Monica Knits

We are definitely in the dog days of summer (a few days early), fortunately moderated by wind. Shaq enjoyed the breeze, which was at times gentle and at times strong enough to cause his ears to flap as if he were in a car travelling with its windows down. The breeze also made it easy for him to catch scents, just by pointing his nose in the direction of the wind. He even opened his mouth to catch more air, as if sipping a fine wine. In this photo he is taking a break in the prairie among the daisies.

Many of you read the Gold Flame Spirea article: Not Your Usual Spring Colors - Gold Flame Spirea. In spring (right), it is the equivalent of the burning bush with its vibrant reddish leaves. In summer (left) the leaves are green and the tiny flower clusters dark pink. Click here to read the article: Not Your Usual Spring Colors - Gold Flame Spirea.

This small red rose is visited by an equally small insect that I didn't see until I looked at the photo on a large screen.

Read more ... to see other photos in the "Pollen Gathering" series.

Grape Hyacinth When I was in my late twenties I wore a houndstooth check wool suit of purple and black. One of my colleagues remarked: "Purple is perfection!" After the torrential cloudburst today I found four different flowers that had begun to bloom in my garden. Today was the day for purple flowers to bloom: vinca, grape hyacinth, wood hyacinth and hyacinth. Purple is perfection! Read more... to see all four flowers.

First BloomWell I thought there would be one or two blooms yesterday, but at least 20 daffodils began to bloom in time for Easter. We spent the afternoon raking leaves which had blown into the garden so it was a special treat to enjoy these sunny flowers closeup. And to think I thought there would only be a bloom or two, 24 hours after I saw the flower buds.