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A View Into My Universe

My Alaskan Mountain Men calendar often has wise words to share, and this quote will, I hope, frame my busy (and stressful)June–during which Younger Daughter will move into a new house, Older Daughter will celebrate a milestone birthday and I’ll be juggling birthday parties (John’s youngest granddaughter’s too) and the usual yardwork and house cleaning. I’m also hosting Book Club, which means I need to work at finishing our classic book, “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie.” I’m not enjoying it much so far; luckily, it’s short. I’m finding Miss Jean Brodie a real pain in the you-know-where!

My mom always complimented my bearded irises. Growing up in a small town, Mom saw too many people treat their relatives and friends horribly but then make a big show of taking flowers to their graves. She would have said, “Don’t waste your money on flowers.” Or “You’re just doing it for yourself, don’t forget.” I didn’t spend a cent, Mom!

Here’s my sweet snuggle bug; I babysat for Older Brother’s gymnastics class and got many smiles and giggles. I thought Thu (yard guy) was supposed to cut down the rhododendron, but he didn’t show up. šŸ˜’

My orange lily is ready to burst with blooms, so I’d like the very dead rhody out of there as soon as possible. When it was alive, it was fine that it blocked other flowers, but now I just want it gone.

I finally got to the back lawn!

It’s a great year for the dogwood. I like it, even though I desperately wanted a pink one. However, my late husband brought home this supposedly hardier white one. He said it would last forever; it outlived him.

My Martha Washington geranium is doing nicely! Unfortunately, the multitude of rabbits are chewing up my black petunia. I’m trying to dissuade them with cinnamon sprinkles. The coyotes are apparently not doing their job, ahem.

I’m wondering why in the world I bought this plant? I must have looked at the tag and seen pretty blooms. WHERE are they?

It’s perfect swimming weather for Older Daughter and boys. Tomorrow I’m going out to watch their lessons although OD has invited me to go swimming at a pool with them before that. Me, in a swimsuit? I think not.

Screenshot

I’m still working on my costume for Older Daughter’s ’80s themed birthday fest late this month. That era was all about hair volume, and my short style doesn’t lend itself well to that. I’m thinking that poofing out my layers with my curling iron might work. And then what about the shoe wear…

Yesterday, I invited John on a date to see “The Sheep Detectives.” We both enjoyed the movie, oddly him more than me. For some reason, I much prefer talking cartoon animals to supposedly realistic ones. The film did have excellent messages, as well as good acting and voices. After the movie, we found a lovely Mexican restaurant with Negra Modelo on tap and shared a loaded quesadilla. Now, onward into June! 😬

Comments

40 responses to “June”

  1. Pam Avatar

    Oh, that baby’s bouncy cheeks! I do mourn that I’ll never get to properly snuggle a baby again. Sigh!

    1. Margaret Avatar

      His cheeks are irresistible! He’s a joy. ā¤ļø

  2. Doug M Avatar
    Doug M

    Well, the backyard looks wonderful–OD looks terrific with her 2 boys, I love your floral photos and what a super-sweet image of you & Baby Ian! He’s just about the cutest baby I’ve ever seen :^)

    1. Margaret Avatar

      You always say the kindest things, Doug, and I appreciate it very much! Ian is not only adorable, he’s also charming. He smiles so much that it makes everyone happy.

  3. Linda Avatar

    Beautiful photos, dear Margaret. Baby Ian is absolutely precious.

    1. Margaret Avatar

      Thanks, Linda! Ian has the sweetest smile!! 🄰

  4. JT Twissel Avatar

    I agree with you about the Prime of Miss Jean Brodie – I’ve known (unfortunately) far too many women like her! Lovely flowers – the garden is really coming along.

    1. Margaret Avatar

      I’m pleased with most of my choices for annuals, except whatever that ugly one is. I’m hoping that the stargazer lily has that many blooms too! It’s had some great years and some very lean ones. I was hoping to feel some kind of connection to Miss Jean Brodie since I was a teacher for 37 years, but nope. šŸ‘Ž

  5. Jay Avatar
    Jay

    You and Ian are so sweet. I don’t think I ever had poofy hair, in the 80s or otherwise. Of course my hair just does what it wants, regardless of my efforts.

