I was really happy to see November come. October had not been an easy month for me. However I did get through it with some medical help and am none the worse for it all. I suppose November must have the last say about the weather as today we have a tornado watch in north Georgia. The day started out very foggy and has been dreary all day. Most of the leaves have fallen. When I look at the hickory tree in back, against the sky it is still holding some brown leaves high up near the top. It has fed the squirrels all fall and probably will during the winter months. I occasionally find the hickory shells left by these wild animals. They seem to like to eat on my brick walk.
I am not without pretty blooms outdoors however. The Christmas Sasanqua on the west side of the house is loaded with deep red blooms. The centers are showy with the many stamens holding the yellow pollen. It is still a small bush but is remarkable in the number of blooms at this time of year. When this Sasanqua stops blooming the buds on the camellia at the east corner will be opening. For a few months we will be able to cut those blooms and bring them in to cheer us in the cold weather. When they have stopped blooming we still have the Daphne to give us their heavenly, heavy fragrance in January and February.
So all in all it is a colorful time of year with the bright yellowing of the tulip leaves, the red of the Sourwood and orange of the maples. I have in mind some outstanding specimens to look for each fall. Some I see right from my windows.
So, as I say Welcome to December and all of it's bright lights and decorations, I can still enjoy the lingering of some of fall's best colors.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 15, 2010
Mental Gymnastics
This morning I had an appointment to have my left shoulder examined by use of an MRI. I went into the hospital center in my town and proceeded to get this thing done. My main concern was that I would need to cough while confined in this tunnel.
I learned something today. Gratefully I made it without coughing - that came after I got up ! I learned that it is almost impossible to think with the noise like a jack hammer in your ear, even with ear plugs.
To entertain myself and not think about coughing I concentrated on making a mental trip all around my place and in my head name the various plantings I have put here. I could not keep up with that and count them, so here is what I was able to come up with. I am forewarning all that this is a long list and if you need to check out, go ahead and do it now.
I left from my back door and turned left to go around the northwest corner. The first plants which come into view are the Leyland Cypress - 9 in all, now as tall as my house. At the top of the rock wall is Blue Rug Juniper and under the Leyland Cypress is Vinca Minor -no periwinkle blooms in the fall. To my left are native ferns I did not plant and a Christmas Sasquansa which I did plant this spring, and it is blooming. Next on the left is a Savannah Holly at the south west corner. To the right, sort of under the Cypress is Japanese Iris which grows in a circle and almost covered by the Cypress is beautiful red blooming Quince, not thriving now. That plant came up here from my old house.
To the right, next is the cedar house where I keep small tools. At the south corner is planted a Gardenia which was started from a bloom my neighbor gave me. Near it is a dormant Butterfly Bush with English Ivy growing all around and Day Lilies which really need to be divided. Next is a Blackberry Lily, and Bearded Iris all around. Close by are two pink Guava planted by my son-in-law. To the south a bit is a small bed of Canna Lilies from my friend Louella. The lilies are now dead above ground but busy under the earth.
Several purple Illiam are in dormancy there too, but yellow Chrythsanthmum Pacificum is blooming and beautiful, beside a row of Liriope which has purple blooms in fall followed by round black seeds. Large Daffodils are sleeping undergound beside a large "Miss Huff" lantana with it's yellow/orange/pink blooms. In summer all around this area will be yarrow of varying colors, but now it is in sleep mode.
Across the rock steps is another huge Miss Huff lantana and a Peony which will have bowl size red blooms come next summer. So many Daffodils sleep under all this that it is hard to count when they come up in spring. Another favorite of mine is the Calla Lily which has died back to get ready for next summer. Right now purple Ageratum has seeded itself in and around here and a lot of other places where Gerbera Daisies once bloomed.
Taking a right turn around the rock walled in area is the Jane Saucer Magnolia which was planted about 12 years ago. The pink petaled blooms with the white backing is a unique sight in early spring. Now it is at least 15 feet tall. Beside it is an Alpine Spruce, one of three my daughter and son-in-law sent me at Christmas. They are a perfect cone shape and very slow growing, but beautiful none the less. About five yellow Forsythia plants along this side are now showing purple leaves instead of yellow blooms commonly called yellow bells. In the open area of this part of the yard are two Redbud trees, native trees for here. They look ugly now with the brown seed pods hanging there waiting for strong winds to send their seeds flying. Two Blueberry bushes in this area need to be transplanted. We now come upon the Stone Mountain Daisy in decline but still showing off round spiky seed pods.
Next in sight is the blackberry bed with four Arapaho thornless blackberries still showing green leaves. If we ventured further south we would come into the electric fenced in area of the raised beds. I have grown many vegetables there and asparagus grows yet, but dormant now. Many tomatoes, green beans, squash, cucumbers, kale, beets, swiss chard, sweet basil, purple beans, walking Egyptian onions, once were harvested from here for our table.
