Soft Summer Nights~

As we turned the corner, stepping into the month of August, we've had some of the most beautiful evenings of the summer.  Cooler temperatures, light breezes & the air filled with a rich, sweet smell.

Early evening from the deck~

I think it's so important to love where you are. I've always loved the places I've lived. Iowa is no exception. It's a state of vast, green expanses & endless blue skies. On many days, full of white puffy clouds. The state's mild-manners of summer can & do change quickly though! The cracks of lightening & ground rumbling thunder can make the most seasoned resident jump!

Zinnia now top the fence, with marigolds & day lilies behind~

Clara stopped by to walk the property the other day, checking up on her hosta's! We did find that the deer have been munching on some of the big plants outside the fence. Butch caught them at it, one evening & Nika scared them off. I've sprayed with repellent, but we've been having thunderstorms during some nights. Usually dropping just enough rain to wash away the repellent.

Cabin from the front porch~

Everything is staying so green! As Wes said one day, it's hard to leave a state that's green for one that isn't. We left a green state - I hadn't even realized that Iowa was also so green! The lawn hasn't needed additional water.

Night falls~

The days are already getting shorter! The sun is setting earlier & the lights are coming on earlier too. The Cicada's have been chirping since July. Butch has been finding their shed shells already.

Blooming sedum~

The Japanese Beetles, are on the rampage this year & have even eaten holes in the sedum. The blooms are coming on & they are beautiful in the two gardens I have at the edge of the timber.

My Rosebud Gerabuaceae Pelargoniums ~

Probably close to thirty-years young, my Pelargoniums have done beautifully this year!  I've been told that they are rare, but I have found them on-line. The seven plants I overwintered were planted in May & are blooming!  All the cuttings are growing, but have yet to bloom.  Putting them in partial shade has been perfect.  Full sun here was just too hot for them.  They seem very resistant to the beetles!  Only a few leaves have any holes.

Butch & I have been making more exploratory drives & finding some beautiful areas, not far from home.  Here's to the remainder of summer!