Stuffed Shelves (Tackle-it Tuesday)

Well, I've put it off since before the holidays - thus, making it just *that* much worse - and now it is NECCESSARY for this Tackle-it Tuesday project to be a clean out of the kitchen pantry...
(I'm kind of glad that I only can share B4 photos with this sad little phone cam! Plus, I live in somewhat of a 'cave', so the pics are a bit dark)




Plus, that's really only two of the five shelves that need an overhaul..As you can see, things are just stuffed in there any-'ol-where one could find room. I gotta do this, this week, as we have nowhere left to "stuff". I hope to have some "after" pics sometime tommorrow, if all goes well - wish me luck!

What do *you* have to TACKLE this week?

The camellias are in bloom

These well-lived evergreen shrubs, often blooming in the cooler temperatures - usually between October and March - are the ONLY things bringing any color to my garden today.

Blooms on camellias usually range from pure white to dark red and everything in between, and are well suited to the partial shade conditions here on the property. We currently have two bushes, of different verieties; ‘Polar Ice’, pictured here, which produces 3" flowers, and will eventually grow to about 6-8 ft. tall (if I'm lucky!) and I believe, 'Pink Perfection’, which produces bright pink blooms with a yellow center. It, however, bloomed earlier in the fall, and is adding only its dark green, glossy leaves to the winter landscape.

Camellias are best transplanted from November to February so the roots can become established before the summer heat. Plants should be spaced at least 5 ft. apart, and at the same depth as they are in the container. I guess you know what *I'll* be working on in the garden, this upcoming month!

Balancing Act (Tackle-it Tuesday)

Well, it's Tuesday, and the tackle for today is: the paperwork drill; time to balance the 'ol checkbook, pay some bills...

There was a small snafu at the bank regarding the Mr's payroll deposit last week, but it seems that's all been corrected now, so I need to adjust the records on our end...

Obviously, I hope to accomplish some other tasks today, as well, like tidying up the kitchen, making the bed...maybe sweep these floors and clean the bathroom... (aww, who am I kiddin'?! I'm on my second pot of coffee and I'm not even dressed yet!....)

So...What are *you* tackling this week? Be sure to stop over at 5 minutes for mom to see what every one is accomplishing - maybe just the motivation you need to complete that task you've been putting off!


~May all YOUR tackles be productive ones! ~

Some Garden Talk

Well, the new year is upon us, and the weather is here, folks! We've been experiencing above average temps here at the beach, after a week of cold nights and light freezes and now it looks as if this weekend will offer some early yard-working opportunities.

It's time for us to plant those spring flowering bulbs (if you live here in N.Fl./ S.Ga., you should have had them chilled in the fridge for the past 8 weeks) and transplant any plants you want moved for the upcoming spring. Now is also the time to plant your balled and burlap-wrapped plants and trees. Remember that water is the difference between a successful transplant and a failed one; make sure to keep the plant moist, but not wet. And, don't prune them, except to remove dead or diseased areas. In fact, you should avoid pruning any spring-blooming plants, such as azaleas or redbuds, and only prune dormant shade and fruit trees. I don't grow roses, but I'm told that they can be pruned in late January, as well.

Some of the annuals that can be planted now are carnations, delphiniums, foxgloves, pansies, petunias, and snapdragons.
If you want to plant peppers and tomatoes in March, you should plant your seeds indoors, now, as it takes 4 to 5 weeks to grow small transplants. Veggies to plant now include broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, mustard, potatoes, radishes and turnips.

Start This, Finish That (Tackle-it Tuesday)

Well, its my first Tackle-it Tuesday of the new year, and all I am tackling this week is a hodge-podge of odds-and-ends that I've neglected to complete before now! I still have yet to get myself back into any semblence of a routine so, with that in mind, my tackling plans for the day are as follows;

~ Finish up the laundry that wasn't completed yesterday (towels, sheets, etc.)
~ Take all potted porch/yard plants back outside (we had freezing temps thru the prev. week, but it seems the sunshine has returned to the beach)
~ containerize/freeze the remaining chili from Sunday nite. (As I said - it was *cold* outside!)
~ Clean off the sideboard in the dining room (our 'hot-spot')
~ Place a Snapfish order (pics to complete kitchen calendar)
~ change the kitty litter (ugh!)

...And, I think that will be enough to occupy my time, while I try to decide on what to make for dinner tonight...what will you be tackling today? Be sure to check out 5 Minutes for Mom, and join the fun - go on; ya know ya want to!