With the solstice this past Saturday, summer is officially open. Happy Summer to all!
Much of the hard work in the garden is done. Its all maintenance now. Weeding and dead heading, judicious mowing and watering, harvesting. We’re in the sweet spot of the growing season. Just enough to do so we feel useful but not too much to feel sorry for ourselves. Getting into a rhythm with the upkeep, allows plenty of time to relax and enjoy the summer. You promised yourself that this year you were going to truly revel in the season didn’t you? I did. And I’m determined to stick with that plan.
My to-do approach: get to the garden early and finish chores in the cool hours of the day. Spread the work so only one task is required per day. Then spend the rest of the day doing whatever the heart desires.
True, other responsibilities like jobs, laundry, bills and the like will show up but with enough forethought, I intend to maximize on the free time.
I want to be sure I enjoy my days with fewer responsibilities – more art, poetry, reading, swimming, gathering with friends, staying barefoot, tracking the stars, eating ice cream, count butterflies by day and fireflies by starlight, laugh loudly, … everyday. Are you with me?
And, when autumn arrives, I want to plunge into it because I’ve had my fill of summer. No regrets.
Update on my Robin family:
Six weeks after the nest was built, the babies have flown away! I watched, I waited, I waxed eloquent and then, I waved goodbye to this beautiful event that I was privileged to witness. Took lots of picture. Here are a few:
Nest built in terrace chandelier
Notice – outdoor dining has been shifted to outside the gazebo so nest is left in peace.
Eggs laid
Perfect location and timing – under the wisteria in bloom.
Hungry mouths
Feeding time
Growing babies
And growing
And the wisteria grows as well.
Crowded nest
And more crowded
Empty nest!
(c) 2014 Shobha Vanchiswar
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I’m with you! Here’s to counting fireflies and laughing loudly – shoes off!
Wonderful wonderful pictures of the nest & birds.