Into the Garden



Yesterday was another day spent tweaking the garden.  We live in a garden home but our yard is as large as it was in our former, traditional house.  We live on a wedge shaped lot which creates a lot of back and side yard but not much front yard.  We are fortunate that we do not have to maintain the yards, that is done through our HOA dues and the yards, front and back, are mowed and trimmed once a week.  That was one of the attractions of living here because my husband doesn't mind gardening but mowing is not his activity of choice.  We do have to maintain our flower beds ourselves, however.  When the subdivision was built, the landscaper that the builder used put in lots of beautiful plants.  It was gorgeous when they were all small but as they grew, many of them were just too large for the space in which they were placed.  Plus, the houses on this end of the subdivision were built on solid rock and the soil depth isn't, well, deep so lots of things have been lost.  The one thing we can't get rid of is the bermuda grass that keeps coming up in one of the front flower beds. We are working on that but refuse to do anything with those beds until the grass is gone.

Anyway, yesterday was the day to tackle the front flower bed.  We lost a Hawthorn bush that needed to be removed.  The Creeping Charlie wasn't creeping very well, in fact, it looked like it had crawled to it's death and the whole thing just needed to be raked out.  We decided that once Charlie was gone and the bush was no more, we would just add a bunch of Skullcap.  It has done well everywhere we have put it and I thought it would lend itself to the "unmanicured" look I prefer.  I also thought it would complement the Dianthus.  At the end of today, we will probably be moving a couple of the plants around to make room for a deep purple Crepe Myrtle to break up the expanse of house wall.  So, what do you think?

plants going in -- bed still looks a little rough

my husband loves to use jigs so he devised a way to measure for each plant to get them spaced correctly as they went around a curve

looking better

After the planting and the addition of mulch and Bernard Bunny

from the driveway -- nice play off the Dianthus

an update on the growth progress of the purslane in the blue pots

and the other pot

The day was humid in the morning and progressed to being very hot but at the end, after the planting and mulching, we had a lovely rain that resulted in this stellar rainbow.  Isn't it lovely?

so vibrant

it was so large you could see both ends -- just no pot of gold!

this was when it first appeared

Friday at Homestead Farms or You Ain't Been Kissed 'til You've Been Kissed by a Goat!


This past Friday was a fun day to visit Homestead Farms in Keller, Texas.  It was story time and craft day and what a beautiful day it was for it.  The Farris family runs such a delightful operation there at Homestead Farms and it was just made all the better with the addition of Meredith Lyons from Barefoot Books.  Miss Meredith read a very appropriate story -- The Little Red Hen -- positioned right in front of the hen house.  After the story, the kiddos were invited to participate in a craft -- making their own "little red hen".  The piece de resistance was the pen of baby goats just waiting to be petted.  I know my granddaughter's one wish was to be able to pet a goat and that she did.  I think she could have stayed there all afternoon just playing with them and I have to say they loved it as well.  One of the larger baby goats was very friendly and very affectionate.  After a lengthy head-patting session I think it just wanted to return the affection and gave my granddaughter a big lick on the arm.  There was surprise all around -- granddaughter jumped and when she jumped so did the goat.  Guess their ain't no kiss like a goat kiss!  The visit wouldn't be complete without a visit to the Homestead Farms Store where we bought some more of their fantastic tamales, pork chops and the biggest yellow squash you have ever seen.  I wish I had taken a photo of it but I came home and cooked it up immediately.  It was superb!  I will be checking for more this Friday. 

So, here are some photos from the day and contact information for Miss Meredith.  She was delightful, the turnout was fantastic and the kids just all had a wonderful time.

The crops have grown tremendously since our last visit

The baby goats

Baby goat, goat, goat goat, Baby goat

Right after THE KISS!

These chickens were just tiny, fuzzy yellow chicks at the last visit! My how they have grown!

Big bunny chowing down on lettuce

One of the two farm dogs -- they don't mind having children lay on them

Miss Meredith from Barefoot Books

This is just a portion of the attendance

If you are happy and you know it....!

great story - great storyteller

Engaged

Craft table

Creation of a bunch of little red hens

LOVE!!!!

Our own little red hen

Contact info for Meredith Lyons of Barefoot Books.  Visit the website for purchase or to book her for an event.

Time May 15, 2014

Filed under: Wordpress — --Deb @ 1:06 am

If you had all the time in the world, what would you read?

Don’t forget to leave a link to your actual response (so people don’t have to go searching for it) in the comments—or if you prefer, leave your answers in the comments themselves!




