The Waterfall Outside My Window
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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 heatwave 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!
I know I promised not to post too often about little miss, but I had to share how amazingly well she's doing with her faithful friends. Her coat is gleaming, her eyes shining and she races around Foxglove like a dog 1/3 of her age. I am astonished. I am beyond grateful. She is truly miraculously better, thank you Lord for answered prayers!
Here she is in her favorite spot, close to a possible snack event, note the wagging tail and the careful positioning of herself right in my line of view, just in case she can urge me toward the fridge for a bit of something yummy in her dish.
She is a patient little person, she knows sooner or later mom will head toward her favorite place, kitchen land!
I just had to share with you, she is amazingly, blessedly, incredibly, better...Fondest and most loving wags,Terry & AgathaPS By the way, the book is significant, she's named after Agatha Christie, in fact, her registered name is Miss Marple of Foxglove Farm, AKA "Agatha" : )
Dear dear friends,Here's the latest update on little miss who continues to get better with every new day! I've been hard-pressed to get photos of her lately as she is back to making her rounds purposely around the farm to be sure that all of her subjects are in the proper places and that no wretched squirrels have made inroads into her domain.
She is bright and beautiful and funny as can be, I can hardly believe that she was so ill just short weeks ago. I believe God had heard all the prayers sent up for this dear sweet little dog and I will ever be in your debt for your kindness to her and to John & I.
She's even been lending a hand with a bit of puppy sitting, Bullwinkle is leaving for his forever home on Thursday and she's spent much time nearby watching him. I like to think she's being companionable but it could just be his bowl of delicious smelling puppy food that's caught her interest.
He's such a precious little morsel, perhaps she is indeed enthralled with him as we all are.
Oh dear friends, it's late and I feel like I'm finally coming up for a breath of air. I was so devastated, I know she is only a dog and I know that she is an elderly dog, I know that there are so many more real tragedies in this ole world of ours, but each new day is a gift and she's got all of us shaking our heads with delight.Thank you with fondest heartfelt wags,Terry, John and busy little Agatha
Dearest Readers and yes, praying friends, I cannot tell you how happy I am to share this set of pictures with you. I made a cup of coffee early this afternoon and decided that a couple of pumpkin cookies (yes, iced with real cream cheese icing) would be a nice accompaniment. I try to keep snacks like this to a minimum but sure enough, someone we all know heard me opening the box and SPRANG to her feet almost burned rubber across the kitchen floor to see what was making its way out of the cupboard this time.
Agatha is indeed bright-eyed and yes, bushy-tailed, so perky and full of bounce that I marvel that this is the same dog we almost gave up for lost not two weeks ago.
Her appetite is wonderful, her coat is getting back it's sheen, she is a tough little miracle dog. THANK YOU FOR PRAYING!!!!!!!!!!!!
And yes, you'll be happy to know that she had a delicious portion of cookie in her dish, who could resist those pleading eyes? (I'm such a fan of healthy people food for dogs, this wouldn't be my first choice but when you've been as sick as Aggie was, you need a bit of comfort food).God bless each of you for your kindest words and letters, (even a wonderful homemade card from Agatha's doggie friends Anoosh & Sirhoon) most of all for your faithful prayers, God is so good to have heard and given us more beautiful time with our beloved Aggie.Sending fondest love and most thankful wags,Terry, John and Agatha the cookie lover. 
Today has been a good day, someone we all know and love wanted me to send you a special thank you and loads of doggie kisses for showing her (and her mom & dad too) so much love.We continue to pray and hold you in our hearts with love and gratitude.
She is grubby and in need of a bit of brushing, but she is WITH US, I try not to cling too tightly or watch her too closely, but I am so comforted that she is happy and cheerful and full of wags and kisses as ever.God bless each and every one of you dear friends.