Dog Days of Summer

I'm finally back to blogging and there is no real good reason that I haven't over the last few weeks. I chalk it up to the fact that it's hot, I haven't been spending time doing stuff outside so I haven't been taking any pictures. Who wants to read a blog without pictures? I'm not quite ready for winter to get here yet, however, I can't wait to start doing outdoor activities! Hiking, walking, golfing, sitting outside in the evenings, etc. All of that is just a thought right now as I crank up the air conditioner and turn the fans on full force.
This is probably the one and only time of year that I'm thankful to have a gym membership. I love walking outside, but at least I can go and walk somewhere. I'm glad that I decided to keep the membership....only after threatening to leave last winter did I get the lowest monthly rate that I've ever heard a gym offer. $19 a month. Yup. They wanted to keep me that bad.

Here are a few pictures that I did take...you may not be able to notice, but I staid within a 20 foot radius of our front door. Basically I was just checking out how bushy our front courtyard had become. It's amazing how fast things grow in the heat!! Much faster than in the winter months.

Above, Jimmy is diligently taking care of our crazy hedges...I admire him for getting the motivation to to this midday. I mean - there comes a point where you just can't stay inside anymore regardless of the temperature! And you may see a little mist in the picture...that's because Jimmy turned on misters that I had completely forgotten were installed by the previous owners. However, after living in the house for over a year, I find it odd that they installed misters along the sidewalk leading to the front door. It would have made MUCH more sense to install them above the back patio. Nobody sits and hangs out and entertains on a walkway leading to the front door...why does it call for misters? Oh well.

Ok, I realized my poor flowers were getting choked out by mint leaves! When we bought the place, there was nothing but a patch of mint leaves in this little area. I've torn out the mint twice! All the roots and everything, then planted flowers to add some color and this is what happens. Most of what you see are mint leaves with an occasional flower. Someone please tell me some uses for a mass quantity of mint leaves! I'm not talking like "put a leaf in your tea.." I talking some recipes that call for like 10 bunches of mint. It's gotta be out there......

And finally...our pretty roses! I thought they may get fried, but they have been blooming all summer. I'm afraid to think of what will happen when we leave for 10 days next week as roses need some tlc...pruning, fertilizing and some hand watering so they don't get too dried out. What can ya do? Nothing. That's what. Just deal with it when we get back.

I was going to make this all one huge post along with our trip to Del Mar yesterday, but I'm going to make that a separate post, so stay tuned! Love and miss ya'll!!