Friday, July 18, 2014

It Doesn't Get Much Better Than This

July 18, 11 a.m. and the thermometer reads 70 degrees. Unheard of!

Windows open for two days and nights and a soft rain falling this morning.

An occasional breeze flutters through lace curtains bringing the soft summer scents inside.

What better way to spend a not-often-experienced summer morning than tucked in bed with a good book, dogs sleeping contentedly nearby.

Strong coffee, chocolate croissant (a once ever-so-often treat) and Vivaldi.

Ah, the good life. Fortunately, my needs and wants are simple.

***** 

I got my first Moonflower bloom this week and the size was beyond my expectation, because last year they were quite small.



They are somewhat later opening this year because I was later getting seeds started. Moonflowers are always worth the wait! Watching the emerging and slowly developing buds each day, anticipating and trying to predict which night they will open. And finally, about 6 p.m., there they are in all their magnificence.

Almost other-worldly in their size and luminescence. Their scent assaulting you as you draw near. 

I cannot wait until numerous flowers open; so far, there's only been one each night. But many buds are on their way.

I did something different with one of the plants this year: tucked it among nasturtiums in the window box outside the kitchen window.

As you can see, it's climbing the screen and forming buds. Standing before an open kitchen window smelling the sweet scent of the Moonflower will certainly lighten the load of kitchen chores, I think!

Hoping the cool weather lasts long enough to have windows thrown open when the first flower emerges.


I have just finished reading All The Light We Cannot See, one of those reads you don't want to end. Get it and you will not be disappointed.

From the inside flap:
 The back cover:

Wishing you cool summer breezes wherever you are!

16 comments:

  1. Heatwave here,temp:reached 79f,thankfully a small breeze made it possible to walk the dog phew....the forecast is flash floods/lightening strikes this w/e,we do need the rain,listening to the first night of the Proms,Elgar's "The Kingdom" dramatic what a brilliant composer.
    I enjoy seeing your Moonflowers,so pure & calm in this heat.

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    1. Hi Judith, I hope you made it through the weekend without any damage from the floods. I had to close windows yesterday, as it has "heated up" once more. The cooler temps were nice while they lasted, but now the AC feels good again inside.

      I really must check out the Proms; I am not familiar with that, but I've heard my husband speak of it; think he's listened to some of the music. I do love Elgar!

      I had three moonflower blossoms last night and looking forward to more, as there are many buds forming.

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  2. I love every sentence you wrote today! You need to get on with your book. Beautiful pictures...lace curtains so homey! Can't wait to read that book.

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    1. Thank you! Well, I've got a bit bogged down and need to pick up the pace again. The lace curtains throughout the house, thanks to you!

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  3. It feels like October here! I heard this morning we were predicted to break the record for the lowest high on the day. 71F or so, but I haven't heard what our high actually was. I'm hoping the temps go up soon. Time enough for chilly weather when Autumn actually comes.

    I've never heard of this book, but it sounds interesting.

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    1. Those cool days were a bit reminiscent of autumn; a few leaves have even begun to fall.

      I think you would enjoy this book. It's one of the better ones I've recently read.

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  4. How I would love to see and smell a Moonflower, Sanda. They sound absolutely wonderful for a flower-lover, but I have never known of them in Australia. Coffee, chocolate and Vivaldi, along with the lace curtains, seems quite blissful to me!

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    1. It's too bad I can't bottle that smell and send to you. It seems they should grow well in Australia. If the seeds aren't available there I could get some and send to you.

      I've tried saving seeds and replanting the next year, but they do not come back true. They produce a tiny bloom with no scent. So I buy new seed packets each year.

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  5. 70 is about as warm as it gets here! When the thermometer gets there I put on shorts; most people start going about in short sleeves and/or shorts at about 65, but I remember bundling up in winter when they told us not to heat our houses above that! I do think I have finally acclimatized to British weather! Your moon flowers are fabulous!

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    1. Everything is relative, isn't it? 70 in the summer is quite cool for us; warm for England. I wonder if Brits drink so much tea because of the constant chilliness?

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  6. Thank you Sanda for stopping by and bringing me to your post this morning. Isn't it wonderful when we stop and slowly take in all the little things around us. I try to remember to take deep breaths as I go. Your post did that for me…and I love your moonflower. I need one of those! I am adding it to my list…thank you. Best wishes for a lovely weekend…;)

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    1. Jeanne, I can't wait to see all the beautiful things you'll be planting at Tahilla Farm. Ah, the little things mean a great deal for sure. Taking deep breaths is a great idea. Enjoy your week!

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  7. You set the scene for a perfect day. I immediately went to my online library to request the book. I'm 99th in line, hahaha. Evidently it is popular. I may just have to break down and buy this one.

    Darla

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    1. 99th. Wow! That means you might get it in two years if you're lucky. Buying it might be the better option. You will love the book. I went to the library and got The Forge by T.S. Stribling (the first book of the trilogy). I'm about halfway through it. It perhaps won't suit everyone's taste; setting being the Old South, it presents some offensive situations/events that occurred during that era. Still, it's interesting.

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  8. T he moonflower is a darling. I too like white flowers.
    Good for you to be able to allow yourself a slow morning!
    We seldom have drought, so I can´t fully relate to your joy. Maybe over here, warm weather, possibly even heat, gives great pleasure, as we know that it all will last for a very short period.

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    1. Thanks, Mette.Hoping a slow day for you this week. Over there you're probably on the countdown to autumn already.Greetings to Morty and the horses today!

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