Spent Blooms of Summer

David had minor outpatient surgery on his hand today and while he was dozing off the last of the “sleepy drugs”, I took a walk around the yard. We have overcast skies and cooler temps today thanks to the remnants of Bonnie.
I couldn’t help but notice the changes in the flowers  and feel the anticipation of a change in seasons even though it is still weeks away. Above are spent blooms loaded with seeds set to drop to assure there will be more flowers next spring and summer. I think this is beauty of a different kind.
Below are more of these spent blooms beginning with the Oak Leaf Hydrangea……..

Woodland daisy wildflower……………….

Finally, Stokesia, really pretty without petals also………………

But all is not lost! Sedum Autumn Joy is still in the “green stage “ with the change to pink then rust to come…………….

Some daisies are still blooming……………….

And of course, good ole’ Lantana can always be counted on to last all summer ………
 
I know we have quite a few more hot, steamy, summer days before fall actually arrives……….but a girl can imagine!

~ Misty Magnolia ~

On Monday, we had a little shower just before I left work. As I was getting into my car, I noticed the magnolia tree I park next to had a bloom and was so pretty with the raindrops.
I had taken my camera to work and so I popped it out to take a quick picture. I didn’t realize the lens had clouded over from being taken from the air conditioned inside to the sauna-like weather outside. The result is this cool looking, misty magnolia bloom!

Lazy Days of Summer

Life on the Cypress Swamp has been pretty uneventful. I don’t know if it’s a summer slump or just the “dog days of summer” setting in, but things around here are pretty lazy right now. I haven’t taken many pictures lately so, I thought I would just show a bit of what I see around here each day.

 Here is our friend, Mr. Hawk, on his regular perch. For some reason he has taken a liking to the bluebird box and spends a good part of his day here. Of course, there isn’t a bluebird in his right mind who would attempt to reclaim this home!

 Mexican Petunia loves this hot, humid weather and is blooming like crazy. The hotter it is, the better this little one likes it. I love the lavender color with the really deep green leaves.


Hummingbirds are feeding regularly now. I wasn’t fast enough to actually get a picture of one, but watching them is one of my favorite past times.

In my kitchen window is pink verbena to enjoy as I do daily chores. Thanks to the unusually wet summer, it is blooming like crazy. The little sunflower “vases” are actually diffuser bottles we found at a local glass outlet for .33 cents  a piece.  I just couldn’t pass up a bargain like that!



That’s just a glimpse of my day. I am kind of enjoying a slower pace for a while. I’m sure it won’t last long! Maybe I will have a more interesting post next time…………

* A Rose *

       The weather this summer has been unusual for North Louisiana. June temperatures were in the 100’s with little or no rain. 

Then along comes July with temperatures in the 80’s and lower 90’s and rain nearly every day. Everything is green and fresh looking instead of dry and dusty. I know the scorching hot summer temps will return, but I am enjoying the showers even if the humidity is at 100%.

Hope your neck of the woods is as pleasant.

Wild Things!

On my drive to work, I pass a  wildlife area.  Occasionally, some of the animals will be feeding near the highway. I am not sure if this is a full blooded Zebra or not, but I think he’s pretty handsome either way.

We don’t usually associate “wild things”  with fences. That sounds a bit contradictory but then again, it makes perfect sense.

As I reflected on our freedom this week, I think we are a bit like these “wild things” in that we are free to express ourselves and retain our free spirit, but within the boundaries set by law and mutual respect for each other. We are indeed fortunate to live in such a country! I wonder if these “wild things” consider themselves as lucky?

* HAPPY 4th OF JULY *

"One man with courage is a majority"

Thomas Jefferson

Happy Birthday USA!

THANKS TO ALL THOSE WHO MADE OUR NATION AND FREEDOM POSSIBLE