May and All the Goodies

Good morning to all.  I hope this finds you well and rested.  It is amazing to me how a good night's rest can replenish the body.  I go into the bed at night wondering how I can go much further, and the rest overnight makes things much better by morning.  Each day is more exercise, and the old body is starting to respond!

It is a lovely sunny morning here.  I hope you are enjoying sunshine as well.

May brings so many things back into the light.  Lots of BBQing and family get togethers.  The world is really awakening and all of nature is coming back - in such a beautiful way.

There are marathons, Mother's Day, Memorial Day (here in U.S.), the 500 Mile Race, planting and growing, and just being able to be outdoors and enjoying.

Don't forget this is also a great time to look for many deals at the grocery stores.  Holidays make for good sales on certain things.  Hamburger hotdogs, condiments, watermelons, all kinds of things to watch for!!!!  Take advantage when you can!

Not my picture.  I looked outside first thing this morning and saw one of these babies at the feeder!  This is only the second time I have had one here.  Rose-breasted Grosbeak.  Isn't it gorgeous?    I see so many types of birds out there in my little piece of the world.  If you just pay attention and watch - it is amazing what you can see.  What a great way to start my day!

I saw this today and thought it was so true.  A garden can be more than food - it can be wonderful flowers and herbs as well.  It can sure be restful for the soul.  I love to sit out back or even on the porch and just watch and listen.  To me, fingers and toes in the dirt is healing.  It kind of places us one on one with the earth and all the wonderful sights and sounds we can enjoy.

I hope you plant something - even if you can't have a big garden.  Flowers are wonderful - herbs can easily be grown in pots (and are useful), maybe get a birdbath or a feeder.  Just do something that puts you a little closer to nature.

It is also time for yard sales to be popping up all around.  I know some of you get to enjoy them year-round - but in this area it is summer destination!  You can find so many wonderful things for home, beauty, clothes, toys, garden, etc. for pennies on the dollar.  Keep your eyes open and maybe make a stop at a sale or two this year.  You may be amazed at what you find.

Enjoy your May and your day.

I am off to plant and trim some more!!!!

Have a wonderful day!!

It's Show & Tell Day

 Happy May Day to all!!!!  It is an amazing morning here.  Yesterday was glorious after the fog lifted and the sun came out.  I got so much done yesterday and I could hardly move last night!  The grass had grown so much in about a week, and it was slow going on cutting.  I think that is why my back was screaming.  A good night's sleep, I feel much better today.  So back at it, going to work outside again today!!!!  As tiring as it is, I LOVE IT!

Yesterday I ran to the nursery to 'look' at plants.  Yeah, we all know how that goes!  I went there, to super Kroger (for plants only), and then to Ollies - all within the block - oh, and got gas fill-up.

I did my running and buying then came home and started on the yard.

Let me show you a little of what I bought!

I saw so many pretties at the nursery - but my oh my were their hanging baskets expensive!!!!  Mother's Day is coming up, so they had plenty - but the price was crazy (cheapest 34.99).  Kroger was more than half the price on baskets, and they were huge and beautiful.  I always buy a couple for out front - then I make the rest of them.

The baskets at Kroger were 14.99.  I got 2 big geranium baskets, and both are a bit different in color.

At the nursery I got some garden plants and a few assorted flowers for pots and baskets. 

I went ahead and got the garden stuff - as last year I waited, and it was hard to find anything.  Lots to choose from now - after Mother's Day the pickings will be slim!

I will maybe end up with more - but for now this is enough.

I have roses that are covered with buds, peonies with buds, tons of lilies, and the poppies - so lots of stuff to bloom.  Oh, and echinacea and coreopsis, phlox and more.

                            I couldn't resist!  This came from Ollies!  It looks cute out from.

I found these at Ollies.  I don't often have or use paper plates - but thought this was cool.  2.99 for 50.  Recycled paper, made in U.S.

I also found these at Ollies.  The beans are the big size (27.5 oz.) cans for 1.59.  No sugar added.  I got 2 - I am not a big baked bean eater but thought it would be nice to have a couple on hand.  All U.S. made.

I got 2 t-shirts for 1.99 each.  Great light weight and will be good for putzing around in.  Those are under the beans!

You just never know what you might find there.  

