Outdoor Wednesday June 10

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Today is Outdoor Wednesday, courtesy of Susan at A Southern Daydreamer.

And I’ve also been asked by Sue in Ohio, of the blog, Sullivan & Murphy, to tell 6 things about myself. So I will mix that in.

It is hot here folks. Darned hot. The kind of weather where Sago Palms flourish. But little else thrives…

1. I’m not thriving. I hate hot weather. And here I live in the thick of it. The sticky, feels-like-you-bathed-in-bubblegum heat that is terribly uncomfortable. And if you’re over 50 and of the female persuasion, look out!

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I love how the fronds start out curled up like a fetus, and gently unfurl.

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2. I hate to travel. Just hate it. I like to sleep in my own bed. On my own schedule. I like to wake up and go about my morning routine in peace and quiet. 

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3. My favorite vacation is my yard. It is a sanctuary where I can work, and then sit down and watch the dragonflies hover over the pond. I make my little place here a heaven on earth, at least from my perspective. And I don’t like to leave it. 

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4. I won’t swim where I can’t see both the beginning of the water and the end of it. Show me just blue sky on the horizon and I won’t stick my big toe in it. Don’t know if it’s the shark movies so popular in my earlier adult days. Or just the mere premise that I don’t “know” what’s lurking underneath. I’ll marvel at the endless beauty of the tranquil sea, take photos of it, stare longingly at it even. But I’m not going in it.

Survivor in the garden pond, trying to stay out of the hot sun and under the leaves of a plant’s awning…IMG_5927

A bit of a forest out back at the moment. The cats love it. Their own private jungle.

5. I don’t like the idea of jungles. Well, I like the idea. Because I know the real jungles are havens for wild endangered creatures. But when I think of a jungle, I envision long reptilian things with massively dangerous intentions. The monkeys are cute hanging from the trees though. As long as it’s on TV or in a magazine.

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6. Unlike most women, I think, I’m not a great fan of the color pink. I have pink flowers in my yard here and there. But I’m really fond of red and orange and purple. They seem more spirited colors. They have the energy of a marching band. An innate vibrancy that attracts me like they attract hummingbirds and butterflies.

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Please go visit Susan for other Outdoor Wednesday participants. And see what’s going on in their little corner of the world.  

Comments

  1. This was fun, Brenda. The fern photos are amazing. This must be an enchanted garden for your Yorkies (I saw them on an earlier post). Nice to meet you!

  2. Your garden is lovely! I love your fish…so bright and colorful. It was nice to have the six things about you tied into the post. Have a great day!

  3. I’m not a lover of heat myself! I like mild. Your garden looks very lush. The ferns are wonderful. Happy O.W. to you…

  4. I love the fish and the fern fronds unfurling. Your comments about feeling like you bathed in bubblegum is too funny! Sadly, I know the feeling ;) .

  5. Wow, love that plant ! You have one beautiful backyard. Bet, you save alot of money on vacations !
    Hugs ~ Kammy

  6. Happy Outdoor Wednesday Brenda! I am with you…I do NOT like the heat….especially when it is really humid!!! Thanks for sharing your photos.~ Susan

  7. Despite the heat.. everything looks wonderful Brenda. Happy OW!
    Debbie

  8. Well I’ll be the odd man out. I like the heat. To a point, of course. I’ll take it over cold any old day. Your yard doesn’t seem to mind it either, the pics are gorgeous. How wonderful to have a little paradise, custom made to your soul’s hurrah… all for you :-)

  9. I agree with you and loving red and purple. The ferns are beautiful. Wonderful Outdoor Wednesday post!!

  10. What a fun post. Remember on those hot, sultry days that all that humidity is good for your skin! Thanks for a great post.

  11. beautiful shots – I love the unfurling of the ferns too. though I do love to travel, i also love to be back home in my bed.

  12. Evening, Brenda! Oh, what gorgeous pictures of your garden! Those ferns are so pretty and what a great photographer you are. I think I’ve told you that before. LOL
    Now I’m with you about the hot! I hate it too! We’re tropical, so I know about the sticky hot! I try to stay inside with the AC as much as possible! So I’m as white as buttermilk! ;)
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

  13. Gorgeous fish. My little water feature was ripped apart by raccoons last summer and I lost my fish. Nasty little critters. I think I will stay away from the jungle. I have issues.

  14. What a beautiful garden, fish, and great photography!

  15. yout garden is beautiful, i love ferns, and your goldfish is beautiful, have a wonderful outdoor wednesday

  16. Gorgeous pictures of your garden! I once was a traveler, now no more. Totally turned into a homebody and like you I very much like to sleep in my own bed and live on my own schedule.

  17. Amazing photos of the palm. We don’t have to worry about hot weather here, at least so far in this month of June. We’re having trouble hitting 60 and lots of rain. My plants want a little heat. I don’t like to sleep away from home these days either, so we have that in common. Your photography skills are outstanding.

  18. I would never go anywhere. Why vacation when you have all that loveliness at home. Fantastic pictures. Happy Outdoor Wednesday.

