tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84548084092579095332024-03-18T17:14:01.131-07:00In The GardenJennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01816796977553847916noreply@blogger.comBlogger801125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454808409257909533.post-19231034328587962782024-03-12T11:21:00.000-07:002024-03-12T12:58:17.660-07:00A Story- "Once Upon A Time" and Crocuses<p><br /></p><p>A Story</p><p>Once Upon A Time</p><p>Once upon a time there was a little girl. At bedtime, she always read her story books.</p><p>As the years went by, the sunshine of wonderful people and animals nurtured her. Growing-green challenges and red-fired adventures added interest to her life. There were dark purple times, too, sad and difficult. This life was like stained glass, and reading was the lead between the pieces.</p><p>When she was old, she started to write a story a stained-glass window made from the rich, bright, dramatic colours of her life. Books she read were the lead between the panes. Once upon a time.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioajgx6L7vHnl1udeMPDAA0daNH3GkL8jPld5Ry8Y4qfuBp3MDFXmpZiSN7VnBoVsRXEDKAnW29Hg15b2TfdKld3gPgoCW64LyTNma7Gou5oUhH2OTM8SF5gK_OChbeg7VhSPzJd47mA9WNz9rh-s5fWgbTCOr1zXbBzOh5ObogyrPCluiNRQuVkLtwSs/s2592/crocus24.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2592" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioajgx6L7vHnl1udeMPDAA0daNH3GkL8jPld5Ry8Y4qfuBp3MDFXmpZiSN7VnBoVsRXEDKAnW29Hg15b2TfdKld3gPgoCW64LyTNma7Gou5oUhH2OTM8SF5gK_OChbeg7VhSPzJd47mA9WNz9rh-s5fWgbTCOr1zXbBzOh5ObogyrPCluiNRQuVkLtwSs/w400-h300/crocus24.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>My crocuses are not up yet but it is nice to see a picture of them in anticipation. Over the years, chipmunks have reduced the number of crocuses I have in the garden but there are still some that they miss. <br /><p><br /></p>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01816796977553847916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454808409257909533.post-67581704295012895172024-03-05T13:17:00.000-08:002024-03-05T13:17:12.011-08:00A Story - "Work" and Snowdrops<p>A Story</p><p>Work</p><p>The scribe memorized the decree stating that the priests supported the king. It seemed like a waste of time to write out what was obvious to all. Adding to the burden, he would have to transcribe it into, not just one, but three languages. No mistakes would be tolerated. The task would demand all his concentration and energy. He groaned as he began his arduous work.</p><p>Two thousand years later, in London, a middle-aged tourist gazed at the Rosetta Stone awed by its beauty and importance. Here was the key that finally unlocked mysteries of the ancient Egyptian world.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcOktvobFwRMqqmsUPPPrN-Ipa9GYF-6zpUMRbFnf3sVYu21M5InneK2thbYLSKQ39rN8Bn_8u6DMbesisfufitHr70OQlFxfM7Hcko3wVKPKwIjkVebRGNzzPJueke0fTW0ZEB39LrfR6t76YVtBB8GKfr2lU8cAboq7m5LMPcEUHWDZtnH2edHMm4q4/s2592/snodrop24).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2592" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcOktvobFwRMqqmsUPPPrN-Ipa9GYF-6zpUMRbFnf3sVYu21M5InneK2thbYLSKQ39rN8Bn_8u6DMbesisfufitHr70OQlFxfM7Hcko3wVKPKwIjkVebRGNzzPJueke0fTW0ZEB39LrfR6t76YVtBB8GKfr2lU8cAboq7m5LMPcEUHWDZtnH2edHMm4q4/w400-h300/snodrop24).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>My snowdrops (Galanthus) are blooming. What a welcome sight at the end of winter. Some years they have even bloomed under snow, but this year the snow is gone and they are in full view. I have some double ones which come out a little later. They are pretty as well but not as vigorous as the single ones. The single ones also multiply more quickly. I like to put the snowdrops in an area that I can see from a window so I can enjoy them even if the weather is dreary.<div><br /></div><div>I have had trouble with chipmunks eating crocus bulbs but I don't have any trouble with anything eating the snowdrops so that's another good reason for me to have them.</div><div><br /></div><div>They are delicate, petite flowers and if you look closely at them, you will see how pretty they are.<br /><p><br /></p></div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01816796977553847916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454808409257909533.post-88221845629104157372024-02-27T07:50:00.000-08:002024-02-27T07:50:30.031-08:00A Story: "Wedding Bells" and Primula<p>A Story </p><p>Wedding Bells</p><p>"Weddings: great places to meet guys."</p><p>Sandy had her eye on a guy when an attractive young woman came up to her.</p><p>"Hi, I'm Lily. I love your dress. You must work in a creative field."</p><p>"I do. I'm a fashion designer."</p><p>"Fabulous! I'm a visual artist."</p><p>The conversation took off like a mustang galloping over the range. Sandy felt like she'd known Lily for years. They exchanged phone numbers and hugged before Lily finally dashed off to find her boyfriend.</p><p>When Lily reached Sandy's chosen one, she gave him a big kiss. Sandy's heart sank.</p><p>When was the next wedding?<br /><br /><br /><br /> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnujxiTAR9rGZp58R9P12hpf3vCtKYJ4OPpRd_IFem5a7Wfoosnz04QAE1oVcecCapXkSDLZFy7uJN-gI-JHJjm-n8uGSfGVhaXQHHYeBlmmd4AqVZpgTMJ6ZBGBSm2YzIEz9O60pCUUHJTpUaL1BYSOaQiVBZwyq6iYCNeGOsHmlOg70hkwqgAjbFS4k/s2592/primula1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2592" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnujxiTAR9rGZp58R9P12hpf3vCtKYJ4OPpRd_IFem5a7Wfoosnz04QAE1oVcecCapXkSDLZFy7uJN-gI-JHJjm-n8uGSfGVhaXQHHYeBlmmd4AqVZpgTMJ6ZBGBSm2YzIEz9O60pCUUHJTpUaL1BYSOaQiVBZwyq6iYCNeGOsHmlOg70hkwqgAjbFS4k/w400-h300/primula1.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Primulas are one of my favourite spring flowers. My zone 4 garden is just barely warm enough for some of them. They are considered a short lived perennial even where it's warmer. Ones I have bought in stores will only make it through one or two winters.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihSoK41FbPkIKXiIr9606r3lynXYy3NKynUNXNWWKIS7GFItz_kwFr-Lp9yhsRSdi6ETAc6s-MI_M651fOQraO9utoSkj380WnbPs9iVdQ7HBc-p66D8HfnqermmPZo_4wC78MkuxIWs1aPxWhR1kUmp91LQPjtpboYKo6IzHBmqT1zpKgO9xAdHYE_xY/s4288/primula2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3216" data-original-width="4288" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihSoK41FbPkIKXiIr9606r3lynXYy3NKynUNXNWWKIS7GFItz_kwFr-Lp9yhsRSdi6ETAc6s-MI_M651fOQraO9utoSkj380WnbPs9iVdQ7HBc-p66D8HfnqermmPZo_4wC78MkuxIWs1aPxWhR1kUmp91LQPjtpboYKo6IzHBmqT1zpKgO9xAdHYE_xY/w400-h300/primula2.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>However, some that I have started from seed have come back for many years.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicfrzMlwPVTRDNiL6xd2QjJDeHUwZCeS-Xv9UhzaBw6PmQjHS-k-ew3WvF-02VauM2iXF7jpLsHVQUgjOxuHxCk1IbPAaI_9T2gSa-DXVOgRvgCQQnRbn-mNXJhvoxnD94Qod8oCY16hK4FmTQo0Es4gOvGt5uyyMEt2YYIMPd_EtfR6EkC30JUBOF_h4/s4288/primula3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3216" data-original-width="4288" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicfrzMlwPVTRDNiL6xd2QjJDeHUwZCeS-Xv9UhzaBw6PmQjHS-k-ew3WvF-02VauM2iXF7jpLsHVQUgjOxuHxCk1IbPAaI_9T2gSa-DXVOgRvgCQQnRbn-mNXJhvoxnD94Qod8oCY16hK4FmTQo0Es4gOvGt5uyyMEt2YYIMPd_EtfR6EkC30JUBOF_h4/w400-h300/primula3.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>This lovely yellow one was given to me as a plant several years ago and it is very hardy and vigorous. I have split it a number of times so I have quite a patch of it now. It's a bit of mutant, though, because it has multiple crowns that all bloom. Most plants have one or only a few crowns.<p></p><p>Primulas like to have spring sun and summer shade like a lot of spring blooming flowers. They do well in the shade of deciduous trees. They need to be fed compost every year and should be watered if it's been dry. Apart from that they are pretty easy and not prone to pests or diseases. They are easily split into more plants. In fact, that will keep them vigorous for longer.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbH0Re28eh90ehVRaPq654cPdfzQgHBf_Uqyl1KSvs23OyRVz03d9GX1SJQV0XEUWszN17UnoSTPFnxBhU9cqpgm0Ol-xrdpiwCA6wg1vGNlxfKTiqDLCVvV9t6P8zqzAkQPN3EDQxRPJh00coIA4JunNySpCuKmy_Wts7TT4Gc4B24HFiCE1aV2eU_So/s5184/primsed.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbH0Re28eh90ehVRaPq654cPdfzQgHBf_Uqyl1KSvs23OyRVz03d9GX1SJQV0XEUWszN17UnoSTPFnxBhU9cqpgm0Ol-xrdpiwCA6wg1vGNlxfKTiqDLCVvV9t6P8zqzAkQPN3EDQxRPJh00coIA4JunNySpCuKmy_Wts7TT4Gc4B24HFiCE1aV2eU_So/w300-h400/primsed.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>This year I bought Primula Lighthouse Mix from William Dam Seeds in Ontario. I have been happy with their seeds in the past - they are never treated and they all germinate well. The package of primula seeds contained 12-15 seeds according to the package. 13 have sprouted so that's great. They are slow to grow so they likely won't have time to bloom this spring. I will pot them up and leave them on the deck where they will get morning sun and maybe they will bloom in the summer. If not, then next spring. I'll plant them in the ground at the end of the summer so they can settle in before winter.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01816796977553847916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454808409257909533.post-24749449221197343372024-02-20T06:50:00.000-08:002024-02-20T06:50:08.262-08:00A Story -"The Boring Conversationalist" and Bougainvillae<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A Story</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Boring Conversationalist</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Barbara felt lonely a lot of the time. She knew she should get out more but it was challenging facing people. She felt self-conscious because she was such a boring conversationalist. She didn't have much energy because of her chronic condition; her brain brain fog made remembering things difficult. If someone asked about her week, she usually drew a blank. Later she would think: <i>I showered, I did laundry. How pathetic is that.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One day a widow called, wanting to discuss some problems. After their conversation, she thanked Barbara.