tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81453597180684372502024-03-13T08:19:10.053-07:00Knee Deep in BloomersRamblings from an amateur gardener about all things green and growing in middle Tennessee.Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04290025777828410837noreply@blogger.comBlogger63125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8145359718068437250.post-48440971605794874222013-08-08T19:17:00.000-07:002013-08-08T19:17:05.429-07:00Unusual Tennessee Summer...<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This summer has been an odd one for us, weather-wise, in middle Tennessee. We've had some of our lowest temperatures that I can recall, some of the lowest humidity levels, enough rain - and often enough to keep the lawns lush and the flowers blooming much later into summer than usual. Last year our pool water reached 94 degrees (early in the summer) and a dip in the pool felt more like swimming in soup than it did a refreshing dip in the pool. Tonight I checked the water temperature and was shocked to find it was 81 degrees. My husband won't even get in the water unless it's a minimum of 83 degrees. His swimming season is extremely limited in comparison to mine... when we open the pool (around April 1st) I'll find my way into the water within days... no excuse is too feeble! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">After owning a hot-tub (spa) for 9 1/2 years, we finally sold it, last weekend, and got a new conversation set to allow us to better enjoy the patio area. I know we'll miss that tub; especially on those cold winter nights... but its a nice change to the patio/pool/garden area. Check out that Sweet Autumn Clematis covering the fence in the background. It is cut down to the ground each spring and grows so wild and wooly before blooming in the fall. You know that I'll be posting photos of it in full bloom soon enough!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It will be nice to sit, snuggled up, with my sweet hubby on the loveseat though. I could tell he liked the new set because it was barely put in place before he'd christened it with a nap! They young men who moved the hot tub did an excellent job... no damage to anything... and short of one wasp sting and a field mouse sighting - it was basically uneventful. Ah, the things that sweet youth allows the body to manage! They were amazingly strong. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We've been graced by turkeys lately... They are some funny looking creatures; although they may say the same of us! They amble through the yards, especially in the early morning or just before dusk and roost higher up in the trees than you'd ever imagine possible. They're not exactly graceful as they settle on a spot to roost... and can be heard thrashing about in the middle of the trees causing a few leaves to rain down as they move about. As I left for work the other morning I snapped a quick photo from the car as I drove past - there were 18 total. (Click on photos for larger view)</span></div>
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18 Turkey</div>
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Turning in for the night.</div>
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You know it has to taste like cotton candy! How could it not?</div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I guess I'd better sign off for now. I hope you're able to get out and enjoy your gardens and do a little daydreaming each day. Until next time - get out there and get some dirt under your nails!</span></div>
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Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04290025777828410837noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8145359718068437250.post-13440798071971549502013-07-13T19:12:00.002-07:002013-07-13T19:12:15.002-07:00<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It's been a while since I've posted anything... but the gardening does go on! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Twice since posting about sharing cut flowers I have followed through... sharing flowers from my garden with a coworker. The first was a simple vase with two pink peony... and they were so simple and sweet. Don't you think they have the sweetest fragrance? This time I got a bit more daring with my presentation and selected a few different variety of blooms and was very pleased with how it turned out. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This vase has Mandevilla, Sunny Knock-Out Roses, Stella de Ora daylilly and a purple butterfly bush who's name escapes me at the moment. She was thrilled to receive them and even wanted to know the names of each different flower. It was especially sweet of her to show such interest in the gift.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">We've had quite a bit of rain lately and the other afternoon a shower dumped 2-inches of rain on our yard in less than an hour. The rain fell so hard and fast that one of my two Mandevilla split at it's trunk from the weight of the rain-drenched blooms. I supported it with a wire frame and it doesn't look any worse for the wear... at least for now, but it was terribly disheartening to see it split. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I'd love to know the name of this flower. It was shared with me by a coworker who acquired it from a neighbor. Regardless... it's welcome in my yard. It stands about 4 feet tall and reminds me of the Black Eyed Susan... but doesn't have the dark brown center. I'm open to your feedback.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Here's a sweet little lavender colored wild flower growing amongst the fallen hickory nuts at the back of the property. Another one I can't identify. They are scattered about the yard... each standing only about 2-3 inches tall with somewhat of a trumpet-like bloom (one bloom per plant).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">And then there's this sweet dragonfly who allowed me to snap a few photos... while he (or she) rested atop one of my plant stands.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I hope your gardens are thriving and you are able to enjoy them to the fullest. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Until next time... keep on gardening! Thanks for joining me in the garden!</span></div>
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Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04290025777828410837noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8145359718068437250.post-38420708568113982992013-05-30T05:17:00.001-07:002013-05-30T05:17:29.900-07:00The Hazards of Gardening...<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was chatting with a coworker the other day and she said that she doesn’t have anything that blooms in her yard because she is allergic to bee stings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wow… what a bummer!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had never thought of that before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> That may be worse than a food allergy!! Two of my greatest treats: flowers and food!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I find the front of my home to be boring and lacking in personality and color; simply because I have not yet come up with a plan for the landscaping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure, it has shrubs: Boxwood, Manhattans, Nandina, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But nothing that pops with personality and color. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our Manhattans suffered a disease a few years ago that got my hopes up for new landscaping… sadly, they survived!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I would dearly love to have all of the shrubbery removed… the soil leveled and new landscaping put along the front sidewalk and porch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only do we have to plant things that are shade tolerant… but we’ve got to battle the deer and select items that they don’t favor as well; because let me tell you... they see it as their personal smorgasbord. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> It's a fairly large area though and would be a major undertaking, especially if done all at once. Perhaps that is the key... I can make it a 10-step program!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The back yard is another story entirely and is really coming together - mostly because it’s where we spend all of our time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our biggest fear there is the danger of getting West Nile from the hundreds of mosquitoes that have recently hatched!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are horrid!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hopefully they’ll only be a real nuisance for a couple weeks and then retreat to the woods like good, self-respecting mosquitoes should!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Until then, we’ll bathe ourselves in DEET and perform our ceremonial dance around the citronella candle with our arms flailing and thrashing around our bodies as we try to ward off those evil buggers!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Don’t be shy…grab your favorite can of personal pesticide and join in!</span><br />
