Today was one of those rare summer days where the weather seems kissed by autumn. August is usually oppressive but today was quite the opposite. It was pleasant sitting outside as I read a book under the dappled shade of the dogwood tree, George at my side. I bought a new hummingbird feeder and got a visitor almost immediately.
It’s been a quiet weekend and I don’t go far from home these days. For those of you who have been asking, my husband is holding his own but winding down. There is no other way to put it. He has trouble walking yet he’s still able to get around gently. We go once every 2-3 weeks for an IV infusion of Avastin at Johns Hopkins. I’m still able to work full time but it’s become more and more difficult leaving him home alone. I love the weekends when I can be here. But soon I’ll be taking a leave of absence to be here all the time.
This evening after dinner, I sat outside in the waning light and tried to get some photos of the hummingbirds.
I got a few, but most were nothing to write home about.
I captured this one late yesterday afternoon. I was sitting outside and it began to rain softly. I didn’t want to leave but I didn’t want the camera to get wet, so I brought the beach umbrella out and rigged it to my chair.
After the birds got used to something different, they began to return to the feeders, and this little hummingbird showed up as well. It was nice listening to the drops as they gently pitter-pattered on the umbrella. Very soothing. Then this hummingbird came along and sat in the swing. It’s certainly not the best picture, but it’s something!
I love the sparkling light of the sun through the leaves of the trees.
Miss Blackie was hanging about and actually let me take a few photos.
She and George both seemed glad for the break in the weather.
These bricks are usually so hot that you can’t walk on them barefoot.
Not today.
I have a beautiful dog.
And life is good.
Thanks for stopping by my corner of the world.
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I’ve had this tune in my head all day ~
53 comments:
Yes.
Great song.
You are a great person.
I love you
ALOHA from Honolulu
Comfort Spiral
~ > < } } ( ° > <3
We had the break in the weather too and I spent about 10 minutes out in the hammock while watching the pups play in the backyard as David worked on installing the new stovetop and exhaust fan. There was a really nice cool breeze outside and a few clouds in a blue sky. Sort of a perfect summer day.
Love the photos, Kate.
xox
As I write we have all of the windows open letting in a cool breeze. This weather reminds me of Fall!
Your hummers are AMAZING!
That first hummingbird picture is astoundingly beautiful , actually they all are !
You do have a gorgeous dog
Sending wishes of comfort.
Willow
Bokeh and hummers and that adorable swing! Just when I thought it couldn't get much better, then another whole set of captures to blow me away again! Oh Kate everything is so beautiful here! And Joni Mitchell is now in my head too. xo
Beautiful dog, beautiful cat, and amazing hummingbirds! You did a great job capturing them for us!
Hugs to you, Kate, and know you are in my thoughts.
Nellie
You say some of those photos were "nothing to write home about," but I think they were all gorgeous! And yes, you have beautiful pets! Every time I see George, he makes me think of my sister's Papillon, who is equally beautiful. Some dogs are really works of art, aren't they?
I'm sorry to hear that your husband's winding down. But at least you will be able to be with him all the time soon. I'll definitely keep you both in my thoughts!
I was hoping that you would get a picture of the humming bird on the swing, so nice. The humming birds are so active this time of the year. We can't figure out whether they are just playful or territorial. I think we are all enjoying the cooler weather. Take care.
Happy to hear from you. I'd make you dinner if I was your neighbor and friend.
Stupid iPad won't show me the music link.....
Love all the shots but especially that first one. Lovely bokeh. I learned that word from you, you know!
You sound very at peace with things. I mean, as much peace as one could be with an ailing loved one.
And yes, George is a gorgeous dog :-)
Oh my, that bokeh...so gorgeous! And you have not only a handsome dog but a beautiful cat too! I love the little hummingbird swing, I guess hummingbirds like to swing on a beautiful day too. The weather this weekend was amazing, and it's supposed to last most of the week.
I hope yours is a quiet week!
Kat
When you offer tiny glimpses into your personal life, my heart rises up into my throat as I wonder what it must be like, and how you do it. I know we all "just do it" when whatever it is happens, but still....
Such incredible bokeh behind the hummers!
May you both be held in gentle arms.
Holding both of you in the light...
Hi my iPad wont show me the music link either. Beautiful birds. Sleeping with the windows open tonight for a nice change. Thinking of you.
How wonderful that you could have such a beautiful day. The pics are very good; I can't get close enough to get the hummers. Love and comfort to you and your hubby. Joni is my all time favorite.
There is so much beauty in the images you capture, so much passion, great eye, observations skills, hard work (umbrella!), even the casual observer must get caught in the beauty, in the moment you managed to hold on to with your camera. You know when to push the shutter, a born artist who went through all the steps to learn the craft needed to capture what you see in those decisive moments. I often come here and feel like a hummingbird after being feed at your feeder, drunken almost, and my mind starts thinking, yes, this is it, now it has been done, the world does not need any more images, there it is, all there has ever been to hold on to for eternity.
So good to hear that at last summer's oppressive heat has changed to a mellower mood. The light in your images reflects that, and beautifully so.
Much love,
Merisi
I love your photos.
Keeping you and your man in my prayers.
Love that you had a hummer in the swing. What fun! Your photos are always lovely. You are so lucky to have such wonderful furry friends like Miss Blackie and George. Wishing you and yours well....
