It is the last day of the wonderful spring break. A cold wind blew last night and rain fell. The laughing river churned and spilled out at the little bridge where the ducks live. Today we will have Sunday Dinner in Elizabeth City with Will, Jenny and Lyla. Mama and Daddy couldn’t come and that is the only disappointment so far, this week.
After some chores that Will needed help with, Kyle and Christian joined Lyla and I for a stroll through the Riverside” village. We walked a long while in the breezy and overcast day. It seemed like the dogs and cats were acting sensibly, and were inside safe and dry. We did see some rabbits-there are always rabbits, but the birds and squirrels were scarce. Since we weren’t distracted by the animal kingdom, we took note of the trees .
The area is full of old trees . There are several ancient magnolias. Magnolias give the coolest shade on the balmy days of summer . Their massive blossoms are highly prized for their fragrance. It wasn’t so awful long ago, that magnolia blossoms were used at every bridal and baby shower-and were a “given” at summer weddings. I remember gathering them in a blinding rain, for a wedding the next day. The public library, in the small town I grew up in, had several large magnolias. When I was young, my mom would drop my sister and I off, at the library, while she ran errands . We would wait for her, under the magnolias, reading our books, til she got back. It is a favorite childhood memory of mine. Everybody ought to have a chance, to read a book under a magnolia, I think.
The largest crepe myrtle, that I have ever seen, is in Elizabeth City. It grows by a picket fence and shades an adorable cottage. Crepe myrtles are slow growers, so I know this is a very old tree. These trees bear flowers all summer and I intend to find out the color of its’ blooms in July.
An old oak, gave us a mystery, to think about. A section of the large trunk was missing near the base. It was large enough to provide shelter for someone, if need be. . .however the cavity had been stuffed with a large stone in the exact shape needed. So-we thought about that a while and never did come to a conclusion .
We walked so long, that Lyla took a nap. She did wake up in time to smell the mock orange on the way back. Jenny had supper about completed when we walked in the back door. We came in especially hungry as with all of our meandering, we had forgotten to eat lunch. We had a lovely evening meal under the glass chandelier that I find so pretty. Gathering around the table, was a sweet conclusion to a lot of lovely moments.
Dear Rabbit Patch Diary, I am glad for family and magnolias. I am glad for the chance to smell the mock orange and to share Sunday Dinner . . . and I am glad there are always rabbits, too.
What beautiful memories you’re making with Lyla. At my old school we had a magnolia in the courtyard (which was a cut through for staff but not the children!) I remember we used to sit out there with our lunch in spring, thank you for bringing me back some happy memories. 😊
There were lots of magnificent magnolias in the West Tennessee town I grew up in. I never thought about reading a book under one. Maybe if we had had one on our property, I would have used it. I made do with climbing a pecan tree. The scent of a pecan tree is something to treasure.
Lovely, Lovely!! The lovely magnolia’s and crepe myrtles are wonderful! Now I must google this mock orange you mentioned 🙂 There has to be rabbits!! xxx
I would love to read a book under a magnolia tree! As a kid, my sister and I, used to sit up in a maple tree and read books. It was a great place! I always love my visit to the Rabbit Patch.
I am happy you added rabbits which are always there to your list I things that make you glad.We don’t have wandering rabbits here in the mountains, and I would welcome them. I loved and related to this line, “Everybody ought to have a chance, to read a book under a magnolia,” but for me it would read, Everybody ought to have a chance to read a book perched high among the green leaves of a cottonwood tree.
I think trees and books are meant to go together. oddly, I have a long history with rabbits! and then Lyla was born on Easter Sunday! oh thank you my sweet friend-I so love your comments. like a little visit! xx
Now I want to sit under a Magnolia and read a book or take a nap while enjoying her fragrance. Ah what sweet dreams would be had!! Another beautiful story, told by you. Wishing you another lovely Sunday Dinner. 🙂
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Elizabeth City sounds like such a pretty town…and so very peaceful!
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It is a nice small town-lots of artists! quaint neighborhoods . . .and rabbits! ha! thank you!
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What beautiful memories you’re making with Lyla. At my old school we had a magnolia in the courtyard (which was a cut through for staff but not the children!) I remember we used to sit out there with our lunch in spring, thank you for bringing me back some happy memories. 😊
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I do have a nice collection of memories and hope for many more! thank you-Isn’t there something about a magnolia?
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There were lots of magnificent magnolias in the West Tennessee town I grew up in. I never thought about reading a book under one. Maybe if we had had one on our property, I would have used it. I made do with climbing a pecan tree. The scent of a pecan tree is something to treasure.
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oh yes! I have several on the rabbit patch-I guess reading a book in a tree is just good no matter the variety! thank you!
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Beautiful post. Life is just grand (at least part of the time).
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thank you-I do love the happy days!
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Magnolias are beautiful. The idea of reading a book beneath one is even more so!
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they are really nice trees! they seem so friendly too. thank you!
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Lovely, Lovely!! The lovely magnolia’s and crepe myrtles are wonderful! Now I must google this mock orange you mentioned 🙂 There has to be rabbits!! xxx
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oh I wish you could smell the mock orange!! thank you sweet Ruthie!
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The flowers look beautiful, from what I saw on my google search! xx
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Sounds as if you had wonderful spring break…
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The break was lovely-so quiet and peaceful. thank you Ann!
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I would love to read a book under a magnolia tree! As a kid, my sister and I, used to sit up in a maple tree and read books. It was a great place! I always love my visit to the Rabbit Patch.
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Maples are pretty trees. I guess books and trees just go together! thank you-I am behind again!!!
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I am always running a few posts behind! So not too worry.
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such a beautiful memories you’re making with Lyla. thanks to share your memorable days.
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thank you for visiting and leaving such sweet words.
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I am happy you added rabbits which are always there to your list I things that make you glad.We don’t have wandering rabbits here in the mountains, and I would welcome them. I loved and related to this line, “Everybody ought to have a chance, to read a book under a magnolia,” but for me it would read, Everybody ought to have a chance to read a book perched high among the green leaves of a cottonwood tree.
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I think trees and books are meant to go together. oddly, I have a long history with rabbits! and then Lyla was born on Easter Sunday! oh thank you my sweet friend-I so love your comments. like a little visit! xx
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Now I want to sit under a Magnolia and read a book or take a nap while enjoying her fragrance. Ah what sweet dreams would be had!! Another beautiful story, told by you. Wishing you another lovely Sunday Dinner. 🙂
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thank you Deb! I hope you find a magnolia calling your name! You are so kind!
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Oh you’re most welcome! I’ll keep my ears open, as I would love that too!! ☺
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