Minor Milestone

I've had the bushes that grew these roses for probably 25 years, and this is the first time EVAH that I've been able to cut them and put them in a vase. The peachy colored ones are now giving off a rosy fragrance too, and they've never done that before. Both roses came from my grandmother. The white ones were in my gr-great grandmother's yard. I take them with me, to wherever I am living at the time, and when I would normally have given up on them, I just moved them to a different location trying with all my heart to keep them not only alive, but thriving. They are now in large pots in my back yard, getting plenty of sun and TLC from yours truly. And it's finally paying off.

I think I should put them in a nicer vase....no, I'll put them in a nicer VAHZ. Thanks Grandma Willie and Grandmother Wilson.

(New post on The Seam Rippers)

Notice

New post on The Seam Rippers.

I decided to start putting notes on each blog when there is a new post on the other one.  If it gets to be a pain, I'll just stop it. But at least there aren't long spaces between posts.

Lucy, You Gotta Lot Esplaining To Doooo!

I've noticed lately, that on facebook, most everyone I know comments on Mondays and Fridays. "Ugh! Monday again!" "Please tell me it's still Sunday!" "Is it Friday yet?"  "Yaaay, Friday is here!" "TGIF!!!"

This is just so sad. Why do we hate to work so much? It's like we are hamsters on a treadmill, just existing until the weekend. Why does it have to be that way? I heard it said that if you do something you love, you don't work a day in your life. How may of us are blessed enough to be able to do that? Even if we like what we do, we still complain about having to get up and go to work. Are we lazy? Dissatisfied? Unappreciated and unappreciative? Thank the Lord I haven't had to go back into the workforce, because I would probably assuredly be saying/writing the same thing.  Did our forefathers feel this way? When families worked on a farm to feed and clothe themselves, did they feel this way? I really wonder.

And another thing... by my calculations, I weigh two or more pounds less than I did last summer. So, why are the clothes I wore last summer still too tight? Why can't I wear them now? I have two pairs of pants that I can get back into. Snug fitting albeit, but I'm wearing those suckers. Why are they tighter now than they were last year? Could it be that everything is going south? Literally? Is all the fat from my top settling in my bottom? Can someone explain this to me? I'm trying not to be discouraged. And I walked two miles this morning trying to help things along. I need to wear those clothes....

Happy Happy

I was laying in the bed last night and I was almost giddy thinking of all the projects I want to do. It's a wonderful feeling, knowing that I don't have to go to a job away from home and I can choose to do what I want. Working in the yard, quilting, painting, sewing...these are the things of my heart. Yesterday I worked on J's quilt and you can see the progress on The Seam Rippers blog.

This last year has been a process of becoming used to not having to punch a time clock, and not having to do another's bidding. There are advantages of work, mind you. Money being the key. The other is socialization. Those are the only two things I miss. But, my "home work" is more than making up for it. And of course I have my blogs and facebook. *grin*

I was thinking this morning that it would be so wonderful if there was an art center in Sheridan. I feel sure it would be supported, due to the number of people in the area. The problem would be funding. There are empty buildings everywhere, so that wouldn't be a problem. And who would run the thing. I'm not a business leader. I can come up with the idea, but following through would be a real problem for me. But what if, just what if we had a place that could:

Give watercolor and oil painting lessons.

Teach pottery classes.

Give beginner quilting lessons or hold a quilting bee periodically for charity.

Have gallery type showings for local artists.

Knitting and crochet lessons.

Have a gift and consignment shop.

Have Saturday classes for children, such as fingerpainting, acrylic paints, pottery, etc.

The possibilities are endless. But eventhough it's a wonderful idea, and I would love to be involved somehow, I just don't see it happening. Especially if I'm the one who has to ramrod the thing.  But... but wouldn't it be loverly?

In the meantime, I'll work on my own projects and enjoy my life. God is so good.

The Number Seven

Today's post is brought to you by the number 7.

 I've lost a little over seven pounds.

 So, today I walked around the block seven times.

 Seven is my favorite number. (right now)

Lucky #7

The End

I think I've done as much as I can in the yard, without SR becoming impatient with me. That is in the way of plantings. We will still work on the deck/porch project.