Moving north toward the curve is a bed filled with Iris, white and pink striped Amaryllis, Black Eyed Susan, and one Cherokee red rose bush. As my mind takes me down the gravel road I only see on my right hardwood trees and a few pines until I reach the well house where Iris is planted. Then by the red barn are pink and white Azaleas. On the north side of the barn is Red Tip Photenia now towering over the barn. North of them is a male Kiwi plant quite apart from the seven others which have their separate posts and wires to grow upon. Not far and to the left are two pear trees, one is called Orient, the other simply 411. The squirrels usually take them for their sweet treat in early fall. Next is the vineyard. Two dark, large Muscadines that Mr. Huffman planted are off to themselves. Around 21 vines are here plus one green seedless Niagra.
As we are now at the entrance we see the large Forsythia bushes outside the fence and the Stephens Holly inside under the power line. This year it was covered with red berries. Turning back and going south along the road the first grape vine here is called Cowart, a dark muscadine. About 4 more different varieties follow down the road. To the right of these vines is a row of Forsythia which my son and grandson planted. They will give a beautiful display of yellow next year. Two Black Bamboo plants, slow growing and non invasive, stand alone. Just this side of the foot bridge are two lavender Crepe Myrtle trees, gifts from my husband from Callaway Gardens in south Georgia. On either side of the foot bridge are yellow Stella D'oro Day Lilies. Looking up the hill toward the house are many Stewart Azaleas which my son Bruce planted for me. The railroad timber path up the hill was made by him and Jim for me many years ago on Mothers Day. This hill is covered in English Ivy and serves a purpose though it is very invasive. At the foot of the hill are two Hershey Azaleas transplanted by Reed, from near the red barn. many of the Azaleas along the pathway have sent out shoots and the hill next spring will be ablaze with melon colored blooms.
Back up the hill and around the curve are lemon yellow Day Lilies which have delicate fragrant blooms in summer. They are accompanied by white Achillia and in early spring some windmill flowers. Going on up toward the house is an Azaelea and a lavender Crepe Myrtle, a volunteer from the two at the bottom of he hill. They are just before the fenced in blueberry patch where 7 plants strive to produce plump blue berries. Next are five Burfordi Hollies transplanted from Bon and Jim's house many years ago. They grow so fast and are green all winter. Beside them is an outdoor bench and a pink Camellia. Also pink Oxallis, dwarf Nandina and still more Azaeleas. Next is another outdoor shed then more Azaleas and Monks Cap in summer, plus more Azaleas, a gardenia, and Camellia which blooms in winter. Looking straight ahead are four Crape Myrtles which produce bright red blooms and have lovely cinnamon colored trunks in very pleasing shapes.
Looking to the left and to the front of the house are Indian Hawthorn, both white and pink in front of the big front windows. along with the Azaleas and Pachysandra is more pink Oxyllis. Around the stone steps leading to the side entrance are Ajugs and a short type Liriope around the steps. At the corner is Daphne which blooms in January and smells heavenly. All by itself by the curving rock wall is a bed of oriental lilies which will come up in summer and look gorgeous. Purple Verbena is spreading around the pink rose Bush Bruce gave me and is competing with the pink Cosmos which loves this spot.
Above the wall are more Stone Mountain Daisies, Day Lilies, various sleeping bulbs, more Chrysanthmum Pacificum, Bee Balm, Winter Savory and Oregano smelling herbs. Planted haphazardly is moon glow Liriope, a white leafed plant. Behind the rock wall is a blue Plumbago, now dormant and Narcissis also dormant. Down in front of the rock wall is Autumn Joy Sedem and an outcropping of Confederate Jassemine which never bloomed.
At the other angle of the wall are more Iris, Ice Plants, pink Dianthus and Ivy coming over the wall.Also cascading over the rock wall is Ice Plant, so beautiful with the purple blooms most of the year. Before leaving the tour I must note the shrubs at the back of the house, Acuba with a shamrock holding its own in the shade of these spotted leaf shrubs. We have come full circle to the back door. I did not count the plants but there are so many which I have planted and which did not survive or have run their course. I have loved every minute of nurturing these growing wonders all around me.
The wonder of it all is that I could remember them with the jack hammer banging in my left ear, plus I had to hold still !
I learned something today. Gratefully I made it without coughing - that came after I got up ! I learned that it is almost impossible to think with the noise like a jack hammer in your ear, even with ear plugs.
To entertain myself and not think about coughing I concentrated on making a mental trip all around my place and in my head name the various plantings I have put here. I could not keep up with that and count them, so here is what I was able to come up with. I am forewarning all that this is a long list and if you need to check out, go ahead and do it now.
I left from my back door and turned left to go around the northwest corner. The first plants which come into view are the Leyland Cypress - 9 in all, now as tall as my house. At the top of the rock wall is Blue Rug Juniper and under the Leyland Cypress is Vinca Minor -no periwinkle blooms in the fall. To my left are native ferns I did not plant and a Christmas Sasquansa which I did plant this spring, and it is blooming. Next on the left is a Savannah Holly at the south west corner. To the right, sort of under the Cypress is Japanese Iris which grows in a circle and almost covered by the Cypress is beautiful red blooming Quince, not thriving now. That plant came up here from my old house.
To the right, next is the cedar house where I keep small tools. At the south corner is planted a Gardenia which was started from a bloom my neighbor gave me. Near it is a dormant Butterfly Bush with English Ivy growing all around and Day Lilies which really need to be divided. Next is a Blackberry Lily, and Bearded Iris all around. Close by are two pink Guava planted by my son-in-law. To the south a bit is a small bed of Canna Lilies from my friend Louella. The lilies are now dead above ground but busy under the earth.
Several purple Illiam are in dormancy there too, but yellow Chrythsanthmum Pacificum is blooming and beautiful, beside a row of Liriope which has purple blooms in fall followed by round black seeds. Large Daffodils are sleeping undergound beside a large "Miss Huff" lantana with it's yellow/orange/pink blooms. In summer all around this area will be yarrow of varying colors, but now it is in sleep mode.
Across the rock steps is another huge Miss Huff lantana and a Peony which will have bowl size red blooms come next summer. So many Daffodils sleep under all this that it is hard to count when they come up in spring. Another favorite of mine is the Calla Lily which has died back to get ready for next summer. Right now purple Ageratum has seeded itself in and around here and a lot of other places where Gerbera Daisies once bloomed.
Taking a right turn around the rock walled in area is the Jane Saucer Magnolia which was planted about 12 years ago. The pink petaled blooms with the white backing is a unique sight in early spring. Now it is at least 15 feet tall. Beside it is an Alpine Spruce, one of three my daughter and son-in-law sent me at Christmas. They are a perfect cone shape and very slow growing, but beautiful none the less. About five yellow Forsythia plants along this side are now showing purple leaves instead of yellow blooms commonly called yellow bells. In the open area of this part of the yard are two Redbud trees, native trees for here. They look ugly now with the brown seed pods hanging there waiting for strong winds to send their seeds flying. Two Blueberry bushes in this area need to be transplanted. We now come upon the Stone Mountain Daisy in decline but still showing off round spiky seed pods.
Next in sight is the blackberry bed with four Arapaho thornless blackberries still showing green leaves. If we ventured further south we would come into the electric fenced in area of the raised beds. I have grown many vegetables there and asparagus grows yet, but dormant now. Many tomatoes, green beans, squash, cucumbers, kale, beets, swiss chard, sweet basil, purple beans, walking Egyptian onions, once were harvested from here for our table.
Moving north toward the curve is a bed filled with Iris, white and pink striped Amaryllis, Black Eyed Susan, and one Cherokee red rose bush. As my mind takes me down the gravel road I only see on my right hardwood trees and a few pines until I reach the well house where Iris is planted. Then by the red barn are pink and white Azaleas. On the north side of the barn is Red Tip Photenia now towering over the barn. North of them is a male Kiwi plant quite apart from the seven others which have their separate posts and wires to grow upon. Not far and to the left are two pear trees, one is called Orient, the other simply 411. The squirrels usually take them for their sweet treat in early fall. Next is the vineyard. Two dark, large Muscadines that Mr. Huffman planted are off to themselves. Around 21 vines are here plus one green seedless Niagra.
As we are now at the entrance we see the large Forsythia bushes outside the fence and the Stephens Holly inside under the power line. This year it was covered with red berries. Turning back and going south along the road the first grape vine here is called Cowart, a dark muscadine. About 4 more different varieties follow down the road. To the right of these vines is a row of Forsythia which my son and grandson planted. They will give a beautiful display of yellow next year. Two Black Bamboo plants, slow growing and non invasive, stand alone. Just this side of the foot bridge are two lavender Crepe Myrtle trees, gifts from my husband from Callaway Gardens in south Georgia. On either side of the foot bridge are yellow Stella D'oro Day Lilies. Looking up the hill toward the house are many Stewart Azaleas which my son Bruce planted for me. The railroad timber path up the hill was made by him and Jim for me many years ago on Mothers Day. This hill is covered in English Ivy and serves a purpose though it is very invasive. At the foot of the hill are two Hershey Azaleas transplanted by Reed, from near the red barn. many of the Azaleas along the pathway have sent out shoots and the hill next spring will be ablaze with melon colored blooms.
Back up the hill and around the curve are lemon yellow Day Lilies which have delicate fragrant blooms in summer. They are accompanied by white Achillia and in early spring some windmill flowers. Going on up toward the house is an Azaelea and a lavender Crepe Myrtle, a volunteer from the two at the bottom of he hill. They are just before the fenced in blueberry patch where 7 plants strive to produce plump blue berries. Next are five Burfordi Hollies transplanted from Bon and Jim's house many years ago. They grow so fast and are green all winter. Beside them is an outdoor bench and a pink Camellia. Also pink Oxallis, dwarf Nandina and still more Azaeleas. Next is another outdoor shed then more Azaleas and Monks Cap in summer, plus more Azaleas, a gardenia, and Camellia which blooms in winter. Looking straight ahead are four Crape Myrtles which produce bright red blooms and have lovely cinnamon colored trunks in very pleasing shapes.
Looking to the left and to the front of the house are Indian Hawthorn, both white and pink in front of the big front windows. along with the Azaleas and Pachysandra is more pink Oxyllis. Around the stone steps leading to the side entrance are Ajugs and a short type Liriope around the steps. At the corner is Daphne which blooms in January and smells heavenly. All by itself by the curving rock wall is a bed of oriental lilies which will come up in summer and look gorgeous. Purple Verbena is spreading around the pink rose Bush Bruce gave me and is competing with the pink Cosmos which loves this spot.