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Recently planted Black-Eyed Susan from a friend/coworker. It seems to have really taken root. </div>
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I can hardly wait to see it in full bloom!</div>
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Stella de Ora Daylilies and Purple Salvia from our neighbors.</div>
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I can't believe they are this beautiful their first year... </div>
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Lord knows they were put through some major stress!</div>
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Yellow-Belly Woodpecker stopping by for a quick bite.</div>
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Mandevilla, "Sunny" Knock-Out Roses and Wisteria vine in the background.</div>
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Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04290025777828410837noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8145359718068437250.post-17234362869831929032013-05-17T07:18:00.002-07:002013-05-17T07:18:58.555-07:00That's what gardening is all about...<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #d9ead3;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #d9ead3;"><i><span style="color: #3333cc; font-family: 'Footlight MT Light','serif';"><span style="color: #d9ead3;">I love sharing things about gardening. What I have yet do is share more than <u>words</u> and <u>photos</u> of my garden. I dearly love it when someone cuts a cluster of various flowers from their yard, drops them into water and sets them on a coworker’s desk. There’s just something so beautiful about this simple gesture; its like warm chicken soup lovingly made from scratch. Just comforting</span><span style="color: #d9ead3;">! It doesn’t matter if it’s in a mason jar or a fancy vase…store bought flowers, arranged by a professional just don’t have the same appeal. Not once have I gathered a cluster of blooms to share in this fashion. This troubles me. I see it as a major character flaw that must be corrected A.S.A.P!</span></span></i></span><span style="color: #d9ead3;"><i><span style="color: #3333cc; font-family: 'Footlight MT Light','serif';"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vzAKTQDCBfk/UZY4YIQfc_I/AAAAAAAAAXs/_z_n4LI8xjI/s1600/Peony.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: #d9ead3;"></span></a><i><span style="color: #3333cc; font-family: 'Footlight MT Light','serif';"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #d9ead3;">Just last week a coworker brought in a simple clear glass vase with a couple branches of deep pink azalea and purple iris with a light and airy, shimmery golden bow tied around the neck of the vase. A more beautiful bouquet has never existed. It was breathtaking in its simplicity. This week a bowl full of fragrant white peony graced a table for her meeting. A couple years ago a lady brought me a very thin vase that stood about 18 inches tall with one singular pale pink, barely opened rose bud from her garden. Attached to it at the neck was a long, sheer, flowing ribbon tied at its neck that blew back like an angel's wings as she handed it toward me. Again… simple – yet gorgeous!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #3333cc; font-family: 'Footlight MT Light','serif';"><span style="color: #d9ead3; font-size: large;">My own neighbors, as I wrote a few posts back, graced us with clumps of daylilies and salvia from their yard. I can say that I have given away lots of potted plants that I’ve purchased with the intent of giving to a specific person… and given away shovels full of Wandering Jew or Lilies of the Valley, and tons of tips, advice and suggestions for newer gardeners... but not once have I gathered a bouquet of blooms to share. But I am a “fix your flaws” kind of girl and I vow to make this happen! Coming soon to a desk near you… </span></span></i></div>
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Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04290025777828410837noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8145359718068437250.post-26160309263354569552013-04-29T17:18:00.000-07:002013-04-29T17:18:57.464-07:00Wrapping up another weekend...<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: currentColor; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<em style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" lua="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bNwsoomQNzw/UX7BTYzsf7I/AAAAAAAAAWs/utdfYUJwQhg/s400/2013-04-25_18-29-54_128.jpg" width="225" /></em><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bNwsoomQNzw/UX7BTYzsf7I/AAAAAAAAAWs/utdfYUJwQhg/s1600/2013-04-25_18-29-54_128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>We finished up the new flowerbed this week. I say “we”, but (as usual) I have to give most of the credit to my hubby for doing all the hard work! He picked up the edging and another truck load of mulch and had the edging nearly complete by the time I got home from work on Thursday. We finished up the rest of the bed before dinner and spent the next few days admiring our work. I was amazed at how quickly the salvia perked up and claimed its spot in the garden. The daylilies, for the most part, are holding their own; with a couple still lolled over but still nice and green. The bed runs 40 ft. in length and 4 ft. deep. Until the daylilies spread we have room for a few annuals for an added pop of color and depth along the front of the bed. </em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em> My husband is teasing me with the thought of another bed along the back fence – but for now the thought of weeding yet another bed has caused us to slow our process and give it a little more thought. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By “slowing” you know that it’s my husband’s idea… I’d be half way through with it already if it were up to me!</em></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em>We had a nice surprise visit from a ruby-throated hummer who was sampling the salvia just 6-7 feet away from where we stood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Such a gift those are to any garden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We did find an infestation of Sawfly larvae on the “Sunny” Knock-Out Roses so we’ve got to stop them before they do too much damage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A gardener’s work is never done!<o:p></o:p></em></span></span></div>
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<em style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" lua="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wCWfIHfzWoA/UX7BlpgYgCI/AAAAAAAAAXE/PRGxojw7cJw/s320/2013-04-28_17-11-40_128.jpg" width="180" /></em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>Saturday it rained all day resulting in nearly 3 ¼ inches of rain – for which the new plants are grateful, I’m sure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sunday we had a mixed day of clouds and sunshine but only a quick shower in the early morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It made for a relaxing day with plenty of time for scouring the internet for ideas and studying growth habits of newly planted treasures!</em></span></div>
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Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04290025777828410837noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8145359718068437250.post-36575039510505226552013-04-22T08:01:00.003-07:002013-04-22T10:15:15.014-07:00Unexpected Gifts<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wow!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now that’s what I call an awesome day!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We started off our day without any definitive plans; just easing into the morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I slept in; while the best husband in the world rose early, as usual, and started his normal routine in the quiet hours of the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had breakfast and moved out on the patio to enjoy the day when a neighbor came dragging over a huge piece of cardboard filled with 3 huge clumps of Stella de Oro with purple Salvia coming along for the ride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh joy!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We get free plants!!! I love it when someone shares a plant – not only because it didn’t cost us a penny… but because it will forever be a reminder of someone who was kind enough to share.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Double blessing… followed by years of blessing; both sight and smell!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How can you go wrong? </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, we eyeballed the yard searching for the perfect spot that would guarantee full sun and where we’d be able to enjoy them readily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were thinking about just putting the three of them at the end of a flowerbed where we’d recently removed a huge Hemlock tree but I urged my husband to come with me to look at another option.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve got an area to the west end of the pool that doesn’t have a flower in it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just grass and various weeds – and more of the latter than the first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I suggested us centering them in between the fence sections to add some interest to that spot of the yard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Much to my surprise, he thought it was a great idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve got to say he’s like most men and does not exactly enjoy mowing around plants… so I was somewhat surprised.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I began to look more closely at the plants to try to determine how many we could separate these three into without harming the plant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the time it was all said and done we had 13 Stella de Oro and 8 Salvia… just enough to complete the long run of the fence in that area!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Woo Hoo!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are going to look fabulous!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bear in mind we must now weed and mulch around them and add an edge or border before it will be done… but since we didn’t have time to plan we felt it best to get them in the dirt while we had the hours to devote to the project.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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I can hardly wait to see them bloom!!!</div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We also planted a Bleeding Heart in a bed alongside the driveway that is shady and needs a spot of color.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Transplanted an unknown plant that was out of place to a new home and planted 4 tomato plants for my lovely hubby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bless my sweet husband’s heart – before the day was done he had dug 27 holes for planting and somehow made it look nearly effortless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a guy!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So here I sit on the patio, weary from a day of work, surrounded by the smell of the wisteria and the sound of various songbirds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life is sweet my friend… almost as sweet as the iced tea that is just far enough away from the keyboard to prevent catastrophe!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Blessings to you and yours!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04290025777828410837noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8145359718068437250.post-21469763047179858822013-04-08T19:02:00.003-07:002013-04-08T19:02:37.192-07:00SPRING! I knew you'd come again!<br />
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<em><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Spring, like the absent blogger, is back and hopefully has been
missed! This past weekend was so needed! So appreciated! My soul has longed for spring’s beauty; the
sights, the sounds, the smells and the everyday miracle of the rebirth of all
things dormant. This weekend my husband
and I worked like young folks with strong backs! We opened the pool Friday evening to find
water that was clean, but not sparkling and worms, worms, worms! We replaced the sand in the filter and
scooped up all the worms; wishing that they were so plentiful in our flowerbeds
and then followed that up with a good vacuuming. <o:p></o:p></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Saturday we pressure-washed the concrete surrounding the
pool and didn’t stop there. We then washed
the patio and sidewalk until they were almost a blinding white! While he pressure washed the patio I nabbed
the clippers and began cutting the dead out of the boxwoods behind the house. Sadly, once the dead branches were cut away
we were left with a freakish row of boxwood that screamed for something more
drastic. After slight convincing, we
pulled out the big guns and WHACKED the boxwoods nearly down to the
ground. We watered them with added
hormones, vitamins and a light fertilizer – said a prayer and now it’s up to
them! If they’d like to stay… this is
their opportunity to shine! <o:p></o:p></span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>I then convinced my sweet hubby to dig-up and transplant a
struggling crepe myrtle that has never done well in its original space. If you know much about my style of gardening…
you know that much of it is based on moving things around… never planting anything and just leaving
it be. My yard must look like a giant
chess board from above… constantly changing. We chalk this crepe myrtle’s poor performance
up to it being located too near a propane exhaust pipe from our house. It now has a chance to thrive at the other
end of the sidewalk where it will be much appreciated once it offers privacy
and a splash of color! I said to my hubby Sunday that I feel for the plants that are selected by us... until then... they've got just as much chance at survival as the others on the shelf.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Today my hubby must have been thrilled to see me off to work
so he could finally get some rest. I
told him tonight that when you hear people say that a younger woman can wear
out an older man you have no idea that they mean by yard work – until you’re in
too far invested in the relationship to turn back! He’s my love… and one heck of a yard-man! LOVE HIM, LOVE HIM, LOVE HIM!</em></span></div>
Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04290025777828410837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8145359718068437250.post-88491002649711358932011-11-27T17:33:00.000-08:002011-11-27T17:33:24.730-08:00Rose-Sitting, Nesting and CreatingIt seems with the cold, rainy weather my love of gardening has all but disappeared. Fear not, it is simply hibernating! It will return! I brought in the one rosebush that I hadn't yet planted, for fear that I would forget to water it through these cold, dark days of winter. I leave each morning before daylight and return shortly before darkness sets in again and there is just too great a chance that this poor rosebush would suffer the consequences. She sits beside me, looking out the window, like a dog longing to escape at the first chance. While she appears to long for the outdoors, surely she is grateful for the chance of escaping winter. That is assuming she survives winter indoors! <br />
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I have taken to nesting. I have sudden and deep urges to tackle things indoors that have been neglected while my attention was focused on gardening and other outdoor activities. Today I made a Butternut Squash Soup, which was simply delicious; if I do say so myself. I talked my sweet hubby into drilling a few holes in a perfectly good armoire so that I could adjust the shelf now that it no longer is needed for displaying a television. My mind is whirring with the possibilities of how I could change the overall appearance of this particular piece of furniture. <br />
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I created a piece of artwork to hang in the front room, over the baby grand piano, using pieces of old piano sheet music. I think that it turned out great and ties in well with the rooms theme. See for yourself...<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All made with sheet music from love songs...</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's about 3' x 3' sq.</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now and Forever, No One But You, Heart Beats Faster, Sentimental Reasons, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I Believe, Wonderful World, If I Had My Way, Little White Lies, </div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Who Cares What People Say, Sentimental Journey, Do You Love Me,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I Do - Do You, </div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Whatever Will Be, Will Be</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Que Sera, Sera</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This project was a lot of fun. Very simple. A couple years ago a friend gave me a huge stack of old piano sheet music and I kept it, knowing that it would eventually find a purpose. The frame and mats were also a freebie so this project didn't cost a penny. That's my favorite kind of project!</div>Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04290025777828410837noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8145359718068437250.post-58845518535813785042011-11-07T16:25:00.000-08:002011-11-07T16:25:29.745-08:00If I Were a Flower...