Irises and Strawberries

Tonight, the Lord of Dragonwood took us on a walk to see the secret irises in bloom. Although we knew they existed, for three years or so we have never seen their flowers. Delicate they are, and lovely. Pale, pale blue-purple with soft yellow throats, much more subtle than their showy cultivated sisters. They have that pure beauty of an innocent woman, simple in her garments but irresistible in her loveliness.

In the gardens, the strawberry harvest is heavy. We picked as a family in the evening, and after the children are abed, the grownups hull and wash and put them up. The Lord is a master of strawberry jam and other sweet delights. The full Strawberry Moon rose red this evening, perfectly matching the hue of the fat berries in our bowl.

Squirrelboy found out why we don't keep petting spiders (I did warn him). Mamma Wolf Spider did not appreciate the harassment, and bit him on the finger. After a bout of howling, Squirrelboy seems to be absolutely fine. We hope he has learned his lesson. "But I can still pet daddy long-legs," he says, having learned that they do not bite people. And there was the time earlier this spring when he found out why you don't want to pet a bee...

Outside the front door of the Manor, the Lord is building a fine strong deck. And last night, the Lady held a soiree with intimate friends to honor this growing time of year. Soft music under the moon and stars, with good food and good conversation, is a perfect way to spend an evening.