Pike County Living

Yesterday one of my sons had a group of friends out to our farm to do a little paintballing. While they were out in the woods and fields, I had an opportunity to clean the house, do some gardening and read some of my book (East of Eden…..I love it!) We don't have AC in our house, so it was back to basics to stay cool….sitting on the porch, fans, water and loose clothing.

The butterflies were in an abundance in my garden. There are so many reasons why I like zinnias….they attract butterflies is one of them.

I spent July 4th up at our farm in Pike County…weeding…cleaning the house and checking out the freshly baled hay. Last night I went up to the Rockcliffe Mansion in Hannibal to see the fireworks from the roof-top deck. Spring of 2010 I sold the 14,500 sq ft mansion to a nice couple from Miami. They were in town and invited me up to see their progress. The mansion is lucky to have them as stewards. They have restored some of the Tiffany sconces and windows….including tracking down some of the sconces that were sold off. 

Rockcliffe Mansion

Hay Bales @ Rockford Farms

My Farm Garden

 

Everything just seems to grow better out at the farm. I have these same plants in my garden in University City…they look good, though not this robust! The red flower is Bee Balm or Monarda. The white flower is Gooseneck Loosestrife.  Both are pretty invasive…so give them room!