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"You're such a good listener. I feel so much better."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEnVmzPdUsgiRzQ7lr_FUvJsOpCNsgO8TKoBMw69jmbmXaj2FOrSmRi6g5ugXhWJGuxXUxeFKvbczlcSFAlt6IDHu6nsEOHgM-NTd-SLJRI8QJ2q6IpCNgj0K70znO7TJY05WjmW_0hBSjQDKmUomV5q0uObcD23UshQbq9RcgKt-lMAM_JrORDhnNMos/s4329/bougain2024.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2866" data-original-width="4329" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEnVmzPdUsgiRzQ7lr_FUvJsOpCNsgO8TKoBMw69jmbmXaj2FOrSmRi6g5ugXhWJGuxXUxeFKvbczlcSFAlt6IDHu6nsEOHgM-NTd-SLJRI8QJ2q6IpCNgj0K70znO7TJY05WjmW_0hBSjQDKmUomV5q0uObcD23UshQbq9RcgKt-lMAM_JrORDhnNMos/w400-h265/bougain2024.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Bougainvillae is blooming again. Not as well as other years. I need to repot it and give it more fertilizer. It has another bunch of blooms higher up but it is definitely looking scragglier this year. I was looking online to see where you can buy bougainvillae plants. Home depot lists them but not available right now. Pick Ontario, an umbrella site for Ontario growers, says they become available in March which makes sense because that's when they are blooming. You probably won't see them with the spring plants at garden centres because by then they have stopped blooming. It doesn't have the prettiest plant habit because it is actually a tall shrub but the bright flowers are a welcome sight in February.</div><br /> <p></p>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01816796977553847916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454808409257909533.post-68069931591842733052024-02-12T16:40:00.000-08:002024-02-12T16:40:12.192-08:00A Story -"Indolent" and Easy Orange Chicken with Pecans<p>A Story:</p><p>Indolent</p><p>"Indolent!" his wife exclaimed. "How does that word in any way apply to me?"</p><p>He looked at her slim body toned by regular trips to the gym, her stylishly cut hair and her tailored suit perfect for her position as partner in a progressive law firm.</p><p>"Definition of indolent: lazy, careless, slow-moving. That is so not me."</p><p>"He didn't mean it as an insult."</p><p>"Well, it sure felt like one."</p><p>Her husband tried to look supportive but found it hard to dampen his smile.</p><p>"The doctor was just describing your cancerous thyroid tumour. Be glad it's not ambitious."</p><p><br /></p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUs_BQXYIBkyN0sXemzmNjAF_exFifPV5SgFK9KxQK2LGcPWqjLdvi1VLa71-V7sk14fRT9huScvgtxVZqcK2sxrL86aB-rz8kp-pcHFfIoz0ngdIZnhnFmiyT2h-MTgwls3tFhFEvlf-Ff2hbsDmqb9kRJDHScQ6BpFOUgXC1jrhiGrxFV0p0gc4iUKo/s5184/chickenorange.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUs_BQXYIBkyN0sXemzmNjAF_exFifPV5SgFK9KxQK2LGcPWqjLdvi1VLa71-V7sk14fRT9huScvgtxVZqcK2sxrL86aB-rz8kp-pcHFfIoz0ngdIZnhnFmiyT2h-MTgwls3tFhFEvlf-Ff2hbsDmqb9kRJDHScQ6BpFOUgXC1jrhiGrxFV0p0gc4iUKo/w400-h300/chickenorange.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Easy Orange Chicken with Pecans</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 cooked chicken breast cut into chunks</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 chopped onion</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 cup orange juice</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2 tbsp molasses stirred into 1/2 cup warm water</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 tsp ground ginger</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1/2 tsp black pepper</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2- 3 tbsp chopped pecans</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Saute the chopped onion in butter or oil.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Add the orange juice, molasses with water, ginger and pepper. Salt to taste.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Add the chicken chunks and simmer together for about 30 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb the flavours.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Serve with rice and top with some chopped pecans. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This makes two medium size servings.</div><p></p>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01816796977553847916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454808409257909533.post-31762328451111109212024-02-06T13:51:00.000-08:002024-02-06T13:51:28.380-08:00A Story - "Election Game" and mini African Violet<p>A Story:</p><p>Election Game</p><p>The spectators wiggle impatiently in their seats. Finally, the incumbent makes his first dramatic serve. The opposition zings it into the far corner out of reach. Fired up with moral outrage, the incumbent slams an ace. In a new volley, the opposition suddenly lobs a short ball and the incumbent falls trying to catch it. The pace of the game picks up. Blasting forehands and fiery backhands send the ball criss-crossing, zig-zagging over the court. The spectators have difficulty following the play.</p><p>At last on Election Day, the winner is announced. </p><p>The spectators are already restless anticipating the next game.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNcO-v_yB5tz1RMyj42iROqxpNm0oehMLX489xFvT2H-72aUYLSivIdotAQXMlDLFiPiyyuTyBlH7-aS0k1rVr4qBoh8ootqB7UOP8yK0nyOlD_eiXTeUetkSxZNHGbsBPrh3yMX8eVGwGO0TOePB8UN0WPKC4xPMW9-vLCrXiauk-eWCl-t4neSW7zr8/s4521/africanviolet.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3823" data-original-width="4521" height="339" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNcO-v_yB5tz1RMyj42iROqxpNm0oehMLX489xFvT2H-72aUYLSivIdotAQXMlDLFiPiyyuTyBlH7-aS0k1rVr4qBoh8ootqB7UOP8yK0nyOlD_eiXTeUetkSxZNHGbsBPrh3yMX8eVGwGO0TOePB8UN0WPKC4xPMW9-vLCrXiauk-eWCl-t4neSW7zr8/w400-h339/africanviolet.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br />I bought this little African violet on impulse at Walmart the other day. I've never seen such a small one in bloom. Must be some special potion they give them at the greenhouse. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid0mnz2gqqcUE-XCyd_MjkRT0iDRYhpi2X45BV29IBRe8kVjHggStXaMTCigHM4K3sJ_19L7s5Itt_hDvtzsBtySXItJmcsNKXYnEr7S4w9DKd1486T3s4AnPrljEFeDy9tqJD56xs-8hDGuefRqTPp4PrIa3sqH3JSGLQ8Af-cfY8Rc6yDfAcCB5qI3U/s4521/africanviolet.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEvGDwT4iQXU_FLazTYedBdn37AwR8UiJ7dPAfVx1bRMPhMtyTWt9MfL-IoJOQB94LEX0uCtfmITQ2F6800Pqn0J0n1sVSWPVTVNHXzgRkJN0SrJrfEmC5Yb-7GmPeLht1MufkW7InztPNceULOYpMknu6iZ4YN11JpmZk1lWRNRCEAlQfUntaRi92kJM/s5184/africanpot.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEvGDwT4iQXU_FLazTYedBdn37AwR8UiJ7dPAfVx1bRMPhMtyTWt9MfL-IoJOQB94LEX0uCtfmITQ2F6800Pqn0J0n1sVSWPVTVNHXzgRkJN0SrJrfEmC5Yb-7GmPeLht1MufkW7InztPNceULOYpMknu6iZ4YN11JpmZk1lWRNRCEAlQfUntaRi92kJM/w400-h300/africanpot.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The pot, which is only 3" at its widest at the middle, is very clever. The top pops off the bottom half so that you can water from below. Lots of good drainage holes. At a quick glance when the pot is together it looks like it is ceramic. I like this little plant because it can sit comfortably on the windowsill. Right now the sun is a bit too bright (I think some leaves got a bit of sunburn because I left it on the windowsill) but it will work well later in the season when the trees leaf out and block some of the sun.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">African violets do not like to sit in water. You can wait until they wilt a little and then give them some water. Fertilize monthly when they are blooming. Bright light is good but not direct sun. They do fabulously under grow lights.</div><p></p>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01816796977553847916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454808409257909533.post-10869019234949388172024-01-30T12:29:00.000-08:002024-01-30T12:29:49.603-08:00A Story: "Adventure" - and Barley Carrot Soup<p>A Story</p><p>Adventure</p><p>Mary had discussed at length her possible adventure with her friends. It was all a bit confusing.</p><p>"We'll describe it as though it was the weather," said her friends.</p><p>"Lots of sunny days. Balmy and warm," Gloria smiled dreamily.</p><p>"Oh, the hurricane was terrible! I was buffeted from all sides," quavered Cheryl.</p><p>"The rain just soaked down in dreary misery, day after day," sighed Donna.</p><p>"The breeze was so fresh and energizing. I've never felt so alive," enthused Moira.</p><p>"But how would I experience it?" Mary worried.</p><p>Only one way to find out.</p><p>Nine months later everything changed.<br /> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_B83lm2cKg-tuDbCdf4UZr4K9JpHuSUd9GacY_gLXOCTkpNI3X7BDnRjTYJUaK9-tYFC9sCqogSsvZeNpjm19QUL1MIuFxFSQBJ58e_rDBMvsX5c_RGphPuT3rRH0WDhCKiLTdw_X6R6DDkrY-OxOcuddhZhKQmnf3us0FJRCUUycz9_iowmiJWXbtvc/s5184/barleycarrot.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_B83lm2cKg-tuDbCdf4UZr4K9JpHuSUd9GacY_gLXOCTkpNI3X7BDnRjTYJUaK9-tYFC9sCqogSsvZeNpjm19QUL1MIuFxFSQBJ58e_rDBMvsX5c_RGphPuT3rRH0WDhCKiLTdw_X6R6DDkrY-OxOcuddhZhKQmnf3us0FJRCUUycz9_iowmiJWXbtvc/w400-h300/barleycarrot.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Barley Carrot Soup</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is a vegetable soup but you could add meat to it if you wanted.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Saute 1 chopped onion in oil or butter</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Add 1 1/2 cups rinsed barley. Cover with 2" of liquid, either broth or water.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Add 1 1/2 cup coarsely chopped carrot</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Add 1/2 cup chopped celery</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Add 1 tbsp chopped parsley, dried or 3 tbsp fresh</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Season with black pepper and salt.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Simmer for about 30 minutes. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Add 1/2 cup chopped green or yellow beans - frozen work well.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Simmer another 5 min. or so.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Serve with some parsley garnish.</div><p></p>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01816796977553847916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454808409257909533.post-53591665456948857902024-01-23T06:49:00.000-08:002024-01-23T06:49:15.770-08:00A Story: "Rural Renewal" and Starting Onion Seeds with Recycled Stuff<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A story:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Rural Renewal</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Pine-fragranced air breezed freshly into Tara's lungs. How robust she felt on her strong, sure-footed horse as he navigated the wild terrain of the trail to her rental cabin in northern Ontario. Each swinging stride connected her to his energy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At the cabin, she built a campfire. Hot dogs, roasting on sticks, sizzled in the heat. Steamy tea warmed her bones. After, hot toasted marshmallows sweetly fuelled contentment.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Later, lying in bed, Tara gazed through the skylight at myriad stars sprinkling passionate light. Billions of vibrant suns pulsated hope to her.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Tara smiled, cherishing life, defying her cancer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-HPilKsJTe2Np96HbEcE-NGiBFHjhcu3z2DC428XRKw4AwZcGJhjXM2TvAcyF_BdMUTOqD7kZfTA8SVWMhKP5VyJJAKsa3o9-lqUmNmvIqLNkduoWb9f9o3DNZRRStWC2JfiL4Zd2M8KwNKpgr6mql-zBmOrQGrsnmXBrYoakBNcxbq0MayDbbIYECVo/s5184/seedstarter1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-HPilKsJTe2Np96HbEcE-NGiBFHjhcu3z2DC428XRKw4AwZcGJhjXM2TvAcyF_BdMUTOqD7kZfTA8SVWMhKP5VyJJAKsa3o9-lqUmNmvIqLNkduoWb9f9o3DNZRRStWC2JfiL4Zd2M8KwNKpgr6mql-zBmOrQGrsnmXBrYoakBNcxbq0MayDbbIYECVo/w400-h300/seedstarter1.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>I like to start some of my onions in January. It's always a bit unpredictable as January can be sunny or cloudy, and if it's a cloudy month the seedlings don't do well. However, if the weather co-operates then I get larger onions in the summer from my January sowing. I planted Norstar onions which are a long day variety. In Ontario, you need to plant long day onions if you want to get any good sized onions in the summer.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBCNtYvjx7twjWtztOlmuJxKmWbKE98weiXUBQgNEBKjfKuwU4CKn59ZKpPXTnZH4CgminrSsULZlWNkLpN9aWS5kPyZlPJzTT7fjGzncEFbX-cDlS_VGyRZD3urKpwoBb2zd3_DdGLcIsy2ZMP_aJ94jQEYSX00WCXNz_YBCOPVcGDFIdsu1TtRMGs6U/s5184/seedstarter2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBCNtYvjx7twjWtztOlmuJxKmWbKE98weiXUBQgNEBKjfKuwU4CKn59ZKpPXTnZH4CgminrSsULZlWNkLpN9aWS5kPyZlPJzTT7fjGzncEFbX-cDlS_VGyRZD3urKpwoBb2zd3_DdGLcIsy2ZMP_aJ94jQEYSX00WCXNz_YBCOPVcGDFIdsu1TtRMGs6U/w400-h300/seedstarter2.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>I used an empty margarine container for the pot. The plastic clamshell, which works like a mini-greenhouse, is from greenhouse grown lettuce and the plastic tray underneath is from <br />Ferrero Rocher chocolates. So my planting set-up only costs me the seeds and potting soil. I've planted about a dozen seeds in this container. <p></p><p>Once the seeds sprout, I will open up the clamshell if it is sunny but close it up if it is cloudy to keep more heat inside. By March, I will get rid of the clamshell to harden the seedlings off a bit. I will also trim them to about 4 inches so that they don't flop over.</p><p><br /> </p>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01816796977553847916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454808409257909533.post-5922969855259179962024-01-16T08:00:00.000-08:002024-01-16T08:00:39.470-08:00A Story: "Opportunities" and Dependable Kalanchoe<p> A story:</p><p>Opportunities</p><p>Gerry was quick to seize an opportunity.</p><p>A farmer gave him a deal on a dozen peacocks. The birds were worth $75 a piece; for Gerry, $100 for the flock. A month later, the peacocks had flown the coop.</p><p>On to the next venture. A new widget had been designed and stocks were bound to soar. Gerry jumped in and quickly free fell to zero.</p><p>Undaunted, he snapped up some valuable baseball cards. Who knew they weren't popular anymore?</p><p>An orchard would grow money. Bad luck. Bugs, drought killed the trees.</p><p>All things considered, Gerry had the minus touch.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiM4NejC29fy1q75Hljs3mRcN6LxlvYxfSWRX8BxP_kZcwsgjxBlv0WMwLqr1k08ggV6QiqQznfE2TLDmnafDpq8Z-IBbyhmuPatSVy5xEXxaMfiLWeAO8QfH4qbwuiZrXiS0F9nErEcDz6V15ZdfRzNneaCuP5-4-cw2usFysdQpxG90zAvtlO9OCJ2I/s3740/kalanchoe3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3740" data-original-width="3652" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiM4NejC29fy1q75Hljs3mRcN6LxlvYxfSWRX8BxP_kZcwsgjxBlv0WMwLqr1k08ggV6QiqQznfE2TLDmnafDpq8Z-IBbyhmuPatSVy5xEXxaMfiLWeAO8QfH4qbwuiZrXiS0F9nErEcDz6V15ZdfRzNneaCuP5-4-cw2usFysdQpxG90zAvtlO9OCJ2I/w390-h400/kalanchoe3.jpeg" width="390" /></a></div>Kalanchoe have become my favourite winter flower. This plant is two years old and I have been able to get it to rebloom easily simply by leaving it on the windowsill and closing the drapes over it so that it doesn't get the indoor light in the evening. The blooms last for several weeks. The plant form is looser than when you buy it at the store but the flowers are just as vibrant.<p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQHBQACquTieUkriYI4gpO-5L2D7Png3apGCf5JuRFgZSGuae-RZfLrnczicr7mMyHuF_YyEFAJ6ObgUUYUXWIa1jLsW81ZB-IiPjhmA9xT6ujj3GdONrEw7PpT0eLHWFZeuudaHbluaDaCgkKSynaXYMnJ2I5uKeiBWM9ztlSRMPge_xHpQEx82Qh188/s4037/kalanchoe1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3608" data-original-width="4037" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQHBQACquTieUkriYI4gpO-5L2D7Png3apGCf5JuRFgZSGuae-RZfLrnczicr7mMyHuF_YyEFAJ6ObgUUYUXWIa1jLsW81ZB-IiPjhmA9xT6ujj3GdONrEw7PpT0eLHWFZeuudaHbluaDaCgkKSynaXYMnJ2I5uKeiBWM9ztlSRMPge_xHpQEx82Qh188/w400-h358/kalanchoe1.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>This pot has six cuttings that I took from the above plant. Last week I stuffed them all into one pot.<p></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNcDH8mQqNfVGTbo-P0gwTp5Hshf0Gvz19uxBtDyj1cn_ztV5q1AqjZGDHS6ceCWaY5lMAs39j83aTDA2znraeDRBg4ZDbmdnC_7qEWg1WeaVTNOD_EwwsxafzOWPi0xZi4Kmr_L3V7-eTp7crIiaYemKR5lyn6u9wBYRnDvNiHyuGqP1kNSE6XFumxGI/s5184/kalanchoe2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNcDH8mQqNfVGTbo-P0gwTp5Hshf0Gvz19uxBtDyj1cn_ztV5q1AqjZGDHS6ceCWaY5lMAs39j83aTDA2znraeDRBg4ZDbmdnC_7qEWg1WeaVTNOD_EwwsxafzOWPi0xZi4Kmr_L3V7-eTp7crIiaYemKR5lyn6u9wBYRnDvNiHyuGqP1kNSE6XFumxGI/s320/kalanchoe2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />The bright pink is so welcome in the dead of winter. Kalanchoes are super easy to grow. Because they are succulents, they don't want or need much water and one or two fertilizings when they are blooming is all that's necessary. To take a cutting, simply cut off a piece of stem and put it in soil. It will root in no time.<div>I put one kalanchoe outside last summer as an experiment. It got morning sun. The leaves took on a deep green colour and the stem was less leggy. However, it did suffer some insect damage and it is blooming a month later than the indoor plants. I brought it inside in October as the temperature got cold outside.<br /><p><br /></p></div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01816796977553847916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454808409257909533.post-79013421025353301152024-01-09T08:38:00.000-08:002024-01-09T08:38:10.240-08:00A Story - "Escape to the Country" and Trying to save an Orchid<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A Story</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Escape to the Country</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here was John's chance to get out of the city. His boss was making distance work permanent. John's budget was limited but a rural area had very affordable house prices. He bought a quaint older house and moved in.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All summer he fished in the nearby crystal-clear lake. At night, the stars were spectacular. Every day</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">he heard beautiful new bird songs. He even once saw a bear. He made new friends and hosted relaxing beer-infused barbecues. It was fantastic.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On October 15th, winter began with ten inches of snow. John sold his house and moved back to the city.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRHxIoP84FXGdQsApXPIcVQfe_cgcV54NN9MGYJqtENKQyN_eyV5gndCITN5llpaNtir72JYu6HCZcQOBNRz7JlgRub_YWnXqSEK0yo4cQWC5LhU9bl69G6XQ-J6bhZNgwGHMKYE1I4mB9U31EaZSO7b3RsqGp8Br0goBXE4rXHU9HSi5vxgXgfRkVQXk/s4581/sickorchid2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2954" data-original-width="4581" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRHxIoP84FXGdQsApXPIcVQfe_cgcV54NN9MGYJqtENKQyN_eyV5gndCITN5llpaNtir72JYu6HCZcQOBNRz7JlgRub_YWnXqSEK0yo4cQWC5LhU9bl69G6XQ-J6bhZNgwGHMKYE1I4mB9U31EaZSO7b3RsqGp8Br0goBXE4rXHU9HSi5vxgXgfRkVQXk/w400-h258/sickorchid2.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I've known for several weeks that this orchid was not well as it wasn't making any new growth. I almost threw it out a couple of times but it was so pretty when I got it with small delicate pink flowers that I wasn't ready to say goodbye to it. Finally when the Christmas busy time was over, I pulled the inner pot out of the decorative pot and had a look. Oh, my! The roots were totally finished although it looked like it had lots of healthy roots at one time. The photo shows the little bit of viable root that was left after I cleaned it up.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3T1koGtk4MWGrz2GvvngimKew3etMjUu31PI_f8dwLSwMlydXy05AOFh1jtWPQRkS6XqJ46Edu-PYhzyKa3baBdaAigZilT3gZdISh4WK9-YNeY0eLRxgJ9u6_pVmqNfybihIQu02X_Wk31SdFikfcoDc-umr-EZUQAvGz5agFk3oNGXqK2MpYLpCjpg/s5184/sickorchid1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3T1koGtk4MWGrz2GvvngimKew3etMjUu31PI_f8dwLSwMlydXy05AOFh1jtWPQRkS6XqJ46Edu-PYhzyKa3baBdaAigZilT3gZdISh4WK9-YNeY0eLRxgJ9u6_pVmqNfybihIQu02X_Wk31SdFikfcoDc-umr-EZUQAvGz5agFk3oNGXqK2MpYLpCjpg/w400-h300/sickorchid1.