Above the wall are more Stone Mountain Daisies, Day Lilies, various sleeping bulbs, more Chrysanthmum Pacificum, Bee Balm, Winter Savory and Oregano smelling herbs. Planted haphazardly is moon glow Liriope, a white leafed plant. Behind the rock wall is a blue Plumbago, now dormant and Narcissis also dormant. Down in front of the rock wall is Autumn Joy Sedem and an outcropping of Confederate Jassemine which never bloomed.
At the other angle of the wall are more Iris, Ice Plants, pink Dianthus and Ivy coming over the wall.Also cascading over the rock wall is Ice Plant, so beautiful with the purple blooms most of the year. Before leaving the tour I must note the shrubs at the back of the house, Acuba with a shamrock holding its own in the shade of these spotted leaf shrubs. We have come full circle to the back door. I did not count the plants but there are so many which I have planted and which did not survive or have run their course. I have loved every minute of nurturing these growing wonders all around me.
The wonder of it all is that I could remember them with the jack hammer banging in my left ear, plus I had to hold still !
Friday, November 12, 2010
12 by 28
Twelve feet by twenty eight feet is the area of my sun deck. It is on the east side of my house and is entered from the balcony area inside. Being on the second floor I do not use it as often as I could. In the hot summers it is not inviting until after four in the afternoon. On a sunny winter day is a good time to be there. The plastic chairs are inside, but can easily be put out if desired.
I did not take a chair out as my mission was to walk for thirty minutes and that I did. It was fun for me and interesting as I looked out at the trees with their leaves changing in all sorts of colorful shades. This house sits directly facing south and as I was walking the deck, the long way is north to south. Each side gave me a nice view and happy memories. At the north end I can see half of the Leyland Cypress that I planted in 1991. They have grown very tall and are doing just what I had planned for them to do. They serve as a screen from my neighbors to the west and also as a shield from harsh winter winds coming from the west. I think they are about as tall as they will get, reaching to the same height as my house and as tall as the sturdy hickory tree where squirrels find their food supply. And incidentally these brazen squirrels bring the nuts to my front steps where they sun themselves and have picnics where I walk, leaving the broken hulls for me to sweep away.
Also on the north end are the rusty red leaves of the crape myrtle. The leaves are not as bright a red as the blooms in August, but still a lovely sight in fall. Not a pretty sight is the redbud tree which is covered with dead seed pods and brown leaves. This tree I bought in Mt.Airy,Ga. and carried home in the trunk of my car many years ago. Just beyond the redbud are the sourwood trees with their pendulous blooms in summer and long lance like leaves. The bees use them to help them in their honey making time. Now, they are a slowly fading red.
Down lower to the ground I can see the last yellow daisy and the many blossoms of the chrysanthmum pacifica. A delightful yellow and last of the perennials to bloom before we have a hard freeze. I see far down the hill the gravel road leading out of the property past the well house and the old red barn.
The view to the south allows me to look down on the burfordi holly and reminds me that I must get the privet hedge cut from the middle of this glossy leaved bush. The "Miss Huff" Lantana is still blooming away. I can count on seeing those multicolored blooms until a hard freeze. This year I have two plants, one on each side of the stone steps leading down to the front lawn and beyond. They put out their branches in early summer and by mid-summer they are on a real growth spurt and starting to put on those yellow-orange-pink-blooms which bring on the butterflies and bees until cold weather sends them elsewhere. On one side they have spread ten feet long and at least 8 feet wide. A real mood booster for the gardener.
So, back and forth I walked, looking at first one scene and then the next with a side glance to the east which was no threat for the scenes to the south and north.
Not a bad walk in my bedroom slippers with a heating pad to my shoulders. Having a constant review of the plants I have nurtured for years, I am entertained with every step and affirmed by my gardening efforts.
I did not take a chair out as my mission was to walk for thirty minutes and that I did. It was fun for me and interesting as I looked out at the trees with their leaves changing in all sorts of colorful shades. This house sits directly facing south and as I was walking the deck, the long way is north to south. Each side gave me a nice view and happy memories. At the north end I can see half of the Leyland Cypress that I planted in 1991. They have grown very tall and are doing just what I had planned for them to do. They serve as a screen from my neighbors to the west and also as a shield from harsh winter winds coming from the west. I think they are about as tall as they will get, reaching to the same height as my house and as tall as the sturdy hickory tree where squirrels find their food supply. And incidentally these brazen squirrels bring the nuts to my front steps where they sun themselves and have picnics where I walk, leaving the broken hulls for me to sweep away.
Also on the north end are the rusty red leaves of the crape myrtle. The leaves are not as bright a red as the blooms in August, but still a lovely sight in fall. Not a pretty sight is the redbud tree which is covered with dead seed pods and brown leaves. This tree I bought in Mt.Airy,Ga. and carried home in the trunk of my car many years ago. Just beyond the redbud are the sourwood trees with their pendulous blooms in summer and long lance like leaves. The bees use them to help them in their honey making time. Now, they are a slowly fading red.
