A Rustling

The sunny utility meadow really has it going on right now. There are more things blooming than you could shake a stick at. There are even plenty of unknowns of lesser bloom drama that were not deliberately introduced or encouraged, hiding in the early fall flower extravaganza and pretending they are of equal stature.



A closer look at the white, Great Blue Lobelia reveals it does have two pale lavender lips.



The lone Ligularia has been blooming for a couple of weeks now. I think this may be Ligularia dentata 'Othello'.



I heard a rustling and thought I saw something moving. I stuck a big stick in there and poked it around and nothing came out. Eh, it must have been the wind, so I went about my business. Halfway through the job, the bat flew out. Aaack!



I grabbed the ladder and held on. That last piece of siding would have pancaked it to the cabin.

The siding on the back kitchen wall is done now. The caulk is on around the window and at the siding/corner trim seams. Next I just have to climb back up there and paint. Some other day perhaps.

The trim for the half circle window is painted and will be ready to put on when it is dry. Then that bit of wall can be finished. The wasp nest was sprayed and I will check for bats before I get started.



The stepping stone landing at the service entrance was expanded and sand swept into the joints. I can wait for rain to wash it clean. Shouldn't be a long wait.



The wood framing for a mini metal roof over the electric meter is almost done. Water and snow from the roof above falls on the meter box and splashes against the house causing mold, rust and icebergs. Not good, so it needs to be deflected from off the top of the meter box.



The blue asters are beginning to stir. Symphyotrichum novae-angliae, the New England Aster, the big one, at upwards of six feet tall if it stays standing is making its appearance. The aster gift from Frances at Fairegarden, Tennessee is a miniature duplicate of this giant. That is why I found it hard to believe they were the same species. I compared them closely though and they look just alike. Hers is just half the size.



Symphyotrichum cordifolium, the Blue Wood Aster brings the bloom season to a close. This aster will turn the whole mountain top blue following the fading white of the current display of the Ageratina altissima, the White Snakeroot.



The blue aster show still waits in the wings. The curtains are rustling.