Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Flowers

at by

Our two peony bushes are very old. I believe they’ve been here for decades. In the past couple of years, they haven’t done much. Last year, I think there was one flower on the bush that gets the most sun. The other bush is now under a tree that has grown in the almost 18 years we’ve lived here and now its leaves block out the sun.

But this year, one blossom managed to emerge before the leaves took over. I’ve missed this peony.

I would try transplanting, but I don’t know if it would work – especially digging up the peony with the tree blocking some of the roots.

The other bush might be a better possibility. Anyway, isn’t this bloom beautiful? I told Don about it and later in the day he came in the house declaring that the scent is ‘intoxicating!” It is.

Maybe I should simply plant two new peonies next spring.

And when will I remember to spray my plants with deer repellent earlier in the spring? I forget all about it, thinking that it’s a problem I’ll have to address in a month or so. In the meantime, the deer chomp on everything and I’m always shocked that it’s happened so early.

I made up the recipe yesterday and sprayed it on everything. And I mean everything.

Of course, it rained for two minutes this morning. It might rain more this afternoon (we need it.) If so, I’ll spray again.

Before you ask, I can’t send you a link for the recipe because I no longer have access to it – it was on my old computer. It may be on this blog somewhere and you’re welcome to search for it.

More clematis.

Just read a big chunk of War and Peace  this morning. This particular section of the novel is so good I could not put it down, so I’m now ahead of the schedule.

Some good news: my former student from San Diego, Christine, has been battling cancer and her most recent test results are very positive. As Don says, Christine radiates joy and love, and we have been praying for her daily. And Adrian continues to get stronger. He walks a lot every day. His color is better. He is doing very well.

We have an air quality warning through tonight because of particulates in the air due to the wildfires in Canada.

Stay safe.

Happy Tuesday.

 

Bees, Flowers & Books

at by

This beautiful bumblebee obligingly stopped to take a rest. Thankfully, I had my phone with me.

I did a lot of work outside yesterday, which involved trying to prune some of the bushes in the big garden bed because I could no longer get around them to tend to the garden. There’s still more to go. While I reacquainted myself with that overgrown part of the garden, I noticed that a deer had chomped on all the David phlox, which I rely on for late summer color. I’m hoping the phlox makes new shoots. I was not a happy camper. Deer tend to come around in the very early morning or at dusk. I’m going to be more vigilant about showing them the exit. We’re usually up by 5:30 am, but I suppose 5 am would be even better.

We also put some netting over Don’s experimental vegetable garden. I’ve seen our curious bunny friend in that stretch of garden. We’ll see. Don has alway said that he’s doing it for fun and he’s not invested in it, but that changed on Saturday when he discovered lots of green things emerging from the soil. I hope he can at least harvest some  of it.

There’s still a lot more to be done out there, but today, I rest my back. I’ve noticed certain sections of the front lawn are turning brown. No rain will do that. I do see a chance for showers tomorrow and later in the week, but I’ve become cynical about rain forecasts. I admit it.

Gosh, I’m really enjoying The Locked Room  by Elly Griffiths. I read a big chunk of it this morning and I might finish it today. War and Peace  is also riveting at the moment; there are many discussions about the plot on a daily basis.

The clematis blooming in the midst of the unkempt boxwoods. Another job on my list of chores.

I had a long talk with my sister on Saturday. It’s not my place to share anything, but her life has been hellish for several years and it continues to be, as the divorce is not yet finalized. I despise my brother-in-law. What I would like to ask of you: your prayers, good thoughts, and positive wishes for my sister. She is such a truly good person, always helping others, always giving. She doesn’t deserve any of this. I believe in the power of positive energy and prayer. She needs that.  Thanks so much, my friends.

And I hope karma has some payback headed my BIL’s way.

Stay safe.

Happy Monday.

Sunday Morning

at by

I took it easy yesterday as the extreme change in the weather left me feeling not-so-good. Today, as I knew it would be, is better. It’s also quite cool out there this morning. I’m going to do some work outside today – there is much to be done.

So I’m going to keep this brief – just a few views of the property.

The transformation of my nemesis, prickly brambles, into wild roses. This is on the edge of the woods. There are mounds of pretty little roses everywhere and since they climb, they’re also up high in the trees.

My yarrow has started to bloom. The gift that keeps on giving – it has self-seeded in surprising places. I love that.

An early morning view of the secret garden.

Have a lovely day.

Stay safe.

Happy Sunday.

 

Lambs Like to Party

Lambs Like to Party

A Note

Thanks for visiting! Feel free to browse, read and enjoy. All content is my own; including photos and text. Please do not use anything on this site without permission.

Disclosure/Privacy Policy can be found in the Navigation Bar under ‘About MHC.’

Also, I love receiving comments! I do, however, reserve the right to delete any comment that is in poor taste, offensive or is verging on spam. It’s my blog. If you’re a bot or a troll you’ll be blocked. Thanks!

Archives