So, here I am five weeks into this rash thing, and I’m still no closer to figuring out what the heck is causing it. It’s a lot better than it was two weeks ago, but I think that’s only because of a wet-wrap treatment prescribed by a dermatologist. Continue reading
There was a lot of unpacking to do after a cross-country move.
My mom taught me that marigolds were a great flower to plant around tomatoes because their strong scent kept away some insects and sometimes even rabbits and squirrels. And until recently, that’s all I really ever used them for. But they were a great addition on their own to my Texas garden this year, and I really enjoyed their color, their tolerance for the heat (with a little TLC) and the fact that I could harvest their seeds by the dozen for replanting. Continue reading
Weekends are good for the soul in so many ways, and for me, gardening plays a big role. Like this morning, when I walked out to see beautiful yellow flowers on Wanda and Cosmo, my two pumpkin plants. Continue reading
“If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly, our whole world would change.” — Buddha
I’m constantly amazed at how productive zinnias are. Just when I thought the zinnias in my pots were on their last legs, I see more buds popping out of the leaves. Continue reading
Daughter liked to name my flowers in Wisconsin, so I figured I’d let her name the pumpkin that’s been keeping company with Wanda, my bigger, wandering pumpkin. So, we’re proud to introduce you to Cosmo. If you didn’t catch on from the title of this post, the names are a nod to characters in one of daughter’s favorite cartoons, The Fairly OddParents. Continue reading
Feeling a bit sad tonight. Neighbors across the street are moving. They are the kind of neighbors everyone hopes for. Friendly, nice, respectful of those who live next to them. The sort of neighbor you want to look out for because they look out for you. I wish them well, but I’m really going to miss them. Continue reading
The clouds have returned to central Texas, much to my delight. A change in weather patterns — they say El Nino is finally creeing nearer — has meant a few days the last couple weeks with clouds that look menacing and beautiful at the same time. Continue reading
I replanted a struggling aglaonema (lower left) in January. Almost seven months later, it’s strong and beautiful (upper left). On the other hand, I’m afraid my impatiens (right) is nearing its end.
When I bought the New Guinea impatiens back around June, it was really pretty, with deep purple leaves and a few bright pink flowers. I potted it and displayed it on my front porch, sure it would soon be full of blossoms and the prettiest flower on the block. About a month or so later, I noticed a few of the leaves on the bottom of the flower were turning brown. Continue reading
It’s early, but I think pumpkins just might be my veggie of choice this fall. Don’t get me wrong, I really, really want fall tomatoes, but pumpkins are just looking more likely at the moment.
Wanda (yes, I’ve named one of my pumpkins) is three or four times her size of two weeks ago (photo above, today on top, Aug. 17 on bottom). Overnight, she stretched into the adjoining raised bed. No doubt the inch-and-a-half of rain we got late this afternoon helped.
And the yellow leaves on the second pumpkin plant have been replaced by a bunch of new green ones. I wouldn’t be surprised if it started making a move on Wanda soon. That’s one wrestling match I’m looking forward to.
Chocolate Chips and Chaos 