I love these last days of summer,  when I dare not take any nice day for granted.    We headed out at noon,  very eager to get out and see the countryside.   I have been cooped up in the house the last three days,  so it was time to get out for sunshine and fresh air.

Our drive took us down to the rolling hills of Pennsylvania for a stop at a flea market,  then lunch,  and a visit to an antique shop we had visited a couple of years ago.    We bought only a piece of orange fabric that I will use to make dinner napkins.  The two things that really caught my eye were a handmade dollhouse,  and a child’s dinnerplate,  and since neither was practical for this stage in my life,   I passed them by.

Back home,   I am watchful of the birds again.   Now that I am up off the couch more often,   I am enjoying each new sighting that comes this way.     Blue jays are rare in our yard,  but one called quite loudly to let me know he was here.

Three youngsters stopped by - a cardinal and two mockingbirds.

And I caught a male cardinal coming in for a landing.

From our end-of-summer garden,  we have finally picked our first tomato,  some swiss chard,  and green peppers.    I used all three to make a salad for tonight’s dinner.

Unfortunately,  these days will soon become few and far between,  so I’m glad I’m well enough to enjoy them right now.