Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Big thunderstorm yesterday afternoon and more coming today. Thankfully, the temperature has dropped so it’s not so humid. We had the big storm, but it never stormed north of us where the concert series was taking place. But you have to make a call, don’t you? It went well. I went to bed early because I hadn’t slept well the night before. Last night’s sleep was much better.

We’re taking it easy today.

Over the course of the past 5 years or so, more and more wildflowers have been popping up around the property, especially around the funky patio. It looks like a mini-meadow, which is quite interesting given the fact that the surface is mostly gravel. We really enjoy the wilder look. I just clear two paths for getting back and forth to the front porch and to the kitchen door and let the rest of the area do its thing

There’s lots of fleabane.

The invasive hawkweed, which I’ve kept contained. If it’s in the flower bed it gets yanked. The rest blooms outside the bed, next to the door to the basement. I do love that bright yellow.

And there is Dame’s rocket/wild phlox.

They grace us with their presence for about a month or so and then they’re gone.

I’m also seeing yarrow blooming by the bird bath and up in the corral. And a daisy near the front porch entrance. More photos when the rain stops.

Stay safe.

Happy Saturday.

Weather report: Hazy, hot, and humid around here. We installed the A/C units on Wednesday, which ended up being just in the nick of time! Today promises to bring some thunderstorms and then it will rain for a few days – which is why we ended up mowing the front lawn yesterday in the morning heat and humidity. We have to stay ahead of the weather around here.

Poor Don. He books the talent for an outdoor summer concert series north of us. It takes place on the first Friday in June, July, August, and September. Every time, there is rain or a storm in the forecast. He, of course, worries about whether it will impact the concert and the musicians he has booked. Will they move it to a covered venue? Will they notify the public in time? That part of it is always dicey because the powers that be aren’t always on top of it. So we had a talk yesterday about letting the worry go because there’s nothing he can do about it.

He’ll be there to introduce the musicians.

Some of the Dame’s Rocket/wild phlox that grows all over the property at this time of year. And it smells heavenly.

As do the wild roses.

I’m laying low today.

Oh, we watched Cinema Paradiso  last night on TCM. It’s one of our favorite movies and, true to form, we were both crying at the end of the movie. As Don said, it’s really in a class by itself. A beautiful homage to the cinema. I cannot tell you how much I love it. Words aren’t adequate.

Yesterday, I paid for another year of hosting for this blog. I won’t guarantee anything beyond that, but I saved my pennies and we’re good to go until June 2026.

Yes, I know I showed you this on Wednesday, but there is an update: the little dog has been named Twinkle. The girls and animals approve. Hi, Twinkle!

Stay safe.

Happy Friday.

 

Yesterday, we walked through our woods after mowing the lilac side of the front lawn. Even in the woods, the wild roses are blooming. It really is another world up there; quieter and peaceful. I tend to forget to walk in the woods, though Don does it all the time. He also plays his guitar up there.

We’re in for a mini heat wave and the question here at the cottage is: how long can we delay installing the A/C units? We got through yesterday and used the box fan in our bedroom window last night and it was comfortable. Will it work tonight? Or will we regret not having installed the A/C? It’s a bit of a pain to install them. Update: I just talked to Don – I think we’ll install them today. Then there’s the impending rain on Friday – Sunday, which means we’d better cut the grass, but there’s an air quality alert for today. Decisions, decisions. And ultimately, I can’t stress over it.

These are the little flowers that are blooming everywhere on the property. Wild roses, brambles – the name changes. Usually they’re a pain in the tush, but for this moment in time, they’re absolutely lovely.

Soon, I’m going to start the face up on the Little Keiko doll head. But now, I think I will have to hold off until next week because of the humidity and rain. The sealant has to be sprayed outside because it can be toxic (I wear protection) but humidity and rain are not friends of this process. So, next week. Darn it!

Nina, Derek, and the little nameless dog. She is so beautiful. She was the girl I picked to bond with yesterday. That’s what I’ve been doing this week. I choose a girl to hang out with and my doll mojo, which has been missing lately, begins to come back. Sophie was first up, then Zoe, then Nina. I haven’t picked today’s girl yet. More coffee is needed first.

I know I should change Nina’s outfit as she’s been wearing it for quite a long time, but I love her in it. So it’s staying a bit longer.

Time for more coffee.

Stay safe.

Happy Wednesday.