<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You know, I have always had a difficult time… with time. Not using my time wisely, not procrastination, not the normal time issues that come from daylight savings time… but just TIME, in general. It’s probably because it’s a number… and anything dealing with numbers just confuses the heck out of me. This could also explain my incessant need to arrive early to EVERYTHING… because I’m never really sure if I’ve judged the clock right or not. The sad part is that it’s not even limited to an analog clock. Digital clocks are just as troublesome. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">To make matters worse, my husband, who is perpetually late; or as he likes to call it “on time” (which it actually is) likes to set the clocks in the bedroom five minutes off; in an effort to rush him up, I suppose. It doesn’t work. The only way something like that would work would be if the one needing the prodding were not aware of the adjustment. And don’t think for a moment he’s not aware of it. In the mornings as we ready for work, if I look over in a panic and say, “Oh no, it’s time to leave” he’s always quick to remind me that the clocks are five minutes fast. So really, the only thing he has accomplished is sending me into an occasional panic for no reason at all.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Just today my boss had a meeting at 8:30 a.m. It was in a building close by, so he was just going to walk over. As he gathered his things to stroll over he asked, “What time is it?” I said… “Quarter til”. The look of panic on his face made me immediately second guess my answer. It was actually a “quarter after”… or 8:15 a.m. But in my mind… it was actually… “Quarter til 8:30" or... "Quarter til he needed to be there”. Honestly, there are some areas in which I do excel! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If I were a flower... I'd be a Four O’clock... but I’d bloom at three!</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Happy gardening!</span></span></span></div>Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04290025777828410837noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8145359718068437250.post-7161176222340443922011-11-04T19:37:00.000-07:002011-11-04T19:37:11.432-07:00Looking SkywardAll spring and summer we tend to walk around interested mostly in things either on the ground or at eye level. Sure, we'll gaze out towards the horizon and take in the often breathtaking colors of sunset; but for the most part, as adults, we spend a great deal of the time merely shielding our eyes from that burning ball of intense heat in the sky. Seriously, when was the last time you laid back, looked up and the sky and watched the clouds magically transform into an elephant, a puppy or a gorilla? It can be very relaxing, and who among us can't use a little relaxing? <br />
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Fall and winter call for looking skyward. Look up! There's a whole world out there waiting for you to appreciate it!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x_ILmWbXMUI/TrSe5eVmXJI/AAAAAAAAARA/sQLAdQSgsd8/s1600/Skyward+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x_ILmWbXMUI/TrSe5eVmXJI/AAAAAAAAARA/sQLAdQSgsd8/s400/Skyward+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3TNMUk_d9U/TrSfJNM6vvI/AAAAAAAAARI/HVYYYdQ1PHA/s1600/Skyward+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3TNMUk_d9U/TrSfJNM6vvI/AAAAAAAAARI/HVYYYdQ1PHA/s400/Skyward+5.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Look closely at this last photo... stare at the sunshine; is it me or does it appear to get brighter, then dimmer? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Remember you can click on the photos for an enlarged view.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I hope you enjoyed a skyward view of my corner of the world. Let me know if you find anything new in yours!</div>Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04290025777828410837noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8145359718068437250.post-55753588603422865672011-10-31T17:45:00.000-07:002011-10-31T17:45:37.958-07:00TRICK-OR-TREAT?<span style="font-family: inherit;"> We've only ever had one trick-or-treater in the seven years we've lived in our house, I suppose because our houses are fairly far apart and quite a distance from the road. Regardless, we always buy candy - just in case! :) </span><br />
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Well, yesterday, during weak moment, I cut the top off our bag of candy bars and ate two. I didn't even pick up the bag... just sliced it open right where it sat.<br />
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Last night my hubby looked over and said... "What happened to the top of that bag of candy?" I said, "Oh, earlier, when you were napping... two trick-or-treaters stopped by. I gave them each a candy bar. They ate them right there on the porch. They asked me if I would mind disposing of the wrappers for them. I thought that was nice... instead of them throwing them down in the front yard."<br />
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Hubby asked... "What were they dressed as?"<br />
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I said... "They were really cute. One was a middle-aged, slightly overweight, white woman. The other was a slightly overweight, white, middle-aged woman. I wish you could have seen them. You'd have loved them!"<br />
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He just shook his head and said... "Why didn't you just eat them out of the hole I had already cut in the side of the bag a few nights ago... then you wouldn't have had to make up that big ol' story! Sucker!<br />
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I love that man! Definitely a TREAT!<br />
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HAPPY HALLOWEEN TO YOUR AND YOURS!<br />
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</div>Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04290025777828410837noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8145359718068437250.post-870595932947504562011-10-30T17:29:00.000-07:002011-10-31T15:09:49.093-07:00For Flowerlady...<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Flowerlady - This post is especially for you! I thought I would take a walk around the yard today and snap a few photos so that you could enjoy the changing season along with us here in middle Tennessee. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Fjdyl6diPA/Tq3oRqj6boI/AAAAAAAAAO4/a_k-k0kOA8E/s1600/Palomino+Place+2048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Fjdyl6diPA/Tq3oRqj6boI/AAAAAAAAAO4/a_k-k0kOA8E/s320/Palomino+Place+2048.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><br />
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There is beauty in everything.<br />
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<em>Some of my photos didn't post correctly... so I uploaded them again today. Hope this helps!</em><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div>Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04290025777828410837noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8145359718068437250.post-71929027521828192522011-10-28T17:51:00.000-07:002011-10-28T17:51:31.375-07:00Cold, Rainy DaysThe past two days have been cold and rainy and made me long for spring! I do realize that we must have fall and winter before spring visits us again - but it doesn't stop me from wishing! Tonight I made a huge pot of chicken & dumplings to warm us from the cold, damp weather that seemed to have soaked into our bones. We are wimps! We don't deny it! <br />
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Even I must admit that fall and winter both offer their own beauty. During our commute we are in awe of the beautiful hues painted across our landscape; rolling hills of yellows, oranges, reds and greens balanced between the blue of the bright fall sky and the cold, darkness of the nearby lake. It seems like a completely different place than it does in spring with the purple Redbud, white Dogwood and greens of newly emerging leaves of hundreds of types of trees. <br />
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Soon the landscape will consist of only the skeletal remains of the once vibrant trees as they rest for their show next spring. Only the evergreens will stand full, unphased by the seasons - often under-appreciated because of their constant reliability. I do realize though that if not for the seasons we might never appreciate the bark of the White Paper Birch, Shagbark Hickory, the fruit of the Sweetgum trees, or the flame of the Burning Bush - to name a few. So I'll try to sing the praises of this season and the next as I look forward to the warmth of spring! <br />
