With the addition of antique flags and long ago treasures,
we celebrated in style and it looked spectacular at night.
Just before 9:30 we drove to watch the fireworks and they were magnificent.
They have always been held at the fairgrounds with all day events there
and a parade, either in Grass Valley or Nevada City.
Because of Covid, the last couple of years
they have been shot off of an overpass over the freeway.
Their thinking was that more homes are situated in the area
so people could see them without congregating together.
We thought we would be able to see them from our driveway,
but we got only a very little glare off in the distance.
This year we took a chance and drove up and parked in the hospital parking lot
and they were right over our heads.
It was a very clear night
and as we have our first dog ever, that isn't afraid of the noise,
it was a wonderful evening.
We have been working diligently
on bringing the Secret Garden back to some visions of old.
Although, it will be many years before that might be a possibility,
it is looking not half bad.
Of course, there is a glaring hole now
and the neighbor's garage roof is visible.
It is a tin roof and the sun reflects off of it with great intensity.
It was impossible to sit on the porch
in most of the daylight hours.
We decided to use an old piece of lath that we had
to try to block that out somewhat.
It works pretty well
and from a sitting position,
we can still see most of the garden...
...we cut a small peek hole
so that the person sitting in the chair directly across from the lath,
is able to get a full view
of the thirsty little hummers.
We found this beautiful flower basket,
filled with all the same colors...
...that connects together
the outside with the inside.
It is looking better than we thought it could
and with a few little tweaks,
such as painting one more chair red and a new sprinkling of gravel over all,
we can almost see the return of
what once was.
The wisteria had grown so tall
and was in full force in the tree tops.
When the trees were cut,
it immediately sprouted leaves at gazebo height
and is now starting to twine around and over.
It is just like we had always planned!
A nosy neighbor is liking the view...
...along with our little speckled pup, Robin,
who will go to any lengths to find a sun spot.
"Rituals of quiet and calm,
encouraging us to enjoy
our own good company."
Alexandra Stoddard
We are still practicing moments of taking deep breaths
and it seems to be a good way to go.
Until next time, Happy Summer Days to you all.
...Judy...
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Love Your Creativity at Life and Linda