    1. Margaret Avatar

      He is sweet, although I was not dressed or showered. šŸ˜‚ My hair is thick but not ’80s style bouffant.

  6. Pipe Tobacco Avatar
    Pipe Tobacco

    We loved ā€œThe Sheep Detectivesā€!!! I also was actually quite surprised at the ending…. I can usually predict many mystery endings….. this one surprised me which was even more fun…… even though I was correct early on about the green hands.

    1. Margaret Avatar

      Without spoilers, I was pretty sure who dunnit when the will was read. There were only two possibilities and one of them was already eliminated.

  7. Pipe Tobacco Avatar
    Pipe Tobacco

    Also, I think the hair photo would be perfect to aim for……. with a bit of purple or pink. The photo you showed does have a ā€œCindi Lauperā€ sort of vibe.

    PipeTobacco

    1. Margaret Avatar

      I think it’s the best possibility, considering my own hair. I’m not sure about the added color though. I don’t want to have to wash it out.

  8. Susan Avatar
    Susan

    Hopefully your tree guy is still coming to do the job. He really should have called you if he had to cancel and reschedule.
    Ian is adorable and seems to always be smiling. He is one very happy baby.
    Your 80’s outfit is perfect. Mixing and matching the various pieces works well.
    For big hair, a wig might be required.

    1. Margaret Avatar

      He has another job and a sick wife, so I hate to make too many demands. But I wish he were a bit more reliable. I’ve thought about a wig, but would want to buy a new one; the idea of wearing someone else’s wig is gross, to me anyway!

  9. Maureen Avatar
    Maureen

    Your yard has such a nice assortment of blooms and you keep it up so well. June sounds like it will be full of fun events and gatherings.

    1. Margaret Avatar

      Thank you! I work very hard in my yard, unlike John, whose priorities do not trend that way. In fact, his whole backyard is moss with a few weeds in it. Fun and busy but also somewhat overwhelming. How are you feeling?

      1. Maureen Avatar
        Maureen

        Better each day and embracing the slow!

      2. Margaret Avatar

        Sometimes it’s good to slow down and take a break from our usual routines. Or be forced to!

  10. Pixie Avatar

    Is that an ice plant?
    Put on a swim suit and get in the water. Your grandson would love it. I put on a bathing suit on a regular basis now, avoid the mirror, and get in the water with Jack. He even has me going down water slides. I scream all the way down which he finds hilarious.

    It really is too bad that husbands don’t listen when we tell them exactly what we want. I told my husband I only wanted one planter, but “I bought so much wood.” So? Now I have three planters and I’m irritated with him.

    1. Margaret Avatar

      I wish I knew what it was! I didn’t keep the tags. If it is, the flowers are pretty–if I ever get any. šŸ™‚ I will have to invest in a new swimsuit since mine are about 50 years old. Not sure if they even fit. That sounds like fun with Jack, a bonding experience. They do love to watch us make fools of ourselves! I still would like a pink dogwood but have no place to put one. They get big! Now you have to plant a bunch and find space for that many planters.

  11. AC Avatar

    Good morning. It’s just gone 6 here. June seems that it will continue to be happy and fulfilling for you. Your lawn and most flowers look good, and your family times look sweet. I hope the move and birthday both go well.

    1. Margaret Avatar

      Thanks, John. There’s a lot to look forward to this month, but it feels a bit too hectic for this lazy retired person! I do dread the move and what goes along with it. My flowers are doing well, so far, as long as the rabbits leave them alone.

  12. Marie Avatar
    Marie

    You can tease your hair a bit and add some mousse or volumizer! Fun theme! I thought The Sheep Detective was a lot of fun

    1. Margaret Avatar

      Ooh, mousse! I hadn’t thought of that. I enjoyed the movie too. It had definite “Knives Out” vibes.

