Another summer unfolds at the beloved country house...
Birds are happy, light streams in, pups run through garden paths, pumpkin leaves grow.
Baby hummingbirds play during watering hour.
Diving in and out of my water spray.
It is Mister Lovee's birthday weekend.
The rose arbors are full.
The cardinals are tweeting.
Do come in through our little stone path...
The most beautiful sherbet scented roses bloom in baskets full.
Caravan wagon behind, with twinkle lights that will turn on at sunset.
The aloe are blooming and in swoops my favorite little hummingbird.
I am able to identify this wee darling by the piano key feathers in black and white.
This little adores splashing in water.
It looks straight at me, and I think smiles.
I can think of nothing more delightful than playing water games on a warm day with a sweet little hummingbird.
My heart is full.
It's that time of year where everything is happening in the garden.
Spring is waning and summer is taking over.
Time for garden baths through the secret gate.
Popsicles and swinging from the ancient tree.
A second flush of wisteria...
My little gallery gobbled by roses year after year.
This is the building I converted into a little gallery shop when there used to be art studio tours in my neck of the woods.
It's still filled with treasures and fun.
Mister Lovee's birds count on him, even flying right up to the window if they are waiting on him for breakfast.
He is the kind bird keeper.
How I love those cardinals as well.
It seems the colors of the garden are pink and coral swirl in abundance.
Aloe flowers like coral flames...
And coral pink swirls of rose petals.
What more could we ask for?
Nature is wonderful medicine for the soul.
As always, I have been meaning to be here so often.
Alas, I get busy in my gardens and homes and dogs and baking and painting.
And well, all manner of things, and time just marches by.
Time, the one thing I can never get a hold of.
I don't even try.
I have been, well, doing lovely things.
Along with regular world busy things too.
But have really been focusing on being kind to myself.
I am with Poppy and Teddy 24/7.
Those two fill my cup right up, I loooove them so!
I've been baking delicious things for Mister Lovee's birthday and getting little treats ready for him.
Treats and treasures for the elusive Mad Hatter.
The zinnias are just about to bloom and the pumpkin plants are getting big and huge.
One of greatest joys in life, the garden.
I suppose it's the one thing that keeps me sane.
It's my refuge, my place to work out all the kinks of my brain and life and everything else.
Eternally grateful for the garden.
I've picked soooo many herbs that are drying.
And I spent several days pruning away all of spring and making way for summer.
The sunflowers are getting big and tall.
Now we wait for the big dramatic clouds of monsoon season.
I can't wait.
I made homemade carrot cake cupcakes with cream cheese frosting.
But don't you agree that we might need lemon bars as well, for a proper soirée?
Well, I suppose I better get back to all the birthday planning things.
Nothing could make me happier than Mister Lovee being alive and well to enjoy another celebration.
(knock on wood for luck)
I'll cook up a lovely meal and we can play music in the country house garden.
Teddy will sit on ML's lap, as no other place will do.
And Poppy will sit for a long time in her pool, just sniffing the air and looking up at the trees.
Summer in the country.
Thankful, grateful.
I hope you are well out in your neck of the woods.
Lots of Love,
Vanessa
See ya soon <3 <3 <3
