SUMMER ROMANCE...

As I write this, I have just received the newest issue of Victoria Magazine.  

It is a beautiful summer morning, and I am having my coffee on the screened porch 

looking out into the Secret Garden.

The Star jasmine is climbing up into the gazebo 

and blooming against the cooling backdrop of green ivy...

...and the hummers have started to come sip 

the nectar prepared just for them.

I think I mentioned in my last post (long, long ago) 

that there were signs that the little house wrens might be checking into our Airbnb cottage again. 

 Yes, they were.  

They seem to be settling in, bringing little treasures to make their stay a comfortable one.  

Mama Wren is already sitting on the eggs,

 and Papa Wren is very busily bringing her whatever her little heart desires.  

Such a sweet sight.

As I open the pages of my magazine and take my first sip of coffee, 

I notice that the theme of this month's issue is Summer Romance.

  I have taken the liberty of using those words as the title of this post.  

That exactly describes what the time has been for me this season so far.  

I have been lucky enough to do only the things that make me happy this summer.  

I have not felt pushed or obligated to do any mundane projects, 

although there are plenty of those remaining,

 and I don't feel guilty that I haven't.

  I did think about starting my holiday decorating on Memorial Day 

but then decided that I would wait for July 4th. 

 So far, our weather has been quite lovely which is always wonderful.  

We got some planting done in the garden and I got my hair cut.

  It hasn't been cut since the beginning days of Covid.  

Now, none of these things are exactly what you would call "romantic" 

but if I can call this summer a time full of quiet and peaceful endeavors, shared with my Captain, 

then that is romance enough for me.

I have been painting a lot.  I have almost filled three journals so far. 

 I am only doing flowers at this time and trying to perfect my style the best that I can. 

 I am watching a lot of YouTube channels, and I do feel I am improving.

  I actually am quite proud that I am now drawing all of my content myself 

and am starting to be more confident about putting paint to paper without any guidelines first. 

 I remember when I first wanted to ride a bike.  I thought I could just get on and go.

  Painting is a lot like that for me, but I have learned

 that you have to do a lot of practice before the magic can happen.  

So, I keep going.

The kids came up last weekend to celebrate Father's Day with the Captain. 

 While they were here Bean had an accident. 

 She stepped on some gum while out on a walk

 and her medical staff, AKA Jacenda, Tami and Jake performed emergency surgery.  

They used peanut butter to soften the gum, 

but I think the patient ate most of the medication.

The gazebo is not the only place that has Star jasmine this summer.  

The dining room porch is really showing off this year.

The garden is nice and colorful now 

and the Old School phlox is very green and full, preparing to bloom soon.

  The Captain is very excited about the tiny tomatoes that are showing up on his plants.

I hope everyone is well. 

 It feels so good to post again.  

Probably won't be back until next month with hopefully some patriotic decor to show off.

I hope you all are enjoying your own special style

of Summer Romance 

and basking in the words of Anne Shirley of Green Gables:  

"I believe the nicest and sweetest days 

are not those in which anything very splendid happens 

but just those that bring simple little pleasures."

...xxoJudy...

Until then, we will all be here just watching birds.

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