NORTH??? IN THE WINTER????

Yep, that’s me.  North in the winter. 

I arrived last week on Thursday, and will be staying for about 6 weeks.  Had a nice trip up here.  I am staying with Jana and David.

Last Saturday we went to Mike and Penny’s house.  Mike is David’s son and Penny is Mike’s wife.  We had a really nice time celebrating Christmas with their family along with Vickie (David’s daughter), her husband and their family.  Deborah also joined us.  The food was awesome.  Penny is a great cook.

Kevin came up on Sunday and spent five days working on Jana and David’s bathroom.  He got a lot done.  The bathroom is really looking good.  He left the following Sunday so he could be home for Christmas.

Jana, David and I visited mom a couple of times.  Kevin joined us for one visit, and then he and Brian stopped to visit her later in the week. 

Thursday Jana had her hip replacement surgery.  She is doing just fine.  She came home yesterday (Sunday).  I went to WalMart and had her prescriptions filled.  She slept in her recliner last night and I slept on the couch so she would not have to go up or down the steps.  Tonight we are going to go upstairs to the bedrooms.  The physical therapist was here this morning and had her walk the steps both up and down.  It gave her a little more confidence. 

I also spent a couple of hours today cleaning the bathroom.  We all plan to take showers tonight.  Today was the first chance I had to get it done. 

Tomorrow I will be picking up mom and bringing her to the house for Christmas.  She will be spending the day with us. 

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas.

Continuing On.....

Since my last posting I had a doctor appointment.  Went to see my GYN for my three month checkup.  Right now, no news is good news.

Last weekend Kevin, Renea and Stephanie went to Cincinnati.  Kevin stayed with Brian; Renea and Stephanie spent Friday night with Renea’s parents.  Then Saturday night Stephanie stayed with Samantha.  However, on Saturday afternoon Renea and Stephanie visited Granny.  It was a surprise and Granny was really surprised.  She was so glad to see them.  They took her flowers and candy and Granny gave them a tour of the nursing home.

 

I had mentioned in a previous blog that Kevin, Renea and I rented a booth at the Lee County Flea Market.  We did not do well.  We did not have the right kind of items to sell.  The reason Kevin went to Ohio was so he and Brian could rent a booth at Traders World.  They set up on Saturday and did pretty good.  We are learning a lot from these sales.  We don’t expect to get rich.  We just plan on having a good time.

 

While they were gone, I dog sat.  I had a good time with Roscoe and Lola.  On Friday I went over at suppertime (they had spent the day outside).  I fed them their supper and gave them a treat.  They both wanted to go back outside for a short time.  After “doing their business” I brought them back in and the cuddle on the couch with me while I watched some television.  Roscoe kept trying to push Lola away from me so I sat between them.  When we went to bed they both slept with me.  This was an experience.  Lola slept at the bottom of the bed by me feet.  I don’t think she moved all night.  Roscoe was a different story.  He needed help to get up on the bed.  It was easier to help him than listen to him cry.  He would get in bed, turn circles, settle down, then snore.  After a while he would repeat this process.  And, of course, he had to go out during the night and the routine would start all over.  Saturday morning I fed them, put them outside and then took a nap since I didn’t get much sleep Friday night.  Saturday was better.  Lola slept at the bottom of the bed again, but Roscoe slept on the couch.  I think he was tired also.  Sunday morning I fed them and then went to church.  After I got home I put them outside.  Kevin and family were home by suppertime.

 

The rest of the week was just doing normal things. I did get my Christmas cards signed and addressed.  It sure was weird signing just my name.  I even put up my Christmas tree and a few decorations even though I won’t be here for Christmas.

 

On Friday night I went to the Prime Timers Christmas Party at church.  We had a great time.  Plenty of good food, played a couple of games and lots of laughter.

 

Saturday I didn’t do much.  Sunday I went to church and then started getting ready to head for Ohio.  I will be staying with Jana and David for a while.  She is having hip replacement surgery and I will be her caregiver.  I will also be taking care of David and Smoky.  In between I will visit with family and friends.

Prime Timers Weekend

We had a great time!  FYI – the Prime Timers is the senior group at the church I attend.  We all met at the church early because we were leaving at 9:00 a.m.  The church has a bus and we all rode the bus which was driven by Scott.  Scott and Linda are the directors/organizers of the Prime Timers.  There were fifteen of us.  Kevin drove me to church so I would not have to leave my car parked there for three days. He also planned on changing the oil in my car. We headed out at exactly 9:00 a.m.  The first thing they did when we got on the road was put a cassette (yes, I said cassette) in the cassette player and we all sang ON THE ROAD AGAIN.  They consider this their theme song. 
 

