I noticed a day or so ago that we are no longer hearing as many birds sing in the morning. Every year, like clockwork, I am gobsmacked when this happens. Oh, how I miss the cacaphony of melodies and calls. I hear them here and there during the day and I definitely see them, but the time of joyous morning singing only lasts about 3½ months. Then it’s over.
Time speeds by much too quickly these days.
I mowed yesterday and, once again, I took on too much. I mowed both the back forty and the corral – very hilly. Then I came in the house and cried because I hate the fact that I just can’t handle as much mowing in one sitting as I used to. Intellectually, I know this and have known this. But in my heart, I hate it. Most of the time I accept this change and modify my work outside accordingly. But sometimes, like yesterday, I forget. I’m okay now, having talked to Don, who always helps me sort through these things. New schedule: back forty one day, corral on a separate day, lilac side of the front lawn on another day, and front lawn? Always needs to be tag-teamed with Don. If for some reason, Don can’t do it, then I mow it over the course of 2 days. Just like Don did when my hand was injured.
Remember before you comment: I LOVE MOWING. I have no intention of hiring it out, nor can we afford it. It’s a good form of exercise for me (and Don) and we look forward to it. I just have to be realistic about what I can accomplish.
It sure looks nice back there this morning.
Speaking of the back forty – that’s where our mullein plants pop up. We always mow around them starting in early spring because they pop up in the lawn and we want to see them thrive. Here’s one of them:
This one is about 4 feet tall, but I’ve had a few that were taller than me and I’m 5’9″ tall.
I took that photo after I had glimpsed a flash of a butterfly’s wing through the den window which sent me outside in the late afternoon. There she was, dining on the coneflowers on the far side of the house.
What a beauty!
Stay safe.
Happy Saturday.
different kinds of loss, huh? :( :( but glad you have a plan to keep doing what you love, mowing in a slightly altered way. good for you! :)
and, though it’s a wait, the birds will sing and chat more next year. :)
don’t know that i’ve ever seen a mullein plant before … what a beauty!!!
we are having a soft-but-steady little rain here. not the big, loud stormy rains that are my most favorite, but enjoying this for what it is … much-needed rain and a dark sky. was nice standing out in it as i fed earl and the birds.
hope you all have a wonderful weekend. stay safe.
kathy
Thank you, Kathy.
Stay safe.
I didn’t know that about birds morning singing. I will have to pay attention.
Yep, it is hard to feel our physical abilities diminish. It may have been harder due to the heat and being stuck inside for several days. I am exercising more than ever but my stamina is decreasing. We need to just keep moving and slow down when necessary.
Actually I am very impressed that you mow as much as you do. Definitely hard work.
Thanks, my friend.
Stay safe.
Just saw your “holdouts” post. Cutest thing. I lay in bed yesterday morning thinking about the birds too. I especially notice the lack of robins now since they’re usually the first ones up and chirping in the early dawn. The silence of the birds is, to me, the saddest thing about winter. Thank goodness for our resident cardinals.
Thank you for the picture of the mullein plant. One of these suddenly appeared in a front bed and I’ve been wondering what the heck it was. It stood out because it is so much taller than anything else in that bed. I always learn something when I read your posts.
Take care,
Kay
Look up mullein. It’s known for its herbal properties. Very interesting.
Stay safe, Kay.
Great close-up of the Monarch, especially next to the bright pink coneflowers. I can understand the feelings of wishing to do more, but at least you’re still getting it all done! Gives you more time to stop and smell the roses….or coneflowers! I’ve never heard of mullein plants. They’re pretty. Enjoy your weekend.
Thanks so much, Barrie.
Stay safe.
There’s quite a lot I can’t do now, as I used to do. So I just resolved to find another way to do the same things….as you did. It just takes longer, but you know the saying…” If there’s a will, there’s a way!”
The birds still chirp in the morning…but, the birdsong is all but gone. But now, I can hear more clearly the soft whirring of the hummingbirds. But I do miss the Orioles song…so beautiful.
I’ve never seen a mullein plant in person. It sort of looks like a very tall snapdragon. Nice Monarch capture, too. Hope your weekend goes smoothly! ;)
Thanks, Donnamae.
Stay safe.
Aging gracefully is very hard to do!
Yes, it is!
Thanks, Wendy.
Stay safe.
I’m so impressed with all the mowing you do, Claudia. I can’t imagine how must work that must be, and you should be so proud of yourself. I’m a lot younger than you and in pretty good shape and I don’t think I could do as much as you do!
Thank you, Jenny.
Stay safe.
I hear you about the mowing. Not that mowing is my thing but the whole concept that there are things we really enjoy — sometimes just work tasks others might not understand — and when we can’t do them anymore in the way we used to, it is a big adjustment. But, like you, we figure out how to do what we can as best as we can and still keep at it.
The photos, as always, are wonderful — especially that smashing butterfly!
Thank you, Jeanie.
Stay safe.
So many beautiful flowers where you are. Here we can grow cacti, on the hill near our house. But when they are all in bloom, what a sight. And you can eat the berry things on them. I remember climbing coulees and watching for those sharp plants. Once a prickle went right through my little brother’s shoe.
I have a large white rose bush that I love. And I have petunias because they can handle lots of heat. My veg garden is starting to be work. Beans love the heat.
My uncle out on his farm had a massive lawn to mow, and my dad mowed for the day on his small farm. I can honestly say that I don’t know how to mow. Wow, hope Michael lives to be old. I’d put an ad out, need a man who knows how to work a computer and can mow a yard. I’ll feed.
Loved your little animals on strike. The look on the terrier’s face says it all.
Thanks so much, Irene.
Stay safe.
Your post is so true: changing out an old carpet, cleaning the area and putting in a new one = 4 days. Thank you for sharing the mullein. New this year – 2 both taller than me. (5.3) Do they come back each year?
They do!
Stay safe, Carol.