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Wednesday, July 10, 2019

Rainy July~~~~

So far with the exception of the Fourth, we've had some rainy days, but the plants just love it.

This Rocket Hydrangea was one of two table decorations that have survived in our garden since I retired some time ago. (I think a few others were devoured by local deer.) Anyhow, I look forward to their blooming each year as they bring back fond memories of my years of work in adult literacy.

Have you ever seen a Monkey Tree?  They seem to appear fairly often in landscaping around here, but we had never seen one in bloom before. We spent an afternoon in Gig Harbor, WA, recently and discovered this one after visiting one of my favorite yarn shops, Rainy Day Yarns.

Here are two close-ups of the tree's leaves and blossoms.



Can you guess what this is?


If you guessed baby spiders, you're right!  We found this group of eggs on the window near our front door, not knowing for sure whether or what would hatch.  Well, hatch they did, and while we were gone to Newport, they all took off to do their spiderly business...catching flies and mosquitoes, I hope.


In case you're worried that I've not been knitting, here's proof that my needles and I are still busy.  Actually, I finished this Stella Shawl at the end of June and forgot to include it in my last post. (A couple of other things are on my needles now and will hopefully be done by the end of the month.) Here's the link to the sock pattern that also wasn't in my last post.  That's all for now, have a great week.

10 comments:

Dee said...

I love that Monkey Tree. That is a very interesting leaf and flower.

Araignee said...

Oh, that shawl!!! How lovely.

Tired Teacher said...

The Monkey Tree is new to me. It's very unique. The shawl is a beauty.

Wanderingcatstudio said...

That monkey tree is cool! Love the shawl!

Betsy said...

Hello Judy,
I don't think I've ever seen a Monkey Tree, but it's a very interesting tree isn't it? Very different. I love your Stella shawl. The colors are so pretty. But...the spiders. Yuck! I'm terrified of them and wouldn't want them near my door. I hope they all went far, far away from your home.
Blessings,
Betsy

karen said...

oh, I love that shawl and the colors!! I haven't seen any of your plants/trees before so thank you for sharing them with me. The baby spider pic is fabulous and no I didn't guess right :)

Mereknits said...

I love the spider egg photo, I am all about nature doing its thing and just watching it happen. Love the new shawl Judy. Have a great weekend.

DelightedHands said...

I've heard of Monkey trees but never seen one up close--very cool!
The spiders are great outside....
Beautiful flowers and that shawl! Great job!

Jane said...

I have never seen nor heard of a monkey tree. I learn something new everyday. The shawl looks so pretty. Enjoy wearing it.

Susan said...

I never heard of, nor saw, a monkey tree, so you have expanded my botany knowledge! I'd never seen star hydrangea, either. A day of learning! The shawl looks lovely. Is knitting the only thing you are doing lately? Spiderlings are fun to watch as they blow away in the breeze. I don't mind them outside, but I am not fond of them hatching inside, even in the garage. =)