Next came food.  I could not believe the amount of snacks we had to eat while travelling.  Linda even made up goodie bags for each of us.  We had donuts, cookies, candy, etc., etc., etc. 

 

Scott is real good about stopping every 45 minutes or so.  Everyone gets off the bus for a short walk and a potty stop.  The first stop we made was at a gas station.  It was one they had stopped at before, so they knew where it was.  We all got off the bus and headed inside for the potty.  And guess what – the ladies restroom was out of order!  So, we all used the men’s room.  It was stinky, but we survived.  They guys thought it was funny and they actually stood guard outside.

 

Then, it was back on the bus for more snacks and drinks.  We also played a few games.  Bingo was one of them, and I actually one!  I never win at games.  After going thru Atlanta it was time for another potty stop.  So, we stopped at another gas station.  This time the restroom was outside and we needed it a key.  By the way, it was unisex J  Again, there was a long line.  This time it was not as stinky.

 

Next on the agenda was lunch.  We were going to stop at Wendy’s, but it wasn’t where it was supposed to be (according to Google).  We ended up eating at Burger King.  Which was fine.  Okay, lunch is over so it’s back on the bus.

 

According to the plan, our next stop was supposed to be the grocery store in Blue Ridge.  However, we started having technical difficulties with the bus.  It kept bogging down.  A couple of people on the bus had phones with internet so they all started looking for a Ford dealer.  One was found and we stopped.  Luckily someone was there to help us.  After much looking under the hood, etc. it was decided that it could be major or minor.  Scott thought it was water in the gas tank.  After spending about an hour there it was decided we would continue on.  Out next stop was the grocery store.  By this time our four hour trip had taken seven hours (kinda sounds like Gilligan’s Island right?). 

 

We were divided into four groups (this had been done before the trip) with a group leader.  Each group was responsible for one meal.  Each group was given $70 to buy their groceries.  We then headed into the store for our supplies.  The group I was with had breakfast on Sunday morning.  (I forgot to mention we left on Saturday morning and planned to return on Monday.)  We made a breakfast casserole and muffins.  Three of the four groups stayed under budget.  One went over.  The three groups that stayed under  gave them some of their money.  It was only $5. 

 

Next stop was the cabin.  We all stayed in the one cabin.  It was beautiful.  It was in the mountains, and we were surrounded by farmland and woods.  There were cows, horses, sheep and goats.  Beautiful trees.  The weather was great.  Had a fireplace and a deck.  By this time it was getting late and the Saturday supper team fixed supper.  They fixed spaghetti and meatballs, salad, garlic bread, sweet tea, and we had plenty of dessert.  Didn’t stay up very late.  We were all tired.  There were four married couples and they got the separate bedrooms.  Three sisters shared the bunk beds (it was a double on the bottom), one lady took the futon, another took the couch upstairs and Janet and I shared the bedroom downstairs that had two double beds.  It worked out just great.  Three of the bedrooms and two bathrooms were on the main level, the rest was on the lower level.  There was also a pool table in the rec room downstairs.

 

Sunday morning we had Sunday School after breakfast, had a great lunch and supper.  We also watched the Georgia football game Sunday afternoon.  In between we played a variety of games.  To keep the teams even, I was the scorekeeper/judge.  Grandma (Evelyn who everyone calls Grandma) kept trying to get me to cheat because the team she was on was losing.  Anyway, we laughed a lot and really had a good time. 

 

After breakfast Monday morning it was time to head out.  The Monday morning breakfast team fixed biscuits and gravy, eggs, and grits.  I think that was the best biscuits and gravy I have ever eaten.  Then it was time to load up the bus and head back to Phenix City.  We didn’t eat as much going back, and a lot of us took naps.  Sunday night we had grilled chicken so Linda used the leftover biscuits and chicken to make sandwiches for us on the bus.  They tasted really good.

 

The trip back was uneventful.  No out of order restrooms.  And, since it was raining we ate our lunch on the bus in a WalMart parking lot.  We took a scenic route back so it took a little longer than four hours, but it was much prettier. 

