Mo's Home

Nature's Paintings

2012-02-17T10:41:00.000-08:00

It's almost springtime again! With the crazy weather patters we've been experiencing, we've had some absolutely gorgeous sunsets...Nature is the ultimate artist, don't you think?

In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous.
Aristotle

To participate in SkyWatch Friday, go HERE

My Twelve for '12 list

2012-01-17T11:07:00.000-08:00

Okay, so here's the deal: I haven't posted a WFMW post since last spring (actually, I haven't posted ANYthing on this blog since last spring...) but, one of my goals this year is to get back to my blogs on a more regular basis. You see, there was a time when I posted to at least one of them every day, and while I honestly don't see myself posting that often, I *do* want to post more often.

I've also made one of my goals this year to tackle at least 12 small(ish) projects around this ol' house, which may also give me fodder for posting here at Mo's Home. (way to minimize the effort, huh?!) So, I thought maybe a list of things I'd like to get done might focus my attention, and help motivate me to actually DO them, rather than just think about doing them!

One really bothersome task I'd like to complete is to finally finish my living room walls. As you can see, I did a sort of fresco texturing on the walls of our dining room, and I liked it so much, I decided to do the living room as well. Around that same time, we visited a favorite little restaurant here at the beach, and fell in love with the paneling they had applied in their "cigar room", and decided we were going to recreate it in our home.

HA!! Much, MUCH harder than we had anticipated! That was nearly four years ago, and the bottom half of my walls are STILL unfinished. So, while the mister is still convinced we can pull it off, I'm more than a little weary of looking at this half-done job, and I think I'd simply like to finish them all the way to the floor, and then IF we ever get around to cutting, staining and applying those panels...who am I kidding?! I just want finished walls!

And, a painted ceiling! Another effort that went undone while we debated on the walls...

I'm also thinking I'd like to paint our fireplace black.

Yes, black. It sounds bad, but look at these:

theletteredcottage.net

houzz.com

lidbeckbrent.com

And, frankly, ANYthing would be an improvement over the funky red eyesore we call a fireplace now!

And, while I have the black paint handy, it would be nice to finally re-do that little bookshelf that sits in the corner...something like this would be nice:

emilymacleoud.blogspot.com

And, maybe that old steamer trunk, while I'm at it.....

Of course, I can't forget my rocking chair; it could use a paint job too, I think, but I don't know if I want to paint it black as well, or give it a nice pop of color like this (maybe in moss green?):

youwannatalkjive.com

It's not ALL painting projects I want to complete, tho. For instance, I want to get the lighting fixture hung above our kitchen sink. We recently replaced the central light in there with a smaller one, and purchased a track light to match. Once we got the central light installed, however, I thought maybe the track might be overkill in our little galley kitchen, but I've since changed my mind on that (as I am wont to do!) and have decided I want it hung as well.

I also have an idea for up-cycling our old breadbox into a plate rack. I think it would be cute AND functional (as I have very little storage for dishes), plus it would be fairly easy to accomplish, which is a big selling point for me!

Another thing I want to try my hand at is to convert some min-blinds into roman shades for our bedroom windows...there's an excellent tutorial I found on pinterest that looks so easy that even *I* can accomplish this one!

Plus, there are a TON of other projects I've found on that site that I'd like to try my hand at, such as:

~ this jewelry organizer (I really need a solution for a way to organize my necklaces, bracelets, and such....)

~ these faux wrought-iron grates (made from TP rolls, if you can believe it!)

~ these floor standing candlesticks

~ a DIY "old sign" for the laundry room

~ these hemp pendant lights for our bedroom....

and...and...and....

See, my intentions ARE good, now lets just see if I follow through with acting on them. At the very least, I now have a list to use as a starting point.

Hey, It Works For Me.

Simplicity in Sunset

2010-04-09T07:37:00.000-07:00

We've been experiencing beautiful, Florida springtime temps all week long, and I've been trying to enjoy them at every opportunity. This pis was taken over the ICW from a friends back yard, last Saturday nite...

