Queen Anne and Her Friends,...

In front of my deck is a sea of Queen Anne's Lace. The reason is because I've been off having fun at bluegrass festivals and camping trips. That part of the rough lawn has not been mowed. My house is on a hillside, and that part is done with a weedeater once a year. This year I'm a little late and the reward is beautiful!
Ferns, black-eyed Susans, Daisies, have joined in the display!
I haven't been able to identify this wildflower. It is bright purple, and only grows about six inches high.
Can anyone tell me what it is?

I have a lot of these red berries, (honeysuckle?) and they are providing a feast for someone,.. as the low branches are pulled down. Birds? Squirrels? Deer? .... a Bear?

The Queen Anne's Lace will be able to grow for another week. I am leaving today for five days in Vermont. The Lake Champlain Bluegrass Festival begins on Friday. The weather is forecast to be pleasant, so make your way to Alburgh, Vermont for some fun and good music!

Family Treasure,...

Many years ago, probably around 1950, my mother bought this lamp at a rummage sale. The white shade had a crack but she fell in love with it. She brought it to our family camp and it's been over the kitchen table every since. Many a card game, crossword puzzle, breakfast and supper have been enjoyed by its kerosene light. Its finish is worn, the crack in the shade is longer, and shows to the left of the flame, but in our eyes and hearts it is perfect.

While at our camp yesterday for a family picnic I noticed this at the edge of the water. By comparing the leaves I believe it to be a Royal Fern.

Looking north from our front yard,...

And west across the water,...

Unfortunately it was overcast most of the day with rain about every half hour! But when a person is with family it really doesn't matter. I hope you all enjoyed your holiday weekend!

Hawks and Fleas...

The last week has been busy for me, but now school is out, graduation is behind us and the last graduation party attended. Whew! Time to relax and see what's growing along my driveway through the woods...

I have always called this Paintbrush,... but the book calls it Orange Hawkweed. It's on the sides of my driveway as well as at edges of my back yard.

This is Daisy Fleabane. It's so delicate in both flower and color.


So there you have it,...Not flying hawks or crawling fleas,... just wildflowers! One of the nicest things about living in the woods.