Sounds Like Summer

 I noticed the cicadas started chirping, bird song have quieted down, and crickets started their night time chorus. We are having very warm and very dry weather these last couple of weeks and for the next week too. Watering the garden is a regular activity along with the more fun activities.

A stop along the bike trail.

I went to another book club, met friends for lunch, hiked and swam at Otsego Lake, kayaked at Harris Lake, and did a 24 mile bike ride yesterday. I was almost done with the IronStrong Challenge and my back twinged with what I think was a muscle spasm after the bike ride. I immediately stopped moving - and the spasm stopped too. I decided I'm not going to finish the challenge on time. It's just not worth it to risk my back and weeks of activity for a fun challenge that is of little consequence. 

This tithonia is growing in partial shade and looks redder than its normal orange color. 

Kayaking along the Hudson River just off of Harris Lake.
The wildfire smoke is back and casts a soft haze over the landscape.

This is my favorite vista when I get up in the morning - my garden.

Now it is Monday and I'm staying home which I am so happy to do. I've decided to work on the third side of the shed which requires cutting back all the shrubs and trees that are growing right up the side. I'm going to take my time and only work in the mornings. It's 11 am and already 83º and heading towards 90º.

My one butternut squash is looking beautiful.

The garden is full of these rudbeckia.

First bloom of the hibiscus.

This week is looking very busy with giving blood, a picnic, a minor biopsy, and a trip to my sister's.

Comments

  1. MargaretAugust 11, 2025 at 2:56 PM

    I don't like the word biopsy although I love the flowers and the care you're taking of your back. I baby any body part that gives me trouble because I don't want the issue to become chronic. I know too many horror stories! Many of our leaves are turning. I like fall so I don't mind and am retired, so I don't mind! :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Maureen MAugust 11, 2025 at 7:42 PM

    Though I love spring and summer, the signs of the fall are definitely in the air. I just wish the temps would drop a little - and rain would be nice!

    ReplyDelete

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