Sunday Morning found me outside early.
The sun was just beginning to break
over the top of the trees along the field...
~
...hitting
just one small spot in the garden
at first!
~
I had been having the last part
of my breakfast under the gazebo...
~
when the brightness almost
over-whelmed me!
~
But...
the sun's brightness slowly softened...
illuminating the drive...
and the flower garden...
with soft morning sunshine!
The lower end...
~
But...
the sun's brightness slowly softened...
illuminating the drive...
and the flower garden...
with soft morning sunshine!
The lower end...
seen here earlier in full shade...
actually gets most of the morning sun!
The tree hangs heavy with seed pods!
The Lanceleaf Coreopsis
This Bee Balm is a double header...
actually gets most of the morning sun!
The light strikes the Red Bud tree
at the edge of the woods first!
The tree hangs heavy with seed pods!
The Lanceleaf Coreopsis
loves the sun...
and blooms all summer!
(if you dead-head them)
This Bee Balm is a double header...
one bloom grows on the top of another.
Here it is later...in full flower!
The shaggy Shasta Daisy is a favorite
This Balloon flower...which I thought died...
Here it is later...in full flower!
The shaggy Shasta Daisy is a favorite
of mine!
This Balloon flower...which I thought died...
has surprised me with blooms!
From the bridge...
The sunny morning has been full
of bird songs too!
After listening to the song fest...
After listening to the song fest...
I decided to cross the bridge
to the field!
From the bridge...
I notice my shadow...
in the early morning sun!
The early sun
This butterfly
...and Miss Bernie Bluebird
I take a quick look into
and...
The early sun
shines on the peach tree too...
hanging heavy with fruit...
This butterfly
is in a less sunny spot
in the field...
...and Miss Bernie Bluebird
is back and in the top
of another peach tree!
I think she's ready
to start a second family!
I take a quick look into
the woods from the top of the hill...
and...
take a short walk along the edge
behind the garden in the field...
to an area where...
After...
Later...
Alivia will miss her greatly...
After...
Most...
I then went in to fix lunch!
I made cornbread with
...and had peach shortcake for dessert!
That will be my next post!
♥...Wanda
to an area where...
Grandson Grant had camped out
Friday night.
He didn't know I took a photo
early that Saturday morning!
After...
walking back home...
Granddaughter Katie dropped by.
Before coming in...she
ALWAYS
checks the 4 leaf clover patch!
Katie found 50 of them!
They went in the clover journal!
Later...
Granddaughters Alivia and Amanda
rode their bikes back!
Amanda is leaving for Ireland
on July 2nd!
She was selected by her college
to work with children there
for 7 weeks!
Alivia will miss her greatly...
while she's away...
as we all will.
Amanda is a senior and
straight A student!
In the Fall she will
intern as a reporter
at a local city newspaper!
After...
they rode home...
I checked the small garden...
behind the house...
only...
saw a Redbird on the fence...
no squirrels...
Most...
may remember...
last year the squirrels stole
a lot
of the green tomatoes.
I then went in to fix lunch!
I made cornbread with
red and green sweet peppers!
Crumbled some into a pasta salad
with bacon bits...
...and had peach shortcake for dessert!
It was Father's Day...
and our daughter and two sons
were here together that evening!
The day was a...
lazy-sunny-summer Sunday!
But...
the very next day
was a different story!
That will be my next post!
I'll leave you with a small heart...
found after the rain!
♥...Wanda
66 comments:
Wanda - you share so much beauty, love, and peaceful enjoyment here I scarcely know where to start to express appreciation.
Loved the Bea Balm and shaggy Shasta - and the lovely shot of your two granddaughters in each other's arms.
Anyone encumbered by depression or hopelessness should visit here and be reminded of all that life has to offer.
Thank you.
Hello Wanda, I enjoyed this walk with you. Glimpsing the curving lane with the morning sun on it is a treat. I cannot believe all the peaches on your tree - my favorite fruit! (That shortcake made me a little jealous!) Your Bee Balm is beautiful - mine has more greenery than flowers (purple). It's taking over my side garden. Good Luck to Amanda - may she be safe, share that smile with the children she helps, and have a wonderful adventure! I enlarged all the photos so I could see your garden beauty as I wait for mine to bloom.
