flowers — Page 58

Monday Morning

July 26, 2021 at 9:38 am by Claudia

These thistles grow wild on the property. This one happens to be right on the edge of the chicken wire fence garden. Normally, I would yank a thorny plant, but I know the blooms are lovely, so it stayed.

We stayed up too late watching the Olympics, simply because I think the men’s 4×100 freestyle relay is the most exciting event of the Olympics. It was worth it. But, we’re thrown off the next day. I slept in a bit, but Don didn’t. So we’re just going to have to watch video of some of the events the next day, instead of in primetime. I know we can watch some events live during the early morning hours, but we don’t like having the television on during the day. There was a time when I flipped on the television first thing every day, watching the Today Show or some other news program. In fact, I did that for most of my life, but now, as I get older, I crave quiet. Blessed quiet.

Mama continues to do everything for those babies. One of the babies was popping up yesterday and I noticed his head now has darker feathers, which means they’re really developing and growing. I expect to see them fledge soon – maybe 6 more days? I sure hope we see them fledge! I’d hate to miss it.

I have yet to start a new painting – for some reason, I haven’t been in the mood. I’ve also been thinking a lot about finally finishing the dollhouse, which I’ve neglected a lot lately. I have a piece of furniture to paint, the bed to dress, a rug or two to add, lighting to address in the living room, bedroom, and studio, and little details to add here and there. I’m going to make a list today of just what needs to be done.

Okay my friends.

Stay safe.

Happy Monday.

Flora and Fauna

July 25, 2021 at 9:42 am by Claudia

The limelight hydrangea is in full flower. Unlike my Annabelle hydrangea, the limelight always blooms later in the summer. Eventually, these flowers will turn pink. It’s a beautiful plant, lush and full.

In case you’re interested, I filmed a short video yesterday. It’s just a short little tour of the big garden bed and the beds by the porch entrance. Everything is in flower and it was sunny and beautiful so it seemed like a good time. It’s on my Instagram feed.

But you can tell it’s rained a lot (an understatement) because in certain areas of the property, I’m getting a lot of mosquito bites. For instance, yesterday we decided to sit in the Secret Garden for a bit – mostly to see if mama robin objected. She did. So we quickly got up and left so she could relax. I’d say we were out there about 3 or 4 minutes. I got 5 mosquito bites. Yikes. The Secret Garden is at the bottom of a hill and it stays wet longer than any other part of the property, so it makes sense that mosquitoes would thrive there.

Nature update: So far, I’ve seen lots of butterflies, including a black swallowtail, an Eastern swallowtail, a great spangled fritillary, and a few monarchs. This morning, our little groundhog was hanging around the big garden bed and we saw our first bunny in over a year. Unfortunately, the little bunny was in one of my garden beds! I opened the door and eventually, he scampered off, white tail bouncing. Oh what a cutie! And of course, mama robin continues to feed her babies constantly throughout the day. She’s a single mother so she has to do it all. I see more of the babies bodies now as they get stronger and thrust themselves up even higher to get food.

I finished my book this morning and, since I’m reading them in chronological order and I missed the one that was published before this one, I’m going to catch up by reading that next. I’m really enjoying the Ruth Galloway series.

I haven’t begun another painting yet. Just wasn’t in the mood. Today is dark and rainy, so light might be an issue. We’ll see.

By the way, I’m finding the fact that the email versions of these posts have been going out on time consistently lately rather ironic since they will soon be no more. Ah well.

Stay safe.

Happy Sunday.

Flowers, Robins, and What are you Reading?

July 24, 2021 at 9:50 am by Claudia

Today is sunny and beautiful. I am feeling extremely lazy (in the best sense of that word) and am determined to move through the day slowly and deliberately. We did a heck of a lot of mowing yesterday and we’re tired! Some of that mowing was rather hurried as we took pains to finish the area by the nest as quickly as possible so mama robin wouldn’t get stressed. The only section we haven’t dealt with is the Secret Garden and that’s because it’s still too wet back there.

Those baby robins are getting bigger. Now, when they are about to be fed, I can see not only their beaks but part of their bodies as they they thrust upwards in search of food. We are so lucky to be able to watch it all from the kitchen and bathroom. It’s like having our very own television screen permanently set on the Robin’s Nest Channel.

As far as the Opening Ceremonies go, I’m afraid we didn’t even last beyond the US team marching in. It was already nearly 11:30 pm and we were tired! I’m sure it was spectacular but I’m fine with missing it. I can always search for highlights of the ceremony online.

Is it time for another edition of What are you Reading? I think it is.

I’ll start. I’m reading A Dying Fall by Elly Griffiths and The Life and Works of Monet, both of which are excellent.

Now it’s your turn!

Stay safe.

Happy Saturday.

Monday Morning

Flora and Fauna

Flowers, Robins, and What are you Reading?

Lambs Like to Party

A Note

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