July has a way of slipping through our fingers, doesn’t it?
One minute we’re celebrating the Fourth of July, and the next we’re wondering how August managed to sneak up on us. Summer always seems to pick up speed just when I wish it would slow down.
Cottage Gardens
The cottage gardens have certainly kept me humble this month—deadheading, weeding, transplanting and then starting all over again. I honestly believe they are plotting against me. Every time I finish one flower bed, another seems to say, “ Look over here!” I’ve been doing my best to keep up, but the gardens have definitely been winning a few rounds. I always say, “ These Gardens are Killing Me Slowly!”
We had a good rainstorm and the Blue Jays enjoyed the filled birdbath.
And Blue Jays were not the only ones to wander into the gardens. We had another visiting monarch.
I even spotted a beautiful black butterfly with shimmering blue iridescent colors on its wings. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a picture, but I believe it was a Black Swallowtail Butterfly. It was such a special moment to see such a stunning creature!
Gardening brings me happy moments as well!
Manicures, Pedicures and Reunions
In the middle of all the gardening, I took a little break from dirt under my fingernails and treated myself to a manicure and pedicure before my 50th high school reunion. Pedicures are nothing new for me; I get them often. But manicures? Those don’t happen as often because I garden so much. It felt nice to be a little polished for a change, even if I knew those pretty nails wouldn’t survive long once I got back to gardening.
The reunion itself was such a wonderful evening. We had a terrific turnout, and I found myself talking with classmates I hadn’t seen since graduation. Isn’t it funny how, after a few minutes of conversation, it can feel like no time has passed at all? We shared stories, laughed about old memories, and caught up on fifty years of life. It was one of those nights that leaves you smiling long after it’s over.
Concert
As if that wasn’t enough excitement for one week, we also went to see John Mellencamp in concert. At 74, he is still out there doing what he does best. He sang all the favorites, sounded terrific, and reminded all of us why his music has stood the test of time. Some songs have a way of taking you right back to another chapter of your life.
Rock On!
It was a great night! We danced and we sang!
We even saw a rainbow as we walked into the concert.
Moon
Even though July is flying by, I stopped for a moment as I got out of the car to admire the moon shining in the middle of the day. It reminded me that no matter how busy life gets, there’s always time to notice something beautiful.
And soon thereafter we saw these clouds. They looked like cotton candy sprinkled in the sky!
Another Garden
I had to share some flowers from a garden in town. Pretty lilies!
Reflection
Looking back, July wasn’t about doing anything extraordinary. It was filled with flowers that needed tending (lots of tending), old friendships, a little pampering, good music, and plenty of reminders that life is good. Maybe July has been reminding me not to cling too tightly to each day but to appreciate them while they last.
I’m a bit frazzled that August is knocking at our door, but I’m ready to greet it with open arms, because I am so glad that I can still get up every morning to enjoy gardening and all the summer fun that August has to bring.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think my gardens are calling my name again.
Thank You!
Thanks for coming back again. I always enjoy having you here. Until next time… take time to notice the little things and make sure to count your blessings. I’ll meet you right back here very soon!
Linking up with Terri for Sunday Stills and The Flower Hour
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I hear you! Can you please figure out how to slow down summer?!?
Such a beautiful bunch of sharing this morning — all 8n one post!
Those blue jays! And the pic of the cutest couple headed to the reunion??? I love it, Nancy Lou!
Thanks to you, I’m gonna take John Mellencamp with me as the soundtrack in my head today. Grooving in my car, yes I will be! ❤️😉❤️
He has been in my head since we left the concert. But it’s all good!
Thanks always for all the love Vicki Lou!
Now, here’s a little ditty ‘boutJack and Diane…
😘🥰😘
Love it!!!!!! ❤️😉❤️
What a great July you’ve had, Nancy! My 50th was last year, and it has rekindled friendships as far back as from grade school. I’m here for it! The garden is relentless, right? This year I’ve enjoyed the fruits (blooms!) of murturing a crepe myrtle from volunteer seedling to young tree full of blooms, but have had to race to tie up branches to keep it from splitting during heavy rains. Fingers and toes feel neglected while weeds command ALL the attention otherwise. Great music from the past is always good medicine. It’s been a long time since the days of Bobbie Brooks……lol.
Happy Tuesday!
Your crepe mrtyle sounds gorgeous! High school reunions are the best! And we all had an outfit from Bobbie Brooks!
As for gardening I now have to take out a ton of spearmint and transplant some Buttercups and I pray I get some monarch caterpillars on my milkweed and butterfly weed! But would not give it up for the world. Happy August dear friend!
What a treat for the eyes! I enjoyed seeing the amazing pictures from your garden and elsewhere. The bluejays! WOW- I just realized I see them so seldom. They have to be around here, I would think. I see cardinals quite a bit as well as many other birds but bluejays not so much (if ever, here). How fun to go to a milestone reunion- you guys look great! John Mellencamp’s music is so good- how awesome that he is still singing/touring. Thanks for sharing a bit of your July with us!
It’s been a fun July but sooooo busy! Blue Jays should be in your area. My neighbor feeds the birds and puts out peanuts for them each day. They wait for her to come out every morning. As soon as she puts them down they swoop down a few at a time and the 6-8 peanuts are gone in no time!