To find the universal elements enough; to find the air and the water exhilarating; to be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening saunter... to be thrilled by the stars at night; to be elated over a bird's nest or a wildflower in spring - these are some of the rewards of the simple life.~ John Burroughs

To see other sky watchers, or to play along yourself, visit

Crazy Working Mom

Smooth Sailin'

2010-03-26T04:57:00.001-07:00

Well, the weatherman was right, temperatures were above 70 every day this week; it's 64 degrees outside my door as I sit and type on this beautiful spring morning! This pic was taken from the canoe launch, out on Dutton Island in the ICW. Looks like a great day for driftin', don'tcha think?!

How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.~ Annie Dillard

To see other sky watchers, or to play along yourself, visit

Crazy Working Mom

Spring celebrations

2010-03-26T03:34:00.000-07:00

The first official week of spring! Always a good week, in my book!

a place to come on Friday's and think back over your week and just post about 5 favorite things from your week. It can be anything that tickled your fancy over the week. Favorite quotes, posts, happenings, scriptures, recipes, pictures, etc., etc

1. Last Saturday, we headed south again to visit with the mister's family. His siblings were all in attendance, all THEIR 'significant others', their mother and, of course, the fab four (the nieces & nephews)...not to mention everybody's dogs!! It was a full-blown celebration, with cake and ice cream, games to play, and all sorts of fun to be had!! Why were we celebrating, you might ask? Well....
2. This past Sunday, one of my favorite girls in the WHOLE WORLD turned 7 years old!! Happy Birthday, Savannah!! And, if that wasn't enough cause for celebrating,
3. this Saturday will be the littlest angel's birthday #2 (Happy Birthday, Abby!), and what better reason to let them eat cake?!
4. Oh, plus, when we were out shopping for gifts for the girls, I got myself a cute new purse! I'd look at it every time we went in the store, but if you know me, you know I'm pretty ~~cheap~~ thrifty when it comes to spending money on extraneous things, but this purse was on sale for -- get this --$3.99. (?!?!!) And, I gotta say, it's just the perfect size for me...not so tiny I can't fit a book in it, but not so big that I feel like a carpetbagger! Just perfect.
5. And, of course, my traditional every-other-Friday favorite: It's payday!!

And, what about you? What were the highlights of your week? Be sure to head on over to Living to Tell the Story and share your Friday Faves with Susanne and all the other wonderful participants. And, until next time...

May every day be filled with your Favorite things!

Painted Skies

2010-03-19T05:25:00.000-07:00

Altho it's only 54-degrees this mornin', I can see the sun a-risin', and the weatherman tells me it should climb to near 70 before the weekend is through! Hope you all have a great one ahead of you...

The year's at the spring, And day's at the morn;
Morning's at seven; The hillside's dew-pearled;
The lark's on the wing; The snail's on the thorn;
God's in His heaven - All's right with the world!
~ Robert Browning

To see other sky watchers, or to play along yourself, visit

Crazy Working Mom

Spring's a-springin'

2010-03-18T15:29:00.000-07:00

It's been a pretty good week here at the beach, my friends; the weather is warmin' up, festival season is just around the corner, and life is finer than frog hair!

a place to come on Friday's and think back over your week and just post about 5 favorite things from your week. It can be anything that tickled your fancy over the week. Favorite quotes, posts, happenings, scriptures, recipes, pictures, etc., etc

1. Well, unlike most other folks have been lamenting this week, I always like the time change, when we "spring ahead into the spring". It means the sun is up later into the evening, which means more time for walks with the hounds on the island, it means it's darker a bit later in the mornings -- my favorite, me-time of the day -- and just generally reminds me that the warmer weather is right around the corner, and that is ALWAYS a favorite thing!
2. This past Tuesday, the mister had a lean consortium to attend, which gave him a short day, and I was graced with his invitation for us to have lunch together! It was a nice little change in the middle of the week (Tuesday is laundry day, too - so any excuse, ya know?!). We had lunch at The Sun Dog Diner, I had an excellent sandwich of turkey, bacon and brie on sourdough bread, some superb coleslaw, and the best french fries at the beach!
3. After lunch, we stopped in at the local UBS (Tappin Book Mine) and I found new-to-me titles by three of my favorite writers (four, technically, if you would count both Preston and Child).
4. The last time I went to have my locks chopped, Rachel, my hair-gal, told me my hair was getting kinda dry, so we picked up some Redkin "Blonde Glam" hair conditioner from the salon, (which I never usually *do*, I just buy whatever's at the chain-mart when it's in front of me!) and, not only does it *really* work better than the stuff you get at the supermarket, but it smells delicious!!....
5. And finally, it's the start of the first official Spring weekend, and what's not to luv about that??!

