My Ladies Mantle after a rainy night

I have always loved how the serrated edges of the ladies mantle leaves capture the tiny raindrops and the centers cup the big ones. Mine are thriving this year even though they looked awful at the end of last year's summer heat. They missed the cool nights most long-lived perennials prefer. I missed them too!

Meet Cactus Jack

Before. They say his tail never stopped wagging.

After.
Adopted also!

Read this heartwarming puppy rescue story here.

Mystery Flower at My Cottage

 

 

These were taken today on an overcast morning with my iPad. What are those stunning magenta flowers and how did they get there? They are very large and have popped up in an area that never gets mowed and is allowed to grow wild behind the tall grasses in the second photo and near the buttercups that grow in huge patches near my metal gate. Click to enlarge. Isn't it fun to get surprise flowers planted by birds and magic? 

I have to say my favorite photo app of late is PhotoToasterJr. I almost never use anything else. It's free too. I blogged about it recently (last Saturday 4/28) so look for the post to download.

Vertical Pear Salad | Genius and Beautiful

 

V E R T I C A L - P E A R - S A L A D

ingredients:

4 smooth skinned pears

2-3 cups watercress

1/2 cup toasted pecans

1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese

vinaigrette dressing

honey for drizzling

lemon juice

directions:

Cut pears horizontally into 3 or 4 slices depending on the size of your pears. Use a paring knife to cut out the cores. The pieces should look like O's. Leave the stem on the pop piece. Brush slices of pear with lemon juice to keep it from browning.

Toss watercress, pecans, and blue cheese with dressing until coated.

Reassemble the pear, vertically, with the watercress salad in between each slice. Once assembled, drizzle with honey, and serve!

Doesn't this look delicious? via The Novice Chef

Lovely Manor House with Topiaries

Have a great weekend looking for something beautiful to inspire you! via

This week's bird sightings | Yellow and Blue

 

 

  

Which bird do you prefer? The Goldfinch or the Bluebird?

 

UPDATE: This red-tailed hawk just flew by and wanted to be included!

Chevron Wainscoting Tutorial

It's lovely, isn't it? Tutorial here. Found here. What a clever way to install beadboard!!!!

Cone with A Curl on Top

One of my favorite things about summer! I wonder if the Magic Fountain is open yet? via