This is easy.  Everything.  I would finish the Aunt Dimity series as well as the Elm Creek Quilt series.  I would re-read the Mitford series in anticipation of the new book coming out in the autumn.  I would definitely read more of the M. C. Beaton Hammish MacBeth series -- great, funny books.  And......I would throw more Garrison Keillor in and more classics.

Like I said, everything.

Organics, Organics, Organics


As I have posted here in the past, I have been on a journey to do things in a more natural, healthy way.  I started on this quest a couple of years ago, maybe a bit longer, and I don't see it stopping anytime soon.  I can't tell you when it started exactly but it was a slow start -- I have made changes in a very slow way.  I have tried commercial products as well as DIY products. In addition to making an effort to be healthier in my lifestyle, I am also trying to be more frugal.  I know that the choices I make in what we use and how much I pay for it will ultimately affect our quality of life.  So, it is a balancing act to do the best I can for us and not break the bank.  So, when I have tried products that don't fill my bill I really have a problem throwing them away.  If they are only marginally bad, I tend to use them up an make a note not to buy them again.  If they are really terrible, I just toss them but I try very hard to use it enough to give it a chance before I pass judgement.  I have found excellent products and not so excellent products in all product lines whether they are natural, organic or just regular stuff.

I like a lot of my DIY products -- mostly my homemade laundry soap.  I much prefer it to commercial laundry detergents.  It doesn't bother my skin and I like the smell of it depending on what soap I use.  I recently bought a new mop -- a Rubbermaid Reveal mopping system.

I bought this because I don't like Swiffers.  I don't like the cleanser, I don't like that you throw everything away and they don't feel very sturdy.  This mop is great -- it comes with a microfiber pad that can be machine washed and a refillable bottle that I can use whatever cleaner I want.  I got a good deal, though, because mine came with two bottles and three pads. 

I was recently looking for an all purpose cleaners to use around the house that didn't use vinegar.  I have a lot of granite and vinegar isn't good for it so I was searching for an alternative.  I found a really easy recipe that calls for water, rubbing alcohol, a couple of drops of dishwashing soap and some essential oil if you desire.  I made up two batches, put it in spray bottles and put one in each bathroom with a roll of paper towels.  It works great to just quickly swish the bathroom in the morning while I am getting ready.  It doesn't smell like alcohol and it doesn't smell like the sweet orange essential oil I used so it works well for me.  Up to now I have just mopped with water in my new mop but I intend to use this same mixture for my floors.  I think it will be just perfect.

My quest for natural products hasn't just involved household products.  I am adamant about not using chemicals on my person.  That is one of the hardest things to change, especially if you have dry skin.  As I have mentioned previously, I have changed almost everything about what I use.  I now use a line of makeup called Rejuva -- available online.  I finally completed my makeup bag with a small size of their new pressed foundation and a lip gloss called Cherry Splash.  It is SCARY red but it is really so pretty on -- not bright and garish and it isn't sticky.  I wish I had bought it first but I also recently bought a tube of NARS dolce vita lipstick and, while I love the color and the feel, I feel like I am putting poison on my body.  Not a good feeling.  I have been really happy with the Rejuva line and haven't really been tempted to try something new.

As my hair is returning from the chemo treatments, my chemo curls are showing up really nicely and I love them!  I know that my hair is still coming in, even though I have quite a bit, because it still itches! Very strange, I know.  I also know that my hair is fragile so I am doing a lot to keep it healthy and undamaged.  What does that mean?  That means I am washing it one day a week with my J.R. Liggett shampoo and with just water in between.  As suggested by my doctor's nurse, I am brushing it with a natural bristle hairbrush.  I am not using product of any sort.  I probably never will.  The texture is completely different and the curls are something I am not used to.  My new routine seems to be working nicely, though, because even though I have had gray hair for a very long time, it has never had the shine that it has now so I am thinking my new routine is very good for my hair. 

Now, this is where we get to the TMI part so, if you are squeamish, you might want to stop reading here.  I have very dry skin and love Dr. Bronner's soap but I have noticed that it is making me drier.  So, I did a little reading and discovered that, unless you have been working under a car, running in a marathon, playing in the dirt, etc. you don't have to use soap to get clean.  I even discussed this with my microbiologist husband and he confirmed what the articles said.  So, I have quit using soap.  I shower every day, sometimes twice, and I don't just let the water wash over me.  I scrub.  I use a washrag and I scrub.  If I really feel the need I will use soap in the strategic areas but for the most part, I am soap free.  My skin is just looking better and better.  And, nobody has complained to me about being stinky.

