At the very beginning of spring, I noticed feathery leaves growing in the corral. They looked a lot like yarrow. I have some yarrow that self-seeded growing in the chicken wire fence garden, where I plant morning glories and zinnias. So I waited and watched them grow and when it came time to start mowing, I mowed around them.
Yep. It’s yarrow. I’ve tried to take a picture that shows you how beautiful they look in the corral, but try as I might, I can’t get one. This is the best I can do at the moment.
There are more plants growing along the fence line.
It’s like I suddenly have a mini-meadow. I hope they come back next year.
The lavender that I potted is quite tall now and flowers have started to appear.
The catalpa is in bloom. I’m sure the other catalpas up in the woods are also in bloom, I just haven’t seen them yet. I was on the porch yesterday and the scent of the flowers wafted my way. Heavenly.
It got windy later in the day and there are a lot of flowers on the ground. Today, we’re due for some rain and storms. And then there will be more flowers on the ground. Short lived, these blooms. I can’t rescue them, they don’t do well in a vase, but I’ll rescue my peonies if necessary.
Isn’t that a beautiful flower?
Rose update (these blooms last about two days, by the way.)
I mowed yesterday because it has to be done. I did pretty well and am feeling a bit better. There’s still more mowing to be done, but I’m pacing myself. I’m also reading the latest Lee Child on my iPad. A novel. I’ve been on such a long stretch of not being able to concentrate on anything other than nonfiction, so this makes me happy.
Meredith uses her iPad all the time and that’s what inspired me to dig mine out the other day. It had been so long that I had forgotten that I had my Kindle books downloaded there. It has a bigger screen than my Kindle (where that little piece of technology is at the moment, I have no idea) and I think it’s easier to read. Anyway, I was inspired to visit Amazon and I downloaded a few books, one of which was Lee Child’s latest Jack Reacher, which was published last November. I’ve read all of them, but hadn’t read that one. Lee Child’s style is so straight-forward. It’s in the first person and Jack Reacher is no-nonsense, so it isn’t so heavily written that I might drift away, if you know what I mean. I’m more than halfway through. Maybe this will be the breakthrough I need.
I can’t even talk about what is happening to our country and our moral standing in the world, or the cages in which immigrants are being held, or the separation of children from their parents. ICE equals Gestapo. Each day brings more assaults on the principles we hold dear, the compassion we should hold dear, the rule of law – much of it being done by ‘faux’ Christians. We won’t even get into the glorification of murderous dictators. Call your Reps. Demand change. And vote.
I need an escape. I swear, there are times I’d like to move to Canada. My mom was born there. Three out of my four grandparents were born there. Maybe I could just slip across the border?
Just kidding. Sort of.
Alternatively, living off the grid sounds increasingly tempting. And that is something I’m not kidding about.
Sigh. Anyway, if I write about it, I get more angry and I need to stay calm. Breathe deep.
Happy Wednesday.
I am so glad you have your gardens! Not only do they help you by being your sanity, they are ours also, through your photos!
I can only read or watch maybe 10 minutes of news. Then I escape into a book or movie or cleaning! Our country has become something I never would have believed. I am so glad my dad did not live to see this. It would have broken his heart.
I have joked for years about moving to a different country. Good thing I am not rich. It would no longer be a joke.
Hugs for you and Don.
My dad, too. He despised Trump, and he would be sick at heart about this. (As are well all.)
Unfortunately, not all of us in this country are appalled. A neighbor regularly crows to George, despite knowing my husband’s views, about all the wonderful things that our president is doing for our country.
I’m so sorry you have to put up with that. Cult45 chooses to believe anything he says.
You got my husband and I started on Lee Child and we’ve never looked back. Thank you. And I know how you feel about the political climate. I can’t imagine calling that horror “a man who loves his country and people”. Canada is looking good. But then we all need to outlast this administration. I am going to a luncheon today. Potluck. I made tater tot casserole last night for my niece who just had her third child, so I made two; one for the potluck today. I’m set. And this is with my smocking group, so we will be working on an embroidery project too. My favorite kind of day. No politics. Read your book, watch movies and help Stella cook a tater tot casserole. I made mine with peas and it tastes great.
I think I’m going to make some biscuits this afternoon. I haven’t made them for a long time. Have a good time at your luncheon, Tana.
So glad that you’ve been able to get into a good book again. I’ve been doing a lot of reading in the past few months. Between what’s going on in this country and some personal issues well it can all just be too much can’t it? I know you understand.
My husband and I are in the process of retiring. So looking forward to what the future holds for us but goodness is it ever stressful. We had originally decided on Asheville, NC or Williamsburg, VA. But just in the last week we’ve decided that we are running away to a little mountain town called Boone, NC. Very small. Surrounded by mountains. Peaceful. Four seasons. Nature. Peace. We have found a little cabin to rent for the next year.
Just taking the time off for one year to get lost, enjoy nature and one another, rest and find some peace. Not sure where we will end up after that but for now knowing what we have planned for the next year sounds heavenly and I cannot wait.
I hope you and Don find comfort in one another and your little cottage. Praying we all survive this administration.
Have a lovely day Claudia!
So excited for you, Belinda! Leaving Texas behind and moving to NC!
I really like one of my doctors; he’s my age and a world traveler. Very zen. Vegan. Active. In great physical shape even with old sports injuries and looks ten years younger than his ‘real’ age. Big reader. Believer in assessing one’s life (at many points throughout a lifetime) and taking new directions; resists falling into ruts. I feel like I’ve gotten to know him pretty well over the past 20 years; the type of person with whom I feel quite comfortable. He and I talk politics somewhat; candidly. There aren’t a lot of people you can safely (and without judgment) do that with. But he said to me the other day, “Oh, if I was younger; I wish I’d have gotten out of here years ago.” (He meant with the current climate; what’s going on with Washington, etc. Like, what you’re saying, getting out. Making a big change. Now, his wife has health issues; possibilities for reinvention become fewer; holds us down as we age and with greater adult responsibilities.) I said, “Where would you have gone?” He said, “Norway.” And then proceeded to tell me about what he felt was progressive and positive in that country. Just thought it was so interesting. I have a childhood friend who married a Norwegian and she’s been over there now for nearly 40 years. Americans do this; there are a lot of ex-pats out there in the larger world, probably even more now. About ten years ago, an acquaintance of mine moved permanently to Switzerland. And another woman I went to high school with has relocated to Portugal.
Totally get what you mean about Canada. I love Canada in MANY ways. I still have so much of it yet to see; I only know its western regions. I’m planning today to get caught up on all the facts around the Trump-Trudeau thing as I’d been avoiding the headlines, head-in-sand. Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain had all my attention.
(I should mention that my doctor is a Viet Nam War veteran who loves his battered U.S.)
To the beautiful, your mini meadow is lovely.
Off subject, you know Claudia, I’m feeling it’s good that you not spend another winter alone at the cottage. I mean, yes, you can do it; have done it. But I think it’s good this year that Don can be home. When weather is bad, two is better than one if it’s possible.
Well, having home in the winter will be awfully handy, that’s for sure!
a beautiful post Claudia. even with all that is going on.
wishing you peace. and days of happiness. xo
Thank you, Tammy.
Why not move? You are not that far from Canada so could still go back and forth to the city. Why live somewhere that makes you unhappy when you have a choice?
You can’t go back and forth to the city from Canada. It’s 5 hours away from our cottage and we’re an hour and a half from the city. We’re about as far away now as we can get away with. Any further wouldn’t work. Besides, I’m a fighter. And I’ll fight for my country.
That was not a political response. Simply to respond to unhappiness no matter the reason. In some cases, we have no choice as to our situation, but when we do , I see no reason not to make a change.
Oh, I know it wasn’t political. I’m just filling you in on the impossibility of that move. My husband has agents here, not in Canada. It’s a fantasy to move there but not at all practical for us right now. Thanks, Diane.
Our gardens have become our saving grace, haven’t they? I also have yarrow growing in my ‘wild’ section, just off the patio. That’s where all my volunteers grow.
I’d love to move…Scotland would be my choice. But…I really don’t think that’s a solution. There’s really no place that is perfect…but I don’t need perfect…I need a rational society!
Enjoy your gardens….and just breath in your catalpa blooms! ;)
I love volunteers!
England would also make me happy. Really, what I’d love is to be so wealthy that I could go back and forth!
Oh….wouldn’t that be the ultimate….to travel back and forth at will! ;)
Yes! Escape when necessary. Come back when you get the ‘all clear.’ Which means impeachment.
I’m trying to just survive things in the USA right now. Canada has always looked good to me!