  13. Betty Renfroe Avatar
    Betty Renfroe

    Your flowers are spectacular. Well, that one isn’t really. I have many rabbits too. I have white clover šŸ€ here. They love the blooms. Hawks don’t seem to care for rabbit. Weird. Looks like they catch them instead of my chickens.

    I hope YD loves her new house. It’s exciting for her, I’m sure.

    Baby is beaming!

    1. Margaret Avatar

      Ian is full of smiles! Such a cutie. Thank you–I’m pretty happy about what I’m seeing with my flowers. I do have spaces for more, but don’t want to buy them if rabbits are going to feast on them. YD is excited/terrified about this new house. Owning a place is a LOT more work and expense than renting.

  14. Tonya Avatar

    Well, crap. I’d written a comment and I got this message with the comment gone: “Nonce verification failed.” WTF?

    Gosh, I wrote quite a lot! In a nutshell, I reflected on the ’80s reminding me of “Flash Dance.” Off the shoulder clothes. And big hair, but I don’t recall specifically being aware of that then. But when I look back at old photos of me back then, I had it! Mostly because it was curly and I fought it, but the poofy won.

    Your weird plant looks like some kind of succulent to me. I love that dogwood! I’m thinking it’s a type that isn’t native to around here, and I WANT ONE. Your geranium is beautiful. Mine had overwintered from last summer and now they are on steroids! I can’t believe how tall they are, and they are exploding with blooms! They must be very happy!

    1. Margaret Avatar

      My annuals are loving the warm yet sometimes wet weather. They thrive this time of year! If it gets super hot, it’s more difficult to keep them healthy, even when I water. I think I choose too many shade or partial shade lovers! I’ve never seen a message like that–so sorry you lost your comment. The shirt I bought (don’t yet have) is off the shoulder which I’m sure will drive me crazy! However, I only have to wear it for a few hours. It does look like a succulent, but I know the tag on it showed flowers. It’s my only failure so far, ugh! I’ve never tried to overwinter geraniums although my mom was very successful at it. She had a green thumb!

  15. Michael Avatar

    My mother is 91 years old, and she still drives to all of the cemeteries to display flowers. I think she does it because she has always done it. Your flowers are beautiful. I think the mystery plant might be an ice plant like Pixie said. I have a couple in the front garden. It only shows its blooms in the morning. I had a bunch of impatiens too, but the deer got to them, and they have been eaten down to their nubs. I hadn’t heard of the “Sheep Detectives.” That goes to show you how out of touch I am when it comes to movies.

    1. Margaret Avatar

      Flowers at the cemetery is a tradition in the older age groups and in some cultures. My mother’s Italian relatives were very into decorating at the cemetery. To show love and respect? To impress other people? She thought it was sometimes more of the latter! I’m not sure what that plant is. Next year I’ll keep all the tags. “The Sheep Detectives” is a romp, with some messages thrown in.

  16. Musings Avatar

    I just read Project: Hail Mary. I saw the movie, but the book adds a lot more information. I admit I skipped through a lot of the technical parts.
    You have a HUGE lawn. Ours is microscopic.

    1. Margaret Avatar

      I read the technical parts without really understanding much–but since there won’t be any test on the information, it was no big deal! My back lawn is pretty big. You can’t even see all of it in photos. The front lawn is smaller.

  17. Midwest Mark Avatar

    We have some lovely bearded irises in the front yard. Luckily, the deer haven’t touched them.

    Yet.

    1. Margaret Avatar

      I don’t have deer but my older daughter fights with them at her place. I need to figure out what rabbits don’t like! They apparently love petunias. šŸ™

      1. Midwest Mark Avatar

        I can tell you they like tomatoes…

      2. Margaret Avatar

        Eep, it sounds like personal experience. šŸ™

      3. Midwest Mark Avatar

        Yes, they nibbled on a couple of Tara’s tomato plants before she had them in the ground and the gate completely blocked off.

      4. Margaret Avatar

        Something is still nibbling on my petunias in spite of the cinnamon. šŸ™ I’ll need to up my game.

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