I've been anticipating summer for so long, but it's still hard to believe how quickly the month of May flew by. This week's weather has been sunny and beautiful, the temperatures just about peaking up to hot a few times, and it was definitely time to turn on the AC in the car.
Some of my favorite moments this week on the cusp between spring and summer:
Morning coffee on the back porch ~ We had to wear sweatshirts over our pj's, but it was finally warm enough this week for one of our favorite summer rituals. It's a great way to start the day, sipping hot coffee, watching the birds eating breakfast, and surveying the gardens . I have my morning devotional book and a pen and journal, Dan reads the news and catches up with the world on his cell.
Spotted Towhee ~ A new bird for our backyard! This little guy is just striking I love the contrast in between the rufous color on his sides and the white on his belly. And those spots against the black wings make him look so distinguished, I think. He eagerly scratches through mulch and leaves looking for bugs. I usually see him at the base of the rosebushes.
Photo credit: allaboutbirds.com
My life list ~ Of birds, that is. I now have over 100 different kinds of birds on my list that I've seen and identified (with lots of help from fellow birders). There are some that I've found on my own, which is a great feeling -- to spot a bird, describe it to the Merlin bird app, and have the bird's identity pop up. Going out with the local bird club is an adventure, because I'm so new to this and so I almost always come home with a couple of new birds on my list. I'm in awe of how some of these people can hear the birds and identify them before they see them. I don't think that will ever be me. I'm loving my new hobby, can you tell?
A birthday celebration ~ One of the hardest things about having my kids live so far away, is missing out on special occasions like birthdays. Luke had a birthday on Monday. Our middle child is 28 now! He is an amazing husband, a wonderful father of three, and in his 'spare time' he's attending school for millwright certification. All those years, when your children are little and you wonder what they'll grow up to be. His proudest accomplishment is his family, and that makes my heart sing.
The garden is in! ~ The planting is complete and some of the flower seeds I tossed about on a wing and a prayer, are starting to sprout. Each year I plant fewer veggies, more flowers. And more perennials. That is until I go to the garden store and all the impatiens, violas and geraniums turn my head. Now, the watering begins, and the anticipation of what will sprout up next.
Wishing my American friends a happy holiday weekend. Thank you to all who have served.
It is hard having the children grow up, move out and live far away. It is some consultation to know that the kids have grown into truly good human beings. Yes, this month went by so fast. I hope that you enjoy this long Memorial Day Weekend.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had a good week.
ReplyDeleteWe have had rain FOREVER! Plus humidity
AND then it got HOT. This weekend will be cool
as in low 60's. Hopefully with some sun.
Garden? What's that? With the rain, we haven't been
able to do a garden. I do have my plants in pots
though.
Enjoy your weekend!
M : )
Coffee (or tea) on the porch or deck or patio in the mornings is one of life's great simple pleasures!
ReplyDeleteI love watching and identifying all the birds around here, too. We have a couple of feeders and the birds are fascinating to watch. Woodpeckers are among my favorites.
Happy birthday to Luke!
Hope you have a great holiday weekend.
I LOVE having my morning coffee out on the deck. Sadly I couldn't do that this morning as it is pouring rain. But we need the rain as the last two weeks have been hot and dry so I"m making God for the rain.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE your photos and your hobby of finding various birds is one my husband's cousin's husband (an ER doc) does...he has flown to almost every country in the world to find birds. His particular interest currently is South America. It's fascinating to see all the pics.
Happy Birthday to your son! What is a Millwright Certification? i've never heard of that!! Much luck to him!
Happy weekend
Yes, it is hard to not be near by to celebrate those birthdays. I know. Happy Birthday to your boy!
ReplyDeleteGarden? Yay! I need to get out and scatter some seeds 'on a wing and a prayer' too.
Love that photo of my favorite bird--the heron.
Have a great weekend!
We had similar weather--almost summer temps for a few days and now a cool spell. That's neat to know other people to share a hobby and knowledge with. Your son sounds like a wonderful young man, and I love that his family is such a priority to him. Yay for having the garden in! Good things to come!
ReplyDeleteI love the enthusiasm you have for your hobby and that bird is cute. Happy birthday to your son. Yes it's hard when they're not close by. Our weather has turned warmer this week but we haven't managed breakfast outside yet. Hope you're having a good long weekend.
ReplyDeleteIt is so wonderful to see your kids growing up and maturing. My oldest, 27 1/2 is no where ready to be a dad but I see how he is with Little Buddy and it warms my heart so much. I see the potential and it is amazing. Stay safe and enjoy your weekend.
ReplyDeleteI can almost smell those lovely lily of the valley. One of my favorite spring flowers. Happy belated birthday to your son. I can hardly wait to get together on a regular basis with my kids. Very sweet bird in your yard. I love reading about your bird sightings I also love the tradition you have with your hubby, enjoying the morning outside with your coffee together.
ReplyDelete