The Grinch

My song! 2 posts in 1 day. I'm finally at a great piece of mind on Christmas. I loved Christmas as a kid. Mom always made sure we had wonderful Christmases. They all were very memorable. But, now i could care less. Through the years, there has always been some pressure from family, peers or media. You have to be celebrating or buying presents, putting up decorations, spending time with family etc..... Bill always became irritable and depressed, i just dreaded it all, Then i read a book called "How to simplify your life" She said "Don't enjoy Christmas?" Skip it! "It's Okay" I don't know why it took a book to change my ways, but I did it. I told everyone, family and friends "No presents please" and don't look for us on Christmas day. Bill and i have worked every Christmas for 27 years. No regrets and stress free. "You say it's Christmas today". " Oh yeah, i guess it is. Whatever!!

The passage

Wow, I've been doing some reading and just finished a book called The Passage by Justin Cronin. I couldn't put it down and I WAS sooo DISSAPOINTED when i finished it. I wanted MORE!!! Go pick up this book. Curl up in that cozy couch and blanket and read this book. I haven't been doing to much else. I fell on the ice and sprained my wrist. OOOUCH!! I've been thinking about cleaning my house, but i haven't gotten very far.
I've been dealing with Hot Flashes and all that go with them. I'm looking into Bio identical hormones. Any one out there have any opinions on this? 2 good friends of mine have tried it and have nothing but great things to say. I need to get my life back (notice my absence),I'm willing to give it a try.

The Passage by Justin Cronin

The Passage by Justin Cronin

The lastest

Well, i got a call yesterday morning from my sister. Mom fell in the bathroom and broke her hip. We just talked her into getting a life alert. So, I'm hoping her healing time is speedy. and her attitude is positive. At 85 we will see. She has been riding a stationary bike for an hour every day for years. So she's in pretty good shape, I'm just worried about her mind. She's petrified of nursing homes. (who can blame her).

Who's been sleeping in my bed

I'm still here. I went home to see mom this last weekend. It's getting really hard to communicate with mom now. She can't hear ANYTHING. Hearing aids don't help. I really feel for her. She must feel so isolated most of the time. She is 85 and lives by herself. We all decided to take the car keys. She left the car running for 3 days and again 5 days. Car has some dents that she can't remember where they came from. Healthy but the hearing is a really problem.
Anyway. I was there sat. and Sunday and Monday. On Saturday night i kept hearing footsteps and thumping around. I was laying on the couch watching TV. Mom went to bed. I thought What is she doing up there. I went up stairs to check on her. She was fast asleep. Went back down but kept hearing the footsteps and thumping. I just kind of forgot about it thinking it's just the furnace or something. I went to bed around 1:30 and i opened to patio door in my room to get some cool air in there and i shut the door to the hallway. We were going to meet my aunt for breakfast Sunday morning. It was around 7:00 and light out and i was awake but, all curled up. I heard the door open and someone walking toward my bed, I was thinking it was mom coming to wake me up for breakfast. Then before i know it i"m being hit in the chest with such force it knocks me on my back, and takes my breath away. I was sleeping on my side. It felt like I was hit with a volleyball HARD. I sat up fast, nothing there. The door was open. What the hell was THAT. Who was that and what is it doing at my moms house????? I haven't been able to think of any thing else. I'm worried that there is something living with mom. I've never noticed anything like that before. What are your thoughts on that one? Any explanations?

Chinese Cork art

I'm heading down to to my friend Sharon's to make my last payment. I stopped at her fabulous chateau one day, looking around at all her wonderful treasures that filled her home. I spied the most unbelievable collection of Chinese cork art that I've ever seen! It all filled a china hutch. It was so beautiful. I couldn't get it out of my head. Knowing that my girl Sharon doesn't have a problem with parting with things. She'd be a lousy antique dealer if she did. I was reading her blog one day and there it is. She's ready to part with it.
Now that its here, where will it go? Looks like i might have to keep my eyes out for a china hutch.
Hoarder? Maybe.

Orchid cactus

I came home just now to a house filled with this intoxicating scent. I ran out to the sunroom to find my orchid cactus in full bloom. I just had to share the beauty. My camera is failing me. I can't get any good close ups.

