Hanging in there. Part 3

Billy--

Clivias are annuals here too.....I have to bring them all in for the Winter---but that is the time they like to be dormant anyways...

Stormy---No thanks on the seeds--I have enough Clivias...I plan to keep just one.

My tallest brug got blown over last night in the storm and a lot of top branches broke off...
Amazing! I could not even move that pot to rotate it! it was SOOOO heavy---and then it gets blown over like a feather! I have given up stressing out about all these things.....NO biggie! Just more cuttings to root....:o)

Here's the brug that got blown over---that pot is huge!
This brug has "Y'ed" twice already at the top--but NO buds yet. All my others are starting to bloom....
This year--the Spider Mites are pretty bad! Gotta spray--when I can get around to it-----

Gita that does look like a heavy pot must be the round shape and some pretty heavy wind that did it. No Brugs for me this summer maybe next year. We had a few pretty good storms roll though the area in the last few days. Really needed the rain. Ladyg, Sending you wishes for sunny skies and gentle rain.

stormy I have several sweet marmaduke babies Two leaf pieces survived and have now made a few sprouts each, near becoming a potful.

Gita- the maroon begonia baby you gave me at Swap also looks great!

Flowerjen, when the Grandkids come and I eat more junk than I'm used to, I don't feel the best either :o). Glad that's all it was.

Gita, if I had a basement I'd have a lot more ''potted up'' flowers! Isn't that something about the pot being blown over?

LadyG, I hope all is well and you are busy gardening!

Oh my, we have all been busy. I have just enough time to do my weather thread and a couple other, and then I try to get out early and walk. Yesterday I took a ''me'' day and just moved from one lawn chair to another. The town was absolutely quiet and there was a slight breeze. The mosquitos have died down and I just smelled the oriental lilies for a change.

The quick weed and some of the usual grasses missed the Preen, so I've been able to get out and pull them. The tomatoes are coming on, but we've only picked a couple of ripe large ones. The cherrie tomatoes, I want to dry. I pulled more beets and cooked them. The cabbage is getting ready and I want to do kraut. It's almost too hot right now and DH can't stand the smell. I can till it really gets going, :o)

We had some wonderful deep rumbly lingering thunder, but the rain stayed light all the way thru. It keeps popping up instead of being over and makes a nice morning to sit with the window open.

I have an elderly friend who has flowers. I noticed a ferny plant by her garage and asked about it. She's had it forever. It was her Father's Mother's flower. She remembers Grandma picking the leaves and adding it to the flowers they took to the cemetery. She gave me some. She doesn't know what it is. I was pretty sure it was Tansy and it is! I'm thrilled because I've wanted some for a long time. I'll share some with my neighbor too. I potted it up since I don't have a place for it yet.

I also brought home a stalk of swamp milkweed. It's such a pretty pink color.

July is half over. I can't believe it.

Tansy. It will bloom in August.

Looks like Tansy to me Billy, mine is in bloom now...I love the yellow and the butterflies flock to it!

Hot again, been in the 90s for the past few days. Had to break down and put the AC back on. I feel like I crammed 3 months worth of gardening into a couple of days...didn't realize what I couldn't get done with the sciatica...hopefully the epidural will keep it away long enough for me to build myself back up again. I was actually able to go for a walk for 40 minutes. I am hoping to get back to the gym after PT.

Chris I know that's nothing compared to what you have so bravely endured! Thanks though for letting us air out here!! Sending lots of good good healing thoughts your way and hoping you are reading all of the post and smiling. Feel good!♥♥♥

Luvs, hopefully imine will bloom in August. I really need to get it in the ground so it can settle in. I'm so hoping for the butterflies! I'm sorry about the sciatica. That has to hurt. I'm glad the epidural works, but it sounds painful too. The walk was a good one tho!

Chris, I realized yesterday I didn't say anything to you :o) I've been walking in the morning before it gets too hot. I seem to only get thru a few threads and the sun is up, like it is now. I must be a slow reader and typer, LOL! Summer is passing all too quickly. It's been so hot that I haven't even finished enlarging the butterfly bed. I took out the markers and string so I could mow the grass that was getting a bit tall! I needed to reposition the string anyway. I was off on the distance between it and the apple tree.

The county fair starts today, but we don't go anymore. Not much to see. It's more for the kids, with a bit of farmer products. It's pretty small.

Well, I need to get dressed and hit the road. Hope you have a good day no matter what you have to do!

Hi everyone! I'm sick of this hot weather too. Can't get motivated to stay outside and get much done in this heat. We had some crazy thunderstorms and large and mild downpours today occuring in brilliant sunshine. It was very wierd. There's lots of chores waiting for me out in the garden, but I've been hiding in the cooler realm of the basement, cleaning that mess out. I do spend at least an hour a day outside, but really should consistantly try for 2 or 3. This heat wipes me out and makes my feet really hurt if I stay out very long and then I'm no good for anything.