I love your Cataplpa tree. The blooms are so pretty. We are having more rain and I must say it’s not helping my mood any. Trying to make myself work some in the house and then giving myself some reading time. You know I love Lee Childs and Jack Reacher, always good! Hugs!
We’re having a little rain, not very much so far! I’d actually like a bit more so I don’t have to water today.
Claudia, what is happening to our country makes me extremely angry, sorrowful, sad, shocked, disbelieving, and then right back to extremely angry. Interestingly, when I ask my FB family and friends if they still believe they made the right choice, there is silence.
On a happier note, your blooms are beautiful and the catalpa blooms are exquisite. They look almost like a lilly.
Last early evening I spotted Beeter (our resident ground hog) outside through my dining room window which has 2 inch blinds. I exclaimed “Oh hey there you’re back” to myself but he must have heard me cause he took off for his whole like and Olympic sprinter!! They must have THE most sensitive hearing. (I named him Beeter because my husband always jokingly called them beet eaters!)
Have a pleasant day!
Of course there is silence. I did read one comment on Twitter today from someone who actually admitted that he regretted his vote and that enough was enough. That’s refreshing.
They DO have sensitive ears. Sometimes the quiet click of the shutter on my phone camera – on the other side of a closed window – will send Henry scurrying away!
Lovely flower pix – it’s my “thing” too. Was just taking a bunch last night as the sun went down. That catalpa tree brings back memories of the one that stood in my best friend’s front yard when we were kids. We loved playing under that tree when it was in bloom. I’m trying to take an MSNBC / CNN break. Best decision for my blood pressure, I think. Every night I get home, I go sit outside instead. We are lucky to have our gardens to keep us busy.
I know. I have to stay away sometimes. It’s too much!
I read your blog everyday but don’t comment much. When I first saw the white flowers I thought they were Queen Ann’s lace. I had no idea the similarity of Yarrow and Queen’s Anne’s lace. I love looking at your flowers. When we lived in NH, I mowed our yard. The yard was about 3/4 acre with swamp. And every once in a while a snake would hop in front of the lawnmower. And I would end up doing the “I saw a snake dance”. I wonder what my neighbors thought when I was jumping around in the yard. Right now I am reading a book “The Dark Winter” by David Mark. A British mystery set somewhere in England. Oh I just realize the title of the book and winter not being your favorite season. I am wondering are you referring to the photos of children in cages that was going around on Twitter? Apparently that is from 2014. And the photos were taken by Associated Press photographer Ross Franklin. If I were to pick where I would love to live, would either be in the White Mountains of NH or Garmisch Germany in the mountains. Of course maybe Ireland or even Staffordshire England because that is where my great-great grandfather came from to the states. I have never been to Ireland or England but I would love to visit and see where my ancestors came from.
No, Trina. I’m referring to firsthand accounts of Senator Merkley and Rep. Pramila Jayapal. Both have been to different detention centers and have reported back.
I hope you get to visit those countries someday. I have ancestors from England and Ireland, as well – also Scotland and Germany.
And yes, Yarrow looks a lot like Queen Anne’s Lace.
Isn’t the Catalpa the most “Heavenly Sweet perfume?” I Love a Lot of the wonderful aromas Mother Nature spreads out there for us to enjoy! Lilacs,Lavender,Alph-Alpha, Magnolia,Iris
Roses, New Mown Hay(Grass).I think I might Love The Catalpa Flower fragrance The Best!
I too have always Loved our Canadian Neighbors, But I feel like to many of our own people have fought and died to keep our beloved land free! I just plan to do what ever I can to help ,and
go down with the ship. Love to my Dear Friend, Judy A
Right now I’m blessed with the scent of peonies and catalpa blossoms! Doesn’t get much better than that.
I almost moved to Canada when I was 22, but I didn’t. Of course, I would never have met Don had I moved there, so there’s that. I’m a fighter too and I’ll do everything I can to change things.
Wow! Your garden is wonderful. Everyday a surprise. I, too, feel a cross between outrage and panic about our dear country. I’m trying to distance myself from any sort of news just to maintain my personal balance. The primary election was scary as well. It’s not just the guy in the White House but many who follow his beliefs are out there in force. And sadly they’re running for office. Don’t think of retreating! This is your county and don’t let ANTONE take it away from you. (I know you don’t) Just a reminder! For me too!
I won’t retreat. I’ll just take sanity breaks when necessary!
