summer harvest

One of my favourite summer sights is seeing bales of hay sitting in the fields. I've been trying to carry my camera with me as I travel around so I can capture moments like these.

The hay wagon was a serendipitous find.  It was sitting in the middle of a field with the hay so neatly stacked on it.  I frequently drive this road and would have missed this completely had I not had my camera with me.  The next time I drove past, the wagon was behind the barn and the hay was gone.

It's hard to believe that summer is winding down already.  It's been incredibly hot and humid this year so on one hand, I'm looking forward to the clear, crisp days of Fall.  But on the other hand, I'm always disappointed when the garden begins to wind down for another season.  This year everything came out earlier than usual and I've noticed that it's finishing earlier than usual too.

"To everything there is a season ..." ~ Ecc. 3:1

downtown

Last week we had to go downtown Toronto for an appointment.  I brought my camera along so I could share a little bit of the city with you.  We were near Chinatown and these colourful lanterns were hanging around an outdoor patio.  Fran's Restaurant has been a Toronto landmark for 60 years ... it's near where my Dad used to work and I remember going there with him.

After our appointment, we headed to Kensington Market to do a little shopping.  Kensington is full of artists and I love the artwork on some of the buildings.

50's crinolines in all colours hang outside a vintage clothing shop.

Kensington Market has THE best vintage clothing shops anywhere!  And they're all on one street making it easy to shop.  If you look closely at the King of Kensington shop sign, at the top of his chest is tatooed "In Vintage We Trust".  Love it!

And where else but Kensington Market would you find bubbles floating in the air and watermelons hanging from colourful strings?

simple and pretty

It's just a few flowers growing beneath a window. I love the contrast of the red flowers against the soft teal window frame and sill, and the white clapboard siding. It was overcast so the window was closed but I can imagine that when it's open, muslin curtains stir in the breeze and scents from the garden drift inside. It's so simple and yet so beautiful.

This white wood and wire fence surrounds a flower garden in front of an old farmhouse.  Although the fence has obviously been recently painted, the wire is rusted just enough to add charm.  Cascades of pink phlox grow along the fence and the contrast of bright pink against white is stunning.  Elegance meets rustic.

majestic queen anne's lace

peony love

Peonies don't last long enough. Like lilacs, a week is about all I get before they begin to fade but they're just so darned beautiful, I wouldn't trade those few idyllic days for anything.

 A few glorious days, then the rain comes along and destroys their beauty. Luckily, the ants leave mine alone so I can bring them inside to enjoy {they last much longer indoors than they do in the garden}.

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Like the peonies, summer passes by too quickly to spend it indoors.  I'll be posting and visiting a little less than usual during the next couple of months to spend time in the garden, take lots of photos and just enjoy the carefree summer days.

Have a wonderful summer!

See you soon.
♥