I also quit using commercial deodorants including the better known "natural" products.  The crystal ones made me itch and the natural varieties smelled funky to me.   So, I concocted my own.  I use a small amount of coconut oil and rub it in very well, completely, and then powder with a mixture of baking soda and cornstarch, heavy on the cornstarch. I am very pleased with the results. 

I was walking through Central Market today and spotted a new product and I am a sucker for new products if they have ingredients that I can pronounce and understand.  As I was talking to one of the ladies that works in the health and wellness department I very quietly explained my hygiene routine and she totally agreed with me and noticed that I picked up this ~

I was assured it was an outstanding product and I could read and understand all the ingredients.  I also picked up this ~

I am anxious to try this because of the ingredients -- the main ingredient is coconut oil and it also contains cornstarch.  It will be much easier to travel with than a tiny jar of coconut oil and a parmesan shaker of my homemade powder.  I haven't tried it yet for efficacy but I hope it works.  If it doesn't, I know that my DIY version works well and makes me feel good that I am not putting chemicals on my body.

So, I think I have done a good job of balancing frugality with healthy with these products.  I have managed to narrow down products, whether DIY or commercially produced, and don't really have the desire to keep trying things out.  Being more minimally minded these days, I like the idea of just having a few products that work well for me, are affordable, easily attainable and simple.  By making a few of my own things, I don't feel bad about buying some of the more expensive products that I can't make myself.  I have also been more open minded about things -- realizing that I can buy Rejuva Minerals cosmetics for a lot less than I can buy mainstream products, they are healthier and just work well.  I realize that by adding some rubbing alcohol to water I can make a perfectly acceptable cleaning product that I feel safe using and safe having around.  I can make it up as I go and not have to store a lot of cleaning products.  I feel very satisfied employing these new ideas in my life.  I just wish I had thought this way when I was younger!!

Teaser Tuesdays

Hosted by Teaser Tuesdays is an event hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading.  The object is to share a couple of lines -- no spoilers -- from your current read.  Today, my lines come from "Past Imperfect" by Julian Fellowes.

"As I have said, her privileges were great, if not unique, as  a member of the select, surviving rump of the Old World.  At that time, self-made fortunes were usually much smaller than they would be decades later and the very rich, at least those people who 'lived rich,' still tended mostly to be those who had been even richer thirty years before."

I haven't started this book but intend to this evening.  I was drawn to it because it takes place in the 1960's -- MY teenage decade.  I was also drawn to it because the author is the man who makes "Downton Abbey" possible.  It sounds like it has to be a winner. 

I just finished "The Master Quilter" by Jennifer Chiaverini and, like all her books, I hated to see it end.  I am looking forward to the next book in the series but, in the meantime, I am going to jump into "Past Imperfect".  Hope it is good!

Into the Garden --

Isn't "garden" a wonderful word?  I can just imagine all sorts of gardens and it is a much nicer description than just "back yard".  We haven't done much in the garden this year, yet, since we have both been plagued with allergies -- Hubs more than me.  However, it seems to be doing well on it's own.  The weeding has begun but in short spurts and the pots have been planted.  We only have four large pots.  I tried using many small pots but found the plants don't do so well so we have limited it to four large pots -- two in the front and two in the back.  The dewberry vine which is unfortunate and unwanted is thriving beautifully and I doubt we will ever get rid of it.  The mint that started out as one small plant in a small planter has taken over everything.  I doubt we will ever be able to get rid of it either.  Considering the lack of rain and the lack of constant maintenance, everything is doing very well.

So, let's take as troll through the garden ~

hanging basket of Superbells above the mint bed

the small crabapple tree has doubled in height in just two years

the lantana that comes up every year on its own -- not planted there

a vine coming from the neighbor's yard

mass of skull cap blooming

the mint that has jumped across the yard into another flower bed

pot of purslane

the dreaded dewberry

I just love this crabapple tree

Violets that I planted years ago have now decided to come back

purslane in the front pots

more purslane

dianthus bed -- just love those little round humps

the maple tree by the front door

I can't believe these pear trees have gotten so big

the jungle from the back side of the yard

So, that is the stroll through the garden this Monday morning.  It is cool and very windy out this morning.  We have a cardinal couple in the yard now.  They are so cute, she is so little and feminine and he is the largest cardinal I have ever seen.  I am hoping to get a snap of them later.  They have been stopping by late afternoon so maybe I can catch them.

Have a wonderful Monday!

Happy Monday!

Yes, that is right -- Happy Monday!  I am coming down from a perfectly delightful weekend and, although I will need a little rest from all the excitement, it was such fun.

