Golden days in paradise -

 

Some people confuse Ragweed and Goldenrod and blame both for their

 allergic reactions. Ragweed is the culprit not goldenrod. They are

 completely different plants and look quite different. Goldenrod is a

 perennial and ragweed is an annual.

Goldenrod does not cause seasonal allergies. The most likely cause of 

your sneezing and runny nose is ragweed pollen. Ragweed is a rather

 insignificant-looking weed that blooms at the same time as goldenrod. 

It is wind pollinated and disperses large amounts of pollen into the air.

Solidago, commonly called goldenrod, is a genus of several species of

 flowering plants in the family Asteraceae. Most are herbaceous perennial 

species found in open areas such as meadows, prairies, and savannas. 

They are mostly native to North America, including Mexico; a few species

 are native to South America and Eurasia.  Some American species have

 also been introduced into Europe and other parts of the world.

An important source of nectar for so many pollinators—such as butterflies

 and native bees—goldenrod is especially crucial to the winter survival of

 many honeybees. Its pollen adds considerable amounts of protein, fats,

 and minerals to the late-season diet of the bees.

I know you're wondering where I took these photos of a meadow full of goldenrod.

Some of you already know Jeanne of Tahilla Farm in New Hampshire. 

Many years ago when we were all young, fresh, new bloggers, we followed 

Jeanne on her first blog Collage of Life. Her life as an ex-pat took her and her

 family to live in amazing places - Australia, New Zealand, England, Vietnam

 and China . . . . . and we bloggers loved following along. Personally, I have to

 admit to feeling envious that she was this amazing person who could pack up

 her life, her four children, dog, sun hats, books, and furniture and move

 seemingly overnight to another country in the footsteps of her husband. 

Of course now knowing Jeanne better, and having spent the most enjoyable

 times together since she settled back in the US, I understand that it really 

was a lot of hard work.

Now retired, Jeanne and her very special Mr. H, have made their home back in

New England where they started out, and this is their beautiful farm property.

I feel so fortunate that I have been a guest here in all seasons except winter.

Seeing Tahilla's landscape change colors under the shadow of the distant 

mountain range, in rain and sunshine, has been a true blessing. I just wish I 

lived closer.

You can follow Jeanne and enjoy her wonderful writing and photographs

 on her website ~ tahillafarm.com/tahilla-farm-story

Tahilla Farm, New Hampshire

I was here just over a week ago.

Jeanne very kindly gave me permission to share my photos of the

 farm with you.

Thank you Jeanne - see you next time!

Late Summer flowers, early Autumn days. . . . . . . .

No real signs of Autumn here in the southeast yet. . . . . still very hot and dry.

Autumn greetings to you my friends - my favorite season of the year, even though

 I'll be a year older in colorful October. . . . . . . and hopefully much wiser!

Things are crazy around the cottage as we finish up the first week of the 

the big exterior project.  Lovely to have a quieter day with no hammering, 

drilling, sawing. . . . . . and handsome, young, muscular men (sorry Bob!)

 playing country music and guzzling an unbelievable number of bottles of

 chilled water from my refrigerator.

 It has been 90F each day so can't say I blame them. 

It will all start all over again come Monday morning of course!