 

Kevin and Renea picked me up and we headed home.  I had a great time!

THANKS BOB!!!!!

I spent the rest of the day on Thursday getting a few things caught up, and sitting on the deck reading.  It was such a beautiful day.

 

Friday morning I drove to Brian’s and Andy greeted me like a long lost friend.  He started barking as soon as I walked in the house.  When I sat on the couch he was quiet, but as soon as I moved he started barking again.  He must really love me.  Bradley was home when I arrived, but taking a nap.  When he woke he came downstairs and visited with me.  Then Steven came home and we visited.  Brian called and asked if I would pick up Samantha.  Steven went with me since I wasn’t sure how to get to the high school because of construction.  Brian arrived and packed the camper.  Tracy then got home and we headed out for the campground.  None of the kids went with us.  Of course, Andy did and he actually quit barking at me.  He sat next to me in the car, sat next to me around the campfire, sat next to me in the camper, and slept next to me (on the floor). 

 

We had a really nice weekend.  When we arrived Brian built a fire (after setting up), and we fixed hot dogs over the fire.  Haven’t had that in a long time and they tasted really good.  Of course, we also had a drink.  Anyway, after eating the rain came so we went inside.  We were all in bed early.  Saturday we went to Traders World.  After leaving we took a different route back to the campground just to check out the area.  It was a sunny pretty day.  We had a great supper.  Brian fixed potatoes and chicken in the crockpots.  After supper he built a fire and we sat outside for a long time.  Got a good night’s sleep. 

 

Morning was rainy and yuky (is that a word?).  So we packed up and headed back to Brian’s where we watched football.  Had another great supper.  Brian fixed a pork loin on the rotisserie.  I spent the night at Brian and Tracy’s.

 

Monday morning I drove to Jana and Dave’s.  Spent the day on the couch because I felt so lousy.  I caught this really bad cold from Bob.  THANKS BOB!!!!  I actually started feeling bad on Saturday.  I also found out that Rita caught the really bad cold from Bob.  She also says THANKS BOB!

 

Tuesday I drove Jana to get her shot in her hip.  She is doing fine.  We are just hoping the shot helps.  Both Monday and Tuesday evenings we watched Dancing With the Stars.  We were surprised at who was voted off.  They are all so good I hate to see any of them leave. 

 

Now I am off to have lunch with Gail.

I'm Here.....

Here is Ohio.  I would say Cincinnati, but I am staying in West Chester, Liberty Township, and Cheviot.  So, I will just say Ohio. Left Alabama Saturday morning and drove to Franklin, TN, for the night.  Had an uneventful trip.  My new car handled the drive beautifully.  Before I left home I checked all the schedules of the college football games, the Tennessee Titans schedule, and the NASCAR schedule so I wouldn’t get caught in any major traffic jam.  After a quick breakfast on Sunday morning I headed to Ohio.  Arrived at Jana’s early afternoon.  NOTE:  I got 35.5 mpg with my new car.  Jana had picked up Mom from the nursing home so she was also there.  Jana fixed an awesome supper (which we all enjoyed) and then we took Mom back to the nursing home.
 

Monday we just kind of got organized, then picked up Mom and took her with us to Frisch’s for supper.  We met Jana and David’s friends from their camping club.  It was good to see all of them.  When we left it was raining really hard.  We took Mom back to the nursing home.

 

Tuesday David went to the movies with his son Michael so Jana and I went shopping.  We really went so I could get a watch (I forgot mine).  We bought a lot of stuff and forgot to get a watch.  We then picked up Mom from the nursing home and took here to Jana’s for supper.  Took her back after supper.  We keep taking her back because she is not allowed to spend the night away from the nursing home due to insurance regulations.  She probably napped all day Wednesday.  She was pretty worn out.

 

Mom is going to start getting physical therapy this week.  She has been evaluated.  She is having a lot of pain in her feet.  It has been determined that it is arthritis.  The PT is to help alleviate some of the pain.

 

Oh yeah, on Monday and Tuesday we watched Dancing With The Stars.  Was surprised who was voted off. 

 

I am now in West Chester with Rita and Bob.  I arrived here yesterday afternoon.  Rita got home from work shortly after I arrived.  While waiting for her I took a nap.  Bob was out of town and didn’t get home until later.  So, Rita and I went to Skyline for supper.  It was soooo good.  However, it was “kids eat free night” and I think there were at least 10,000 kids in Skyline.  We were able to get a booth all the way in the back so it wasn’t bad.  Bob was home when we got back from supper.  So, we all had a drink (or two), watched the debate (YEAH ROMNEY!), Rita worked on some homework, and I don’t think we ever stopped talking. 

 

Their yard looks great.  Rita gave me some advice on a few of my plants.  In all the years that we had a Dawn Redwood on Boomer Road I did not know that they produced fruit.  She had a piece of the fruit that she picked up on one of her field trips with her class.  It was awesome.  I will have to watch the Dawn Redwood we have in Alabama more closely. 

 

Tomorrow I head for Brian’s for the weekend.  It’s going to be great seeing him, Tracy, Bradley, Steven and Samantha.  I’m looking forward to getting caught up on all the news.

Busy Busy Busy

What a week!  I’m getting ready to head for Ohio.  I have cut my front grass and Kevin’s front grass.  I bought the paint for my shed, which Kevin is going to paint while I am gone.  Renea will be watering my flowers.  I also finished the rocks in front of my deck.  Sure looks good.  Not sure what area I will tackle when I return. 

 

 

I finished digging up the bulbs of the Red Spider Lilies that are growing in odd places in my yard.  I put them in a long planter with some dirt.  Hopefully, they will come back next year.  I really like them.

 

Renea has been picking up bags of pecans.  I have helped her a couple of times.  We sure do have a bunch of them and are trying to get them before the squirrels do.  The last time we were picking them up the squirrels were not happy with us.  We could hear them chattering away up in the trees.

 

Earlier this week Reggie came over and detailed my car.  It was decided that the car should have a good coat of wax before taking my trip.  Thank you Reggie.

 

I’ve also been to the store to pick up a few items to have with me in the car; snacks, oj, etc.

 

I’m really looking forward to going to Ohio and seeing family and friends.  It’s been quite a while since I’ve been there.  Kevin, Renea and my granddogs will be taking care of my place while I am gone.  I think maybe I should leave them a “to do” list. 

 

I even found time to put up a few Halloween decorations.  I will be back in time to vote and go on my weekend trip with the Prime Timers. 

 

Yesterday was laundry and starting to pack.  Other than that I’m just getting everything caught up so I can head out. 

We Shall See

When Isaac first entered the gulf it was supposed to head north, hit the panhandle of Florida and we were going to get a lot of rain.  As you all know, Isaac went northwest and hit Louisiana (again).  At this point we were supposed to get a lot of rain from the outer bands.  However, we were in the middle – rain to the east and rain to the west.  We didn’t get anything but a few drops.  Then Isaac went north and northeast.  Now, according to last night’s news, we are going to get rain from Isaac today and tomorrow.  We shall see. 

 

Meanwhile, I’ve been going about my daily routine; laundry, cutting grass, watering my flowers and trees, etc., etc., etc.  It has been really hot and humid so I do most of my outside work in the morning or evening.  I still haven’t started my “other” rock garden.  It’s just been too hot. 

 

Last year, before Jim passed away, he and Kevin planted a couple of cuttings from Kevin and Renea’s pampas grass.  They put one on each side of the driveway near the front of the property.  Well, I’m sure you all remember that I told you both Ryan and Renea ran over the one on the south side when they cut the grass.  Needless to say, it died.  However, the one on the north side of the driveway is doing great.  It even has a stalk with one of those feathery things on it. 

 

Last posting I mentioned about my azalea bushes.  Bush #1 only has a few sad blooms left, bush #3 is doing great, and bush #2 is now blooming.  I can’t believe I get so excited about my plants, but it makes me feel good to know all my work and TLC is working. 

  

While digging around doing my planting, etc., I found some bulbs and didn’t know what they were.  I had a pot of dirt sitting in my backyard, so I threw them in there.  Well, the other day I found this growing in the pot.  I have no idea what it is.  I will be doing some research, but if anyone has any ideas feel free to let me know.  I’m really curious. 

 

 

For my next project I would like to plant two tulip poplar trees on the north side of my driveway.  We had one in our backyard on Boomer Road and I really liked it.  I’m also planning to plant a couple of crepe myrtles.  I have two that I received from the Arbor Day Foundation and so far they are doing good.  They are still in pots next to my house.  Also, Kevin and Renea have a couple in their yard and I have been researching how to take a cutting from them and start them.  Wish me luck.  All the ones around here are pink, deep pink and red.  I would like a white one, so I guess I’ll have to buy that one. 

 

I’ve been busy with the Prime Timers at church.  Friday before last we had an International Dinner.  Linda made up a list of countries and each person chose one.  We then had to bring food specific to that country.  I chose Italy and took lasagna and garlic bread.  It was a hit.  We also had Chinese, Mexican, southern soul food, and a salad.  Great selection of food.  Linda brought the desserts and one was better than the other. 

 

Our business is on hold right now.  Kevin’s job has him working 12 hour shifts on rotating nights.  He is either sleeping or working.  Brian is getting everyone’s yard work caught up, including his own.  We are hoping to get an inventory built up over the winter.  I will let you know when we are a go again.

 

Doing laundry today.  Time to go fold some clothes.

Busy Week Plus

I potted my new plants.  One pot is of zinnia and the other two are coneflowers (one is wild berry and the other is white).  They are looking good.  I need some more potting soil, but they will be okay until I get some.  My hydrangea bush now has two blooms.  Small ones but getting bigger.  Still no blooms on the other hydrangea.  Azalea bush #1 is still blooming.  Azalea bush #3 is doing great one flower and a lot of buds.  Yea!  Azalea bush #2 looks okay, but still no blooms.

 

Since my last posting I have cut the front grass twice.  This morning when I cut Kevin’s front grass I found quite a few armadillo holes.  He said both of our back yards have a lot of the holes also.  I guess we have tasty bugs J

 

Now for some of the big news.  Last week Tuesday my new shed was delivered and set up.  They also built a ramp so I can store one of the riding mowers in it.  I am also storing the hand mower and my gardening stuff. I had a shelf built inside the shed so I can put items on it rather than on the floor.  I spent a good part of Wednesday moving some of the stuff into the shed.  Still have more to store. I think it is going to work out really well.

 

On Friday the guys came and installed my gutters and downspouts.  They look really nice.  The guys did a good job.  Now I have to get four of those rain diverters for the ends of the gutters.  Not sure what I will be getting.  Need to look.  Another trip to Lowe’s or Home Depot.  Which means I’ll probably buy some more plants.  I want to get a snowball bush for along the side of the deck. 

 

Now for the REALLY BIG NEWS!  I have been thinking about buying a new car because I wanted to get an automatic.  Shifting gears and using the clutch hurt my left leg and my right arm.  Since I won’t be towing it, I don’t need a manual shift.  So…..last Saturday Renea and I went car shopping.  I was only going to look.  Yea right J  Of course, I ended up buying.  I wanted a midsize SUV.  Something about the same size as my Saturn.  I bought a Honda CR-V.  It is beautiful.  The picture doesn’t do it justice.  The color is Urban Titanium.  On the picture it just looks brown, but it isn’t exactly.  I can’t seem to get a picture to show it’s true color.  It’s much prettier when you see it for real.  It drives great!  I am really happy with it.  I didn’t trade in the Saturn.  Brian is taking that.

I would really like to get started working on my rocks on the other side of the deck ramp.  However, it is really hot again.  Maybe I need to get in the habit of staying up late and working while it is dark.  I have a security light so I would be able to see.  Something to think about.

 

Please say a prayer for my nephew Robbie.  He is in the hospital.  He was working on his farm and the tractor rolled.  He was able to jump off the tractor so it didn’t roll over him.  However, he has seven broken and/or cracked ribs.  He is in a lot of pain.  The doctors are concerned about pneumonia because he has trouble coughing and using the breathing machine. 

Just a Few Projects

I guess it’s time to update my blog.  Haven’t done so because I haven’t done much of anything.  Just the same old stuff.  Grass is cut.  Flowers are weeded.  Have read a few books.  Watched a little television.  Yesterday we had about an inch and a half of rain.

I have taken some pictures of a few of the butterflies that are coming to my bushes.  I don’t know a lot about butterflies so I can’t name any of them.  Need to buy a book.  I tried looking them up on the internet and there are so many different types it was tough.  They are like birds – just a little different here and there.  That’s okay.  I think they are pretty and enjoy them.  I found out that they like my lantana bushes and pentas. 

Last Friday Renea and I went shopping.  I bought a couple of new plants.  I will post pictures after I get them repotted.  I need some new pots.  My petunias are about finished, but everything else is looking good.  I have a new flower on one of my hydrangeas.  It is pink.  The other hydrangea is finally starting to look pretty good.  It has a lot of new growth.  No flowers and still has a long way to go.  Yesterday I noticed a bud on azalea bush #3.  It was underneath near the bottom.  I will have to keep an eye on this bush to see if it gets any more blooms.  Azalea bush #1 is about finished blooming.  It was beautiful – loaded with flowers. 

 

Renea and I also stopped at Hobby Lobby and I bought a couple of wall hangings for my kitchen.  As soon as Kevin hangs them I will take pictures and post them.  I also bought a new bird house for my kitchen shelf.  It’s really cute and balances out the shelf a lot better than what I had up there before.  I’m hoping to get my kitchen and bedroom finished before this winter.  The bathroom is done, and there isn’t much I can do to the laundry area.  I have asked Kevin to build me a “cabinet” around the shelf above the washer and dryer to make it look a little neater.  He said he would do that.  I also have a few other projects in mind. 

I have bought a new picture frame with multiple places for pictures.  I am working on printing pictures of my ancestors to hang on my picture wall. 

 

I still talk to mom most every night, Brian at least once a week, and Jana at least once a week.  Tracy called me on Monday to see how I was doing and if I needed to talk.  I did.  I so much appreciated her thinking of me.  Of course, I see Kevin and Renea on a daily basis.  Before Stephanie left for college she would visit me every day bringing Lola and Roscoe over to visit me.  I know they like my treats and they know exactly where I keep them.  They are my buddies.

 

I guess I’ve been busier than I thought.  Not sure what all I will be doing today.  I need to catch up on some odds and ends, so I guess I better get started.  One of my projects will be my pictures.

Meet the Bully

I would like you to meet THE BULLY.  I have named him BULLY because he has taken over the hummingbird feeder.  He actually sits on top of the decoration and when another hummingbird comes to eat he chases it away.  There are actually four hummingbirds that try to eat there.  So…..I have added another feeder on the other side of the deck.  I hope that helps.  I had heard that hummingbirds do that, and I have proof.  I took this out my kitchen window.

The rest of the birds are doing fine.  I keep them supplied with feed and water.

It’s been kind of a lazy week because it is so hot.  Stephanie and I did spray the weeds in my driveway.  They are slowly shrinking.  I also cut my front grass this early this morning.  And, the pest control guy came this morning.  Still no shed or gutters and downspouts.  There has been rain and storms all around us, but only a couple of drops here.  I am watering my trees and plants just about every day.  I hope they all survive the heat.

My hibiscus are doing great

Along with my lantanas.  I still have butterflies coming to the lanatanas.

And Azalea No. 1;  Azaleas 2 and 3 are green but no blooms.

Also the petunias, the Impatiens for the Sun, the Crossandra Orange Marmalade, the vinca and pentas are all doing fine. The hydrangeas are just there – green, but there.  The geraniums are hanging in there.  My daisies and sunflowers have died.

Told you it was a slow lazy week :)

 

Answers to Comments and Other Stuff

Ginger – no, I do not read Stephen King.  Not my kind of book.  As for Jack Reacher, they are mysteries, but not your typical find the killer before he kills again.  They are different and that is why I like them.  Of course, I also like the typical find the killer books.
 

Rita – as for the bees.  I just don’t want to get stung, and I want to be able to sit on my deck and enjoy my flowers without them buzzing around me.

 

Anonymous – when I read a book I always try to picture what the person looks like.  I  have always pictured Tom Selleck as Jack Reacher.

 

Donna – As for Shades of Gray; can you say porno.  I don’t see how they can make a movie of that book, or the series for that matter. 

____________________________ 

Yesterday Kevin and I went to Phenix City to check out sheds for my yard.  We went to a couple of places and found the best deal at Long’s.  I ordered the shed and it will be delivered sometime next week.  It will be built on the premises where I ordered it.  Renea and I have decided to “girlie” it up.  We are going to paint it (which we are supposed to do anyway) and plant some flowers around it.  The company gave us some flags to mark the spot where we want the shed, and Kevin and I will do that on Monday.  We plan to store one riding mower, the hand mower and my garden stuff in there. 

 

I did some weeding, watered my plants and filled the birdfeeders in the evening.  We were supposed to have rain, but, as usual, we were in the donut hole.  Rain all around us, but nothing here.  We are supposed to have rain today, but so far nothing.  Just a lot of clouds.