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>I looked at some "rescue orchid" videos and decided to try to save this one. I dusted the lower part where it would send out new roots with some rooting hormone. I have it resting in a jar where the root is in the water for part of the day, and then I leave it suspended just above the water so it will get some humidity.<p></p><p>My big take away from this is to always check the roots of any new orchid I buy, right away, so that I can deal with any rotting roots before the plant is destroyed. I'm careful about watering an orchid so I am guessing that the roots were already rotting when I got it and it kept blooming just on reserve energy.</p><p> </p>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01816796977553847916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454808409257909533.post-13121941839057975092023-12-19T11:08:00.000-08:002023-12-19T11:08:29.168-08:00A Story - "The Christmas Exchange" and Poinsettia<p> Story</p><p>The Christmas Exchange</p><p>The Christmas gift exchange for the adults was organized by the efficient oldest daughter using a random selection program that ensured that no one received a gift from someone they were giving to. The creative son got mixed up and gave a gift to the wrong couple who then fretted that they were expected to reciprocate. But what about the exchange rules? It was discovered that younger daughter didn't get a gift. Quick! An e-gift card for her favourite store. "Are these my chocolates?"</p><p>Christmas is always full of fruitcake.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtJWWXFpf3BEH8pKkrT_ruwP3DS6dk_p47LcjdaUxf-63lRYGcjTo-sNjMmq60VOFwBekMYl-_YU8KkyK6k2P6tm-wznQeao7zfRHd5heBPMCaTYDcdShSjnNUJq0NVCV99GNPP3iQSdvC9mAlAZE7jLmBQLL6Ua7vo-ogb4yuzldZI4EuQpPOqWpFyBg/s5184/poinsettia23.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtJWWXFpf3BEH8pKkrT_ruwP3DS6dk_p47LcjdaUxf-63lRYGcjTo-sNjMmq60VOFwBekMYl-_YU8KkyK6k2P6tm-wznQeao7zfRHd5heBPMCaTYDcdShSjnNUJq0NVCV99GNPP3iQSdvC9mAlAZE7jLmBQLL6Ua7vo-ogb4yuzldZI4EuQpPOqWpFyBg/w400-h300/poinsettia23.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>I bought this bright poinsettia a couple of weeks ago. One year, I kept a poinsettia growing over the summer and then did several weeks of short days by covering it with a garbage bag to trigger the formation of the red bracts. It did make some red bracts but all in all it was disappointing. I had a big awkward plant and not much colour. So I have decided to let the greenhouse growers do their magic and I simply buy a fresh plant each Christmas and throw it out when the red bracts are finished. Lovely pink and cream coloured ones are also available. A collection of all three colours, if you have room for that many plants, makes a nice decorative arrangement. </p>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01816796977553847916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454808409257909533.post-23740686026408553092023-12-12T05:47:00.000-08:002023-12-12T05:47:55.093-08:00A Story - "The Next Chapter". and Beet Carrot Corn Salad<p> This story is a Covid-time story inspired by outside church services that took place when people were not allowed to gather inside a church.</p><p>The Next Chapter</p><p>Puffed clouds nestled in the cerulean sky. A breeze wafted by, uplifting a monarch butterfly and a sparkler of plant fluff. Mrs. Graves sat in the shade of an ornamental crab apple tree polka-dotted with crimson fruit. Spaced out around were her fellow church members. The pastor's mellow voice blended with melodic bird songs.</p><p>Suddenly Mrs. Graves' chair crashed over; the pastor froze mid-word.</p><p>A few days later, Mrs. Graves was buried in the graveyard across the road among the mossy crooked tombstones that she had gazed at for weeks of Sundays, the next chapter of her life beginning.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7eGLvM72z2mc3_V11d1MkQrnih6TpgbscMF6foQFWeRnPgqx2PL-_VZDbLXMnLUjxuTysFkUHFCpzZWpQPhsY8jjDMG8oggkjCerjWlZww4BJo5OfnioqhYhMCMTm3N_A7nMuEKP9OMalgR6EWqylrxaTjnlYltVrrNvD-wtTnyrNLZpBAfPfVeGKqWY/s5184/beetcarrot.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7eGLvM72z2mc3_V11d1MkQrnih6TpgbscMF6foQFWeRnPgqx2PL-_VZDbLXMnLUjxuTysFkUHFCpzZWpQPhsY8jjDMG8oggkjCerjWlZww4BJo5OfnioqhYhMCMTm3N_A7nMuEKP9OMalgR6EWqylrxaTjnlYltVrrNvD-wtTnyrNLZpBAfPfVeGKqWY/w400-h300/beetcarrot.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>Beet Carrot Corn Salad<p></p><p>1/4 cup chopped onion</p><p>1 1/2 cups cooked (boiled or baked) diced beets</p><p>1 1/2 cups cooked (boiled or baked) diced carrots. Only cook carrots until they are lightly softened - boil 5 min.</p><p>1 cup cooked corn. I used frozen. Fresh or canned would work, too.</p><p>1/4 tsp ground cloves</p><p>1/4 tsp black pepper</p><p>Salt to taste</p><p>Mix all ingredients together and top with salad dressing such as ranch or vinaigrette.</p><p>This blend of vegetables is also tasty heated up and served as a warm vegetable mix.</p>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01816796977553847916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454808409257909533.post-70139928153091702222023-12-05T08:53:00.000-08:002023-12-05T08:53:16.072-08:00A Story - "Waves" - Spiced Carrot Sweet Potato Soup , dried Parsley<p> A Story:</p><p>Waves</p><p>Life was so grey. Work so dull.</p><p>Alicia hoped a Maine seaside holiday would recharge her. Today the ocean, at high tide, was calm, and the hot sand had warmed the water enough to make it swimmable. She swam lazily, the gentle waves rocking her, the saltwater buoying her. But she didn't want to be lulled, she wanted excitement.</p><p>A plastic bottle, something inside, slowly drifted near her. Curious she grabbed it and swam to shore. She extracted a note: "The waves will find you, my special love. Call: Liam, 222-333-444</p><p>Alicia gasped and whipped out her phone.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-X4Pffgd7KMvFdTLKYkuqrB7JxEjdxXWIV_GS_xF40-KYrHmOh6y3rjn6eyM_2P8NCI1hRrW80P045p-R86dGEC-ahil8XajJunF5w6YCjMC_nwzi4x2Yeqh9H0-qLcV00fd10FFSU5RtFduooDzRtCER5uIlgNudrMCq0eUTtLLrvJ1jMcxvrPuU9oo/s4752/carrotswepot.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3872" data-original-width="4752" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-X4Pffgd7KMvFdTLKYkuqrB7JxEjdxXWIV_GS_xF40-KYrHmOh6y3rjn6eyM_2P8NCI1hRrW80P045p-R86dGEC-ahil8XajJunF5w6YCjMC_nwzi4x2Yeqh9H0-qLcV00fd10FFSU5RtFduooDzRtCER5uIlgNudrMCq0eUTtLLrvJ1jMcxvrPuU9oo/w400-h326/carrotswepot.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Spiced Carrot Sweet Potato Soup</p><p>1/2 medium onion, chopped</p><p>3 medium large carrots</p><p>1 sweet potato</p><p>1 tsp ginger</p><p>1 tsp cinnamon</p><p>salt and pepper to taste</p><p>Parmesan cheese</p><p>Saute the chopped onion in oil or butter.</p><p>Add 3 cups water, carrots (peeled and diced), and sweet potato ( peeled and diced)</p><p>Simmer until the carrots and sweet potato are soft - about 20 min.</p><p>Add the ginger and cinnamon, salt and pepper, and simmer for another 10 min.</p><p>Blend with a hand blender or mash with a potato masher.</p><p>Ladle into bowl and sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.</p><p>This soup is creamy and smooth and taste a lot like pumpkin pie.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUbO6Wbf0104qCieGyBpncBTe0xOBGEuqzCg6tnstOxK_8MeFJhkPGDQmpf0kPcJ3_pvcQT_lJTY3xxbHWRKtE-2YJRKknGI3RhCZusXAvwsQW0UI5a0NRnf7sGVVhOf2fYjPFSas09_06nnjw8lImnwrdDHQiJ3mAsi7n1BT-uH4Wq8KVpgKGYWfxuq0/s5184/parsley.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUbO6Wbf0104qCieGyBpncBTe0xOBGEuqzCg6tnstOxK_8MeFJhkPGDQmpf0kPcJ3_pvcQT_lJTY3xxbHWRKtE-2YJRKknGI3RhCZusXAvwsQW0UI5a0NRnf7sGVVhOf2fYjPFSas09_06nnjw8lImnwrdDHQiJ3mAsi7n1BT-uH4Wq8KVpgKGYWfxuq0/w400-h300/parsley.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>I like to dry my parsley in the refrigerator. After rinsing it, I place it in a paper lunch bag or, in this case, some paper towel. The parsley keeps its dark green colour while it dries. I find if I try to dry parsley just by hanging it in the air, it gets yellow. In the fridge, it will take the parsley a couple of weeks to be fully dry. When I use a paper bag, I make sure that I don't overfill it. If I have lots of parsley, I use multiple bags.<p></p><p><br /></p>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01816796977553847916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454808409257909533.post-52421970708381187622023-11-27T17:52:00.000-08:002023-11-27T17:52:52.899-08:00A Story - "The Well-worn Shoes" and Lentil Vegetable Soup<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A story:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Well-Worn Shoes</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The white sneakers were noticeably creased, grass stained, scuffed toed. Marley picked them up, studied the worn soles. The shoes were a testament to a life lived richly, generously, fearlessly.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Just four days ago, her mother had died. In life, she had always taken her time lacing up her shoes as she pondered where they would take her, who she would see. Her acts were lovingly thoughtful, appropriate.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Marley felt the weight of the shoes as her mind swirled with memories. Her mother's legacy would always be with her. Bending over, Marley put on her mother's shoes, laced them tight, and walked into life.</div><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvMMOokhoT2-6UXgaOHFkvVn7zj-vZTBS66qsF8Fj8_UbQwWq0IPQWO_hFkRPNFz6CsCfUBfi5fCdMYehY_kcETtAi83HZUV9CGkULZh_BexGwWzCu9gdecU4E5ml-iHbtOnPGosdsV11TqbXTX2u3-IKd9jhSkLj1wrOOLLDpj_fr2pqgbJ7wXjT0vVw/s5184/lentilvegsoup.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvMMOokhoT2-6UXgaOHFkvVn7zj-vZTBS66qsF8Fj8_UbQwWq0IPQWO_hFkRPNFz6CsCfUBfi5fCdMYehY_kcETtAi83HZUV9CGkULZh_BexGwWzCu9gdecU4E5ml-iHbtOnPGosdsV11TqbXTX2u3-IKd9jhSkLj1wrOOLLDpj_fr2pqgbJ7wXjT0vVw/w400-h300/lentilvegsoup.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p> The amounts are suggestions. Soup is very flexible.