Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Mockingbird Hill Cottage

  • About MHC
    • Disclosure
  • Dollhouses/Minis
    • Hummingbird Cottage
    • The Studio (Formerly TSP)
    • Dove Cottage
    • The Lake House
    • The Folk Art Dollhouse
    • The Modern Dollhouse
    • Dollhouse Source List, Information and Tutorials
  • On the Road
  • Collecting
    • Roseville Pottery
    • McCoy Pottery
    • Egg Cups
    • Bakelite
  • Press
  • Privacy Policy
You are here: Home / garden / Rain

Rain

July 10, 2010 at 11:11 am by Claudia


What happens when your ‘studio’ is in an upstairs hallway with a skylight and no air conditioning and it is over 100 degrees? You only see it as you move as quickly as you can to the air conditioned bedroom. Things get piled up and you can’t even contemplate dealing with them. Any creative ideas remain stuck somewhere in the recesses of your brain.

Your brain turns to mush.

Today, thank goodness, we have rain. Rain, blessed rain. I’ve been worried about the state of the garden, our lawn, and most importantly, our weeping willow. The willow has been dropping leaves at an alarming rate. Willows need a lot of water. I resorted to watering it by hand, although I don’t know if it made any difference. Then I quickly stopped the watering when I remembered that we have a well and that the well could run dry. A quick shift into water conservation mode. We’ve been very careful about our water use the last several days. Though it is just a start, I feel a bit more positive about everything today. I’ve never been happier to see rain.

And you will notice in the photo above that the sky is cloudy. Yes, gorgeously cloudy. We are supposed to have a chance of thunderstorms off and on for the next few days. Bring ’em on!

Filed Under: garden, studio, trees 36 Comments

Comments

  1. Sares says

    July 10, 2010 at 11:33 am

    I feel your pain! A long awaited rain after a hot dry spell is always welcome. At least you’re home! Love your new dolly too, she’s beautiful!

    Reply
  2. GWENDOLYN says

    July 10, 2010 at 11:35 am

    We had a much needed rain two days ago.. I can relate. Hope it cools off for you.
    Blessings~
    Gwen

    Reply
  3. Jan says

    July 10, 2010 at 11:43 am

    Yea for rain! I know you and your willow are most grateful. I am currently undergoing a series of eye surgeries, and am loving the cloudy rainy weather we are having. I know it is dampening summer fun for so many others, though. Hope you are able to spend some happy moments in your studio soon!

    Reply
  4. Olive Cooper says

    July 10, 2010 at 11:58 am

    I will do a rain dance Pinky Swear! No, really it has relented and it 84 degrees right now at 11:57 am. It is supposed to rain here as well. We are so thankful. Guess who will be dancing? hugs…olive

    Reply
  5. Leanne says

    July 10, 2010 at 12:08 pm

    and the sun is supposed to come back out here in a couple of days!

    Reply
  6. LemonyRenee' says

    July 10, 2010 at 12:10 pm

    We, too, finally have some rain, though it has now morphed into just really, really think humidity. I won’t complain. Even just a respite from the relentless beating sun would help.

    Reply
  7. The Quintessential Magpie says

    July 10, 2010 at 12:19 pm

    Claudia, I love your study… those colors are so delicious… pink and that teal/robin’s egg blue!

    I’m sorry about the rain. You know, we have lots and lots of rain here, and in June it just didn’t rain at all. The temps were over 100 with this searing heat and a direct almost tropical sun. Our plants nearly languished, but at last, the rains came! I’m so happy that you’re getting rain now. I hope you get plenty to sustain your yard and your well.

    So glad to see you posting, and I’m glad you’re home! Hope Ralphie is adjusting to you not being in CA, but I know two other dogs who are delighted their mother is HOME.

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

    Reply
  8. Marsha (Sassy Mini Dolls) says

    July 10, 2010 at 12:53 pm

    I hear ya’!!! We’re facing the 100s pretty much all this week. I try to get as much work as I can done in the a.m. as my room is upstairs. By the afternoon even with the A/C going it’s still too stuffy and miserable to concentrate!

    Enjoy the rain!!

    xxoo

    Reply
  9. Into Vintage says

    July 10, 2010 at 1:18 pm

    Here in Oregon, we’re coming off a little heatwave combined with no a/c … but I see enough rain all winter that I can wait. :-0 Have a wonderful weekend — you must be thrilled to be back home.

    Reply
  10. She'sSewPretty says

    July 10, 2010 at 1:32 pm

    I hope the rain is falling as you read this. We had a huge willow tree at my parent’s home. I have so many memories that involve that tree and so do my children. My dad would weave the branches into bubble wands for them and I put my babies on my shoulders and we would play “car wash” through the branches. I hope your tree will bring you long happy memories too.