Down lower to the ground I can see the last yellow daisy and the many blossoms of the chrysanthmum pacifica. A delightful yellow and last of the perennials to bloom before we have a hard freeze. I see far down the hill the gravel road leading out of the property past the well house and the old red barn.
The view to the south allows me to look down on the burfordi holly and reminds me that I must get the privet hedge cut from the middle of this glossy leaved bush. The "Miss Huff" Lantana is still blooming away. I can count on seeing those multicolored blooms until a hard freeze. This year I have two plants, one on each side of the stone steps leading down to the front lawn and beyond. They put out their branches in early summer and by mid-summer they are on a real growth spurt and starting to put on those yellow-orange-pink-blooms which bring on the butterflies and bees until cold weather sends them elsewhere. On one side they have spread ten feet long and at least 8 feet wide. A real mood booster for the gardener.
So, back and forth I walked, looking at first one scene and then the next with a side glance to the east which was no threat for the scenes to the south and north.
Not a bad walk in my bedroom slippers with a heating pad to my shoulders. Having a constant review of the plants I have nurtured for years, I am entertained with every step and affirmed by my gardening efforts.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
A Change of Pace
For all of my gardeners out there, I cut my last yellow heirloom tomato for breakfast this morning with a poached egg, toast and fried apples). I had picked it green as a frost was predicted and I knew it would ripen indoors. I still have a few small red tomatoes sitting on my window sill along with the few kiwi I picked a week ago.
Reading is always a stolen pleasure for me. I stay so busy with other things that reading gets pushed to the side, unless I am studying for a lesson, etc. I have been reading a very interesting book which was published a long time ago around 1980.
It is not the first book I have read by Catherine Marshall LeSourd. On my shelf I have a copy of Christy. This one was based on her Mother and her teaching experiences. It was given to me by one of my student's parents the year I taught their daughter in first grade.
The book I am thinking of now was written for Catherine's daughter when she was preparing for her marriage. She had asked her mother for advise in the coming change taking place in her life. This book was Catherine's response. The title is "Meeting God At Every Turn".
I have picked up on one of the things that Catherine did over the years. I like the idea and I want to give it a try. Her Bible study was more structured than mine so I want to try to adopt her strategy. She got up early before the rest of the family for Bible and prayer time. She had always kept a journal (an idea I like) and she started a prayer journal. Each day she would write down what was foremost in her mind and concern at that time, and specific prayer request that day. When she had an answer for that prayer she would note that also and the date. In reviewing her journal she saw how her prayers were answered. She marveled at how events and people worked together to answer her prayers. This is one of the promises given to us in our Bible. Romans 8:28 - "all things work together for good for those who trust the Lord". Thus, a prayer offered may bring an answer in many different forms, and from many different people. I found that an intriguing idea.
I have seen this in my own life and it will be a new adventure to try recording this in a Prayer Journal. The one sure way for me to keep myself on track is to tell someone else what I am planning. So, now it has been told ! A big commitment and I am committed to it.
Reading is always a stolen pleasure for me. I stay so busy with other things that reading gets pushed to the side, unless I am studying for a lesson, etc. I have been reading a very interesting book which was published a long time ago around 1980.
It is not the first book I have read by Catherine Marshall LeSourd. On my shelf I have a copy of Christy. This one was based on her Mother and her teaching experiences. It was given to me by one of my student's parents the year I taught their daughter in first grade.
The book I am thinking of now was written for Catherine's daughter when she was preparing for her marriage. She had asked her mother for advise in the coming change taking place in her life. This book was Catherine's response. The title is "Meeting God At Every Turn".
I have picked up on one of the things that Catherine did over the years. I like the idea and I want to give it a try. Her Bible study was more structured than mine so I want to try to adopt her strategy. She got up early before the rest of the family for Bible and prayer time. She had always kept a journal (an idea I like) and she started a prayer journal. Each day she would write down what was foremost in her mind and concern at that time, and specific prayer request that day. When she had an answer for that prayer she would note that also and the date. In reviewing her journal she saw how her prayers were answered. She marveled at how events and people worked together to answer her prayers. This is one of the promises given to us in our Bible. Romans 8:28 - "all things work together for good for those who trust the Lord". Thus, a prayer offered may bring an answer in many different forms, and from many different people. I found that an intriguing idea.
I have seen this in my own life and it will be a new adventure to try recording this in a Prayer Journal. The one sure way for me to keep myself on track is to tell someone else what I am planning. So, now it has been told ! A big commitment and I am committed to it.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
In The Treetops
This week-end I have had two house guests, my daughter/son-in-law's two pet dogs. One is part chow with the turned back, twisty fluffy tail. The other a Pomeranian with the same type tail. Two very different dogs in temperament, but they are friends by circumstance. Cujo the small dog has been in the family for many years. He was a comfort after they lost a much loved sheltie named Bruno. As Cujo aged they thought it wise to have a companion so they found a rescue dog in much need of love and attention. She was nursed back to health with medical help and human love. I recall conversations about what to name this new pet. I heard, "Girl" first, then it was Rocky. Why Rocky?, well she looked like Rocky Marciano, the boxer.
