Monthly Archives: July 2024

After I returned from vacation last spring, I immediately jumped into the many spring tasks requiring attention.  The usual trimming and weeding.  Building and adding a third raised bed. I really enjoyed gardening with those last year.  Planting and spring cleaning.

I dealt with a very stubborn cardinal who kept fighting his reflection in the window.  All day long for weeks, beginning at dawn and going until dusk.  I drew scary faces of owls which helped for a minute.  Finally, I hung some netting which covered the window reflections.  Until I caught mama cardinal trying to steal the netting for her nest, I presume.   

My son announced a visit in late June.  Oh, and he’d be bringing a bunch of his California friends so they could see where he grew up.  Whaaaa????  He and his girlfriend planned their trip to begin in Louisville where they showed them the sights with visits to distilleries and the famous Churchill Downs.  Then they planned a day out here in the country.  This led to weeks of preparation on our part, catching up on all those jobs which have been put off the past couple of years.  Plus planning dinner for 12 or 14 people.  Yikes!

We all had a wonderful day.  My son arranged for his friends to do things that they can’t or don’t normally do in California.  Go fishing.  A hike in the woods.  Shooting off fireworks.  And trying out some firearms.  They were a wonderful group of people.  So glad I got to meet them.

Afterwards, my son and his girlfriend spent the rest of the week.  One day boating on the lake.  Anchoring in a quiet cove for lunch and swimming, then cruising to another cove. Uncle teaching my grandson how to swim and skip rocks.  Just what uncles are supposed to do.  (Not the “pull my finger stunt, either.”)

Now it’s time to pick tomatoes and peppers, make some salsa.  Revisit the weeding.  Welcome more visitors.  Take the grandkids to library programs and classes.  And actually do some painting for upcoming shows and exhibits.

Summer seems to speed up and fall is getting closer.

And, finally, on a sad note.  My precious cat Leo who had been experiencing some serious health issues had to be put down last spring.  I am heartbroken and can admit that I cried buckets.  I’ll get another cat eventually but I’m not ready yet.  Someday. 

Meanwhile, I hope you enjoy the remainder of your summer and can get outside to enjoy nature.