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Think warm thoughts... and I'll see you in the garden - we've got leaves to rake!Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04290025777828410837noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8145359718068437250.post-30868509846470830702011-10-25T18:22:00.000-07:002011-10-25T18:22:11.704-07:00You've got to see this...<span style="font-family: inherit;">A friend/coworker shared this site with me today... and I could hardly wait to get home to share it with you. As I watched it I almost felt as if I had been transported to another place. It was heavenly. I hope that you'll enjoy it and share the link with your friends. </span> <br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/louie_schwartzberg_the_hidden_beauty_of_pollination.html">http://www.ted.com/talks/louie_schwartzberg_the_hidden_beauty_of_pollination.html</a></span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Next time I'll write more... this time... I'll let Louie Schwartzberg steal the show! </span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">See you in the garden soon!</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div>Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04290025777828410837noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8145359718068437250.post-17424126761729068992011-10-22T18:00:00.000-07:002011-10-22T18:00:37.585-07:00I've found my way back to the blog<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Some of you may have noticed that I took some time off from writing… some of you may have not! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have no real excuses for my absence. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could blame it on my wilting flowers or the mental drain of my mother’s recent health crisis; truth be told… it just wasn’t a top priority.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A friend/co-worker checked on me via email the other day after I bowed out of a monthly luncheon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apparently my lack of attendance there, coupled with my lack of attention to the blog seemed to have caused a bit of concern.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you Martha for your kindness!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps it was the gentle nudge I needed to find my way back to the things I enjoy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am happy to report that my mother has conquered her health crisis and she is back, nearly 100%.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My flowers have survived the summer’s unrelenting heat and what plants are still capable of blooming are proudly showing their gratitude for the attention I did muster through those dog days of late summer!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As I stood in the warm kitchen this morning looking out over the back yard analyzing how golden and warm the sun seemed as it cast those long drawn out shadows of fall, my eyes landed on the dog house nestled in a triangular area of the yard flanked by tall, green, cedar trees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There it sat, covered in shade and vacant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t stop reading… this is not a sad tale of a once vibrant pup who is no more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nope, not even close.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We moved in to this home seven years ago and the dog house was part of the deal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just like the playhouse on stilts and the tiny playhouse with the tiny front porch, tiny windows with tiny window boxes, and a tiny little door; all extras that made the property feel homey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was also a duck house (if you can call it that) attached to the side of the doghouse, which actually looked more like a small carport.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know… every dog needs a place to park their car (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">assuming they catch it</i>)!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There was just something about that doghouse that spoke to my husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps he thought he might need a place to sleep now and then, I joked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I immediately suggested that we get rid of it, but he looked at it longingly and said that there was just something about it that he liked, so it stayed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our neighbor once mentioned if we ever wanted to get rid of the doghouse that he’d like to buy it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still, even at the possibility of making a quick buck, my husband didn’t part with it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know what you’re thinking… probably a ploy to one day get a dog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nope… seven years later, still no dog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We joke that we have a dog… she just lives two doors down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, it looks like we have a dog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have a doghouse and we keep doggie treats in the pantry for her visits… but that no more means we have a dog than the fact that we have a store-bought cat bed on our covered patio means that we have a cat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No sir, he lives next door… he just prefers to sleep at our place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apparently, there’s no place like home… unless it’s close to home!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04290025777828410837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8145359718068437250.post-1037705856196265222011-08-29T15:41:00.000-07:002011-08-29T15:41:24.851-07:00Belated Birthday Laughs and Love<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9xDrpFjpuqI/TlwQ1TNRZgI/AAAAAAAAANI/ow2GkrU4W1k/s1600/Sweet%2BAutumn%2BClematis%2B039.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9xDrpFjpuqI/TlwQ1TNRZgI/AAAAAAAAANI/ow2GkrU4W1k/s400/Sweet%2BAutumn%2BClematis%2B039.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The other day I received a belated birthday gift from a dear friend who was horrified that she missed my birthday. To me, birthdays are pretty much the same as another day and I'm never offended if someone forgets to acknowledge the day; she, on the other hand, took it pretty hard! :) She's one of those people who is apt to do more for you on any given day than most of us do on special occasions... so even if you were one to have your feathers ruffled if your birthday is overlooked... you'd probably still give her a break.</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Anyway, she gave me something for the garden, as she is apt to do because she knows that it is an area which brings me great joy. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pMU4bDouGaQ/TlwRejVSAGI/AAAAAAAAANQ/RidzmWAHC9M/s1600/Sweet+Autumn+Clematis+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="300" qaa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pMU4bDouGaQ/TlwRejVSAGI/AAAAAAAAANQ/RidzmWAHC9M/s400/Sweet+Autumn+Clematis+015.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">When I got in the car with my husband he spied the gift bag and said, <em>"What 'cha got?"</em> I explained that it was a late birthday gift from a friend. He asked,<em> "What is it?"</em> I said,<em> "It's really pretty wind chimes; but they're kind of loud."</em> He said, <em>"What is it?"</em> I said,<em> "Pretty wind chimes, but they're kind loud."</em> He said, <em>"What is it?"</em> I said,<em> "Pretty wind chimes, but YOU'LL never hear 'em."</em> :) I can't help but laugh at how my responses continue to reduce in size with each repeat. If we kept going I guess I'd just finally just drag them out of the bag and say <em><strong>"Chimes! See?"</strong></em> He may be getting older (as am I), but he is still the man of my dreams and brings such delight into my life! I love that man with all of my heart!!! I work with his hearing loss and he puts up with all the stuff I say that wasn't worth saying even once... let alone 4-5 times. Seriously, if you ever wondered if what you were saying was worthy of saying... just repeat it 3 or 4 times, a little louder each time, and see how important you think it is then! LOL!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dVF_xsrZgZ4/TlwRYD7Z8rI/AAAAAAAAANM/Y3RqElpe2Vw/s1600/Sweet+Autumn+Clematis+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="320" qaa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dVF_xsrZgZ4/TlwRYD7Z8rI/AAAAAAAAANM/Y3RqElpe2Vw/s320/Sweet+Autumn+Clematis+008.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As for the chimes, they are very pretty and have a lovely tone. Wind chimes are a great gift... each time you hear them it reminds you of the person who thought enough of you to buy them for you. It's kind of like a little subliminal hug from a special person. Keep them in mind next time you're considering a gift for a person who loves to putter around in the garden. That is, unless they're like my husband... and then I might suggest something along the lines of a foghorn! </span><br />
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Remember you can click on any photo for a larger view.<br />
