Unusually Emory Rte 66 on the way to work, accompanied by rain of course.

At least all this rain means my little model fisherman stays afloat in his sea shell. His fishing pole is a Kota whisker.

 

The peace lily that Michelle got me when Kota passed has been blooming and looks robustly healthy. Strange my other house plants won’t bloom...

Taking a break from my journaling to check on the weather. Damp with drizzles all day long, couldn’t spend time outdoors today.

I took my journal on a hike this morning. Being on my own I could take my time and concentrate better. Tulip trees were everywhere, it was beautiful.

Say cheese! A dear little turtle I found resting in some mud in the shade. He wasn’t even a tiny bit nervous when I gently picked him up.

I printed 2 shirts today in 70’s style for Dad Derrick. He used to drive a truck exactly like this. Wish I could see his face when he opens his package.

Rosie Lee holding hands and giving me kisses because we had a huge brushing session which she loves but can’t sit still for. She rolls and throws herself all over the sofa with delight as I chase her with the brush.

I think this is a Pigeon Tremex. It sat peacefully on my geranium, not bothered by me getting close for a photo. 

Torrential downpours on the way home, but this time, instead of getting depressed I looked st it artistically. I’m thinking I may paint one of the photos I took. The sign on the right ironically said, NO WATER’, referring to the upcoming rest area.

Finally, a break from the rain so I could pot the poor plants that I’d purchased over a week ago. Luckily all seemed OK and even my sodden geraniums were looking a little happier.

20 May 2018

Voted best Bloody Mary in Maryland by Absolut, I was craving one after a heavy night of sampling beers with Emily and Rob. It hit the spot, even if it was a little too spicy for me. I felt right as rain afterwards.

19 May 2018

The rain finally held off for my watercolor workshop. I worked the colors from this strip of paint dabs. I think I may develop this further, it was an enjoyable class,

I discovered this on a tree at work which houses a nest of baby grackles. I have no idea who put the cross on the tree but I love their intentions. 

Jose brought a hat just like this into work saying it cost him $600. I saw this one today, very similar, for $79. I think Jose may have been exaggerating a little.

Hood up on Stanley as repairs are made, and expensive ones at that.

Rosie Lee anxiously looking out of the window, knowing that another storm is incoming. A few minutes later she was under the bed.

Less than 2 minutes after taking this photos the sky went black, hurricane winds howled through the trees, ripping clumps of leaves that flew past my head. Thunder, lightning and rain. We’re getting this all week...

At Debaggio’s for my annual visit, buying herbs, peppers, tomatoes, flowering plants and tomato potting soul. I always look forward to this trip and always sigh at the bill. But it’s worth it, knowing the insects and bees have healthy plants to feed from on the patio. Even the squirrels leave them alone, since they get fed by me anyway.

Today I attended a workshop that taught us how to use a compass and read maps. I’ve always been fine with maps but learning the compass was definitely a check against my bucket list. Just wish that more time had been spent outside, we were mostly in a classroom.

I love these older American trucks and always slow down to admire them as they pass. On Rte 66 this morning there were a few of them, thundering slowly towards DC.

A storm alert buzzed on my phone so I rushed my bike outside to blow up the tires and throw it in the back of Stanley for tomorrow morning. Less than 3 minutes after finishing the heavy clouds with thunder, lightning and rain blew in. Great timing!

One of my little hummers tucking in and filling up before dusk falls.

First ride to work day this year. The temperature was fine but the pollen was killer. But I’ll persevere. Back in the saddle tomorrow.

I’ve really been under the weather the past few days, suffering from allergies for the first time in about 17 years. I felt pretty groggy after taking meds today and dropped my work bag when leaving the office, smashing my travel mug which was inside. Here’s something unbroken, a glass wind catcher in my garden illuminated by the low sun.

Met this good looking chap on my way home yesterday. He came right up to the fence and uttered deep “booms”. I think he liked me.

5 May, 2018

Steve borrowing my glasses to read the menu. Our group typically left it to the last minute to find a table for Cinco de Mayo but we’re finally lucky in Haymarket. I discovered that Sangritas don’t do my head any favors.

Enjoying sitting on the patio as dusk falls, Rosie Lee under my chair, a beer on the table, and strong warm winds blowing, we’re supposedly getting rain. Bats are swooping and sweeping above me. I’d never noticed before how much the trees lean with the wind and now grow in the direction of the strongest gusts. A lovely evening.

I met up with a lovely group this evening and we hiked for about 2.5 hours with a couple of nature experts, learning about the woodland plants and birds, and of course, enjoying the trilliums which are coming into full bloom.

I took loads of photos as soon as I got home of the beautiful dogwood flowers. An art project is in the making.

Mr Trump was standing next to a printer that some of us from work went to inspect. His sales pitch was lousy.