One Thing Leads To Another . . .

While I was eating my breakfast this morning I heard a loud and persistent tapping outside the window. I looked out there and saw a bird banging his beak on the empty birdfeeder. I guess he was trying to drop a hint.

After finishing my Cheerios and jumping into some clothes I went out to fill the feeder. I bought this food the other day. It is supposed to be good near porches and patios because there is no waste. This stuff almost looks good enough to eat.

There, that ought to keep him quiet for awhile. Well at least until tomorrow.

I decided as long as I was dressed and outside and the weather was slightly cooler I would take a little stroll around the garden. When I got to the perennial bed I noticed a lot of weeds that were starting to flower. These weeds are loaded with thorns and have a root system that doesn't quit. There is no way you can just give them a good clean yank. This is a job for the biggest shovel in your arsenal. So, I decided as long as it was a little cooler I would tackle this job. I donned my protective gloves and went at it.

This was my biggest VICTORY.
Look at the root on that sucker!
I wasn't as successful getting the whole root on a lot of the other ones, but at least they are gone and their flower heads can't turn to seed and spread even more.
Then I decided I might as well plant a few flowers I picked up the other day.



I planted this purple cone flower. It seems like I plant these every year and they disappear. Lots of my neighbors have huge masses of them. It is a mystery to me why I have so much trouble with them. But I'm not ready to admit defeat yet.




I had planted several zinnias in early summer. Some of them have succumbed to the drought, others were eaten up by some invisible bugs. So, I put in a few to refresh the looks of the bed and hope they will last until frost.

These lantana are taking over the bed and even crowding out some of the other flowers.

I guess I will allow them to do that since they attract beauties like this.

And this.

These were my companions as I worked out there today.

Look what I found on one of my dogwood trees. Now that looks like a hint of fall, wouldn't you say. It's hard to believe when it's been so hot here.

I thought I just went outside to feed the birds and now I'm ready to feed myself.

I'm in the mood for a chopped salad. I've had these at a few different restaurants and love them. I use what I have on hand. Today I will use romaine lettuce, mushrooms, carrots, red pepper, tomatoes, cukes and cilantro. Chop everything up real small.

Put it in a bowl. Add some grated Parmesan cheese and some dressing. I love this Kraft Balsamic Vinaigrette.

The birds are happy & so am I.