Other than the evening shots above - gazebo with wine (bringing out the robust reds now after 'fighting' the pandemic summer months with some delightful well-chilled rosés), and squash being prepped for a roasting with sage - these garden peeks were taken today. . . . . . . another beautiful October morning.
As Bob watered the newly sown grass seed and swept up more fallen acorns, millions are falling this year, I popped outside to get a few shots in the sunshine and cool air. Later it will reach 80F so still hot here.
Yesterday a large deer passed silently through the garden, squirrels were back in numbers, a hawk sat high in an oak calling loudly, a harmless (hopefully) brown garter snake slithered across the driveway. . . . . . .and the bluebirds are back bringing instant happiness! A red cardinal perched at the top of the fig tree, now dropping its leaves non-stop, a mockingbird bathed with much splashing, and a brown thrasher flipped a mushy fallen fig back and forth on the lawn.
The potting shed requires some repairs which will be carried out next week. A raccoon (we think) has gnawed large holes along the lower edge in back, and there are a couple of small leaks in the roof. When those repairs are completed it will be time for a good overall clean out and tidy.
We are still awaiting help with the drainage problem along the back fence which hopefully will be done soon. Until then I can't plant the new shrubs I want in that back flower bed. Tree trimming and shrub pruning is done for now - next spring we'll start all over again!
Next post I'll give you an update on the house next door - a rather crazy story and we're still awaiting info as to what will become of it! Our street is so busy - two other houses sold this past month - both being improved and not knocked down thankfully. More new young neighbors which we like to see.
Enjoy this day. . . . . . and all the lovely October days to come. We continue to stay busy, mostly here at home where we feel safest these days. How about you?
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Lovely photos of this delightful month. I enjoyed a nice glass of red last night which tasted so good after the summer whites :). Within the last week I have noticed the bluebirds in my yard. There was even a couple checking out the birdhouse. I was baffled by that as I know it is too late for nest building this year. Now I am wondering where they've been. I don't remember them disappearing in the summer before. I guess I'd better pay closer attention.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to hearing more about the house next door to you.
Hi Kim, aren't you loving this weather? At last it feels more like NC should!
DeleteWhat's your favorite red? We find this one is excellent, Robert Mondavi Private Selection (Aged in Bourbon Barrels) Cabernet Sauvignon, Monterey County, CA.
We haven't had as much bluebird activity this summer - perhaps because we're here all the time and the little birdies have no privacy!
I'll update on the house next door soon!
Mary -
Beautiful pictures Mary. We are starting to house whisper here. I have some paint swatches painted on the living room wall, trying to pick out the one we want. I have someone coming by tomorrow to discuss a kitchen remodel. I am getting more excited by this move every day!
ReplyDeleteI just knew you'd be 'house whispering' in no time Penny!!!
DeleteCan't wait to see your new place - make sure you do before and after pix for us please!
It's looking wonderfully autumnal in your neighborhood (have I already told you this?)...I am enjoying everyone else's beautiful fall color and decor. Those glasses of wine on your gazebo table look so inviting. Enjoy your October days.
ReplyDeleteWish you were closer and we could raise a glass together Sara!
DeleteThe trees are starting to change here in Western Pennsylvania. There are a few beautiful maples in full color, but most others are still green. Grass cutting might happen one or two more times, then a long break. The furnace comes on at night but not really needed much during the days as long as the sun peaks through. Driveway repairs are wrapping up this week and I'm finishing my painting of two nightstands outside while the weather is nice. This weekend I will make a pot of beef vegetable soup and a pan of pumpkin cornbread. We are keeping busy and staying healthy. October is my favorite month!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures... Good idea to sweep up those acorns...if I have an ounce of energy, I will be sweeping them up, too. A raccoon gnawing on the shed? The nerve! Squirrels are chewing on my steps. You just know what I think about that! So happy that the bluebirds have landed. Will they be staying with you?
ReplyDeleteHello Mary,
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to hearing all about your new neighbors, hopefully it will be good news. And how exciting to have two new and young neighbors, that is always nice.
AS for your Fall touches, they look beautiful. I find so much joy in a pumpkin or two or three.
I hope that you have a wonderful week!
Beautiful photos, Mary, and love your Nature Notes!
ReplyDeleteThanks dear friend!
DeleteAlways such lovely photos. We've actually been pretty busy here, both at home and with outings. Lots of projects here...don't know if we'll get the bushes we wanted planted out front this fall. Might have to wait until spring.
ReplyDeleteWe can plant together Melanie!
DeleteBeautiful photos of your garden, Mary. It's still quite warm there, I see. Perfect for sitting outdoors with a glass of wine. We're expecting rain in the next few days, and there is still some garden cleanup to do, but also Thanksgiving this weekend.
ReplyDeleteI loved your description of what's happening just now in your garden - so many lovely things and you do have a way with words!
Enjoy these days.
Wish I could blow some of these near perfect sunny days your way Lorrie. We do have rain returning though with the current hurricane activity - bless those in its path! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.
DeleteHugs to you and all my Canadian friends.
It is wonderful to have so much wildlife to observe in your garden!
ReplyDeleteLike you, we have now switched from chilled rosé wines to the reds, with our favourite to accompany our Friday night cheese board being a Spanish one, El Meson. We love to start the weekend like this! Last and this weekend, though, I am only able to travel to O.K.'s on the Saturday, so the red has to wait until Saturday night.
Your hint at an interesting story about the house next door has me intrigued!
Look at all of those acorns!!! Your photos are beautiful Mary, cheers to red wine on the gazebo! :)
ReplyDeleteYes, home is absolutely the safest place these days, and we are fortunate to live in attractive surrounds with nature at the doorstep. A red cardinal in a fig tree? That would be blissful... I like October too, it is Spring for us, and the weather is usually pleasant and there are lots of flowers and birds. The odd snake here too, because they awake and look for 'friends'. Your pumpkin decor is so attractive Mary, enjoy. xxx
ReplyDeleteDearest Mary,
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely set of autumn photos!
Yeah, wholes gnawed... there never is a reveal as who did it!
We also enjoy such lovely weather and are ready to get on our bikes in a minute...
Hard to imagine that in a month we have to bring certain potting plants back inside the green house with heater for keeping them from freezing. Always busy when tending to a garden.
We need to clean our front porch, patios, balcony and garage; all tiled areas. Did that in June but it never lasts a long time...
Sending you hugs and we so much enjoyed Bryson City, N.C. this weekend.
Mariette
Dear Mary,
ReplyDeleteI love your little garden house. Reminds me of the many garden houses I see in Europe.
Mary, your photos are always so lovely! I have been decorating my house for Autumn and getting my gardens ready outside. My potting bench has gotten alot of use the last few weeks. Emptying out pots of plants that are spent, pruning the ones that need it, repotting some other plants before I brought them inside, etc., etc. I do really love this time of year and I really love the cooler weather! Hope your Autumn is a good one!
ReplyDelete