SUMMER HOUSE

I don't know where the week is going. I started packing for my first jaunt of the summer but then Travel Penguin's words came to mind...why pack, it's not like you're going to be wearing many clothes. So I took five square cuts and threw them in a paper bag. The houseboys can deal with my packing...they know my wants and needs. Since it was slow today, I left work early and came home to tend and potter in the garden. I was out there in nothing but denim short cut offs, and I got a "Looking Good" from the neighbor lady. It felt nice, but I would have loved it more from her husband who looks like Travis Kelce. But I digress. I wanted to tend to the garden, dead head things, pull a few weeds, water, and a few other things before leaving later in the week. As hot as it's been, which kids, call me crazy, but I love the heat. The only problem is the boys hang down way low. But that's another story. The garden continues to bring forth new stars of the show.  And two more new residents are bringing delight. And from the picture above can you tell I'm getting in the mood for beach time? Some snaps from the garden this week.

Begonia

The roses have gone insane! And the newest addition from last year yielded its blooms...purple ice.

Straw Flower

First of the wildflowers are blooming!

I also tried my hand at a topiary this year. So far, I have kept all three balls trimmed. And below is one of the new additions doing very nicely...Justicia carnea or sometimes called the Brazilian plume flower or Flamingo plant. Imagine me liking anything from Brazil! 

The coneflower just bloomed today

The other new addition was this agapanthus. I've always loved them. In other news there is currently three family of nestlings. These are baby sparrows below, four of them, in a hanging fern plant. They look like cranky old men, no? Needless to say, once they all fledge, and the others, I am going to have to put Sophie on a short leash. My little bitch got another bird last night, this time a cowbird. 

I say, does this cute face look like the Garden Killer Bandit ???

MOOD BOARD

 Well.... we are on another Monday morning. The weekend whizzed by. Since this was one of my only few weekends at home I spent most of the time out in the garden, sweltering in the heat. I think I lost 5 lb just from sweat. Which is probably good, this being a 3-day work week before I depart for holiday time. After all I have a reputation to withhold and get my cakes into a pair of square cuts. I did gather everything to pack and gathered with the clan for Happy Hour Saturday night. I'm also happy to report Sophie didn't eat any birds.

WORLD PRIDE

By far my favorite snap from the day!

 So two weeks ago, the Clan was attending World Pride, and I ended up going unexpectedly for day. While maybe not as attended as the New York World Pride several years back, this was the 50th Anniversary of Pride and in the nation's capital. The final word was the event was attended by over 2 million from around the globe. An event as much as a celebration of LBGTQ and resilience as it was a call to action amidst heightened political tension. It was the global epicenter of Pride, solidarity and activism. The day I was there, there were independant marches, concerts and many events from short films, documentaries and immersive exhibits to view, to street festivals, and protest. And many groups to march with in the streets to promote equality in the country, thanks to those Stonewall rioters. And it's worth remembering that Pride began as a radical act of protest, and this history is more relevant than ever today. It was a long day and am I getting exhausted from Prides...I'm getting there, but I feel it's my duty to get out there be seen and attend so many Prides that I'm able too. I have to admit it was an exuberant feeling to walk to solemn marches and be part of our history to honor those who paved the way and push our visibility for a future where freedom is universal. Some of my snaps for the day.

This old bitch, Bianca Del Rio

Preston and boyfriend Anthony...in a touching yet hot capture! They were serving more cake that Tastykake, and legs that a bucket of chicken.

 

Two more Prides to go yet...New York City and Harrisburg.

I should be breaking wind with glitter by now.