I have read so much the past two weeks and trying to watch only a few minutes of my favourite shows, Nicolle, Rachel and Lawrence. Like you, my anger was taking over so
had to attempt to bring it down quite a few notches. I am disgusted with the GOP,
Trump and the so-called Christians. They are all responsible for the hate, racism,
and corruptness in your country. The hypocrisy blows me away. Thank God the majority of Americans are not his cult followers.
So many people say, wait until the November midterms, but I worry that Putin and his Team can affect those votes as well. I wish the Democratic Party instead of words would shout from the rooftops about your democracy disappearing or lead protest marches. Action instead of words from them on Twitter.
Praying for your country. 🇨🇦
I have that same worry, Lea. And no one seems to be doing anything to stop it happening again. We need to be marching on the White House every day. Thank you!
My kindle is my faithful companion, he and my books are a form of refuge for me. The reality of my country is chaos, corruption, violence and more.
I understand. And I’m so sorry, Edis.
Claudia your flowers are such a treat to see. I mowed our front lawn Monday and trimmed a little. My sister and I cut a lot of the bushes and vines growing in the back yard. It still needs a lot more cutting and trimming,but you can do just so much in a day. Glad you are enjoying your book. I just finished reading Marie Osmond’s trio of books. Now I have started a novel “Listening Valley” by D.E. Stevenson. My older sister it read and cannot wait to discuss the book. She loved the book and so did her girlfriend.
Marilyn
I’ve never read any D. E. Stevenson, but I’ve heard a lot of good things about the author. Enjoy!
This morning I was thinking about crap going on in this country, and I started to cry. I cannot say I am proud of our country. I am ashamed and embarrassed. And his numbers just keep going up. When they hand him the peace prize, I may stroke out. We strip children from their parents, we praise murderous dictators and chastise our allies, allow an idiot with no ethics to continue as the EPA head, and watch a vp who looks like a fool as he literally follows this jerk ~~ movement by movement.
At first I was buoyed by the foolish thought that we had checks and balances in place to keep this in check. I also foolishly thought people were elected to represent us and to uphold the constitution. It has all fallen by the wayside. There is no decorum. And we are the laughing stock of the world. Putin and Un certainly have his “number” and play him every minute of every day. I don’t know or believe that there is an end in sight. I just feel broken.
I do, too. I understand. xoxo
At our previous home, we had a huge catalpa tree, loved it. Miss it. Take care & don’t let “life things” get you down friend . Yes, friend, I know we’ve never met, but it seems we are friends , through your blog. 😊
Thank you, Donna! I feel as if we are all friends here.
I’ve never seen a catalpa. The flowers, with those unusual lines are really wonderful. Thanks for posting those pictures and I hope you can enjoy the good weather and greenery.
I am. Today is sunny, so I’m going to take advantage of it and do some work outside. Thanks, Cara!
Your flowers are so lovely, what a nice relaxing place for you to walk! My father was a Rockefeller Republican and he would have been disgusted by Trump! I can’t even watch the news anymore without getting myself all worked up and upset. I am so ashamed to be an American right now and wish I could live in a more decent and civilized country!
My father, thank goodness, is not witnessing this. He would be sick at heart.
The United States of America is, and always will be the Greatest Country in the world!
We have had Bad Leaders before and will again.(Never ( this bad however.) Those of us that want to be strong again, and right again,CANNOT Give up on this Country! I feel horrible about the things that have gone down.I think about all those fresh faced 17,18,19,year old
Young people Marching so bravely into World War II ,and all of the wars these,same people from each generation,doing the same. I so often think about the poem,”I shivered next to Washington one night at Valley Forge, Why do the Soldiers fight here as they do?
Men will suffer men will fight even die for what is right.” Most of us here are are “well Seasoned” Women with a lot of life experience,if not physical might. We have banded together to support one another, and I think we can still fight pretty darn hard! lets keep working, to pull each other up, And Fight! We are Sisters(mostly) with too much to lose!
LOVE and PEACE to everyone of us. Judy A
PS; Brothers certainly welcome.
xoxo
Dear Claudia I hope you will allow me a little Post Script, to my last remark! By way of an Apology to Canada One of my very favorite Countries! Many Other Wonderful Countries on the WWW. Hopefully we all think that our Country is the Greatest! Even Though there are other very close Greats! -Thank-You Love to all of you, and God Bless the USA/All of our Wonderful Countries!
xoxo