If you have followed my blog for very long, you have seen this picture before...like last spring when it was taken! My camera card must be full and I wanted to do a post, so I had to delve back into the files to find a suitable photo.
Just this morning Rhiannon and I were noticing someone's lovely roses still blooming. She asked if we had a "last rose of summer" blooming anywhere on the property. I told her "no," that this year was kind of unusual. We most always have at least one hardy specimen that exerts itself in a last ditch effort this time of year, but I hadn't seen any yet.
Rhiannon wanted to put a rose on Clint's Grandma Sal's grave if we could--and she felt it should be our "last rose of summer," since this was a saying Grandma quoted alot. After a hard day's work in her garden or baking all day, her hair falling from the upswept style she always wore, she would often quote, "I'll bet I look like the last rose of summer." Grandma Sal was an important person in all our lives. We miss her greatly. She taught me so much about so many things. I got several of my best recipes for baked goods from her. She was an expert flower and vegetable gardener and I'll probably never come anywhere near being that good with plants. She was hands down the best cook I've ever known and that's not just my opinion. She was known far and wide for her spectacular baked goods and wonderful meals.
Well, lo and behold, after making a visit to the English garden to take in some of the ornaments for winter storage a little while ago, I saw that this same little rose has one bud on it. I hope within a few days we will have our "last rose of summer!"
I wanted to share some other pictures of what we did today, but as I said the camera wasn't cooperating. We worked really had today at various projects that have been left behind while we did all the traveling. We had to make a quick overnight trip to Iowa earlier in the week for a funeral. This, of course, was totally unexpected and came quite closely on the heels of returning from Colorado. I felt like I never got settled from that trip before it was time to take another. So I spent quite a bit of time today tying up loose ends as far as work around here goes.
Today we planted tulip bulbs that Rhi ordered back in May at the Holland Tulip Festival here in Michigan. They will be a spring treat in a few months! I finished digging all the potatoes, did 5 loads of laundry, mostly heavy bedding to catch what might be one of the last beautiful, windy days of fall, took a walk, did some cleaning, went to purchase a little gift to send to the granddaughters, and cleaned out some areas of my desk. Last but not least, and I wanted to show you a picture--I washed my 100% alpaca yarn that I spun. It's hanging out on the line to dry. I was pretty proud of it. Most of it is quite consistent and I'm happy with the finished product! I hope you enjoyed this fall day as much as I did. Blessings, LORI
Wow! And I thought WE were busy today! We put our lawn furniture away today. It looks really bare out there. I also straightened and rearranged our back sun porch. I put white Christmas tree lights on a garland-wrapped pole. A fried gave it to us years ago. It can stand in a very narrow place and has served as a Christmas tree for us in small rooms. It looks great out there! I can see it through the window over the kitchen sink that looks out into the sunroom....
ReplyDeleteSounds like you were busy too! I do not decorate much outside for Christmas. I burned myself out when we lived in the Victorian house for 10 years. I did 5 indoor Christmas trees--a huge 9 footer in the parlor alone. I admire those who do the outside decorating.
ReplyDeleteI have been wracking my brain ever since you mentioned your husband's cowboy boots. He is always on the lookout for a good pair. Well, just yesterday I finally remembered the name of it. It has been YEARS and YEARS since I have been to Tony's Saddle Shop up near Valparaiso, IN. If you are interested in visiting here is the link http://tonyssaddleshop.com/Home.php. Hope it helps.
ReplyDeleteReally enjoyed your post.
Thanks, Louellen! Clint found his cowboy boots on the way home from Colorado. He purchased a pair in Kansas City, but thanks for the thoughts and link!
ReplyDeleteNice picture of that rose. I think we should put it on Grandma's grave; it's only fitting. I miss her.
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