A cottage diary

The ravens woke up the privet quite early today—their loudly, raspy grouse filling up the space with mystery and awesomeness; however a different intonation this time from the turmoil of yesterday afternoon, which, I should say this keeps me listening and learning every day.  

I am convinced that this little town is the cradle of the “Walking Dead” people.  You see them everywhere, eating at restaurants, shopping for food at Walmart—particularly at Walmart, strolling on your neighborhood and such… I have never seen people in such a deplorable conditions and it is mostly due to the abuse of amphetamines, which is a big deal in this State.  One of them walked by our little cottage early this morning and commented on how our property had never looked better or nicer than now… what a pleasing compliment to all of our hard work.

 I'm so in love with my little white cottage in the woods... 

A fairytale cottage in and out...

Nature goes through an early fall around here… mid summer has its own share of falling leaves, I should say.  And perhaps this phenomenon is more noticeable here, compared to our seasons up North, because autumn is so remarkably perceptible up there… but leaves do fall on summer time here.  Perhaps it's something to do with the intense heat and the natural process of renovation and restoration?  I guess.

I have also discovered the benefits of daily watering in the South.  With no sprinklers to do the job, relying on rain only is not enough during the relentless summer’s days.  Watering daily has made a huge improvement on my plants.  I only wish I had learned this before my once gorgeous Maple Leaf Hydrangea was gone… I’m still hoping to see some new life coming out of it.  

Pulling weeds has proven a most beneficial thing for the soul. It teaches you patience, and perseverance.   

I am in love with my Crepe Myrtle bushes, and they are doing lovely.  I have bought yet another variety—the Natchez Crape Myrtle with striking clusters of delicate white blooms from June to September.  I planted it on the East side of the house, at the edge of the patio. It will not only add beauty to our surroundings, but I'm also anticipating some much needed shade.

My Morning Glories and Moon Flowers I planted by seeds haven’t bloom yet, and I find this to be a most unique and strange a thing, as the plants are as healthily as they can be and all covered up in lustrous green leaves…

 

I knew something was definitely missing here in this corner every time I passed by… 

 What a tremendous difference paint can make on old, dilapidating things.   

 I love this European blue I’d chosen for my brown shutters.  It definitely is a happy color.

Rust-Oleum Satin Lagoon Ultra Cover 2x 

I cannot deny that it is hot, and summers are relentless here, thus making the work outside a more complex of a thing.  But I cannot be any happier, or blessed in our new surroundings; enjoying, as I am, my days up to their very holly core.  This morning, as I was watering the garden this thought came heavy upon me as I realized what a happy woman I am living here, with equally all its goodness and the not so good, with a garden to nurture and care for, birds as I’d never seen before and in such amazing variety and amount, with an extraordinary abundance of Nature all around, and plenty of leisure to enjoy them!  I am truly blessed. 

 

My humblest of thank YOU’s Father of light… 

From my little heart of hearts to your infinite One.

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