On this particular Saturday afternoon, when it was sunny and mild, I decided to have a visit to the deck at the top level. I invited the dogs to come along, but only Rocky accepted. The sun being in the southern sky late in October, most of the deck was in shade. The plastic deck chairs were turned around and leaning against the wall of the house, in order to prevent dust, etc. from collecting in the seats. I took my chair over to the southern end of the deck where I could sit in the sun. By turning the chair to the north, I could enjoy the sun on my back.
It was a pleasant place to be. The warmth of the sun on my back, the gentle intermittent breeze on my face and occasional distant roar of an airplane all made for a lazy feeling. Rocky's behavior was one of exploration by observation. She went to various railings to stick her head out to the east, south and north. I could almost read her mind. "It looks different from up here", "I wonder if I could just step down there", "oh, if only I could get that yellow butterfly over the hill", "I will try this other spot", "nope, still too far away", "maybe if I just lie down and rest it will help".
The most interesting thing about being up high and in the open is being able to see the tops of the trees from this angle. The dogwood at the top of the pathway is leaning toward the house, not close or dangerously, just to show it is seeking more sun. I can see how crowded the camellia is making it for both the dogwood and the holly bush, also the gardenia and the azalea. There is much competition for rain and soil. I am looking out at the English Ivy which I foolishly started 15 years ago. It has made it up the hill and went beyond my expectations. It just naturally wants to climb and every tree on the hillside knows it. I make a mental note to find time to cut back this beautiful but damaging vine.
As my mind is wandering over the tops of the trees, a plane flying low brings me back to my task at hand. I had brought out my lesson for next Thursday to read and digest before our circle meeting. We are studying Revelations and the lesson is on the symbols of strength which various nations have used over the centuries. In this last book of the Christian Bible it is vividly comparing these symbols to the most powerful yet mildest symbol, the lamb. Quite a contrast with much food for thought.
Rocky is scratching at the door, his signal that his reverie is over and he is ready to leave this strange observation post. So, gathering up my materials and replacing the chair, I reluctantly leave this sanctuary for enclosed spaces.
On this particular Saturday afternoon, when it was sunny and mild, I decided to have a visit to the deck at the top level. I invited the dogs to come along, but only Rocky accepted. The sun being in the southern sky late in October, most of the deck was in shade. The plastic deck chairs were turned around and leaning against the wall of the house, in order to prevent dust, etc. from collecting in the seats. I took my chair over to the southern end of the deck where I could sit in the sun. By turning the chair to the north, I could enjoy the sun on my back.
It was a pleasant place to be. The warmth of the sun on my back, the gentle intermittent breeze on my face and occasional distant roar of an airplane all made for a lazy feeling. Rocky's behavior was one of exploration by observation. She went to various railings to stick her head out to the east, south and north. I could almost read her mind. "It looks different from up here", "I wonder if I could just step down there", "oh, if only I could get that yellow butterfly over the hill", "I will try this other spot", "nope, still too far away", "maybe if I just lie down and rest it will help".
The most interesting thing about being up high and in the open is being able to see the tops of the trees from this angle. The dogwood at the top of the pathway is leaning toward the house, not close or dangerously, just to show it is seeking more sun. I can see how crowded the camellia is making it for both the dogwood and the holly bush, also the gardenia and the azalea. There is much competition for rain and soil. I am looking out at the English Ivy which I foolishly started 15 years ago. It has made it up the hill and went beyond my expectations. It just naturally wants to climb and every tree on the hillside knows it. I make a mental note to find time to cut back this beautiful but damaging vine.
As my mind is wandering over the tops of the trees, a plane flying low brings me back to my task at hand. I had brought out my lesson for next Thursday to read and digest before our circle meeting. We are studying Revelations and the lesson is on the symbols of strength which various nations have used over the centuries. In this last book of the Christian Bible it is vividly comparing these symbols to the most powerful yet mildest symbol, the lamb. Quite a contrast with much food for thought.
Rocky is scratching at the door, his signal that his reverie is over and he is ready to leave this strange observation post. So, gathering up my materials and replacing the chair, I reluctantly leave this sanctuary for enclosed spaces.
Monday, October 25, 2010
The Top Drawer
The furniture in my bedroom was purchased in 1939 by my oldest sister and her husband. They used it every day of their married life, for 42 years. They both died in 1981, six months apart. The furniture was made from solid maple and once had a mellow,golden tone. Since my sister Katrine was an artist, she had a tendency to surround herself with color. She painted this furniture gray and gray it is today. A number of years ago I researched having it refinished to the original hues. But the timing never seemed quite right. So, now it is still gray but worn around the tops of the two posters at the bottom of the bed. That is where hands over the years have used it for guidance, while walking in the dark.
There is a chest of drawers with this furniture and it holds some of my garments. In the top, short, drawer however, it holds a myriad of objects having not much to do with clothing. It is not opened very often and when I do open it - as I did this morning - I am reminded of many things.