We had the Bean for the weekend -- well from Saturday to Sunday and she is just such a delight.  We took her to her favorite restaurant -- Jason's Deli -- which she enjoyed immensely.  She says she is going to be a "cooker" when she grows up and have her own Jason's Deli.  Gotta love a gal with a plan!  In fact, she is always wanting to know what the "plan" is. 

Then, when we returned we searched for something to watch on tv.  We were looking for movies and she is quite enamoured with "Davy Crockett" so, as luck would have it, the 1955 version with Fess Parker and Buddy Ebsen was on our "on demand" service so we loaded it up and set about watching.  At exactly 12 minutes into the film I stopped it -- who knew there was so much violence in a 1955 Disney movie.  Of course, logic would have it that you couldn't have a non-violent War of 1812 or Battle of the Alamo but it just struck me that I didn't expect it to be so, well, graphic.  So, the search went on.  We finally settled on "Air Bud".  About a half hour into it she said it was taking too long and she needed to go to bed so we turned it off and headed to bed which meant tooth brushing, allergy meds, eczema lotion, and countless drinks of water, a potty break and finally, at 9:30 we were down for the night.  It took a little while for the party gal to decompress and fall out but when she did, she barely moved all night and woke up bright eyed and bushy tailed.  I, however, did not.  My "parenting" style includes staying awake most of the night making sure the child is ok -- even though I was sleeping right next to her.  Brought back fond memories of my own children when I would get up every hour on the hour to "check" on them -- and that was when they were well.  Almost never slept when they were ill. 

So, Sunday came and went, Mom and Dad came home from their anniversary outing and Bean helped Gramps and I cook dinner.  Finally, Mom was melting down and baby was tired and runnng amok so it was time for the good time to end.  Bags packed, toys gathered, good-byes said and they were off.

So what did Gramps and I do then?  We finished watching Davy Crockett, of course!

 Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers out there!

Today was a lovely day.  First there was church then lunch with my daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter.   There was also a lovely card.  When I got home there was a lovely card and gift from my son and daughter-in-law and grandson and granddaughter.  I love them all so much, they are so special to me.  All I ever wanted to do in life was be a wife and mother and I was so fortunate to be able to do both.  I am blessed.

After a brief rest and a cuppa we set out to visit Trader Joe's.  It isn't in our neighborhood but it isn't far.  However, I am going to be bold and just say it -- I don't like Trader Joe's.  It is too crowded and, until today, too cold.  We bought some bread that was good and the yogurt was fine but there is just something I don't care for about it.  However,  I have learned to love Sprouts and that is the store I will be frequenting.  They have hummus to die for.

After our return home and a dinner of yogurt and toast I have settled down to watch a movie -- "Letters to Juliet".

 So far it is good.  The scenery is gorgeous, the story line is cute and I am enjoying it.

It seems I have been a few days away from my blog home.  What was I doing?  If you recall, I had made mention of my very brown family room and how I wanted to do something to change it.  Well, I have.  I haven't made it less brown and in some ways I made it more brown but it is different.  I am not sure I was distressed over the color or the starkness of it.  So, I set about layering and texturizing and moving some furniture.

 I did a bit of sewing,  bought a pillow cover off Etsy and am figuring out a couple of more pillows.  All in all I think it is an improvement.  All I wanted was a little warmth and softness and I think I have accomplished that. Yes, I know, I could move the books off the end table.  That would help, too.  I have learned that clutter doesn't equal "cozy and lived in" -- it just equals mess.

I have also been reading.  I am currently reading "The Master Quilter" by Jennifer Chiaverini.


 

 

 It is the sixth book in the Elm Creek Quilts series.  It is different than the others I have read so far in that each character has a story and they all come together at one moment in time.  I have read about these characters through five other books and I have gotten to "know" them.  I am worried about Bonnie - she is having such a struggle with her ogre of a husband.  Judy is struggling with a job change and Diane is going to be facing a job loss as well as learning that her son is teetering on the edge of criminal activity.  Gwen is getting over the disappointment of being passed over for a job she wanted and deserved.  These characters have become real to me and I can't wait to see how it all works out for them.  I am almost finished with this episode and I am hating to see it end.

So, that is what the week has held for me.  This week -- who knows?  For some reason I have been very thoughtful lately.  I have no idea why but I get this way from time to time.  I don't know if it is sadness or a slight bit of depression but I prefer to think of it as thoughtful.  There are so many things I have been interested in over my life time that I have always put on the back burner.  For some reason, now, I have the urge to do them.  I want to draw, I want to write, I want to sew, I want to read -- there are not enough hours in the day but I am trying.

Maybe this week I will be able to sandwich in a bit more blogging!

Oh, BTW, the movie was great! A chick flick for sure but even for us old chicks.  I recommend!