    Reply
  11. Jodie (everything vintage) says

    July 10, 2010 at 2:02 pm

    Claudia…was that YOU out there dancing in the rain????
    um.
    it sure looked like you.
    ;)
    I hope ya’ll get some relief soon, things cool off, the willow gets a good drink, you can play out in the yard and better yet…I hope you quit bypassing your creative space!!! ;)

    Hello Emma!!! Wow, she was worth the wait!!!
    She now has a beautiful home :)

    Reply
  12. Snappy Di says

    July 10, 2010 at 2:07 pm

    After our MUCH needed rain yesterday the clouds have passed by. They said rain off and on all week-end, but right now we are not seeing any clouds in the area. Could use a few more soakings.

    Di

    Reply
  13. Brenda@Cozy Little House says

    July 10, 2010 at 5:13 pm

    Hey, it’s raining here too! I love that sound. Rain tapping on the roof. We’d die here without central air.
    Brenda

    Reply
  14. Brynwood Needleworks says

    July 10, 2010 at 5:20 pm

    I’m doing a rain dance for you, girlfriend. Hope that willow gets lots of rain to quench its thirst. Have a great weekend.
    xoxo
    Donna

    Reply
  15. Minnie Kitchen says

    July 10, 2010 at 5:54 pm

    I wish I had a studio like yours plus a/c :)

    Reply
  16. Karen says

    July 10, 2010 at 6:11 pm

    We’re still waiting on that rain… sigh. We have the same dilemna too.. well water, parched grass and a thirsty garden.

    Reply
  17. Maryjane-The Beehive Cottage says

    July 10, 2010 at 6:19 pm

    Wish it was raining here! I know what you mean when the heat is on, brain turns to mush! LOL! Have a wonderful weekend Claudia!

    Love,
    Maryjane

    Reply
  18. sissie says

    July 10, 2010 at 6:52 pm

    Hi Claudia,
    It seems as though the weather is the big talk these days. HOT!!!
    It’s miserable here too and I haven’t felt much like doing anything.

    Your little corner will be waiting for you when it cools and I’m sure the creativity will overflow.

    hugs
    Sissie

    Reply
  19. Lisa says

    July 10, 2010 at 6:54 pm

    Sorry I have missed the last few days! I was sad to hear your puppy friend misses you that is sad :( I am glad you are home and yes we have this heat too YUCK! And no rain!!! Lovely gifts form Sue that is a great prize! Very sweet doll she has been loved! I am glad to be back visiting again!
    Hugs, Lisa

    Reply
  20. maria says

    July 10, 2010 at 7:03 pm

    I live in Holland and there is a heatwave too in here.
    It rained this evening with thunder and its now a little bit cooler but not much.
    Greetings
    Maria

    Reply
  21. Donna says

    July 10, 2010 at 7:28 pm

    Claudia, I SO related to this post! Several days ago I went out front to put water in the birdbaths, and I could have sworn it was autumn. There were leaves all over the lawn, like you see in the fall. It was both our birch tree and our hoppa crab tree. It was actually quite alarming. I don’t ever remember that happening before other than in the cool fall weather. We were also blessed with a drenching downpour this afternoon, which considerably cooled the air… Ahhhhhhh… I’m with you, bring them on!… Donna

    Reply
  22. vintagesue says

    July 10, 2010 at 8:15 pm

    right…i was so happy to see rain this morning too!! when it’s needed, it is so welcome!!
    it’s super hot upstairs in our house too. so hot. too hot to sleep. the rain helped so much today.
    enjoy your thunderstorms. hopefully more soon next week!
    take care
    s

    Reply
  23. Elyse says

    July 10, 2010 at 8:16 pm

    love your studio.

    keep cool!

    xo
    elyse

    Reply
  24. Janet says

    July 10, 2010 at 8:32 pm

    Oh I hated to hear of your lovely willow dropping leaves! Rain oh the earth is so dry so many places now. What a lovely most beautiful little nook! How precious I am in love with it!

    Reply
  25. Deanna says

    July 10, 2010 at 9:58 pm

    Hi sweetheart! Despite the heat in that sweet cubby, I think it’s an adorable little retreat. So sorry to hear of the drought…I would send you some Texas rain but I think it might dry up before it got to you!

    You are so right about the willow tree. They do need alot of water. We have three huge oak trees, one in the front yard and two in the back but luckily we live right on a greenbelt so we don’t need to water them as much. I am worried about my two little rose bushes though. I have no clue as how to take care of them.

    I’m going to Home Depot tomorrow to participate in a class they have on taking care of roses and magnolia trees. I think I’d better take my note pad and a loaded credit card. I’m sure I’ll have to purchase…things! LOL!