I added a few more bedding plants to the new bed and I'm hoping they will fill out and look nice. I'm thinking instead of placing more rocks around the back of the tree, I may just plant some azaleas next year. I'd love to see them grow really large like Mr. S's. It would make a nice backdrop.

I added the some of the same bedding plants to the old bed around the other tree, and freshened up the mulch.

That's it for the back. Then I went around to the side, and added some mulch to a little bed I created on the south side of the driveway.

There are some plants in there you can't really see, but they will grow up some and fill out. Notice the plant stand? It is the base of my old bird bath. The bowl crumbled so I purchased an inexpensive clay dish, painted it white, turned it upside down and Ta Da! I tried turning it up and using it as a birdbath, but it really wasn't deep enough.

And finally, the front.

This poor hydrangea is so sad. I bought it because it was cheap, and I haven't seen any others. I was afraid I'd miss out and was determined to have one.

The darker hostas are finally coming up.

So, there you have it. Th-th-th-that's all folks.

Another Day in the Yard

I was going to use the title "Another Day in Paradise" but I thought that was pushing it a bit. :P
I added some bedding plants to my new bed.

It's just so sad the way the hostas are laying down on the job. I've considered cutting them back, because I saw on a gardening website that they will come back out after you do that when transplanting. I don't know....should I? What's the concensus folks.

I'll be glad when I can get a few more rocks to go the rest of the way around the tree. Since it's so much higher in the back, it won't take as many.

My wild rose bush is full and lush and beginning to bloom.

I came around the end of the house into the backyard this morning and the fragrance came at me in waves. They smell so darn good. I just wish they bloomed all summer instead of just once in the spring.

They grow along the back edge of the yard with the things I've been adding. And a big thanks goes to Cousin Becky for identifying my new bush. It's a Leatherleaf Mahonia more commonly knows as a Grapeholly.

Now, I must get to working on J's quilt. I'm sure he's tired of waiting on it.

Making Headway

Sr is making a new grid because we decided to run the boards in a different direction than the original. He laid boards across the frame, just to keep them out of the dirt, and we liked the look much better. But, he had to add support joists.

It didn't take him that long and now the deck looks a bit larger to us.

The boards aren't secured yet. He ran out of vacation, but he will work on it during the next couple of weeks as he can. Then we contact the handy man to start the roofing process. Yipee!

I finally got to Walmart to buy some expensive inhanced dirt and mulch. And believe it or not, they were almost totally out of this type of thing. One of the workers told me he couldn't believe how fast it all went. SR took a break and went to get the transplants Mr. S offered. I could have spent an hour digging, as he offered to let me have some of whatever I wanted, but I thought I'd just stick with the hostas and the holly bush.

The hostas look a little sad, but they'll perk up a bit in a day or so. I placed this one in the bed around the other tree and it looks pretty good.

I had to dodge my old arch enemy (poison ivy) but I hope and pray I was successful in keeping it at bay. I noticed two little spots on my person this morning, but hope it will not escalate into more. SR warned me countless times yesterday.

So, Mr. S and I thought this bush was a Japanese Holly, but when searched online for it, I couldn't find it. It has to be some kind of holly because the leaves have sharp points.

Does anyone know what this is? It's unique and I'm so glad to have it, even if I never know what it really is.

The last photo is a view of the back edge of the yard. The photo doesn't really show how nice it is, mainly because you can see all the vines that are ruining the look of everything. If I could withstand the ivy issue, I'd get back there with some pruning shears and do away with that unsightly vineyard. Unfortunately, I can't, so it's just going to have to stay. I'm hoping when everything fills out, it will look better.

