Monday, July 9, 2018

An Announcement Soon!

The heat has broken, at least for now! After two weeks of oppressive heat it has cooled off to a respectable 80-something and sometimes a little cooler! And life in the hood continues!


I think I've said before that there are ten days in a year when I wish Rick or I had air. I think I've been through eight or nine of them over the past two weeks. Poor Lizzie can hardly move, except for food -- and sometimes even that isn't enough to get her to change positions.


The garden is looking great. My sweet peas have definitely morphed into Audrey Two of "Little Shop of Horror" fame and spreading out across the front of the house. Fortunately they require little maintenance.


Neither does the hosta garden. And it's like a jungle out there.


The bunnies are loving it. Some have settled into the woodpile (courtesy of the tree-cutters last spring -- all pine and not burnable).


I haven't seen any babies, but Wrennie keeps stuffing things into the Bed and Breakfast. I even caught this photo of her -- a tad blurry as I shot it through the screen.


The hydrangeas are rocking it, too. I love them white but even more when they turn that wonderful shade of chartreuse in the fall and dry so well!


I don't know if this is last year's nest or if all have flown (no signs of egg shells) but it was a nice find in the bushes.


And of course guess who figured out where the bird seed is. I don't mind him nearly so much as the squirrels.


I've been harvesting loads of oregano, dill and thyme and had a good batch of pesto from the basil. The tomatoes are blooming (no fruit yet) and soon there will be blooms on the black eyed Susans and the cone flowers.

In an attempt to get a bit of cool, Rick and I went to "Won't You Be My Neighbor?" -- the Mister Rogers movie. Heartily recommended. It should be required for every parent or anyone who is ever around a small child but it wouldn't hurt every adult in America to see it as well. David Brooks had a wonderful take on it in his recent New York Times  piece HERE.

It reminded me again of meeting Fred Rogers at a PBS meeting in the long-ago. The line went the length of the ballroom, following his lunchtime speech and there were sessions after. I feel for those who were in those sessions -- the attendance was probably dismal.


He greeted every person in that line (which isn't that big a deal). But what was is that he took time with every person in that line. Direct eye-to-eye communication. He asked us about the kinds of things we did, not just at the station but in our real lives. I remember telling him about the work I did for Ele's Place, a children's grief center where I worked as a facilitator for ten years as a volunteer. It was a conversation. And it was like that with anyone in the line, at least those I saw.  I will never forget it.


As I write this, we are still waiting for our Baby Grand Two to make his appearance. He was due July 1. By the time it posts, perhaps we'll have our little guy and once his mom and dad make his presence known, I'll be eager to share with you.


Till then, we are biding our time. And waiting with baited breath!

43 comments:

Valerie-Jael said...

It's still very hot here and no sign of a let up yet! Your flowers are looking wonderful. Sorry your poor feline is feeling the heat so much, must be hard with a thick, fur coat! Hope baby grand turns up very soon! Hugs, Valerie

Joyful said...

Oh wow Jeanie, sorry to hear of your heat wave but I know it has been experienced in many places these days. I am glad to hear you have a bit of respite. Your garden is looking very lovely despite the heat wave. It was lovely seeing all the critters in your post today and seeing Lizzie's expressive face. I enjoyed seeing your photo with Mr. Rogers and hearing about how nice he was. I'm interested in seeing the film and hopefully I will get to it before it moves on from local theaters. have a wonderful week ahead.

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

What an amazing experiece with Fred Rogers! I've loved him since I was a child - the world needs a billion more Mr. Rogers'.

BeachGypsy said...

Hey there my friend....is the grandbaby here yet??? Waiting on happy news! Oh my goodness, I just love all your beautiful and colorful flowers, so pretty!! Ours are getting all jungle like as well, ha ha LOL We are leaving them be like that for now, it's been far too hot to mess with much gardening. What a sweet little bunny! And that's cool that you met and visited with Mr. Rogers!

Sami said...

Poor Lizzie should be stretched out on the kitchen tiles, then she would be cooler, lol.
I love hydrangeas, they are all over the Azores islands where my husband is from, but I can't seem to get them to flower in my garden.
Still waiting on baby II, hope he comes soon Jeanie, I can imagine your eagerness to see him.

Stacey said...

Sweet times for you lately! I can't wait to see the Fred Rogers movie. I can only imagine what a kind man he must have been.

Hope you get your news soon. :)

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Ohhh, what a lovely post, Jeanie. We too have a little wren in our birdhouse who just BARELY showed up two days ago. They usually appear in our garden in June, but "Flo" kept going in and out of her little house, stuffing it with grass, then poking her little body out of the hole and was singing!

I have "bookmarked" David Brookes' article so I can read it later. We love watching him on PBS and I know his piece will be an insightful perspective in Mister Rogers. I really must see the movie.

OK, enjoy your day; it's going to hit 90 today here!