These are better captures of a hummer than I have ever managed.....
I'm sorry to hear of your husband's winding down, but it sounds like a peaceful existence at this time... Amen for that.
We've had the same weather for over a week now, it's been just incredible.
Those first two shots are just amazing, love the pretty bokeh and the background that matches the hummer so perfectly.
Joni Mitchell, Blue in particular, is one of my go to albums. I listen to almost every time I garden. It never gets old.
You are in my thoughts often. xoxo
Your photos are absolutely beautiful,( I agree with Merisa's comment). Thank you for such a lovely post. I envied you sitting under that umbrella....
Love your photos! The hummingbird on the swing... wow!
puleeze .. that bird on the swing is priceless .. you can make me a print of it for christmas .. xox
Kate, thanks for keeping us updated on your husband. I know all of this is hard and the hardest is yet to come.
I think about ya'll all the time. Please send me your mailing address when you get a chance.
Ramona
Enjoy the beauty of these days Kate - I am thinking of you.
You have a very beautiful dog...he is so photogenic.
The weather has cooled a little here in Richmond too. I am glad for it. I so look forward to Autumn. I miss the Midwest Autumns, they are spectacular.
It's feels like fall in Southwest lower Michigan too. Love the hummingbird photos. Sending love and prayers to you and your husband from Michigan.
Lynda in Michigan.
You have a lot going on ... much to think about and much to deal with. I admire how you can focus on the beauty that surrounds you. I don't think I would have your courage.
And I suggest you write home about it.. that's a love shot.
Hugs
Once again, that was me.. not Frank offering hugs. He keeps signing me out!
You have a lot going on ... much to think about and much to deal with. I admire how you can focus on the beauty that surrounds you. I don't think I would have your courage.
And I suggest you write home about it.. that's a lovely shot.
Hugs
I really, really love these photos!
This is one of my guy's favorite songs... he loves the Diana Krall version.
Kate: you and your husband and entire family are in my prayers. You showed much compassion to me (the daylilies...) and deserve all the compassion that is coming your way. I wish you all much peace and grace.
Pam
I wish I could come over and give you a hug, pet those two fur and purr balls and watch those birds swing.
Since I can't, I wish you the best along this journey.
You can do this. You can fall apart later. Til then, you be what you'd have wanted him to be for you.
XO,
JC
I can't believe how stunning the hummingbird shot is. Absolutely amazing.
Hang in there. You're in our thoughts.
I sure love your hummers!!
And ... God bless your hubby.
And you too.
I too wish I could give you a hug dear Kate....... The pain through your words touches us all.... Sending you blessings, strength and comfort such as I can.
The hummers are beautiful -of course especially the one on the swing!! Such a simple treasure ......
Be well friend....
Fondly,Rain
Love the hummingbird on the swing...yea they are using it.
I love the way you describe things. Winding down is good way to put it. I wish you both peace & love. I think of you all the time.
Donna
Thinking of you. Life is tough sometimes. Then sometimes it's so beautiful.
Sometimes all at the same time.
Hope to capture some photos of the hummingbirds that will be visiting our feeder as soon as it's up! They won't hold a candle to your captures, but I'll try anyway. Glad that y'all are experiencing some nicer temps. We had a low of about 48 here in southwest Colorado this morning. Resisted turning on the heater because it was such a treat compared to the temp of 82 in Houston this morning. Have a great day, my friend!
I've just noticed you have a thousand followers Kate. Congratulations!
Sending love. What a beautiful post, Kate!
Just catching up here on your recent posts. As you know, always a sweet joy for me to come here. So calm and peaceful and so well written. I love your writing and let's not forget the images! Taking lots of pics up here but not of any birds. I do miss them. Thinking of you and sending lots of hugs!
That is one of my favorite Joni songs, so beautiful! And the bokeh in your hummer shots, also beautiful. So cute that they like the swing.
I've fallen behind on my blog reading again, but I'm glad I had a minute to hop on Feedly and see this one. I think your hummingbird shots are beautiful, especially the first one with the glorious bokeh. Loved imagining sitting there with you under the umbrella...and just wanted to let you know your husband and you are both in my prayers.
I love hummingbirds. They seem so delicate yet they are so strong. Life seems that way doesn't it? hmmm
Have a great week and hang in there.
Life IS good....thank you for sharing yours.....Kate, I am constantly amazed by your ability with the hummers......smiles...E
You know me - I think ALL your photos of birds are stunning! These ones are so delightfully sweet and charming.
I wish for you peace and serenity as you and your husband travel down this road together. None of us really knows what we will encounter on this journey and it's a blessing that you have each other.
Much love,
Carolynn
A Glowing Ember
because i don't have any humming bird photos i like, i love yours even more....
you know i think about you all the time...and your hubby...and then i pray.
george is beyond beautiful....he's simply perfect !
xo
I do love your bird photos. They are exquisite. Do you have them on Redbubble or anywhere I can buy them as cards or postcards? Jean
just signed in to see how you all are doing. what a beautiful poignant and deep message you share with us. you remind me every time that life is good and every second is precious and all around are miracles. i am holding you in my thoughts and i wish you both - you all- peace as you travel this difficult path. i have never seen a hummingbird... thank you for making her real for me K xxxx
Oh how I love Joni Mitchell!
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