Like I've Said, I Am Ready for Fall

After all the cleaning that I did after our new siding work was finished, I had told myself I would not be doing "Fall cleaning" this year.  I was wrong.  There were things that just simply needed to be worked on  and cleaned. So, I have been scrubbing, cleaning, and doing all sorts of chores and jobs around here.  There are still a couple smaller jobs to do, but for the most part, the big stuff is all done.

And then it will be on to work in the yard.  I've kept up with that pretty well, but there are a few things that I'd like to get done before the Fall  aeration and seeding.  When that is done, we should try to stay off of the grass while the seeds sprout and grow, so I don't want to be out there messing things up.  We still have a broken limb that is hanging down on our Ash tree.  Every morning when I look out, I expect it to be down and ready to be cleaned up.  But so far, it is just hanging on.  

Next weekend I will be getting out the ceramic pumpkins - not jack-o-lanterns - and our other Fall decorations.  I am ready to do that!  I enjoy them and they make me happy.  And.... Fall colors were always some of my Mom's favorites;  all the browns, and oranges, and yellows.  So there's some happy memories with the decorations.  

I took this picture the other evening of a beautiful evening sky.

Take care of yourselves and stay safe.  Life is good.  And God Bless America!

Please Keep Them Safe

School starts tomorrow for our two youngest granddaughters.  This is the first year they will be in different schools as C starts Middle School, and E will be in third grade.  Please plan your driving times and remember to stop for the busses.  Watch for all the children who will be either excited or unsure of where they should go. I hope everyone has a great first day!

E made this picture for a calendar that she made for us and it is the perfect picture for the this post! 💕

Take care of yourselves and stay safe.  Life is still good.  And God Bless America!

Nature!

I had my annual Dermatology checkup this morning.  When I parked the car, this is what greeted me.

Just wandering around, and finding goodies in the grass.  I waited my turn to use the sidewalk and finally got inside.

When I was done, they were still out there and busy.  I walked between them and they were not disturbed at all.

The appointment went well and I go back in a year.

Stay safe and take care of yourselves.  Life is still good.  God Bless America!

Bath Time in the Sun

 

Finnigan was enjoying a post breakfast bath.

I hope everyone is doing well.  Les and I are okayish. 

The weather is a bit nicer here right now and not quite so hot.  Things are still blooming in the yard.  I noticed this morning that the Liriope just started to bloom.  The Geraniums are still pretty and there are some Azaleas blooming.  

Around now is when I usually start to think about starting Christmas shopping.  I can't get motivated about that this year, but I am looking forward to getting out our Fall decorations.  First part of September I will be working on those.  Please note that I said "Fall", not "Halloween" decorations. 😀 The Today Show had a large report this morning on how it is now "Augtober" and so many folks are decorating for Halloween already and having special parties.  They also mentioned Pumpkin Spice is now available in many places.  So if you like that, enjoy!  I will not be having any, tried it once and that was enough.

We've had several appointments recently and so far, so good.  There's a couple more next week, too.  And our painter guy, Jeff, should be coming in the next couple days to paint our garage door for us.

Take care of yourselves.  Life is still good.  And God Bless America!

Pretty Early Morning Sky

 

Rainbow!

 

So, TS Debby has come and gone. We lucked out in our immediate area.  At the beginning of Debby's movement we got at least three inches of rain.  During a dry period, I went out and looked at our rain gauge, emptied it, and picked up some sticks and branches.

One evening we had a couple short showers while the sun was shining and I got this picture.  Beautiful!

We did get wind and more branches and bits down that had to be cleaned up.  But as I said, no more serious rainfall.  Other areas were not as fortunate and had severe flooding and damage, along with tornadoes.  For now, it's just wait and see what Ernesto does.

Take care and stay safe.  Life is still good.  And God Bless America!

Miss You, Mom

 

Mom was a strong, capable, hard-working lady.  Someone took this picture of her way before I came along.  But it shows how she just got things done.  It was going to be chicken dinner that day.  I never saw her with an ax, but I totally believe this.  She did teach me to shoot a gun.  And she made sure I could ride a horse.  I have no idea who that friend was that had a farm with horses, but she made sure I could do it.  I can gladly tell you I have never had an urgent need to jump on a horse and take off.  And honestly, that is totally out of the question now.

I was raised to just put on a smile and get to it when something had to be done, or gotten through.  I admit that the full force of this came to me later rather than sooner.  But I've always known it and done my best.  I hope she knows I am still trying and that I miss her.  Sending up love, Mom.........and trying to smile. 💕

Be Kind

 

Just a thought.  Kindness is always a good idea.  

The other morning as I was doing the "morning stuff", I looked out the back window and saw a healthy looking raccoon having breakfast at our bird feeder.  I wasn't quick enough to get a picture, but she ate and then went up a tree.

Take care of yourselves and God Bless America!

More Wildlife

 

I looked out the back door and saw this little guy on the door mat yesterday.  First one I've seen with such a bright blue tail!  Later I saw the one that lives under the front step, but didn't have my phone with me to take a picture. He has stripes and is bigger.

We had some strong wind last evening, and the power briefly went out.  We didn't get any rain right here in our area, but some areas got a lot.  I had to go out and do more yard cleanup this morning.  Branches and bits were blown down.  Furniture and small tables moved around.  It's all cleaned up now, but I was not planning to be doing yard work today!  It's hot and humid, and right now the heat index is 103. 

Speaking of weather....we're watching to see what tropical storm/potential hurricane Debby is going to do. Looks like Florida is going to get hit with her. Then we'll see where she is headed.

Take care of yourselves and stay safe.  Life is still good.  And God Bless America!

Bunny

 

I hope everyone is doing well and staying relatively cool.  It's hot and humid here as I write this, and the heat index is 105 and rising.  Unless there is an emergency, I am in for the rest of the day!  

This little bunny is living in our yard.  I've seen him under Azaleas, and under the shrubs in front of the porch.  The other evening he was right outside by the side window.  So, of course, I had to take a picture.  I'm not sure, but I am guessing he lives under our shed.

As you can see, our grass is suffering a bit.  In another month or so, aerating and seeding, etc. will be done and it should get better.  There's been a lot of foot and equipment traffic on the grass with the siding replacement work, other repairs, and tree removal.  Combined with very little rain for quite a while and our sprinkler system not being turned on when it should have been, the grass sort of "gave up" and turned brown in lots of spots.  But it will get better.

Les had an appointment for lab work this morning and then we went to breakfast and got Starbucks on the way home.  

Life is still good.  Take care of yourselves and stay safe.  And God Bless America!