Things I’ve seen in the past few days when I didn’t have a camera handy:
A monarch butterfly flitting from one zinnia to another, all the way down the row of flowers. Then he turned around and did it all again. I saw this two days in a row.
Hummingbirds in the flowers in the secret garden, on the geraniums in the barrels, and out among the wild flowers on the edge of the property. I also saw one pop up right in front of us on the porch.
A squirrel sitting on the bench on the Funky Patio. He jumped up from the bench to the rim of the birdbath and took a drink.
It’s never boring around here.
Some photos from yesterday:
We had dinner with one of my former students (who is only 13 years younger than me) last night. Don knows him, too, as they acted together in plays at the Old Globe. He’s one of the funniest people I know, so dinner was full of laughter. We had such a great time. Then we went back to Rick and Doug’s for dessert – pie! – and the talk turned to politics. A lively discussion ensued. We are all of the same mind about the dumpster fire that is this administration.
Doug and me.
James and me. James is looking a little skeptical about whatever Rick is saying.
James and Rick.
Don was taking the pictures on my iPhone.
We had such a great time!
Today? I’m off to get my car inspected.
Happy Thursday.
Linda @ A La Carte says
What fun! I love getting together with old friends. Your garden is a busy spot this summer. I’ve had lots of birds, butterflies and some dragonflies flitting around here. So much fun to watch.
Claudia says
It’s what keeps me sane, Linda!
Anne says
Mountain Brauhaus – my husband’s favorite restaurant.
Claudia says
Just five minutes from our house! They have great vegetarian entrees!
Kay says
Yup, it is so much fun to watch the activity in the garden. I’ve had to learn to not be upset I don’t have my camera with me whenever a hummingbird or a particularly pretty butterfly is nearby. Well into Week 3 of my retirement, I’m still learning how I need to simply r-e-l-a-x. At dinner once we and another couple who are dear friends, laughed so much we failed to notice, until the bill came, that one of the bottles of wine we ordered was very, very expensive. We figured the waiter must have misunderstood or we weren’t paying attention. Anyway, later the wife said to me, “Too bad we were having such a good time we didn’t even notice how the really pricey stuff tasted.” It just gave us something else to laugh about whenever we get together.
Claudia says
I know. Sometimes I just have to shrug my shoulders and not worry about the camera. I think it makes me appreciate the moment even more.
Love your story about the wine!
Myra says
Your flowe pictures today are just amazing! You know how it’s said that everyone has a double. Today I came across Don’s! My husband is very ill and needed blood drawn. An RN named Fred came to our house this morning. He was tall, slender with thick dark gray hair. He was soft spoken, extremely kind and seemed to have all the time in the world to chat with us. As he left, it just struck me how very much he reminded me of Don!!
Claudia says
Myra, I am sorry to hear of your husband’s illness. Praying for his return to good health. I’m glad there was another kind man like Don to be there for your husband. xo
kathy in iowa says
to myra …
i will pray for you and your husband … a return to good health, peace of mind and much more happy time together.
kathy in iowa
Myra says
Thank you, Kathy! My husband’s name is Harry. Prayers appreciated.
Myra says
It WAS really comforting, he looked back over his shoulder as he left and smiled, said, “nice meeting you two.” It’s funny, I seldom comment, but you and Don are a big part of my life! I get your posts via email each day, it’s something I look forward to and can count on. Thank you for being a friend! (I’m hearing the theme song of Golden Girls!).
Claudia says
It’s my pleasure. Thank you for being here. Take care, Myra. Give your husband a hug from all of us
Marilyn says
Glad you had a good time. The pictures tell the story. You all look so happy.
Marilyn
Claudia says
We had a great time, Marilyn!
Susie Stevens says
Claudia, Your flowers are doing so well. :) It’s the simple things that make us smile, like all the little activities you described in your yard. So good to have dinner with great friends. Blessings, xoxo, Susie
Claudia says
Yes, it’s always the simple things, Susie!
tammy j says
Oh I LOVE these pictures!
what wonderful men in your life! XOXO
Claudia says
I’m very blessed, Tammy.
kathy in iowa says
sounds like a lovely time with your love and good friends. i am glad for that for you!
and those flower photos belong on a magazine or seed packaging and catalogs!
kathy in iowa
Claudia says
Aw, thank you, Kathy!