  19. Your photos are beautiful. Love the fish and they are so colorful. Amazing palm.

  20. I’m right there with you about the water. If I can’t see the bottom, I’m not going in. Who knows what might be lurking just waiting to gnaw on my chubby little toes?

  21. Happy Outdoor Wednesday, Brenda!

    We heard, yesterday, Missouri is one of the states to have a cooler than normal summer. I kind of like that idea. Usually by this time we are in the 90′s and by July the grass is crackling under our feet and the temps are 3 digit. The reason for coolness has something to do with the reaction of certain electrical storms or some such. The technical side of things are beyond me.

    I enjoyed your beautiful photos and your list!!

  22. Brenda,
    Your pictures, flowers and fish are so vibrant, bright and beautiful. Yes, it sounds too hot there, but it’s been too cold and rainy here (Pa). Guess there’s no perfect weather state.

  23. Your photos are lovely as usual Brenda! And it’s so nice to know more about you. How about move here to San Diego…you’ll luv our year round perfect weather!
    -marie

  24. Oh, I love your photos, especially the fish! Looks like you have created your own little paradise there. Hugs, ~cindy s~

  25. Beautiful garden pix and it was fun to read about you. I’m with you, the sea would not be for me. I also worry about whales and octopus in the ocean. I’d be afraid that they would tip the cruise ship over… I’m a homebody, too. Since I have to work outside the home, whenever I have a day off I like to stay home. ~ Robyn

  26. Yeah, I like the feel of sunshine but n0t to the point that it makes me sweat Lol

    All I can say is thanks for making me smile. Enjoyed your post and it was fun – as much fun with the sneak peeks of your yard :-) And I get to know a little ’bout you :-)

    Happy Outdoor Wednesday!

    Li

  27. You make me smile! The only Ocean I enjoy going in is the Pacific off of Hawaii. Love to see all the beautiful fish swimming around us and flating on the waves listening to the Hawaiian music. ( That was a bit of heaven to me) On the east coast or California it never looked inviting.
    At home I turn into a home body. There is nothing like your own bed and freedom!
    I enjoyed learning more about you!
    Lovely shots of your garden!:-)
    Try and stay cool and keep the Mountain Dew going to Robert!
    Happy Outdoor Wednesday, my friend!:)
    Beth~♥

  28. Love your pics! And your facts are great! Why would you need to go farther than your own back yard!!
    hugs, Lisa

  29. What wonderful photographs. You have the eye of a professional. Thanks for sharing your pictures with us. Have a wonderful day.

  30. Your photos are incredible … not much wonder you don’t want to travel – you live in a perfect haven. Especially love the ferns and the beautiful fish. cheers from the gang in Nova Scotia

  31. I remember being hot one day a couple of years ago. I’m always cold. I lost a lot of weight a few years ago. Now I don’t have my coat of fat to keep me warm.

    Your photography and the way you express yourself is supurb. Thanks for sharing.

  32. The ferns are so neat. The pictures are beautiful. I am not a big fan of pink either!

  33. I liked your 3 F’s fish, ferns and flowers. I am the complete opposite in that I think I was a mermaid in my former life. I am actually taking off to the beach tomorrow for a few weeks and can’t wait to jump into the ocean even if Jaws is out there:) That reminds me of the time my SIL was 9 plus month pregnant and we went to see Jaws and she was so scared at one point she jumped out of the seat and screamed. We thought for sure there would be a baby that night but no such luck:) Yes, you should go back and get the Rooster as he was so cute.
    Joyce

  34. What a pretty garden. Your ferns are lovely.

    I am so with you on the heat and humidity thing!
    Oh my goodness, I do hate it so!

    I love the air conditioning.
    So. much.

    Have a great day!

  35. I don’t like heat either. It makes me tired and grumpy. But I love your palms. So beautiful. Your vibrant purple petunias are also gorgeous!

    I hope you survive the heat!
    Robin@Miscellaneous Thoughts

  36. You take the best photos! I’m with you in regards to heat. I’m just lucky that the humidity in Calif doesn’t get too bad. I’ve been to Texas. I’m with you in regards to water. I saw Jaws & the Creature from the black lagoon. Everytime I go in our pool at night alone I get spooked & end up getting out as I think the creature or Jaws is going to get me. Even though I know they aren’t there. And I don’t like jungles (same reasons as you). But I do love to travel. I love staying in hotels (most of the time). And I love the color pink. But I like a variety of color in the garden. This year I don’t get to vacation (no money), so I will have to learn to enjoy a staycation at home. Thanks for letting us get to know you better. We still like ya!!!

  37. Lovely, lovely ferns…your photographs are excellent.
    Joyce M

  38. Brenda, your garden is beautiful…those palms are amazing!!! it was fun reading your little tidbits, too..I totally agree with #1 and part of #2 as well as #4 and #5! and my backyard is ONE of my favorite vacation places!
    Great pics…and a fun read!
    Thanks for stopping by!
    Happy Thursday!
    ;-D

  39. Oooh! I love your garden! I’m not crazy about the heat either. Give me winter any day! lol
    Blessings,
    Sandra