    Deanna :D

    Reply
  26. dana says

    July 10, 2010 at 10:42 pm

    Hi Claudia!! I’m SOOOOO glad you’re back home with your hubs and pooches!! I know the heatwave took its toll on your yard, but it sounds like you’re getting rain, so that yard will perk up right away!!!

    I know it must be hot in your little studio…in my old house, my workroom was in a dormer and it was like an oven in the summer and a meat locker in the winter!! However, I was just happy to have a room of “my own” to do my creative thing in….well, until I got too hot or cold, then I’d grab supplies and head to the family room on the main floor! :)

    I know you are so glad to be back…ENJOY!! L, Dana

    Reply
  27. AshTreeCottage says

    July 10, 2010 at 11:00 pm

    Okay, now I am concerned about your willow tree. I am thinking that it might be stressed because of the excessive heat and while it may be longing for water, it may need nutrients too. What about a natural based fertilizer for trees and shrubs? Our local feed store (Zamzows) makes a natural based product that I love. But … it’s developed for our soil which is different that yours. Perhaps you have a nursery that produces organic based fertilizers for trees and shrubs. In the meantime, I’ll do a rain dance for you!!

    Love,
    Susan and Bentley
    xxoo

    Reply
  28. HiHo says

    July 11, 2010 at 8:09 am

    Something very comforting about your blog once again having photos of your home. Time to share a rootbeer float…..Heidi

    Reply
  29. Secret Garden Cottage says

    July 11, 2010 at 2:46 pm

    Your creative space is adorable! All the colors are so cheerful!
    Enjoy your cooler weather…have fun creating. :) It’s still hot here, even though it is overcast.
    ~ Jo :)

    Reply
  30. Liberty Biberty says

    July 11, 2010 at 3:07 pm

    You studio is gorgeous! Mine is also impossible to work in during the summer…now it’s winter and it’s like a fridge!
    Mercedes

    Reply
  31. Leann says

    July 11, 2010 at 5:54 pm

    Oh Claudia I know what you mean about being soo very happy about the rain. We got a ton- 4inches on Sat which seems to have helped a bit and we’re hoping for more this week as we have a well too and I’m afraid to water.

    Leann

    Reply
  32. The French Bear says

    July 11, 2010 at 6:12 pm

    I love your little studio Claudia, I can only imagine the heat makes it hard to do anything!!! Hope there is rain coming!
    I just love your sweet sewing basket!
    Hugs,
    Margaret B

    Reply
  33. Celestina Marie Designs says

    July 11, 2010 at 9:04 pm

    Hi Claudia,
    So glad you got your much needed rain. Did it cool things off? We had nothing but rain all week here and it made it muggy and just plain steamy.
    Loved seeing your creative space again.
    I so hope your tree makes it and survives the heat. We have one we are babying along too.

    Have a wonderful week.
    Hugs, Celestina Marie

    Reply
  34. June says

    July 11, 2010 at 10:29 pm

    Claudia I hope you get relief from the heat and get to get busy creating. We haven’t had the heat yet, but it surely will come. It has been so freakin’ cold here that I have forgotten what the sun feels like. Do you know that I haven’t even thought about shorts yet!!!
    hugs

    Reply
  35. Mrs. Staggs says

    July 12, 2010 at 2:24 am

    Hi Claudia,

    I’m glad you’ve made it home safely. I bet it is wonderful to see your fellow, and your sweet pets again.

    We’ve had some very warm weather here lately, but it is cooling down again now. It lasted about a week! LOL! I’m so used to rain here, that I miss it after just a little bit of time, and being a gardener, I know how much you’ve worried about yours. The rain will hopefully soak your garden well. I love a big summer rain after it has been hot. You can almost feel the trees and other plants wiggling their toes and breathing a big sigh of relief.

    xo
    Lena

    Reply
  36. Connie says

    July 12, 2010 at 11:44 pm

    Get a portable air conditioner as quickly as you can. Our daughter did for her house on SF bay and it works great. Just what you need for those few times it gets too hot.
    xoxo,
    Connie

    Reply
Please check back to follow the conversation!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Email
  • Instagram

Welcome!

Welcome!

I live in a little cottage in the country with my husband. It's a sweet place, sheltered by old trees and surrounded by gardens. The inside is full of the things we love. I love to write, I love my camera, I love creating, I love gardening. My decorating style is eclectic; full of vintage and a bit of whimsy.

I've worked in the theater for more years than I can count. I'm currently a voice, speech, dialect and text coach freelancing on Broadway, off Broadway, and in regional theater.

Thanks for stopping by.

Searching?

The Dogs

The Dogs

Scout & Riley. Riley left us in 2012. Scout left us in February 2016. Dearest babies. Dearest friends.

Winston - Our first dog. We miss you, sweetheart.

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

All Content © 2008 - 2025 Mockingbird Hill Cottage · Log in

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept Reject
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT