Aaaaand, more rain and thunderstorms for the next 4 days. At least we were granted two days with sunny skies. I managed to get all the mowing done in time for the whole thing to start over again. Rain, rain, rain, rain, rain, rain, two days to mow and weed, rain, rain, rain, rain. Ad nauseum.

This little guy was having breakfast this morning. He was out there for about an hour. Henry was out there as well, but for less time, because Henry gets scared easily and runs back inside his home.

I worked out on the porch yesterday, potting a few plants that I’d purchased about a week ago, cleaning the former kitchen island and a table,, watering the plants. I swept the porch. Then I moseyed on down to the front yard to take some photos of the wildflowers that are popping up everywhere.

They’re all growing down near the road – and elsewhere on the property. Queen Anne’s Lace always pops up down near the mailbox. Fleabane is everywhere. Purple Loosestrife only pops up near the culvert and in the wettest edge of the Secret Garden. For those of you who are about to say it’s invasive, don’t worry. We’ve been here for almost 13 years and it’s not invasive on this property. I think it’s beautiful.

I’m not sure what is on the docket for today except recycling and grocery shopping.

How exciting!

(I kid.)

It’s sort of a gray day and the rain is expected to start any minute and gray days, for the most part, don’t do a lot to lift my mood. I find that to be truer than ever the older I get. I used to think that Don was way too influenced by whether it was sunny or gray and rainy. But the truth is, I’m the same way.

Ah, well. I suspect there are a lot more people out there like us.

And the state of our country doesn’t help.

Happy Wednesday.

Later In the Summer

July 31, 2018 at 8:07 am by Claudia

The wonderful thing about planting zinnias from seed is that I never know what to expect. Each new bloom is a surprise. Will it be purple, or red, or white, or in this case, a combination of peach and pale peach?

They are my later-in-the-summer delight. This year’s crop is especially prolific. When you plant seeds, you are often told to ‘thin’ them once the seedlings appear. I never do that. I just let them be. What could be bad about lots of zinnias?

One thing I miss at this time of year: the lack of bird song in the morning. I used to sit on the glider on the porch each morning listening to a veritable symphony of birds singing and calling. Now? It’s pretty quiet. Yes, there is occasional bird song, but nothing like it was. I feel a bit melancholy about that. It’s too quiet first thing in the morning.

I know that autumn is coming. And I’m never ready for it.

One sound that does kick in at this time of year is the chorus of cicadas. Wave after wave of sound. Don and I listen to them as we drink coffee in the Secret Garden. They really are amazing.

The constant? The bullfrog that lives in our neighbor’s pond.

The hydrangea in the memorial garden is particularly pink this year.

And the limelights are doing their later-in-the-summer thing.

Don has been working every day with his new camera. Now, he goes to some local spot – in town, at the farm stand, outside a bookshop – and talks to people, who are, of course, fascinated by his camera. He then tells them that he’s a student who is learning to use the Crown Graphic and asks if he can take their picture. Most people are more than happy to help out. Each day, he is learning more and more about light and framing and apertures and F-stops and the adjustments he has been making are paying off.

This is from yesterday’s session and I think it’s my favorite so far:

Of course, this is a picture of a picture of a picture, so you’re not getting the texture and the sheen of the polaroid, but it’s everything you want in street photography; an interesting background with cars, buildings and people and a great subject, in this case, two very cool young people.

He captured the light beautifully. I’m so proud of his work ethic, his determination.

I love hearing him say, “I love this camera. I love it.”

He’s the bees knees.

One last thing: Happy Birthday, Mom.

Happy Tuesday.

Wednesday’s Forecast: More Rain

July 25, 2018 at 9:51 am by Claudia

Rain, rain, and more rain!

That’s the news here. There are breaks in the rain throughout the day, but rain is the theme here in the Hudson Valley.

I ventured outside in the afternoon to water the plants on the porch and check on the gardens. I ended up doing some work in the garden because, at the time, the sun was behind a cloud and I thought it would be okay.

Yikes, it was unbelievably hot and humid! I started cutting back the catmint plants because I’d had that on my mind for a while and I had just finished watching an episode of Gardener’s World where Monty Don was cutting back his catmint. If Monty is doing it, I need to be doing it. I’m glad I did something outside, but I was so drenched with sweat afterwards that I had to take my second shower of the day.

The Far Side Garden (above) is quite lush at the moment.

As is the bed next to the porch – which is full of hostas and coneflowers and sedum.

I thought you’d like to see a picture of Sam, happily resting after chasing his ball.

Love that boy.

This is the pond that is on their property. It’s quite lovely. Eventually, Rick and Doug are going to build a gazebo there. Won’t that be lovely?

Don had a wonderful session with Louis Mendes on Monday. Louis is a true teacher and mentor and Don was very energized and excited when he came back home. They worked together for about 3 hours. Don has learned that when you’re standing next to Louis on any New York street, person after person is going to stop to look at Louis and the camera and ask, “Are you Louis Mendes?” It’s amazing. He’s amazing. He gave Don assignments, as well. Homework!

I’m in the ‘thinking and not even planning yet’ stage of the dollhouse. I have several ideas for the look of the outside and I’ve not settled on one yet. I’m gathering photos and ideas from the internet.

Happy Wednesday.

Again With the Rain

Later In the Summer

Wednesday’s Forecast: More Rain

Lambs Like to Party

A Note

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