Victoria Zigler said...

And there I am saying I'm too hot when it's been in the low 80s several times recently, and a few degrees cooler the rest of the time. LOL!

YAY for baby bunnies!

Hope Baby Grand 2 arrives quickly, and without too much difficulty for his (I think you mentioned it was to be a boy, but substitute "his" for "her" if I'm mistaken) Mommy.

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

I have NO idea what I would do if I didn't have AC. I would die, because about 10 years ago I suffered heat stroke. Now I get heat exhaustion when I overexert myself outside. At least I've learned the symptoms and am able to stop short of a stroke.

Your garden is looking fabulous, although Lizzie appears to be looking the worse for wear, poor thing! Hope your #2 baby grand comes soon.

The French Hutch said...

We’ve had day after day of late afternoon thunderstorms. Great for the plants and flowers but leaves us in a steam bath. The one good thing, it brings our temps down. I feel for Miss Lizzie, with all that fur no wonder she feels the heat. Your flowers look lovely, I love sweet peas and hydrangeas are a favorite of mine. Yours are beautiful, all you need of those are one to fill a vase. Loved seeing your pic with Mr. Rogers. Hope the baby grand doesn’t keep you waiting to long, exciting time for you and your family. Look forward to the pics......Have a great week Jeanie.

Susie said...

Your plants are looking good. Life seems to go on in the heat of the outdoors. Poor kitty, just lounging about. I loved the picture of you and Mister Rogers. What a great time. Jeanie, bless you and yours, stay cool. xoxo, Susie

Tracy said...

such BEAUTIFUL summer beauty at your place, Jeanie! It's real summer here, and very unusually warm for weeks now...in the midst of a drought now. It's wonder anything is green or growing--so thankful! I loved Mr Rogers on PBS as a child! I didn't know about this movie--how sweet! And how lovely you got to meet Fred Rogers. He sounds like he was a lovely person in real life, as on TV. Such sweet Miss Lizzie moments...she's so beautiful! And how patiently she waits with you. ;) Hoping and praying that all goes well with Baby Grand coming into the world very soon... so excited and happy for you all!! :))) ((LOVE & HUGS))

Linda d said...

So glad you are cooling down a bit. We went and aw he documentary too. Loved it. The Boy Scout is a little too old to have seen him as a child and never had kids so it just passed him by. He loved learning about him and wept at the end when the asked the question, "who in your life loved you just exactly as you were?”

Lynne said...

Lovely post . . .
My morning short story . . .
I can’t wait to see Mister Rogers (Won’t You Be My Neighbor) and feel his calm, gentleness . . . what a
I checked and not around here yet . . . checking again, right now!

Amazing how long it seems to “wait for the babe” and then how fast the days, years fly by . . .
Looking forward to the news!

Lynne said...

what a love.
Not sure what happened to my LOVE word . . .

shoreacres said...

I just read another post about the Mr. Rogers movie, and it sounds wonderful -- a good antidote to what ails us,perhaps. And that last photo of Lizzie? It looks so much like Dixie Rose -- I suddenly missed her again, after weeks of not particularly missing her.

Lilbitbrit said...

How lovely that you got to meet Mr. Rogers I do want to see the film. Your garden is lovely, lots of good things in it.

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

You met Mr. Rogers...how amazing is that! And I hope that baby comes soon...I'm sure Mommy does too! Hugs!

Misadventures of Widowhood said...

We need an adult version of Mr. Rogers to teach empathy and compassion. What an amazing experience it was for you to have a mini conversation with him. He's made a difference in the world.

Love your sweet peas and rabbit. I have both growing wild in my back yard, too.

Iris Flavia said...

Isn´t this really the best time of the year, so lush it´s a joy! A tad cooler here also. Poor Lizzie, though!
You have me awww-oooohhh-ing, such a cute little fella!
But, shame on me (?) I had to google Fred Rogers... He seemed to have been a great man!
Hope the wait for the wee-one is over soon!

Silver in AZ said...

I'm kind of surprised the obstetrician hasn't scheduled to induce yet. Usually they don't let it go beyond 7-10 days past the due date. Hope the sweet babe is here soon!

La Table De Nana said...

Cute sweet summery post..I've been readng about the move..good for Rick for going! He strikes me as a Mr Rogers:) Seems so nice..

coffeeontheporchwithme said...

What a wonderful story about meeting Fred Rogers. As a Canadian child, without cable tv, I didn't really know Mr. Roger's Neighbourhood, but we had our own version, Mr. Dressup. He was a big part of my childhood. You and Lizzie hang in there while you wait for the baby to arrive! -Jenn

Linda @ A La Carte said...

I can't imagine living without air conditioning but then I do live in Georgia! Waiting for those babies is hard work! Soon I hope. Love your hydrangeas! I'm watching the birds at my feeders as I write this. Hugs!