Hi Wanda,
Once again, I truly enjoyed walking with you. I too, think that the Shasta Daisy is my favorite! I love all the beauty that is around you and thank you so much for sharing it.
Just to let you know I will be having foot surgery( bunions) tomorrow and I must stay off my feet for a while. Since, I don't have a laptop, I won't be using my computer. But, I look foward to returning to your beautiful blog.
Smiles to you.
You captured the best part of the day Wanda. The sun peeking through the trees and the birds singing, what a glorious way to greet the day.
Your grandchildren are lovely.
It's so nice to see sisters so close..!
hugs
xx
Well Wanda our summer is in full bloom! I was amazed by that Bee Balm. I have heard of it but don't think I've ever seen it. It is so unusual! I am wondering if it has been as hot there as it is here, I do believe that you are further north so I am hoping that your temps have been more tolerable!
I am so proud for Amanda although I can only imagine how much Alivia will miss her. But Ireland, how exciting! And working on a newspaper brings back memories of when my Ginny started out in journalism!
I wish her well and hope that we get to see some photos from her from Ireland! Love Di ♥
Wanda...some of those photos made me speechless...those beams coming through the trees looked like they came straight from heaven. Oh, and the peaches on the tree, followed by the butterfly...wow, just lovely!!!
OH WANDA-
this post with the exceptional pictures and descriptions was SO wonderful. I really loved being with you in the morning - and spending a lazy day about your nature-land - and seeing and hearing and sensing all the beauty and love of family and the food looks SO yummy. I loved every moment. "thank you"
Love Gail
peace......
Hi Wanda
coming to visit you and walking with you is so peaceful and enchanting. The early morning sunlight is like fairy tale land. We see such a lot, but the shasta daisy has stuck in my mind too, and your beautiful girls are so precious. I'm sure Amanda will find her experience abroad one of those life changing opportunities.
I am amazed at the peaches. Will you preserve them?
Happy days
Wanda... this was a magical moment visiting here tonight...
How lovely everything is at your place in the early morning... Your breakfast table is so inviting.
Amanda is just a beautiful young woman. Her sweet face seems to shine with an inner joy. I pray for her safe travels and a treasured experience in Ireland.
Alivia will wait with grand anticipation for Amanda's return and will be able to practice the fine art of writing real letters!
Enjoy the gifts of nature that surround you, Wanda ~ and thank you for sharing them with us ♥ what a treasure!
~Maria
Such a lovely walk through your day with you... I truly enjoyed it, and reading the heartfelt comments left above. You have enriched my day with these pictures and text. Thank you so much.
*Bonnie...Thank you Bonnie, your words mean a lot to me!
*Barb...I would like to get some purple Bee Balm. I remember your beautiful garden last year!
*Anne...Hope you recuperate from surgery quickly!
*Sheila...I love mornings...The two are very close!
*Diana...A few days the humidity was awful. Amanda put skype on our computer, so Alivia could have a face to face conversation, while she's in Ireland. That will help.
*Joan...You take great photos , so thank you for the compliment!
*Gail...Thank you for taking the time to visit, I know you're busy with your mom!
*Delwyn...I'm an early riser, just so I can see the sunrise! The peaches go well with the blackberries which I freeze for future crisps! Amanda will love her trip, I'm sure. I plan on sending her "letters"!
*Maria...thank you...Amanda is sweet, much like your daughters I imagine.
Thank all of you!♥...Wanda
Hi DJan...you slipped in while I was replying. Your days are already so enriched with your mountain hikes. I envy them!
Oh, how beautiful. What a wonderful walk with you. The singing birds were just delightful. Your peaches look great; here the squirrels usually get to them before we do. Thank you for allowing us to join you on this walk.
Hugs,
Lois
Walking with you just fills my heart with joy. Thank you for sharing your enchanting pictures.
☼ Sunny
Hello lovely lady, there is not a place on the internet that I enjoy more than your blog. Amanda is such a sweetie and look at Miss Alivia with her little arms around her sister's neck....oh yes they will certainly miss each other. I am so happy for Amanda though, it is so wonderful for her to see Ireland and help those children.
Loved your photo's, Miss Bernie Bluebird is about to have a second family......gosh you would think she would grow wiser with age....., your lunch looks delicious.
