June 14, 2025

Magical Summer Unfolds at the Country House

Another summer unfolds at the beloved country house…

Country house summer 7

Birds are happy, light streams in, pups run through garden paths, pumpkin leaves grow.

Baby hummingbirds play during watering hour.

Diving in and out of my water spray.

It is Mister Lovee’s birthday weekend.

The rose arbors are full.

The cardinals are tweeting.

Country house summer 2

Do come in through our little stone path…

Country house summer 11

The most beautiful sherbet scented roses bloom in baskets full.

Caravan wagon behind, with twinkle lights that will turn on at sunset.

Country house summer 14

The aloe are blooming and in swoops my favorite little hummingbird.

I am able to identify this wee darling by the piano key feathers in black and white.

Country house summer 8

This little adores splashing in water.

Country house summer 6

It looks straight at me, and I think smiles.

Country house summer 9

I can think of nothing more delightful than playing water games on a warm day with a sweet little hummingbird.

My heart is full.

Country house summer 16

It’s that time of year where everything is happening in the garden.

Spring is waning and summer is taking over.

Country house summer 3

Time for garden baths through the secret gate.

Popsicles and swinging from the ancient tree.

Country house summer 4

A second flush of wisteria…

Country house summer 5

My little gallery gobbled by roses year after year.

This is the building I converted into a little gallery shop when there used to be art studio tours in my neck of the woods.

It’s still filled with treasures and fun.

Country house summer 1

Mister Lovee’s birds count on him, even flying right up to the window if they are waiting on him for breakfast.

He is the kind bird keeper.

Country house summer 10


How I love those cardinals as well.

Country house summer 12

It seems the colors of the garden are pink and coral swirl in abundance.

Country house summer 13

Aloe flowers like coral flames…

Country house summer 17

And coral pink swirls of rose petals.

Country house summer 15

What more could we ask for?

Nature is wonderful medicine for the soul.

As always, I have been meaning to be here so often.

Alas, I get busy in my gardens and homes and dogs and baking and painting.

And well, all manner of things, and time just marches by.

Time, the one thing I can never get a hold of.

I don’t even try.

I have been, well, doing lovely things.

Along with regular world busy things too.

But have really been focusing on being kind to myself.

I am with Poppy and Teddy 24/7.

Those two fill my cup right up, I loooove them so!

I’ve been baking delicious things for Mister Lovee’s birthday and getting little treats ready for him.

Treats and treasures for the elusive Mad Hatter.

The zinnias are just about to bloom and the pumpkin plants are getting big and huge.

One of greatest joys in life, the garden.

I suppose it’s the one thing that keeps me sane.

It’s my refuge, my place to work out all the kinks of my brain and life and everything else.

Eternally grateful for the garden.

I’ve picked soooo many herbs that are drying.

And I spent several days pruning away all of spring and making way for summer.

The sunflowers are getting big and tall.

Now we wait for the big dramatic clouds of monsoon season.

I can’t wait.

I made homemade carrot cake cupcakes with cream cheese frosting.

But don’t you agree that we might need lemon bars as well, for a proper soirée?

Well, I suppose I better get back to all the birthday planning things.

Nothing could make me happier than Mister Lovee being alive and well to enjoy another celebration.

(knock on wood for luck)

I’ll cook up a lovely meal and we can play music in the country house garden.

Teddy will sit on ML’s lap, as no other place will do.

And Poppy will sit for a long time in her pool, just sniffing the air and looking up at the trees.

Summer in the country.

Thankful, grateful.

 

I hope you are well out in your neck of the woods.

Lots of Love, 

Vanessa

 

 

See ya soon <3 <3 <3

 

 

  1. laura says:

    that sounds so wonderful! you must have lemon bars! i’m growing two lemon trees in pots this year and one of them has lots of little baby lemons on them and one that is getting big! i’m soooo excited! i’ll have to bring the pots in during winter and try to keep them alive. i’ve been working in my garden too. i have so many things growing and i have lots of zinnias though mine are small. please wish Mr. Lovee a very happy birthday from me when the time comes!
    love & kisses & magical wishes!
    ~*~
    ps… hugs & kisses to Teddy and Poppy and Hi to the Irishman.

  2. Janet says:

    thank you so much for sharing your beautiful garden and your beautiful comments! Its all just delicious!!

  3. beautiful roses, wisteria and flowers in your lovely garden. 💖🌹

  4. Rhonda says:

    So sorry I am late to the shindig, but lots of love and hugs to the GREAT ML BIRTHDAY BOY and his sidekick Mr. Teal Boots! While your baking (and um yes you don’t even have to ask about lemon squares being necessary of COURSE they are!) is a wonderful gift, you are in some incredibly tough competition with nature and fur babies. What a wonderful way to celebrate! I am with you in spirit, the ROOSTAH xoviivlxxoxxvxxexxexx

  5. Marilyn says:

    Happy Birthday celebrating!
    Your garden enchants.
    Sort of jealous of the cardinals, my favorite bird. They don’t travel to the Pacific Northwest, but my other favorite is hummingbirds. What gorgeous pictures you captured of your life in the garden and birds. Sooooooo beautiful!

  6. Sandra Sheets says:

    gorgeous! Happy Birthday to Mister Lovee!

  7. celeste hude says:

    Stunning Gardens ! Being able to go outside and pick a Lemon !!

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