Author: Spence's Girl

Retired and exploring things that interest me as well as falling in love again with books, extreme gardening, gourmet cooking & dining, travel and photography.

In the garden 9/16/21

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Leaves are falling and my garden is still producing beautiful blooms. As I did my daily “garden tour” I was inspired to photograph and share them.

I’ve been obsessed with hydrangeas for years but have had little success other than healthy green plants. In April I hired a professional landscaping company to make the front of my home prettier. Among other lovely plants he brought in three hydrangeas, all of which have been blooming for months, I was thrilled. Success at last!

Always lovely are my turtleheads, flowering garlic chives and annuals that continue to add punches of color…

Life is better when surrounded by the beauty of nature isn’t it?

Tolerance

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Biscotti has been amazing about sharing things with his little sister Reo who we adopted 5 months ago. She’s taken over ownership of the cat tree, sleeps on top of the mini fridge on the porch both of which were previously Biscotti’s domain.

The one spot he still called his own is my desk chair. Often during the day and always at night, it’s where he sleeps and chills out when he needs a bit of “me-time”.

Until this weekend…..

“Seriously?” Biscotti’s tolerance is being tested.

Time will tell if Biscotti will stage a coup to reclaim his ownership, time-share or simply wedge himself in next to Reo for a snuggle. For now, he’s tolerant.

Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, a “must see” in Vegas

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Just back from my first flight since February 2020, for a small family reunion with all four of us vaccinated. Spending time together sans masks, with laughter, hugs and fun was a gift after months of pandemic isolation. When in Vegas, we always visit the fabulous Bellagio Hotel and Casino. Their Conservatory and Botanical Gardens change seasonally and the horticultural creativity and scale of their displays are inspired and breathtaking.

Scenes from Tennessee

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Driving into Cades Cove, what a thrill
Look closely, a momma bear and two cubs
Momma bear and one cub moved along then realize this one is lagging behind
Momma bear calls and he takes off running
Old Mill
Old Mill
Roses
I had to take this photo
Local wine
My nightly routine, wine at sunset from my deck
I love this photo, my view of peaceful Wears Valley with the little white church in the foreground.

Sunrise, Sunset Repeat

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There is something magical about Tennessee that draws me back year after year. With the Great Smoky Mountains as a backdrop and overlooking Wears Valley, the view from my cabin is ever-changing. Rising early to watch the sunrise – this year with a rooster cock-a-doodle-doing in the valley and enjoying a glass of wine while witnessing every sunset is a priority for me. It’s a perfect way to bookend a day in Tennessee and never disappoints.

Tennessee Travels

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Road trip 2021, arrived on Memorial Day hours early for my Wears Valley cabin check-in. Already in nearby Townsend it was time to let my vacation begin, starting with an impromptu wine tasting at Cades Cove Cellars, stocking up on wine…. since I was there anyway. Next on to drive Cades Cove Loop, 11 miles, one lane/one way road. The 11 miles is leisurely and slow-moving easily 2-3 hours which lined up with my check-in and a perfect choice as this place is everything I love about Tennessee. My #1 Tennessee trip goal is to see a black bear every trip – hopefully more than one. Photos never truly capture the majestic mountains, abundant meadows and that sky above… what I’d imagine heaven looks like. 

And on this first vacay day, I had my first bear sighting, check!

First 2021 black bear sighting, grazing (at some distance) you can see his head is up and make out his ears. Every time I see them it’s a thrill.  Every single time. 

 

 

Painting on a gloomy Sunday

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Today has been a mix of light rain, cloudy with infrequent bursts of sunshine and hovering in the 60’s.  Add to that a grueling day of yard work yesterday and I decided to give my back and shoulders a much needed break…. and paint.

While I completed my first wine bottle tree in recent weeks, I’ve purchased another and have been drinking wines in clear bottles so I could complete and display it in Summer 2021. I admit to making sacrifices for my artistic endeavors.

That said, I also had several garden items that desperately needed a facelift as well as a set of canisters that I’ve been dying to paint.  Here are the results of a fun, albeit messy day of painting.