So, tell us, what were the highlights of your week? Be sure to head on over to Living to Tell the Story and share your Friday Faves with Susanne and all the other wonderful participants. And, until next time...

May every day be filled with your Favorite things!

Clouds Crashing

2010-03-12T06:55:00.000-08:00

The weatherman was right, the temperatures have risen - it's 64 degrees right now, outside my back door - but, with the climb in mercury, come some cloud-filled skies, as well. This pic was taken in Jax Beach, during the prelude to some storm in August, 2009 (that's what the file folder says, anyway!) I like the way the clouds seem to mirror the crashing waves, as tho they're crashing over the horizon...

Sit in reverie and watch the changing color of the waves that break upon the idle seashore of the mind.~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

To see other sky watchers, or to play along yourself, visit

Crazy Working Mom

Random Favorites

2010-03-12T04:40:00.000-08:00

It's been a pretty relaxed week here at our cottage by the sea...the weather is warming up nicely, albeit a bit soggy,
1. so we went to the garden center this past weekend, and picked up a few starter tomato plants for our little spring garden. If the weather cooperates, the plan is to play in the dirt this weekend!
2. One of my dearest old friend's celebrates her birthday today. While I haven't seen her in ages, and unfortunately have no concrete plans to do so anytime soon I'm afraid, she is still one of those friends with whom the years can pass, but you can still start right where you left off. I think I'll call her this afternoon, crank up the stereo and coerce he into having a birthday drink with me, long-distance! (Happy Birthday, Rita!)
3. A picture & a poem:

picture by Rhonda R. Napoleon; subject a member of the Skyline Forest Faeries & Guardians of Cloudcroft, New Mexico

Spring GreetingAll faintly through my soul to-day,
As from a bell that far away
Is tinkled by some frolic fay,
Floateth a lovely chiming.
Thou magic bell, to many a fell
And many a winter-saddened dell
Thy tongue a tale of Spring doth tell,
Too passionate-sweet for rhyming.

Chime out, thou little song of Spring,
Float in the blue skies ravishing.
Thy song-of-life a joy doth bring
That's sweet, albeit fleeting.
Float on the Spring-winds e'en to my home:
And when thou to a rose shalt come
That hath begun to show her bloom,
Say, I send her greeting!by Sidney Lanier

4. Well...I don't know about you, but in this house - with two hounds and a manx - we luv Febreze. And, this week, we tried their newest scent "Thai Dragon Fruit"...oh.yeah.
5. And, I would be remiss if I didn't mention (as usual) payday for the mister today! I'm not sure why that's always a fave, as much of it goes out as fast as it comes in, but it's nice to see that little jump in the 'ol checking account, no matter how fleeting it may be! ;)

What were the highlights of your week? Be sure to head on over to Living to Tell the Story and share your Friday Faves with Susanne and all the other wonderful participants. And, until next time...

May every day be filled with your Favorite things!

March in the Garden

2010-03-09T12:41:00.000-08:00

Well, it's been a long, cold winter, even here in Florida, and I gotta tell ya, our little patch is certainly showing tales! But, this weekend passed, the mister got me out to the garden center, and we picked up a few starter tomato plants (eight, actually, two each: Roma grape, Bradley, Bonnie originals, and Big Beef), a small pack of zucchini squash and a pack of Brussel sprouts....(other veggies to start: beans, carrots, cucumbers, lettuce, peppers, potatoes) Boy! the cold spell really raised the price of the veggie plants, let me tell ya! It's still not *quiet* warm enough to plant these outside yet, but we're thinkin' that's the plan for the upcoming weekend. First, we have to clean these pots out, the leftovers from last year's plants...

