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You are here: Home / life / We’re Basically Napping

We’re Basically Napping

July 30, 2025 at 8:04 am by Claudia

Day three of hot, humid, over 100 degree weather. But tomorrow promises a break. Both of us feel drugged and lethargic – yesterday, I napped twice, which never happens!

Rose of Sharon. I’ve been using my big girl camera with a telephoto lens. However, I’m purposely not far away from the subject, so I get these mysterious and dreamy shots.

Another:

Yarrow with the flower buds in the process of drying up.

I have to grab these photos early in the morning before it becomes unbearable out there. I sneak quick looks at Mama and the babies when I can, but I am continuously warned by Papa. This warning increases when I’m watering all the porch plants – that just takes too long in his estimation.

I’ve seen two babies – there may be more. Two beaks popping up.

I’ve tried to play with contrast so you can see them better – mama is standing on the nest and there are two beaks to the right of her. You have to look closely, but they’re there.

Another photo of mama shot from the lawn, peeking into the side of the bush.

I’m not sure how old the babies are – maybe a week old? They fledge after about 10 – 12 days, so we might see some action next week. I still don’t hear any chirps from the babies.

That book I was trying to finish? I was ready to read straight through the day yesterday when an email arrived from the library saying it had been renewed. I was really surprised. I guess someone cancelled the hold. I’ll probably finish it today.

Other than that, there’s not a whole lot going on here because of the heat. I can’t do anything in the studio/office because we have no a/c in that room. We’re due for rain and storms tomorrow which will result in cooler weather. I hope Mom is ready to protect those babies!

Stay safe.

Happy Wednesday.

Filed Under: life 16 Comments

Comments

  1. kathy in iowa says

    July 30, 2025 at 8:45 am

    i think i see at least one baby bird (and possibly the second one) in the photo! glad you can see them. and that their parents keep good watch over them (just wish they’d know you and don are safe, kind-hearted people to have around).

    their warnings remind me of a bumper sticker i saw … “bird watching goes both ways”. haha (and true).

    good luck with the weather and the book.

    we had a rollicking storm last night … so much lightning and thunder, and it seemed to be right above us, just at the edge of the deck for hours. don’t know yet how much rain we received, but enough that we’ll put the water from the dehumidifier in a bucket and save it for the front tree on the next hot, dry day.

    hope you, don and everyone else have a nice day. stay safe in every way.

    kathy

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      July 30, 2025 at 3:32 pm

      Thanks, Kathy.

      We’re due for rain tomorrow – a lot of it – and we need it. Hope Mama can keep the babies dry.

      Stay safe.

      Reply
  2. Dee Dee says

    July 30, 2025 at 11:57 am

    I always think if you feel tired and are able to rest then go ahead and sleep! Especially after all the garden work that you and Don have done recently!
    It feels quite cool today and there’s a definite hint of Autumn in the air at evening time.

    In a couple of weeks, my friends are opening up their wonderful garden so that people can browse, have a cup of tea and cake, and make a donation to the local hospice. There’s an official body called the National Garden Scheme UK which began this idea but my friend isn’t a part of it.

    I have just received the latest Anthony Horowitz book in his Magpie Murders trilogy. I really enjoy his writing and these have a dual timeline within present day and the 1950s.

    Stay cool and Happy Wednesday

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      July 30, 2025 at 3:33 pm

      There’s something about excessive heat and humidity over a period of days that makes one really, really drowsy. I understand the need for a siesta now.

      Stay safe, Dee Dee.

      Reply
  3. Barrie says

    July 30, 2025 at 1:41 pm

    How fun to watch the progress of the bird family! I love your photos of the Rose of Sharon and Yarrow. The heat certainly doesn’t sound very pleasant, hope your cooler weather arrives soon. I had an errand earlier and when I googled directions there was a red sign that noted my route could be impacted by the Tsunami advisory…that was something I’ve never seen. It was on the way towards Santa Cruz along the coast, so it makes sense due to the earthquake off Russia. Glad it didn’t cause any big problems or loss of life. Enjoy your book.

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      July 30, 2025 at 3:35 pm

      That must have been unsettling, Barrie.

      Stay safe.

      Reply
  4. Carlotta says

    July 30, 2025 at 1:47 pm

    We are having the same weather and acting lethargic also. I read an interesting article stating we are sheltered in the air conditioning more than being outside just like being mostly inside in the winter and how people are being physically and emotionally drained by it. Summer blahs instead of the winter blahs. Being retired and a homebody I can see how it could affect you. We are blessed to have our humble abodes, imperfections and all! Having a large yard, as you well know is hard to keep up with. I overlook the weeds, I mean native plants and find joy in the wild life. Thanks for sharing your beautiful pictures! Enjoy your day!

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      July 30, 2025 at 3:35 pm

      Thank you so much, Carlotta.

      Stay safe.

      Reply
  5. Elaine (in Toronto) says

    July 30, 2025 at 3:12 pm

    Nice your library book was renewed automatically. Nothing better to do than read on a rainy day. Hope you get to see the baby birds fledge. Hugs, Elaine

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      July 30, 2025 at 3:36 pm

      Most likely, I won’t. I’ve never seen any of the baby birds on our property fledge. It always happens when I’m not looking!

      Stay safe, Elaine.

      Reply
  6. kaye says

    July 30, 2025 at 7:59 pm

    What a joy to have the Cat Bird family in your card. The photos are very pretty the color in the first one (Rose of Sharon) is just beautiful
    I am glad you are getting a cool down and some rain. A light summer rain.
    Take Care,
    Kaye

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      August 1, 2025 at 9:05 am

      A heavy tumultuous rain is what it turned out to be, Kaye.

      Stay safe.

      Reply
  7. jeanie says

    July 31, 2025 at 7:54 am

    I’ve been in the same boat here — completely unproductive. But last night’s rain really cooled things off a lot and today I think we only get to 75, so it’s definitely coming your way. That said, it’s been very good for the reading — a banner month in July!

    Your birds are so sweet. I love that they are protective. And, that you respect their space.

    If it dries up this morning I want to get out and do some yard trimming. I’m home and things got quite out of control while I was away!

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      August 1, 2025 at 9:06 am

      Thanks so much, Jeanie.

      Stay safe.

      Reply
  8. Betsy B says

    July 31, 2025 at 4:04 pm

    Beautiful photos!
    Went to acupuncture today so feeling calm . I’m leaving soon to get my grand daughter from camp hopefully it will not be pouring when I get there!

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      August 1, 2025 at 9:06 am

      It was a crazy weather day yesterday, Betsy!

      Stay safe.

      Reply
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Welcome!

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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.

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