Evenings on the Deck

Just as magical as the mornings, but in a different way.

Mornings on the Deck

I love early mornings this time of year. I especially love them when I get to spend time on my deck, puttering with (and sometimes talking to!) my plants. There is a stillness in the air, yet it's alive with birdsong and sunshine. It's a truly magical time of day.

Visitor

I had a sweet little visitor when I was watering my geranium the other morning. 

Not Meant to Be

One of things that gets me through the cold, bleak winter months is the promise of spring. (Isn't it that way for most people?) The thing I look most forward to is the blooming of my lilac bush. It has never failed to produce gorgeous, delicate, fragrant blooms, perfect for displaying in a lovely crystal vase, or perhaps a sweet, shabby container. Lilacs make me smile, simple as that.

2008: A great year for my lilac bush

2009: Absolutely stunning

2010: Looking promising in early spring

2011: Lush and lovely

2012: Dainty and delightful

2013: Best year yet

This year, however, it is not meant to be. :(

Much of the bush looks like that: brown, drooping buds and half-open blossoms. I am not sure what the culprit may be--too much rain, perhaps? I've never had any problems in the past, as evidenced by the photos above, and the bush is basically left on its own to grow freely. (I've read that lilacs grow best when left alone, and it's worked well in the past.)

Things looked so promising just a week-and-a-half ago.

When I snapped those last two pics, I was so happy and hopeful about the status of this lilac bush. Now the best I can do is hope that it isn't a goner. I really hope that it recovers and blooms well next spring. I shall keep my fingers crossed.

Looking Back at 2013

There were succulents in the window in January...store bought hydrangeas in February...plum tree blossoms in March...rainbow skies in April...dreamy evening clouds in May...green views out the window in June...purple flowers in the garden in July...smoky sunsets in August...old views out of a new window in September...misty pink sunrises in October...locally grown lavender in November...and snow, snow, snow in December. 

Nature never fails to leave me in awe. Here's hoping to a beautiful 2014.

Through the Curtains

This fall has been one of the most beautiful ones that I can recall. The tree leaves positively glow, even through the curtains. :) I have absolutely loved the view outside my windows this year.

Glimpses of Autumn

If you look around my house right now, you can see glimpses of autumn everywhere you turn.

My favorite candle for fall--"Harvest" by Yankee Candle

A lovely Quaker sampler--a work in progess

A candy corn-colored dishcloth I crocheted

I love this time of year!