Your photo's are lovely Wanda, morning, noon or evening, you seem to capture the beauty of each day.
Take care my friend, big hugs to Alivia and please tell Amanda Good Luck and to enjoy Ireland, it is a beautiful country with warm, wonderful and beautiful people, the hardest thing she will have to do is understand their accents.
......luv you my friend....:-)Hugs
Wanda I agree with Bernie, your blog is one of my favorites, so calming and soothing. I love your love of family. Ireland will be so exciting for Amanda. Alivia is a little sweetheart...now that bee balm flower, amazing. It is absolutely gorgeous. You know I could walk with you everyday. Thank you. hugs, have a wonderful weekend.
Dear ..Dear Wanda, I do love walking with you in the morning. I adore your flowers, really love the Shaggy Daisy and Bee Balm. Butterflies and hummer do love that flower also. Your granddaughters are beautiful as is the peach shortcake!
Janet xox
I love watching the early morning sun as its color changes, as it stretches its borders.
Good for Amanda! What an experience she'll have. What kind of work will she do with the children?
*Lois...the squirrels get some of these too!
*Sunny...thank you for your great New England photos!
*Bernie...your namesake has at least 2 sets each year...5 at a time!!!
*Cinner...I'm glad you enjoy the blog...I really enjoy your writing!
*Janet...The butterflies and hummers will soon have butterfly bushes blooming to visit.
*June...I'm not exactly sure what all it involves, but she will blog about it from Northern Belfast.
Lovely - adorable features and news. I have two tiny peaches on my tree, I so envy you!
What a fabulous, beautiful posting, Wanda. The photos were so vivid, so reassuring, that I felt that I was there with you at every moment. This was a very life-affirming posting, one that I will come back to on those days when I question the sanity of the world.
Wanda, always enjoy my visits here.
It seems to me that your property has an inordinante amount of four leaf clovers. I'm lucky if I find one. Loved the morning light shots. It's just a treat to see what is beautiful and important to you.
In order to get ready to read your post, I have to turn down or off the TV. I have to be able to enjoy the music. I want everything to be just so, before I start reading. I do so love your posts. Makes me smile everytime. A good way to start my day. I thank your for that. Really enjoyed your Sunday morning today. Flowers are so pretty. What a great thing to do this summer for Amanda! Going to Ireland. Wish it was me. Won't be long before she leaves. You might be seeing more of Alivia when she leaves. I'm sure she will miss her. Your peaches look wonderful. I love peaches. The shaggy Shasta Daisy's are so pretty. Might need to have some of those! Thanks for a nice morning...debbie
Lizzie...I envy your talent with stain glass!
*George...thank you...I'm enjoying your hike across England!
*Maggie...Katie finds most of them in a circle of clover about 8 ft. in diameter.
*Debbie...thank you for your extra kind words. I appreciate them!
* Patti...Thank you for coming by...I miss your stories...hope you're doing well!... I goofed and just deleted your comment Patti. I was trying to correct some terible typing and deleted yours instead. But I know you were here!
What a peaceful setting those pictures portray. Wow, that's a lot of peaches.
You, dear Wanda, live in a garden paradise!!! So beautiful! You have such a green thumb...And your granddaughters are sooo beautiful! And an internship at the local paper? Fantastic! A girl after my own heart! You know what I love about your posts? You know how to bring peace and joy with each and every piece, photo, video clip that you weave together into a thoroughly lovely narrative...and you do it time and time again! I am NEVER disappointed when I visit here...not only because you create such beauty in this space, but mostly because you have become one of my favorite people! Love you! Janine XO
Wanda...have you ever considered working as a professional photographer (or perhaps you already are..) Your photographs are splendid...as is your garden. It is like walking through paradise....each photo is spectacular. Your hostas are some of the healthiest I have ever seen...!!! Thank you for a time of relaxation, joy....and a time to say, "Ahhhh..." as I scroll through your blog.
With love,
Jackie
Another gorgeous scones.. Beautiful post as always Wanda. I enjoy your beautiful living.
Have a safe trip Amanda.
