August splendor & two awards

August started with lots of rain, and it has been by far too cool for the season. However, the flowers and plants are thriving, thus showing nature's special summer splendor. The yellow ones below belong to my favorites.

The yellow roses are true beauties.

The phlox is just gorgeous -- that luscious pink is a dream!

The pink lily just shines.

Herbs are also growing well -- here's Thai basil. It's perfect for Thai curry, adding that extra flavor to the dish.

Another variety of basil -- it tastes like cinnamon. Since I love cinnamon, it's definitely one of my favorite herbs.

This year I grew black-eyed Susan from seeds. I can only recommend this -- the plant has been growing very well and is by far healthier than the plants I had bought at garden centers in previous years.

Finally, I am glad to say that I received two awards from dear fellow bloggers. I won't pass them on, but feel free to snag them for your own blog if you feel like doing so. So without further ado, here's the Happy 101 Award from Janie from Mother Moon. Thanks Janie for passing on this award to me!

By accepting the award, I am supposed to share ten things which make me happy. So here are in no particular order ten things which add to my happiness:

The other award is from Jules from MoonCat Farms Meanderings -- thanks so much for such a special award. I am touched by your kind words that I brighten your day and the world around you. Wow!

By accepting this award, I am supposed to sum up my blogging motivation, philosophy, and experience in five words. After some consideration, I came up with this: