Sadly the peonies are already past their prime. They are so gorgeous, I just wish they lasted longer. (I think I say that every year. )
I bought this chippy blue picnic table at a garage sale last weekend for $5.00. It is a large oval table and quite heavy. It will replace a small wrought iron table that fell over whenever the wind blew hard. One of these days I will probably repaint it, but for now I like it just the way it is.
I love this poppy! I wish it had more than this single bloom. It looks so pretty next to the lavender. I will definitely save the seeds and try to grow more of them.
I've never had much success with roses before, but the pink double Knockout roses are easy to grow and they are so pretty. I like them so much better than the single Rainbow colored one I have.
I need to get outside tomorrow with my spray bottle of soapy water and get the aphids off of them.
I noticed this robin at the birdbath yesterday. It kept its mouth open. I was curious about this behavior and read that when the weather is hot they open their mouths and pant to keep cool.
We went from cold and rainy to hot and humid. I was looking forward to warmth, but not quite this warm yet.
I am definitely seeing more butterfly activity this year!
The hummingbirds are back too!
My mother has been in the hospital for over two weeks. She had a serious case of Diverticulitis. It ruptured and set up infection and sadly she had to have part of her colon removed and now has a colostomy. I haven't been able to go home to Alabama to be with her. My heart is so heavy and I am very concerned about her. At times like this, it is very difficult being so far away from home.
My dad is still in so much pain after his lung cancer surgery last year. It is really painful for him to stay at the hospital so much with my mother, but he does it anyway. He had a spot on his rib during his last scan. He will have another scan in a few weeks. I'm concerned that his cancer may be back. If it is, I don't know how they will take care of each other. I try not to think about that.
I am so thankful for the beautiful flowers, bees, butterflies and birds that provide a little distraction from the worry and concern.
Oh Robin I am so sorry to hear about your Mom and Dad. Being so far away is so painful for you. I will definitely keep you all in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteYour new shabby chic table is nice. I have a small side table with green peeling paint. I keep telling myself it is the "in"thing to have. Ha..
Have a good weekend watching the birds, bees and butterflies.
Your photographs are absolutely stunning. It is as if all your flowers posed for you. Neat table, too.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear about your parents and what they are going through. I know how hard it is to be so far away.
Carol
Miss Robin everything looks so beautiful .. good thing you don't live close by I might be tempted to borrow that pretty new table !
ReplyDeleteSending peaceful happy thoughts your way along with prayers & hugs.
Cherry
So, so lovely, Robin. And that new table is perfect for photos and a classy look on your patio.
ReplyDeleteSo very sorry that your mom is going through this right now...and that you are so very far away. And your dad, too. I will be praying for all of you today, dear friend. XOX
Very sad to read about your parents and the struggle they are having with their health. I will remember then in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteRemembering you as well, your pain of not being able to be there for them can sure weigh the body and soul down. At least you have some distractions at times.
The poppy is outstanding, such a vibrant color.
God grant you peace.
I'm so sorry to hear the health news on your parents. Thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteYour flowers are so lovely and I know how comforting the gifts from nature can be in times of worries.
Take care. Hugs.
Dearest Robin,
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry your beloved parents are going through such health problems right now and that you aren't able to be with them. It's always so hard watching our parents get older and having their health fail. How wonderful though that they have each other for love and support. Warm thoughts for you and your parents...
Nature can indeed be so comforting. It sometimes helps us put things into perspective and appreciate the little things in life.
Sending you love and many thoughts today,
xo Catherine
Robin,I am so sorry to hear about your parents ill health. My grandmother once had the same problem and surgery, and did well with it.Take heart, and my prayers are with you. By the way... I wouldnt touch that table. It is beautiful the way it is.
ReplyDeleteRobin you are not along during this difficult time, let the spirit of nature in, it can relax and soothe you. My thoughts and prayers are with you and remember one day at a time. Tomorrow is not here and yesterday has passed do not dwell on them, only today, this moment. Enjoy what today gives and take care. Jen
ReplyDeleteHow sorry I am to hear about your Mom and Dad, this is really hard on all of you. I'm glad you have your wonderful garden with all its healing powers of body, mind and soul.
