The weather has been VERY hot and dry, here in Texas. I’m no longer surprised when “my dove” now visits the balcony for a drink, even while I’m sitting right there! I have a few green tomatoes, so far, and already ate several peppers from my plants. Time will tell if I’m able to give the plants enough water and just enough sun to keep things growing in this heat. The cactus, to the left of the shelves, is the happiest.
Wings of a Dove
by Henry Van Dyke
I
At sunset, when the rosy light was dying
Far down the pathway of the west,
I saw a lonely dove in silence flying,
To be at rest.
Pilgrim of air, I cried, could I but borrow
Thy wandering wings, thy freedom blest,
I’d fly away from every careful sorrow,
And find my rest.
II
But when the filmy veil of dusk was falling,
Home flew the dove to seek his nest,
Deep in the forest where his mate was calling
To love and rest.
Peace, heart of mine! no longer sigh to wander;
Lose not thy life in barren quest.
There are no happy islands over yonder;
Come home and rest.
And, finally, one of my mom’s favorite songs. I remember as a child, I had to stay home from school, sick, one day. She played this song, over and over again, as she cleaned the house. I remember feeling very surprised:)
I remember this song from “Tender Mercies.” It was good to hear it again.
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I had forgotten about that! Thanks, Liz, glad you enjoyed:)
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You’re welcome, Becky. Thank you for sharing that memory of your mom.
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That was certainly my pleasure, Liz.
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π
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In this dry period I too receive similar visits. here in Italy
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I bet you do, Luisa! Hope you like that as much as I do.
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Your tomato plant looks great. Mine gave me two tomatoes then no more blossoms. Not sure what’s wrong. A nice little dove.
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Thanks, John. I did have some blossoms whither and fall off too soon. It’s just too hot!
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Maybe that’s it. Might be a fall opportunity. Thanks, Becky
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Maybe, or start earlier in the spring?
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Yeah, that too.π
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Worth a try; I’ll have to remember that next year!
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Me too.
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It’s the heat. Tomatoes stop producing in the summer, and then will come back in the fall. The pick-it farm where I go was loaded with fruit, but the last two weeks only the cherry tomatoes have done well. There are still some slicers, but not so many. They drip irrigate, so the drought’s not a problem — just the heat.
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That’s what I was afraid of, so the trick is just to keep them alive until fall? Mine are cherry and Roma.
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Thank you, Linda. I think I will start earlier next year. I’ll keep this one going until it gets cooler and see what happens.
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I remember that song. I always loved it.
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Lavinia, I’m happy you remember and like this one. I hope you’re having a good summer!
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She’s beautiful. And so are your plants.
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So kind of you to say so:) I’m sure that you’re enjoying your yard these days!
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I love the poem. The video was a trip down memory lane
Plants look good.πͺ΄πͺ΄πͺ΄
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Pat, I sure appreciate that! The song certainly is an oldie-but-goodie:)
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Lovely all around, Becky! Thanks for sharing. π
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Pleased that you think so, Bette!
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Wow. I haven’t heard that song for a million years. You can claim the dove. She’s claimed you.
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That seems fair, Martha:)
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Hi. I hadnβt thought about Ferlin Husky in ages. I think I remember him from the 1950s or 60s, so he must have had at least one song that crossed over into the pop music charts.
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Yes, that was his time, so many years ago! The song has been recorded by many other people, too.
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Your plants are way ahead of mine. Tomatoes are barely blooming; hope I get some ripe ones by September! It must be nice to see the dove come by.
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The early warmth gave them a good start but progressed to “hot” much earlier than expected. I imagine yours are much happier plants, Audrey. Yes, I really enjoy the birds here in the Square!
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Awww, how nice of you to care for the dove. He quickly realized he’s got somebody looking out for him.
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Probably so, Pete. I appreciate that!
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It’s lovely to see your plants! Oh dear that pigeon is a bit too much at home …
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Maria, thank you! The tree where many of them hang out is just feet from my balcony, so it’s really not too surprising that one would explore a bit beyond:)
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I’ve always loved that song. Of course, the white-winged dove made it into one of our modern songs, too. I have a pair of these that sit in my feeders every evening now. I think they’re a mated pair, and they’ll stay until almost full dark before flying up to their tree — and they always get a drink before bedtime!
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I had forgotten about that line in this song, Linda! Thanks! Yes, doves certainly are creatures of habit:)
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Hot and dry is my least favorite season. We will have more of that once monsoons are done but for now, everything is getting a little drink of fresh water. I love hearing the doves coo in the early morning hours. I never thought about putting out water for them though. Thanks for making me think about it. I loved hearing that song years ago. Had forgotten about it. Thanks for sharing it.
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Yes, they do make a pleasant sound, don’t they? I’m happy to hear from you, Marlene, and hope that all is going well!
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I’m glad that the dove is brave enough to get a much-needed drink even if you’re present! And I really hope you get some rain and cooler temps soon.
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Thanks, Ann; we really do need it. I was surprised, too, and had seen the bird out there a few times through the window. I could hardly believe it the first time it flew in with me sitting there!
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Gosh!
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Lovely post! It’s always magical when winged guests visit the yard. Cheers!
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Happy you enjoyed it, Cecelia. You’re right, it IS magical!
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What a comforting post altogether. Thank you for producing and sharing it with us – your words, the poem and the song. Hope you can spare enough water to keep the plants going.
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Very kind of you to say so, Cynthia. Luckily, my balcony offers shaded portions, so I do a lot of moving plants around:)
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Your balcony is lovely!
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So pleased you think so, Christy! Thank you:)
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Awwww ….. I’m surprised there was only one. No mate? And such a beautiful poem. Thanks for sharing. And I, too, remember that song …. long time ago, eh?
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A pair of them hangs out in a tree close by, but only one at a time comes to the balcony for water. Yes, a LONG time!
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beautiful poem and great song; I used to love it when I was a kid; what a name! whatever happened to Ferlin Husky? down our way it has been quite cold, one of our coldest winters for some years; could do with a bit of your heat down here in Oz π
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I will gladly send you some of our heat! Happy you liked the post, John:)
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Love your dove!
Your terrace looks wonderful, and obviously the dove agrees.
LOL, my mom loved that song, too.
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Thanks for taking a look, Resa! I’m happy to read that you also have a memory of that song:)
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Oh yeah! πΆ
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Oh what a beautiful visitor. π That cactus does look very happy. π
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Yes!
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π
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