AUTUMN IN THE GARDEN

It's been a glorious weekend, if not a bit cool with some light gales. The first of what is bound to many garden clean ups for fallen leaves, dead blooms and a start of putting the beds to rest. But worry not, parts of the garden are still going quite strong...and of course the autumn has brought about new stars of the show like the dahlias and zinnias, and the Mexican sunflowers are way above the fence. Who knew they would get that huge from just seeds in May?!?  They are still attracting bees galore, but I do believe the butterflies may have migrated already. I saw more butterflies than I had seen in a couple years. I guess the wildflower garden really does attract more pollinators. But the cooler nights has already claimed some of the potted plants.

I really need to add in more ox blood dahlia next year.

What's left in the wildflower garden

A huge mushroom in the garden! It was huge!

A new usual suspect to the garden of late. I have seen her/him many times the last couple weeks...even napping for some time before moving on. Sophie has yet to see the visitor. I hate to see the kitty spooked, especially while enjoying a nice pew or nap. I'm pretty sure it's a neighborhood cat that has a home.

The Cassia Didymobotrya rivaled the Mexican sunflower for height. The two together look spectacular and it smells so good. I might rethink for next year thought it's placement. Both are still going strong.

The Datura Ballerina are always still blooming like crazy. And do they ever small heavenly.

I do believe the Clematis is going for yet another showing.

The salvia beds are still going strong and are even more brilliant, I think. This is generally where I catch the hummingbirds.

 

I also got in my first batch of Chicken corn soup made this weekend

So there was that too...and it was delish!!!!!!

FAIRYLAND

Look at the sunset taken from The Belvedere Hotel.

It had been two summers since I last visited Fire Island, the undisputed, glitter-dusted matriarch of the LGBT beach resorts. The place where heteronormativity goes to die and drag queens go to thrive. The whole island is a great time, but our clan this time was staying in Cherry Grove, who thanks to Preston got us three rooms at the Belvedere thanks to a connection. If you get the chance to go...GO! I said every gay person could benefit from a trip here once. I just adore it. The place is so special...all the troubles left outside from the world and then for this moment on the island for everybody to forget about it all and let loose. Because we have to have balance, otherwise the world is a misery, and I do believe serenity and peace are found on this island and the dances floors here. Everyone here has a good time and that's what it is all about...there is unity, and freedom and fun and festivity here. And if the Pines is the polished gym-sculpted young buff brother, Cherry Grove is the eccentric fun-loving aunt who mixes a pitcher of martinis at 1pm and has a story about Studio 54. It's lovely...you take a ferry there and one can ride a ferry that whole time there if you choose! There are no cars...just sand and a labyrinth of wooden boardwalks and an intoxicating sense of absolute freedom. You can wear a gown into town, a speedo to dinner or absolutely nothing at all on the clothing optional beaches.

Only on Fire Island

Pearly playing bartender, or just standing there.

Preston getting demure

My gams!

The Lad in our doorway. With perky nipples.

My unexpected delight to see ginger Brody! First time I met a reader naked. Took my breath away. That is all I'm saying on that!

Ah and darling, you want to talk the Meat Rack? Now we are getting to the truly legendary untamed heart of the island. The Grove is the open-air theater, the Pines is the runway, and the meat rack is the seedy backstage dressing room where the real magic, and mischief happens! Since the 1950's the meat rack has reigned supreme as the world's most famous, historic and delightfully racy and scandalous cruising ground of them all. And they ain't there looking at sea views darlings! It's a must!

Preston, the Lad, Brody, MM#1 Fan and myself came upon this in the meat rack!!!! The guy, Fred was kind enough to let me make him blog fodder! Another guy came along and that turned into quite the scene, while we enjoyed the popcorn. Or something like that.

Love this place. A great way to end the summer with the whole clan and joined by blog reader Brody for a meat up, huh.... I mean meet up, yes, hehe, and Pearly, who jumped Ptown and who talked the Mistress into a special appearance at the pool show at Ice Palace she hosted with resident queen... with my own brand of drone dramatics. No one expected the drone to bring me a lighter. I never leave home with at least one ensemble and wig. 

Another summer in the books.

SUMMER POSTCARDS

Will be returning soon. I think.

 I see blogger has been a complete bitch, and I missed the drama?