days of june

as spring is giving way to the brighter days of summer i am pulled into the light of the sun. 

the sun wraps it's arms of warmth around me and holds on tight.

this embrace is what i long for all winter.

i am a sun junky.  i need it, i want it, i can't get enough of it.

                           june evenin'

long work days give way to the golden rays and usually i am exhausted.

these last few weeks have been somewhat melancholy for me as we 

had to say goodbye and farewell to our long time companion, maggie. 

seventeen and half years was just not long enough. 

 she has been laid to rest on our farm underneath a golden desert ash. my amazing hubby picked out
this beautiful tribute tree and said it would always remind us of our golden girl, maggie.
the bark is an unusual amber colour and the leaves will turn the same hue in the fall. we have place it on a high point on the farm so we can see it standing there strong, tall in remembrance of our dear girl.

also i received this beauty, a black tulip magnolia for mother's day from my son, jesse. 

he and hubby planted it for me.

the days of summer are full. 

there is sheep sheering going on around here.

three of the sheep,  out of the four are done.

this is not an easy task.

we have all taken our turn and i have to 

say without a doubt dear hubby is the best

at it by far. 

ok wilma it's your turn next.

poor baby needs to be able to see.

we have had some very nice cooler evenings and so the firepit is always a great 

way to stay outside even into the night. 

the boys playing fire jenga.

 the animals around the farm are enjoying the sun too.
renny is awaiting dinner keeping a watchful eye out &
"the girls" as we call them, vivian and pearl like to hang out near me wherever that may be.

summer flowers are blooming and the wild strawberries are ripening. 

this handsome lad is our latest foster, tuxedo or tennessee tuxedo as my hubby calls him.

he will make someone a great friend...he is a real loverboy.

i have let the greens bolt and i am enjoying the fact that they 

are providing some nectar for the butterflies, skippers, and hummers.

our edible garden is somewhat confused with the flux in temperatures 

here in tn...some really warm days with cooler nights and some cool days with even cooler nights.

i still have lettuce growing but the herbs haven't really taken off yet.

this is a beautiful (new to me)  purple cinnamon basil. 

i am excited to try this in some summer dishes.

of course with summer days comes lots of pool time.

well for her at least. 

whatever this lovely purple stalky flower is came from seed but i am not sure which one.

my violas have just been spectacular this year blooming since the very early spring and just won't quit.

i love harvesting from the garden and cooking the freshest possible produce. 

  

summer foods are incredible not to mention lovely.

i do so love to be outdoors enjoying everybit of sunshine i can get. riding my tractor and cutting the grass is a real favourite of mine. it gives me plenty of sun, plenty of time, and plenty of comtemplating the artwork that is nature,  painted by the hand of God.

happiest of summer days to you.