It's August 1st!

My last morning of lily snipping. Just short of 300 still, but I'm done with the rigorous daily garden cleanup. Let nature do her thing.

So, one last photo run of a basically July garden, on the 1st of August. (Can you believe it's already August?)

(good morning, green froggie!)

(good morning, chickens!)

Breakfast, on the porch. I do something rare: I cut four lily blooms for the table. Their numbers may be dwindling, but that's all the more reason to enjoy them at every opportunity!

I get things ready then. For my August travels. And for my older daughter's birthday celebration. Tonight, at the farmhouse, with her family.

This includes a bit of driving around. Errands, and importantly -- cake. I decided not to bake one myself (no time for it) and so I pick up a pre-ordered chocolate one, with raspberry spread, cream and chocolate glaze from Madison Sourdough.

At home I run through my to-do list, and very quickly it is time to pick up Snowdrop. Thursday is just Snowdrop day, which on this particular occasion is a good thing because the girl can amuse herself while I cook dinner. (So can Sparrow... most of the time. But he leaves a bigger paper trail. Literally! His paper craft projects are legendary!)

She sort of kind of helps with present wrapping...

And we read, but I warn her that I can only give her so much of my time. Someone needs to cook dinner! And still, when Ed gets ready to go to the local farmers market, she begs to go. I throw caution to the wind. We go.

For the cheese curds from John. The Lemon cookie from Tom and Cat. For the conversation (and tomatoes) from Natalie.

And more corn from Stoneman's.

And now I have to speed cook! My daughter asked for Crispy Gnocchi with Burst Tomatoes and Mozzarella.  I'm on it!

Oh, but let's welcome the arrivals and do a family photo outside!

Happy birthday, oldest, awesome child of mine!

Happy, happy birthday!

(cake, with sparklers!)

They birthday celebrations end, they pack up the leftover chunk of cake, gather together the gifts, and head home.

What a day!

And now if you'll excuse me, I have to run upstairs and pack.

With so much love!