The first thing that caught my eye was a picture of the first quilt I ever made. It was made without me knowing one thing about quilting. It fit snugly in a little dolly cradle which I had purchased for Ann Hunter Keaton, my second husband's grandchild. Along with it was a picture of a quilt that I commissioned to be made many years ago by Lydia Organ. Lydia was an elder in the First Presbyterian Church in Harlan, Ky. She and I became acquainted when I drove her home to Harlan from Lexington, Ky. She had been staying with Katrine during her last days in St. Joseph's hospital. It was a cold, snowy, December day, just a few days before Christmas in 1981. It was a bad day to be driving, but we both wanted to get back to home base. I think my driving in a little blue Ford pinto - with manual shift - on those roads made a better Christian out of Lydia. It was on that trip that we talked about making a quilt for me. I wanted it be interesting, with primary colors.
Over about a year's time Lydia did make the quilt and she used the "around the world" pattern. The back is just as pretty as the front as she quilted around each block which was set "on point". She made the entire quilt by hand using material she had on hand. Quilters always have material on hand! Each time I went to visit I would pay Lydia more for the quilt. The total price was $ 250.00. I dearly love this quilt. It is not quite large enough to cover the bed as far down as I would like, but that does not matter. It may have been the last quilt that Lydia made as she became ill later that year, and died of colon cancer.
Next my eye fell on a beautiful Christmas tree ornament made by my daughter-in-law, Jayne. She used to do that as a hobby and it is very intensive close work which is tiring on the eyes. I do not put up a tree at Christmas anymore but this elegant ornament draws me in to inspect it each time I see it.
I had placed some small boxes in the drawer. The first one I opened had two small metal pins from the presidential campaign of Richard Nixon and Dwight Eisenhower. I was one of those "I Like Ike" people back then. Ike was a popular hero at the end of the war in 1946.
I had other little boxes in the drawer. I had forgotten what was in them so I opened the first one and the contents sparkled and "spoke" to me. What I saw was a rich blue and silver necklace, which my daughter Bonnie had made for me. It is the sort of jewelry you want to wear to a party. Since I had no party on for today I decided to put it on anyway and also the earrings she made to go with it. Now why would I do such a thing! Maybe because I do not go to many parties anymore which call for elegance. But after a shower and a new attitude, it seems like a fine thing to do. I know this will be a day of staying indoors as we are having storms and a tornado warning is upon us. If a storm does come by, blow my house down, and I am lucky enough to wake up like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, I will soon be feeling very elegant in my blue and silver neckace and earrings.
There is a chest of drawers with this furniture and it holds some of my garments. In the top, short, drawer however, it holds a myriad of objects having not much to do with clothing. It is not opened very often and when I do open it - as I did this morning - I am reminded of many things.
The first thing that caught my eye was a picture of the first quilt I ever made. It was made without me knowing one thing about quilting. It fit snugly in a little dolly cradle which I had purchased for Ann Hunter Keaton, my second husband's grandchild. Along with it was a picture of a quilt that I commissioned to be made many years ago by Lydia Organ. Lydia was an elder in the First Presbyterian Church in Harlan, Ky. She and I became acquainted when I drove her home to Harlan from Lexington, Ky. She had been staying with Katrine during her last days in St. Joseph's hospital. It was a cold, snowy, December day, just a few days before Christmas in 1981. It was a bad day to be driving, but we both wanted to get back to home base. I think my driving in a little blue Ford pinto - with manual shift - on those roads made a better Christian out of Lydia. It was on that trip that we talked about making a quilt for me. I wanted it be interesting, with primary colors.
Over about a year's time Lydia did make the quilt and she used the "around the world" pattern. The back is just as pretty as the front as she quilted around each block which was set "on point". She made the entire quilt by hand using material she had on hand. Quilters always have material on hand! Each time I went to visit I would pay Lydia more for the quilt. The total price was $ 250.00. I dearly love this quilt. It is not quite large enough to cover the bed as far down as I would like, but that does not matter. It may have been the last quilt that Lydia made as she became ill later that year, and died of colon cancer.
Next my eye fell on a beautiful Christmas tree ornament made by my daughter-in-law, Jayne. She used to do that as a hobby and it is very intensive close work which is tiring on the eyes. I do not put up a tree at Christmas anymore but this elegant ornament draws me in to inspect it each time I see it.
I had placed some small boxes in the drawer. The first one I opened had two small metal pins from the presidential campaign of Richard Nixon and Dwight Eisenhower. I was one of those "I Like Ike" people back then. Ike was a popular hero at the end of the war in 1946.
I had other little boxes in the drawer. I had forgotten what was in them so I opened the first one and the contents sparkled and "spoke" to me. What I saw was a rich blue and silver necklace, which my daughter Bonnie had made for me. It is the sort of jewelry you want to wear to a party. Since I had no party on for today I decided to put it on anyway and also the earrings she made to go with it. Now why would I do such a thing! Maybe because I do not go to many parties anymore which call for elegance. But after a shower and a new attitude, it seems like a fine thing to do. I know this will be a day of staying indoors as we are having storms and a tornado warning is upon us. If a storm does come by, blow my house down, and I am lucky enough to wake up like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, I will soon be feeling very elegant in my blue and silver neckace and earrings.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Comfort Foods of Yore
I have just reread a book by the late humorist, Lewis Grizzard, of Atlanta. I used to have all of his books but must have shared them out over the years. This book is entitled "If Love Were Oil I'd Be About a Quart Low". He tells of how his mother would comfort him by making fresh squeezed orange juice for him when he was feeling low.
This started my chain of thinking about my own mother doing things to comfort us. Yes, fresh squeezed orange juice is what I think about too. I well remember that, what my sister Ruth remembers is biscuits and gravy at breakfast. Today my breakfast is cream of rice in memory of my mother. With ten to feed she would do what was easiest and quickest for all. Fresh squeezed orange juice was not on that list but white rice was. I liked the taste of it with sugar and milk. I still do but it takes too long for me in the mornings with only one to feed (me). So, the new product I found is cream of rice and it suits me just fine.
When I was sick and could not handle regular food she would give me canned tomatoes with saltine crackers. That does wonders for you when you are recovering from the flu and it is just acidic and salty enough to satisfy. I remember the time in my teens when I had a good old fashioned case of flu. I recall the doctor coming in to see me. I had been put in a separate area in a wide hallway upstairs - possibly to quarantine me from my siblings. I do not believe flu shots were available or I would have surely not been sick. This was around 1941.
With so many to feed, it meant there were many clothes to wash. This required a day long effort, with all the beds, towels, etc. By then my mother had an electric washing machine, before that, well the old scrub board had to do the job. She still had to feed us on laundry day so a huge pot of beef, vegetable soup filled the bill. But to comfort us on these days she actually had time to make pies. One lemon and one chocolate. I well remember peeking under the meringue to see which one was lemon.
While my mother could handle the activity of washing and cooking, it drove her up the wall to stand and iron. So, a little lady named Mrs. Elmore would come on ironing day and our clothes were turned over to her. I think she liked to talk too as I recall an old inside family joke "and Pascal said well.......". Pascal was Mrs. Elmore's husband. Apparently he had a limited vocabulary as she always ended her stories with that phrase "and Pascal said well...".
After my father was diagnosed with diabetes our meals took on a more balanced nature.
The deserts disappeared. If we wanted our accustomed sweet at the end of a meal she suggested we put jam on our bread. She had a formula for a balanced meal- something sour, something sweet, something red, something green.something hot, something cold. It is not a bad idea. For Sunday meals she used a drip-drop roaster. The food all went into that and when we came home from church the Sunday dinner was almost ready. I suppose it could be called the forerunner of our crock pots of today, except the crock pots are electric.
My mother did not lecture. Her advise was given calmly and succinctly. She said what she had to say and you were free to take it or suffer the consequences. This in it's way is a comfort. No excess verbiage to cloud the issue. Probably she developed this tactic as she had no time for anything else. We knew she valued us and showed it in many ways, comfort foods was just one aspect of her parenting.
This started my chain of thinking about my own mother doing things to comfort us. Yes, fresh squeezed orange juice is what I think about too. I well remember that, what my sister Ruth remembers is biscuits and gravy at breakfast. Today my breakfast is cream of rice in memory of my mother. With ten to feed she would do what was easiest and quickest for all. Fresh squeezed orange juice was not on that list but white rice was. I liked the taste of it with sugar and milk. I still do but it takes too long for me in the mornings with only one to feed (me). So, the new product I found is cream of rice and it suits me just fine.
When I was sick and could not handle regular food she would give me canned tomatoes with saltine crackers. That does wonders for you when you are recovering from the flu and it is just acidic and salty enough to satisfy. I remember the time in my teens when I had a good old fashioned case of flu. I recall the doctor coming in to see me. I had been put in a separate area in a wide hallway upstairs - possibly to quarantine me from my siblings. I do not believe flu shots were available or I would have surely not been sick. This was around 1941.
With so many to feed, it meant there were many clothes to wash. This required a day long effort, with all the beds, towels, etc. By then my mother had an electric washing machine, before that, well the old scrub board had to do the job. She still had to feed us on laundry day so a huge pot of beef, vegetable soup filled the bill. But to comfort us on these days she actually had time to make pies. One lemon and one chocolate. I well remember peeking under the meringue to see which one was lemon.
While my mother could handle the activity of washing and cooking, it drove her up the wall to stand and iron. So, a little lady named Mrs. Elmore would come on ironing day and our clothes were turned over to her. I think she liked to talk too as I recall an old inside family joke "and Pascal said well.......". Pascal was Mrs. Elmore's husband. Apparently he had a limited vocabulary as she always ended her stories with that phrase "and Pascal said well...".
After my father was diagnosed with diabetes our meals took on a more balanced nature.
The deserts disappeared. If we wanted our accustomed sweet at the end of a meal she suggested we put jam on our bread. She had a formula for a balanced meal- something sour, something sweet, something red, something green.something hot, something cold. It is not a bad idea. For Sunday meals she used a drip-drop roaster. The food all went into that and when we came home from church the Sunday dinner was almost ready. I suppose it could be called the forerunner of our crock pots of today, except the crock pots are electric.
My mother did not lecture. Her advise was given calmly and succinctly. She said what she had to say and you were free to take it or suffer the consequences. This in it's way is a comfort. No excess verbiage to cloud the issue. Probably she developed this tactic as she had no time for anything else. We knew she valued us and showed it in many ways, comfort foods was just one aspect of her parenting.
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