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A storm was rolling in and made for nice background skies so I snapped a few iris shots.
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I really should plant more of these.
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They’re such a lovely pop of purple.
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On the other side of the property ….
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Momma chuck was hanging out on the barn porch.
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Probably looking for some more marigolds too munch.
😖
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When the paving crew reached the end of the driveway tear down, it was time to remove the rusty old culvert.
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How rusty was it you ask?
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Rusty enough that it literally fell apart in their hands. Mind you, this was the same culvert the state deemed perfectly serviceable last year when a road improvement project skipped by our property with nary a glance.
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In the middle of the removal process?
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Someone had to go out and chat.
Please take note it wasn’t me.
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Old rusted culvert out, new plastic culvert that should last for 50+ years in.
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And since my husband was supervising?
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He had them lay and cover the full 40 feet instead of the 25 originally planned as not to waste the extra length he’d paid for.
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Naturally, this required more chatting.
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Because it beats working that’s why.
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I was shopping the outlet stores in Freeport, Maine with a girlfriend one summer a few years back. We were strolling in and out of the clothing stores… just browsing for the most part. But once we walked into Banana Republic I knew I was going to have to try a few things on.
Which is where, on my way to the dressing rooms I ran into –
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Alec Baldwin.
Alright, technically I didn’t run into him. There was no bouncing off a celebrity, but I was looking at something on a rack to my right instead of directly in front of me and if he hadn’t swerved out of the way? I would have run right into his chest.
He smiled.
And I apologized before I even realized who it was.
Missing a prime ‘River almost collides with a movie star’ selfie.
How about you…
Run into any celebrities lately?
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Every morning when the work crew shows up?
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My husband has to chat.
I truly believe the worst torture imaginable for this man would be to lock him in a room by himself with no one to talk to.
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When conversation halted…. fabric was laid, bad dirt was removed and better dirt was delivered.
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It’s a good thing our neighbors are morning people and far away, because things be noisy up in here.
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Dirt was delivered.
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Dirt was spread.
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And about mid day?
Things started to go wrong.
I noticed it got quiet and figured there had to be a reason.
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While I’m no expert on heavy machinery, something looked a little off here … even to me.
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Definitely an oh sh*t moment.
One broken hydraulic hose brought work to a standstill.
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Let’s start with my candy cane dianthus.
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It may not taste like peppermint, but it always puts on a show.
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My lovely line of what once were bushy, thick and healthy marigolds has been nibbled to shreds. Don’t listen to gardeners who tell you nothing will eat them. The woodchucks are dining al fresco as we speak.
I realize I haven’t done an update on my husband’s sister lately. There’s never anything good to report, but life goes on.
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Here’s a sad picture… my husband cutting up the food his sister won’t eat at the nursing home. Hard to believe she’s the younger sibling of the two. There’s no good news here, she’s terminal and hanging on even though she doesn’t want to. Her breathing is labored and painful and yet she tries to bum cigarettes from nurses and other patients. We visit once or twice a week and try to be cheerful but making conversation with someone who’s every other sentence is about wanting to die is heartbreaking. It’s such a sad situation and at this point, though I hate to admit it… her passing will almost be a blessing.
On a happier note I bring you squirrel splooting.
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Yes, that’s what it’s called when squirrels lay flat on their bellies to cool off.
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In other news our local pub has a bartender who experiments with alcohol infusions. I’m happy to say the strawberry mint rum was a winner and makes a fabulous mojito.
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I should know, I had three… alongside some wonderful warm pretzel bites with beer cheese.
👍
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And the pickles keep on comin’.
There seems to be no end to revolting alternate uses for pickles. Read on, but be warned … you may lose your appetite.
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I would not.
I will not.
And you can’t make me.
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That’s simply not kosher.
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Mother of God… why?
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It’s Texas.
Enough said.
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Oh… the horror!
🤢
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We woke up to the remains of an overnight downpour.
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When having your driveway repaired, excess water is not welcome.
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There were two extremely large puddles wreaking havoc with all that new oh so damned expensive dirt.
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And while the birds and the visiting ducks liked their new muddy bath…
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I was less than thrilled.
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Naturally His Royal Highness wanted to investigate.
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He’s such a timid little guy I thought the big equipment would frighten him, but he’s more afraid of the workers than the machines.
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Growing bored with the earth movers he ran up the choke cherry tree before I had a chance to stop him.
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The desire is there, but the skills are still lacking.
😉
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Mother Nature is putting on her own fireworks show at Casa River.
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And while it’s not the true red, white and blue of the Fourth…
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Pink and purple are close enough for me.
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The Japanese irises are still in bloom and the peonies are starting to pop.
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They’re truly gorgeous blooms and smell divine with a rich heady fragrance.
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Happy holidays from my garden to yours!
❤️
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His Lordship was out walking the other day when he spotted movement.
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Momma Chuck was approaching the buffet from the corner of the woodshed and had a little stare down with Dudley.
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Not sensing a threat she settled down to munch and even turned her back on the feline.
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Lord Dudley Mountcatten was, for all intents and purposes… ignored.
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So much so, Junior showed up for a nosh as well.
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Because I doubt I’ll ever run out of ridiculous headlines.
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I’ve never been so glad to not be a doctor.
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Methinks Dr. Willis enjoyed his job a little too much.
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I’m totally signing up for that bus tour!
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For me?
It’s been roughly 59 years and counting…
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Good grief Florida, what next? You and Texas are neck and neck for weird happenings this year.
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Being quarantined and sprayed with chemicals isn’t my idea of a good time, but whatever. .
And if you’re wondering how toxic that chemical is?
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If it’s illegal… why and how is the Florida government using it!
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River's world..... 