After, the anniversary celebration, for my parents, yesterday, today was quiet and as ordinary as a Tuesday. I did make the “early service”. A mist shrouded the countryside on this first morning in July. I caught a glimpse of a female tanager flying from the top of a pecan tree. The sight of the golden yellow bird is not a common occurrence, here on the rabbit patch. I was hoping to catch a glimpse of her mate, as he is a handsome bird as red as a cardinal, but he was no where in sight. I gathered a small collection of sycamore limbs. These trees show no mercy and are constantly dropping something. They are shedding bark now, as well as branches and in a few months it will be round pods of seeds. Then, for the grand finale, sycamores drop leaves the size of dinnerplates, in the early fall.
Tres spent the night at the rabbit patch, so I did not tarry too long. Tres never sleeps late. When Tres is here, we always drink fancy coffee and breakfast is likely to last a while. It is a tradition now, for us to talk about the details of our lives while breakfast is cooked, eaten and put away.
When, I came in, Tres was grinding coffee beans and the kitchen smelled like morning.
The conversation over coffee, lasted til the mist had cleared and the territory was bathed in a hot sunshine. I was not having a “Sunday Dinner” today. I suppose most of the family, was having left overs from the anniversary party, as everyone left with containers of things like potato salad, cole slaw and the lovely carrot cake.
I did do some laundry, but mostly, I took the day off to read. I listened to a few lectures and researched the tanager birds. I try not to feed birds when the world is full of berries, as it seems in some way, I am hindering their natural inclinations . . .(except, when conditions are quite unfavorable or we have left overs, that it would be shameful to waste) . . but if I did, I now know that the rarely seen tanagers would enjoy grape jelly.
The heat and humidity drain me of motivation to tackle yard work. I finally cut the air condition on, which meant I had to close the windows. I miss hearing the songbirds and tractors rumbling in distant fields. The house will not smell like magnolia blossoms nor the sweet mimosa, either. I so wished the summer vacation took place in months like October.
I am now in the habit again, of saying my prayers, outside each night. There is something so sacred about it, for me. No matter the constant changes in life we must endure, the heavens remain steadfast. The moon may be waxing, but it rose over the field in a majestic manner and it was almost pink. It joined Venus, which has been a “showstopper” as of lately . . .and at least ten thousand stars. I am always in awe of the sky, but there is something about the night sky particularly, that does “declare the glory of God”.
Since it is now July, I do not care that today is Monday. It was already hot at the “early service”. I did do a little weeding and when the spirit moves within me, I will venture out again. I do have to pay bills and have a “business” call to make. I dread both tasks. I do not like “business affairs” at all and put them off til the last possible moment, which makes it all the more nerve wracking. I deem anything that is”official” on any level, as “business” which includes getting the oil changed in the car or having my drivers license renewed. I would much rather do battle with the relentless southern vines than have “an appointment” of some sort.
In my meandering, around the territory this morning, I saw that the last iris is spent. I already miss them, for they are like old friends to me. Spring seems fleeting every year, but this year we had record rainfall and just a few short weeks of delicate temperature. One lone foxglove is blooming, I noticed sadly . How did such a sentimental heart grow inside of me! I so wished June could have lingered a bit longer. I did cheer up when I saw that the “rose -of-Sharons” are full of blooms and a new one has sprung up. My aunt Carolyn gave me the seeds in a brown paper bag, not long after I moved to the rabbit patch. I could not think of planting a thing at that time, and so they got tossed in a drawer without much thought. When I came across them again, I felt ashamed and so I put them in a pot and wished them luck. I was on a mission to make the farm house livable and it took every waking minute. That first summer, every article of clothing I owned, had paint on it and I was covered in bites and scratches, when school started back. I did not have one moment to plant flowers. Somehow, the seeds sprouted and so I planted them in the yard and again, wished them luck. Aunt Carolyn passed a few years later. Today, her “rose of Sharons” give shade. I am especially glad for the one that “volunteered”, for I can take it with me to the next “rabbit patch”. Flowers are a lovely way to remember somebody.
I spent the afternoon doing all sorts of jobs, that I do not like. I went through my filing cabinet, which is really a dresser. I can never figure out just how long to keep a receipt. I am always sure the moment, I throw one away, some dispute will arise and I will have tossed the only proof of my innocence. The truth is, technology has really done away with such archaic methods of “proof”, mostly. In this case, I decided a year was long enough to satisfy my need for a paper trail.
Next, I cleaned the freezer out, which really did not take long, as I am determined not to waste food, and so I keep it orderly, on a regular basis. Later, I started supper, for at last, the left overs from the anniversary party, were gone.
