~~~ Mother Nature has left her Calling Card!!!!~~~

I went out front a little while ago and this is what I found in the driveway. This Large branch fell out of one of the trees during the storms yesterday, I guess. We got home late and didn't see it.

It is a big one but not the biggest I found today!

 The leaves are starting to FALL already! It will soon be "that timne of year" when we spend days and weeks blowing, raking and hauling LEAVES!!!!!!!!!!!!! I HATE that job!!!!

 So, I got my blower out and cleaned up the porch and the part of the driveway that I can reach.

My hubby was out back cutting back the once beautiful cardinal flowers, that the hummingbirds love, since they, too got beat down during these storms of the past few days:( I got some shots before he cut them back.

It's such a shame cause they were so pretty all stading up tall! But they are about done blooming so I guess it is time.

 These had been standing up tall against the lattice.

 All beaten down:(

Then I saw a HUGE branch that had fallen.....

It is through this bush.....

The nuts from the birch trees are falling all over!!!! There are thousands of them. When we drive into the driveway it sounds like fireworks:):)

Look at them all! This is just a small spot of them!

 I thought I would get some shots of some PRETTINESS too. Is that a word???? I hope so! The begonias in the mailbox are doing fine.

 The flowers on the hostas all need to be cut back now too.

 The hydrangeas are turning a beautiful color now!!! I love them in Fall arrangements!

This is Mother Nature at her BEST!!!

I love the 2 lanterns that greet you as you approach the front door.

 We light them at night when we sit out on the front porch.

 Red and orange impatiens. I plant those colors so they will still look pretty with my Fall decorations.....that will be out here pretty soon!!!!!

They look like little rose buds when they start to open. SO pretty! Have to go get ready now, am going out tonight to help some friends make a banner for an upcoming event. Thanks so much for stopping by. I may link to some of these parties! XO, Pinky

Table Top Tuesday at :  http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/
White Wednesday at:  http://fadedcharm.blogspot.com/
Wow Us Wednesday at:  http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/
Tablescape Thursday at:  http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/
Vintage Thingie Thursday at:  http://coloradolady.blogspot.com/
Feathered Nest Friday at:  http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/
Foodie Friday at:  http://designsbygollum.blogspot.com/
Show and Tell Friday at:  http://myromantichome.blogspot.com/
Inspiration Friday at:  http://thepicketfence.blogspot.com/
Open House Friday at:  http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com/
Sunday Favorites at:  http://happytodesign.blogspot.com/
Seasonal Sundays at:  http://thetablescaper.blogspot.com/

~~~Around the Yard in August~~~

Hi everyone! On Sunday Joe and I did ALOT of yard work, trimming things back, pulling things out, cleaning things up....you get the picture. It was overdue because of the HEAT and HUMIDITY we have been having. It was still too hot to be out there but we perseveered! I took some shots when we were done (IN)!!!! Hope you enjoy looking around the yard. This is the mandivilla, climbing the railing on the deck.

 The tall red flwer is Cardinal Flower. It is perennial so comes back each year, and the hummingbirds and butterflies LOVE it!!!!!! The smaller red flowers are impatiens.

 Close up of cardinal flower.  The hummers can get lots of nectar out of the petals!!

 I removed alot of the water hyacinths. They multiply and will TAKE OVER the pond.

 Tried to capture a shot of some of the fish.

 The sun was coming through the trees and dappled shadows were on the stones and flowers.

 The upper waterfall.

 Can you see the FULL wheel barrel in the background? We filled that up MANY times over!!!!

I pray that you all in Texas and other states that need it, get some RAIN soon!!!! We had DOWNPOURS today. It is either feast or famine around here, rain wise it seems! Have a great week everyone! You all are such good friends. I love all the frinds I have made blogging! Thanks so much for your wonderful encouragement and support!!!! XO, Pinky I am joining Kim for Wow Us Wednesday at http://www.savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/