</p> Lentil Vegetable Soup<p></p><p>1 small onion</p><p>3 medium tomatoes (I used frozen from my garden)</p><p>1/2 green zucchini</p><p>1 large carrot</p><p>1/2 cup sweet pepper - any colour</p><p>2 cups dried red lentils</p><p>Saute the onion in a tablespoon of butter or oil of your choice. Add 3 cups water.</p><p>Add chopped carrot, chopped zucchini, chopped sweet pepper.</p><p>Add tomatoes - I would use peeled tomatoes. Canned are already peeled, and frozen are easily skinned by running them under hot water and slipping the skin off.</p><p>Bring to boil, then simmer for 30 -45 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and any herbs you feel like. I used Greek oregano but thyme, parsley, marjoram, sage would all work well alone or in combination.</p><p>Simmer a bit longer to let the herbs flavour the soup.</p><p>If the soup is thinner than you like, simply simmer until more water evaporates.</p><p>Pair the soup with a sandwich and you have a substantial lunch that will get you through the afternoon.</p>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01816796977553847916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454808409257909533.post-45730366517552694962023-11-21T14:53:00.000-08:002023-11-21T14:53:42.966-08:00A Story -"The Invisible Woman" and interesting Fungi, and pretty Mare and Foal<p> A story:</p><p>The Invisible Woman</p><p>At the restaurant, elderly Patricia spied two Italian-suited middle-aged men sitting a couple of tables away from her. They kept leaning towards each other, speaking in low voices. Patrica turned up her hearing aid until she could hear what they were saying.</p><p>"We need to get rid of the Attorney General. He won't work with us."</p><p>"Georgio can do the job."</p><p>Shocked, Patricia turned on audio record on her phone. As they were leaving, she discreetly took photos.</p><p>She e-mailed her information to the police.</p><p>The puzzled looks on the men's faces when they were arrested, made her smile.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX9AOZ1i76h1kkEjpwo-EyQg_q0oKjEyUxmfCVK8J9n3PqtW6srpvlALWZa5tYMjCr6wCwp-WUMG_KtwrMhL7WgPk7SM7Iga47X95TUF5An9hiti9maDHenj4LRgRrevVVCiOAmF9OWTGGkt-vfI6MMBSyUKnqQ4vy9TxGjSQ26JDICdjs3u_cJos8VNM/s2592/fungi23.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2592" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX9AOZ1i76h1kkEjpwo-EyQg_q0oKjEyUxmfCVK8J9n3PqtW6srpvlALWZa5tYMjCr6wCwp-WUMG_KtwrMhL7WgPk7SM7Iga47X95TUF5An9hiti9maDHenj4LRgRrevVVCiOAmF9OWTGGkt-vfI6MMBSyUKnqQ4vy9TxGjSQ26JDICdjs3u_cJos8VNM/w400-h300/fungi23.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>This fungi looks like layered rock. Very attractive design.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge9YkLDXqRCj6BXkRHEi-c0si5DZpSp1lph-oIXh05XBBt3_I08RewBfERcovSdWoLbA46Of1fB3L-ib2XUY84W5-Riwx2a6fPnBNy_q-__6nuq4S1OQ6EPnFX4tILS2lGGZQhQPUfONHm2BveHrMtKmM4H3fTH_Bsjjbs8sFjYhH2CgkpP2tgrnNfZ_I/s4288/marefoal23.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3216" data-original-width="4288" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge9YkLDXqRCj6BXkRHEi-c0si5DZpSp1lph-oIXh05XBBt3_I08RewBfERcovSdWoLbA46Of1fB3L-ib2XUY84W5-Riwx2a6fPnBNy_q-__6nuq4S1OQ6EPnFX4tILS2lGGZQhQPUfONHm2BveHrMtKmM4H3fTH_Bsjjbs8sFjYhH2CgkpP2tgrnNfZ_I/w400-h300/marefoal23.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>With doom and gloom in the news, I think it's nice to see a peaceful picture of this lovely mare and her foal. This is a picture I took a few years ago. The horse belonged to my neighbour.</p><p>Another month to the shortest day and then we turn the corner. Take care.</p></div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01816796977553847916noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454808409257909533.post-67182486631118221962023-11-14T08:01:00.000-08:002023-11-14T08:01:49.343-08:00A Story - "the Unwanted Guest" and Cabbage Pear Salad<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A story:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Unwanted Guest</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When they arrived, Joe wrapped Mom in a big hug, then exclaimed, "You look amazing."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mom blushed and tittered. Dad beamed, "Welcome, Son."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sarah, Joe's wife, noticed the guest. "Bigoted man, drinking his Coke, judging us all. What a fraud."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Glaring at him, she strode to the table. Joe helped her get seated.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After blessing the food, the unwanted guest prayed, "God comfort the sad, the frightened, the weary."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">His heart's voice flowed like golden sherry. Sarah's face flushed. Her heart gave a pound. Her tears without warning spilled, erasing her make-up, exposing the purple and blue.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiozc01TnNJ1CdKCOkHBYRBfXB78wb6qmkB8qu4_le_UJ3DVOb7MnKG4fOFE-kQJB8ihkhdSE4PaVYII5Fbo8muj0P-ftNjVOY9BEW8UcJFOOGjqUB8T7yEqYum7SlHXQ_1xeaKrwyIGhuRQcYFPYJ8UkTVsfAB838DzpcPdarkPKo_BuRph0ykjPqBI6k/s5184/cabbagepear.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiozc01TnNJ1CdKCOkHBYRBfXB78wb6qmkB8qu4_le_UJ3DVOb7MnKG4fOFE-kQJB8ihkhdSE4PaVYII5Fbo8muj0P-ftNjVOY9BEW8UcJFOOGjqUB8T7yEqYum7SlHXQ_1xeaKrwyIGhuRQcYFPYJ8UkTVsfAB838DzpcPdarkPKo_BuRph0ykjPqBI6k/w400-h300/cabbagepear.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>Cabbage salad <div><br /> I'm trying out a new cabbage salad - my own version. It has cabbage, pear, sunflower seeds and dried cranberries.<p></p><p>1 1/2 cup shredded cabbage</p><p>1 pear - any kind</p><p>1/4 cup sunflower seeds</p><p>1/3 cup dried cranberries</p><p>1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese</p><p>Mix together with mayonnaise to taste.</p><p>You could also add a little bit of green onion, some sweet pepper, and a mix of green and red cabbage would be nice.</p></div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01816796977553847916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454808409257909533.post-34838616786402024522023-11-07T16:40:00.000-08:002023-11-07T16:40:03.075-08:00A Story - "The Event". and thoughts on Leaves with White Markings<p> A story:</p><p><br /></p><p>The Event</p><p>Philip had been training for months. Today was the day. To warm up, he did some deep knee bends, waved his arms, stomped his fancy running shoes. Mom gave him a high five. Dad waited at the finish line.</p><p>Ready, set, go! Philip was off. Dad cheered wildly.</p><p>"Go, Phil, go!"</p><p>Mom held her breath as he charged along.</p><p>"Halfway there!"</p><p>They gasped as he wobbled. Digging deep, Philip found his second wind and pushed to the end.</p><p>"Yeah! You made it!"</p><p>Grinning, Philip plopped down on his diaper-padded bottom. He'd completed his first solo totter across the living room.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQwAYCAzaXf6HwU9l6ncge8nEoXFa71udNRlyXEn7S3Et9L8nF8PRi0z2OHwbuP0w4av5p6maBNRkfOGIscXfSnk6hY8JPcM0eBXxoyVAmTS8fHdhD4cZ9Rs8Hu2THZJIlzj1XVhmwnExP0NiOrhKhnhVJswCumljiHOjoCGrOjp8njQ0q4QaZUBOlJ10/s5184/acidencalla.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQwAYCAzaXf6HwU9l6ncge8nEoXFa71udNRlyXEn7S3Et9L8nF8PRi0z2OHwbuP0w4av5p6maBNRkfOGIscXfSnk6hY8JPcM0eBXxoyVAmTS8fHdhD4cZ9Rs8Hu2THZJIlzj1XVhmwnExP0NiOrhKhnhVJswCumljiHOjoCGrOjp8njQ0q4QaZUBOlJ10/w400-h300/acidencalla.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The acidentera bulbs and calla lily tubers that I got for free at the beginning of September have been growing quite well. They were outside on the deck for September and October, and only came in last week when we had frost. I don't think the calla lily will bloom as the fall sun isn't very strong but I am pleased at how many leaves grew. I will let it dry down now and give it a dormant spell December through February. The acidentera should have bloomed as most bulbs have enough energy stored to bloom once but I'm not optimistic on that front. Anyway, it makes some nice bright greenery at a dull time of year. I will just throw the acidentera out when they have finished growing as the bulbs will be exhausted from being forced. They are in water with some fertilizer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXwG2GmbqsslwnJY0Yjvhs8oF1iKtojy2DHxk_CIxOcawpGIm2Kmmdo0E5aJ-RLub73yTj_KhNW3xriz0Gj6O4-aDIILgkyZ2Z1u2OvHz6fTobQMU8nXMyu58GHqMhEDPZnPL9YzIW82kFi-nSGr-YnNqL1ON3zaJU7DUtrL4fJbymTROOGZLAleBRhZM/s5184/callaleaves.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXwG2GmbqsslwnJY0Yjvhs8oF1iKtojy2DHxk_CIxOcawpGIm2Kmmdo0E5aJ-RLub73yTj_KhNW3xriz0Gj6O4-aDIILgkyZ2Z1u2OvHz6fTobQMU8nXMyu58GHqMhEDPZnPL9YzIW82kFi-nSGr-YnNqL1ON3zaJU7DUtrL4fJbymTROOGZLAleBRhZM/w400-h300/callaleaves.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>I was looking at the calla leaves and realized that the white markings aren't actually white but are simply places where the leaves lack interior material. Where it looks white, there is a thin leaf membrane on both top and bottom but nothing in between.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUeo7wlNAVAJMbMdEkmVZLsrpE8kgtfHNu8EPx2OwAL8AiLqOtr6aRkZDzsCm-24SXiE53-VKJM9TsE7JBmTUO0eYNMmBC7FZbpqrDelI_ze-Gfkblb8kRGt9V7QumaiX_xOHN6FFH2YPp00D_Di6DJRhFJ88jLUUKwzxHVCB9L9dp-DdWFSobFQEhCTc/s5184/lamium23.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUeo7wlNAVAJMbMdEkmVZLsrpE8kgtfHNu8EPx2OwAL8AiLqOtr6aRkZDzsCm-24SXiE53-VKJM9TsE7JBmTUO0eYNMmBC7FZbpqrDelI_ze-Gfkblb8kRGt9V7QumaiX_xOHN6FFH2YPp00D_Di6DJRhFJ88jLUUKwzxHVCB9L9dp-DdWFSobFQEhCTc/w300-h400/lamium23.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsDE9ySsUDI6Xxn15T4F3KvgYXu3jQ_iXn7h_2WY2SdkwpMfExBDLiZwAW1rJ1HYpTu0DjXyqKWxBYaC9jLY-Dblzd5eZ9I4yQkHNtv4kqDfq8tOvuJW7YAVWZxgLidA1juT1XhJGvx7OYXRj-l0rTfBuqRb6Q1Rz4CSkRT7jMWLH7Bofi7GM0waBY-O8/s5184/pulleaf.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsDE9ySsUDI6Xxn15T4F3KvgYXu3jQ_iXn7h_2WY2SdkwpMfExBDLiZwAW1rJ1HYpTu0DjXyqKWxBYaC9jLY-Dblzd5eZ9I4yQkHNtv4kqDfq8tOvuJW7YAVWZxgLidA1juT1XhJGvx7OYXRj-l0rTfBuqRb6Q1Rz4CSkRT7jMWLH7Bofi7GM0waBY-O8/w300-h400/pulleaf.