Winter Solstice

Today was winter solstice. E came home for Christmas and offered to blow the snow off the drive. She bundled up in her mother's sweats and winter coat, making her petite form indistinguishable under the layers of warmth.

She was no pansy from warmer climes; she handled the snow blower like she did the snow tracker on the grounds of her university in the wee hours of the morning before students began trudging off to class; confident and forthright, knowing the job had to be done.

Early Morning Delight

Early this morning when I raised the blinds I saw the sun hitting the neighbor's house. Everything was frosted over-roofs, lawns, mailboxes and flower beds, creating an atmosphere of serenity and opacity.

I ran downstairs and grabbed the camera, not wanting to miss the frost as the sun warmed the houses.



I was standing on the porch in my pink nightgown snapping this last picture-a commentary on hanging on between life and impending death when the sunshine peaked around the corner of the house. It will be a good, warm autumn day!

Summer Slips, Fall Moves Forward

Today I recycled the geraniums, the hanging baskets and the flowering plants. Since last week's frost hit them hard, they gave up and turned into shriveled brown clumps, unrecognizable forms of their former pleasing self. I hope they stay warm over the winter in the protective brown paper bag into which I threw them. It was the least I could do. Someday, in a quite a few years, they will make some pretty great fertilizer for a future golf course on top of the landfill.

Last year wasp nests in our trees; this year grass carrying wasps in our window frames.
Don't we all have the tendency to think we are the only one? Well, guess what! It was only one click on Google that brought me to the page explaining why the frames of our crank out windows get channels of mud across the top with grass hanging down and free falling when I open the window. This brand of wasps carries grass into the top channels of these windows to protect their young as well as provide food and a nest for them. It happens in late July or early August.

It really is annoying, but the wasps are not predators, so I just wait and endure until I can clean the mess off the top before cold weather sets in. Stay tuned for next year...
Finally, this cute little woodpecker was busy last Sunday morning, pecking away at my cedar siding. For such a small bird, he has a loud tap. I could hear it in the wall but it wasn't until I stuck my head out the second floor window that he stopped, glanced quickly in my direction and flew off toward the trees. Hey bird, you're supposed to be pecking at hollow trees, not my house. Shoo, shoo!

Hydrangeas-Cape Cod

On an annual trip to Cape Cod, Massachusetts, I found lots of hydrangeas to photograph.
Due to the excessive amount of summer rainfall, I observed so many different color variations. Horticulturists tell us it's all about the acidity in the soil, but I saw a variety of blossom hues on the same bush.




But in spite of topsy turvy summer weather, I was glad to spot my favorite standing alone, parading her beautiful color.

August Annuals

Summer is waning and the kids are returning to school. The perennials are looking a little peaked but the annuals have caught their second wind. I've topped the coleus several times sparking fuller plants, but coming home from vacation I found spikes of new growth, a sure sign that rain had been less than an enthusiastic guest, having popped in and out, most of the summer.

The Ivy Geraniums are doing exceptionally well in spite of this summer's batches of rain, cool temperatures and sudden heat waves. I like the idea of consistency amid all the distress.

Lavender Balloon Flowers

These flowers are on the southwest side of the house. Because of all the rain they have doubled in size. They start out as little balloons and open to these beautiful flowers.

Since I don't usually pass this way, they are a pleasant surprise when I come around the corner!

Astilbe, pink duster

Cone Flowers

Think bright pinks with lots of buzzing bees around-a sure sign of summer.

Blossoms-Round Two

Blossoms, Blossoms, Everywhere

It's that time of year again where I'm out in the garden early in the morning,

loving the warmth of the sun and the songs of the birds.












The Stella d' oros are finished, but the rest of the lilies are out in full force.

An Army of Volunteers

Over the years the Heuchera has gone wild! Little plants are cropping up between the flagstone path and throughout one of the front beds. I love their flower spikes and their assertions that they are strong enough to travel just about anywhere. That's what is needed-willing volunteers.