August 14th, 2020

Middle of August, and it is certainly not one of those months that are fraught with inspiration, but rather it seems that I spend an inordinate amount of time spread out on the patio swing/ hammock with a book in my lap, and my eyes closed.  Waiting for September to arrive, when the weather is not desultory, and I am not desultory, but  am full of plans, - new warps to wind, a slight whiff of Christmas gifts to indulge in, - a lovely month.  As I am sure I have said before.....

In the many years that we have lived in this valley we have somehow come to look forward to the last two weeks in August, and the way it slides into fall with cooler nights and often a few days of rain (although I see no signs of clouds and moisture this year).

I am expecting family visitors over the weekend, and have been making plans for seating outdoors so that it is welcoming, but still at sufficient distance apart to accommodate pandemic requirements....a pain, but necessary I think.  And I can be happy that the rain is holding off so that the garden is a good place to gather!  It is indicative of my changing habits re the arrival of company, - on my grocery list is an order for diverse cookies - lots of them - and some lemonade powder, - so that all I have to do is make sure I have lots of ice cubes! Oh dear, - a sign of old age, I think, and a lack of the Joy of Cooking in August and getting the kitchen all heated up and sweltering.  It likes to stay cool!!!!!

When I have awakened the last few mornings I have had a conversation with myself about putting up some peaches to enjoy in the winter, - even if it is only slicing a bucketful to freeze and use for pies or peach upside-down cake. We haven't carried the business forward though, - it has just remained a thought in my mind and perhaps a slight scolding that I am thwarting the usual summer peach tradition.  I seem to be doing that a lot lately, - thwarting tradition!!!

The garden is bringing us all much pleasure, but also a little pain and a lot of looking up to see what we have that will battle an influx of red mites that are attacking the yellow petaled daisies.  I am late in noticing the dratted insects crawling up the stems, and I think they have got a head start on me that probably means I will not be successful in eliminating them this season, - but I will be on the lookout next year......that might mean putting up a big sign in the kitchen as I find that age is not being kind to my immediate memory !   The long term memory is doing fine - I can still remember standing in my highchair calling for my mother when she was hanging up the wash!!!  and having a conversation with the Cooper boys at the age of about four, the topic being, which is best - apples, oranges or bananas!!

But what did I plan to do in the next five minutes 😖 - confounded if I know!!!

Anyway, here is the picture I planned to put up in the middle of the last paragraph when I was talking about red mites!!!

Minnie, the little grey cat with green eyes, has come to sit on my knee and is making typing very difficult, so I will likely take the easy way out, and instead frustrating myself and Minnie, too, I will say goodnight to all - happy August!!

Tuesday, 

August 11th, 2020.

Lingering over breakfast I have been entertaining myself with McCall Snith's book, "The Geometry of Holding Hands" and increasing my knowledge (or resurrecting it) by re-reading Loren Eiseley, "The Firmament of Time" ----- a little recess from weaving, although plans for a black silk and mohair scarf keep revolving around my brain..... 

It is cooler this morning, - and cloudy.  Perhaps we will have a little respite from the recent heat.  Maybe even a drop or two of rain, which would be most welcome in the garden.

I contemplate taking my mid-morning coffee down the steps, through to the garden, and perhaps I will, when I have finished here.

I have been busy the last few days, as I complete the little mohair throw I have been making.  That sounds quite casual, as if I had just accomplished this in no time at all, but let me tell you that it was, rather, quite an endeavour, - constantly clearing sheds of fuzzy ends.  But the results were pleasing.....

If Blogger is kind I will post a picture, but so far he is being an indifferent Task Master, and doesn't listen at all to my requests to move photos around.....

As we approach the middle of August I grow more eager for September.  It has always been my favourite month - the start of school, which I loved;  the scent of Autumn and the change of colours - all those beautiful Naples Yellows and 

Flaming Scarlets.  Perfect, - I yearn for a Fall trip over the hill to Penticton, and home along the Green Mountain pass......   Drat this getting old and not having a license to drive!!

I am glad we had the foresight to have six children - surely one of them will read of my longings and play chauffeur!!!!! 

I have been casting my eye around the house lately, - borrowing my mother-in-laws critical eye, which causes me to inquire if anyone knows of someone who does windows and floors and woodwork, putting them in shining shape for the coming seasons.

It is so easy to stroll in to one of the rooms that houses a loom (I have two) and close the door to the dust that is pleased I should be out of sight while it gathers to party in the living room, the dining room and even in parts of the kitchen.

There is always that "Dust if you Must" poem, which quite appeals to me, but eventually the Spirit of Fall Cleaning  comes to visit and harass me!!  I must make the most of August - the heat of the afternoons and the cool of the evenings and early mornings.  The barn flowers are loving it - unfortunately the red mites have got into some of the other plants and I am feeling that I should be out snipping and preparing to banish the affected leaves, - probably they should be burned so they don't end up flourishing in someone else's garden.

|(time out here to whinge about Blogger and the recalcitrant response I am getting from Him.....I am still hoping to add a couple of pictures to this post, but this new and uncaring Blogger seems to delight in putting obstacles in my way!!  Or just retiring to the closest shady spot and not bothering to answer my requests......being 'unresponsive' is Blogger's way of putting it, I believe)

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