Blooming in my garden this week -

Rose Mallow

 First bloom just opened after Sunday's heavy rain.

Growing in a large pot, it returns each summer.

"Rose mallow is a plant that goes by several names -- swamp mallow, 

crimson-eyed mallow or perennial hibiscus. The funnel-shaped blooms

 of the 6-to-10-foot shrub are often rose pink or white with a red center, 

and it thrives in moist, even wet, soil. 

Rose mallow is perennial in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant

 hardiness zones 5 through 10. No matter what you choose to call it, 

annual pruning keeps it healthy and attractive."

Shasta Daisy 

Dahlias and fading hydrangeas

Last of the lovely Daylilies

Regular size sunflower with busy bees

The Russian Mammoth sunflowers are not open yet. . . . . . .but soon 

I'm hoping they will wow us!

July came fast and furious!

Saturday morning Breakfast Smoothie - Banana, Mango, Kiwifruit, Almond Milk, and a slice of walnut bread toasted.

It has been such a busy week here with the Independence Day celebration on the 4th, Bob's birthday on the 5th - which seems to have gone on for several days due to restaurants being closed over the holiday - along with five other birthdays among friends near and far. Yesterday we drove out of town to meet friends for lunch and went back to their lovely home for an afternoon cuppa. They were formerly our across the street neighbors who moved away 19 years ago - still great friends and enjoyable company.

The July weather pattern continues with its usual oppressive daytime heat reaching close to 100F, nights not much cooler. Thank goodness for air conditioning. Rain here around us has been nothing more than a 5 minute late afternoon shower now and then, not much help in keeping the gardens going and green. We took a drive to the local 5-acre 'sunflower field' where the city plants 200,000 seeds annually, but it was still just a huge swathe of tall green leaves, no golden blooms yet, whereas my little garden patch is lovely with the tallest sunflower now around 71/2 feet high, it's flowerhead still in bud! 

Hang on ---------- I'll run out and take a photo with my phone!

So, just took these pix, so humid and overcast outside - not the best weather. The tiny yellow flowers are my neighbor's cucumbers and he has already gifted me with a large one which I plan to use for a green gazpacho tomorrow. . . . a perfect chilled soup for this weather. 

While out snapping the sunflowers I caught these guys having fun on our white oak.

One of Bob's birthday (83) get togethers was at our favorite pub/restaurant where a few family members joined us and granddaughter Jasmin brought along a carrot cake - Bob's favorite!  How quickly the years are passing. How grateful for family who continue to care about us. Sad that some apparently don't!