flowers — Page 136

A Lazy Weekend

August 11, 2018 at 9:00 am by Claudia

I’m moving slowly this morning. A whirlwind of mowing occurred yesterday, more than I had anticipated. We have 5 days of rain and thunderstorms starting today (enough already!) so I knew I had to initiate countermeasures. In other words, mow a lot of grass. When I saw how long the grass in the back forty had grown, I added that to the list. The only section of lawn that wasn’t mowed yesterday was what we call “the lilac side of the lawn.” It doesn’t grow as quickly and I figured I’d let it go for a few days.

But I am definitely dragging my tail this morning. Definitely. Tired. Brain fuzzy. Achy muscles.

I’ve never had a better patch of zinnias than this year’s. I’d put it down to the rain, and that helps, of course, but they were growing strong and tall when we were in that dry spell. I’m so happy about that because I love my zinnias.

A late summer blessing.

We watched Amelie for three nights running. We’re crazy that way.

More around the house close-ups.

That green vase in the Ixia pattern might be my favorite piece of Roseville. It’s got everything; a soft green color, beautiful flowers, and art deco style handles. What’s not to love?

I have to go make our second cup of coffee. Don makes the first. I make the second.

Looks like it will be a lazy weekend and I’m fine with that.

Happy Saturday.

Movies and Doves

August 9, 2018 at 9:17 am by Claudia

Big thunderstorm last night! Loud cracks of thunder, torrential rain, lightning. We were watching Amelie at the time – a movie that we both knew of and, for some reason, had never seen. By the way, we loved it. It has the same magical quality that The Shape of Water has. I find I’m very taken by that kind of movie; the movie equivalent of magical realism in novels.

I’m still not feeling well but I’m hanging in there. My head feels like it’s stuffed with cotton and I get very sleepy. After Don dropped me back home yesterday, I sat down in my chair and the next thing I knew, it was 30 minutes later. I went out like a light.

Hello, little stone dove.

I had been meaning to tell you this, but I kept forgetting. My worries about the demise of Lonesome Dove and/or the pair of doves on the property were unfounded. It took a while, but I started to see them in June. I was so thankful and relieved! They mean the world to me, these sweet birds, and I consider them part of our extended family. I’m very grateful they are still with us. I’m sorry it took me so long to let you know.

In fact, lonesome dove hung out on the birdbath for quite a while yesterday, effectively stopping us from going outside to sit on the porch. She/he looked so peaceful that I didn’t want to disturb her. (Don is used to this.)

There’s my beauty. Photo taken from inside the living room.

I need to weed but it’s too humid and I don’t feel up to it, so I’ll just have to let it go for a few more days.

It’s quite beautiful out there today.

Happy Thursday.

Wednesday Morning

August 8, 2018 at 8:41 am by Claudia

I’m feeling a bit under the weather with all this humidity. Since I’m allergic to molds and mildew, an extended period of high humidity takes its toll.

I’m over it.

I did manage to get out yesterday to water the plants and take some pictures. Then it was back inside with the air conditioning. And Don and I moved our morning coffee location to the front porch to avoid the mosquitoes in the Secret Garden.

A couple of monarchs have been gracing us with their presence. I think they’ve recently emerged from the milkweed. They flit, they fly, they land on things and move on as if they’re just discovering this world. It’s lovely to watch. There is something about them that is magical. And to know that the milkweed that I let grow wherever it wants to on this property is part of the reason for their existence makes me very happy.