I've taken to wearing my TEVA sandals at all times that I'm not outdoors, over socks as then I won't be tempted to walk around barefoot or in socks and further aggravate my feet. Problem is, all of my summer work and dress shoes are sandals and I can't wear my orthotics with them. Now I've even taken to wearing the Tevas to bed so that I don't get up in the middle of the night or first thing in the morning and forget my shoes. They do offer better support than plain slip on sneakers or slippers.

Didn't have to water the beds for the last few days and that's been a real blessing as all of that heat and standing around really bothers my feet, not to mention my disposition. Lots of tomatoes are ripening now and the daylilies are winding down. Crocosmia, phlox and ligularias are starting to put out really nice spots of color.

Chris, Yesterday I was thinking of how much fun we had in the past few years here in this forum with your mushroom threads. There hasn't been one mushroom here in my garden all summer. What a waste that thread would be this year. We'd have to do reruns!! LOL Hope you are doing well and am really looking forward to a day when we can chit, chat & giggle together again. Storm

Shucks, Chris, Forgot to send you some more lilies! PMBS strikes again!

~ ~ ~ to everyone missing!

Stormy, it's hard to not be able to use your feet. You have my sympathy.

I have so many things I was going to jump into this spring and the rain has made it impossible. My plant's are all huge, so there isn't any place to move them to that won't be the same ''plop where they fit'' situation all over. This is when I need to start potting up in the spring, while they are small. Then I can open up an area. I am finally getting large pots. I have found a daylily will live in a walmart bag for a while, LOL! But, it has to be small enough to fit.

I spend time outside, even if I have to sit and listen to the noises around me. I usually have the camera in case a bird decides to sit in the birdbath for me. That doean't happen much. I must be moving too much looking around LOL!

My tomatoes aren't having any flavor. The rain was a blessing, but not for flavor. The apples have wet hearts and are going to be worthless.

At least we aren't in a drought. I'm thankful for that, and we aren't drowning in water.

There's always next year.

The ugly side of life

Chris, you are in my thoughts and prayers every day. I know you are busy with life and I'm glad!

A bouquet for you!

Oh, That's a pretty one, Billy. Chris should like that!

Try to stay out of this heat, Chris. Maybe today is a good day to read up on some great new cake recipes!

I've been reading cookbooks lately, so when I can get back at things in the kitchen, I should be all inspired! I've been managing an occasional stir fry or pasta salad, and Jim cooks or grills some nights, but I've just had to accept the idea that we're eating a lot more delivered and fast food than usual. Whatever gets you through it! :-)

Chris, you're in my thoughts and prayers each day. Hang tough, and know you are so loved.

Oh that is really pretty. Ladyg, always in our thoughts. Hope you are well and back soon.

Here is hoping everyone will have a good weekend.

Ruby

Still praying for everyone!!

I need to get out and walk this morning. We had the Grandkids and I was busy.

Hey Chris, hope you doing good.

Nice day here with low humidity

Chris, I hope that you got some of today's lovely weather. i'm imagining you sitting on your glider on the porch with your beautiful baskets hanging overhead and your lovely begonias at your side. You're reading one of your favorite crime novels, sipping some iced tea and the "girls" are standing guard at your feet.

You were always showing us your lilies with their tiny "squatters". Here's one for you. Look closely now!

Gotta love the squatters!

Chris, no time today, so a picture for you!

Blanche Sandman Honeysuckle

Chris, It's just a gorgeous day here in Southeastern, Pa. It's about 81 degrees, a bit breezy and the clouds are rolling in and out. Couldn't have a nicer day for a stroll in the garden. I imagine it's cooler up your way. Chris, I did put my little frog house out in the tiny bed by the back door where the frog likes to lurk. So far, I haven't seen him in there. There's a number of crickets and grasshoppers lurking about so maybe I'll see him there soon.

Followed this guy all around and finally caught him on the Ligularia. Hope you're resting and on your way back to joining us soon. Have a wonderful and "tasty" weekend!

stormy--

I have had a lot of Tiger Butterflies around as well....Thought I had 2 of them near death--put them on a paper plate--they sat there for the longest while--then flew away.

Some of them have blue color near the tails---some do not....What's the difference??? male/female?

Sure hope this weather holds up for a little while........Gita

Nice shot Stormy, Hey Chris I'm heading to the beach today and was thinking about how much you love going to the beach. Hope you will be feeling better soon.

Stormy, your frog house sounds so neat! I've been chasing my tiger too but no picture yet. Your's is gorgeous!

It's been hot here. I decided to finish enlarging the butterfly bed and sweated pretty good. It's done and ready to transplant the grabby, thorny rambler rose who keeps growing new long tentacles!! I am so tempted to plant in the new empty bed, but am restraining myself, LOL!

Then it was gorgeous and I mowed. I also got a new birdbath. My neighbor told me Menards had them on sale for $29.00. We happened to stop and I went back to the garden section. They didn't have any in boxes. I asked the girl and she asked the warehouse. No none l;eft. I asked to buy the display. She asked. Yes I could. Went to pay and it was also a percentage off. I got it for $16.00. I was thrilled . It's a triple decker, plastic to look like brass, and I love it. The pictures are still on the camers, so I'll post them later. it's gorgeous if not a bit chilly today, with a North wind. I'm going out shortly and wash windows that haven't been done yet this year. It's rained too m uch.

Yesterday it rained, but we got the new dishwasher in the house and dropped the old one off before it got serious. (We have an appliance shop in this tiny town.) Luckily it waited till after noon to do that! I spent the rest of the day cleaning, vacuming and catching up.

Today, I'm going to enjoy!

Chris, I hope you are feeling good and also catching up on all you want to do! I'm still praying for you and anyone else with medical problems.

I'll post my birdbath pictures later.

Gita, I really don't know much about butterflies at all. I just take photos of them and try to plant things that attract them. Jen , Ronnie & Sally seem to know a good bit about them.

Chris, Hoping this wonderful Sunday brings joy to your heart. Many prayers & thoughts coming your way!

Hey, Nice to bump into you Joey!

Chris, I hope we hear from you soon, but I also hope you are able to kick back and enjoy the rest of the summer. I think about you and pray for the best every day. I imagine tropical breezes blowing over you while you relax with your feet up. Take Care LadyG. We're all here waiting for you :o)

Stormy thanks for the vote of confidence on the butterflies. I have books and Google, LOL! The female has the blue on her tail, so now I know too :o)

Hi Joey, love the tiger on Joe!

Comma or Question Mark on Joe Pye Weed

Whoa, That's pretty, Sally.

Hey! Stormy & Sally!

Hi! Chris! (((waving))) ((((HUGS)))

Thanks Stormy, they're also called Angelwings and are my new favorite butterfly. I saw my first one last year, but he never opened his wings. I never knew they were so colorful myself.

Joey, Big Hug back!

LadyG a Big Hug for you wherever you are! May the sun be warm on your face today!

This is the Angelwing with wings closed. I'll have to Google if male or female, LOL!

That's really pretty, Sally. My Milkweed is just starting to open.

Thanks! I pulled a swamp milkweed out of the ditch when I was trying to break off the bloom. I planted the stem with the root, and it grew new leaves. As a whim, I stuck the broken stem with the bloom in the mud beside it and I'll be danged if it didn't put out leaves too!! They are such a pretty pink in the ditches that I can't wait for a small colony of my own. I set it behind the pitcher pump so it gets plenty of water.

Chris, I hope the weather is nice wherever you are.

We got the Grandkids last Thursday and took them home yesterday. We'll get them again this Thursday and take them home Sunday or Monday. Then we get to go to the Iowa State Fair, have a day of rest and watch them while their parents go to the fair. I'll be ready for a bit of a rest after this month :o)

Still praying for you LadyG. Get strong!!

Sounds both tiring and like loads of fun.
We are home from the beach Ladyg, The ocean was just beautiful but not very swimmable. First couple of days there were jellyfish in the water and it was pretty rough we played around the edges. About the time the Jellies were gone the ocean temps dropped to 58 and the surface was as smooth as glass. I would go in and get wet but didn't stay in very long. Oh how I love sitting by the ocean all day long. Hope you are doing better, we miss you very much. Holly

It was! I've missed you and Ric's posts, but am glad you had a soothing vacation. Those jellyfish can ruin your day. I watched the news on how bad they are.

Yes, Chris, we do miss you!

I need some nice pictures!

Folks, in the event that Chris was out of town perhaps down at her Daughter's boat, I just left another message on her answering machine. Hopefully, we will get a return call. If not, I'll try snail mail next.

Thanks, Stormy...

Chris, ((((((HUGS))))))

Thanks for me too Stormy! She just might need to put the world behind her for awhile. We'll be here when she gets back.

This little one was snagged by the neighbor's cat. When I got up to see what he had, he let go and rolled over on it. I moved him and picked it up. It seemed ok, and a bit quiet so I tried to set him on a branch in the apple tree. He slowly went over headfirst, so I rescued him again and we sat in the andirondack chairs till he flew out of my hand.

Hoping you're in good hands Chris!

Take care!

billyp- you could make a cute card with that pic and sentiment.

Hi Chris --we're all hoping our Hang in there kitty will drop by.

I have been scarce at Dave's for a few weeks. So much going on needing my attention. I did want to drop in here and say hello to everyone. Thinking of you Chris. I just love reading the sentiments sent to you. Everyone wants you to be in such warm and wonderful places with nothing but peace and calm around you. Of course the beauty of many lush and green gardens needs to be along with any place that any of us should find ourselves.

Good to see everyone still writing here. Very special folks are you all.

Ruby

Folks, nothing new to report here. I will be writing via snail mail this week. Let's all hope for a good outcome.

Chris, We think of you everyday and know that you are thinking of us too as you go about your garden. Be peaceful and content among our well wishes.