Once A Church Always A Church ...

I was raised Catholic and I have a deep respect and connection to this religion. I joined the Episcopal Church many years ago ... that's Catholic Light ... one third less guilt. I don't attend services regularly but feel I am one with God and the Universe. So when I see a Church, I stop, I look, and I listen. This is The Old Church Antique Store in Summitt, SD. And although it's doors were physically closed last night ... they were actually wide open.

The Sky is Fall ...

I didn't want to admit it. I didn't want to say it. Fall is around the corner and I feel it in my bones. Here it is in my Sky. And on The Prairie we all know what comes after Fall ... Ice Candles !!! Check out the Seasons around the World at http://www.skyley.blogspot.com

House Guest ...

I swing way out there some times. I landscape my Out Buildings. I have a ton of City Slicker in me still. Why not put a Delphinium in a cool pot and use it as a Center Piece on the Dining Room Table ? I'm bending a whole lotta rules out here on The Prairie.

One Leaf At A Time ...

Yesterday morning I was watering a few plants on the deck, minding my own business, and having a conversation with myself. I was reviewing summer in my head.

It's been an interesting and productive season. We've had company a few times, family and friends from the South. When we open up our home and life on The Prairie, it's something we take seriously. And as for the summer accomplishments, the two well tended gardens, mostly by Ron, are paying off with gorgeous produce. Yesterday Ron and my Mom put up pickles. Later this week we'll be canning tomatoes ... using the oven and the 275 for 75 minutes technique.

When I saw this lone leaf on my deck it got my attention. It happened to be at the north end where we made snow sculptures last winter. Where the big round wraught iron table sits, that will be moved to the other end for the ice candle assembly line. Next to the steps that will need shoveling. And along the driveway where Arvid will be plowing.

The leaf made me go there. To the other piece of this life called Winter. Where I'll be photographing nature and events that are not even remotely green, in one hell of a winter coat.

Petunias Petunias Petunias ...

This is Highway 81, one of the two that go through Watertown. Each spring my hometown plants Petunias for miles all along both sides of this highway. We have crews that care for them and keep them looking sharp. We take our summers seriously here on the Prairie.

Sweet Pea ...

The color of the sky is a little late summerish ... I woke up to a 58 degree morning.

Things I Love ...

Robyn's Garden sits in a field just a few miles west of town. Although I have never met Robyn, she is one cool chick, known for her produce, zinnias, and poppies. Robyn is the wife of Donus D. Roberts, retired Watertown High School English teacher and Debate coach. My hometown knows no degrees of separation.