Dining room window reflection.

Very thankful we finally got a good downpour in this drought. The rain barrels and watering cans are full.

This record breaking skid mark was produced over 3 weeks ago, and shows no sign of fading. Someone’s lost a few weeks worth of rubber there.

Peter enjoying breakfast. I can stroke him/her now but there’s still , unsurprisingly, a lot of hesitation. Trust is slowly being established.

Carol and I at a George Washington voting reenactment in Winchester. Free beer, created from Washington’s and Jefferson’s actual recipes.

26 July 2024

Fins on the AC unit.

The poor hosta was getting a bit brown through the drought, but managed to put out this beautiful stalk of blooms.

With the grass not needing a cut, thanks to the drought, this chicory had the chance to grow on a neighbor’s lawn, and flower in a circle, like a fairy ring.

A lone vulture in a tree as I drove through the cemetery this evening.

Ladies night at Janice’s home. We laughed a lot and Meg, one of her cats, posed prettily.

Eggs, crispy at the edges, and avocado on seeded toast, a delicious brunch this morning.

Catching up with the Brit group at Chrysalis Winery.

Tricksie Treat chilling on her bed, grateful for the lower temperature today.

Spores on the front porch fern, early morning.

A mere glass of water. Deliciously cold in this humid heat.

The native nodding onion perennial, with a bumble bee collecting the last nectar for the evening.

3 of us, in our Tree Warden group, received our formal badges tonight, since we have more than exceeded our yearly volunteer hours, as well as completing the course. We are now official Tree Wardens of Front Royal! We’ll get the official photos later, and they will be published in our local newspaper.

Dried up fish and chips, with lettuce?, while watching England lose the Euro football final. At least the Guinness and company was good.

A leafcutter bee bum in a squash plant flower. 

Me and Lisa admiring the fabulous petunia pots on Main St in FroRo.

Looking out to my front porch, with the kitchen and dining room reflected in the window.

I planted this caster bean plant out of curiosity, without realizing the seeds contain a deadly poison, ricin. 1-6 seeds, if eaten, can kill an adult. It’s a beautiful plant though…

Despite the drought, the bottom canoe has a wonderful show of yellow and orange flowers. Sprayed with organic deer repellent since the deers like strolling through the garden and the sunflowers are a favorite snack.

Some clever mini art pieces on display at the library.

Sanding down my dining room table. The finish on it had deteriorated, creating sticky areas, so I’ve removed the lacquer, and will refinish it. A long job, but will hopefully be done in a few days.

The back deck at dusk.

5 July 2024

Fabulous evening with Carol’s friends watching fireworks and meeting wonderful people.

Jim, our greatly loved tavern owner, and Hank, who cooked a phenomenal feast of burgers, chicken, pork, hot dogs and brats, which were better than many I’ve had in restaurants. A fun afternoon with friends.

Carol and I visited a local museum garden to see a glass exhibition of 30 pieces. I wasn’t impressed with any of them, the actual gardens were far prettier. This bamboo walk was a welcomed cool area, shaded from the sun.

This chap has been hanging out on my front porch for a few days. His ear’s been clipped, so he’s a neutered stray. We’ll see if he continues his visits, maybe he’s wanting a home…

I biked out to Strasburg Reservoir this afternoon. A beautiful spot which I had all to myself, including the ride there and back.