More of Days

Could not let the summer pass w/o including a prized volunteer Kale. The insects left them alone this year and the rabbits took over but obviously missed this one---thought I would capture it w/a pic before the rabbits find it. The rabbits are more scarce---hmmm, can't figure what is happening to all of them.

Plan to go to Mass, work in the yard and continue to enjoy Kathy's visit. We went for ice cream in her convertible last night then mowed the yard in the dark. Also, looked for Mars in the night sky---supposed to be the closest ever to earth. Enjoyed the convertible ride, ice cream, mowing but missed Mars. Guess you can't have everything.

I do wish you good health, staying safe, and keeping in touch.

Wait until tomorrow

Aguga and Primrose are the week end features--Ajuga has a few sedum peeping through at you (Click on pic for details). Have 4 varieties of ajuga and when I see a group like this know I want to add more varieties next year---will take a mental note to add that to my list. No matter what the weather---this little plant is dependable and will hang on and also transplants well.

Now on to the Primrose. Tell myself each spring to pull it up and move on--the foliage is weepy, sparse, spindly---then I take a look at the bloom and cannot bring myself to get rid of it. If you look close (Click on it) you can catch some of the volunteer rose moss that comes up around it every year. The blossom is so fragile, lasts only one day but the color is great.

Have a busy day planned--off to Mass, volunteer at rectory for a short while, run some errands, then home to spread/fill in low areas with more soil/dirt and then begin outlining the spaces to spread the rocks to extend the shade garden at the side of the house. Plan to order firewood this week. Most of all am anxious to have Kat in for a visit.

Want to close w/happy kids. This what I mean when I tell all of you to stay healthy, be safe, and keep in touch. Colton and Audrey's (my great grandchildren) first day of school. Hope Becky also gets a pic of Taylor's first day of school---He was also real excited yesterday about his first day of school today.

Love, Mom

Spider Webs, Owls, and Ticks

Have a busy day planned---more outdoor work, weather 58 degrees this AM...You would think I lived in the woods. Nature is churning --- hearing owls hoot at night, seeing spider webs on the deck in the AM and finding/removing a tick on my outer ear this morning. (double click for details).









Please read LJ blog--if we have a national butter shortage will know where to go.
Have a great weekend, stay healthy, be safe, and keep in touch.
Love,
Mom

More flowers

Can you believe there are so many colors of Lantanas in one cluster of blooms? Just marvel each morning how the flowers change. Nothing any nicer to start the day than sipping on a cup of coffee while taking a stroll through the flower garden. Usually take an mental inventory and start my list for the day's events/tasks.

How about the color of this Zinnia? They have really shown their stuff this summer but alas the foliage is beginning to dwindle and look tacky. Went to the outdoor farm market yesterday and saw some great ornamental grasses. Will think about placement and may go again next weekend and get a couple of small plants.

Already back from Mass, plan to read, and putter around the house/yard today.

Prayed for all of you that you would stay healthy, be safe, and keep in touch,
Love,
Mom

On the Road Again

Came home yesterday, at noon, to let the "boys" out to do their business--doors/gates shut. Carpenters went to lunch. Spencer decided to make a break through an opened garage door. Buster and Rowdy began raising all kinds of ruckus. I got ready to leave and noticed Spencer was gone. Drove all over our neighborhood, windows down on the car, hollaring his name/whistling, shaking his food container with no results. Called some neighbors to ask them to be on the lookout. Then thought---surely he wouldn't have made it to 37th---got back in the car---headed to 37th and what to my "wandering" eyes should appear but a white ball of fur taking the east route on 37th. Pulled in a nearby driveway got out and in a friendly voice, all the while shaking the food container, called him. He ran to me--but no licking or appearing happy to see me---because he had obviously stopped off at a barbeque on his outing and still had his mouth stuffed full of grilled barbequed meat. Called off the neighborhood search parties, jumped back in the car and made it back in time to help with school enrollment.

The Crepe Myrtle in the back yard is loaded w/buds. Took some "before" pics and will send more after it blooms. Looking forward to the siding job to be completed so I can be out in the yard and begin some projects.

Stay healthy, be safe, and keep in touch.
Love,
Mom

Trips only to Lumber Yard this year

Addendum: This is about as close as I will get to Rome--at least this year. Contacted the travel agency and was advised the trip is full with a long waiting list. The agent indicated this type of trip is offered about every 3 years. I will be more settled of heart and can enjoy a trip at a later date. It, like the Hawaiian trip we all took in 2007 was sure fun to plan----in my head.





Good News!! Ray called. We are going to go order the siding and the plan will be to begin next Monday!!!! I am going to use the same color of paint, still have the formula and will have Home Depot match and mix for me.

Love, Mom