Speaking of Umbrellas...

... here are the beginnings of the "Great Artists of the Garden series!"

And the lengths to which we go to aid and abet our gardens in the extreme heat and dry weather!  ;-)

Perhaps I'll be able to provide photos of each of the finished products!

Perhaps a little "shady!"
SG

July "Jumped the Gun!"

These blossoms aren't used to 100+ degrees Farenheit for over a week in early July!!

So something else has "popped up" in the garden!

In Iowa, if we ever HAVE 100 degrees days, they happen in August.

LOL
Guess you might say this is a "shady" subject! 
SG

Challenge: Countdown to Christmas - U

Umbrella

The word umbrella comes from the Latin word umbra, meaning shade or shadow.

(Information in this paragraph is taken from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

An umbrella or parasol (also called a brolly, rainshade, sunshade, gamp or bumbershoot) is a canopy  designed to protect against rain or sunlight.  The term parasol usually refers to an item designed to protect from the sun; umbrella refers to a device more suited to protect from rain.

My first thought is of  Julie Andrews as Mary Poppins.

She seems to be using the Umbrella to its best advantage!

How about this use of the Umbrella/parasol?

Now the other "famous Umbrella" that comes to mind is that used by

Gene Kelly in Singing in the Rain!

(Not quite sure he's got the idea of the Umbrella . . .)  lol

Two Umbrellas (August 24, 2008)

 - doing Parasol Work in what used to be a Shady Spot in the front yard!

And, I'm thinking THIS FELLOW is confused!!

(photo taken January 13, 2010)

I'm going to keep an eye out for THAT fellow! 

Perhaps he'll return this year, and I'll give him a Parasol instead!  ;-)

?  Want to know how the Umbrella was invented? ?  (click the link)

Counting Down to Christmas!!  Hope you're looking forward to a Wonderful celebration!  :-)

SG

The Elf and the Dormouse

So - did you wonder how the Umbrella was invented?  Here's the answer:

The Elf and the Dormouse

by Oliver Herford

Under a toadstool

Crept a wee Elf,

Out of the rain

To shelter himself.

Under the toadstool,

Sound asleep,

Sat a big Dormouse

All in a heap.

Trembled the wee elf,

Frightened, and yet

Fearing to fly away

Lest he get wet.

To the next shelter ---

Maybe a mile!

Sudden the wee Elf

Smiled a wee smile,

Tugged till the toadstool

Toppled in two.

Holding it over him

Gaily he flwer.

Soon he was safe home

Dry as could be.

Soon woke the Dormouse ----

"Good gracious me!

Where is my toadstool?"

Loud he lamented.

---And that's how umbrellas

First were invented.

Pretty sure it's true.  ;-)

SG