“War reflects the failure of our humanity. The pursuit of peace embodies humanity at its best.” ~ Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights #Flowers #Inspirational #Nature #PeaceDay #Photography

Our American Sycamore Tree (Platanus occidentalis) now almost 90’ tall, looking so stately in the Autumn evening light. We planted this native species 30 years ago from a tiny 2” seedling ~ #GoldenHour #Nature #Photography #SignsOfAutumn

Before the coming frost, I gathered an array of Pugster Blue® Butterfly Bush, Pink Jolt Dianthus, Nano Pink and Pinto Lavender Geraniums, Big Blue Salvia, and Purple Prince Zinnias from our gardens... the colors are so joy-full and healing ~ #Flowers #Gardening #Photography

Ben at 77, doing what he does most years on his birthday… tilling in our Summer garden in order to incorporate all of the organic matter we add every season. Common chickweed and Ground ivy will completely cover the open ground to prevent erosion throughout the winter months ~

Full Harvest Moon Dahlia “Ladies,” freshly picked from our garden: Linda, Gipsy, Mirella and Eveline ~ #Flowers #FullMoon #Gardening #Nature #Photography #SignsOfAutumn

Red Star Hibiscus aka Scarlet Rose Mallow (Hibiscus coccineus)… first time in our garden. I started the plants from seed in mid-February, and it just blossomed today… talk about a long season grower! #Flowers #Gardening #Nature #Photography

The hummingbirds and butterflies are loving these Purple Prince Zinnias… as am I ~ 💜🦋💜 #Flowers #Gardening #Nature #Photography #SignsOfSummer

Just harvested this Ambrosia Muskmelon that we raised from seed and planted in our greenhouse bed… as promised, it truly is super sweet and “melt in your mouth” delicious ~ #Gardening #GrowYourOwn #Photography #SignsOfSummer

Wow... thanks to all the rain we’ve had this summer, our Carmen Italian Sweet Red Peppers are huge this year! Carmen won the prestigious All-America Selections (AAS) award in 2006, and I can see, and taste, why ~ #Gardening #GrowYourOwn #Photography #SignsOfSummer

Almost 6” of drenching rains already this August… and then, earlier this evening, we were blessed with this soft, but lovely rainbow ~ #Nature #Photography #Rainbow #SignsOfSummer

I’m loving these beautiful “Red Morning” Orienpet Lilies, blessing this Guru Purnima Full Moon morning ~ “Love everyone, serve everyone, remember God.” ~ Neem Karoli Baba #Flowers #FullMoon #GuruPurnima #Nature #Photography

Stargazer Oriental Lily, enjoying this morning’s rain showers ~ This hybrid lily was developed by Dr. Leslie Woodriff in 1974 🌺 #Flowers #Nature #Photography #SignsOfSummer

Stepping out our front door to an array of hostas and lilies in the evening light ~ #Flowers #GoldenHour #Nature #Photography #SignsOfSummer

Cascade Begonias, blossoming in the morning sunlight ~ #Flowers #Gardening #Photography

Last evening’s Strawberry Full MoonRise… looks like my camera captured a pair of fireflies as well ~ #BlueHour #FullMoon #Nature #Photography #SignsOfSummer

Ella May Bruccoleri is delightful as Mary in BBC’s “The Other Bennet Sister” ~ And yes, “Our happiness is in our own hands.” #TheOtherBennetSister

OMG Christina Aguilera, that was beyond awesome! #Obama #ObamaPresidentialLibrary

Close-up of Mock Orange blossoms (Philadelphus coronarius)… catching the last of the evening’s glow ~ #BlueHour #Flowers #Nature #Photography

I started these Oriental Poppies (Papaver orientale) from seed decades ago, and they continue to blossom year after year, always gracing us with their bright and joyful burst of color. #Flowers #Gardening #Nature #Photography

This evening’s Full Blue Micro Moon in Scorpio, rising over our homestead… a perfect end to a very productive day, baling first cut hay. One entire Summer garden will be covered with a deep layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds ~ #BlueHour #Nature #Photography