Plus, now is the time to prune all the cold-weather damage on some of the shrubs and plantings throughout the yard. It's best to wait until the first signs of new growth appear, so they don't take so long to recover. (Ya know, none of my azalea bushes bloomed this year...isn't it about that time?!) But, it IS starting to (FINALLY!!) look like spring is springing, my friends, and that means, soon, my jasmine will be blooming, the birds and the squirrels will be rustling throught the trees, and the sun will be upon us!! Don'tcha just LUV the anticipation of spring??!

Red Skies in Morning

2010-03-05T04:30:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm still thinkin' it's not warm enough for my liking, altho the weatherman tells me this upcoming week will be more spring-like it it's temperatures. This is a sunrise pic, taken from my front porch...I just luv the color of the sky!

It's spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you've got it, you want - oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!~ Mark Twain

To see other sky watchers, or to play along yourself, visit
Crazy Working Mom

Week in Review

2010-03-05T04:00:00.000-08:00

Here we are, with another weekend upon us (yeah!) and time once again for

a place to come on Friday's and think back over your week and just post about 5 favorite things from your week. It can be anything that tickled your fancy over the week. Favorite quotes, posts, happenings, scriptures, recipes, pictures, etc., etc

1. the fab four; This past weekend I got to spend Saturday with my favorite little people, and I had a blast! We ran around (you'd think I was still a kid myself), played freeze-tag, I got lots of hugs and kisses, and I luved every minute of it..
2.flexibility; And, I found that - at almost 43 years of age! - I can STILL do a cartwheel (one handed, no less), a back walk-over, a handstand AND a split! Plus, I could even walk the next day without (too much) difficulty! That, my friends, is a favorite thing!!
3. beautiful blooms; Even though it's still too cold for my liking, I do have an Amaryllis in bloom, which makes me think (hope!) that spring is just around the corner.
4. birdies; and on that same note, I've noticed several birds chirping and flittering around the yard, and that always brings a smile to my face.
5. Dutton Island Preserve; As I've mentioned before, we have a wonderful nature preserve just at the end of our street. It's a favorite place to walk the hounds, take pics, and just be outside in all of nature's glory!

May every day be filled with your Favorite things!

A Serene Scene

2010-02-26T06:42:00.000-08:00

I had thought that the cold weather was all behind us, as we saw temps in the high 60's this week, but it seems Mr. Winter isn't done with us yet. The temp is hovering at 44-degrees as I type, and the weatherman tells me the weekend doesn't look much warmer. This pic was taken during our trek on the island last Sunday; a beautiful sky over the quiet marsh...

Beauty is the promise of happiness. ~Stendha

To see other sky watchers, or to play along yourself, visit
Crazy Working Mom

the short list

2010-02-26T05:23:00.000-08:00

well, this is gonna be another tuff one for me, cause not much has been happening in my little corner of the world, recently. But then, what a better time for this exercise, right?!

a place to come on Friday's and think back over your week and just post about 5 favorite things from your week. It can be anything that tickled your fancy over the week. Favorite quotes, posts, happenings, scriptures, recipes, pictures, etc., etc

1. For starters, today is payday, and that's always a favorite thing!
2. Altho it's still craZy cold for Florida weather standards, spring IS on the way, and I do luv spring, so ...
3. The mister's mom got me one of those Snugglies for Christmas; you know what I'm talkin' about? One of those blankets with arms and a little foot pocket?! Yeah, well, it has come in very handy this week, so it has to make my list...
4. And, this weather makes my skin really dry, but True Blue Spa's Glove Potion #9 with shea butter really, really helps!
5. Dunkin Donuts coffee. yum

May every day be filled with your Favorite things!

In flight

2010-02-19T07:20:00.000-08:00

Well, it's *still* too cold for my liking here at the beach; still at about 48 degrees outside my door, but the weatherman tells me we're in for a warm stretch... This big guy was sighted on one of our hikes on the island. (had to remove the phone wires, tho...makes a better pic, don'tcha think?!)

