Sunday, July 26, 2009

Summer Time ...


Summer time and the living is lovely. We've had an abundance of rain and cool weather ... the coolest July in 100 years with an average of 6 degrees below normal. We've used little air conditioning in comparison to past years and the windows get thrown open most nights. Sometime during the wee hours I'm apt to grab the blanket ready and waiting at the foot of the bed. Summer has been my least loved season in this location because of the heat and humidity, so this year is a true gift.

The garden has done well, though the tomatoes rebel against the chill and too much rain for their liking. I've harvested well over 25 pounds of potatoes. Not bad for the meager 2 pounds of seed potatoes I planted. The weeping cherry tree is beginning to brown a bit and drop her leaves as is her habit in August. Other plants, lovely early in the season, are beginning to show some wear as we enter a month when gardens in this part of the world generally aren't at their best.

The "Scarecrow" mentioned in my last post is keeping the deer out of the vegetable garden, though not before they polished off the cucumbers and bean plants. We've seen spotted fawn twins in the early morning several times and know they've been told of that horrible water monster that blasts the vegetables when approached. Peter and his cousin rabbits abound. They seem to sneak in under the radar and get a tasty treat now and then. I've gotten over my greed and feel happy to share a little bit with them. After all it is this human who has invaded the space diminishing what used to be just their place.

I've been inspired to work on some projects that have been gathering dust and so this French beaded Poppy was birthed and placed in the peyote stitch covered bottle I created several years ago with no particular purpose in mind. As I was finishing the poppy, the bottle caught my eye and I knew immediately what its purpose was.


I've been away from my creative life for far too long and I've every intention to pick up where I left off, leaving piles of junk and half baked ideas sitting on every visible surface. I'm now in the process of cleaning it out and beginning to reconnect with my muse once again.

Hope you are having a great summer too!!

6 comments:

marja-leena said...

I'm glad you are enjoying your cooler summer and that most of your garden thrived. You probably feel more energetic too and that's why your creative urges have come forth. Lovely poppy and vase... I look forward to seeing what else you create.

The heatwave here has zapped all my energy, physical, mental and creative. I don't know how people live in the tropics, must be in their genes.

Lucy said...

That poppy's amazing!

Hope you go on enjoying your summer.

Becca said...

We have had a similarly cool summer which suits me to a "t". I am afraid the tomatoes will suffer, but I think I'll take the temperate weather.

I love your beading...how gorgeous!

Glad to know you're doing well.

PJS said...

WHAT A HAUL IN SPITE OF THOSE DARN CRITTERS! AND OH MY GOSH, ARE THOSE POPPIES BEAUTIFUL! I'LL SEND YOU A PICTURE OF MINE! GADS, SUMMER IS FLEETING! THE "TOUCH OF FALL SCENT" IS IN THE AIR TODAY, AND THE GAGGLES OF HUMMERS ARE IN THE FEEDERS LIKE THEY ARE GETTING READY TO MIGRATE! MY TOMATOES ARE JUST STARTING TO COME IN - FEAST!

Deirdre said...

We skipped planting a garden this year - too much to do with the wedding - but I hear the same things from everyone who's planted one. Nothing seems to be ripening. It's been a cool summer here too.

Your poppy is gorgeous! What patience you must have.

Anonymous said...

That poppy is sooooooo realistic do you have a pattern for it :)