Oh, sunsets, you are so magical, never the same, always unique, sometimes fiery, sometimes soft and muted.
I think I could devote a whole blog just to sunsets.
But I won’t. Because the last thing I need is another blog. I have two that are active and one that is inactive.
That’s more than enough.
We’re at T-minus 2 days and counting here. I leave early Sunday morning, and I mean early. We have to drive to Albany so I can board the Amtrak train to Buffalo. Suddenly, I’m aware of all the things I need to do before then, but I don’t seem to be doing them. I’m sure the pressure will eventually get to me and I’ll shift into hyper-drive and all will be attended to.
I’m in the same place I always am when I’m about to leave town. Don’t want to leave my husband, doggie, cottage, and gardens. Do want to visit lovely Chautauqua. Comfort myself with the fact that it’s only three weeks. Realize that the anticipation and planning are the hardest part of the whole thing and that once I’m on the road, it’s a done deal and I’ll relax.
Blooming in the garden:
Spirea. Lovely little pink blooms.
Sigh. What will I miss while I’m away?
This morning, I found Henry/Henrietta in the big corral and had to shoo him/her out of there, which took a bit of time.
As my husband eloquently stated, “They’re beginning to be a pain in the ass.”
Ummm….yes.
New post up on Just Let Me Finish This Page.
Happy Friday.
Safe travels Claudia! Enjoy today and tomorrow with Don (and the Dame, of course).
Thank you, Vera!
I ope you have a wonderful trip, Claudia. SOunds like a fun adventure, although I know you will miss your family. xo Laura
I will. Leaving is always hard, Laura.
I always have all kinds of anxiety right before a trip — but then once I’m on the road (or in the air), I relax.
Lovely flower photos!
Thank you, Jo(e) – hopefully, I’ll relax soon!
I am exactly the same way about traveling. I’m such a homebody, I actually look forward to how nice it will be to come home, before I even leave!
Interesting, and quite sad, about the Harper Lee letters.
Same here, Karen! I know I’ll have a good time, but I’m already thinking of being back home again.
Claudia, I too get like that when I will be away from home for longer then a day or two. So much to do and plan for. Beautiful gardens this year, and I’m glad you’ve enjoyed so many of the blooms before leaving.
hugs,
Linda
Me too. At least I was here while the catalpa and the peonies and the lilacs were blooming!
Oh, Don! That sentiment could be used on SO many occasions!!
Is this the first year that Henry/Henrietta had Littles?? It takes 2 to tango, so to speak. Wonder where her/his other half is… it is hard to be a single parent w/ so many wee ones. Chaos ensues.
I’m sure you have the paradox of being excited to go and the dread of leaving~all at once. And as you mentioned , making lists of all the things we do every day with hardly thinking about it is not an easy task.
Enjoy all that you will miss over the next 2 days. Before you know it, you will be home again. There will still be weeding to do and flowers to love once you return. Not to mention Don and sweet Scout!!
We’ve had littles on the property before, but that was several years ago. Now, maybe they’re having babies every year, but I don’t think so…I think we would have noticed! I read that the mated male and female remain in the den during the gestation period, but then the male leaves as the birth of the young approaches in April or May. Whether he leaves for good or not, I’m not sure. Poor Henry/Henrietta has to manage this brood all by herself!
Wishing you safe travels and good work. May the rodents find their way further into the wild in your absence.
Happy Weekend!
Susan
I wish them well, Susan! They should be off in their own burrows/dens by the time I get home.
Safe travels to yo dear Claudia – we leave for the UK tonight and I will be HOME in Devon by tomorrow evening, yeah!
Life is hectic to say the least.
Give Don his gardening instructions – and hug sweet Scout for me too.
Hugs – Mary
So glad you’re going to be back home in Devon, Mary! Enjoy your lovely visit.
The sunset is glorious. God certainly knows hows to end the day.
Be safe on your journey. Take the big girl camera. You’ll bee glad you did later.
As for Don’s rremark…..Well said.
Don and I were just discussing the big girl camera and I think I’m going to take it. I used the iPhone last year, but it is somewhat limiting!
I’m sure there’s lots to do…and as you said, lists to be made. And then there’s the distractions of Henry and Co….so much to do…so little time! Your flowers will still be there…perhaps a new bunch blooming…and the weeds will grow abundantly! When I get ready for a trip…I’m excited to do something different…but then realize I will miss the everyday routines. Right now, I’m anxious for all this rain to end so I can pull weeds! ;)
I know there will be LOTS of weeds awaiting me on my return, Donnamae!
Haha! Isn’t it strange how nature and stewardship over such things can turn and suddenly … You feel differently?
I have that here on occassion, anyway.
Hope the next 2 days are easy and the travel and “away” anxiety eases up for you, Claudia
I agree you’ll be home soon
Well, you love them and enjoy watching them and want them to be safe, but as they roam the property into areas you’d rather not have them in…..well, things change!
Hello!!! GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!!!!! pictures of the pink spirea!!!! Whenever I see spirea I am always amazed at all the details that our loving heavenly Father has put into it!!! A true beauty….I can see why you don’t want to leave.
Here’s an idea that worked for me on unwanted visitors to my yard. My dog was getting very annoyed with a visiting cat to my yard. Lots of barking going on that didn’t seem to annoy the cat. I went down to a big box pet store and bought a radar alarm. $15.00, two batteries and three days later……I was done!!!! It only took one time in each of the entrances where the cat was coming into the yard. You can put in the areas that are off limits and they figure out real quick what is and isn’t an okay area. AND it is well worth every penny when you are all situated
in your favorite chair reading or crocheting ( for me) and in the distance you hear the alarm go off…….priceless!!!!
Addie
Where did you get that alarm, Addie? It sounds like it might be just the ticket!
I got it at Petsmart or Petco. I sent you an email with a picture of it!!! good luck!
Addie
Thanks, Addie!
Those critters certainly can be a PITA at times..Sorry to see you leave home again..I know that is where you are happiest and most comfortable..I will enjoy seeing pictures of Chautauqua again though..
Your photographs continue to amaze me. Now I find myself observing my garden with fresh eyes. Thanks for making everything look extraordinary, Claudia.
Have a great time in Chautauqua. The change of scenery and the stimulation of the theater will be good for you, and you’ll be home before you know it.
Safe travels, Claudia. Missing family and home is always difficult, especially when one has a loving family and comfy beautiful home. But, enjoy your three weeks of theater work and become stimulated and excited, then go home and relax.
My daughter has a blog about clouds . cloudsarethesilverlining.blogspot.com. Beautiful photos from all over contributed by her and many of her followers.