Deer on a Summer Morning

On this beautiful Saturday morning we had a delightful surprise. These six deer were grazing around our yard.

Not only did we see a doe with her twin fawns, and another doe with her one fawn, but there was also a buck. Oftentimes a buck stays hidden in the forest, unlike the females who openly graze.

This particular buck was bold enough to peer in our windows. Our son was down there at that moment and I think this buck was rather curious!

Although I’m not a very good photographer, I am pleased to have managed to get some decent pictures of these six. For all the deer sightings we see – almost daily – even this grouping was highly unusual for us to witness. 

Our Garden

Our garden is finally coming along. We planted around Memorial Day, yet, because of our cool and rainy weather since then, it’s just getting going now. And it’s what – the end of July?

Nevertheless, I am excited that we have green tomatoes on the vine, and two-to-three-inch long zucchini. The tomatoes will be a little while yet, but those zucchini – well, we know better. Who doesn’t, whoever has planted it? I’m doing daily checks, just to be sure it doesn’t get out-of-hand. We all know that if one zucchini gets overlooked then one day you go out to your garden and see some giant vegetable sprawled across half the garden. “Where did that come from,” you say to yourself.

Besides these garden staples, we have strawberries, green beans, cucumbers, snap peas, swiss chard, spaghetti squash, and miniature pumpkins growing. We are currently enjoying our strawberries as they are responding to the sunshine and warmer temperatures.

Our garden is planted in these five raised beds. We’ve tried to make it a nice-looking garden – last year replacing the old rotted-out wooden beds with cinderblocks, and this year placing down small rock to cover the ugly black cloth meant to suppress weeds. And though I’d love to have it surrounded by a lovely white picket fence, we must use this double-high wire fencing to keep out our deer friends.

It’s coming along anyway, and that’s what matters. The sun is shining. It’s actually hot today. Bring it on!

When Life Gives You Overripe Bananas Make...

…banana bread muffins, of course.

Seems like we’ve had lots and lots of overripe bananas this summer. That tends to happen when the weather is warmer. I’ve made a lot of these muffins. They’re good though, and they are always eaten up.

I use a recipe for banana bread. Why muffins and not the traditional loaf? Well, they are easier for all of us to grab one in the morning or for a snack. Don’t need to get out the cutting board and the knife and slice away.

I’ve adapted the original banana bread recipe to suit our needs – especially since we have them quite often lately. First of all, because we’ve had sooo many overripe bananas, I’m always making a double batch. I use whole wheat flour for half the flour called for in the recipe. I’ve also found I can use peanut butter in place of half the butter called for. That makes it healthier, right? Sometimes I add some ground flaxseed in there too, but shhh, don’t tell my kids.

Since our boys are not into nuts, I always throw in chocolate chips to the batter. I guarantee if I made these with nuts, they would be made a lot less often and many overripe bananas would be destined for the compost pile.

There you have it. Not wasting those overripe bananas.

Daisies

The daisies are a-bloomin! They look wonderful and add such a cheery touch outside. Whether they’re clustered like this, scattered along the edge of the woodland, or mixed in with all the tall grasses, they are bright spots of white and yellow.

Bonus: they are readily available for cheering up the inside too! And I cut these daisies many days ago, so they hold up really well.

The Coast, Calligraphy, and A New Garden Area

Despite our less-than-ideal summer weather, summer is happening. One day last week we made a trip to the coast. As far as I’m concerned, any day is a good day at the coast. We enjoyed our time at the beach, and this is how the Oregon coastline looked that day. Always beautiful.

And even though it’s been raining lately – we’re usually dry this time of year – we’ve created a new garden/seating area. We purchased this French bistro outdoor set, dug out our old window boxes from storage, purchased lavender and santolina – 15 plants in all, and planted them. This little garden/seating area was created in memory of my mother, herself a gardener and lover of flowers, plants, and herbs. We plan to add to it over time, but this is a start.

I’ve also been busy doing the calligraphy on copper signs like these, which were custom orders. And now have more custom signs to complete.

No matter rain or shine, we’re enjoying summer – gardens, coast, and all. Now if the weather would just warm up enough so we can sit out at our new bistro set…    

A Rainy Day In July

It began raining last night, and has continued today. Nothing bad about that, but it is July.

Intellectually I’m thinking free water – needn’t water the garden, cooler temperatures – a good thing, less fire danger – another good thing, water for all living creatures, etc.

On the other hand, I’m a bit disappointed. This is the time of year I want to be able to sit outside in – gasp – the sunshine!

Guess I’ll wait for another summer day.

Simply Pleasing

We have grapes and lavender growing in our front garden bed. The grapes wind their way along the deck fencing and are even extending up the stairs this year. The lavender is blooming beautifully and abundantly now.

With all this growth, I get very excited when I can step outside the door to get some cuttings and make my own little flower arrangement for free!

A bit of frugality, simplicity, and beauty all rolled into one.

Nesting Swallows

When I am at the kitchen sink this is my view – a wonderful old oak tree with the tire swing hanging from it and a nest box nailed to it.

For many springs now, we have had swallows nest in that box. While I do dishes in the spring and summer, I observe a pair of violet-green swallows swooping in with nesting material to prepare the nest box, and then I watch as they circle and dive, fetching bugs from mid-air to feed their young.

This afternoon I decided to check it out. I walked quietly up to the nest box and turned one ear to hear – there were lots of little “cheeps” to be heard – and then I plunked myself down on the grass, maybe six feet away, to get a picture.

Well, Mom and Dad swallow did not like that. I was far too close for their comfort. Here you can see them checking me out. (Can’t say I blame them!)

So I backed off a bit. Seemed only fair. That allowed me to get a snapshot of one of the parents emerging after a quick feeding. And they are quick about the whole business.

With all this activity going on I don’t even mind doing the dishes.