Given angel's wings, where might you fly?
In what sweet heaven might you find your love?
Unwilling to be bound, where might you move,
Lost between the wonder and the why?...~ Nicholas Gordon (poemsforfree.com)

To see other sky watchers, or to play along yourself, visit
Crazy Working Mom

Be Happy

2010-02-19T06:05:00.000-08:00

Well, folks, it's been a pretty low-key week here at the cottage; it's been too cold for me to want to get out and do anything. I've been spending most of my time watchin' the Olympics, catchin' up on my reading, and just generally hibernating until the sun comes back from its vacation! But, even so, with nothing particular that stands out for me this week, I wanted to play along, so I thought I'd share my five of my favorite quotations on happiness (which is always a favorite thing!)

Some pursue happiness, others create it. ~Unknown

People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness. Just because they're not on your road doesn't mean they've gotten lost. ~ H.Jackson Brown Jr.

I am still determined to be cheerful and happy in whatever situation I may be; for I have also learned from experience that the greatest part of our happiness or misery depends upon our disposition, and not upon our circumstances. ~ Martha Washington

Accept the pain, cherish the joys, resolve the regrets; then can come the best of benedictions - 'If I had my life to live over, I'd do it all the same'. ~ Joan McIntosh

Every thought is a seed. If you plant crab apples, don't count on harvesting Golden Delicious. ~ Bill Meyer

So, what about you? What are the five favorite things YOU want to share today? Be sure to head on over to Living to Tell the Story and add your Friday Faves. And, until next time...

May every day be filled with your Favorite things!

brighter skies

2010-02-12T05:52:00.000-08:00

Well, as I said, it's about 48 degrees outside the cottage, and it wet & rainy. Not a good day for a walk on the island, better to stay inside with a good cup of coffee, my snuggly robe, and a good ol'fashioned whodunit! This was taken out at the Preserve, looking south on the ICW..., on a warmer, drier occasion!

The sky is the daily bread of the eyes. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

To see other sky watchers, or to play along yourself, visit
Crazy Working Mom

An early start

2010-02-12T04:22:00.000-08:00

Hi there, friends and readers - I did get an early start to my day today; the mister's internal clock, it seems, is still set to awaken him at 3a.m., so that he might be TO work by five; however, since the start of the year - with the new salary in effect and all - he doesn't begin his day until seven, now...so, his puttering around the house this morning for an additional two hours has gotten a bright (or, rather dark, actually), early start to my day (!), and given me ample opportunity to construct my list (lol);

1. Coffee yes, 3:30 a.m. IS quite early, isn't it? SO, one of my very favorite things, this morning, is coffee: plain old coffee, no mocha-latte-chino stuff, no flavors, just regular, old-fashioned bean-juice. WIth a little milk or cream, but no sugar. Thanks.

2. It is also a bit chilly this morning. I would say "cold"...because for Florida, it *is* cold, but I know, I know...we're not getting the snow whopper that those to the north are, so I won't even mention the temps (42-degrees, and raining, just sayin'...) but I will mention my nice, snuggly pink robe, that is keeping me warm and toasty this morning. (Did I mention that it was an early morning??!)

3. Also, again because we Florida beach-dwellers are not accustomed to these lowER temperatures...and, as my floors are all wood & tile, another of my favorite things this morning are my slipper socks...Luv. them.

4. The humidifier we got (for the Murphy, who has allergies, don'tcha know; ah, the things we do for our pets!) , along with the meds seem to be helping her with her 'stuffy-ness', so that's a favorite thing this mornin', too; the poor, pitiful thing is now asleep on the couch!

5. All of my blogger buddies, who will, coincidently, give me something to read on this - yes, I'm going to say it - Very. Early. Morning.

May every day be filled with your Favorite things!

Solitude of sunset

2010-02-05T07:47:00.000-08:00

I think the sun is coming back to the SUNshine state; I see temps in the low 70's on my thermometer, but it looks like we may get some rain later today...