"New project"

Maybe I'll call her "Jewel". She's my take on a burlesque dancer. I found this really cool shell crustation at What Cheer flea market, i thought it would look cool on something. I found that something. It fits perfectly on the back of the head. I'm going to try and use alot of costume jewelry mixed with shells and glass tiles and beads. The more gaudy the better.

Begonias everywhere

I know, i have been an absentee blogger. What can i say. I have started a new art project. That will be another post. I have started working out at the big new fancy "Wellness center" at the university. I've been going 3 times a week. My 1st time on the elliptical machine i couldn't walk for 3 days. I was on it for 15 min. Am i out of shape or what? It's going better now.
I've been trying to get ahead of all the weeding! They seem to pull out easier when they are knee or hip high. I can get a better grip. We have filled 2 pick-up loads.
Then the bad news. I read an email from my aunt. My sister-in-law was visiting my mom, she lives in Tennessee. Mom didn't know she was coming. When she came to the door, mom didn't recognize her. She didn't know for a while. But, eventually remembered. She lives by her self. I think it's time for some home health care. I don't want to go on about that, but, a new phase is beginning.
This time of year... the end of summer. My begonias are so big and healthy.

My uneventful life

Wow, It's been a while since I've posted ANYTHING! I can say, that nothing has been going on. I suppose that's a good thing, but, a boring thing . The rain the heat....... "Oh My"! Poor bill has been trying to keep up with the grass. Not an easy task. I've been waxing floor cloths and sorting stuff for goodwill and consignment shops. Getting rid of stuff for more stuff. My friend, lost her husband and if i think i have stuff... He was the king of stuff!!! She has been trying to go through all the several garages full. Wow what a job she has ahead of her.
We went to "What cheer" flea market and i bought a cool lawn ornament. A large rooster. He really makes a statement!!
I've been cleaning out the flower gardens. That is always a couple of truck loads. With all the rain, the Crotons have been looking fabulous.
We haven't done much work on the building. We have been tossing around ideas on what to do with the space when we get going. How about a GAY bar in Lone tree. or a nude dance (strip joint) club. It must be the heat effecting our thinking. But, on second thought they both would probably do very well.
I've been reading and keeping up on others. Sharon is getting excited about her new shop, and barb's daughter found her dog. Sister's is getting a new coat of paint RED. Great color. I'm joining a gym today. Yes, i am!! The university just built a 70 million wellness center. and being a staff member i can join for 12.50 a month. The place is grand. Joining up today and going tomorrow. We'll see how it goes.

"Flow"

I just watched a movie called "Flow" . It just shows you how water right along every other thing we need is going to the highest bidder. We will become just like a third world country. The poor die off for lack of fresh water and the rich will survive. It's called thinning the herd. Population control. The "World Bank" IS "The new world order" . If you are interested in your kids future, you better join the fight now. Water is the BIGGEST problem today. Not wars or big oil. Water is going going and almost gone. They (the people who give a shit) are telling us we have about 20 years. Soon, we will be buying all bottled water, ration and sold at the company rates. See it for your self. This is not a Democrat or a Republican issue, it's a big issue for all of us. WATCH THE MOVIE AND ACT NOW! flow the film.com

FLOW - Official Theatrical Trailer

Pics of the hotel

Hotel Rui Merengue in dominican Republic. Check it out. Who else wants to go? The more the merrier.

July already!!

This summer is speeding by. Some potted plants are turning yellow from to much rain. I just sold my ragbrai wrist band to a girl in Lincoln Nebraska. I haven't gotten enough riding in this year. I made the hard decision to pass on it this year. Between all the rain and being lazy. I'm just not in the shape i want to be in. They say you should have 6000 miles in before the ride. Forget that!!!
I didn't check out any fireworks either. It doesn't do anything for me any more.
Now, what does get me fired up is traveling. My friend bill Thompson, his wife is a travel agent. He just showed me a trip coming up. I think, well i know we are going. It is to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. It's with bill and his wife and a group of other folks. All meals, all the booze, all entertainment and water sport stuff, air and taxes and all tips included for 1370.00 COUNT US IN!! It is in January.
I know, i know, your saying "more lily pictures" I can't help it. They make me happy. I walk in the yard every day and i just have to stop and smell and admire them. I can't get enough.
We planted a bush called a "bottle brush buckeye". I've had it 3 or 4 years now. It is finally showing it's true beauty. It will get 6 feet by 6 feet, it grows to form a large mound. I love it.
The building is progressing slow. The back roof is on and the front room floor is up and out ready for new floor joists.

