It is hard to believe that today is the 23rd of July.  The past week has been very rainy with lots of thunder and lightening and much the same forecast for the next few days.  Actually I never complain when it comes to rain in the summer. It could just as easily be hot and dry with the gardens and crops withering on the vines.

 

Yesterday I had some of "our" corn and must say it was delicious!  Yes I am bragging a bit but there was that degree of satisfaction that it was from our garden.  We picked a few about a week ago to see if it was mature enough and it needed this week of rain and humidity. Actually the kernels were really not mature enough to eat but yesterdays was perfect.  So I think this weekend just might be a corn-fest!

 

At the moment I'm reading several of Mary Oliver's books of poetry and one that is entitled "Our World".  It is a book that combines her partner's photography and Mary Oliver's commentary and a few poems.  It is a tribute to her life partner and the poetry is beautiful. It includes a lot on their life while living on Cap Cod in the 60's and their struggles trying to make it as two artists. A very beautiful book.  And I must admit I love Mary Oliver's poetry; it combines her spirituality and her love of nature.  She has a beautiful line the essence of which she learned from Molly;  "attention without feeling is only a report."  And how true that is.

 

Anyway my friends, a good day to all of you.   Bittersweet

I didn't go to the fireworks this year although I did watch the specials in WDC and Boston.  I tried to read a bit while watching but that wasn't very successful!  The patriotic marches got the best of me!

 

My project priorities have shifted somewhat and I'm not sure how that shift came about.  Anyway, I'm working on a patio behind the garage that seems to be getting bigger and bigger. I am enjoying the space primarily because it permits me to see and enjoy more of the back fields and valley. I can sit back there and watch the deer wander and chomp on the vegetation.  Last night there were five in the garden which wasn't appreciated.  But the garden is well established and can handle a little cannibalization. One of them was a very young buck whose antlers were just budding  - about 2 to 3 inches. Another was a big buck and three does. What was even funnier was the little garden snake that maneuvered across the block while I was sitting there. Even though it knew I was a specie that he wasn't familiar with, he was determined to make it across and pass me by.  And he did but I watch his every move until he was out-of-sight. It was interesting - he'd  move toward me, stop and raise his head about 4 or 5 inches, flick his red tongue and then move closer. I think he knew he was in control!

 

So why does this little valley so important to me?  First, it is a wonderful habitat for birds and behind the thicket, is a stream that meanders along. Even though the patio is two or three hundred yards from the stream, the patio sits 30 or 40 feet above the lower field.  It is a wonderful place to just close your eyes and focus on listening to the stream while the birds chirp and the wind blows through.  It's my form of meditation. The back is isolated; no homes in view, no distractions and an unobstructed view of life in this habitat.

 

The garden is beginning to provide us with some vegetables; swiss chard, spinach, lettuce, zucchini and variety of herbs.  A beginning.  I'm really looking forward to the tomatoes and beets.

 

The humidity is high and tomorrow we will hit the 90's with oppressive humidity.  That means "quiet" time under the trees and time for reading.  My best to my blog buddies.    Bittersweet