Wax and Wane

Wax and Wane: "Increase and decrease, as in size, number, strength, or intensity..." Dictionary.com

I had a revelation yesterday. One that I suppose comes to most everyone eventually. SR and I are aging. Oh, we aren't old, but our bodies just don't keep up like they used to. SR has always always been very active and strong. I never even thought about him running out of steam. But as we worked on the porch and yard yesterday, I realized that at the age of 56, he is beginning to slow down. He can still run rings around me, and is still a very strong man, but I can see that he gets tired a little sooner than he used to. And until that moment yesterday, it never even occured to me. I just always saw him with never ending energy and drive. So, then I thought about how I am so much like my mother, that when I get an idea in my head, and decide to act on it, I think I've got to get every single part of it done as soon as humanly possible. As in doing everything in the yard I see that needs doing in one day. Case in point:

J brought my rocks. Before he arrived, I had been hoeing and weeding. I also had been looking at things on the edge of the yard that needed some cleaning up. BUT I held myself in check only because I did NOT want another case of poison ivy. Had that not been the case, I would have been hashing and swiping with a machete for most of the morning.  When J finally arrived close to noon, I had to make myself hold off putting them around the tree so I could visit with him. While he was here, I proceeded to strip beds, and remake them, and do a little floor cleaning. He and his Dad worked on the living room ceiling fan that died. They were unable to resuscitate it.

When he left, I couldn't stand it and just had to go out and place the rocks. Now, I was already waning. I was moving a little slow but I just had to do it or die. By the time I finished placing the rocks, I was exhausted. Moral of the story? I have to learn to pace myself. SR has always been able to.

Wax and wane. Work and take a break. That's the ticket. I just have to keep reminding myself that it WILL be there tomorrow if I don't get it done today. I really don't know what the hurry is.

Porch progress. We left the three boards in the middle so I can safely go out the back.

As a Result

As a result of drinking tea before bedtime, I am wide awake at 12:45 in the a.m.
It is decaffeinated tea, but my body doesn't really care.

As a result of grinding my teeth in my sleep, (when I am actually asleep) I have to wear a stupid mouth guard.

As a result of said mouth guard, feeling squirmy due to decaffeinated tea, a tired neck, and probably pollen, I have a sinus headache too.

As a result of sewing like there's no tomorrow for Little Man, I am a little burned out. I'm taking a few days off, then will continue to create a few things for LeLe and work on J's quilt. I now have the batting and backing, so there's no excuse to put it off any longer.

As a result of drooling over Mr. and Mrs. S's backyard, I yearn for a lovely retreat in my own back yard. And SR is asking me where I'm going to plant all this stuff Mr. S is going to give me....with dread in his eyes.

As a result of getting older, I am not being as careful as I should. As in watching for poison ivy, watching the road and traffic lights instead of watching the cars while driving, and just basically taking my time about things.

As a result of being so focused on the yard, and making things, I have not kept house as I should.

And as a result of all this, I am not a happy camper. But, tomorrow is another day....oh right, it is tomorrow already.

I Won an Award!

Sweet Tanya at Froufroubritches gave me an award.

I'm speechless because, well in blogland, I'm kinda quiet. I don't have a lot of wit, nor do I come up with a lot of original ideas. This personal blog doesn't display the crafts I make, (The Seam Rippers) and those crafts are not an every day occurance. But it's very nice to be recognized. As they say on the Oscars, it's enough just to be nominated.... yeah.

So, here are the rules.

1. Put the logo on your blog within your post.

2. Pass the award onto 12 bloggers.

3. Link the nominees within your post.

4. Let them know they have received the award by commenting on their blog.

5. Share the love and the link to the person from whom you have received this award. ( Don't feel obligated to do this part.)

We Three Kings  because, well, she's my daughter and she's wonderful.

Kssnikel because she is a lot like me.

The Silver Lining because she is my daughter's BFF and adorable.

H Squared because she is a personal friend and a sweetheart.

Outlandish Observations because I love all things Outlandish.

Making the World Cuter because she's really cute!

My Outlander Purgatory because again, all things outlandish, and she is hilarious.

Living Life Creatively because she inspires me.

Jaybird Quilts because I'm just beginning to quilt and she has so many beautiful ideas.

Write it Down because she is versatile and intersting.

k.f.d. designs because I wish I could do what she does.

Bugaboos Creations because she does a little bit of everything.

I don't read a whole bunch of blogs, but these are ones I check daily. And sometimes more than once a day.

I knew Tanya when she was a toddler, and was thrilled to connect with her again after all these years. (Don't ask how many) Thanks girl. You rock!

