Recent Little Bits

I thought I would share a few photos I've taken over the last couple of weeks.

My Lantana is beautiful in spite of the heat.

I'm surprised that mushrooms are growing everywhere in the yard even though we've had little rain this summer.  I thought this one was interesting.

You can always find a heart somewhere in God's garden.

My Butterfly Bush is loaded with beautiful butterflies every day.

This sweet bunny lives in our yard and gets a lot of exercise running from Jake.

More babies in our bluebird house.

Beautiful designs in the evening sky.

Hail from the last storm we had.  I have never seen hail this large.  Thankfully, it didn't last too long and didn't get any larger.  No damage here.

An August Evening Gift of Beauty

Because I was outside last evening, I was able to enjoy the beauty of this sky.  It truly was a gift.  The color changed as fast as I could take pictures, and it was gone much too soon.  I am happy to share the beauty.

Thank You God

I know one thing for sure.  Before Jake came into my life, I never said Thank you, God, for creating DOGS.  I can't thank You enough for the love and joy that Jake brings to my life.  I know in my heart that Patrick is with You and I believe that the two of you sent Jake to us.  So, I THANK YOU with all my heart for Your creation of these loving animals.  Patrick is probably shocked that we love this little dog so much, but I bet he has a big smile on his face.

♥

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Dan !!

I hope you spend some time today with friends, celebrating YOU!!!!

August

August rushes by like desert rainfall,

A flood of frenzied upheaval,

Expected,

But still catching me unprepared.

Like a matchflame

Bursting on the scene,

Heat and haze of crimson sunsets.

Like a dream

Of moon and dark barely recalled,

A moment,

Shadows caught in a blink.

Like a quick kiss;

One wishes for more

But it suddenly turns to leave,

Dragging summer away.

~Elizabeth Maua Taylor

~Photos by Audrey

***

Can August really be here?  Are we ready for the scorching heat of this month as it makes us yearn for the crisp cooler air of September?  The stores are already stocking Fall items in preparation of the 4th quarter of this year.  It will be upon us soon.  I like August.  It is a prelude to my favorite season.  This year, more than ever before, I really look forward to Fall.  My body is weary from the heat of summer.  I know that I'll feel better physically and mentally when the weather turns cooler.  Some outdoor projects have been left untouched this year ~ too hot.  My garage is filled with furniture waiting for me to put paint to it ~ too hot.  As the temperature cools, I will finally be able to tackle that.  I had looked forward to doing some artwork out on the back porch this summer.  That never happened ~ too hot.  I didn't plant as many flowers as I usually do, either.  I'm not feeling too bad about that right now because the flowers are looking a little on the sad side this year ~ too hot.

I think many of us have had it with the heat this year.  Last summer was hot as well, but this year has been bad for a big portion of the country.  Not only has it been uncomfortable, it has caused so much loss in crops and more.  I'm wondering if this is what our future summers will be like.  

August is here, ready or not.  I hope to get some things accomplished this month as I look forward to pumpkins, cider, orange hues, cool crisp air, and all the beauty that comes with Fall.

Audrey

Happy Birthday, Vicki !!

You are a beautiful lady with a beautiful soul.  I hope you will be blessed today with all the joy your heart can hold.  You are so caring and give so much of yourself to others every day.  You deserve a very special joy filled day!!  ♥

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, John !!

I hope this day brings you joy and surprises and I hope the coming year will be all that you want it to be.

About a Stethoscope

Click on the link.  You are going to love this. 

A ad about a Stethoscope

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Samuel !!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Shar !!

Sending many good wishes up your way for a day filled with love and joy. ♥

My Sweet Baby

Thursday Thought

"ALL I CAN SAY ABOUT LIFE IS, OH GOD, ENJOY IT!!"

~Bob Newhart, Comedian

Back From a Little R&R

Hello All.

I have been out of town for the past 9 days getting some much needed R&R.  Returned home Sunday evening and this morning I am looking at the tower of laundry and other things that need done.  I always seem to be playing the "catch up" game.  Spent last evening in my consignment space which needed attention.  I was happy to see several furniture pieces had sold, so I did some rearranging and took in a few small items.  I'll have to return this week to add some things I purchased for resale while I was away.

Circumstances were such that I had to put sweet little Jake in a kennel while I was away.  I have been spending a lot of time with him since picking him up.  I can't believe how much I missed him and there are telltale signs that he missed us, as well.  At my first opportunity, I will write a post about Jake and my feelings about leaving him.

I'm sorry my posts have been sporadic and boring of late.  Summer is moving along much too quickly and there just hasn't been enough time for many things I love to do.  I hope to get back into a regular blogging routine soon.

I hope that everyone out there is having a good Summer.  The heat has been difficult to deal with, but many are dealing with life changing circumstances due to floods, fires, and more.  Those of us who have not been hit with anything more than some brown grass and heat discomfort should feel blessed.

I must now get to all that "stuff" that needs my attention today.  I'll be back to blogging very soon with photos and more.

Audrey

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Remi !!

I hope you will find time today for a hike in the mountains ~ I imagine enjoying that time with nature is a celebration each time you find yourself surrounded by all that beauty. 

Have a Blessed Day.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, John !!

Sorry you're having pain on your birthday ~ we'll try to give you a few laughs tonight.  ♥

La Dolce Vita GIVEAWAY

Caterina makes the most beautiful art using fabric, paper, and thread.  She is having a generous GIVEAWAY this month of one of her Rose Botanical works of art.  Her Rose Botanicals were published in the last issue of Sew Somerset.  Visit Cat's Blog, 

La Dolce Vita, to find the details on how to enter this GIVEAWAY.  While you're there, take a look at her gorgeous art.

Bluebirds

This is Brood # 2 for this summer.  I love that the bluebirds continue to come to the little house we put up for them.  As much time as I spend at my desk looking out at their house, once again I missed the little ones leaving the nest last week. Now, to the unpleasant task of cleaning out their house.  As particular as they are, you would think they would do that themselves.  I must do it soon as they might want to start another family right away.  I am thankful for the joy I receive watching the bluebirds come and go.  

Happy 4th of July !!

God Bless America !!

~Photo compliments of GardenQuest

RIP

Rest in Peace, Andy Griffith
6-1-1926  ~  7-3-2012

Clutter

It's Monday!!  ~  A perfect day to begin the uncluttering process !!

My soul has been screaming at me for a long time....  I began this process some time ago....  I need to dig deeper and make a more committed effort.

  

Wind Storm

 We had a terrible wind storm Friday night around 9:00 that took down many trees and left many without power.  We were without electricity for about 3-1/2 ~ 4 hours.  Inconvenient?  Yes.  But, I kept thinking about those people in flood areas and the people in Colorado who have lost their homes to the fires.  No power for a few hours was nothing in comparison.

I took these photos on my way to church last evening.  This is all in a short drive from my house.  Just about every home has a pile of debris or some branches in their yard.  Yesterday morning, I was driving around Roanoke and there were trees down EVERYWHERE ~ large old trees had snapped and branches were scattered about.  The wind even ripped some of the siding off of our house.  It was fierce.  I cannot begin to imagine what kind of damage a tornado would do.

The temperature has been brutal for days.  Much of the country is experiencing this heat and unfortunately along with the heat come storms.  I sure hope July will be give us more comfortable temperatures.