This is one of the giant zinnias that just opened. I’ve purchased these seeds in the past, but I’ve never seen them get this tall. I haven’t measured, but they’re over 4 feet tall, maybe even 5 feet. I thank them for providing some color and interest in the garden at this late date – I looked them over the other day and there are more buds getting ready to open. As we’re not going down to freezing this week, I expect I’ll get to see more flowers. It was so windy when I took this that I had to hold the stem in place.
Rain yesterday, rain today. Sigh. 2023 will be called The Year of Rain. Over, over, over, OVER it. But so far, it’s a gentle rain, not a big storm, so that’s a plus.
I’m going to gather some books together this morning and take them to the library. On Saturday afternoons you can drop off books to donate to the Annual Book Sale, so I’m going to start taking advantage of that. I have to be ruthless, of course, and they should be in good to excellent condition. Then I’ll pick up my copy of the newest Thursday Night Murder Club series – The Last Devil to Die – which arrived at the library yesterday. I’m more than halfway through The Running Grave, so I’m determined to finish it in the next couple of days because I have to get going on the other two short term loans I have here, as well. But The Running Grave is such a pleasure to read! I want to linger but I can’t.
Well, maybe just a little,
This is the puzzle I’m working on. It’s from a favorite manufacturer; Lawrence King. I’ve done several of these puzzles. They’re always beautifully designed and full of clues, as well as places, characters, and people associated with the author. Excellent quality. I love the matte finish on the pieces, rather than something too glossy.
Stay safe.
Happy Saturday.
Beautiful color on your giant zinnia…nice to have a pop of color through your rain! We’re having cooler weather, but no rain. The puzzle looks fun with all the clues and connections! Enjoy the puzzle and your reading!
Thank you so much, Barrie.
Stay safe.
other than the rain, sounds like a nice day ahead for you … good!
am sure your library will appreciate the books you donate. lately our books have gone to three places … a local organization that helps people with low incomes get free food, clothing and household items, and senior activity centers in the two very small nebraska towns in which my parents were born and raised. feels good to do such things (and get a bit of space at home), doesn’t it? :)
that puzzle looks fun. i, too, prefer a matte finish on puzzle pieces. and photos and frames. and wall paint (semi-gloss for trim). most everything, it seems!
hope you, don and everyone else have a great weekend ahead! and stay safe.
kathy
We have a small library and they need our support. Donating books is a way in which to help them financially.
Stay safe, Kathy.
I love that zinnia’s color. it’s like Peach has held its breath until it’s about to burst Red (my favorite red).
This is to be added to my collection of favorite quotes: “Like Peach has held its breath til it’s about to burst Red.”
Wonderful!
Thank you, Vicki! 😘
What a beautiful description, Shanna! Thank you!
Stay safe.
So pretty…..are you taking photos with your phone or special camera? Love the color….I have always loved zinnias but the past few years have not been able to do much gardening at all. Every now and then I am surprised by some stray flower that perks up in the pachysandra . Love those moments. I wish everyone a calm and peaceful weekend. Take care.
Phone.
Those stray flowers are always an unexpected delight, Maria.
Stay safe.
What a gorgeous color zinnia. Sorry for the rainy summer. I sure would love to be at your library’s book sale. Enjoy the puzzle.
Thanks so much, Kay.
Stay safe.
Isn’t the zinnia just this little, perfect thing of nature!
I think it’s great when we can donate books to Friends of The Library or even Goodwill. What I really love is that people still buy books! And, this way, EVERYone can afford them because, at our library weekly sales, you can pick up a nice hardbound book for a buck. Books are the gifts which just keep on giving. Recycling at its best. A mom could pick up an armload of children’s books at an affordable price.
I often think today, had I known more about it and had a different mindset, of how I could’ve started out my life with collecting and also furnishing my apartments with all kinds of items from library book sales, garage sales, thrift stores and just various kinds of tag sales. Even in department stores, I’d avoid the sales; didn’t like all the hubbub of it. Mother would scout the thrifts but I was always put off by what I felt was a junky, musty environment. It wasn’t til so many years later that I got the bug and thrill of the ‘antique’ find. I could have saved myself a lot of money had I started up with that kind of shopping as a younger gal out in the world. I actually had to stop going to the thrifts a few years ago because I kept wanting to rescue so many things I found special.
You’ve picked out some nice cityscape puzzles; I enjoy seeing them in progress as you work but then later when you’ve completed them as well. It’s all art!
Have a nice Saturday afternoon today.
Recycling and providing much needed funds for our little local library.
Thanks, Vicki.
Stay safe.
The love of zinnias and dahlias came late to me — within the last couple of years. Now I don’t know what I was thinking. Maybe I found the smell diagreeable? I was the same way about geraniums too. But I certainly like them now. Zinnias are bright and cheerful, and dahlias are rather elegant. It’s started to cool off out here too, but not enough. I think the high for today is projected to be around 85°. I will be so happy to see it consistently hover in the low 70s, upper 60s. My air conditioning is still on. It would be nice to shut that down. I have to thank you for getting me started on puzzles. Wasn’t much of a puzzler before I started reading your blog, but I do find them relaxing. Hope you have a good weekend! I’m off to run errands.
I turned to puzzles during lockdown and I think they kept me sane! I’m glad you’re enjoying them.
Stay safe, Elizabeth.
Lockdown was when I discovered blogs. They’re almost like real-time auto-biographies. I like the stories, and experiencing the different worlds of each person. I find them fascinating.
xoxo
I, too, love jigsaws. I guess I’m a weirdo–I never do the border first. I work by colors. I’d start with the red of the ship, bus and brick building. Then I’d do the blue of the river. Then the greens, etc. Have fun!
Whatever method, putting together a puzzle is fun!
Stay safe, Judith.
I haven’t seen the Virginia Woolf jigsaw in the series but I recognise Bloomsbury from the illustration. Every September one of the local churches hosts a three day jigsaw festival as a fundraiser. Folk make them throughout the year and you can purchase your choice which is then dismantled and boxed.
Books – I either take to the charity shop or donate at the local Amateur Dramatic Theatre which has a dedicated book corner and honesty box. They produce five plays per season but I always seem to come home with more books than I have donated!
Happy Weekend
Our small library has an ongoing book sale and the funds from the sale of the books help to keep the library going. I consider the donations to be my thank you for a much needed resource in our community.
Stay safe, Dee Dee.
That’s a beautiful puzzle. I love the soft colors — one of my fave combos together.
I took a bunch of books to resale at the bookstore yesterday and got $35 in credit (which I promptly spent on two used books and a 2024 engagement/planner calendar. My out-of-pocket was 89 cents, which must be a record for me, just walking in there! The ones they didn’t take will go to the library or possibly goodwill/donation bin. I planned to save the credit for Christmas shopping but then I saw a Bryant and May/CHristopher Fowler I didn’t have (and I’ve really missed these guys — I love that series with complex mysteries, engaging characters and wonderful history mixed in) and a new-to-me Martin Walker Bruno book. I can’t stop.
It’s nice to donate and be able to replace those books with more wonderful books to read.
Stay safe, Jeanie.