Sheltering

Sheltering at home does not give me a chance to get out much so not much is happening to post.  Everyday is pretty much like the next day and they are not eventful and I am not complaining.  We have been watching lots of television as there are so very many choices with all of the apps now available.  We are loving the British and Australian detective shows as well as the many Canadian series.  I told the Mr. that with these kittens, we have become those old "cat people" since we spend so much time with them.  Having them has been a lifesaver however as they are so funny and provide much entertainment.  I do walk when I can and the fall colors just give me so much to see in this wooded area.  I don't think we will have "trick or treating" kids, but people are sure decorating their yards.  There is always something new to see on our walks.  A few weeks ago I posted the cone below in it's green state with the sticky residue and above you can see the progress. The sweetener packet will give you an idea of the size.  The tree outside here is full of these cones and I am told that they virtually explode when they are ready to fall.

We have not had smoke for several weeks, but we are  having spectacular sunsets.  This is taken from my back door looking west toward the pacific out over our fence.  I thought that we had beautiful sunsets in Wyoming and we did, but without the benefit of smoke, this is still pretty. 

Yesterday morning I was out trimming my hydrangeas and my next door neighbor came home after walking his dogs.  I took take care of these dogs at night when they were gone so they know me.  I said "hello" and he asked me if I had time to give them a little love.  One of the dogs is very shy but the large mutt, Shelly, was tugging at the leash trying to get to me.  She loves to have her belly rubbed and I just couldn't give her enough.  She would have me spend much more time with her I am sure, but seemed to calm down after some "belly attention". I still miss my two little canines but these two kittens who are nearly 6 mos now are pretty special.   

Please remember to wear your mask and social distance.  Listen to the scientists as this virus can be so deadly and you may not know who has an underlying health issue.  

 

Rolling pins

 We have finally had some rain and it surely feels like fall now.  My neighbor and I walked this afternoon and the sun is out.  Although we usually don't have much wind here, we did have some today and a few of the branches from the fir trees 60 to 100 ft fell onto the roof.  They are not large limbs and they roll off onto the lawn. But the walk was really pretty.  The colors are so brilliant on all of the bushes and trees. The trees for the most part still have leaves on although some are beginning to fall.  Saturday, my neighbor and I went to the craft shop and then to our daughter's home.  Of course we stay in our little "bubble" of people we come in contact with and practice social distancing.  Covid is real.  I wear a mask to project you; please wear one to protect me and anyone who may be in a compromised position. It was such a great day.  Erica has a huge back yard and she is in the process of building raised gardens.  She will probably be working from home for a long time if she ever goes back to the building.  Back to the great day.  I have a small collection of rolling pins and my niece sent me a really unusual one.  That arrived on Saturday also.

The microwave above has been sitting on a shorter tea cart...my counter tops, except for the island are limited to space and the island isn't suitable for it.  Since the cart is table height and not counter height, it was difficult for us ol' folks to see the numbers and text so the Mr. built a small elevated stand from scrap pieces to raise it about 6" and that works great! The rolling pin got a place of honor just above it.  I love it!  

Garden and walks

 This past weekend my daughter went to another plant sale by invitation only and because she gets a discount, she was able to make a two cart haul.  It was amazing I guess and when she dropped by, her vehicle was packed.  She was kind enough to ask if I would like to have her get me anything and she scored 3 coral bells and a beautiful pink lace hydrangea. Thank you Erica!  I got them planted yesterday and today we planted two lilacs gifted to us by our neighbor.  I cannot begin to count the plants we have received by generous people. 

As my neighbor and I walked last week, we found these spectacular webs.

The spiders are out now...lots of 'em!  They are everywhere but aren't these webs intricate?

And this is that hydrangea! This is not where it got planted, but as it grows it will be beautiful. This fall where we are, we have so many conifers but there are also many, many other varieties of fruit and nut trees, maples and so many with which I am not familiar.  Those trees are beginning to lose their leaves and the colors are brilliant.  I am thrilled at the beauty and the walks always surprise me with something new. My flower gardens have been planted for spring so I have my fingers crossed.

"There is a kind of immortality in every garden." ~ Gladys Taber