Rita C at Panoply said...

Great shots of your goings ons, Jeanie. I can only imagine a face-to-face encounter/conversation with Fred Rogers and how calming and memorable that must've been. Lucky for you!

Judy at GoldCountryCottage said...

Jeanie, what a sweet shot of Wrennie and poor Lizzie looks worn out. The heat seems to be getting to everyone. I have one plant of hydrangeas that is really beautiful this year and the rest are just hanging on it seems like. By now, hope you have had some news about the new little one, the anticipation must be overwhelming..Stay cool and hope you get to play with that little one soon. Will be waiting to hear..Happy Monday..xxoJudy

AnnMarie aka Vintage Junkie aka NaNa said...

We had a few days of gorgeous, not too hot, weather but now it is right back at it! I can't keep up with watering my poor potted plants that wilt by midday. And our grass is totally burnt and crunchy. Your garden is gorgeous and so lush! I also love the white hydrangeas and the green they turn in the Fall. I don't have any but the old library across the street does so I have to gaze on them from afar....sigh. Poor kitties....mine are having a hard time with the heat too.

William Kendall said...

Lizzie looks seriously relaxed!

Pam Richardson said...

Hi Jeanie, your garden looks fabulous as well as the garden critters! I loved the photo of you and Fred Rogers on FB and I am so glad you included it in your post. My 32 year old son loved watching Mr. Rogers when he was small, it was the only TV program he watched. I know you all are anxious for grandnaby to arrive. Have a great week!

Quiltmoose - Dagmar said...

Lovely post, as always, Jeanie! Love your garden with all the plants and gritters!
How exciting it must be to be waiting for a new grandbaby. Enjoy the time!

Dagmar

Red Rose Alley said...

That's a great picture of the rabbit, Jeanie. I took one this weekend, but they scurry away so quickly and it was a far away pic. It's nice that it isn't too hot there. It's been really hot here, in the 100's. You met Mr. Rogers? I used to watch the tv show with my kids when they were little. What a nice memory that must have been for you. Love that last picture of your cat, it's marvelous!

Happy July days, Jeanie. It's already July!

~Sheri

Bella said...

Your hydrangeas are gorgeous. Mine are blue, and the blossoms are lying on the ground at the moment. I need to cut some and bring them inside. Your sweet peas are something. I've never planted them before. Does the bunny eat your hostas?

As I write this, I'm wondering if you're still on baby watch, or if he's made his grand appearance. I'm wishing you all the joys that come with new babies, especially baby grands. They are so wonderful.

Joanne Huffman said...

It's certainly summer all over the country. Great photos.

Sandra Cox said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Sandra Cox said...

Wow. Loved everything.
Those sweet peas are gorgeous.
Fred Rogers sounds like he was an amazing human being.

Marilyn Miller said...

Oh Lizzie, I am with you when it is hot. No fun at all. Those white hydrangeas are gorgeous. Those sweet peas certainly can take over, but they smell good. Oh and a bunny and chipmunk, how fun. My favorite thing of all is seeing you with Mr. Rogers. How our family loved him. My adult kids still talk about him and getting to meet the crew along with Mr. Rogers. A very fond memory in our family.

Anonymous said...

You garden looks beautiful with colorful flowers and plants! Bunnies are enjoying the beautiful place. Nice to see the bird peeping out of it's house:)

eileeninmd said...

Hello, lovely collection of photos. I love your sweet kitty. The chipmunk, bunny and wren are adorable. The sweet peas are pretty. I hope your wait is over now, the due date is way past now.

I hope you are having a great week and enjoy your day!

Carol @Comfort Spring Station said...

Love your garden and photos of wildlife. I hope the heat cools off for you - living in Florida, I won't living anywhere without central air. Up north you can get away with not having it.

Sandra Cox said...

Mrs. Wren is awfully cute.
Any word on the baby?

Jellybeans Angel said...

Beautiful garden! I’ve tried to get everlasting sweet peas to grow in this garden from gathered seed but no luck yet. The pond is the current project. I’m hoping it will attract more wildlife into the garden like dragonflies and frogs. Your bunnies are so cute!

Lisa from Lisa's Yarns said...

This is one of the hottest summers I can remember having. We have a/c and have ran it quite a bit as Paul gets sooo hot so easily. I like warm summers but this humidity is a bit much! It’s been great for my garden, though. I’ve picked lettuce, cucumbers, green peppers and jalapeños. I have lots of tomatoes on the vine but realized I planted my 4 plants too close so picking them is going to be interesting!!

My name is Erika. said...

I am. It sure what weather I am coming home to. It how my gardens will look since daughter may not be the best caretaker. Newfoundland was cool, cold and even beautiful warm. But it is pretty warm here in Toronto as I wait for the plane. Hope it’s a little
More seasonal. Hugs erika

Popular Posts