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The lamium and the pulmonaria are different from the calla. They both have a uniform leaf with the outer top layer having variation in colour. Although the pulmonaria spots look white, they are actually greyish and are very similar in colour to the back of the leaves. The pulmonaria also has hairs all over the leaves.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was also thinking about plants that need resting periods. Why do they? How do they know when it has been a long enough rest? Why does it sometimes have to be cold? So many things we don't know about plants.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All around us nature is amazing.</div><p></p>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01816796977553847916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454808409257909533.post-47137412869427955062023-10-30T16:23:00.000-07:002023-10-30T16:23:21.273-07:00A story - "Special Talents" - and Cabbage Salad and Freezing Celery<p> A story:</p><p><br /></p><p>Special Talents</p><p>It was a casual invitation but Lisa felt like making a special effort. She put on her outfit: grey dress pants, lavender cashmere sweater, pearl earrings.</p><p>"Not too shabby," she complimented herself. Her children were impressed.</p><p>Six other moms came with their children for the gab fest with finger foods. Lisa smugly surveyed the other moms: yoga pants, baggy tops, hair roots showing.</p><p>Suddenly a friend's son tugged on Lisa's arm. "Come." Intrigued, she followed him.</p><p>Soon she had worked her magic. The boy grinned enthusiastically at her and exclaimed, "I knew you could unblock the toilet."</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN6SqLOm_PNhJtx9uWk0Tk1CTh85uyXlbDO6fT1642kp4rQAP7UmSpahF_xTWiOCOuqtmpQEz2oK_00198rIpU7YPxGimUdUk6i_V2nlHXFzgESNgyydiMg-2JBbc3HDNN2bNxyC3vu32QtuxRicKKpjDDcHSBoZB_FhTjdpcKx2HqSkponnHZnwMEqdc/s4383/cabbagesalad.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3849" data-original-width="4383" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN6SqLOm_PNhJtx9uWk0Tk1CTh85uyXlbDO6fT1642kp4rQAP7UmSpahF_xTWiOCOuqtmpQEz2oK_00198rIpU7YPxGimUdUk6i_V2nlHXFzgESNgyydiMg-2JBbc3HDNN2bNxyC3vu32QtuxRicKKpjDDcHSBoZB_FhTjdpcKx2HqSkponnHZnwMEqdc/w400-h351/cabbagesalad.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>We had an inch of snow on the ground this morning. I thought a colourful salad would be nice to brighten up the day. Here's more or less what I put in it.<div><br /></div><div> 1 cup chopped red cabbage</div><div> 3/4 cup chopped celery</div><div> 1 chopped apple - I used a MacIntosh</div><div> 1/4 cup pecan halves</div><div> 2 very small carrots - 1 yellow, 1 orange</div><div> Mayonnaise to desired taste - about 2 tbsp.</div><div><br /></div><div> You could also add some yellow and red peppers, some onion, sunflower seeds.</div><div> I should have garnished it with some parsley but I forgot.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihG4uOUVLAaZ3E4H5tPCWeuVO-IIz8kzo6PhMiOFSekRRqqaP2AKcunkXJXzA95ZUxTV-al7S_dn8YIZa4NmtVtXIsIpKadvTmcFYxOIU-tQAu9NAbTRtVL4AmMzuuqmohcXStDGU97uLMzdmDuunEVFFP-n0GpdA65UaX6ZNi7KwXXa7KdV2qcbcU6KE/s5184/celeryfreeze.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihG4uOUVLAaZ3E4H5tPCWeuVO-IIz8kzo6PhMiOFSekRRqqaP2AKcunkXJXzA95ZUxTV-al7S_dn8YIZa4NmtVtXIsIpKadvTmcFYxOIU-tQAu9NAbTRtVL4AmMzuuqmohcXStDGU97uLMzdmDuunEVFFP-n0GpdA65UaX6ZNi7KwXXa7KdV2qcbcU6KE/w400-h300/celeryfreeze.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>Even though we had snow, we did not get frost. Sometimes when the temperature is right around 0C, that happens. Anyway, I pulled the last of the celery out of the garden. That really is the end of the garden. I kept some fresh in the fridge but blanched (about 3 min) and froze the rest. When I have chunks of vegetables like this celery or diced peppers, I put them in a large freezer bag and spread them out flat. Then I carefully place the bag flat in the freezer so the vegetables freeze in a single layer. When I want to use some, I can easily break off what I need. You can, of course, freeze vegetables on a cookie sheet and then put them in a bag. </div><div><br /></div><div>The snow is pretty well gone. It was just a warning :)<br /><p><br /></p></div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01816796977553847916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454808409257909533.post-56976122157689946292023-10-24T11:34:00.000-07:002023-10-24T11:34:04.337-07:00Story - "Homemade Socks" and quiet fall colours<p>A story:</p><p>Homemade Socks</p><p>The knitting needles followed their well-worn path, row after row. Donna knew the pattern by heart. Ribbing at the top, cables down the leg and over the top of the foot. She used the same grey yarn for every pair. She spent countless hours knitting the socks and donated them to various homeless shelters.</p><p>One cold winter night at a shelter, a worker gave a troubled man a pair of Donna's socks.</p><p>As soon as he saw the pattern, tears filled his eyes. His mother always knit him socks in that particular pattern in that special shade of grey. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijeUmyBa1B7vTVYpINZhP2yCq1vBv_055xevV3tNc1bxM0DWlO_kJtYUHSSUF5EcXQHc-JPFixIYS3WE6g9t3nM4pNC8FK75A-nCzmS3nJ6L5rmiIYrhuY1PbN2Iu1rUax8pJ_8tA472ky0TMpRym84wlG3z4zN2nHkr0A3PaQ_-o2KtEVgDjoPA6i-Kw/s5184/dogwood.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijeUmyBa1B7vTVYpINZhP2yCq1vBv_055xevV3tNc1bxM0DWlO_kJtYUHSSUF5EcXQHc-JPFixIYS3WE6g9t3nM4pNC8FK75A-nCzmS3nJ6L5rmiIYrhuY1PbN2Iu1rUax8pJ_8tA472ky0TMpRym84wlG3z4zN2nHkr0A3PaQ_-o2KtEVgDjoPA6i-Kw/w400-h300/dogwood.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>The fall foliage of the maple trees is flashy and bright and always welcome, but some other plants are beautiful in more subtle ways. The dogwood in this photo has lovely peachy leaves that bounce gently in the breeze.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYfSAZceREg7PKVB8B6o105PGN4sDLXbNgVP_OLsxymdkAhFHayu6RlX04Ct6zBtzVegwL0Xm6bWquksJMQ1TsUVz7vgZbLXRtBbEHYPm5j3Z6Amq9xKCnSHJX-u0HKb9oBZQ1alTE6AdLQ4976TcRp5UdAUrlLSCeE_WgduYP8I1d18lnJEVrKJvecQg/s5184/falleveprim.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYfSAZceREg7PKVB8B6o105PGN4sDLXbNgVP_OLsxymdkAhFHayu6RlX04Ct6zBtzVegwL0Xm6bWquksJMQ1TsUVz7vgZbLXRtBbEHYPm5j3Z6Amq9xKCnSHJX-u0HKb9oBZQ1alTE6AdLQ4976TcRp5UdAUrlLSCeE_WgduYP8I1d18lnJEVrKJvecQg/w400-h300/falleveprim.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>The evening primrose goes a deep red. It reminds me of a Scottish tartan with the green, yellow, and brown.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGrABbLOJXV09z-xXmqKisbgohuWBe-GPAkAYa-hUsCEp8MWoIXm4IBFIf4-xLy9U4werRWZKK7ACMDLGv_ctjKosIeBX0ToE5yehtcDnAmzliA4zWLz804Aqz7rwnzMXYTbp70gc2omu3PuGrH3kQhdrOreq0Jl5JqmuoxRKkLibi0HjIO0Lcl5GMTT0/s5184/solseal.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGrABbLOJXV09z-xXmqKisbgohuWBe-GPAkAYa-hUsCEp8MWoIXm4IBFIf4-xLy9U4werRWZKK7ACMDLGv_ctjKosIeBX0ToE5yehtcDnAmzliA4zWLz804Aqz7rwnzMXYTbp70gc2omu3PuGrH3kQhdrOreq0Jl5JqmuoxRKkLibi0HjIO0Lcl5GMTT0/w400-h300/solseal.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>The Solomon's seal changes to a buttery yellow. It keeps its arching form to give a nice structural focal point in the landscape.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlux6wPfTjYrGkH5aF-zqd3mdNHoxfFDrgDn3ax1FrAeAvdoWrwgAH970AnCV25e4xm60P-dEjz1_ln3aGXHN6_BBypWPpCFwJ0dlKKMmBljO6pRnB3SL9kqCUKz9v6KsaKYLt-NXjdqNw5cet4oZncQu8uJ3WR1LqO_SwxgRuQQCt9LUNha6GIgvVh4w/s5184/aster23.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlux6wPfTjYrGkH5aF-zqd3mdNHoxfFDrgDn3ax1FrAeAvdoWrwgAH970AnCV25e4xm60P-dEjz1_ln3aGXHN6_BBypWPpCFwJ0dlKKMmBljO6pRnB3SL9kqCUKz9v6KsaKYLt-NXjdqNw5cet4oZncQu8uJ3WR1LqO_SwxgRuQQCt9LUNha6GIgvVh4w/w400-h300/aster23.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>Wood asters have delicate mauve flowers on their stiff stems. Every flower has slightly different colouring in the center and the petals come out at irregular angles giving the plant a quaint quirkiness.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnVu-Y2j0xhDepbyRHIpohftgOX5Hp3Sfb2t0lmzXuIYjLh4NTkUGlTHlU1TUqgylCFdRGPcUajAN_2JyoJws30DaHu8FhovvvT2xKUGN6RkHXOhyT9Uj9G6NZ-qlzF02xScUz1CqRgpKrzQyUg4YevKm0WgNWtbSR9CdjjhFn9Ax8rFn1uOb8sDZlQLo/s5184/pansy23.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnVu-Y2j0xhDepbyRHIpohftgOX5Hp3Sfb2t0lmzXuIYjLh4NTkUGlTHlU1TUqgylCFdRGPcUajAN_2JyoJws30DaHu8FhovvvT2xKUGN6RkHXOhyT9Uj9G6NZ-qlzF02xScUz1CqRgpKrzQyUg4YevKm0WgNWtbSR9CdjjhFn9Ax8rFn1uOb8sDZlQLo/s320/pansy23.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>A few of the pansies are still flowering after limping through the heat of the summer. They are always brightly coloured but their soft rounded petals give them a quiet feeling.</div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01816796977553847916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454808409257909533.post-64466068471571101792023-10-17T13:40:00.000-07:002023-10-17T13:40:11.864-07:00Story - "The Protector". and Fall Sedum<p>A Story:</p><p>The Protector</p><p>Ranger was a rescue dog. Too energetic, noisy, and aggressive for his first owners, he had found his forever home with a lively family. Off-leash walks were Ranger's delight.</p><p>Sadly, one autumn the father became ill. The ambiguous diagnosis didn't look promising. Friends and family encouraged, "He just needs to rest."</p><p>The mother knew better.</p><p>One fresh fall day, the family prepared for a walk. Ranger pranced, twirled excitedly.</p><p>"I think I'll stay home," the mother said quietly. She needed to find some strength. Ranger paused, gazing at her. Soon he was sitting close beside her, the walk forgotten. </p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifYWpUnwVxIZQpNXOiNO082lQ_J60PiAjnf3IJKuO9IkUN8Ant7s8hdBL15eLjp8A9m_6UHtWJl04v6nQPAQJ0pV-upJZ1w6Czq4iumTpYXA6YRzWjHdiAHc9SZIyXJkLFbxtIsYP3dF0fgzVCSfIZ4PWozVY3O71Tt0dGy_8Pt31Cj1-RypTVTrrGxd0/s5184/Imports%20-%201%20of%201%20(116).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifYWpUnwVxIZQpNXOiNO082lQ_J60PiAjnf3IJKuO9IkUN8Ant7s8hdBL15eLjp8A9m_6UHtWJl04v6nQPAQJ0pV-upJZ1w6Czq4iumTpYXA6YRzWjHdiAHc9SZIyXJkLFbxtIsYP3dF0fgzVCSfIZ4PWozVY3O71Tt0dGy_8Pt31Cj1-RypTVTrrGxd0/w400-h300/Imports%20-%201%20of%201%20(116).