Faeries Friday

I guess it's summer, even though we haven't reached Solstice yet.  The foxgloves have been blooming for a while, and the Foxglove Faery has shown up to touch up their fast-fading blooms. 

I wish there was an Ageing Woman Face Faery...I could really use a touch-up/lift from her! 

Wednesday's Winding Road

Taken in May of 2010 down around Lake Silverwood.

Last Blossoms

The dogwoods' blossoms are looking pretty tattered and tired...this one was the best that I found today.  The tree that it's on is in a little micro-climate down by the creek that stays cool even in the hottest weather.  My husband jokes that it's always cool because it's haunted.  I don't tell him that he's right.  The little dell was my Godmother's and mama's favorite spot, and I've felt their presence there many times.  She and my mom used to spread a quilt on the ferny bank when they wanted a break during the summer from me and my cousins.  They'd carry down a big pitcher of "sweet tea" from the cottage.  I think (know) it was mostly iced tea with a generous portion of Irish whiskey added.  I do the same nowadays...my relatives know that when I'm there, I'm off limits, just as my cousins and I knew that my mom and my Godmother were not to be bothered when they were there.  Only now my pitcher of sweet tea is just that, because I developed an allergy to alcohol several years ago.  Talk about annoying!  But the little dell is still a quiet, magical spot to pass an afternoon.  Sometimes, as I sit on the quilt beside the creek and sip my sweet tea, I think I hear their laughter.  My Godmother and my mama were best friends for most of their lives and, wherever they are, I think they're still best friends, visiting their favorite places and favorite people and sipping their "sweet tea" during hot summer weather.

Weather Faeries

The rain and hail faeries paid a brief, very brief, visit today.  Up at the top of the ski resorts, which have been closed for quite a while, it actually snowed enough to give a good ground cover and down in the deserts it rained enough to flood some areas!  My hope and prayer is this storm will intensify, move eastwards and put out that terrible fire in Arizona.

(I don't know why this photo has such strange patterns in it; when it's enlarged they disappear and on my computer they're not there.  Blogger, what did you do?)

Wednesday's Winding Road

Wild sweet peas blooming beside Highway 18, also called Rim of the World Highway.  I took this last June.  The sweet peas have the most delicious fragrance.

Last night and today were such a welcome relief.  It was cool and cloudy during the day and the temperature got down to 38 F last night.  It even sprinkled a little last night...a very, very little, but still appreciated!

Sunday Sunsets

Taken in May of 2009.  I just found it while I was sorting through my photos.  It's strange how I can forget so many things that I want to remember, but details of where and when, etc., of photos usually stick in my mind. I look at this photo and hear the lapping of lake water behind me, feel the slight breeze scented with pine and damp air, hear the particular sound of a Nuttall's Woodpecker singing its goodnight song. But can I remember where I put my sunglasses, which I need every day?  No.  Maybe one of the cats hid them, and it's not my faulty memory...

Strawberries and Hope

There are little wild strawberries blooming everywhere.  They're even popping up in the ivy.  Hopefully, there will be lots for the birds, mice and skunks as they all love strawberries.  I love them, too, but I only eat one or two of the beyond-delicious little wild ones because there just isn't that much food for the little wild cousins up here anymore.  My sister always has lots of strawberries to share, so I content myself with those. 

The wildfires in San Diego County are terrible.  I heard on the news tonight that a badly burned body has been found, poor soul.  And when I think of all the animals that have perished, which the news never mentions, my heart hurts more.  135,000 homes have been evacuated across the county.  Fires have never, never been a problem in Southern California in May.  I am terrified of what months of hot, dry weather will cause in the autumn.  But, since we're having Santa Ana winds now, which is unusual, maybe they won't blow in the autumn.  It's the hope of that which I hang on to. 

A Quote For Monday

"The true beloveds of this world are, in their lover's eyes, lilacs opening, ship lights, school bells, a landscape, remembered conversations, friends, a child's Sunday, lost voices, one's favorite suit, autumn and all seasons, memory, yes, it being the earth and water of existence, memory."  Truman Capote

A Quote for Monday

"Praise the mutilated world and the gray feather a thrush lost, and the gentle light that strays and vanishes and returns."  Adam Zagajewski

Sunday Sunlight

Sunlight highlighting some Lunaria blossoms...and a lot of wicked foxtail weeds that I must get rid of!

Faeries Friday

Is it still a Faery Ring even though it's moss instead of mushrooms?  Also, it's not perfectly round.  I didn't step inside it...just in case!

Happy May Day!

Despite the horrible winds, some of the lilacs are still hanging on.  I think the Faeries may have visited this one...it seems to have a little bit of a lingering glow of Faeries about it.  If, while you're dancing under the stars tonight, you should happen to meet some of the Fae offer them  refreshments!  But, don't take anything they might offer you.  Some of them are pretty tricky...