A Summer's Day -

I'm spending a lazy weekend in the cottage per 'doctor's orders' - and it's

 enjoyable as it's far too hot to be outside today.

I'm playing this classical music which makes me think of England, the 

countryside, the history, MY history!

This is my favorite recorded version - click HERE to play.

Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958)

 has to be one of Britain's best composers.

The focus is of course on the stunning music. Here, in the

magnificent Gloucester Cathedral, the cinematography, editing,

and lighting all come together to add an amazing visual atmosphere.

The way the orchestra is spread through the massive cathedral is

wonderful, can you imagine being there and hearing the music

surrounding you?

Fantasia On a Theme of Thomas Tallis

The BBC Symphony Orchestra conducted by Sir Andrew Davis at

Gloucester Cathedral, where in 1910, it was played and conducted

for the first time by the composer Ralph Vaughan Williams.

The 'magic of a summer's day' doesn't happen too often for me. 

I do not thrive in heat, humidity, blazing sun, glaring swimming pools, and 

hanging out around outdoor grills, slapping at mosquitoes.

Afternoon thunderstorms are often welcome. 

I am a winter person I came from damp, rain, clouds, winds, cool.

I love moorland, gorse and heather, wild ponies, quick showers from

overcast skies, river banks, chilly babbling brooks. 

Afternoon tea in a shady, ancient apple orchard on an August afternoon. 

Raincoats, umbrellas, even rubber boots were good. 

No need for air conditioning, ceiling fans, ice!

Noticed this past very hot week. . . . . . . 

Home builders around the neighborhood spread out under trees or across

 their truck seats eating lunch or taking naps - much-needed breaks from

building oversized million dollar-plus houses.

Near death among the garden pots - canna lilies, caladiums, the few herbs

 I was trying to keep going, all on their last legs.

Birds are few as we are not feeding for a while - they look untidy

with their tired feathers.

The baby bunny is now large, golden in color - its ears so long it 

resembles a hare. . . . .which we don't have here. It nibbles the now

 browned out grass and hides under the fading hydrangea bushes.

A chipmunk comes to the small fountain in front of the porch - do you 

know they will eat almost anything, including your tomatoes.

Figs, small, unripe, hard and green are dropping fast and furious, rolling

 down the driveway - perhaps not a good harvest this year due to weather.

This past week was busy. My car required a new windshield as it was

 cracked by a thrown up stone.  

I had the final part of the root canal completed. The dentist, and his staff,

were stellar in every way. . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . .and then on Friday I went to the pain

 clinic for another, my second, steroid injection into my worn out spine.

It was unbelievably painful this time and I will admit I screamed!

This is why I'm laying low this weekend in hopes I will get relief 

from the nerve pain down my right leg within 3-5 days.

Sunday afternoon now, 90F but no storms predicted.

The entire week ahead will bring even higher daily temperatures

and little if any rain.  From what you my dear readers share, wherever

you are in the northern hemisphere, you are also having a heatwave.

Stay calm, cool and hydrated and make the most of each day.

If only. . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . everything was perfect in the world.

One afternoon last week I went to my dentist for a cleaning and check up.

The day was beautiful, indeed almost perfect. Earlier I'd gone to my 

physiotherapy session to be stretched, to cycle, to walk the treadmill, 

to do a lot of leg/hip exercises etc.  

Driving home from that session I was thrilled to see the dogwood blossoms

opening, new leaves greening, azaleas ready to burst through, and pollen yet
to arrive! Sturdy tulips and jonquils wafted in the breeze, drifts of white thrift 
and soft lavender creeping phlox spilled over curbs and garden walls.

A few people were mowing, the dull drone of machines tempered by the 

music of loud birdsong always so lovely at this season.

Ever thankful for Spring's arrival, this year it feels even more special after

such a long hard Winter. 

I said a little prayer. I was so thankful for that day.

Later, leaving the dentist's office, I came close to perhaps being seriously 

injured, even killed. I waited to pull out for a left turn onto a main road. The red light 

was very long but I waited patiently, no rush to get to any other appointments that day.

I saw the three lanes of traffic each way slowing both left and right, then stopping, 

and my light turned green. I started to pull out but something made me brake. 

To my left came a car at very high speed, continuing through the red light 

just missing me. I was shocked, but so grateful I had hesitated.

Everything is far from perfect in the world, especially currently.

We, the ordinary people don't really want much. 

Safety for our loved ones, and ourselves, comes at the top of the list.

Each day can be wonderful with simple things and good health.

Nature's abundance around us is so important. . . . . be thankful, 

perhaps with a special prayer.

My kitchen window where the pair of Carolina wrens are back and busy in the window box.

They're building a neat, snug nest under a clump of purple violas, shaded by a mini conifer.

Right now all is well. Stay safe dear friends, and tiny birds.