The TSP/The Studio weekend has ended. As I’m sitting at my desk, I still look to my right expecting to see it on my work table. It’s been there since we made the move into this new space. It’s now in its new home – at least, for the time being – on Don’s desk. Needless to say, Don had a great birthday weekend. He replied to all of your birthday greetings yesterday, so if you don’t get replies emailed to you, check back on Friday’s post.
We’re still in recovery mode, with a dollop of sinus yuckiness added to the mix. I have to say this has been the worst spring/summer for allergies and sinus trouble that I can ever remember. It’s been relentless.
The garden, as of yesterday:
Daylilies, hollyhocks, coneflowers, bee balm, hydrangeas – old fashioned flowers in a country garden.
Oh, and down by the road:
Our tiger lilies are in bloom. I say ‘our’ because these beauties bloom alongside the road on most of the properties around here. I love these splashes of orange – they’re so beautiful
And the fireflies are back again.
This little one is usually seen in the early morning hours and at dusk. Sometimes he’s alone, at other times, he’s with two adults. If he gets scared, he runs under my car. This morning he and my favorite mourning dove were within 6 inches of each other on the ground. I ran to get the camera, but the dove had moved to the birdbath by the time I got back.
Catbirds, mourning doves, a house finch, bunnies, rabbits, and a wild turkey feather found on the ground. Early Monday morning here at the cottage.
Happy Monday.
Love the pop of red mixed in the flowers. It’s hard to believe the gardens are almost at peak! I want to enjoy the flowers longer!
Oh, I know! I get a little panicked, thinking that it’s all going too fast, Doris.
Hi Claudia, love your bee balm (something I don’t seem to have success with…sigh…). What wonderful recent posts. Loved the video of the reveal which I finally watched last night. Don’s reaction was wonderful! I especially loved when he kept saying I want to go there, or I want to live there. And it is so cool that he is rearranging things to listen to music or get inspired. So, so cool. Another busy week for me – still catching up at work from being on vacation. Oh well, at least the work days seem to fly by which is a good thing.
The best possible reaction is wanting to go there or live there, isn’t it? It couldn’t have gone better and I’m so happy you liked the video, Vera. Have a good week!
Absolutely loved Don’s reaction in the video! Thank you for sharing with us!
And the garden is so lovely. Just like Don wanting to go inside the studio, I want to sit on your porch and take it all in!
I’m just about to head out there myself, Sylvia!
So happy you liked the video – it was a perfect day.
Claudia – Your flowers are gorgeous. Ours are fading fast due to the past two weeks of 100 degrees plus heat index. I’ve been watering both morning and night and the heat has still just wilted everything almost. But, I’ve enjoyed it while it lasted.
Judy
It’s really hard when the temps are that high and the sun relentless. We’ve been in the low nineties the past couple of days and we’re praying for rain. Things are getting really dry around here! I hope you get some cooler temps, so everything perks up a bit, Judy.
Our garden is almost at the same stage as is yours. The bee balm really multiplied this spring for us! Our veggies are also doing quite well. Can’t wait for those to produce, but it is several weeks in the future yet. The fireflies have been back for about 8-10 days now. We had nearly 2.5 in of rain on Saturday over-night, so didn’t have to water last evening. THAT was a treat, but I did remind myself that in Jan/Feb I would pay $$ to go outside to water plants!!
Have a great day!!
We really, really need rain. We’re supposed to get some tomorrow but I’ll believe that when I see it! I’ve been watering so many of the plants by hand and I’d like a break, too! Have a wonderful day, Chris.
One of the nicer Monday mornings I’ve had recently as well. Very quiet, just folding fresh laundry [wished it stayed that way – ha]. Do you think Don will add pieces to his “dollhouse?” Oh, gee – I guess maybe “mini-mancave” sounds better. Not to mention, more accurate…😊
He might. We’ll have to see. I did dangle the big November mini show in front of his eyes, like a carrot, saying he might find some things for his Studio there. We’re calling it his Studio – or MiniStudio! I’m trying to stop the use of man-cave…too overdone! Maybe Mini Music Studio and Getaway?
Studio is perfect – that’s exactly what it is! 🎹
xo
Love all the color in your garden, Claudia. We had a nice (rare) breakfast out and then spent an hour or so at our local nursery this morning. Nice rewards for having to wait at the lab for my blood draw! We bought pineapple sage, mint julep mint, a few cacti for my patio in the west facing front patio. After a little indoor time, we’ll be outside this afternoon preparing two new raised beds and transplanting my cacti. Then work on the memory quilts. Busy busy, but I wouldn’t have it any other way, nor, I suspect, would you.
I like being busy, too. It sounds like a very productive day for you and yours, Wendy! I just have to start in on my new mini build, but I’m not quite ready for that yet! I probably need a few days between projects.
I was so pleased to hear from Don himself..Thank you so much to a guy I admire very much..I love your red bee balm..have you ever thought of adding some purple ones..I like purple and red together…I have a bed full of tiger lilies on one side of the house..they really need thinned out as they are starting to spread outside of their bed..They were here when I bought this place nearly 10 years ago so I imagine they have multiplied many times over..Did you say that was crown vetch where the bunny is sitting..we have lots of it blooming here also..
I have so much purple already in the garden – tons of catmint, the flowers on the crown vetch. If you look closely, you’ll see purple catmint right next to the bee balm.
Yes, that is crown vetch near the bunny. It started with a few cuttings from my friend, Heidi, and now it really takes off. I like it.
As Chris said…we got lots of rain Saturday night…it was most welcome! I’m growing a few herbs and some cherry tomatoes…all doing well so far on my deck! My hostas are getting ready to bloom…seems a bit early this year. And my lilies should burst in a week or less. Your gardens are looking lovely! I’m having a hard time keeping up with the weeds…seems like a never ending battle! ;)
We’re getting a bit of rain right now, which is very welcome. I hope we get a lot more! Weeding is on the docket, but I’m putting it off as long as possible, Donna!
That bunny is so precious!
There is a family of wrens near my front porch. They scatter and chatter every time someone comes or goes. I love their sweet little chirpy noises.
I predict hummingbirds for you. You have all the right “bait.”
Claudia, your photographs are stunning, as always. I don’t know how you do it.
I hardly ever see a hummingbird – rarely! Don’t know why!
Garden is looking beautiful Claudia. Love your bee balm – I have bees but no balm!
Your double hollyhock is gorgeous.
Happy week – Mary
Thank you, Mary!
I love reading your nature posts and enjoying your photography. A welcome respite from an oft wearying world.
P.S. A late birthday greeting to Don! Your reaction to the TSP was wonderful.
Thank you, Jacki!