Happy weekend.
xo
Another wonderful visit with you Wanda! :o) That butterfly has such vivid markings/coloring! The cornbread and cobbler look so yummy...I had no idea bee balm came in a double-header, how awesome! Bee balm grows wild all over the Black Hills, but just a single head, pale lavender...love that Shasta daisy too...and the balloon flower! I love your new profile photo by the way! Congrats on your granddaughter's college 'intern' in Ireland! I love that photo of A & A! Have a great weekend!
You have so many beautiful photo images of garden, sunlight, flowers, nature, family and life-- beautiful blog.
*Viki...Thank you for visiting!
*Janine...you have become one of my favorite people too!
*Jackie...Never, but digital cameras so make it easier!
*Regina...thank you for the wish for Amanda!
*Jann...I think the Bee Balm mutated, it comes back every year that way.
*Layers...thank you very much for visiting an leaving such a nice comment!
I'm sorry for the long holiday away from blogger. Like the welcome board with the rabit family :) The sunshine is always a pleasure to watch in your photos :) I also liked the view of the field. I've been eating peaces too :D Got a few for my parents yesterday :)
Congratulations and good luck to Amanda for the task she has been chosen for. She looks beautiful, elegant and gorgeous as always :)
The corn bread with the red and green looks wonderful!
Amazing pictures as always. Such a treat :)
I ""the sun rising as I read this post! (Wish I could have TASTED that pasta salad! It sounds delish. I've never heard of crumbling corn bread in it, but it I think I'd like that.
I think I SMELLED the peaches. Is that possible? I bought some at the store this week, but they were (of course) hard and lacked flavor...
Waiting to hear what happened the next day :)
I am having breakfast with you as our storms (I hope) pass through. What an adevnture Amanda is embarking on - I wish her happy winds and grand experiences. As I look a my humble scrambled eggs, I am realizing that I am coveting your delightful lunch!
Wanda, I always visit your blog with sweet anticipation and always leave with a rested mind and a peaceful spirit. Thank you for the blessings you give us with your beautiful photos of that shangri-la where you live.
Your peaches look marvelous. The girls are gorgeous. XOXO
What a perfect summer's day. I can't imagine one holding more. Thank you so much for sharing.
*Stillness...I know you are busy with the new job responsibilities!
*Rebecca...others put crotons in so I thought cornbread would work...something like couscous!
*Claudia...I remember your trip to Ireland!
*Susan...I enjoyed doing your "6 word" post for Saturdays!
*Deb...Thank you for coming back to visit!
Oh how I loved wandering with you on this early morning! You take the best photos and show us such beauty around you. I feel so relaxed after reading this post! Your granddaughters are beautiful and congrats to Allison on her big adventure ahead!
..beautiful post!!! You are truly blessed to live in such beautiful surroundings with a such a loving family (all because you've pumped so much love into them over the years, no doubt!). Yum on the lunch... Hope you survived the storms last night. A neighbor's house was struck by lightning, but all is well.
Happy Monday, dearest Wanda!!! Love, Janine XO
All these other comments leave me with nothing more to add. I can just say I loved it and I thank you for sharing it with us. When I saw the bluebird (I've never seen one) I was so happy to see that it was named Bernie. Can I share that with the other Bernie?
The flowers were gorgeous and you must live in a virtual paradise. The sun coming through the trees and into the garden (what a garden by the way). Wish your granddaughter the best as she goes abroad and think she will be enjoy that time so much with a great job waiting for her to come home to.
A beautiful post as always but this one is extraordinary. Love it.
Beautiful post, Wanda, beautiful photos!
And such exciting news about your granddaughter Amanda going to Ireland and then interning as a reporter! Such a happy time of her life!
I loved the photos of her and Alivia, so sweet!
And I share your granddaughter Katie's love of clover! I'd be checking your clover patch all the time too if I lived nearby.
'Loved the heart at the end of your post!
I'll be posting soon about a heart I found on the beach a few weeks ago, it was a sweet gift from Heaven.
Nice to visit here again, Wanda.
Love to you,
Eileen
PS ~ 'Glad to hear that you are feeling better. I know I have to bite the bullet and see the doctor, I just keep procrastinating! 'Haven't even had a regular check-up in years and years! And I won't even tell you when my last mammogram was (or what they said to me afterwards!), but you know what? I'm still here fifteen years later!