The diary of a country woman is anything but glamorous. It may lack mystery and thankfully, dramatic conflicts. This diary is just an account of what I have found to be ” true, noble, right, pure and lovely” . . . with high hopes, that others will “think about such things” , too.
rabbitpatchdiarycom 
Reading your posts Michele does make me thing of some of the beautiful and simpler things of life and nature….One doesn’t need ‘drama’ to be a wonderful writer… Diane
LikeLiked by 1 person
awwh-Diane thank you. There is more than enough drama in this world-so I am perfectly content without adding a smidgen more. I am so happy you think of nice things when you visit. I so value your company. love Michele
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ma’am,
How do you get the words to put all that you see into writing so beautifully ?I can read and read and read and not look for the ending. It like you witness the morning service but we experience the morning service. You are truly talented, ma’am.
What are the roses of Sharon ? Are they roses ?
Can you post a picture please ?
And also of sycamore leaves as big as plates, when they start shedding .
Susie
LikeLiked by 1 person
We love your diary, Michele! Last week I saw a baby rabbit in our yard & thought of your precious patch filled with lots of rabbits & grandeurs of God’s creation. 🌷🤗🌷
LikeLike
People who aren’t privileged to live in the country just don’t really understand what they are missing. You certainly help them “see” our life more perfectly with your writing. We are truely bless Miss Rabbit.
We finely got some rain..just short of an inch. Thank you Lord…We were in need.
Do you have a big 4th planned? It will be quite around her. Son#1 is in Mass. with his wifes family and Son # 3will not be home until late that night. I hope the sky will be clear so he can enjoy the fireworks across the South from above them. That should be interesting. Son #2?? Who knows.
I haven’t closed up the windows just yet except in m xoxoy bedroom ( sleeping cool is amust) I just sit in front of the box fan or under the ceiling fans. It works. Enjoy the week dear.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I so love a fan! and the ac is just on in my room, too-and my sons’. I am going to my sisters house . She lives about 40 minutes away,, on Lake Phelps. The fourth is usually very quiet here too, but my parents want to go, so I am going with them. I am so thankful for country life-what a beautiful difference it has made for me. . .and my children. I hope things are well with you. You just seem like an old friend to my heart. love Michele
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a lovely hymn to a country morning! It is so lovely to slow down and take the time to read your posts, Rabbit; they are always so evocative. Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
thank you dear gillyflower-Nature is a beautiful subject- and you know this all too well, for your posts are always a joy to read. love Michele
LikeLiked by 1 person
I loved when you wrote, “the kitchen smelled like morning.” What a great concept. Warmed my heart.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Another beautiful post Michele! You have a gift with words. The simple things in life are the ones that matter most.Your blog is so beautiful because it has such a fine appreciation for those small and yet significant things… each flower, each leaf, the sounds of birds, the beauty of a night sky, the mystery of the stars, the smell of coffee in the kitchen, and love of family and friends and the treasures left by loved ones gone. This is what makes our lives, what inspires us, brings us hope, and leaves us with memories to treasure! Lovely!!! Amira
LikeLiked by 1 person
thank you friend-and I agree that the contents of life are really as you described. What if we al took notice of the beauty? . .as you do-wouldn’t it make a difference!
LikeLike
Thank you for your beautiful words, I was especially moved by the line “No matter the constant changes in life we must endure, the heavens remain steadfast.” And for me, I took the heavens to mean God and Heaven…. And I am so very thankful for His constant faithfulness and reliability!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Patti-and you are exactly right. It is my comfort too for truly God is the ONLY constant. It is a pleasure meeting you.
LikeLike
I’m sorry dear but this time I have to disagree with you:the diary of a countrywoman is the essence of glamour…..❤️
P.s
Nothing is better then a kitchen smelling of morning 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
you dear darling-thank you xoxoxo love Michele
LikeLiked by 1 person
I never thought of praying outside at night. Thanks for a great idea.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is a beautiful way for me, It helps that it is quiet and even the darkness helps me stay focused, loveMichele
LikeLiked by 1 person
All the things you mentioned seem ordinary but they are really the things that make wonderful memories, well, except the “business” stuff, lol! Funny you should mention a tanager, I have had just the briefest of glimpses of one lately, and as soon as I try to follow its trail with my camera it just quickly disappears…they really are elusive!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Really an ordinary life suits me fine. The tanagers are such private birds – early mornings are good and I have noticed mine are usually in the same areas ?? I am not sure why. maybe you should try the grape jelly to get a pic-worth a shot! haha! (that was too easy) thank you dear, love Michele
LikeLiked by 1 person
Today is a good day for me, Michele. I am feeling good enough to read, and I have been saving your posts to enjoy.
This one was beautiful, the smell of morning, I remember that from childhood. The smell of coffee and pancakes, eggs or French toast and bacon. Wonderful memories.
Sunday service is always a joy for me, it centers me for the week to come.
However, I do envy your life at the Rabbit Patch, Your diary is something I look forward to. Thank you for sharing your beautiful words. Hugs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
you sweet darling! I am so glad you are catching up! I love morning! I am especially glad you are having a good day! thank you again! love Michele
LikeLiked by 1 person