 

I did check my plants and they are all looking good.  I have three azalea plants which I named #1, #2 and #3.  They are all encore azaleas which means they should bloom in the summer.  Well, #1 has a lot of buds and they are getting ready to open.  #2 and #3 do not have any buds at all.  The plant I transplanted into a new pot has died.  I really didn’t think it would survive.  I guess I will have to get something new.

 

I bought new bedroom curtains.  Again, I was tired of the brown.  I bought green drapes that matches one of the shades of green in my bedspread.  I finally hung them yesterday and they sure look good.  I didn’t want normal tiebacks, so I bought these decorative things to use instead.  They really look good. 

 

Most of the work I had to do in my bedroom is finished except for the stack of papers I need to sort through.  Some will be filed and others will be shredded.  I am trying to get inside work finished today so I can cut grass tomorrow.  I can’t believe it needs mowing again that fast.  Today I also did my laundry. 

 

Today is Monday.  I spent a good part of Friday cutting grass until the mower ran out of gas.  Since whoever bought the gas tightened the lid so tight I couldn’t open the container to fill the mower.  So the rest will have to wait until Saturday.  I actually finished all of my front grass.  Kevin filled the mower for me on Saturday so I continued my grass cutting.  Since I got such a late start I finished most of his front yard.  I will do the rest tomorrow.

 

Sunday I decided would be a day of rest.  After church I stopped at WalMart.  I spent the rest of the day relaxing and reading.  I did talk to Mom, Jana and Brian on the phone.  Stephanie come over to visit with Lola and Roscoe.  Kevin even stopped in for a few minutes.  This past weekend was the 2011 CRAP.  Jim and Mom were both there.  In fact, it was after this that Jim started his decline.  I sure do miss him.

 

This morning I finished cutting Kevin’s grass.  I also bought a couple of new plants.  One was an Impatiens for the Sun.  That is what had died on me.  I bought a new pot for it and I am trying again.  I also bought some marigolds that I am going to plant in a different pot with new dirt.  I will do that this afternoon.

 

Going to be a hot week.  Not sure what all is on my agenda.  Later.

Curtains and Yard Work

My new kitchen curtains arrived.  I ironed them and hung them.  I am really pleased with how they look.  They brighten up the kitchen.  There is so much brown in the mobile home (including all the curtains) that I decided I needed some color, etc.  The curtains are white with flowers and butterflies embroidered on them.  Even the bottom trim, which is scalloped, is embroidered. 

I spent Sunday on the riding mower.  First I cut Kevin’s front grass.  It took quite a while because it was so high and I had to go slow.  Looks good now.  After I finished his grass I decided to give my front yard a once over since it has been about a week since I had cut the grass.  I was surprised at how high my grass was and I sure am glad I decided to cut it also.  Needless to say I was tired when I finished.  Took a shower, had a glass of wine and rested a bit before supper.  Made a few phone calls after supper, sat on the deck for a while, watched a little television then went to bed early.

 

Monday morning I finished the front grass using the “hand” mower in the areas where the riding mower doesn’t go.  I did some weeding in the rock garden, sprayed a little bit of roundup in a few areas, and cleaned the new birdbath.  It’s really hot and humid outside so I am doing things little by little.  Didn’t do much of anything outside this afternoon.  This evening I weeded the other area of bushes and flowers.  I also filled the birdfeeders, and watered the flowers. I also transplanted one of the plants in the planter in the rock garden.  It was really looking sad.  I had too much in the planter.  I put it in the pot where the daisies had been since they don’t seem to be coming back.  

Kevin cut all the back grass this afternoon.  We are making progress on out to do list.

 

Today is Tuesday and I am in a funk.  So, I decided to work outside.  I had a small area of grass to trim along the edge of the deck.  I finished that first.  Next I decided to tackle the area in the back of the house where I keep my boxes with bird seed and other miscellaneous yard equipment.  I trimmed the grass along the house, cut grass with the hand mower where I could, sprayed roundup along the base of the house and some ant spray.  It took me all morning, but I got it finished up to my back steps.  Tomorrow I will work on the area on the other side of my steps.  There is shade in the back of the house in the morning so I figure that’s the best time to work there. 

