Swallowtail Season

Bawooon

 A gift from the Midwest Institute of Opera folks who stayed with us.  

More Hydrangea Lore

We planted this Oak Leaf Hydrangea in front of the porch about 8 years ago and never remember it turning this beautiful shade of mauve in August.  This is probably due to the cool temperatures we've had this summer.  

Oak Leaf Hydrangea 'Snow Queen'

Carla and Blue Hydrangeas

Signy Celebrates her 9th Birthday at our House

Oompa went down to Arlington to bring Signy, Roslyn and Liesl back here for a few days with Laurie and Tim arriving just in time for birthday cake. 

Midwest Institute of Opera - MIO

Last year we hosted three Midwest Institute of Opera performers and this year we are doing the same.  Last year the opera was was Don Giovani and this year, the Marriage of Figaro.  Even though these singers are in their 30's, we treat them as our babies!  They pay tuition to be a part of MIO.   Jenny Beauregard and her fiance Kyle (stage name Vincent) Conner both have starring roles.  Joe Welch, a pianist who now has is doctoral degree from the University of Minnesota stayed with us last year and another pianist, Ben Nadel, another pianist will be arriving tomorrow evening.  They will be with us for ten days. 

In a Pantagraph article about MIO, one of the lead characters wore my 47 year old wedding dress!

Kyle just finished performing Elixer of Love

 

Jenny  and Kyle

Peas, Peas, Peas

Our friends, Joan and Max Banks, share their bounty of peas with us so we may enjoy them throughout the winter. Joan's family has a large farm up in Mendota where vegetables are produced for Del Monte.  These peas are so delicious we prefer to eat them uncooked.  

Betty Tudor 1909 - 2013

Betty Tudor at UU reception on her 100th birthday. 

I have always liked old ladies.  Thirty years ago at UU I befriended Betty Tudor, a UU leader who held many positions in the Church and who at one time was president of our YWCA.  As part of a luncheon program at the "Y" she was honored when she turned 100.  The then president of the "Y" had a video created about Betty which was presented at the luncheon.  

Betty lived with her son, Richard, who for many years cared for her with dignity and grace.  He is an amazing gardener!  

Last night she passed away.  

Daylilies in the Patio Garden

The blooms last only a day. 

'Ruby Throat'

'Big Bird'

'Joan Senior'

'Nile Crane'

'Catherine Neal'

The Pit

Where we live there are no restrictions against burning brush like there are in the city, and therefore about twice a year Ed enjoys setting the debris on fire.  Various plants take root in the pit so before the flames encompass everything, we say goodbye to those plants that had a brief life there. Ed is very careful.  He connects about 100' of hose should a gust of wind make the situation dangerous.  

A gift the pit presents to us is the ash which we 'till into the vegetable garden the fall before spring planting.