Returned

Hi friends, I've returned.  It is good to be back.

Had a good break.  Looking forward to catching up with all of you.  Will be around to visit soon.

July here at Harmony Hills was extremely hot and dry.  Fortunately the white phlox survived the heat and has blessed us with some lovely blooms.

The pink lilies have such a sweet scent. Always enjoy their fragrance when gathering veggies.

Speaking of veggies...the squash and zucchini are producing lots of fruit.  I think zucchini bread is on the menu soon.

The little hummers are busy buzzing everywhere.

They seem to be enjoying the beginning of August.

They really adore this Rose of Sharon bush.  I think the color attracts them.  They are always stopping there to rest and gather some nectar.

Gunnar turned a year old in July.  He weighs 80 pounds.  He is one busy boy but very sweet. 

Well I will go for now...looking forward to seeing what has been happening with each of you.

Have a great week.  

Hugs

Debbie

"He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him."  Psalm 126:6

Savoring & Reflecting

 I am savoring the last few days of summer as well as reflecting on the past few months.  It seems like we were just turning the calendar to June and now it is September.

The hummers are still here but soon they will fly away to their winter home.

  

Enjoying the wonderful crop of tomatoes that continue to ripen.  Putting some away for the coming months.  It is wonderful to open a jar  and be reminded of sun-kissed days when cold blustery ones visit.

 As the days grow shorter will be spending more evenings reading.    It is wonderful to cozy up with something hot to drink and have a good book nearby.

May each of you find some time to savor and reflect the passing of this season.

Also hope you will join me in looking up and reflecting on all those who lost their lives or loved ones 22 years ago.  

God Bless

Debbie

"May my meditation be pleasing to him, as I rejoice in the Lord."  Psalm 104:34 (NIV)

Gentle Transition

 A gentle transition is occurring as July slides into August.  It is hard to fathom how quickly time goes by.

Was it not just yesterday that these 

zinnias were but seeds in the ground??

Glad to see that a few late blooming orange day lilies are blooming.  Due to the dry summer they were not as prolific.

The apples from the old orchard on our property are beginning to ripen...nothing special in appearance but the apple sauce is fabulous!

At last the tomatoes are showing orange...think I will be picking some soon.

Our friend and neighbor just finished mowing his second cutting of hay.

All these wonderful gifts make July sliding into August a gentle transition.

Hope you will share what transitions you are seeing in your part of the world.

In the meantime have a wonderful end to July and a great start to August.  Be sure to enjoy, because we all know how time flies!!

Hugs

Debbie

"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love."  Ephesians 4:2 (NIV)

"Listen"

It has been six months since I chose "listen" as my perfect word.   

It is challenging at times to slow down and take time to focus on being quiet and allow the silence to speak.

Also I have to ask myself am I a good listener of others.  So often in the rush to share thoughts or happenings one misses the words of a friend or a loved one.  

Listening is a skill to be honed.  For myself and perhaps others it is not always easily achieved.

It takes hard work and a true desire to want to hear the heart of another soul. 

As I revisit my perfect word of 2022 am hopeful that in some small way I will have learned to "listen" just a bit better than when the year began.

Schindler

For all of you who chose a "perfect word", how are you seeing it manifesting in your life?

Take care dear friends and have a lovely week.

Hugs 

Debbie

P.S. Thank you all so much for your thoughts and prayers regarding Shelby.  She is still with us and we are grateful.       

   

 "Let the wise listen and add to their learning..." Prov. 1:5 (NIV)

  

Count Down

 August has started the count down.  Only two days remain this month.

Whew it certainly went fast.  

Last week the "doggy days" were here.  The temps were in the high 80's and 90's with humidity being up there as well.

The Rose of Sharon is still blessing us with a few blossoms but it is winding down as September approaches.

The Fritillary moth stopped and paid a visit.  She didn't seem  bothered by the heat.

The zucchini continues to be abundant.  Some made it into these delectable muffins.  Is it not amazing how a veggie baked up in a sugary treat takes on a whole different taste?

The morning glories are taking over the garden, lawn, and anywhere they so please.  I think they know it is time to spread their glory.  

Well dear friends I will leave you for now.  Hope your final count down of August is joyful.

P.S. Thank you for all your sweet condolences and comments on the passing of my dear friend.

Hugs to Each of You!

Debbie

"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment."  1 Tim. 6:17

We Never Know

In this life we never know when we will lose someone close and dear to us.

This past Friday a wonderful friend was called "Home".  He was doing what he always did driving his tractor and working in the yard.  I am sure that his day most likely started with morning devotions and working on a Sudoko puzzle...then time to go outdoors and work.  After 87 years he had a routine.

His grandson of 20 something had stopped to visit while his beloved wife of 67 years fixed them lunch.

How could anyone know that a tragic accident was about to happen... the tractor would overturn and crush him underneath. 

This gentleman was my Dad's best friend.  In losing him it once again reminded me how truly fragile life can be.  

Like many of you I have had to say goodbye far too often in this past year to loved ones, neighbors and friends...one being my dear mom.  

Death is a real part of living and we never know when it will be our time or of someone we love.

How important to walk and live each day as if it is your last for someday it will be.

So I will leave you with this thought...hug someone you love...tell them what they mean to you...forgive anyone who has hurt you and ask forgiveness for hurting another and above all seek "His" peace.  We really only are here for a brief time.

"Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow.  What is your life?  You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes."  James 4:14 

God Bless

Debbie

Joy

 

Sharing a few bits of Joy today.  This is a view from our hillside.  I never grow tired of seeing the sky.

 

Madam Monarch enjoying a colorful lunch.  It is always a challenge to catch up with her when she starts searching for the perfect delicacy.

The Rose of Sharon overseeing the veggie patch.  Bless her - she is faithful when the other flowering shrubs have withered in summer's drought.

Last but not least...a rainbow.  It serves to remind me that God's promises never fail.

Hope you enjoyed these bits of joy today.  Have a wonderful week.

God Bless

Debbie

"Shout with joy to God, all the earth."  Psalm 66:1 (NIV)

Internet Connection

Due to internet connection being down at home was unable to post last evening.

Sending a quick hello from my computer at work.

May everyone have a blessed week.   Hope to be back to posting soon.

Hugs

Debbie

August's Treasures

Here are some of August's Treasures.

 Morning Sky

Rose of Sharon
A Hummingbird favorite! 

Color Changes

Joe Pie Weed - Goldenrod - Iron weed
Great trio!

Morning Glories & Veggies Galore!

   There are the sweet sounds of the Crickets chirping and the locust song...

Foggy mornings and warm sunny afternoons. 

These are but a few of August's treasures.

Hope you enjoyed them.

Hugs Debbie   

"How Great Thou Art"

Tonight I am sharing a link to a lovely hymn that

 is an old Swedish Folk Melody.  This was performed by Elvis Presley in the 1970's.

Hope you will enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yQPce84RC8

Have a blessed week.

Hugs Debbie

Summer's End

Here are a few photos to celebrate Summer's end.

Heavenly skies...

Season's bounty...

Late bloomers....

 Afternoon sunshine on a friend

                       or

                      two.













God Bless and have a great week.

Hugs Debbie

"Singing in the Rain"

This weekend brought us some much needed rain.  To celebrate I am sharing this link to the old song performed by Gene Kelly... "Singing in the Rain"...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmCpOKtN8ME

The sunflowers thought they would join in

 as well as the Rose of Sharon

and Queen Anne's Lace.


Think I will too!



Hope everyone has a lovely week.

Hugs Debbie