What a day it was yesterday! It rained a lot – all day long. At times, the rain was very heavy. I kept going out on the porch to check on the catbird babies. Let’s stop right here and give Mama a round of applause. She protected those babies. She was vigilant! And the rain went on through the night, as well. This morning, mom and dad are feeding the babies – I got a warning from one of them, short, sharp, and to the point – Get out of here!

The babies are really big now. I’m not sure how many there are but I can’t help but think they’ll fledge soon.

I’m hoping I can get out and do some garden cleanup.

I have some good news. Darko contacted me about two weeks ago concerning a play he began writing during lockdown. It’s an adaptation of an Agatha Christie story. It’s being done at a theater in Red Bank, NJ. He sent me the script, which I loved, and asked if I would coach the French and British dialects in the show. I’m just about to officially sign on – I’m just waiting for the contract. I’ll work on it during the first week of rehearsal and then I’ll be back for a run-through and notes and then again for a dress rehearsal and first preview. It starts rehearsal on August 20.

Bless Darko. As you know, I thought I was ‘retired’ and I didn’t want to be. We also need the income. What I earn is very modest – very – but it will help with the cost of heating oil and add a bit to our modest savings account. Who knows what the future holds after this show, but I love that it’s with Darko.

And no zoom sessions, thank goodness. I actually get to work with the actors in person. Very grateful.

For a brief moment yesterday, the sun emerged and hit these coneflowers.

Stay safe.

Happy Friday.

Day three of hot, humid, over 100 degree weather. But tomorrow promises a break. Both of us feel drugged and lethargic – yesterday, I napped twice, which never happens!

Rose of Sharon. I’ve been using my big girl camera with a telephoto lens. However, I’m purposely not far away from the subject, so I get these mysterious and dreamy shots.

Another:

Yarrow with the flower buds in the process of drying up.

I have to grab these photos early in the morning before it becomes unbearable out there. I sneak quick looks at Mama and the babies when I can, but I am continuously warned by Papa. This warning increases when I’m watering all the porch plants – that just takes too long in his estimation.

I’ve seen two babies – there may be more. Two beaks popping up.

I’ve tried to play with contrast so you can see them better – mama is standing on the nest and there are two beaks to the right of her. You have to look closely, but they’re there.

Another photo of mama shot from the lawn, peeking into the side of the bush.

I’m not sure how old the babies are – maybe a week old? They fledge after about 10 – 12 days, so we might see some action next week. I still don’t hear any chirps from the babies.

That book I was trying to finish? I was ready to read straight through the day yesterday when an email arrived from the library saying it had been renewed. I was really surprised. I guess someone cancelled the hold. I’ll probably finish it today.

Other than that, there’s not a whole lot going on here because of the heat. I can’t do anything in the studio/office because we have no a/c in that room. We’re due for rain and storms tomorrow which will result in cooler weather. I hope Mom is ready to protect those babies!

Stay safe.

Happy Wednesday.

I’m still having problems sleeping, but I can usually take a nap during the day, which helps. And I’m trying to take some time away from the news, though it’s a challenge. We are headed into three days of excessive heat – heat indexes of over 100°. You know I love spring and summer and the gardens are looking extremely beautiful right now, but...I am ready for fall.

Really ready. But we’re not even in August yet!

Don just told me the raccoons got in our trash again – they got in the trash a couple of weeks ago, too.

Mama Catbird is currently standing on a branch right near the nest. I’m sure she heard us talking and is on guard duty. I’m usually pretty quiet when I have to go out on the porch. I’ve seen beaks and even a bit of a body, but those are fleeting glimpses that I get while peering through the leaves of the hydrangea. They chose a great spot for their nest.

We checked in with our neighbors about their son who is in the hospital after a motorcycle accident. Fred says he’s improving. They keep the details about his injuries private except to say it will be a ‘long haul.’ They know we are here if they need anything. So that’s all we can do.

I’m trying to finish a book which is now overdue, and I always return my books on time – except this time. There’s somebody on the list waiting for it and I know I’m being rude, but I’m usually a very respectful borrower, so just this once, I’m going to be a wee bit selfish. Reading it will be my assignment for the day, as well as washing the bedding and watering all the plants.

Stay safe.

Happy Monday.