A gift

A gift from my daughter that lives on in my garden.

August Break 2011

Late August Blooms

Late August means my lovely tall red monarda (bee balm) blooms start to fade... although there are a few late blooming plants. This variety is called Blue Stocking... according to the nursery where I bought the original plant nearly 20 years ago.

Our native bergamot monarda is in full bloom right now. The leaf mold is especially prevalent with the wet cold summer we've had this year... but I still love the delicate little blooms.

So do the hummingbirds.

August Break 2011

Rudbeckia

Rudbeckia blooming... so cheery! These are growing among the tall Oregon grape in the front garden.

August Break 2011

Macro Monday 

Sunday morning garden

It was a quiet peaceful morning out in the garden today, just wandered about doing a little weeding, listening to the birds.  Our garden changes daily as flowers begin to bloom...
 

This is Merlot Echinacea, a hybrid that came to live in our garden this summer.  The little blue "love in a mist" blooms in the background. They are from my Auntie Ruth's garden, seeds given to me years ago that spread themselves around freely.

Straight Out of The Camera Sunday

August Break 2011

Ducky's Adventure Part 3

I almost forgot to mention the fun cake Melanie brought to share! Oh my, it was quite good and Ducky enjoyed it immensely!

You would not believe the fun and crazy Zettie folks around on Saturday! What a riot of energy! This is Julie and Trina... two of our favorite Zettie lasses!

Ducky got in on the fun too... with zetti legs by Julie, and a piece of her lovely boa.

There were a few demos of techniques during the weekend, and Ducky was pleased to have a personal demo from Martha on the charms of beeswax and napkins. She's a great teacher and Ducky learned a lot! Note that Martha had Zetti socks too!

We got a picture of most of the group the last day... some had already left.

It's always bittersweet to pack up the art supplies to head home after a fun weekend.

Ducky had a marvelous time meeting all his online friends face to face, and is looking forward to seeing them again next year.

Ducky's Adventure Part 2

It was a wonderfully HOT day in Hood River when we arrived... just in the nick of time for the winery tour. We walked a very long one half mile (actually 1+miles) immediately after checking in and dragging all our "stuff" to the room. Luckily I grabbed a seltzer water to drink on the way.

Ducky thought the foot bridge was great fun!

When we arrived we got personal service and even a picture taken by our wonderful wine taster lady!

After getting a ride back to the hotel, we all had a quick bite to eat and a beverage. Ducky tried the Lemon Drop...

Then everyone gathered and played with their art supplies for a bit. Ducky brought bookmarks to share with those in attendance. Here he's at the art table ready to create.

After a late night, we were still up early to enjoy the dawn on the river.

Ducky's Adventure Part 1

Ducky was busy helping me gather things together for the art weekend.

And kept asking me... do you REALLY need all this stuff?  (I didn't)

Ducky was so excited to get to Julies house, where we spent the night before heading to Hood River the next morning.

After a relaxing  for a bit on the porch...

... Ducky helped us pack the trunk. He kept asking... do you REALLY need all this stuff? (We didn't)



to be continued...