Our summer started out much wetter and cooler than normal. It did turn hot and dry as usual after that, but this week is already chilly like fall! I know that summer will be back, but it sure seems like a short season this year. So let's talk of summer things before it all fades away.
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| Sailboat in St. Joseph |
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| Sailboats on Grand Traverse Bay |
We recently took a long weekend trip to Michigan, where we visited some of my favorite spots. Being nearly surrounded by water, you know you'll see beaches when you're in Michigan. I grew up on the west side of Michigan, so that's where we always visit. And being on the west side means that I'll want to see sunsets on the lake while I'm there.
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| Sleeping Bear sunset |
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| Sunset in St. Joseph/lighthouse under reno |
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| St. Joseph sunset |
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| Sunset glow on Lake Michigan |
There were lake views, and sand dunes, and scenic sites at every turn.
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| View from Two Lads Winery in Traverse City |
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| Glen Arbor beach |
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| Glen Lake overlook in Sleeping Bear Dunes |
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| Sleeping Bear Dunes |
But what I love best about summer is the garden in my own back yard.
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| Black Eyed Susans with Munstead Lavender |
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| Chinatown rose |
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| Goldfinch in Chinese Fringe tree |
The sunny suburban backyard that I call home plays host to many small visitors, and I welcome them to my garden with open arms. The sight of bees, butterflies, birds, and dragonflies just says summer to me.
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| Monarch Waystation |
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| The first monarch visitor of this year |
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| Eastern Tiger Swallowtail |
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| Bumblebee enjoying nectar from Tequila Lime zinnia |
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| Pearl Crescent butterfly |
And what could be more summery than the very flowers that make up my garden?
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| Birdbath and black eyed susans |
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| Grandpa Ott morning glory |
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| Black eyed susans with African Blue basil |
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| Summer sunflower |
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| Karley Rose grass |
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| Tequila Lime zinnias with new washer ball |
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| Queen Red Lime zinnias-the Queen of my garden! |
Well, I've spoken of all my favorite summer things. Now do you think that summer will come back? It's only August after all!
Summer love ... lovely, Robin! Yes, and it's not over yet! Hoping to get the the wine country during harvest. If you ever tour the Lake Huron coast, get in touch ... Hubbard Lake is not far and would love to give you a tour.
ReplyDeleteI hope you made it up to wine country, it's so beautiful up there!
DeleteLovely!
ReplyDeleteThanks Phillip, I'm so glad you found your way over to my blog!
DeleteThe Goldfinch in Chinese Fringe tree is amazing. And all the flowers are lovely, and butterflies too. Summer will be missed.
ReplyDeleteWe see a lot of goldfinches here at our house. I love the way they swoop and chirp while flying. Such happy little birds!
DeleteI loved it all, Robin, from sailboats, sunsets, beaches and sand dunes to your lovely summer gardens.You caught some great shots of the welcome little visitors :) Our summer weather was just like yours. This past week's cooler temps and cloudy days felt like a taste of fall. I'm so glad to see the bright sunshine back this morning and feel its warmth. This old farmhouse has been chilly! Thanks for sharing your summer thoughts and beautiful photos. Enjoy these last fleeting summer days.
ReplyDeleteThank you Kerri. I just love the beach, especially Lake Michigan where I grew up, so a post like this is inevitable from me.
DeleteRobin girl your sunset pictures are totally AWESOME !! .. I love the beach theme but the sunsets really did it for me!
ReplyDeleteI am growing a tiny Fringe tree myself .. ho[ping for no winter problems with it.
My garden is also "humming" with so many pollinators it is amazing how they let me work around them .. no stings yet.
I did a 6+ hour watering mission for my gardens and I don't think I will move for the next few days ? haha
This was the longest I have done all year ... we are so dry here.
I am lacking more butterflies though .. so could you please send some to Kingston ? LOL
Gorgeous pictures !
Joy : )
I am a fanatic for a good sunset, especially along the shores of Lake Michigan where I grew up. I could watch them every day!
DeleteHi Robin,
ReplyDeleteI'm glad I made it to this post! We haven't taken a vacation since 2007, when we drove from Nebraska to the Outer Banks. I was tickled to get to enjoy some of the scenery you did. Of course, I was also glad to go home with you to see your garden and visitors. That washer ball is cool!
Thanks for visiting my WW post.
My new washer ball has drawn a lot of interest. It turned out quite pricey, but I do love it for sure. That's about $30 worth of washers!
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