Have you noticed?

I'm taking a break.

See you soon. 

Have a great remainder of the week. 

Gina 

Mon Bouquet du Jour

Meine Sonntag Blumen

This is the year for Hollyhocks. 

This wild female duck laid her eggs in a secret spot. 

And 24 days or so later, she marched her day-old ducklings past my window. 

All in a single file with a purpose...to get to water and our pond. 

The tiny little ducklings must have walked more than a mile.  

picture added 7-31-2017

This mother duck is special. First she avoided all predators by laying her eggs in a safe place and now, weeks later, all eight of them are alive and well. 

A Herculean feat.  

Have an extra special week dear Friends. 

Gina 

http://ourworldtuesdaymeme.blogspot.com/

All they need is

Water, water and more water.

deep water at the base of the plants.  

Do not spray from top with water.

That way you will avoid diseases and rust. 

Blooms will be large, and on strong plants. 

If you want to revisit your hollyhocks in winter, why not dry a few blossoms. 
Here is how

Dry them in a bed of builders sand.

Soon, they will shine another blooming season. 

Have a great week dear friends, 

Gina 

Good Grief, I just noticed.

My chickens are reaching through the fence. 

Aha, I caught you.  No use looking so innocent now. 

They are eating my new Sweet Pea Shoots.

No use denying it.  I've seen you do it. 

A summer without Sweet Peas? 

Now listen here girls, I'm watching you. 

 If it hairlips a hog, I will have Sweet Peas this year.  

One of every color in the rainbow. 

And one more thing. 

The Ronde de Nice seeds I saved from last year's crop did not look promising.

  

But now I see that I will have enough of these delectable little squash to share with the entire town. 

(They may show up on your doorstep).

Have a great remainder of the week, dear friends. 

Gina 

I had to do it.

Traveling these days is not easy.

But Italy was calling.

Innocently, I was checking air fares.

Important tip:

When booking flights check  the "Flexible Dates" box and 
"First/Business Z" category (Delta Airlines) 
You will find days when prices are $500 to $1000
lower.

The destination?  Italy, of course. 

Relais Sant Elena in Bibbona has room for us. 

I need one more pasta making lesson.

And another visit with my favorite friend Mario in his studio in Montelupo, Fiorentino.   

I just had to do it.  

Click, and it was done.  

 It was only 3 months ago, we said that we wouldn't get on another long flight. 

How soon one forgets. 

We will take care of our garden before we go.

and harvest our garden, preserve fruits and vegetables. 
Then in September, we are off. 

Have a great week ahead, dear friends.  

Gina 

HURRAH

For the Red, White and Blue.

Celebrate, Celebrate, Celebrate!

Gina 

https://betweennapsontheporch.net/