Bachelor Brothers Seek Hibiscus

That would be the want ad for the Fleming brothers. These three old guys never married and are now famous for their show-stopping Hibiscus Hybrids. Their mother was a naturalist and they all hail from a little town called Lincoln, Nebraska.  They are all since deceased, but their colorful legacy lives on around town and beyond.

When we first got to town, I was astounded by these enormous flowers that were literally everywhere. In the beginning of August (when we arrived), these giants were at the end of a month-long bloom. They took a few weeks off and are now blooming again--one last firework before the cold of fall rolls in. They are incredible to look at, but once a bloom goes south, it looks like the hem of a wedding gown that has been dragged through the rain and mud. Does this image sound familiar?

I went to a greenhouse today to ask about the hibiscus here and learned about the Fleming brothers. I think I picked the most humid day to do this. I had to leave the greenhouse on account of the sweat dripping down my cheeks, arms, and running down the backs of my knees. The only way to describe the weather today here is disgusting, but I found ways to make the best of it. Check out these blooms from our neighbor's garden...

Gratitude...to beings with two legs and four...

I talked with my mother and my mother-in-law today -- both smart, funny, and strong.  Two of my four followers on this blog so far.  Shout out!  

Norma

Carol

These two women are different in complimentary ways, maybe that's why their kids got together. If I'm a mother some day, I hope to be like these two gals.

For now, I'm a mother to this black dog, who loves running around in morning dew.  Check out this pure joy. Cooper and all dogs teach us to live in the moment. They know what's important: food, love, sleep, and a good poop. 

That's it from Nebraskie today. 

An old potter, out in Nebraskie

We went out to see Ervin W. Dixon at his Cedar Creek Pottery yesterday. The place is about 45 minutes outside of town in a little place called Beatrice, Nebraska. The ride out consisted of cornfields. Like this picture.

Ervin bought this old church "before you were born" and has been making a ridiculous amount of pots ever since. This November marks his 33rd annual sale before the holidays.  He was very welcoming but had a bit of Andy Rooney in him. Might be a bit of loneliness there I think.  But then again, we all have that. He said that at one point he had a list of things he would not make including lamps, ashtrays and wind chimes. Well, guess what he's making now, to prepare for the holiday sale.  

Here's a little movie I made about the drive out there.

When we went in, there was a sign on the door, letting us know to come in and turn on the lights.  It also warned of "elegant chaos" ahead...

Here are a few shots of the "elegant chaos"

Finally, here's a little movie about the place. And a short video of Ervin making one of those lamps he said he would never make. 

Thanks for having us, Ervin and thanks family and friends for coming with us. Cheers.

The rules

I found this today and smiled.  Good rules to live by.  My younger cousin Krista put this together for all the Bass girls in my generation.  Last summer in Boothbay, Krista said to my husband when my sister wasn't there, "you could be in the club, just this once, only because Hannah's not here." 

maine.sweet.summer.quick.gone

We all know how fast it goes in Maine.  Even faster when you're robbed of August. In my mind's eye, I see it all with a blurry glow, like this video. Love you Maine and family. 

Simple and good

I always find joy in giving a horse some green grass. It's a simple thing, but they seem to enjoy it.  I love the sound of their lips thumping together when they take the grass out of the air. 

Wind before the Storm...