Only in quiet waters do thing mirror themselves undistorted. Only in a quiet mind is adequate perception of the world. ~Hans Margolius

To see other sky watchers, or to play along yourself, visit
Crazy Working Mom

Rejoining in the rejoicing

2010-02-05T05:17:00.000-08:00

Hi there, friends and readers - After a long break in posting to my blog(s), I've decided to try and get back to it; And, since this has always been a favorite exercise of mine, I thought I'd jump back in here today, by participating in

a place to come on Friday's and think back over your week and just post about 5 favorite things from your week. It can be anything that tickled your fancy over the week. Favorite quotes, posts, happenings, scriptures, recipes, pictures, etc., etc

1. my favored blogging memes ~ one of the things I missed most about blogging were the weekly exercises that keep me in touch with those bloggers who are of like mind, so to speak! So, I participated in many of my favorites this week (Cats on Tuesday; Tuesday Teasers; Wondrous Words Wednesday; Dogs on Thursday; Look at the Sky on Friday is up next, and of course, Friday Fave's!) Lot's of fun, and lots of great folks who I missed 'chatting' with...It's good to be back, y'all!

2. good reads ~ While I was away, I also took a hiatus from reading; Not purposefully, mind you, it just seemed that nothing I picked up could hold my attention for some reason. But, recently I've decided to go back to some authors who are "old favorites", and that seemed to get me out of my slump and back in the swing of things! This week, I'm reading the next installment (for me) of Douglas Preston/Lincoln Child's books, "Brimstone" (I do luv me some Agent Pendergast, now!) and so far, it's really, really good...

3. spinach & feta salad w/ raspberry vinaigrette dressing ~ I seem to be totally addicted to this stuff; but, I suppose, health-wise, if I'm going to be crazy over some food, this isn't a bad choice at all!

4. a little extra cash ~ The mister was recently put on salary where he works, and it seems that with the transition, accounting had somehow missed a week's pay (actually, they held a week when he started, and are now paying for the current week's work, so it wasn't technically "missed", just a bit behind!), and this week they remedied that situation, which means a little more in the 'ol bank account, and THAT'S always a good thing!

5. Christmas pics ~ I was fortunate enough to get to spend some time with the mister's family over the holidays, which means I got to spend some time with my favorite kiddos, and just this week, my beautiful SIL sent me some of the photos that were taken during our visit:

And, what about you? What were the highlights of your week? Be sure to head on over to Living to Tell the Story and share your Friday Faves with Susanne and all the other wonderful participants! And, until next time...

May every day be filled with your Favorite things!

Bayonet Bloom

2009-06-22T11:45:00.000-07:00

We have two stands of these Spanish bayonets - at least 2 dozen plants in all - but so far this year, only one of them has produced a bloom; Ah, but what a big, beautiful bloom it is!

No two gardens are the same. No two days are the same in one garden. ~Hugh Johnson

To find more beautiful blooms, or to post an entry of your own, visit Today's Flowers

Simple Summer Shrimp Salad

2009-06-17T10:27:00.000-07:00

This is an easy, light, and DE-licious side dish that's perfect to bring along to all those summertime, beachside b-b-q's!

Marinated Shrimp & Artichokes
What You'll Need:

8 oz. can of artichokes
1/2 lb. shrimp, peeled
1/2 c. roasted red pepper strips
1/3 c. vinegar
1/2 c. olive oil
2 green onions, sliced
1 lg. clove garlic
1/2 tsp. oregano
salt/pepper to taste

To make:
Boil shrimp; add to artichokes & pepper strips in non-metal bowl.
Combine all other ingredients in lidded jar; shake and pour over shrimp mixture; toss to coat
Chill for 2-4 hours before serving

Yum.

If you want to see more great recipes, or to include one of your own, be sure to head on over to Kristina's Favorites for her Midweek Morsels.

Strange Beauty

2009-06-15T07:40:00.000-07:00

Back in February I posted this picture, not knowing exactly what type of plant this is; I believe it's some variety of bromiliad, but that is as much as I know about it. The following pictures are what it looks like now, in late spring. Surely, some green thumb reading this can tell me the common name, and where it comes from??! :

I don't like standard beauty - there is no beauty without strangeness.
~Karl Lagerfeld

To find more beautiful blooms, or to post an entry of your own, visit Today's Flowers

A Mellow Morning

2009-06-12T07:46:00.000-07:00

Seems we have only warm temperatures and bright skies on this weekends horizon, with a 20% chance of showers on Saturday afternoon. Right now, it's in the mid-eighties, with high's today expected to reach 94*. Lookin' forward to the weekend...Hope you all enjoy yours, too!

