This not being able to edit photos thing is getting old fast. My laptop is still with Apple and I’m getting impatient – even though I know that my little laptop is only one of many computers in need of repair. Nevertheless…it’s now Friday and we’re coming up on two weeks since I left it at the Apple Store for repair.
Anyway, this is the back of the big garden bed, near where we park our cars. Isn’t it glorious? The tall plants are David phlox, which I planted many, many years ago. Knowing my need to pinch pennies, I probably started with about two plants. They have since spread all over the garden. There was one brief period a few years back when I thought the Bee Balm was crowding out the phlox, but that didn’t last. And this year? Oh my heavens, there are more than ever, including a big patch smack in the center of the garden bed that wasn’t there last year. I’m sure all of our rain this year helped.
If you’re planting perennials, self seeders are the way to go, my friends. Coneflowers, phlox, yarrow – I have them in abundance. You just need to be patient. We’ve been here almost 16 years and I didn’t plant anything (except the boxwood) until the following spring. All of this has been done on a budget. I’ve never been able to add more than 2 or 3 plants a year; some years, I’ve haven’t added any. I’m not much for annuals in a garden bed. In pots and hanging pots? Absolutely. My goal has always been to have the garden take care of itself and even though I weed and do the usual maintenance, if for some reason I couldn’t maintain them, they would still look full and abundant. Of course, I like the wild, somewhat overgrown cottage garden look.
Baby birds: Yesterday, we had a lot of heavy rain and, as you might expect, I worried about the baby birds. Since they’re growing quickly, mom doesn’t sit on the nest anymore. And at night, according to what I’ve read, she perches on a branch nearby. So how would they be protected, I wondered? As the rain got heavier, I checked in at the kitchen window.
Mom was sitting on the nest. As Don always assures me, she knows what to do. I saw her sitting on the nest a few times, protecting her babies from the pounding rain. She remains my hero; single mom, no help from dad, feeding her babies all day long, and protecting them from the rain.
I started a new painting yesterday. I’ll try to work on it today, but we’re going to take a drive today because we need to get out of Dodge. I’m feeling restless and Don is, too. So, we’ll be off to Rhinebeck to visit our favorite bookstore and walk around the village. It’s the perfect day for a little road trip.
Stay safe.
Happy Friday.
Glad the birds are safe and sound. I am always amazed how the small creatures of nature can survive and thrive with the extremes of weather – too hot, too wet, too cold, whatever.
I know. A miracle, isn’t it?
Stay safe, Ellen.
Mama robin is such a good mama! She must be very tired.
I read a book by an actor couple…I cannot remember their names or the name of the book…who bought a farm in Rhinebeck and own a store there. I’m sure you know who I mean. It’s sounds like a very fun place to visit.
I would love to go to the fiber fest there. We do have a nice one here in MI about an hour from me but I think Rhinebeck’s is bigger. Anyway, sounds like a good outing for you and Don today.
Have fun and stay safe
Yes, I know of them and I’ve read the book. I’ve also been to the Sheep and Wool Festival a couple of times with my sister. It’s huge!
Thanks, Marilyn.
Stay safe.
Hope you have a nice ‘drive’ out today. I saw the map on TV last night as to where Delta is galloping and it seems your neck ‘o the woods isn’t in the ‘high’/red zone yet as we are in SoCalif; so, now’s the time and especially, for you, in between rains!
We’re back to curbside pickup here, no more in-store shopping for us, so it’s a groceries kind of day. Such exciting retirement life.
I know. Who knew we’d be coping with all of this in the years we’re supposed to be free to roam and explore?
Stay safe, Vicki.
Yeah, and not to be TOO maudlin, but it’s not exactly like we’ve got years and years and years remaining to even DO that roaming and exploring (where we feel strong enough and healthy enough).
That’s what a few friends have been saying, of how aware we are of the passage of time in this past/wasted(?) 16 months because, at this age, the time flies at warp speed (how, though, when locked down, and we’re just home? [and earmarking the weeks from trash pick-up day to next week’s trash pick-up day; incredible monotony] … it’s a mystery).
Of course, all the while, obviously grateful to have, thus far, evaded the contagious virus.
It does make me think of what WWII did to my parents, putting their lives on hold while Dad served, delaying their marriage for almost four years; my uncle stationed (nearly FIVE years) overseas during the worst of the fighting, not getting to see his baby til the kid was age 3. So, when it comes to things like that, I’m reminded that my grumbling (about life ‘stalled’; life ‘on hold’) is petty.
You know, from my end, and with this now really worn-out phrase, “personal assessment of risk”, my husband has decided to also not fly back to his home state for the big high school reunion, which was already put off from 2020; just doesn’t feel it’s the wisest thing to do right now, being on a long/crowded plane flight and around a large group of people in an indoor setting, although (who knows) this event might even be cancelled again due to the Delta surge. But, in the scheme of everything so serious in the world, is a high school reunion all that important? No. But he had been looking forward to it. Is just one example of dashed plans/disappointments on the part of a lot of people in the interest of safety in these troubling times.
BTW, saw your Saturday post; glad you two had a nice jaunt in Rhinebeck; loved your description of the beautiful Hudson river/valley landscape so I could picture it in my mind, never having been there (yet). I’m glad you have stuff green and blooming around you in the heat of summer. Was good you got out when the time was right. Is just infusion of a lot of good stuff!
My high school reunion was supposed to be in 2020 and was rescheduled for next month. I briefly considered going, but, like your husband, I don’t want to take the risk. I’m wondering if they’ll delay it again.
And yes to the passage of time. Don and I talk about that frequently. It definitely seems to pass more quickly and on some level, that’s alarming. When you add in the pandemic…well, it’s overwhelming.
Stay safe, Vicki!
Every time I read your blog, I realize how much we have in common!
Where do you live in New York? Besides all the rain, I love all the greenery
you have around you. The flowers are beautiful! Have a wonderful drive
today. sounds like fun! Stay safe!
We live in the Hudson Valley, Deborah. It’s a beautiful place to live!
Thank you.
Stay safe!
It’s a splendid garden, Claudia. I know what you mean about self-seeders — they are the best. And annuals are lovely in pots, the best of both worlds.
I’m glad the robins are hanging in there. They could have no better guardian angels than you and Don!
Ah, thank you. It can be worrisome, too, but I’m trying my best to enjoy this experience and the chance to watch it all unfold from my kitchen window.
Stay safe, Jeanie.
Your flowers are lovely. Good advice about annuals, too. That’s where all mine are….in containers.
Hope you enjoyed your drive! ;)
We did. Just long enough away from the cottage, but not too long! It was a beautiful day. We’ve vowed to take a drive at least once a week. It changes our perspective.
Stay safe, Donna!