“Just living is not enough,” said the butterfly,
“one must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower.”

– Hans Christian Anderson

It has been a busy summer, but at the same time, I feel like I’ve done nothing at all and it’s almost over. Summertime is running out.

I think that’s a pretty common feeling with most.

There’s been birthdays, anniversary dinners (hello, 13 years – lucky or not lucky? weigh in), work around the new homestead, work at, well, work because the new homestead wasn’t free,  and the usual lounging in the summer heat. I can’t believe we’re into August already.

I missed the June 7 on 7 post, so this is a bit of a combo platter of June and July of which I have at least 250 photos on my computer that I haven’t had time to sort through. The peonies above were a nice surprise in the garden (and I say garden with the greatest amount of optimism) that we’ve inherited with this place. I’ve never had peonies before so they were actually a bit of a delight. There is also a patch of somewhat contained decorative Globe Thistle, and I spent a good hour last week playing with the Monarch below, while she enjoyed the thistle and dried her wings after a storm.

What a beauty. My favourite is the one at the very top of this post, shot through the surrounding thistle. A glimpse.

And that’s it for me – short and sweet. Honestly, I almost missed this month again, and I’m coming in under the wire, with two minutes to bedtime.

Make the most of your August, my friends. See you next month :)

Tara is up next with her seven photos from July.  She’s a fabulous photographer so make sure you stop by and leave her a lovely comment or two.