Over the weekend, I got out the big camera and took a few photos. Okay, I took dozens of photos but only a few “turned out.” And, yes, turned out – as in to (accidentally) happen in a particular way…the effort was there but having not used the big camera for a long time my skills are exceedingly rusty! And the wind on Sunday was not at all beneficial – but the early morning light was perfect. Are the pictures perfect? No, but I love the shadows on these lilac blooms. I love how they open individually – each on its own schedule. And the fragrance. It is heavenly. That wind that played havoc with my picture taking worked diligently to waft the lilac aroma around… and that was most appreciated.
There was some mystery knitting (clue two from Larissa Brown is done and clue three from Romi is in progress.) And, I bought a thing! And started!! And struggled! I will share my progress later this week.
In an effort to conserve vermouth (yes, that is absolutely a thing in my house right now) It was a vodka and soda weekend. However, I am happy to report that Trader Joe’s Cranberry-Mandarin Orange sparkling water is the perfect thing for a vodka and soda! No sugar, and the perfect hint of flavor in the soda – not too much and not too little!
Finally, today is my son’s favorite day of the year. I confess, I laughed at some of the suggestions in this Rolling Stones article on how to participate safely from home!
That’s it from me today! I hope you all had a great weekend!
October is the fallen leaf, but it is also a wider horizon more clearly seen. It is the distant hills once more in sight, and the enduring constellations above them once again. — Hal Borland
My October images had a clear pattern of almost daily changes – I watched the trees go from green to glorious in slow motion – the color beginning at the top and gradually flowing down the course of the leaves. We had our first frost. We also had such amazing skies and, happily, very little rain! It also included a quick Michigan trip to visit some of my favorite people. And, movement… lots of movement.
The video last month has to be one of my favorites. There were so many butterflies all month long! Our butterfly bush just seemed to be hanging on just for this purpose and it was magical to head outside each afternoon and find dozens of them covering the blooming panicles.
Thanks for looking back at October with me! How about you? What did your October hold?
August, die she must
The autumn winds blow chilly and cold.
April Come She Will, Simon and Garfunkel
If you asked me what I accomplished in August my response would be, ‘not much’. But as I look at these images, it seems I accomplished more than I realized!
There was so much making… pies and jams, sewing, and always knitting! Plus, hours in the gardens (although if you saw them today you’d be doubtful of that!)
Vegetable Garden Productivity was stunningly awful. I never had more tomatoes than I could use and not enough to preserve any for future use. The only tomato plants that had any success at all were the Oxhearts – and even that was a manageable production. As for my flower beds – alas, the deer ravaged them multiple times this month…sigh.
The biggest changes were in light and skies – those August skies were less blue but rather filled with interesting clouds! And, as the August days drew to a close, we felt the first inklings of the change of seasons. Cooler breezes paired with cooler days and nights that required another blanket on the bed and a sweater for my morning garden excursions.
The video this month was so much fun! There was so much butterfly footage! Including “Butterfly Skirmishes” – which look like a gentle, swirling, fluttering dance…those Swallowtail’s are very territorial, it seems!
And with that, August memories are tucked away.
What about you? What is your favorite August memory?
The light was the winner as I thought about how to compose my photos. I also played with color removal – I learned things too, which is never a bad thing!
My weekend just flew but, it has a wee extension!! Steve took today off and we are heading out to find new walking shoes!
I also randomly picked a name (from the two who wanted to be considered for The Nickel Boys) and the winner was respondent #2! Pam I have emailed you – get me your address and I will get the book in the mail to you!
Happy Monday everyone! See you all back here tomorrow when I join Juliann for an update on my word!
Waning summer days mean heavy laden branches with dew covered gems
I have been amazed at the volume of raspberries I have picked this year! And, this weekend’s harvest will soon be transformed into lovely little jars of jam!
And that is not a bad way to spend a Monday at all!
