Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Mockingbird Hill Cottage

The Girls and a Birthday

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Yesterday was another hot and humid day culminating in thunderstorms late in the afternoon. In the morning there were a few sprinkles, but that was it, so Don went ahead and worked at the farmer’s market. It ended up being a good day for him. But boy was he tired from being out in the sun and humidity all day long!

I stayed home and did some laundry, watered houseplants, cleaned and started a new jigsaw puzzle. I gave up on the last one because it was very, very difficult and I finally lost my patience and any motivation I had and put it back in the box. Maybe I’ll get to it again someday. I find I need something to do other than reading on days when I can’t be outside for any length of time, so I bought another puzzle. This one is The World of Sherlock Holmes.

The girls and I worked on a little project in the morning:

We decided that we needed a new group portrait. So, two by two, I carried them outside to the glider and the girls decided where to stand. A couple of them were less than enthusiastic, but we ignored them and carried on.

All in all, I’m pleased with the results.

They’re awfully cute.

TODAY is a red letter day! It’s my darling baby sister’s birthday! I adore her. And I helped raise her since I was 11½ when she was born. She is an extraordinary human being and the world is better for her existence. I don’t know what I’d do without her.

Happy Birthday, dearest sister! I love you to the moon and back. I hope your boys spoil you today. God knows, you deserve it! xoxoxo

Stay safe.

Happy Sunday.

Seeking A Peaceful Weekend

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The bee balm is in bloom – Don’s favorite. That vivid red is never easy to photograph. You can see some milkweed off to the right. I’d say there are at least 12 milkweed plants scattered through the gardens. It used to pop up in the back forty, but it’s moved to the garden beds for the past 4 or 5 years. (And the front lawn, which is problematic.)

It was very hot and humid yesterday, so we mostly stayed indoors, suffering from allergy/humidity brain fog. Today will be stormy and I just heard a rumble of thunder in the distance. Don isn’t going to be at the Farmer’s Market today, because they are now in a parking lot out in the open and he can’t get that vintage camera wet.

The theme for this week seems to be redressing the girls. Yesterday was Imogen’s turn:

Later, I remembered that she has green eyes, too, which complement the stitching on the dress and the shoes.

We finished Borgen (the first series) last night. Excellent on every level! Tonight, we’ll start watching the new batch of episodes of Stranger Things. And I’m reading Spook Street  the next book in the Mick Herron Slough House series.

Above all, I’m trying to stay grounded and find some peace. I didn’t watch or read any news yesterday as I seriously needed a day off which I’m pretty sure will turn into a weekend off. I’d rather scroll my Blythe feed on IG. Or read my book. Or water my houseplants. Or listen to my husband play guitar and sing.

All of which will take place today.

Stay safe.

Happy Saturday.

 

Deer, Flowers & The Girls

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To add to the loss of the tree, the deer have been particularly voracious this year. They’ve eaten the buds on countless coneflowers, every bud on my favorite day lily, and several buds on the black-eyed susans. I tend to forget to spray them with the deer repellent recipe, thinking, for some reason, that I don’t need to do it yet. That’s on me. Anyway, I mixed a batch of it the other day and sprayed everything. We’re due for rain and thunderstorms tomorrow, so I’ll make a new batch on Sunday.

It’s very depressing, but I didn’t notice it until Tuesday – the same day we lost the tree – and I was so upset about the tree that it didn’t hit me quite as hard as it would normally.

Then the Supreme Court crap. This week has – may I say it? – SUCKED.

So I’ve played with the girls every day, dressing one per day in a new outfit, trying to remain sane. It really does help! I’m almost 70 years old and I’m rediscovering dolls – who’d have thought? If I’ve learned anything over the past 5 years or so, it’s that we find peace and respite where we can.

Plus, these girls are displayed directly in front of me here in the den, so I get to see them every day. Pure pleasure.

First up on Wednesday was Madeleine (same dress but with the addition of a bow) –

Heavens, she’s lovely!

And yesterday, Pippa got a new look:

We took her hair out of the barrette.

Both girls have a little cleft in their chins. Adorable.

I think I’m going to dress Miss Imogen today.

It’s going to be very hot today – in the 90s.

Stay safe.

Happy Friday.

Lambs Like to Party

Lambs Like to Party

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