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New York State has been hit twice in the past two weeks by destructive tornadoes. This was a phenomenon which used to be virtually unheard of here, but we must get used to it.
People all over the world face disasters every year in the shape of floods, fires, volcanic eruptions, war.
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Everything can change in a moment.
When I had a house full of foster cats in Washington State, my major worry was how I would evacuate them all if it became necessary.
Assuming I could get them all into carriers, no mean task to begin with, there was the insurmountable problem of transportation.
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Ordered to evacuate, I’ve always said I could not abandon animals in my care, but I think you don’t really know how you will behave until such a situation actually happens to you.
Should I leave animals to fend for themselves, I don’t know how I would live with myself, for ever after.
When hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, many animals were abandoned. Best Friends Animal Society was much involved in their rescue. One of many things they do, which is why I support them.
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Nowadays, my responsibility is much reduced but 8 is still no small number. It is unlikely we would be flooded here and there are no active volcanoes to worry about.
Still, it’s good to have a plan and the fact is that if the house should be destroyed, finding a residence for all of us would be somewhat of a challenge.
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It is a concern, but one cannot plan for a situation like that because of all the unknowable factors.
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“I ‘fink is best you don’ worry too much!”
“Jus’ make sure you got supply of nuts.”
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The flowerbeds had certainly been well-watered and some of the flowers were a bit bent, but they soon recovered.
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You’ve no doubt worked out that I am fascinated by Queen Anne’s lace.
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The structure is so exquisite.
By what magic design does one flower grow with such complexity while others are so much simpler?
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Exquisite in a quite different way.
Gladiolas are almost sensuous.
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Seed pods on the milkweed.
Covered in…bubbles.
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Yesterday morning, the garden was still very moist.
This is my first attempt with gladiolas, so I was pleased to see the blooms.
They remind me of my mother.
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Before we left London, I used to walk to school in Earl’s Court. On the way there was a florist.
One day Mum had given me some pocket money, so on the way home I went in to get a bunch of flowers.
“Two and six worth, please.” I said.
But when I opened my purse I found that I only had one and six. I was mortified!
The florist exchanged a look with another customer and smiled: “That’s alright dear.”
Small kindnesses stick. Maybe it was not so small, at that, if you consider the worth, in those days of a shilling.
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It’s a tale I’ve probably written about before as it’s a childhood memory that I cherish.
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When I went out to get an updated photo of the gladiola, I perceived this lovely creature.
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This I believe is an Eastern swallowtail male.
The camera was indoors, so I whipped out my phone and luckily it allowed me to take these pictures.
Butterflies improve my day.
If ther had been a disaster when we still had Ollie, we would have got him to safety at the outset, before considering anything else, including ourselves. But he was only one dog, and I doubt I could have managed with eight.
Best wishes, Pete.
Beautiful butterfly!
I can only wish, Carolyn, that you will never live through the devastation of your home and your life!
Thank you for the beautiful photos from your garden!
Joanna
They improve my day too. Thank you!
I love your close-up photos! It is amazing how much detail one sees in these photos. Yes, I guess you can just listen to the wise advice of the little squirrel – they’re clearly not worried about tomorrow. I’m also fascinated by Queen Anne’s lace – it’s beautiful! And, as always, I’ve enjoyed your childhood memories (especially when it’s such a lovely one like this).