 

Still waiting to hear about my gutters and downspouts.  I did order them, and was told it would probably be about six weeks.  It’s been about four.  I have started looking at sheds.  That is also on my to do list.  I need a place to store all my yard “stuff” and the hand mower.  I may also store the yellow riding mower.  Kevin’s shed is full.  Not sure where I will put the shed, but it is definitely needed.  Another project that needs to be done is having the plastic siding removing from around the bottom of the mobile home and replaced with brick.  Kevin uses the weed eater at both of our places and the plastic just keeps breaking. 

 

Across the road from us are many acres of farmland, pasture land (they raise horses and donkeys), trees, etc.  Now, Saturday evening a sign was erected right across from my driveway.  It says Honey Bee Farms and lists the owners.  However, at the bottom it says NO HONEY.  We are not sure what is going on, but I sure hope we don’t end up with a lot of bees.  I don’t like bees.

 

Didn’t do any outside work this evening.  The sky got really dark and there was a lot of thunder.  Had some rain during the night, but I decided it was better to stay indoors.

Today is Wednesday, and I just came in from working in the back yard again.  This morning I finished the area on the other side of my back steps.  The back is looking much better.  Not sure what I am going to do this afternoon.  I may just take a break and read.

 

As most of you know I like to read.  I read a variety of books.  Jana gave me a couple of book written by Lee Childs who’s main character is Jack Reacher.  Now, according the Lee Child’s Jack Reacher is 6ft 4 in tall and weighs 250 lbs.  Now, that is a big guy.  Last night I saw on television they are going to make a moving of at least one of Lee Child’s books.  I could not believe who they are going to cast to play the part of Jack Reacher.  TOM CRUISE – now, let’s face it, Tom Cruise is not 6’4” nor does he weigh 250 lbs.  Don’t think this is going to work.  Whoever did the casting for this movie sure didn’t know what he/she was doing.  Maybe they didn’t read the books.  Every book mentions Reacher’s height and weight.  Go figure. 

 

Now that I have bored you to sleep, I will end this blog. 

Catching Up

It’s time to get caught up with my blog.  CRAP is over and plans are starting to be made for next year.  Jana and David have been here for a month visiting.  They left yesterday morning and should arrive home sometime today.  Since Jana is the only driver now they are taking two days.  I am going to miss them.  However, mom sure is looking forward to them coming home.  I know she has missed them.

 

After they left I cleaned my house, which I had neglected because I was “too busy” shopping and visiting.  I also did five loads of laundry.  I was able to keep caught up with laundering my clothes, this was all the extras.  Today I am getting caught up on computer stuff, straightening cupboards, etc.  Brian arrived late last night and will be leaving later today.  He is taking Jana and David’s trailer back to the campground where they have a spot. 

 

Jana and I also put together the CRAP JUNE 2012 album.  I printed the pictures, and Jana helped me put the albums together.  The pictures turned out great, and so did the albums.

 

While they were here we did a lot of shopping.  I bought new curtains for both my kitchen and living room.  They haven’t arrived yet.  I will post pictures after I hang them.  We spent several evenings sitting on my deck.  The deck faces the east so it has shade in the evenings.  However, this past week we had storms every evening, so we spent some time inside.  We had three inches of rain the past couple of days.  Our weather here is 90’s and hot during the day then a thunder shower in the evening with a lot of rain, wind, thunder and lightning. 

 

I haven’t had much time to do yard work.  I did get my front grass cut again, but not Kevin’s.  Hopefully, I will get that done on Monday.  I did get my hibiscus planted and they are doing great.

The vinca plants, impatiens and pentas are also doing great.  In fact I had to repot the vincas because the original pot wasn’t big enough.

The sunflowers died.  I didn’t get them planted in time and I couldn’t revive them.  Hopefully, I will have better luck next year.

I moved my hummingbird feeder to the hook in the rock garden.  I had a spinner on the hook and noticed that a hummingbird get coming to it apparently because it was red.  Jana suggested that I put the hummingbird feeder there.  So, I replaced the spinner with the feeder and the hummingbird comes there several times a day.  I don’t know if it’s only one bird and several.

This must also be the time for cardinals.  In the morning and evening I have at least a dozen cardinals, both male and female, at my birdfeeder. I know this picture is of just one cardinal.  If you look real close, you can see a finch at the finch feeder.  Since my birdbath had to be thrown away, I found this one that hangs on a hook.  The birds really like it.

As you can tell, I am enjoying both my garden/flowers and the birds.