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<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img align="middle" alt="Posted by Picasa" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" style="-moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; background: 0% 50%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></a></div>Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04290025777828410837noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8145359718068437250.post-23487114167146042982011-08-21T18:58:00.000-07:002011-08-21T18:58:39.978-07:00Sweet Autumn Clematis<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;">We had a wonderful storm come through our area around six o'clock this morning gracing us with 1-1/4 inches of rain and enticing the Sweet Autumn Clematis to burst into bloom. She's still far from reaching her full potential... but still worthy of sharing.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><em>(Click on the photo to see an enlarged view)</em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ke1PsQe7PtM/TlGtFvburjI/AAAAAAAAAMo/JEZLasAHSb0/s1600/Misc%2B037.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ke1PsQe7PtM/TlGtFvburjI/AAAAAAAAAMo/JEZLasAHSb0/s400/Misc%2B037.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Climbing along the fence.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uP-KWnP3lDQ/TlGtFfdxzZI/AAAAAAAAAMg/hWpv1MwtoPA/s1600/Misc%2B012.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uP-KWnP3lDQ/TlGtFfdxzZI/AAAAAAAAAMg/hWpv1MwtoPA/s400/Misc%2B012.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A closer view</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cEijiFsGXS0/TlGtFnShK8I/AAAAAAAAAMw/4rP7ha2DbYw/s1600/Misc%2B042.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cEijiFsGXS0/TlGtFnShK8I/AAAAAAAAAMw/4rP7ha2DbYw/s400/Misc%2B042.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I wish you could enjoy the scent... wonderful!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9IgadbMVh6o/TlGtFz1E2aI/AAAAAAAAAM4/dasYYWEpwN8/s1600/Misc%2B053.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9IgadbMVh6o/TlGtFz1E2aI/AAAAAAAAAM4/dasYYWEpwN8/s400/Misc%2B053.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice the pink tip on the unopened bud.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y9xkawutEJQ/TlGtF0uBnDI/AAAAAAAAANA/pr_1CuNMHtw/s1600/Misc%2B064.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y9xkawutEJQ/TlGtF0uBnDI/AAAAAAAAANA/pr_1CuNMHtw/s400/Misc%2B064.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Millions of buds waiting to open!</td></tr>
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I don't have many words to share today... but I still wanted to share a few photos. I hope that you have a week filled with all the things that bring you peace and happiness. I hope to see you in the garden soon!<br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img align="middle" alt="Posted by Picasa" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" style="-moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; background: 0% 50%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></a></div>Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04290025777828410837noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8145359718068437250.post-41651679824576421552011-08-19T18:25:00.000-07:002011-08-19T18:25:53.782-07:00Be On The Look-Out (BOLO) Alert!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">That’s right!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have been victimized!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was blinded by his good looks and cocky air of confidence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He would be best described as the strong, silent type.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was last seen on August 18<sup>th</sup>, headed west, towards the lake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>DESCRIPTION:</span></div><ul><li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Approximately 5 ft. tall</span></div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">medium build </span></div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">sandy blonde hair</span></div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">brown eyes</span></div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">thin lips</span></div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">and breath, which comes in quick bursts and smells suspiciously of Impatiens!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div></li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p-RHqs6cQ3U/Tk8IwW9Gm2I/AAAAAAAAAMU/KzIHy_FjcdM/s1600/Big+Buck.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" qaa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p-RHqs6cQ3U/Tk8IwW9Gm2I/AAAAAAAAAMU/KzIHy_FjcdM/s400/Big+Buck.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Be on your toes folks!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He could be headed for his next victim… or perhaps just a nap, while his meal of eleven of my twelve impatient plants settles a bit!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The least he could have done was finish off that last one… just to keep things tidy. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>LOL!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What can I say?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The deer have thus far offered more beauty and entertainment than they have frustration… so I can’t really complain much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Besides, those were some of the most pitiful impatiens I have ever grown!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope he enjoyed them!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Oh well... looks like I'll have to start planning a deer resistant flower garden for the front flower bed next year! Y'all have a good weekend... and keep your eyes open!</span></div>Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04290025777828410837noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8145359718068437250.post-23099458775388327692011-08-16T18:14:00.000-07:002011-08-16T18:14:57.055-07:00Familiar Hints of AutumnAlthough we're finally getting a break from the dangerously high temperatures we've experienced of late, I find that there is little news to share from my garden. Between my mother being sick, my husband's recent back troubles and my own basic lack of motivation; there's just not much going on around here. The lovely rose bush and Lantana I received for my birthday late in July remain on the patio, in full bloom, yet still in their pots. I have managed to keep up with the watering, so they will live to thrive in the garden some day soon. If I were smart I'd chalk it up to "planning"... you know, wanting to really be sure of where it will do best before I actually sock it in the ground. But I suppose I am more honest than I am smart... because I haven't even given its placement much thought!<br />
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I can report that the morning air has that familiar crispness about it that we readily recognize as a taste of Autumn. It instantly takes me back to my childhood and the anxiousness of the school year's beginning. Even though I was far too nervous to ever really enjoy the actual task of going to school... the shopping and planning was always a thrill! I still love to shop for pens, pencils, notebooks, etc. And the organizing! Oh Lord do I love to organize things in little draws and compartments! Remember how you'd work for hours on your notebooks, zipper pouches and boxes? That usually lasted about a week and then it was anyone's guess where you could find a pencil! Today a friend/co-worker gifted me some galvanized metal boxes he picked up at a yard sale recently. I can't wait to find a good use for them around the house! Ooooh, it feels like 1st grade all over again! <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>See the wilting plant and the watering can? That gives me a great idea! :) DUH!</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>(Again... smart vs. honest, need I say more?)</em></div><br />
On a serious note... my mother goes back to the doctor tomorrow for a follow-up visit from her recent hospital stay. I ask you to say a prayer for her that she'll soon be back to her old self bringing light into her surroundings. It's not easy to see her moving in slow motion and lacking energy. <br />
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While my Sweet Autumn Clematis is gathering her strength to put on a spectacular show... she's not quite there yet. I promise to share her with you, in all her blooming glory at the appropriate time!<br />
