The neighborhood pool was open for business yesterday. It was so dang hot and humid! I managed to catch this particular fellow in the midst of a refreshing dip.
He was in and out of the water several times. I was a wee bit envious.
The rudbeckia have opened.
The liatris are filling out. I love these flowers which are tall and spiky and exotic looking.
Amazing.
I’ll try to get some shots of the garden in the next few days – we’re approaching that time when the tall David’s Phlox will be in bloom, along with all the coneflowers and the rudbeckia. It looks awfully pretty. It’s what I call the July Peak.
I just caught a glimpse of one of our bunnies through the den window. I wonder if it’s one of this summer’s babies? The other day I saw our groundhog chomping on some grass. Groundhogs are shy, timid, gentle creatures, and vegetarians to boot. They run and hide under the shed when they’re scared, which is quite often!
Oh, and I saw a hummingbird yesterday! I walked out onto the porch and there, staring at me, was a hummingbird who was hovering over the coneflowers. Turns out the coneflowers weren’t what she was looking for, but she hovered and darted and looked absolutely beautiful.
Did I have my camera? No.
This might be one of my favorite photos ever. I was using the macro setting, trying to capture that tiny little bee who is on the edge of the cone. I love the highlights and shadows and the texture of the cone.
Sometimes you get lucky.
Happy Thursday.
Judy says
Thank you for the photos, almost afraid to think what my yard is going to look like when the sun comes up…it’s going to be 103 with dry heat.
Claudia says
Hang in there, Judy! That’s way too hot!
Dawn says
Loved seeing the birdies bathing. Pinning:)
Claudia says
Lots of trips back and forth between the house and the birdbath – must keep it filled with water!
Nancy Moreland says
The flowers are so pretty. I use to have some coneflowers, not sure what happened to them. I will have to plant some more. My birdie pools were quite busy yesterday too. It’s fun to watch them. I have this one bird who just loves to jump in and splash all around then the others line up on the edge to get wet like it was a sprinkler! Have a great day!
Claudia says
It is great fun to watch them, Nancy. I agree. How can you not smile when watching them jump in and take a dip?
Linda says
This is not criticism, Claudia. This is empathy. I never know what day of the week it is.
Claudia says
Not sure I’m understanding your comment, Linda. Is everything okay with you?
Claudia says
Oh wait, I get it! I said Happy Wednesday instead of Thursday! Yikes! Thanks, Linda! I’ll correct that right away.
Linda says
Little mistakes like that make me smile—-I’m not alone in my sixty-something muddledness. Is that a word? Now where’s my dictionary?
Claudia says
If it isn’t a word, it should be. Lately, I often wonder what day of the week it is – but the sad thing is that I was SURE it was Wednesday today!
Nancy Blue Moon says
I just had to laugh ladies..I had a funny thought..it used to be when there were holidays I would get the days mixed up..now it seems to happen several times a week..lol..muddledness is a very good word Linda..
Susie says
Claudia, Your pictures are all very good. I love seeing everyone’s flowers. I think you do very good close ups. Hope you can enjoy sitting on your porch these nice days. Blessings, xoxo,Susie
Claudia says
I hope so, too. Hopefully, the humidity will drop a bit. Fingers crossed!
Dee says
Beautiful pictures. I love those “lucky moments”. I always feel like a much better photographer than I really am when I get a lucky shot. LOL
Claudia says
Me too!
Laura says
So fun to see your mid summer garden. I have never been able to get a picture of a hummingbird. They dart away too quickly. xo Laura
Claudia says
Yes, they’re awfully quick!
Linda @ A La Carte says
I am really enjoying YOUR garden this year! That last photo is great…love how that happens sometimes!
hugs,
Linda
Claudia says
Me too – a wonderful surprise!
Donnamae says
Great pics! Are you able to take a video with your camera? If so…how about one of the birds in the birdbath? I miss my birdbath…winter broke it…really! Enjoy your day…is it cooler yet? ;)
Claudia says
Not so easy to do. I take these photos from far away and then crop them. If they see me, they’ll fly away.
It’s a bit cooler today, but still hot. And still humid.
Karen Chaudoin says
Lovely picture of the bee on the coneflower and I will have to try the macro setting.
Claudia says
It’s what I use for all those closeups, Karen.
Donna@Gardens Eye View says
The hummer will like the phlox once it opens and they do like coneflowers if other nectar plants aren’t available….must be checking out other plants for now….it seems everyone is enjoying the neighborhood fun! Great pictures Claudia!
Claudia says
It’s just timing it so that I happen to be there, camera in hand, when the hummingbird is there.
Missy says
Good catch with the Bee, Claudia. Hot and humid have been replaced by dry breezy 70s with dew points in the 50s. Only to last a day or two though and then we’re back to the hot and humid stuff. I am not a fan of summer.
Claudia says
Oh, what I wouldn’t give for a low dew point!
Vera says
Great photos Claudia! Aren’t groundhogs the funniest? We have a resident who goes from our shed to the neighbor’s shed and when he gets frightened he can really book it…looks so funny when he runs.
Claudia says
They can run really fast! Just saw ours again and the minute Don opened the door – boom! he was gone.
Nancy Blue Moon says
I saw the Hummingbirds yesterday enjoying my red Bee Balm..I looked out this morning and saw my Black Eyed Susan was blooming too..I do enjoy the pictures you get of the birds bathing Claudia..Don’t you wish you could join them sometimes??
Claudia says
Yes, I do! I wish I had a pool.
Janie F. says
I really love your photos Claudia. They always make me want to go outside and really look closely at every flower, plant or bush I see. We are seranaded daily by the singing birds and oh how lovely they sound. They sure sound better than the loud hum of the air conditioners.
Claudia says
Much better than air conditioners, Janie!