I woke up early today. It was still dark outside. I actually like it that way – there’s something lovely about the quiet and the dark. Add in some coffee and a good book and you’ve got the perfect way to start the day. Around 7 am, we went for a morning walk. It’s so much cooler in the mornings lately, the air feels fresh and brisk. A very nice way to start the day.
Then we came back and made our second cup of coffee. And we saw this:
Our boy Henry. We don’t see him very often, so it’s a big deal when we do. He has more gray hair and he’s a bit heavier. (Same.) Anyway, we were thrilled to see him. I ran for a camera and tried to take some photos with my telephoto lens from inside the kitchen.
We really love Henry and think of him as one of our babies. He’s been around here as long as we have, most likely even longer than that. We’ll have been here 14 years at the end of this month.
Anyway, he has a pretty good life: a great shelter under the shed – and the shed foundation is just fine, by the way – human beings who love him and let him be, lots of grass to eat. We’re just so delighted when we catch a glimpse of him.
Did anyone watch The African Queen last night on TCM? Neither of us had seen it for years, so it was like watching it for the first time. What a great movie, with stellar performances from Bogart and Hepburn!
I’m still completely engrossed in The Overstory. I have a stack of books waiting for me, as well, not to mention Louise Penny’s newest, which is being published on August 27th.
Other than that, Don had a great day taking portraits yesterday. He worked at two venues, so it made for a long, but very satisfying, day.
Today? Grocery shopping. Well, it must be done, right? But the extra treat will be fresh sweet corn from our favorite farm stand (the same place where I buy plants for the garden.) I can hardly wait!
Happy Monday.
Can’t wait for the Louise Penny book. Always one of the highlights of my year. xo Laura
Mine, too! Thanks, Laura.
I did watch African Queen. My 19 year old granddaughter watched it with me. It was her first time watching it. It was great seeing it with her.
I bet it was! Thanks, Kathy.
Claudia:
If you’re looking for a few fun, quick reads, may I suggest the Tea Shop Mysteries by Laura Childs? They’re set in Charleston, with a cadre of recurring characters and fun, quirky whodunnits that make a nice way to pass an afternoon. You can find them all at Amazon, but I like reading them on my Kindle from the library. Here’s a link to the author website in case you’re interested:
http://www.laurachilds.com/teashop.php
It’s beyond hot and humid here in Orlando, and Junior went back to school today. No rest for Mom’s Taxi in the near future, it seems…
Thanks for the suggestion, Wendy. I will admit to not liking ‘Cozy Mysteries.’ This sounds like it might be that kind of book, but I’ll check it out.
So good to see Henry! I didn’t watch tv last night as I was reading and that is always a good thing for me lately. It is so hot. I took Mom up to the grocery store for a few items and we came right back home. The heat is too much right now. My cough is finally getting better but it really is allergies I’m sure. Filled the hummingbird feeder (I swear he looks in the window at me when it’s empty) and a little later I’ll fill the bird/squirrel feeders. Love watching the critters out my window. Hugs.
I bet he does look in the window. Birds are darned smart! Thanks, Linda.
I haven’t seen The African Queen for years but I do remember it being very witty. I also remember as a child seeing several times a black and white film with a jungle setting, very melodramatic. There’s an army of killer ants on the move, destroying everything in their path. One poor soul gets left behind and all that’s left of him is a skeleton. It used to terrify me, it’s going to bug me (no pun intended!) I can’t remember what it was called!
Henry looks a character, I’ve never seen a real groundhog as they aren’t native to Europe.
Happy Monday
I really love groundhogs. They’re very gentle and they’re vegetarians, too! Thanks, Dee Dee.
Glad you had a nice walk and saw Henry. What a treat.
Marilyn
It was. Thanks, Marilyn!
My husband and I watched the African Queen also, we have seen it before but thought it is good enough to watch it again. We also have a groundhog in our yard and love looking for him. We live on the outskirts of our small town and are surprised by his comings and goings. I don’t know where he lives but he always runs into my ferns when he hears a noise. I haven’t named him yet but I do like Henry, lol. Look forward to reading your posts daily. <3
They’re so timid! Any little sound will send them into hiding. Thanks, Barbara!
another lovely day for you … i am glad! and that don’s photo work is going well and you saw your henry!
just got home so am going to make something simple for dinner, work on a project and then relax.
hope you have a good night!
kathy in iowa
Thanks, Kathy!
Welcome back, Henry! And welcome back to me, too — although I’ll take off for the Land of Limited Internet again this week. But it’s good to catch up on it all (forgive the lack of commenting — the pile is too deep!)
All good, though. Nice to be here again!
Nice to see you, Jeanie!