Flowers and More

As I said yesterday, it was a day for getting outside and pruning the last of the five hydrangeas. It's also the largest of the hydrangeas and it has grown leggy. It needed to have last year's dead blossoms pruned off, but it also needed to be shaped. That took less time than anticipated. I filled the bird feeders and then took a walk around the yard with my little buddy to see what's new.

The cherry tree is in full bloom now. This is the larger of the two trees. It gets more sun. The other has a few blossoms, but it is less impressive. It's always a question who will get to eat the resulting cherries. Humans or raccoons? Sometimes we get to them first. Sometimes it's the raccoons.

Also, the plum tree is in full bloom. The last two years, the tree has been loaded with plums. We didn't get any of these because we took off on a trip each year just when they were ripening. We're not planning a big trip this fall, and so hopefully, we'll get another good harvest. I'd actually like to enjoy them for a change.

I approached the tree to see if there were any bees buzzing around. There were none, but we have seen some mason bees around. They like to crawl up in the cracks of our cedar shake siding. Mason bees are the best pollinators, and so we encourage them.

It was also good to see some surviving tulips blooming where I planted them in the whiskey barrels. The squirrels ate most of the bulbs a few summers ago. Since then, a trusty squirrel hunting cat has moved in and the squirrels have moved out. 

There seem to be tulips in all five of the whiskey barrels, and they will fill in over time. 

I've given up planting them, and I'll just hope for the best on the ones remaining. Here's another group. They're keeping their color a secret for now.

This group is at the front door.

Also at the front door, the wisteria is starting to open.

It is positively covered with blossoms this year. It's going to be spectacular if they all open at the same time.

The clematis is in full bloom.

The vine covers one whole short wall on the south side of the house. Here's how the flowers look close up.

Also, the bleeding heart has started blooming.

And the Andromeda is putting on its best show of the season. Those red leaves will open up even more and they will grow larger.

Here is the first open azalea blossom. In a week or so, all of the azaleas will be covered in flowers.

Yes, it really is that bright.

Smitty is doing his part keeping the grass mowed. Keep eating, little buddy. Lots more to do.

Unlike Gracie, he doesn't immediately hork it up right after coming back inside the house. And unlike Gracie, he actually comes outside occasionally. Gracie has been coming out in the afternoon, but in the morning, her priority list reads as follows:

1. Morning Nap
2. Mid-morning Nap
3. Noon Nap
4. Afternoon Nap
5. Treats
6. After-treat Nap
7. Before Dinner Nap
8. Dinner
9. After Dinner Nap

She takes her list very seriously.

Smitty has been more wary about being out by himself for the past few days. He seems to be aware that the bobcat has been around. We're guessing the bobcat has marked his territory, and Smitty respects that. It's just as well. He's been out by himself less often and for less time. When he's out, he sticks close to the house.

Smart kitty. He'll stay alive that way.

Later in the afternoon, I got to work on the 10th Irish Door. Here's the door I'm making:

Here's what I have so far:

I printed the posters onto fabric, and then fused them into the windows. The appliques need top-stitching and I'll want to stitch in some of the details. That will be today's job. Also today I need to make a trip to the post office and then to the grocery store.

The day is mapped out, and so off I go. I hope you have a good day today!