Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Mockingbird Hill Cottage

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Lots to Do

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The clematis buds are increasing by the day. Last year, there was very little bloom because the boxwoods surrounding the plant were too big and blocked the sunlight. This year, I pruned the boxwood at the very beginning of the season. Lesson learned.

I have a lot to do in the next two days before I leave for the city. Mowing, for sure, though I started in on that last night. Weed whacking. Errands. Get gas for the lawnmower (first up today.)

It’s supposed to rain and storm all weekend – both here and in NYC. Dang it. But what can you do? We’ll just have to deal with it.

The catmint is starting to bloom and as it’s going to hit 86 today, I suspect I’m going to see a lot more purple in the garden.

I spent the afternoon with Rick yesterday, which was, as always, lovely. (And Sam, too.) I’m crazy about that dog. There’s a lot going on at their house: bathrooms being redone, new roof going on, etc., which is all taking longer than expected. Isn’t that always the case with construction?

Okay. Have to go and get a move on!

Happy Tuesday.

Monday Thoughts

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I had to turn the heat on for a short time this morning! It’s going to warm up nicely later in the day. The rain of yesterday was rather gentle but it lasted all day long. I did manage to sneak in a few outdoor tasks.

The lamium Yellow Archangel is in full bloom in the big garden bed. This is one of the very first things I planted here in 2006 and it has been absolutely dependable every year since. Like clockwork. It has spread into a nice mound and I really love it.

This is the tiniest little wildflower that is blooming in a couple of places just in front of the big hosta flower bed next to the porch. I don’t know what it is, but it’s so delicate! That pale pink is lovely.

Sweet woodruff in the bed on the other side of the house (where yesterday’s fern is). It spreads hither and yon every year.

Last night, I could find absolutely nothing to watch on tv. TCM was doing its usual war movies thing, which is not my  thing, so I went to Netflix. I ended up watching White Christmas.

What can I say, it makes me happy.

And of course, I cried when all the soldiers surprise the retired general. Actually, now that I think of it, it’s the perfect movie for Memorial Day.

I’m never sure why we say Happy Memorial Day. If it’s really about honoring our fallen soldiers, well, then it should be sad and serious.

But it wears two coats, this holiday: what it was originally created to be and what it has also evolved into, which is the unofficial start of the summer and a day off and a chance to barbecue and have fun. (If you are doing that today, have a lovely time!)

So I’ll just say that it’s Memorial Day. We honor all those who have died while serving this country. The most fitting form of honor for these brave men and women would be to never, ever go to war again.

Happy Monday.

 

 

 

On Sunday

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You think you see everything, but quite often, you’re missing something.

Case in point: I was taking a photo of fleabane. I saw a little bug on the plant, so I quickly snapped a picture.

I kept shooting because I wanted to make sure the fleabane was in focus. And look what I got:

Two little bugs flying around!

I love surprises like this.

The oriental poppies should be opening soon. (I hope it’s before I leave for NYC, otherwise I might miss them.)

This fern has been popping up in one of my beds for a couple of years. This year it’s pretty big. I’ll have to keep my eye on it, because it’s right next to some coneflowers. But I like it.

And this morning, I walked out to the porch and saw this:

First daylily blooms!

It’s a rainy day, but so far it’s a gentle rain. I sat on the glider as it began to fall. It’s a strong sense memory for me, afternoons sitting on the porch of my childhood home, watching the rain fall, staying there as long as possible before the rain started to hit my feet and legs and I had to run back inside the house.

Yesterday was incredibly hot and humid and my allergies have been through the roof, so I mainly stayed inside in the A/C. Of course, I couldn’t help but go outside a couple of times to pull a few weeds and I had to water everything as well, but mostly? Inside.

I watched hours of coverage from the Chelsea Flower Show on YouTube. Amazing. The British are true garden lovers, of course, but as far as I can tell – correct me, British readers, if I am wrong – the BBC covers the Chelsea Flower Show twice a day. There’s an afternoon show, and then there’s a prime time show in the evening. And I think it goes on for a full week.

Can you imagine that happening in this country? HGTV can’t even give us an hour or two of garden programming.

My ancestors were predominately British, so maybe it’s in my blood. Goodness! I love seeing their passion for gardening. I’m going to watch more today. The perfect escape.

Happy Sunday.

 

Lambs Like to Party

Lambs Like to Party

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