Thanks for all the love! Happy August!
Beautiful flowers, and I enjoyed the chuckles about keeping up your gardens. I take one area at a time because there are so many weeds that’s about all I can handle. This morning I’m headed out front to the large shrub area and see what needs to be pulled. Needless to say once I work my way all around, it’s time to start over. I guess that’s why you keep getting dirt under those pretty nails, and I keep wearing out and tossing gloves. 🙂
I wear gloves all the time but for some reason I still get dirt. I go through lots of gloves. And the weed Spurge has come out of nowhere this year and is everywhere it is not supposed to be!
Gardening is not for the faint of heart! But I wouldn’t have it any other way! Happy August!
Beautiful photos and I love the Bluejays!
Thank you so very much! 💙 Come visit again!
Loved reading this! ❤️
Thank you!
😘😘🥰😘😘
Flowers, butterflies and your sweet words are a boost of summer goodness!
Thank you so much! 🥰 Come again!
Nancy, your garden flowers are gorgeous! Golly, I had my 50th class reunion last year, was not able to go. But I do see a classmate when I shop at her beautiful gift shop, Zola’s, at Dayton Farmers Market! We have fun visiting! I know you had a great time! Summer does march on doesn’t it?
The March needs to slow down.
Thanks for all the love, Mitzy!
Happy August!
What a nice beginning to my day Nancy…thank you for reminding me of all the weeding and such when I get the idea to add more plants to my garden.🥴 It is hard to stop and smell the roses when you are constantly weeding and pruning, watering and fertilizing although the rewards are certainly plentiful…it still remains a LOT of work. Good that you are able to get out there and do what needs to be done. You looked beautiful for your reunion…I am sure you had lots of fun talking old times. And John Mellencamp? I did not know he was still performing. Wow! Thanks for the beautiful garden photos…I will live vicariously through you my friend.🥰❤️
John was a fabulous concert!
And yes, gardening is not for the faint of heart. But I love it!
I always enjoy your sweet comments!
Happy August dear friend!
Your flowers are gorgeous, Nancy! The weeds are unrelenting for sure. We had our 50th last year. I visit with an old classmate as I shop in her beautiful gift and specialty shop, Zola’s, at Dayton Farmers Shop in Dayton, VA. She also has another old classmate that works for her. We have fun visiting while I shop!
WOW, Nancy, despite the summer wane, you certainly show us how capturing moments keep those memories alive! All the flowers are gorgeous, and I’m glad you could share your reflections of your summer so far. You are one talented photographer my friend! I know Ingrid would be very proud 😊 Happy August, I know you’ll make even more memories, my friend!
Thank you so much Terri! Your compliment means so much! Happy August!
Oh my goodness! Every one of these photos is gorgeous! I’m kind of jealous that you get such good captures of birds. And that butterfly! Wowza! I’m in love and would be in heaven if I could just sit in your garden for an entire afternoon! Yes, it’s crazy that August is almost here! Have a good week ahead, and take care, Nancy!
Thank you so much, Lenore! How kind of you. I love taking pictures!
Happy August!
July has indeed slipped away!
That it has!
Happy August! 🥰
Not only beautiful flowers, but awesome captures of beautiful flowers!! I’m with you on july slipping away…..way too fast!!
Thank you, Kirt! I am savoring the last few days of what July gives us! Enjoy it too my friend!
Good afternoon, or is it evening! I can’t believe July is almost gone. Nancy, your cottage gardens are stunning! That is the prettiest color of yarrow. The capture of the blue jays is amazing. We don’t often seen them during summer. How fun to go to your 50th and renew friendships from so long ago. I so love concerts, they remind us of yesteryear!
Enjoy the last few days of July, my friend!
Thank you so much Pam! Your sweet compliments mean the world to me. I am savoring the last few days of July. I am sure you will as well. Enjoy! ❤️
Your life is in full bloom! Celebrating a 50th class reunion is a unique opportunity, I’m happy y’all had a grand time-sharing history, memorable and poignant experiences with fellow classmates! I’m sure you were the only one that had not aged!!!!!💕💕💕
I can’t believe it has been 50 years!! Especially since I sminky 39! 🤣😉
Thank you so much for all the love.
I know you have gorgeous blooms at home in AZ but doesn’t it over-awe you to surround yourself with the lush, colorful beauty of your PA gardens? Each and every one is a stunning star. I’m so glad you had a delightful time at the reunion.
Jeanie, you said it so perfectly. Just the other day, I was telling sweet man how each month our gardens show off their certain flowers. Now, as we head into August, here come the hibiscus and black-eyed susans. It is all so glorious to see. Thanks for all the love! Enjoy your last few days of July.
You may feel like you are at war with your plants, but they are so beautiful. Much of the U.S. is having high temps. I hope that is not the case for you as you work in your garden.
I think that is why the weeds got ahead of me, as it was too hot to be outside weeding. Hopefully, it will start to cool down so I can work in one garden where the spearmint is taking over! It’s always something.
Thank you so much for your kind words. Happy August to you!
I agree. Your garden is beautiful.
Thank you Maria! 🤗🥰