A weekend full of creatures like baby raccoons, a mountain lion visitor, and a praying mantis- along with blooming beauties and some exciting news.
Hydrangeas
When you find the most beautiful hydrangeas at the garden center- you bring them home. The prettiest pale green, cream and antique pink hydrangeas are going in the garden.

These limelight hydrangeas are popping into the garden this week and I am already in love with the mingle of the purples and white roses with them.
Baby Raccoons

All about the raccoon tree and baby raccoons again. You might remember the two baby raccoons that had fallen out of the raccoon tree in the backyard about 3 years ago and oddly- it has happened again. While getting the goats and chickens settled into the barn the other night- we heard what sounded like a bird yelling nonstop. My husband investigated and saw a baby raccoon holding onto a limb high up in the tree- and as he got closer- he saw another on the ground. I contacted my wildlife rescue friend and he advised us on what to do to keep them safe (especially because of the recent cat sighting ) until the mom came back or the rescuers could come pick them up. There was no sign of the mom overnight unfortunately -and they are just about a month old and too young to be out on their own- so they picked them up in the morning to rehab them until they can be released.
Mountain Lion
One of the reasons why we were especially concerned about leaving the baby raccoons out on the ground by the tree was that just a couple days prior- we spotted a large mountain lion walking all the way around the house. We have security cameras around the house- and captured this big cat walking the pathways front to back and right through two rose arbors. This is a screenshot is zoomed in to be able to show you- it was walking by the road so it isn’t too clear- but this gives you an idea of the size. We have seen mountain lions on camera before – and we also have a bear that has been roaming the neighborhood. He seems to be a bit camera shy though.

Praying Mantis & Roses
I was wandering with Juliette in the garden the other evening and we spotted a praying mantis sitting on one of the roses in the garden. We have seen this one or another several times this summer- a treat.

An Engagement
We are so excited that my son Cullan proposed to his longtime girlfriend in Hawaii this week. We love his fiancee Diem so much – she was already part of the family but we can hardly wait to have her officially be part of our family. We are full of wedding planning over here with all three of our kids engaged to be married- a very exciting time.

Wandering
DIY: Love this post about 8 paint colors your kitchen needs.
CREATE: this recipe for Pumpkin streusel muffins looks delicious.
DECORATE: If you are still in summer decorating mode– here are 7 tips.
Coming your way- a whole lot of garden fun, antique mirror renovation, best autumn finds.

Happy weekend all.
Thank You so much for all of your beaut inspiration. Did i miss the ruffled chair covers? Thank you so much, christine
It sounds as if the surrounding forest fires may be affecting the wildlife. we have mountain lions here in the foothills of the rockies as well. that one looks very thin.
This was a nice post. Here in GA, I am also dealing with Raccoons. I have several who visit my back porch every night and eat left over dry cat food and fruit that I leave them. They also LOVE the bird food I have in the feeder and gobble it down. Once in awhile though, the party gets too rowdy…one of my favvorite flower pots was the victim of ‘Raccoon Havoc’ this week. Since they are so cute though…I can’t stay mad at them.
So lovely
Hi COURTNEY,
Enjoyed the WEEKEND read. I Absolutely love HYDRANGEAS and the many COLOURS they come in. Baby RACCOONS are my FAVOURITE LITTLE VISITORS EACH YEAR. I LOVE THEIR SWEET BABY SOUNDS.
CONGRATULATIONS ON ALL 3 of your chiLDREN’S ENGAGEMENTS. YOU ARE GOING TO BE SO BUSY IN THE MONTHS TO COME.
HAVE A GREAT WEEK!!
Pam
XOX
OMGosh! Mountain lions roaming your yard? And a bear sighting? Fun to see on camera but I think you all are a lot braver than I am. I would be terrified to go in my yard. It is wonderful to hear you care about the safety of the baby raccoons. We get them in our yard also. I read they are members of the bear family. So far we have never had any in distress. Congratulations to all engaged and happy wedding planning. Exciting!! Love all your posts, look forward to them always. Loved the security camera capture!!!
Thank you so much for including me in the round-up!
I so appreciate you!
Happy day!
KariAnne