ReplyDeleteTake care Robin, am thinking of you.
Thank you for the lovely tour around your garden.
Nothing more worrisome than having your parents suffer, Robin. I hope that God will bless them and help them recover their health.
ReplyDeleteLovely pictures of your beautiful peonies and roses. Those knock-outs aren't called that for nothing :-)
First thank you for being you, you're caring and sharing through your photos. I'm sorry to hear about your mom and dad may they recover painlessly, you as well and return to the garden often for therapy.
ReplyDeleteThe peony arrangement is beautiful. That robin obviously has something to say and what a great shot. He's adorable. The rainbow is very well captured and made me smile because it's been raining cats and dogs here today and when the sun finally appeared I ran out, camera in hand, looking for a rainbow with nothing in sight. Glad I saw yours.
ReplyDeleteRobin, I'm so sorry your parents are ill. I'll keep them in my thoughts. I love your photos. You always make me smile with your photos.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
Robin,
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear that your parents are ill and you are so physically far away. I too live thousands of miles away from my daughters and my mother. Just know that they can feel the same love in their hearts when you are next to them or far away.
It seems you have managed to find beauty in a time of great adversity!
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry that your heart is so heavy. Hang in there, you have certainly lightened my load with your beautiful photos.
I love your photos and feel for your family woes..hope all goes well..
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful photos, Robin. Your peony looks brilliant with the chipped blue painted table :-D
ReplyDeleteI’ve seen birds sit with their open mouths in hot weather quite few times too. It’s quite funny to see them on border edges in the dry earth with their wings spread out like a fashion coat and their heads tilted to the side with mouth open wide like some abstract sculpture. You did well getting a photo as this moment can change in a flash.
My daughter was just a two hour drive away when she was ill on a number of occasions in her first year of Uni. It felt like she was so very much further. The distance was truly awful. I can imagine just a tiny bit of how you must be feeling at the moment. My thoughts are with you and your whole family.
In all honesty this really is not a plug for visitors to come my way however I know how much you love to watch the birds too. If you are looking for a bird/nature distraction I have a Blue tit family busy feeding chicks in my nestbox that has a camera. I was popping over today to tell you when I came across this post. I get completely lost in my thoughts when I watch them. I posted 8 videos yesterday if you want to see them.
My heart goes out to you - I know how hard it is not being close by to help your parents. My father died in March after suffering from cancer for 15 months. During that time my stepmother had hip replacement surgery - just after recovering from major back surgery. But like you, I found the distractions of butterflies, birds, flowers, and the beauty of nature to be a huge help. My prayers go out to your family.
ReplyDeleteYour postings are always so interesting to read. A little of ths and a little of that. I really enjoy them. As for your parents just take a deep breath, say a little prayer that things will get better. It is hard for us children that do not live near our parents to cope but we must. Valerie
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear about your parents.I will add your name and your parents to my prayer list.God is the great Healer.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,Ruth
Robin, I am sorry to hear that your parents are ailing so~I know it's really difficult being so far away from them. The birds and other critters are wonderful distractions and so very healing for the spirit...So spend all the time you can in your garden~it will help your stress levels. gail
ReplyDeleteHi Robin,
ReplyDeleteYour photos are lovely-beautiful peonies!
I am sorry your parents are not well and you are so far away.
Take care,
Carolyn
hummingbirds! a surprised robin!
ReplyDeletewonderful blooms!
hope your Mom feels better soon.
Aloha from Waikiki, Friend
Comfort Spiral
Love the chippy blue table, too. I'm so sorry to read this about your parents, Robin. Sending up prayers for your family.
ReplyDeleteHi Robin, sending thoughts & prayers for your mom & dad. I'm sorry you're unable to visit right now. Life doesn't always allow for that. We were military for over 20 yrs. and were always far away from our parents. We retired far away, as well. Luckily my mom is just 2 1/2 hrs away now. Hopefully you will be able to visit soon. I hope your mom will start to feel like herself soon, and that your dad's cancer has not returned. Thank God for the birds, bees and butterflies;-) Take care, Jan
ReplyDelete