I also got 2 new hose nozzles, one is a 9 stream, and the other is a 3 stream.  Great for front and back hoses.  I got a new pair of small hand pruners as well.  I have needed a new pair for a while.  They are all Miracle-Grow brand.  Great prices.

Pretty much all purchased was for the yard and garden - no food.

I came home and mowed and just piddled around.  Today will be trimming the yard and all the bushes.  Maybe some planting - we will see how the back holds up!!!  Getting older sure has its grunts & groans!!!

This was out back this morning.

Just one spot.  They are blooming in 3 different areas.  Look at all those fat buds!  I guess they will last a little while.  I have more poppies this year than last year - you just never know from year to year.  Less peony buds this year - but still plenty.

I love this time of the year.

So there you have it.  My day yesterday!  It was busy and fun.  People were friendly and enjoying the weather.  So many said they came to 'look' and had carts full of flowers!  I guess I was not alone in that endeavor!  I blame it on the weather!!!!  LOL

Hoping you have a wonderful day - and can get outside and enjoy the weather and get some exercise.

SMILE

A Little This & That

 Happy Tuesday and the last day of April.  Boy did it fly by.  Tomorrow is May and a big birthday month in my family!  We woke to dampness and sun and FOG!  Yesterday cooled down from Sunday's highs in the 80's and we had rain.  April has gone down in the history books as one of the wettest Aprils in recent history in our area.  May is generally wet here as well - so we set for pretty flowers!

This started to happen yesterday!  This morning there are 6 open - just so bright and cheery. I sure wish they would last longer.

We have all started doing our spring cleaning.  Inside the house we are always cleaning and decluttering.  The yard we get ready for summer.  Don't forget the outside of the house!

It always amazes me when I am out driving - how dirty some homes look.  If you do not have a power washer that is cool - use a hose!  Just hosing down the outside of the house can make it look much cleaner and brighter and fresher.  If you have a covered porch or patio - dust accumulates and makes the house look grungy.  I hose the covered front porch many times a year.  The back of the house and the back of the garage get mossy (faces north).  Without a power washer use a sponge mop or a camper scrub brush (softer) and the hose.  You can clean and get a little exercise all at the same time.  Make it a warm day, so that getting wet feels good as well! It is just a win-win.

It is hummingbird time here again.  I know some regions have those babies all the time - not here.  It is usually May - June before they show up in my area.  Oh, I love them so much.  I put my feeders in the same spots each year.  The birds will fly to those very spots (even when not out) year after year.  They truly remember.  Keep the feeders clean and never use dye in you feed!  If is harmful to the tiny digestive systems.

Click on above to enlarge.  I make my own feed and keep extra in a Mason jar in the frig.  I usually have enough made to refill feeders 2 - 3 times.

I keep seeing the commercials on TV for the dreamscicle Frosty's.  I love the orange creamy flavor of a dreamscicle.  It has always been a favorite of mine.  Yesterday I caved!  NO I didn't go buy one - I made my own version.  No ice cream was used, as I am trying not to eat sugar.  

I used milk, orange juice and ice cubes.  I added a splash of vanilla and a squirt or 2 of honey.  Oh golly gosh - it was good!!!!!  Nothing bad - no bad calories - just yumminess!

When I was at the wedding dinner over a week ago, the drink I got was a lavender lemonade.  So wonderful - not too sweet or flowery.  Well, I don't have lavender here anymore - but I wanted to try something similar and something different here at home.  I made a jug of lemonade and I added a tiny splash of raspberry extract to my glass.  It was delightful and refreshing.  I am one of those people that have a bunch of different extracts on hand - so this could be made with any flavor.  (good for tea as well).

You can also make your own extracts with herbs or fruit (it takes some time).

I do believe I will run to the greenhouse today to look and maybe buy a few 'posies'.  It is about planting time and the cold seems to be gone for now!

Then when it is finally dry this afternoon - the yard will be mowed again.  Gosh it has grown a ton!

What do you plan on doing today?  Are you getting in the mood for summer and garden and flowers?

Think outside the box a little and when you experience things that are pricey or out of your comfort zone, find a way to make them for yourself.  Nothing ventured nothing gained.

Have fun and experiment a little!!!!

Have a beautiful day.

