Martha Elisabeth Magnussen Hansen

Grandpa called her Lisa. She was one of three relatives who gave me the conditional love and emotional support that my parents were unable to give me. She was a warm and loving and I miss her still. My love for plants came from her. She taught me how to knit her unique way and over the decades I've knit many, many things. Yesterday I accidentally found one of her old recipes for an afghan that she gave me when I moved into my first apartment after graduating from college. It's written in her Danish-schoolgirl style, faded, and not easy to puzzle out  It's late arrival is a gift from the past that  I didn't know I had.  Last night using some old leftover scrap of yarn, I knit a few rows. Now I must do an afghan. Cousin Kathy who knows me very well tells me that I need projects. She's right. I started working when I was fourteen and have never stopped. Retiring just made me seek out volunteering at my old dog training school. When winter's relief from yard jobs gives me respite, I seek other avenues. This will give me something to do on those short day/long nights ahead. The anticipation is glorious. (Clicking on photos will enlarge them.)

Aunt Kit and Aunt Jean were the other two adults who loved and supported me. 

It does indeed take a village.

There have been no Hummers today. Yesterday afternoon this lone flyer arrived from places further north. I think all "my" hummingbirds have flown the coop. I hope they have a pleasant journey and all make it back here next spring. 

With apologies: - 

The last Hummer of Summer! (The last rose of summer!!)

Bluebirds here seem to nest after the tree swallows have fledged their young using the same nest boxes after the tree swallows have left them. These scruffy youngsters are still growing their adult plumage and are hopefully soon to depart. Tree swallows disappeared months ago.

"Bluebirds", "Blue Skies". 

There's a poem or a song in there somewhere.

The real "Autumn Clematis" on the fence in my front yard. Snow white mounds of bee visited flowers. Life is good, eh?

Wild Sunflowers rescued as from a clump along the road from Port Sanilac to Sandusky several years ago, recently divided into two areas. Soon I will divide them again for next summer. They seem to not interest the deer - always a plus in my opinion. You can see two of my bird houses for tree swallows/bluebirds in the first shot.

Kit

Pila

The new bench which sits in the shade of a basswood (Tilia) overlooking Lake Huron and on which I'm supposed to sit and enjoy the view.  I realize it's stupid not to sit and enjoy. Why on earth don't I just stop. I'll start a bucket list - soon maybe.

Lake Huron complete with clouds over Canada.

View from my bluff looking back on my road in to San Salvatore. My garage slightly hidden behind an amazing hydrangea on the right.

I wish I could map the night skies. I could never see the mythical animals and gods and goddesses. However sometimes I can make out a particular "star". This is probably most definitely Mars. Looks pink to me though.