Joys of June

 The joys of June are rich with the sights, smells and sounds of this lovely time of the year. 

  Naturally flowers provide a wonderful display of color.  Larkspur fills the garden with continual bouquets. 

(Notice my shadow)

 The sweet smell of hay evokes memories of all my summers growing up on the farm.

The sound of rain and the rumble of thunder in the distance - 

 often leaves us with the beauty of God's promise...His rainbow.  

Thank you for visiting and allowing us to share some of June's joys.  Have a wonderful day.

Hugs from Harmony Hills

Debbie

"Until now you have not asked for anything in my name.  Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete."  John16:24 (NIV

June's Joys

 As the month comes to a close it seems appropriate to share a few of June's joys.   Black Raspberries ripening on the vine makes the list.  Several packages are in the freezer and a couple of pickings even made it into pie!

In spite of the dry weather the first cutting of hay was plentiful.  With the lack of rain, not certain there will be a second.  Praying we will get more moisture in July.

Fortunately we have been blessed with a strong well and was able to keep the veggie patch growing.  This was the first year for straw bale gardening.  Not certain will do this again but will let you know in August.

The daylilies always manage to tolerate dry weather and drought.

This beauty is a favorite and a real beauty.

 Early summer apples have been a pleasure.  Made two batches of sauce and there is more to come.  That is if the deer don't get them before I do :)!!

Last but not least, Kelsey's company on our daily walks certainly is a joy.

Well dear ones, thank you for showing up and visiting.  May July bring everyone  happy moments.  See you next month.

Hugs

Debbie

P.S. For all who are celebrating next week - Happy 4th of July.

"So I commend the enjoyment of life, because nothing is better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad.  Then joy will accompany him in his work all the days of the life God has given him under the sun."  Eccl:8:15 (NIV)

Last week of July

 Well friends it is the last week of July.  The second cutting of hay is done and ready for the coming winter.

Picking a crop of zucchini.  The large ones will be made into bread and the small ones sliced and fried.  Some folks think one can have too many but not in my opinion.  All one has to do is put in a search on Pinterest  and find a huge variety of recipes.  My dear mom even put them up in pineapple juice (shredded) and substituted for crushed pineapple.  No one could taste the difference. :) !  What a great way to get a veggie into those picky eaters.

I have been reading a collection of inspiring books from the library.  The hot days of summer are a wonderful time to explore creative endeavors.

Working on finishing this note/sketch book.  The first page was dated 8/7/07.  It began when my Dad had open heart surgery and survived.  Why it got put up on the closet shelf and forgotten is a mystery.

It has been my go to when I needed to journal and sketch this past year. 

Nothing spectacular within the pages but it holds thoughts on grieving and being grateful...memories and reflections.  When we lose someone close to us there is a process in letting go and moving towards healing.  Everyone has to find their way through so they come out on the other side.  For me writing and sketching goes hand in hand.  It is a safe place to pour out one's heart.  I have been inspired by so many gorgeous nature journals, urban sketches, and just day to day items.  This sketchbook is mostly private though.

If some of you are working through issues of the heart this may be a practice to put into place...a place where performance doesn't matter and not everything has to be shared.

On a less serious note I will leave you with these lovely holly hocks.  This photo does not do them justice.  They are shockingly pink and I think they just might inspire me to get out the brushes and paint.

P.S. this blackberry shortcake is calling my name.  Have a lovely week dear ones.  Stop by and let me know what your last week of July is calling you to do.

Hugs

Debbie

"He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God and healed those who needed healing." Luke 9:11 b