Weekly Wrap-Up 4/28

Hello and happy Sunday.  I hope this finds everyone healthy and safe.  My mind has been on all those people living in the plains states - I hope you are all safe.  I have been watching the news and have seen all the tornadoes and damage in the central part of the country.  Goodness, some of those tornadoes were huge - the one in Iowa was massive!  Check in and let us know you are OK.

I like this little picture - I know it is still April - but really close to May.  It reminds of the May Day baskets of old times.  We used to make little paper woven baskets at school and pick wildflowers (weeds) to fill for our moms!  Mom would always act so surprised!

Well, I made my 'wedding' cake - that huge piece I brought home - last 2 days!  It was so yummy and just about the best bite of cake I have ever had.  Couldn't waste it - now back to no sugar.

My sis, had to have a surgery this week.  She fell last weekend and broke her wrist (2 bones) and had to have surgery on Thursday.  Scary stuff at 93.  She did well and is home recuperating.  Gladly it was her left and she is right-handed.

We had cooler temps and lots of wind for a while this week - then it got warm!  I think warm is here to stay.  Seems the wind is too!  Geesh, it is hard to get things done in the wind - it just wears me out.

My frugal week:

• I mowed and trimmed early in the week - sure needs it again.  Everything is growing like crazy.
• I had my finance guy come for a meeting, and made a few positive changes in portfolio
• Cleaned the ceiling fans - very needed!
• Changed out the furnace/AC filter
• Made up a bunch of pancakes for freezer
• Got to air the house the last part of the week
• Pulling weeds and doing yard stuff
• I ran to Aldi to buy a birthday gift!!  Yep.  They had some cute kids items this week - and I needed a present for a 3-year-old!  Found what I wanted at a very good price.  Bought some fruit and pimento cheese while there.  Their pimento cheese is cheaper than other stores around and it is GOOD!
• Did stop at D. General for a card and gift bag, found microgreen seed packets.  Got 2.  I know I could use other seeds, but I thought this was fun!!! $1 (reg. seeds are 4/$1).

• Just doing all the normal stuff we all do.  Nothing exciting this week!

Meals this past week:

Tostadas

Homemade pizza and salad

Pizza and salad again

Philly beef and Swiss and steak fries (made with gr. beef)

Pancakes and fruit

Beans and rice, chicken strips and asparagus

Leftover beans & rice, egg and bacon sandwich

SNACKS - fruit, fresh veggies, cheese & crackers

How was your week?  Any good deals?  Have you started your gardens?  I will be getting pots and garden ready in the next many days - probably planting mid-May.

It is 67* at the moment (it is 8:25 AM) - going into 80's today!

I am going to a 3-year old's (gr.gr. niece) birthday party this afternoon.  They are having goodies and a taco bar.

I hope you are all well and safe and healthy, and hope your families are as well.  Check in and let us know you are OK.  Hope you all have a wonderful week ahead.

Blessings to you and yours from my humble little home.

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Keep your heart with all vigilance; for from it flow the springs of life.  Put away from your crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you.  Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you.

Proverbs 4:23-25

Dear Lord, please help us all have peace of our minds.  We need rest for our bodies, and we need to have rest for our minds and our spiritual well-being.  Help us to understand that You walk with us each and every one on a daily basis, and that we are in the best hands!  Thank You for all our many blessings.  Amen

Reminders for This Garden Year - It is Almost Time!!!!!

 Good morning on this Thursday.  Hope you are all well.  It appears our temps may start an upturn as of later today - which is fine.  We have rain coming in at some point - boy it sure does make things grow!

I went out to clean the bird bath this morning - you should have seen how muddy it was!  Yesterday robins came and bathed one after the other!!!!  I bet they felt better - as them birdies were dirty!

Today just a few charts that list compatible planting partners.  Yes, some plants do NOT like being net to others and will not grow well!!!!

Also a chart that tells you what you can plant in pots of various sizes, for your garden.  Pretty much anything can thrive in a pot - if it is big enough!  I have planted most every garden veggie I plant in pots at some point in time.

                I always plant my zucchini next to my tomatoes - they both always thrive.

Click on the above picture to enlarge for easy reading.  You will find most goodies can go in a pot.

Now if planting in a pot or container - you need good drainage.  You also need to keep watered and add some fertilizer during the season - since it can't absorb from the ground. Good soil is important as well.

