Maximum Strength Thunderstorm

    

     Last evening the western sky was brilliant with rays from the setting sun that highlighted a cluster of mounting thunderheads. The meteorologists weren't too frantic at that point, predicting thunder, lightening, wind and possible hail. But an hour after darkness fell, so did torrents of rain that fell so hard and fast that the gutters overflowed, causing sheets of water that totally limited visibility. Lightning illuminated the black sky and the drenched neighborhood every few seconds, accompanied by booms and rumbles of thunder. Not just a squall line, the storm was constant and lasted for several hours so sleep was negligible. The rain gauge and the tree limbs in the garden were reminders of the latest of this summer's succession of rough weather.

Clean Pony Parade

     The love of horses knows no boundaries to a little girl. Even the bathtub becomes a parade ground for a line of her favorite steeds. I'm not too sure if our equestrian or her cavalry reached a maximum level of cleanliness but it was worth the fun for her and a photo op for me.

Apple Cinnamon Oven French Toast

    For Father's Day we had a special dinner, but we also had a special breakfast. To start the day off with a little celebration, we included this Apple Cinnamon French Toast. Assembled from fresh apples, sliced French bread, eggs, sugar, cinnamon and a few other ingredients, it was then baked in the oven. The mouthwatering aroma woke Pop from his slumber and he had coffee and the newspaper ready on the table in right quick order. Served with scrambled eggs, thick sliced bacon and orange juice, the french toast squares didn't even need any syrup. The apple topping was sweet and syrupy enough!

A Portrait of My Dad (for Father's Day)

     Memories of my dad do not span a very long interval. He figured prominently in my early childhood, of course, because of his love, strength and affection. As a teen, I was able to appreciate his intelligence and idealism, while watching it disappear as alcoholism began to rule his life and hurt his family. It has been two decades since his death and I now understand what drove him to drink and the gentle spirit that was crushed. I do not blame him for his disease, only the circumstances and his weakness, which was an inability to confront the antagonist.

     Dad was the son of hardworking Polish immigrants and he aimed high. Smart, charming and ambitious, he attended college and (at his fiancee's request) aspired to eliminate the foreign accent in his articulate speech. After serving as a Marine in World War II, he got a job, married and began a family. Promotions came quickly, as did the children, and soon a relocation from Michigan to Missouri. He had wanted to be a physician but settled for a career in pharmaceutical sales; he had wanted one child but was accorded seven. He loved toddlers but struggled with teenagers. Throughout his life, Dad strived for perfection, whether in his hobbies of woodworking and gardening or in his knowledge of birds, animals and biology. And that pursuit, I believe was his legacy to his children.

c. 1950 with first child



Ridin' the Storm Out

     When a terrific thunderstorm blew through the area on a day planned for horseback riding, we ate lunch in the barn and waited for the worst of the downpour to ease. The thunder and lightning, which are always amplified and therefore scarier in the Ozark hills, passed quickly to the east but a steady drizzle continued for another hour. Instead of remaining impatiently in the barn, the girls were given umbrellas for a walk down the lane. Even from a distance we could tell every time a gentle breeze rifled through the trees, because the girls would erupt in giggles as the leaves shed upon them a heavier fall of drops. I especially loved the umbrellas as a focal point - brilliant pinwheels of color against the darkened landscape!

Early Summer Roses

     I can take little credit for these roses and peonies as they were in place when we bought the property, and are still thriving more than twenty years later. In all actuality, I don't care for roses as part of my landscaping scene - while the blooms are gorgeous, the canes and foliage do not appeal to me. All negativity aside (sorry!), on this particular day the air was clear and the sun so bright that all the flowers seemed to glow. And honestly I don't remember the sweet-smelling peonies and roses ever blooming at the same time.

These crimson petals have a rich velvety appearance.

It continually amazes me that this climbing rose is still covered with snowy blooms every summer, even though it is situated mostly under the shade of a very large ash tree.

This white gem is brilliant against the deep dark shade.



Garden Gate

     Our picket fence is painted Dover Gray to match the house and this gate opens into the backyard, following a walkway of stepping stones in the grass. Since a gate usually holds the promise of something beyond, I wanted to add some small detail that hinted at more than a suburban expanse of lawn. The little oval sign was acquired from a local dollar store, making it a really frugal find! It is resin cast with the appearance of stone and is simple but welcoming.