This beautiful bumblebee obligingly stopped to take a rest. Thankfully, I had my phone with me.

I did a lot of work outside yesterday, which involved trying to prune some of the bushes in the big garden bed because I could no longer get around them to tend to the garden. There’s still more to go. While I reacquainted myself with that overgrown part of the garden, I noticed that a deer had chomped on all the David phlox, which I rely on for late summer color. I’m hoping the phlox makes new shoots. I was not a happy camper. Deer tend to come around in the very early morning or at dusk. I’m going to be more vigilant about showing them the exit. We’re usually up by 5:30 am, but I suppose 5 am would be even better.

We also put some netting over Don’s experimental vegetable garden. I’ve seen our curious bunny friend in that stretch of garden. We’ll see. Don has alway said that he’s doing it for fun and he’s not invested in it, but that changed on Saturday when he discovered lots of green things emerging from the soil. I hope he can at least harvest some  of it.

There’s still a lot more to be done out there, but today, I rest my back. I’ve noticed certain sections of the front lawn are turning brown. No rain will do that. I do see a chance for showers tomorrow and later in the week, but I’ve become cynical about rain forecasts. I admit it.

Gosh, I’m really enjoying The Locked Room  by Elly Griffiths. I read a big chunk of it this morning and I might finish it today. War and Peace  is also riveting at the moment; there are many discussions about the plot on a daily basis.

The clematis blooming in the midst of the unkempt boxwoods. Another job on my list of chores.

I had a long talk with my sister on Saturday. It’s not my place to share anything, but her life has been hellish for several years and it continues to be, as the divorce is not yet finalized. I despise my brother-in-law. What I would like to ask of you: your prayers, good thoughts, and positive wishes for my sister. She is such a truly good person, always helping others, always giving. She doesn’t deserve any of this. I believe in the power of positive energy and prayer. She needs that.  Thanks so much, my friends.

And I hope karma has some payback headed my BIL’s way.

Stay safe.

Happy Monday.

White violets in the garden bed on the other side of the house.  They’re quite beautiful this year.

I wandered around with my camera yesterday afternoon so I could have a record of this particular moment in time. It’s good for me. I feel my shoulders drop. Instead of a quick glance, I really see  what has emerged from the ground.

I caught the bridal veil spirea a bit late in its bloom, but better late than never. I love the frothy look of what is usually a random green bush.

We’re laying low this weekend. My back needs a rest, Don’s had a difficult week. I’m working on my puzzle (Klimt) while Don plays his guitar and ukelele. I’m reading a lot as well. Both of us are stunned by Tolstoy’s writing. I’d put him right up there with Shakespeare – truly one of the greatest writers ever. What a gift this readalong is! I’m reading War and Peace – a tome I would normally avoid because of the commitment it requires. But with a chapter a day? No big deal. I love it.

The same man who started this is planning on a readalong next year of the Thomas Cromwell trilogy by Hilary Mantel. In this case, these are books I have avoided because I’m not a big fan of historical fiction. Yet I’ve heard so much praise for her writing, especially in the articles that were written at the time of her untimely death. So I’ll probably do that as well. Next year.

Okay.

Stay safe.

Happy Saturday.