Come On Over

While walking this morning, Mrs. S invited me to come to her backyard and check out her azaleas. Merciful Heavens!

I felt like I was at a commercial garden. And envy doesn't come close to what I felt.

While there, Mr. S gave me another tour of his yard. He is so very proud of it and loves it so much. He also offered me some more cuttings and plants for my own yard. What a man!

They have a wonderful covered deck along the back of the house, and the garden is what they look upon as they drink their morning coffee. What a life!

He's going to give me a clump of these hostas and this japanese holly might just become mine. He said he had one he could give me. Keep your fingers crossed and say your prayers that he follows through. I understand they are pretty expensive.

SR and I are about to begin working on our back porch. We are going to replace the boards, the back door and add a roof. I hope and pray when we are finished, I can create something nice to look upon as we sit back there. I doubt it will ever compare to Mr. S's place, as it takes a lot of time and effort, not to mention money and a larger lot.  One day, it will be a retreat if I have anything to say about it.  And next summer, there will be a sandbox and a swing, without a doubt. *wink*

 These are before photos.

I'm hoping to find something to hide all the junk little yard items in. And I would dearly love to have some of those vintage metal chairs with the round backs, that sort of bounce. I've tried to find some, but they are a hot item right now. The last ones I found were already sold.

This weekend, J is supposed to bring me rocks to put around this tree.

If I can get this one fixed up, that will be a huge relief. And this is where I will place some of the hostas Mr. S is giving me.

In other news, Mom had her fifth chemo treatment yesterday and she did very well. She has one more, and then a CT scan to make sure she's all clear. Her CA125 counts are 12.5. The web says normal counts are 35 and under so this is very good news. The doctor said no one is a 0. 

And my second batch of poison ivy is getting better after an injection. I think I've learned my lesson. But, you never know when that pesky little devil is going to sneak up on you while you are working in the yard.  So, I'm thinking I'll keep a steroid pack on hand just in case.

Same Song Second Verse

I did it again. I worked at the back line of the yard yesterday, and woke up in the night with....wait for it.....

poison ivy.

I can't win. Thankfully, I will only have to wait till Monday to get a steroid shot instead of almost a week to get to the doctor. I know it's stupid but...

What do you do when you are trying to make your back yard look nice, the neighbors give you plants out of their yard to transplant, and the husband's limb clearing doesn't go far enough to suit you, and you are just...crazy driven?! I hope it's all worth it, because the thrift I transplanted looks a little sickly.

The first is at the edge of the yard where the honeysuckle and poison ivy are trying to invade the yard proper. It doesn't look like much but here's hoping eventually it will take root and fill out. If it lives. They gave me some kind of day lilies. Mr. S called them tiger lilies, but I have my doubts about that.

I put some in a pot, just for fun, and some in the front bed. I know it looks really sad right now, but the hostas are just beginning to come up, and we haven't gotten a new batch of mulch put down yet. And they both told me these would spred pretty quickly. I also plan to get a hydrangea and put on the end. I had one there and moved it. Bad decision.

In the back....

Mrs. S called this Standing Phlox. Notice what is behind it.....can you see it? Just a little to the left is my arch enemy. She said to put it in a place where you don't care if it gets big and spreads all over the place.  Hmmm, maybe it will choke out the ivy. I can only hope.

At least the pots on the front porch are beginning to fill out.

Next weekend, J is supposed to bring me rocks to go around the second tree in my back yard. If he follows through, I'll have my work cut out for me putting that together.  I'm hopeful though. We plan to cover the back porch soon, and with the addition of the plants, rock bed and porch, maybe, just maybe my back yard will be something I can enjoy. And I want a nice place for Little Man to play when he gets a little older.

A Boring Night

Friday night at home. Alone. Turkey season starts tomorrow and the hubs is at camp, so after reading a witty reparte on facebook about cheezburgers, I checked out LOL Cats.  I haven't looked at it in quite some time.

I must really be tired or even more bored than I thought, because I have been ROTFL. Haven't really laughed in a good long while either, so that was nice.

I truly wish I was witty enough to come up with some of these captions.

And with this last one, I'll say goodnight to all.