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sedum is a great plant for late season blooms. It is tough as nails and will handle any kind of weather.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It does best in full sun as a shadier location can make it leggy and prone to flopping. It is super easy to propagate. Simply break off a stem, even when it is blooming, and stick it in the ground. It will quickly root. I like it because it makes a well-behaved clump and even though it is very easy to grow, it is not at all invasive. The bumblebees like it, too, so that's another plus. The flower heads can be easily dried or used fresh in flower arrangements.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01816796977553847916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454808409257909533.post-78502885150365874842023-10-10T08:00:00.004-07:002023-10-10T08:00:15.414-07:00Story: : "Entwined" and Butternut Squash<p> Another story.</p><p><br /></p><p>Entwined</p><p>The French fry bounced on the cold pavement. On springy yellow feet, the seagull jabbed, drew back, swallowed. He caught my eye but I turned away. My heart was still thumping. No more job. Who was I?</p><p>He squawked as a heavy raindrop plopped on his grey back. I threw another fry.</p><p>Soon a rival came, then another. Fries, more fries. Scattered left, strewn right. Finally, no more. The challengers flew away. He stayed. We stared at each other; our needs entwined together.</p><p>"Thank you," he seemed to say.</p><p>It felt good to feel needed.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg55PmdZ2UaSzsIi1AP5PLrL8RsRvfY6RHCFYPGOYpxzVklLZUZjc32koyWouENtF38Vg1_n6Uo-fsZmUZKAi0ei71Uh8mkiBKmGNDdbxfcQNvQapHkDGcpHK5mKNHe9ApmEMsgOsNNdDDFzsfknV9ECo-i2ah_RxG_8Xzm165ri-s0oBhdOS-dWLFYuT8/s4614/butternut23.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3416" data-original-width="4614" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg55PmdZ2UaSzsIi1AP5PLrL8RsRvfY6RHCFYPGOYpxzVklLZUZjc32koyWouENtF38Vg1_n6Uo-fsZmUZKAi0ei71Uh8mkiBKmGNDdbxfcQNvQapHkDGcpHK5mKNHe9ApmEMsgOsNNdDDFzsfknV9ECo-i2ah_RxG_8Xzm165ri-s0oBhdOS-dWLFYuT8/w400-h296/butternut23.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>This year is the first year I have grown butternut squash. I didn't think I had enough sun to successfully grow them but I had some very healthy seedlings pop up in the compost and I couldn't resist transplanting a couple of them and see if they would produce fruit. I planted them in large pots by a trellis. I think the trellis was key to getting them enough sun. They have looked ripe for several weeks but I read online that you need to wait until the stem goes brown for them to be mature. I think they are finally ready.<p></p><p><br />Butternut squash is probably my favourite squash. It has great flavour and the skin isn't too hard. I can easily cut them into chunks and bake them in the oven, or if I am in a hurry, I microwave them. At this time of year, I like to make squash soup. I saute some onion, add my cooked squash, enough water to make the consistency I want and simmer for half and hour or so. I flavour it with chopped parsley, marjoram, salt and pepper. Just before serving, I add some milk and keep it on the stove until it is well heated but not boiling.</p><p>The beauty of soup is that recipes are flexible. For squash soup, I might also add some carrot, or ginger, or even some red or yellow peppers. It's all about tasting as you cook and using the taste to determine how you will adjust your seasonings.</p>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01816796977553847916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454808409257909533.post-30695740676271617262023-09-30T13:50:00.000-07:002023-09-30T13:50:21.941-07:00Story: "New Land" and Last day of September Landscapes<p> "New Land"</p><p><br /></p><p>The hot-air balloon floated higher and higher transporting James to a fantastic new land.</p><p>A pristine stream gurgled playfully as it flowed between lush green fields. The air smelled intoxicatingly of lilac roses. Fruit trees boasted rosy apples, purple plums, sunset peaches. Birds sang beautiful symphonies. </p><p>James called his family, friends. "It's wonderful. Come."</p><p>They answered:</p><p>"The rats had babies. Can't come."</p><p>"Need bucket for leaky roof. Can't come."</p><p>"Picking rocks out of the garden. Can't come."</p><p>"Afraid of heights. Will stay in basement. Can't come."</p><p>James sent pictures and delicious food, but they, sadly, preferred "Home Sweet Home".</p><p><br /></p><p>This is the last day of September. I took my camera with me on my walk and snapped a few photos. It's always a lovely time of the year.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvw2fdENSOZzOAsvPu9LqS62fDH9aPAgR0uPjHGpEaw7CrXkjK1hSEIkqYXvYfRXVMqZ7jqJTluzocOVihX988ILKHNbRMUJAyiUd2mjMgn2Mj6f7r28yHXNYTcsA7Kdv7Iti26NAEFdu5grQKaU1PN8YAigGVncvqCyaJJgBuT2cbpT35gkjePPN4Xks/s5184/geraniumrud.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvw2fdENSOZzOAsvPu9LqS62fDH9aPAgR0uPjHGpEaw7CrXkjK1hSEIkqYXvYfRXVMqZ7jqJTluzocOVihX988ILKHNbRMUJAyiUd2mjMgn2Mj6f7r28yHXNYTcsA7Kdv7Iti26NAEFdu5grQKaU1PN8YAigGVncvqCyaJJgBuT2cbpT35gkjePPN4Xks/w400-h300/geraniumrud.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBp1DEIvYCVdulH0qldzyUnKwp51fJ8-pcQTJ9PTYx4oIty8IdTWC02GhQy13lSAtZfHtY6bSeWC5J0fPjI8qXEhc7oWcgNN4SkbxaVuUJjyDmIcRWbse7qg6hGQ0i2fhFpR60DHAXNFjVunwm-Y41apLxj7fQz0BTDn2btCuXW8yRaHQmKhKQZ1D0aZs/s5184/virgcreeper.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBp1DEIvYCVdulH0qldzyUnKwp51fJ8-pcQTJ9PTYx4oIty8IdTWC02GhQy13lSAtZfHtY6bSeWC5J0fPjI8qXEhc7oWcgNN4SkbxaVuUJjyDmIcRWbse7qg6hGQ0i2fhFpR60DHAXNFjVunwm-Y41apLxj7fQz0BTDn2btCuXW8yRaHQmKhKQZ1D0aZs/w400-h300/virgcreeper.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUNQdlGxMPnf7tLrNwuyoP7WC62vb0qT8m8qVCQvAshSZWmgZulP6ZmcdByV-Js90d4pfsW5fE59B701o8DO93KZnzp-OB38kMDWlPbAhNlCd4UhzU5bjhnvGd1U7FNlAiKUjf6-JYIrDfMYILZby3qdvVqRiAZRiTGXwq_VVz_fCpXbe-jTyTn4R8UF4/s5184/poplarleafless.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUNQdlGxMPnf7tLrNwuyoP7WC62vb0qT8m8qVCQvAshSZWmgZulP6ZmcdByV-Js90d4pfsW5fE59B701o8DO93KZnzp-OB38kMDWlPbAhNlCd4UhzU5bjhnvGd1U7FNlAiKUjf6-JYIrDfMYILZby3qdvVqRiAZRiTGXwq_VVz_fCpXbe-jTyTn4R8UF4/w400-h300/poplarleafless.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheyHPleBeECnCqxjfxkKpozprRwKgfCHPy6noB5cbkqctfMPsSRvzcK1GStVNgmKWGvS19LadrVEpDYAdXUQHJqCsuRLcksuvKLuiMjdGQyEe45a5J4n2EVTnSeZpiHFjENINCmHmsGGIBayYuVULpXQ5blvzM14XWqKFdzW8wnN7gecwRZpE7IeqJ9Mg/s4582/rocktrees.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3179" data-original-width="4582" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheyHPleBeECnCqxjfxkKpozprRwKgfCHPy6noB5cbkqctfMPsSRvzcK1GStVNgmKWGvS19LadrVEpDYAdXUQHJqCsuRLcksuvKLuiMjdGQyEe45a5J4n2EVTnSeZpiHFjENINCmHmsGGIBayYuVULpXQ5blvzM14XWqKFdzW8wnN7gecwRZpE7IeqJ9Mg/w400-h278/rocktrees.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHX0dGRl8Q7V5BSb9951KIzxsyp2IVdHglrdb0VcM36VPwy9Fhu4S9gm433iow69lbMu9fVqTPv5NnNFJl1dKLTT6MS3l21zU7Rz4GG9QRK9K2a9CHWWL6sttutiYDWQRrg6SxXlZjSZHIolVyDduJN85JMaYlsVhMSTNswE0N_QKCJxoUqv7InANwv2Q/s3795/whitepoplar.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3795" data-original-width="2998" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHX0dGRl8Q7V5BSb9951KIzxsyp2IVdHglrdb0VcM36VPwy9Fhu4S9gm433iow69lbMu9fVqTPv5NnNFJl1dKLTT6MS3l21zU7Rz4GG9QRK9K2a9CHWWL6sttutiYDWQRrg6SxXlZjSZHIolVyDduJN85JMaYlsVhMSTNswE0N_QKCJxoUqv7InANwv2Q/w316-h400/whitepoplar.jpeg" width="316" /></a></div><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidsTB2dZo9kOi7AddnHcR5g8SDdlBruJPywX9C8HqyJdegsQ2do5J2xWBMBdZjDFW3ciPX6XTHMOdZDH4QNVOdxqJxV-zcfqbPu8dwPyADaOKFf5v_W9jk6nnGuicbSGilyJDDAv0QUcR2IXDu6JKm_NGxdaGGI6u5jo4P6Bc_eUFZwQLU0Ob8fcE-jhM/s3267/whitepoplarsumac.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3267" data-original-width="2750" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidsTB2dZo9kOi7AddnHcR5g8SDdlBruJPywX9C8HqyJdegsQ2do5J2xWBMBdZjDFW3ciPX6XTHMOdZDH4QNVOdxqJxV-zcfqbPu8dwPyADaOKFf5v_W9jk6nnGuicbSGilyJDDAv0QUcR2IXDu6JKm_NGxdaGGI6u5jo4P6Bc_eUFZwQLU0Ob8fcE-jhM/w336-h400/whitepoplarsumac.jpg" width="336" /></a></div><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsRbrNgRBMRIAQe7J5djYvo1eaf8b9adttm2RldWN8hCJCp1Tlxv0DbwNr7g5OMbbo3Er8bQgsp836j5lfIE7JGkTwIVaTEbDu2YrXMz1QIvgderG0yy4tI9CdVPq1Krctq2YErVKh-pAyHK4uMs0txisbF95fC8jLP1VaaWxqTPLIbRY9SxTCfR4rJqc/s4207/logpile.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2921" data-original-width="4207" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsRbrNgRBMRIAQe7J5djYvo1eaf8b9adttm2RldWN8hCJCp1Tlxv0DbwNr7g5OMbbo3Er8bQgsp836j5lfIE7JGkTwIVaTEbDu2YrXMz1QIvgderG0yy4tI9CdVPq1Krctq2YErVKh-pAyHK4uMs0txisbF95fC8jLP1VaaWxqTPLIbRY9SxTCfR4rJqc/w400-h278/logpile.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQH7tGTATU1bYF-yo5lKVN3q93vvffDR0EOx9kIPnpclMljhJ-nwCh0f4FuHZaIEoi5mfx8_j76zYxJy44VFdfJjj7dJL9x_c2gTJfPCGFWlTBumecSPGDpwYBPSeQbF-FgjSNABkchIkFgOSP0iLeF2GUgigVk0ONVVgOVxLUt6P1Mnq1jjaYPxHOKNI/s5184/sumacforest.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQH7tGTATU1bYF-yo5lKVN3q93vvffDR0EOx9kIPnpclMljhJ-nwCh0f4FuHZaIEoi5mfx8_j76zYxJy44VFdfJjj7dJL9x_c2gTJfPCGFWlTBumecSPGDpwYBPSeQbF-FgjSNABkchIkFgOSP0iLeF2GUgigVk0ONVVgOVxLUt6P1Mnq1jjaYPxHOKNI/w400-h300/sumacforest.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKay3z7A2Zh8tQ6ZXsk3ZdfmfImYvOjltJR01iCKiUg5NMtZcCc84J-ulXbMAc3fPqCuDuEgzsoc8gVHzLVTB0cZEvHY8FX4EK0KobWmf3THrmVsQQPElX6hMIbyYyLAyKq6Knp-euZ0wxDKhcn7mZDT998iQo8AxEsDuOp5kY6cPPfil_cGnu5E7CmoA/s5184/milkweedpods23.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKay3z7A2Zh8tQ6ZXsk3ZdfmfImYvOjltJR01iCKiUg5NMtZcCc84J-ulXbMAc3fPqCuDuEgzsoc8gVHzLVTB0cZEvHY8FX4EK0KobWmf3THrmVsQQPElX6hMIbyYyLAyKq6Knp-euZ0wxDKhcn7mZDT998iQo8AxEsDuOp5kY6cPPfil_cGnu5E7CmoA/w400-h300/milkweedpods23.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01816796977553847916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454808409257909533.post-47992942800490857402023-09-19T16:43:00.000-07:002023-09-19T16:43:43.001-07:00Story - "The Falling Sky" and September Flowers<p> Here's another story.</p><p><br /></p><p>The Falling Sky</p><p>Ever since he could remember, Matt had heard that the sky was going to fall.