new treasure

I picked up a cool new "Woolwork" piece from Barb from simply Iowa. I just can't pass up a beautiful work of art. The time it took to make these, is incredible. A lost art. This was usually done by the ladies to pass the hours away. It was popular around the 1800's through the 1900's. Now to find a place to put it.
I finally have decided to weed out some stuff to make room for more stuff. That's a big step!!!
Some things just don't do it for me any longer.
I just started watching "The amazing race". My sister loves it. She told me we would love it. She was right. We started with season one. What a hoot!! Bill and i said "WE can do that. If you love travel, watch it.

Gorgous flower tuesday/Jewel of the garden

This is my favorite time of year. The lilies are big and towering. The constant rain be have been getting has caused some to lean. They grew to fast and the stems aren't strong enough to support them. So, I've been staking. They need lots of full sun. That seems to be the only major requirement. My dad always had beautiful lilies and iris. So, i must have inherited my passion from him. When i say passion, i think i mean obsession. I'm a lily hoarder. I can't stop buying them.

Clivia Blooms

I've had this plant for 3 summers now. All kinds of new leaves every year. This year was the year. Worth all the waiting. It is beautiful.
This weather has been crazy. The wind and rain are an every week thing. When it's not raining, it's so humid it's hard to get motivated to do much of anything. Remember, no AC at our house. We do have a good circulation in the house. When the temps are 90 and up, good air circulation just doesn't cut it.
Bill finally got the roof on the building. YIPPEEE!!! So now the ripping out of the floor. Slow but sure.

Cool Hoya Bloom

I ordered this hoya from Logee catalog last year. Its a" hoya archboldiana" and look at the gorgeous bloom 1 year later. The vine is still pretty short but, bloomed regardless. I've never seen a hoya bloom like this one.

Annie

Take a look at this cool photograph, that we were lucky enough to get our hands on. "Hester" bills mom works for the "lone tree historic society." Someone she knew blew through town with this photo. Thinking it should go to the society. But, it wasn't lone tree history. Someone thought, we'll take it anyway. They chose not to keep it. Hence, how we happen to get it. It's one moment in time captured by a photographers camera.
When looking at this photo, it just looks like a woman in her Cotton dress and hat Barefoot, in a cemetery.
This is Annie Houseal. The lifelong resident of Stumptown.. A once booming railroad town. A stones throw from lone tree.
She ran the general store, live upstairs in her old brick building.
But her other job was "Gravedigger". She'd dig the hole when someone kicked and after the funeral she'd fill it back in and pat the dirt down with her feet. All this was done while wearing her dress and hat. That's all she had. She was the character of the area and the sole gravedigger. It's a pretty good sized cemetery. The building falling down around her and cats everywhere. She'd feed them all. But, she dug graves till someone had to dig hers. COOL picture don't you think? The population of Stumptown has now dwindled to 20 to 30. The building she once lived in is a chiropractic clinic.

Lush is lush

I leave for 9 days and come home to a full lush yard. Every plant is SOOO big and beautiful. I'm sad i missed my Japanese tree lilac in it's glory. I snapped a few pictures. The yellow Eremurus bungei are standing tall. I heard they were hard to grown, i haven't had much trouble so far. I'm ready to order a couple more colors. The goats beard is waning, but still a beautiful site.

Back from D.C.

I KNOW< I KNOW bill just could'nt resist!!!




Wow what a great trip! We found a great little hotel, it was close to everything and right on the metro. We parked the car for the whole time and just walked and took the metro every where. We were up at 8:00 and didn't get back till 8:00 or 9:00. We really saw alot of cool stuff and didn't fall into the tour group stuff. Every one was so nice. My 2 favorite museums were the natural history and the Native American Museum. The conservatory was very very cool. We ate at a different restaurant every day. The antiquing was a little high dollar but, pretty unbelievable stuff. I would definitely go again, we didn't see it all. The only thing i would do differently, I'd take Amtrak. The driving is nerve racking. It's a mad house. The "BELTWAY" gives me nightmares. I'd recommend staying at "The Americana" hotel in Crystal city. Only 90.00 a night and very comfortable and very clean. The best breakfasts. The metro will get you to the heart of it, in 12 min.

gorgeous flower tuesday

"Monte Blanc rose
Goats beard
Jackmanii clematis
Tuesday comes rolling around pretty fast these days. It's hotter than a witches tit today. I'd rather be sweating than freezing any day. Bill and i are getting ready for a road trip. We are headed to D.C. We are both big fans of the Smithsonian, so we can't wait to see all the cool stuff they have. We plan on antiquing the way down and back. We aren't into fancy hotels, Just safe and clean is all we need. I got on to hotwire and found a cheap hotel and booked it. But, later i read some reviews and someone wrote that it was a HOtel. So i canceled and found a better place through "Frommers" they never have steered us wrong. We will be heading out the 1st week of June. " Oh my god What were we thinking," it's the busiest weekend.
I 've been hauling all my plants outside. I have space in my house now. I was beginning to forget what that was like.
Bill is the biggest procrastinator. But, i finally got him in to get his glasses. He looks alittle like Michel Douglas in "Falling down". But, that's all good. He got them. Now, I'm working on the license renewal, It's 5 years, it expired and he has never gone to get it. I told him "No license ,No D.C. one down one to go.

gorgeous flower tuesday

well it's still Tues, so hear it is. An old shrub rose, in it 1 moment in glory. Short blooming time, but, worth it every year.

Plant fanatics unite

Wow, i found another plant nut through blogging. His blog is Plants are the strangest people. I found out he lives in my small town. We met because he is trying to start a business selling his plants. So i went to his home and was in awe of his place. I always knew i had a lot of plants but, he is the plant king. 800 plus i have no doubt. All healthy and beautiful plants too. I know with that many , it is a full time job. They have done a lot to the house and what a treat it would be to live there. I hauled home my 1st patch of plants from him. I'm really getting into succulents and he had a lot to choose from. Everything was all neat and clean. He prefers to use the plant's botanical name and i hope he doesn't think I'm a bum for not. I'm a plant slob. my place is kinda dirty, dead leaves that have fallen throughout the winter are still piled up in corners. At least till i can get them outside this spring. Then the spring cleaning begins. Thanks mark and good luck in your venture.

gorgeous flower tuesday

Here it is! My big beautiful rhododendron. It rained buckets all night. The rhoto is still looking good. It wasn't fazed by all the bad weather. I am so mad.I had 5 days off from work, i was going to get so much done. I had a list a mile long. But, instead i was laying on the couch with a big blanket. It was raining and cold and 40 mile an hour winds. Now that i have to go back tomorrow, the sun will start shining and it will be beautiful. ARRGGG!!
I was reading this morning about all the tornado's touching down in Kansas. Terrible!! Please may they all stay away from Lone Tree. It sure seems that all bad weather is extreme these days. Not just windy but, gail force winds. Not just rain but, Tornados that leaves a wide path of destruction. All the flooding everywhere. The oil. Oh, the oil. What will be the repercussions from that mess!! At least i can look out my window and see this beauty.

gorgeous flower tuesday

Maybe I'll start a new thing. Since i am so busy in the spring and summer. (not much time to post) I will post a beautiful flower every Tuesday. I'm starting with my favorite bloom. It here today and gone before i know it. The tree peony. It doesn't get more beautiful than this.

busy days

Emmy,
Peanut
Pickles, all enjoying the day outside
Scrapping old plaster off brick walls. tearing out floor, new floor joists are on the list.
Bill and i have been working on the building, between mushroom hunting and bicycling and working in the yard. I now have 2 yards to try and keep the weeds at bay. I get up every sunny day and put the poochies out in the yard. Then i try to figure out the plan of action for the day. I try to squeeze as much into one afternoon as possibly can. At least 1 hour or 2 hours of bike riding. 1 or 2 hours of yard work. Then work at the building till i have to go to work. If it's raining or 30 mile an hour winds i forget about all the above, just enjoying a lazy day.