Mockingbird Hill Cottage

More bees and coneflowers. Lately, I’ve seen a hummingbirds among the zinnias, a monarch flitting around the wildflowers, and bunnies dining on the clover and grass.

Yesterday was the best, though. It was very hot and humid and Don had a gig. I had already done all my watering and I was walking into the living room from the den, As I walked by the front door, I saw our groundhog stretched out on the welcome mats that are by the stairs that lead up to the door. I startled him, which I regret, and I didn’t have my phone with me, darn it. I was very frustrated by my reaction. It would have been so great to capture that moment. This guy is mischievous, eating the zinnias, trying to dig in one of the front garden beds, hanging out on the porch. He reminds me of one of the babies from a few years back, always getting into trouble, but adorably so.

Mama is patiently sitting on the nest. Yesterday, I was on the porch taking a picture and I guess I overstayed my welcome because Papa started his warning call. I quickly finished and told him I was leaving.

Today is cooler and the humidity has gone, so I’m going to do some chores outside.

This is one of the pictures I took right before Papa Catbird shooed me away.

Ruby playing Princess.

Stay safe.

Happy Monday.

A short post today.

I finished the book I was reading just in time as it’s due today. Did a whole lot of weed whacking that I hadn’t been able to get to during the heat wave. Don had a gig last night. Mama Catbird is still sitting on the nest. The groundhog ate some of my zinnias.

It’s incredibly beautiful out there this morning.

The phlox is in bloom. The phlox that was chomped on by the deer is also blooming or just about ready to bloom. The scent is heavenly. This is always the best time in the garden: phlox, coneflowers, bee balm, day lilies, rose of sharon, balloon flowers, brown-eyed susans – all in bloom. I’m going to take all of that in today.

Chloe trying out the chair.

Time for me to make our second cup of coffee. Enjoy your weekend, my friends.

Stay safe.

Happy Saturday.

Friday morning. The heat and humidity are gone – at least, for a while. There is a cool breeze coming through the windows.

Thank heavens. This kind of weather makes me feel ill (allergies to mold and mildew.) I haven’t felt well for about two weeks. I can’t wait to do some work outside later this morning. It’s a truly lovely day.

From the garden bed outside the living room windows. These guys are gorgeous this year!

I want you to know I went outside in a heat index of 95° to get these photos – yes, I know, I’m a saint.

The brown-eyed susans are opening up; always a sign that we’re headed into the second half of summer. It all passes so quickly, doesn’t it?

Bees LOVE coneflowers. And I love seeing them everywhere.

You know how I feel about every vile thing going on right now. I am quite vocal about all of it on my main IG account and on Threads. I know some of you follow me there. That doesn’t mean I won’t address it here at some point, but I do get sick of having to block ignorant cult members, so I’m keeping this little place on the Web a relatively happy place.

Stay safe.

Happy Friday.