And You Thought Things Only Grew Big in Texas

Between my house and most everywhere else I go there is a lovely old home on a corner lot. The house gives me pleasure because of its' simplicity and because it has been kept up well (more than can be said for our property currently I'm sorry to say). But in the spring and early summer I am in awe of a rhododendron that grows next to the house. In fact, one could be concerned that the bush will eventually overtake the house:

Did you notice that the rhodie is taller than the roof of the porch? Both of those pinkish-purplish humps behind the utility pole and in front of the conifer are rhododendron. Here's another view:

Is that amazing or what?! It makes me wonder how long it has been growing in that spot. Here's a cropped shot from the corner again:

And another from straight on:

If I were six years old how I would love to try to get under that bush and make a secret playhouse for myself. I would love to walk around it now, if that's even possible, just to get a better look and to marvel at it. I'm not generally a big fan of rhodie's, state flower of WA or not, but this one commands respect!

On another note, I am thrilled to report that I have heard not one peep from the lab next door this morning. I don't know if someone is home with him/her today or what, I'm just inexpressibly grateful for the silence.

Moving Right Along...

The lonely puppy hasn't been as vocal this morning as he/she was yesterday but he/she is still lonely and bored. And vocal. Poor thing. I discovered that it is a Black Lab and verified that it's quite young. Maybe when the girls are out of school at the end of the week they'll be home more to give the dog the attention it needs.

While I was out in the yard I cut this first peony of the season.

I just love how exuberant, how big and abundant, these blooms are! I also managed to get the back sewn up for my scrappy quilt top.

Maybe today I'll sew up the back for the quilt I've put together for the BASICS Quilt Gather. The sewing machine does seem to drown out the howling next door somewhat.

With my birthday coming up I had to go to the local Department of Licensing to renew my driver's license. The last time this came up I was able to do it online and avoid toxic exposures. They'll only let you do that so many times before they want you to come in and test your vision though. I felt really blessed that there were so few other customers in the building when we got there, and that my husband was able to go with me to drive me home in case I became too incapacitated. It wasn't awful, but I am experiencing the after effects of exposure today (mostly depression). Unfortunately my own dog has to go to the vet today for his physical and booster shots. That means I will be exposed to toxins again and not be in any better shape tomorrow... {sigh}

I really do try to keep this blog from becoming a downer. Sometimes it just can't be helped. It is my blog afterall, and I should be able to moan if I want to!

Rant

My neighbors just on the other side of my studio wall have brought home a young dog. I'm not sure how young but still a puppy. I haven't seen this animal but I have heard it. I'm a mess because all I can hear is that poor dog howling in loneliness. They are never home; I don't know what possessed them to try this again. They had a dog a couple of years ago. Same story: left her in the backyard to fend for herself and then couldn't understand why she wouldn't "behave" when they deigned to show her some attention. Finally they got rid of her. I don't think I want to know how. I was just relieved that she might have found more responsible pet owners.

These people profess to be Christian. Abandoning a dog in the back yard, especially a young one, is not something Jesus (or anybody else with any amount of compassion) would do. I'm not sure this puppy even has the run of the yard. It's entirely possible it is confined to a small space on the back deck. It could be they just have never been educated in the responsibilities of dog ownership. I want to give them the benefit of the doubt but honestly! If you're going to bring a dog into your family at least educate yourself about what's involved. Dogs are social, pack animals. They NEED to be with their pack. In this case that would be the neighbor's family - who are never home.

This morning I put on a CD I have, Music for the Canine Household, and turned up the volume to a level I figured would reach the ears of the puppy. After a while it seemed to have a little calming influence. But then they came out, fed the dog I assume, and are now gone. The dog has been howling ever since. I've resorted to calling Animal Control, more out of concern for the puppy than my own comfort, but if this keeps up much longer I will literally lose my mind. It's all I can do to keep from howling out of frustration and empathy for the dog right now.

AAooooouuuuuuuuuu........

Choices

I pulled some of my older prints to audition for the back of my Scrappy Trip quilt. I actually cut them to the width I need before having a clue as to how many pieces would be required to get the necessary length. That might not have been the smartest move to make. I confess to being an impatient soul.

So, with the idea of my quilt top being a trip through time via fabric and prints I cut these Millennial prints. You should be able to get a good look at them by clicking on the picture.


But I also really like this Michael Miller household appliances print (on the left below). And then there are the sewing-related prints from long, long ago...

After I grouped them by category like this I took some measurements, did some math, and realized that I would be able to get the length using only the sewing prints! Guess that means I'll have to figure out something else to do with the Millennial prints and the appliances. ;- )

Side Trip

There's a retail shop and garden on the way to my daughter's house that I've always wanted to explore. A perfect opportunity finally presented itself yesterday.

I expected to see rows of lavender plants and was looking forward to the more formal gardens featuring herbs. They even have a vertical wall that's been planted with vegetables! What I didn't expect to see were the mature holly trees in several varieties. Nor did I have a clue that there was a fairy village on the property. But it makes sense; it's a magical place.

I assume the village meets in the big tree for councils and social events.

Everyone seems to have plenty of land for their personal gardening activities.



These fairies must have little ones - they have their own treehouse!

The lavender wasn't in bloom yet, except for the starts in a few pots, but the shop was filled with the scent of lavender drying in bunches hung from the ceiling. I was a little concerned that it might be too much for my system but I think it actually had a beneficial effect in the long run. True to its' reputation I found myself in a calm, almost mellow, mood the rest of the day. Not many of my readers will be able to visit the shop or garden in person but they do have an eStore. I encourage you to take a few minutes to look around their site. :- )