I think I have grown all leafy veggies in pots as well as most root veggies (including potatoes).  I have grown beans, pepper, tomatoes, cukes, and squash in pots as well. 

They may not get as big (or they may) but you still get lots of goodies!

Do your research when planting.  It will save your work, your plants and possibly your funds!

I hope you all plan on growing something.  Greens and root crops and herbs can easily be planted amongst flowers and no one would know!

Hope this helps someone plan a little.

Have a wonderful day to all!!!

Don't Worry - Be Happy

 Happy midweek to all!  It is sunny here at the moment - but chilly.  Had a light frost.  Spring sure is a wishy-washy time for weather!!  You name it - it can happen.  

I look forward to these lovelies blooming this summer.  I get so many planted by the birds and squirrels and they always turn out beautiful.  I haven't planted any in years!

Today is just a reminder that we have been given the wonder of life - SO LIVE IT!  It is really quite simple - we are the ones who complicate it.  Do what you love and do it often.

LIVE

You don't have to analyze everything - that is something many of us do.  Just live it with a passion.

I love this!!!!  It is a great reminder.  All the worry we do, accomplishes nothing except steeling our joy!

SING!  LOVE!  PLAY!  DANCE!  LIVE!

Please just enjoy your life and enjoy those around you.  Hold them tight and love them.  

Love everything and everyone.  Put grievances behind you - did they benefit you in any way?   Doubtful.  

Enjoy all the wonders of nature and take care of it.

Enjoy your relationships and take care of them.

Enjoy the simple things as they are really big.

Enjoy your life and live it!

Thank you for being here.

Have a fantastical day!!!!

Plant, Grow and Eat what you can!!!

 Good morning all.  It is a nice morning here.  Rain coming in later.  The birds are singing, and the squirrels are out frolicking, and everything is growing.  This is Earth week.  I know we have a day, week, month to bring attention to this - but we need to be aware every day and use things thoughtfully and try to be the best stewards of the earth that we can be!

I hope that each of you can maybe plant something this year to help out with your pantry needs.  It doesn't have to be a lot - anything will help.  It is so much better for you, and it tastes better.

I know many cannot plant gardens where they live.  That just aggravates me to no end. You would think cities, neighborhoods, etc. would find it a positive thing - not negative.  I think looking at veggies and fruits growing is so much prettier than a mass of green lawn.

Many here have found ways around this - with planting in planter boxes on their patios/balconies, and planting in pots in their back yards.  

I would think instead of shrubs, it should be encouraged to plants peppers, lettuce, herbs, tomatoes, etc. in amongst the flower beds. 

I love that many inner-city places allow that vacant lots be turned into community gardens.  Those are often food desserts when it comes to groceries, so having access to fresh foods is wonderful.  I would love see all the vacant lots be used this way.  What a help that would be to everyone.

You can plant in pots, in the ground, or in about anything you can think of - just add some drainage holes and rock in the bottom of the container.

Don't use chemicals at all.  Keep it as natural as possible.  Not only is that better for you, but for nature as well.  Remember bees are pollinators and feed on your plants.

Think about some herbs for your seasoning.  Maybe lettuce and green onions (super easy to grow in pots).  Many tomatoes and peppers can also be grown in larger containers.  Whatever you grow, you don't have to go out and buy.  Let me tell you - it tastes sooooo much more delicious!!!!

Here is a homemade fertilizer to use - instead of all the chemicals in Miracle-Grow.

This stuff works well.  I use it.  The food color is just so you can tell the difference between it and other things you have around or actually see when you have used up what is in a sprayer.  

Don't forget you can use compost in your garden and manure (that has aged).

You can make your own seed tapes as well for those bitty seeds!  They are so hard to plant 'nicely' without wasting directly in the garden.

Click on either of these directions to enlarge for easier reading.

I hope everyone can plant a little bit of something for the garden this year.

It always amazes me that a single tomato seed or zucchini seed can provide so many veggies for a family table (or neighborhood).  Pretty awesome!

Of course - plant some flowers too if you can!  Birds and bees and all of nature benefit and well, they are just beautiful!  

It is also very good exercise, and you get fresh air as well.  WIN - WIN!!!!

Have fun this summer and plant some healthy food and/or beautiful flowers and herbs.

Have a wonderful day to all.