Mid-July at Robin's Nesting Place

I was so thankful yesterday for a break in the heat and humidity and I spent some time in the garden doing some much needed weeding. I also spent some time just sitting in the swing, relaxing and enjoying the breeze. Of course I also had my camera handy and took a few pictures while I was outside.

I have quite a bit of Queen Anne's Lace this year since I haven't been mulching. I'm not particularly fond of it since it tends to spread everywhere, yet I am hesitant to remove anything that attracts the pollinators to the garden. I have one with a little pink rosette right in the center of it. I think I'll use them for cut flowers and try to prevent them from going to seed this year.

The bee balm is doing its job of attracting all kinds of pollinators.



I was thrilled to see another hummingbird moth this year. I spent more time than I should have following it around the yard trying to get pictures of it.

They are so fast and so small that it is nearly impossible for me to get really good pictures of them. I had my little Sony DSC-H50 outside with me. It is a great point and shoot camera and I thought it did a pretty good job, considering the subject.

Its favorite flowers were the liatris and the bee balm. Usually they like lantana too but I didn't plant any this year.

The hibiscus is in bloom. I love the pink blush on this enormous white flower.

The chickadee waiting its turn for the bird feeder.

The goldfinch in no hurry at all. Both very brave to venture so close to the patio while I'm sitting on the swing.

This little piggy has been entertaining the cats for days now, driving them crazy as he runs back and forth across the patio to get to the sunflower seeds.

He stuffs his little cheeks so full of seeds until they are literally sticking out of his mouth. I've enjoyed watching him, but I sure hope he doesn't decide to start a family here.

When I saw this partially opened sunflower I couldn't help but think about this verse, "Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips.
Psalm 141:2-4" and the "Speak no evil" phrase.

As you enjoy your summer, please be kind to your skin and yourself. My brother just got word that his melanoma cancer is back and it is now in his lymph nodes. Both he and my mother have had melanoma. Please pray for him as he fights this third cancer diagnosis in a year.

Horton's French Flea Market

This weekend is the third annual French Flea Market at Horton's in Tipton, Indiana. I missed it the two previous years and made it a point not to miss it again this year.

Horton's is a unique place for a French Flea Market because as they state on their blog,"Like something out of the past, our store is a regular emporium of delights! We have hardware, a paint dept., and a garden center which includes flowers and veggies in season."

"Our ever changing merchandise is also spattered with lots of flea-market finds and one-of-a-kind treasures you can't find anywhere else."

The French Flea Market is obviously doing well because my friend and I got there around 2:00 and we heard from several vendors that they had sold a lot of their things already and were going to have a busy night trying to get their spaces filled back up and ready for the big day tomorrow.

As a nature and garden lover, I am enjoying the home decorating styles right now, especially the interest in botanical and bird prints.

I also like that old things are being recycled and used rather than being discarded in landfills. I'm not sure why, but there is something very comforting to me about being surrounded by old things from the past. I am even liking the chippy paint on old doors, windows and ladders!

I met Nicki, from The Vintage Farmhouse. I discovered her blog several days ago from Horton's blog post regarding the French Flea Market vendors. I was looking forward to meeting her. Thank you, Nicki, for not crossing your eyes and sticking your tongue out at me when I took your picture! ;-)

After seeing these lovely bouquets, the 'Limelight' hydrangea is definitely going on my wishlist. What a magnificent flower to add to bouquets! I love that color of green!

It was interesting seeing the creative uses for vintage doors at the French Flea Market! Horton's and these vendors have that mastered!

There was so much to see that it was overwhelming trying to take it all in.I can't imagine what it was like this morning before so much of it was sold. It would definitely have been sensory overload for me!

This particular booth was my favorite! It was decorated so cute with a paint theme. I really wish I could have seen it before most of their things were gone. She also has a blog that I just discovered called D. Reyne's Everyday Elegance. She is incredibly creative and her "Tinker House" is adorable! I can't wait to have some time to see more of it!

If you live nearby you should definitely make the trip to Horton's of Tipton for the French Flea Market!

I hope you all have a lovely weekend!