Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Views from the Beach





















Himself came home from his walk telling me that there might be some nice shots on the beach as the fog was in. The beach, being only a short walk down the road, I grabbed the camera and off we went. So, here are some "moody" photos.






It was strange as the sun was shining behind me as you can see from the photos below.





Sunday, July 18, 2010

90th. Birthday















My parents arrived Friday morning to spend the weekend. It's my fathers 90th. birthday so we had a party last night. Had a bunch of friends in and he really enjoyed it all. My mom said it was the best party he's ever had. He was tickled pink, I have to say. Some pictures him and my mother.




They left early this morning and my mother will have a few friends in tomorrow for another little do for him.

The weather has been holding pretty good. A few pictures taken this past week.

White Admiral




Stanley and Freya


I'm feeling very tired this morning. I don't know if it's because I might be a wee bit hungover or because I've been up since 3:30 am. Probably a bit of both, lol. Hoping for a good long nap later today.

Sunday, July 04, 2010

Summer at last!















I've been terribly lax about doing much on the computer lately. I haven't been keeping up with blogs and haven't been blogging myself. The weather has improved consequently I've been outside a lot. Everything is growing so well this year. I look around and am amazed. It must have something to do with all the wet weather we've had. The annuals, ie: pansies in particular, are the best I've ever seen them. Big, bright velvet faces. The rhubarb has had it's best year yet and the black currant tree is loaded down with berries. I counted the number of buds on one of the rose bushes and came up with 60 some odd. I was astounded!

Last weekend we had friends here for dinner in the garden. It was a lovely evening even though there were a few black flies about. Friends brought salads and I made two large German Onion Pies. All was quickly gobbled up. Rhubarb coffee cake for dessert.

If all goes well, my father will be here for his 90th. birthday. He phoned a few days ago saying that he and my mother would be here on the 17th. and he would like a party.

After supper last night I decided to go out and do a little bit of weeding. Getting my kneeling pad and trowel, I headed for an area that needed doing again. When I got there what should I see on the chive flowers, a Hummingbird Hawk Moth. I can hardly remember running back to the house for the camera I was that excited. I took a good many photos and none turned out well at all. I'm only putting this one on, it was the best one, as a first one this year and likely the last one I'll see. They are absolutely beautiful.



Another bit of excitement. I grew Woad one year and it was like a sea of gold in the garden. It's the plant that the Druids used to get their blue dye. Anyway, I lost it all when the whole front was dug up for a new water line and new septic tank. Last year I bought more seeds and I guess a couple must have come up. I had completely forgotten about it all. This plant was growing quite big once things were getting under way and I hadn't a clue what it was. I left it alone rather than pulling it thinking it was a weed. Lo and behold, it bloomed and I recognized it as Woad. It's now going to seed and there will be hundreds of seeds by the look of it. I will be planting them all over.

A few pictures taken recently.