surrounded by beauty

Yesterday morning was sunny with low humidity, so I took a lovely walk in my neighborhood. The rest of this week is going to be hot and humid, so I take advantage of these cooler days outside whenever I can.

I enjoy looking at other people's pretty gardens as I pass by. Doesn't even feel like exercise when there's so much beauty to take in. And the mornings are so peaceful with most people at work ~ no traffic, just the sweet song of birds and hum of cicadas. I love small town living.

The tall, colorful zinnias in this neighbor's front yard always make me smile when I pass by. I must plant these next year! 

Now this is a creative idea to do with a tree stump, don't you think?

My walk also took me down to the lake. This is where my boys swam and fished when they were growing up, and is home to many geese and swans.

Sunsets on the lake are pretty spectacular, too. Sometimes, Brian and I walk down to the lake in the evening to just sit on the bench and watch the sunset. This photo was taken just a few weeks ago.

Back at home, my own butterfly garden is still thriving in the August heat.

I spied another swallowtail fluttering around yesterday afternoon, but it didn't stop long enough for me to get a close-up photo.

The Black-eyed Susans are at their peak right now ~ aren't they so pretty and cheery? I wish they'd last longer.

Another thing I love about living in a small town is that I can walk down the street and cut wildflowers from the side of the road.

I'm relishing these last few weeks of summer and lush beauty in my surroundings, as it certainly doesn't last long around here. Happy Wednesday, dear friends.