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I had better sign off for now. I hope to see you in the garden soon. Bring a shovel... we need to get some work done! :)Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04290025777828410837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8145359718068437250.post-64095060727605298042011-08-13T17:29:00.000-07:002011-08-13T17:29:46.596-07:00Whew! Happy Saturday!Life seems to have gotten in the way a bit over the last week or so. As you know, my mother has been in the hospital and that pretty much consumed my mind most of my waking hours. She is doing much better and just trying to regain some strength before returning to work. My sweet husband injured his back a few weeks ago and since it rained here last Saturday and Sunday, I started off each day this week by threatening to end his life if I came home to find that he had done any of the yard work! <br />
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Last Sunday, as I started cleaning the swimming pool he looked at me, completely disgusted with himself, and said, "Am I just supposed to stand her and watch you clean the pool?" I said, "Just go inside and find something to watch on the television... always works for me!" :) He failed to find the humor. So I sent him in to organize the kitchen pantry. Job well done!<br />
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It wasn't easy to convince him to let me take over these tasks for a couple weeks while he allows his back time to heal - but I finally won him over. <br />
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Monday night I came home from work and mowed the lawn while he did a little light trimming around the pool. For some reason pushing the mower doesn't seem to do any harm to his back, but jarring around on the riding mower is a definite NO! <br />
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Today after a brief lesson he set me free with the weed-eater in hand. He's always complained about this weed-eater not being comfortable to use. I have to admit, I thought it was just him... but after being unable to master a clean line with it, I'm thinking he may be right! Thank goodness grass is like hair... the only difference in a good cut and a bad cut is about a week!<br />
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I hope to see you in the garden soon! Take care!Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04290025777828410837noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8145359718068437250.post-4726498712295742472011-08-07T18:58:00.000-07:002011-08-07T18:58:08.942-07:00Rains...glorious rains!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We were blessed to receive rains on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rains were such a welcome sight!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that they were long overdue and it will soon be evident in the lushness of all things green and growing in and around our neighborhood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My mother has been in the hospital this past week and Friday she, my sister and I watched the rain from her hospital room before I headed home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s just something renewing and cleansing about a good rain, isn’t it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But as I drove home in the rain I thought about how, had she not been stronger, had she waited longer before getting to the hospital, the rains might feel completely different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rather than a cleansing/renewal of hope, would I feel as if it was adding to the sadness washing over me?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like most things in life, it depends upon the situation or how you look at things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Today, Mom was released from the hospital with plans for a complete recovery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My older sister did the honors of pick-up and delivery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mom has been our beacon of light in every storm we have ever weathered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In our darkest hour, she was there to calm our fears and give us direction – and usually show us the humor in the situation; but most importantly – she was always there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have always known in the back of our minds that we wouldn’t have her forever; but for us, this was really the closest we’d ever come to having an inkling of how that might actually feel…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is worse than I ever imagined.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Today, I am thankful for those who took such good care of my mother during her stay in the hospital, for those who visited, those who called, those who cared and those who prayed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04290025777828410837noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8145359718068437250.post-34073536293944115762011-08-02T19:02:00.000-07:002011-08-02T19:02:41.302-07:00Gift from the Gods!I've been searching my mind for something to write about. It's not that I have this overwhelming need to write something just for the sake of writing... its more that something needs to be written to bump that last blog entry down on the list! Who would want to read a blog that they've accidentally stumbled upon if it started with an entry about a snake? Not me! <br />
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So, I'll jump directly from one of the least favorite things that come with summer to one of the most beloved... <strong><em>TOMATOES!</em></strong> I know that for most of you, especially you southerners, juicy, homegrown tomatoes make these near 100 degree dog days of summer <em><strong>almost</strong></em> bearable. For me... the joy comes in seeing y'all enjoy them so hardily! As you may remember from a previous post, tomatoes aren't at the top of my list of likes. For me the best thing that I can say about tomatoes is that usually where you find ripe tomatoes you're apt to also find BACON! <br />
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Today, one of my best friends stopped by the office with a bag of tomatoes for my sweet hubby. Here in Tennessee there's not a much truer test of friendship than sharing one's tomatoes! Oh there's always organ donation, becoming a surrogate mother, or sharing your lottery winnings; but seriously... if given the choice between an organ, a child, cash or tomatoes... you know you'd go for the tomatoes! Shared tomatoes really let you know where you rate on the friendship scale! I especially love it when they hand you the bag of tomatoes, with a proud look on their face, but then they don't seem to really want to let it go! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qNQO-bmx9FU/TjiktG466BI/AAAAAAAAAMI/MZ1Eqt01j8k/s1600/Tomatoes+016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qNQO-bmx9FU/TjiktG466BI/AAAAAAAAAMI/MZ1Eqt01j8k/s400/Tomatoes+016.JPG" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I also know what you're probably thinking... "those aren't sliced right for a sandwich" (or <em>SAM-wich</em> as we say here in the south). You're exactly right... but just like there's more than one way to skin a cat... there's also more than one way to eat a tomato... as long as you have enough salt!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I won't keep you. I'm sure you're probably headed off to the kitchen to make sure you've got enough bread, lettuce, mayo and bacon for your own BLT. If not, you'd better start makin' that list! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I hope that if tomatoes are high on your wish list you have more than you can give away! Besides, it's a great way to make new friends! </div><br />
For you other non-tomato folks out there... hang in there... and have some fried corn!<br />
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I'll see you in the garden shortly!Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04290025777828410837noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8145359718068437250.post-91171333535744062042011-07-31T13:42:00.000-07:002011-07-31T13:42:03.192-07:00SNAAAAAAKE!!!This morning I did some trimming on the two wisteria vines that have grown wild and wooly in the heat of summer when most things are just barely surviving. After that I moved on to deadhead the blooms on the two butterfly bushes and managed to come up with quite a few clippings. As I made my first trip to the back of the yard to pour out my bag of clippings I was thinking about how hot and dry everything was and fully aware that it seemed like a good time to see a snake. <br />
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On my second trip to the back of the yard, with my husband weed eating nearby, I was still cautious about where I stepped and keeping an eye out for any passing critters. After emptying my bag of clippings and starting back I suddenly realized that somewhere in my field of vision I had spied a snake. I stopped immediately and scanned the grass until I saw him again. He was watching me too, with his head lifted for a better view. He was directly in front of me in the grass... about four feet from where I stood. As I stood there frozen in my tracks I realized that standing still with my arms at my side I could feel the pulse in the back of my head, where the base of my skull meets my neck. I felt chills run down my spine. <br />