</p><p>One cloudy day, he began his trek to school. Suddenly, a mist materialized around him. The clouds were plummeting. The sky was crashing down. He started to run but the fog grew so thick that he couldn't see.</p><p>He cried out in terror. He was going to die. In agony, he stumbled and fell.</p><p>Prostrate, trembling, eternity later, a gentle breeze began nudging him. Nervously, he peeked up at the sky.</p><p>The fog was gone. The sky was azure blue. The sun was shining.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy6vdkqyEdnMa7yIyMwtdC7D6H_2F_acPI6mfDpzo_gN-4GVO6VcKXQeZT2VAwbVN1G9SvgmTWP-pSaBF0OhoKcsv4gZ6zF44mOaYBOBtyi6glZ8PFb_htgt3SglnA2O_3crayE5Q4uTD1rHkae11UFkJQot71Eo7SgoXiKP3J9lO0Ffp-hmMuiWCiuJI/s4917/pinkbegoniasept.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3575" data-original-width="4917" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy6vdkqyEdnMa7yIyMwtdC7D6H_2F_acPI6mfDpzo_gN-4GVO6VcKXQeZT2VAwbVN1G9SvgmTWP-pSaBF0OhoKcsv4gZ6zF44mOaYBOBtyi6glZ8PFb_htgt3SglnA2O_3crayE5Q4uTD1rHkae11UFkJQot71Eo7SgoXiKP3J9lO0Ffp-hmMuiWCiuJI/w400-h291/pinkbegoniasept.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>It's the season for chrysanthemums but I still have some summer flowers to enjoy so I haven't bought any chrysanthemums.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBHyAKKh6AwTCJODpYdT7Hs-tmDPvTZWcpqb_DeHYKihOjVDcz7DDmGMkVizUdhiXengaUJFXYFDYCmaWloDsGJCeqFA6Mb6GgIm1tOAY7fqqAW1nhqLBdkeeWbo9zdMcj5FPnF3xOcatwQ0Z7i7FEa9d8adPeDYdizRTlJqQLSiGFtZTdBYyy7Mj2oSw/s4208/miniredrose.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3520" data-original-width="4208" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBHyAKKh6AwTCJODpYdT7Hs-tmDPvTZWcpqb_DeHYKihOjVDcz7DDmGMkVizUdhiXengaUJFXYFDYCmaWloDsGJCeqFA6Mb6GgIm1tOAY7fqqAW1nhqLBdkeeWbo9zdMcj5FPnF3xOcatwQ0Z7i7FEa9d8adPeDYdizRTlJqQLSiGFtZTdBYyy7Mj2oSw/w400-h335/miniredrose.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>Crazy little red miniature rose just keeps on blooming. I like the classic rose shape.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVPrzfPnxSM4V5452Nrwb20UjZU8BbVuWGpbe8UJ5OoMRhhx8uGRFWaFBdl5ld7WIKZAM88SXdEw-KrDL_V_9lOWR1leFExukhx76gVQv2ew6xigaUw6ecsUrI-KflaUH1Rg0oWm4MhK7yoylCPhpZtFxShWrEhqqqsOaQoRz1TTUaZ5RquzTJUrigIDw/s5184/pink23zinniz.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVPrzfPnxSM4V5452Nrwb20UjZU8BbVuWGpbe8UJ5OoMRhhx8uGRFWaFBdl5ld7WIKZAM88SXdEw-KrDL_V_9lOWR1leFExukhx76gVQv2ew6xigaUw6ecsUrI-KflaUH1Rg0oWm4MhK7yoylCPhpZtFxShWrEhqqqsOaQoRz1TTUaZ5RquzTJUrigIDw/w400-h300/pink23zinniz.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>The zinnias are still making new blooms. I have left the old flowers on the plants as I am hoping to save some of my own seeds this year. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhITUxLwehATsdvD7oDJMvhQ7oVQK_O1mfvYYc0Ro_ZRD87PdCWyN0uRcPeWjmJEcGTYezqXonCVTtW8XV0ZKlBDXZDTVC7GbaYCdp5-GxuhJmAy5hwvW4pY62EewmjSm8xkyje1UpQ8GcNknPY3iBzFOoFj90ZXGBrLYGje36iL9nHQdT42aRrlhZ-dqI/s3767/yellow23dahlia.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3767" data-original-width="3459" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhITUxLwehATsdvD7oDJMvhQ7oVQK_O1mfvYYc0Ro_ZRD87PdCWyN0uRcPeWjmJEcGTYezqXonCVTtW8XV0ZKlBDXZDTVC7GbaYCdp5-GxuhJmAy5hwvW4pY62EewmjSm8xkyje1UpQ8GcNknPY3iBzFOoFj90ZXGBrLYGje36iL9nHQdT42aRrlhZ-dqI/w368-h400/yellow23dahlia.jpeg" width="368" /></a></div>Yellow dahlia just never stops blooming. What a great plant.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0nfLERBqnvx7V67lKiwqH2dtWA43xByCVNrfxErCfGFKNSSnd14Wi9DrMTIP2s1AtFQQHdku3iSCicyMUrTmPlw4iYg2ra_r-_Dj2V5Q-rx-_7KGdCMK8YL6X208jamBlmqxDzri_85DTo0lzHc1aIL1gdw16hZWBjVfT5HaW5b08CTOhdlU_ZIRF3fw/s5154/coleus23.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3025" data-original-width="5154" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0nfLERBqnvx7V67lKiwqH2dtWA43xByCVNrfxErCfGFKNSSnd14Wi9DrMTIP2s1AtFQQHdku3iSCicyMUrTmPlw4iYg2ra_r-_Dj2V5Q-rx-_7KGdCMK8YL6X208jamBlmqxDzri_85DTo0lzHc1aIL1gdw16hZWBjVfT5HaW5b08CTOhdlU_ZIRF3fw/w400-h235/coleus23.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>This is just one coleus plant although it has grown different shaped leaves with different coloration.</div><div>Interesting.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ9iqiU3XLIMS-toOVuam6ECByagUXw6w4ffulvgqku-XVprq2ikn4aSA6HlwfZq9g-dRAVhFcbjUDYHxEqQWPmyngqsc57EXAkm1CW7oAef9QE_G6FJQvo7IFiQpHu00T3_Uc2l-WCAQ8qdYDP-Wco0pVHu4kVWhku4vUgee6gTikDtn_AnMIEke1Pjk/s4636/pinkwhitecostmos.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2833" data-original-width="4636" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ9iqiU3XLIMS-toOVuam6ECByagUXw6w4ffulvgqku-XVprq2ikn4aSA6HlwfZq9g-dRAVhFcbjUDYHxEqQWPmyngqsc57EXAkm1CW7oAef9QE_G6FJQvo7IFiQpHu00T3_Uc2l-WCAQ8qdYDP-Wco0pVHu4kVWhku4vUgee6gTikDtn_AnMIEke1Pjk/w400-h245/pinkwhitecostmos.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>I think this is a very pretty cosmos. Only really started blooming properly a couple of weeks ago. I like cosmos but they really would do better in a full sun, drier location.</div><div><br /></div><div>After quite a rainy summer, we are supposed to get several days of sun. It will be nice weather to spend outside tidying up the gardens for winter. The hummingbirds have gone south. In a couple of months, we will start feeding the winter birds.<br /><p><br /></p></div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01816796977553847916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454808409257909533.post-24360293767293889092023-09-07T16:56:00.000-07:002023-09-07T16:56:29.857-07:00Another story "T-Shirt Turn Off" and free summer bulbs<p> Here is another story. Hope you like it and it gives you a chuckle, but also makes you think a little.</p><p>"The weather forecast was cool and sunny. Just perfect for the hiking group to enjoy a trek, but Janice frowned that morning as she got dressed. She really enjoyed the hikes but lately Matt was being just too friendly. How to put him off tactfully was the question. Suddenly the lightbulb lit up.</p><p>Not long into the hike, Matt came up beside her. </p><p>"I was wondering if you..." he started.</p><p>No time to lose. Janice quickly unzipped her fleece to show off her T-shirt.</p><p>Matt sucked in his breath, eyes goggling. He sputtered, scooted away.</p><p>"Jesus Saves" flashed her T-shirt."</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeERRWqlqjIbyc-MsmMIn_FpHlWfZZlwb0_FLK1VV7cs0bQI11Ft6Dd3Hvz5qll1OKBe0Sb36HMK7WiCIACRHSdDEWkEfjLkJJMuymApJFegASSd0xo0h2MTS33sCWtORzkNCZFAWPnTII6Th7dfPTAqSMe8X1XofmooHRXv4VBwNT_Klh3e-Pl3XgIwo/s3264/freebulbs.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeERRWqlqjIbyc-MsmMIn_FpHlWfZZlwb0_FLK1VV7cs0bQI11Ft6Dd3Hvz5qll1OKBe0Sb36HMK7WiCIACRHSdDEWkEfjLkJJMuymApJFegASSd0xo0h2MTS33sCWtORzkNCZFAWPnTII6Th7dfPTAqSMe8X1XofmooHRXv4VBwNT_Klh3e-Pl3XgIwo/w300-h400/freebulbs.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p>Our local grocery store had lots of summer bulbs left over and today they were just giving them away. Well, who can resist that? I had bought the big yellow dahlia in the spring and was really happy with it. Lots of big lemony yellow flowers and a robust plant. So I thought I would take another one from the free box today. I also picked up a pink dahlia, a package of five calla lilies, and two packages of acidentera (18 bulbs). When I got home early this evening, I opened up all the packages and put everything to soak in water. The dahlias still had shoots that looked alive, and although most of the tubers in the cluster were very dried out, each plant had a firm one. The acidanteras all had small shoots, still green, although looking pretty stressed. In the calla lily package was a large (3") corm with about 6 shoots as well as some small corms with no shoots.</p><p>This is absolutely the wrong time of year to be planting any of these but I like a challenge, and they were FREE. My plan for the dahlias is to pot them up and try to get some growth on them before winter. I will try to extend the season for them as long as possible bringing them inside if frost is threatened at night. I should be able to do that until the middle or end of November. Then I will let the foliage freeze and put the whole pot in the cool basement.</p><p>The acidentera I will simply use as forced bulbs. If all goes well, they will bloom in December and we can enjoy them for a little while and then I will throw them out.</p><p>The calla lilies I will pot up, grow them outside as long as I can and then bring them in as a houseplant. In January and February, I will put them in the basement and give them a rest. Hopefully, then they will be ready to grow again next spring.</p><p>We'll see how it goes.</p>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01816796977553847916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454808409257909533.post-24764939302107387412023-08-17T16:06:00.004-07:002023-08-17T16:06:44.365-07:00A story "The Squirrels"<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOCQeoP7dmomlzthcOo-Z-2SJgWJUQ6kmT5Si474kdjvO1mdnr7Fku4tmgKkZR9h4EAGPM2kWs_4u5LD_Qpn9stoJrmeMtF3eJ5Pv3j4ufhazeVtKQX5nPtu4DLsoAuMRZyHtsdFsxL-TIPOt2GluzC30daoUCNN_7Du9Wvx_533I9Gj_kXTjvDsw5NiM/s5184/poplartrees.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOCQeoP7dmomlzthcOo-Z-2SJgWJUQ6kmT5Si474kdjvO1mdnr7Fku4tmgKkZR9h4EAGPM2kWs_4u5LD_Qpn9stoJrmeMtF3eJ5Pv3j4ufhazeVtKQX5nPtu4DLsoAuMRZyHtsdFsxL-TIPOt2GluzC30daoUCNN_7Du9Wvx_533I9Gj_kXTjvDsw5NiM/w400-h300/poplartrees.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> The Squirrels<p></p><p>Grandma liked to feed the birds in the winter. She had a special bird feeder with a spring-loaded perch that closed the opening to the seeds if a squirrel stepped on it. Grandma had a long-standing war going on with the squirrels.</p><p>"Ha!" Grandma would exclaim triumphantly when a squirrel slid down the cylindrical bird feeder and fell to the ground.</p><p>One afternoon, I decided on impulse to visit Grandma. There she was standing in her snowy yard tossing peanuts around. Squirrels dashed and skittered to retrieve them.</p><p>"Squirrellies, peanuts," Grandma called gaily.</p><p>I guess everyone has secrets.</p>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01816796977553847916noreply@blogger.com0