Sunflower field story -

It was our second visit to the local sunflower field this summer. The first was a little early as the blooms were only just opening. This time, Monday in the late afternoon, the heavy heads were bowing low, petals shriveling, as we walked the rows with Jasmin taking some photos of us. . . . . .while I took photos of creatures!  

Along the outer edge of the 4-5 acre field it was obvious the deer had been busy stuffing their tummies with ripe seeds from the flower heads. Bees were everywhere, grasshoppers were busy also.  We saw a very special bird - another post on that later.

Since returning from New England life has been really busy. I need to re-organize my time, my life, to fit everything in. Please know I'm reading your posts every day, and enjoying them as always, just haven't had time to do much commenting. I will share more from the trip north once I have time to work with hundreds of photos I took. It was such a wonderful time away after the months of lockdown. . . . . and those daily kitchen chores!!!

Have a fabulous week everyone.

St. Patrick's Day, cityscape, and the daffodil trail. . . . . . .

Yesterday, Saturday. . . . . . . . . up early and off downtown for the annual
Raleigh St. Patrick's Day Parade. 

Fun for an hour or so then the chilly breeze encouraged us to get moving. 
We headed up to the former Dorothea Dix Hospital grounds where I once
 worked, now a park overlooking the the city skyline, to view this year's hello to
 spring. 
This planting of 50,000 daffodils was done by a piece of machinery which digs,
 plants the bulbs, covers and tamps the soil back - I could use one of those!
The winding trail is really breathtaking. The golden blooms dance in the
 brisk breeze . . . . . . perhaps not quite William Wordsworth's view along the shore
 of Ullswater in 1802 as he walked with his sister, but certainly brings his poem
'I wandered lonely as a Cloud' to mind.

A fine day to walk and watch a parade. . . . . . . . . here are some glimpses of the

 morning when everyone suddenly becomes Irish.

Many special people to thank - musicians, dancers, bands, many whom traveled

 some distance to bring us great music (especially the All American Band

 of the 82nd Airborne from Fort Bragg, NC). After all, what's parade without bands.

The dogs were amazing, so many breeds trotting along the parade route, including

 the huge, calm and dignified  Irish Wolfhounds. . . . . . . .along with so many fun

 people of all ages who turned out for this lovely morning.

Erin go Bragh - and a happy day to you all.