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I waved my arms as my husband looked up and pointed at the ground and mouthed the word <em>"SSSSNNNNAAAKKE"</em> slowly and deliberately. He started walking towards me saying, "What"? Thinking that I was pointing into the bag where I collect my clippings. Finally I realized he wasn't getting it and just put both hands up, palms towards him and said, "STOP". He did... then cut off the weed eater and said, what is it? I said, A snake right there... it's tail approximately a foot and a half from where he stood. <br />
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I think it was probably a rat snake. Because it looked a lot like a much larger one we saw a few years back that was correctly identified by a coworker's sister who works at our local zoo. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v-W0lye5EXA/TjW7e4RGpqI/AAAAAAAAAL4/a1hSLQHEe0c/s1600/Snake+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v-W0lye5EXA/TjW7e4RGpqI/AAAAAAAAAL4/a1hSLQHEe0c/s400/Snake+005.jpg" t$="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rat Snake - A very old, very happy Rat Snake... so they tell me!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LzkvxV4PQsw/TjW7uuMhsRI/AAAAAAAAAME/McbwaIlgC9s/s1600/Snake+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LzkvxV4PQsw/TjW7uuMhsRI/AAAAAAAAAME/McbwaIlgC9s/s400/Snake+004.jpg" t$="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Approximately 6 ft. in length</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I5XgGaxrpek/TjW7pOvhArI/AAAAAAAAAMA/Nrl9VanPLwM/s1600/snake+-+pool+003+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="290" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I5XgGaxrpek/TjW7pOvhArI/AAAAAAAAAMA/Nrl9VanPLwM/s400/snake+-+pool+003+%25282%2529.jpg" t$="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby snake in our pool skimmer - YIKES!</td></tr>
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I didn't get a photo of the one today... but to me... a snake, is a snake, is a snake! Sweet hubby used the weed eater to encourage the snake back toward the woods at the back of our yard. At one point it became intimidated, coiled and struck back at the weed eater. Even though I'm sure it wasn't poisonous... it was quite intimidating! He kept encouraging it to go away and it finally did... until it got to a tree, where it promptly and effortlessly climbed the tree. How is that even possible? It seemed as easy as slithering across the ground. Amazing! Hubby put down the weed eater, grabbed a long, straight limb that he uses for other purposes in the yard and got it out of the tree and walked it to the woods.<br />
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No matter how many snakes I see. No matter of their lenght or girth. No matter whether they're poisonous or harmless. They still freak me out! As you can imagine... my gardening for the day was done. It's too darn hot to do much anyway! Are you buying that excuse? It's good enough for me! <br />
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Stay cool and hydrated... and I hope to see you in the garden... unless you're a snake!Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04290025777828410837noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8145359718068437250.post-37165213269066679352011-07-26T18:25:00.000-07:002011-07-26T18:25:22.585-07:00Birthday BlessingsAmong other treasures I got the two things I wished for most... sun-loving plants and meal worms! <br />
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One of my friends gave me a Lantana and an Apricot Drift (<em>meimirrote'</em>). Now all I have to do is decide where to plant them. The Apricot Drift is a groundcover rose that reaches 2 1/2' wide x 1 1/2' tall. It is really pretty, with a beautiful apricot colored bloom that fades throughout the day and smells absolutely fabulous!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OLG8eZtulKU/Ti9i1tQNogI/AAAAAAAAALs/67qyG8VxEYc/s1600/Flowers+for+my+birthday+026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OLG8eZtulKU/Ti9i1tQNogI/AAAAAAAAALs/67qyG8VxEYc/s400/Flowers+for+my+birthday+026.JPG" t$="true" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>(Lantana)</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jw3Y-LOkfN4/Ti9iZ9BmNoI/AAAAAAAAALg/ITnkWV0hH4M/s1600/Flowers+for+my+birthday+032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jw3Y-LOkfN4/Ti9iZ9BmNoI/AAAAAAAAALg/ITnkWV0hH4M/s400/Flowers+for+my+birthday+032.JPG" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>(Apricot Drift Rose)</em></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L1Mc-Dp9Y_o/Ti9ik-1itbI/AAAAAAAAALo/2T_PQ9CLobQ/s1600/Flowers+for+my+birthday+030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L1Mc-Dp9Y_o/Ti9ik-1itbI/AAAAAAAAALo/2T_PQ9CLobQ/s400/Flowers+for+my+birthday+030.JPG" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IET8-PneZ3w/Ti9idy2z7yI/AAAAAAAAALk/UbePCLjCgwg/s1600/Flowers+for+my+birthday+031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IET8-PneZ3w/Ti9idy2z7yI/AAAAAAAAALk/UbePCLjCgwg/s400/Flowers+for+my+birthday+031.JPG" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>(sorry that this one is a little blurry)</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We don't really do birthday's up big around here. I just never really cared for the fuss, don't like surprises and don't enjoy being the center of attention. My mother didn't ask what I wanted, so I guess she read it on the blog. Since they didn't know much about it, she and my nephew didn't really know where to begin their search for freeze-dried meal worms... but being the troopers they are, they finally managed to find some in a pet store. My nephew asked, "Does she have a frog?" Mom says, "No, I don't think so". "Why does she want meal worms?" Mom says, "I dont' know". Mom's like me, she doesn't ask questions. She just "does". So I suppose that she was relieved today to know that I wanted them for the bluebirds... and not another crazy diet I read about on the Internet! :) Seriously, does a meal worm diet sound that much worse than the cabbage soup diet? Answer: Not if you've ever been on it for more than a week! :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My favorite gifts today? <em>LOVE</em> and <em>FRIENDSHIP</em>... those are the things that I cherish most! Love you all, and thank you for always being there!</div>Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04290025777828410837noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8145359718068437250.post-46185897422969738212011-07-23T17:56:00.000-07:002011-07-23T17:56:06.942-07:00They're finally blooming...Yippee! My Crape Myrtles are finally blooming! They are absolutely beautiful! I suppose they aren't in the perfect situation to bloom as early as others in the neighborhood... but they still put on a show! <br />
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<div align="center"><em>(Click on each photo to see a larger view)</em></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p6zBa-_49RA/TitfBqVAzyI/AAAAAAAAALU/10z2m4L2ZxU/s1600/Crape+Myrtles+7-23-11+016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p6zBa-_49RA/TitfBqVAzyI/AAAAAAAAALU/10z2m4L2ZxU/s400/Crape+Myrtles+7-23-11+016.JPG" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sCmSsTRq48M/TitfJiMX5RI/AAAAAAAAALY/oDzC4ROqTK0/s1600/Crape+Myrtles+7-23-11+055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sCmSsTRq48M/TitfJiMX5RI/AAAAAAAAALY/oDzC4ROqTK0/s400/Crape+Myrtles+7-23-11+055.JPG" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sometimes I look at them and think... <em>"I thought they'd have grown more by now"...</em> but then when I look back at photos from when they were originally planted... and suddenly I am ecstatic with their growth! We planted them in May of 2007... after the neighbors had planted the hedge row of Privet (<em>Ligustrum vulgare)</em> in the fall of 2006 to replace other shrubs that had been removed due to some type of disease. When they bloomed for the first time they looked more like a bouquet of flowers than any type of shrub or tree. The photo below is basically the same view as the photo above... only 4 years earlier. What a difference!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0YaIm93jCB0/TitkqPU45pI/AAAAAAAAALc/YcyjFtVcByM/s1600/Mandi+Crape+Myrtle+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0YaIm93jCB0/TitkqPU45pI/AAAAAAAAALc/YcyjFtVcByM/s400/Mandi+Crape+Myrtle+001.jpg" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">They are our nearest neighbors... but now that the hedge of Privet has grown in we barely know that they are there. They're great neighbors... but we all appreciate a little privacy. I know for a fact that when I'm out there bobbing around in the pool that they are really glad that it's there too! :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Enough for now. Y'all stay cool and hydrated and I'll see you in the garden soon.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04290025777828410837noreply@blogger.com2