*Cheryl...I've seen lots of great photos on your blog too, not to mention the hearts!
*Kelly...the storms brought down twigs and small branches here and there...just things to pick up!
*Janine...hope you're having a happy week!
*Bernie...of course you may share...the other Bernie won't mind!
*Eileen...glad you are back...I know how you like clover! :)
Dear Wanda,
This is a wonderful website :). I came by through Tranquility Speaks,a friend of mine.
You know...wanted to share this...I found a stone in the shape of a heart by the river bed several months ago, just like what you found, plus the heart-of-stone picture on the right side...and I instantly smiled :)
Thank you for sharing,
best wishes for everything,
-eera-
Wanda,
so many wonderful things, I don't know what to comment on! The flowers are gorgeous! I love the pic of your shadow... it looks like a little girl :)
You must be so proud of Amanda~ wow!
I want to come over for lunch!! Your meals always look so great & alway make me hungry! (especially that shortcake... yum!) Looks like all is well in Wanda's World!
:)
*Eera...Thanks for following, I will visit your blog too!
*Becky...things are pretty good with all the grandkids, so that makes me happy.
Lovely Midsummer Sunday! Love the picture of the peaches hanging on the tree and the peach shortcake looks delicious. I hope Amanda enjoys her time in Ireland, I'm sure she will, it's a wonderful country.
So refreshing, I feel like I took a walk with you! Such an education as well, I can't name half of the flowers in my yard... I need to work on that.
I am drooling over the peach laden branches on the tree!
So absolutely lovely.
Thank you.
All the photos are beautiful, but the third one is stunning. It's probably the perfect use of light to create highlighted borders. I love these takes :)
Wednesday Wallpapers
Your pictures of the morning light are amazing. Thanks for sharing!!
Hi Wanda,
Loved your post as usual, and congrats to Amanda. How exciting is that!!!
You take such amazing photo's. I also want to say you have me wondering about Mail Art...I don't quite understand what it is all about. Could you do a post on it? It sounds like a lot of fun, but I am still a bit confused. Who do you Mail your art to? (((HUGS))) T
Hello Wanda! Your walk is so beautiful as usual and what a lovely place you live in. A climate for a peach tree. and those peach cakes. You don't know what you do to me, when I see such a cake. I had no cakes in my kitchen and its midnight. No shops! Found a piece of dark chocolate! Loved to see all those great pictures. You've got a beautiful family, Wanda.
Cheers
Grethe `)
*Rowan...Thanks Rowan, I'm learning how beautiful England is too!
*Vicky...I didn't know the names of flowers either, when I had young children!:)
*Truestarr...Thank you!
*Bhavesh...Thank you for visiting.
*TWS...Thank you!
*Teresa...I'll mail you one!
*Grethe...I enjoy your blog about Denmark!
WOW! What a beautiful place you live in. So very peaceful and so much love!
Go luck to Amanda..That is just wonderful!
Lisa
Wanda, Saw your comment over at Jenny Matlock's re: your proximity to Xenia. I'm from one of the south Dayton suburbs and about 15-20 min. from Xenia, myself. Your photos are beautiful- I enjoyed the scenery immensely. Glad to discover another Buckeye blogger. There are a few of us in this area who get together occasionally. Isn't it amazing what friendships blogging brings us?
~ Sue
Just here to wish you a Happy 4th of July weekend, dear Wanda!!! Love you! Janine XO
This is in the morning? I was going to say I love this time of day, around 7 pm in the summer. Haha! Kind of makes me want to become a morning person... These shot are brilliant. So serene. I love the way the sun is hitting everything and creating a kind of haze. Reminds me of the opening shot in Bambi.
How you and Alivia will miss sweet Amanda. What an opportunity for her. She will grow and learn and give so much. But my it is hard to see them grow up so quickly. What memories you have made for all of your dear grands.
these are outstanding pictures...who knew even mushrooms could be so beautiful.
I like the third mushroom, it looks like a ballet Tutu.
You are also a finder of hearts?
Wanda I feel so refreshed when I come to your page. The colours and pictures! You really made a quiet and Secret Garden for us all. Bless you Miss Lovely Woman!
Janet OX
Every one just gets better and better.
I come away feeling refreshed... as if I've been to my favorite place.
Joey
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