It’s been a long hot summer not only here at Foxglove Farm but across the country as well and I wanted to share some summertime refreshment for those who might be in need of it.
First how about a nice cool glass of lemonade to set the stage?
(I use my little vintage citrus hand juicer and add the juice of one lemon to a quart of water and ice, sweeten to taste with a bit of sugar or agave and ENJOY!).
One of my favorite views is right outside the kitchen, past the cheery yellow curtains that frame the tall windows and keeps me entertained with a vista that like His mercies, is new every morning.
I’m completely mesmerized by this tiny pool, I found the plans in an old Handyman magazine years ago. I’m anything but handy when it comes to mechanics and complicated DIY projects, but this little gem was created with a minimum of fuss and the help of an enthusiastic teenager (thanks to my faithful garden helper Cody!). He and I managed to create what has been an utterly charming spot to watch the magic that fresh water brings to a landscape.
I told Cody as we started work, that I wanted it “to look like God made it” and while it may fall short of divine, I have to say this little spot is so realistic, even the birds are beginning to think He put it there for them.
(And perhaps He did : )
My small waterfall draws all manner of thirsty small folk in with the sound of its musical splashing. They say birds and wildlife can hear water from great distances and I’ve watched in amazement the vast assortment of winged and four-footed creatures who daily are drawn to enjoy this little Eden.
The creek down our lane is the usual spot for bathing and thirst quenching, but this long heat wave has literally dried our little stream up completely and I’m happy that dozens of creatures have found that there is still fresh cool water free for the taking. I waited a long time for the first visitors who seemed incredulous that such an oasis existed in our parched landscape.
Much time was spent peering worriedly at the new water feature, I wondered how long it would be before someone was brave enough to take the plunge. The Bluebird looks longingly at the cool water, I hold my breath hoping she’ll take a chance and enjoy some of that wet wonderfulness!
Remember this handsome cardinal? I wrote about him during an early spring ice storm when he seemed to do a lot of pondering as well.
Ever that lover of water, the Robin stands and gazes happily at the icy cascading torrent.
A Titmouse lands cautiously and does his best to take a drink without actually getting his feet wet. (Does anyone begin to wonder how much of my time was occupied with all this drama? Honestly, it was hard to leave the window the first day the weather turned warm and thirsty birds began to arrive in droves).
I’ll leave you with a picture of one of our first happy bathers, and a promise of more photos of the little-feathered folk once they began to settle in and really enjoy their new pool with abandon.
In the meantime, I pray that you take joy in all the small beauties that surround us. Be blessed!
Once again Terry, I always look so forward to your beautiful writings! I envision you having such a wonderful outlook on life and the beauties around us on our earthly domain! I absolutely love your home and surroundings and especially love the flowing water pool with all of its beautiful hibiscus and wooded vegetation and to see God’s creatures venture to the little oasis to explore is the icing on the top!! Thank you so much for giving your gift of writings….they are such an inspiration to me and I am sure to all of your readers. If you ever write that book, I certainly want to be one of the first to buy it! God has given you such a gift of creativity and I am so glad you are using that gift to make others like myself able to enjoy it. I still go online all the time to see those beautiful puppies you have and want every one, haha.
Molly turned 4 this month and she has absolutely been the joy in my life especially now that I am retired.
She says hello to her first caretaker and we wish you love and joy, please keep writing,
Much love, Gail and Molly
Thanks terry! This was God sent today. I almost lost my mother one week ago today. She has copd and she went unconscious but God was in control with someone to call 911, the EMPs but a breathing tube in and got her to the hospital. She is 87 and I pray when see does go to be with the Lord it will be from her home and not a nursing home. Old age is very sad please say a prayer for her. She and I also love God’s gift of nature and our fur babies are Gods love and personality wrapped up in beautiful fur balls!
Someday I would like to buy one of your beautiful FUR BABIES! With love Cindy
Dear Cindy, I know about that difficult journey with one’s parents, your mom is blessed to have you there for her. I pray that your prayers are answered and indeed the Lord was already there watching carefully over her. Take heart in the knowledge that you have loved her and prayed for her, the Lord is well pleased I’m sure.
Isn’t God good to have given us not only the people in our lives to love, but the animals too? Dogs especially have been such an amazing source of love in my life and all of our lives. Thank you so much for your sweet letter.
Beautiful post, beautiful waterfall. Would you be willing to share the plans you found in the old Hndyman magazine with me ? I have a similar area just outside of my kitchen window and would love to try this. Thanks again.
Liz
I’d love to share Liz, let me see if I can find those plans online, I’ll know them when I see them! The magazine I found them in originally is long gone sadly!
Waterfall Wags,
terry
Happy Day I found it!!! Keep in mind, it looks much more difficult than it is, you will want a strong guy for the digging part of things. Also, a friend said my waterfall looks like “Niagra Falls” in the photo (thank you JUDY!) but the tallest portion of the rocks are only about knee-high! Mine ended up being a rough oval about 5 foot long and 4 foot wide. Have fun! http://www.familyhandyman.com/landscaping/outdoor-fountains/how-to-build-a-low-maintenance-water-feature/view-all
Thank you so much ! I really appreciate your effort on my behalf, I hope it didn’t take too long. When I complete it I be sure to share pictures. Thanks again !
Sincerely, Liz
Terry, once again another beautiful story, So well written that it transports the reader from armchair to Foxglove Farm. Like you we have many beautiful gardens as well as a water garden. IT was a treat to see yours. Did Agatha help you plant the gardens? That was always one of Lulu’s jobs
We still miss her, of course, but are looking forward to having another sweet puppy. Looking forward to hearing about your next litter.
Terry keep up your inspirational writing. It is terrific and a boost to all.
Your friend, Pam
Vigilant Agatha does much chasing of squirrels as I work, she must keep the construction site free of invaders says she!
My dear puppy people are such an inspiration to me to keep writing, I am blessed to have such wonderful readers, don’t we all have stories and journeys to share?