Through the blackest night, morning gently tiptoes, feeling its way to dawn. ~Robert Brault

To see other sky watchers, or to play along yourself, visit
Crazy Working Mom

Good Things

2009-06-12T06:42:00.000-07:00

So, this hasn't been the *best* week at the cottage, boys and girls...not that anything terribly *bad* happened, it just wasn't filled with many memorable moments, but, 1. it IS Friday, and we expect a wonderfully warm weekend ahead, so I guess that counts for something!

a place to come on Friday's and think back over your week and just post about 5 favorite things from your week. It can be anything that tickled your fancy over the week. Favorite quotes, posts, happenings, scriptures, recipes, pictures, etc., etc

2. We hope to head over to UF and watch the Axemen (rugby) game on Saturday afternoon, so I'm looking forward to that.

3. We picked up the latest James Rollins title ("The Last Oracle") at the store last Sunday; An author that both the Mister and I enjoy, so that was definitely a fave.

4. Our coffee plant (which I thought died in the cold spell back in March), is not only still alive, but producing flowers!

5. Golden Oreos - Have you tried these things?! Yummy.

Now, head on over to Susanne's Blog and tell everybody about YOUR Friday Fave Five!

May your Friday, and every day, be filled with your
~ FAVORITE THINGS ~

Looking Skyward

2009-06-05T05:21:00.000-07:00

Well, we have certainly had our fair share of rain here at the beach lately with more expected over the coming weekend, but it's bright and clear this morning, with a slight ocean breeze, and temperatures in the mid-eighties. This pic was taken from the front yard, the morning of my 32nd birthday (May 7th):

I'll tell you how the sun rose a ribbon at a time. ~Emily Dickinson

To see other sky watchers, or to play along yourself, visit
Crazy Working Mom

Friday Fave's

2009-06-05T02:27:00.000-07:00

Hi there, friends and readers - I've been a long time gone from this little exercise (not to mention away from this little blog!), but I missed doing this, so now I'm back!!

a place to come on Friday's and think back over your week and just post about 5 favorite things from your week. It can be anything that tickled your fancy over the week. Favorite quotes, posts, happenings, scriptures, recipes, pictures, etc., etc

1. Last Sunday, my hounds turned 3 years old - It's hard to believe they've been with us that long. Everyday, they do *something* to make me smile, and I'm very grateful for the unconditional love and constant companionship those girls bring to our lives...Happy Birthday, hounds o' mine!!

2. Well, the mister is back to a five-day work week; I was getting quite used to his three-day weekends around here, but our bank account can sure use the extra coins (whose couldn't?!), and of course that means I'm back to Friday postings of My Favorite Things, so overall it's a 'positive', and therefore, makes the list!

3. The Preserve at the end of our road; I just LUV having a Nature Park just steps away from my front door! The perfect spot for bike rides, walking the dogs, taking photos (that is, *IF* one remembers to bring along a camera on the excursion!) - definitely a favorite spot.

4. One of my favorite past-times is reading, and this ~~obsession~~ passion has spawned what is now an extensive collection of bookmarks; This week I received a beautiful, hand-made book thong to add to that collection, which came to me all the way from Hong Kong! This was certainly one of my favorite things this week.

5. garden fresh tomatoes; yummy.

And, what about you? What were the highlights of your week? Be sure to head on over to Living to Tell the Story and share your Friday Faves with Susanne and all the other wonderful participants! And, until next time...

May every day be filled with your Favorite things!

White out

2009-05-04T06:17:00.000-07:00

Oh, I just LUV this time of the year; everywhere you look, flowers are in bloom, the birds and squirrels are regular visitors once again, and the scent of the jasmine permeates the air - this is the best time to be out in the garden!

(Confederate jasmine)

(white oleander)

(I don't know why this Camilla bush is blooming now, but it *is*)

(ginger)

Give me odorous at sunrise a garden of beautiful flowers where I can walk undisturbed. ~Walt Whitman

To find more beautiful blooms, or to post an entry of your own, visit Today's Flowers

Soup's on!

2009-04-29T07:45:00.000-07:00

Any of you who may know me from my other blog, already know that I love to read; and, as I am obviously participating in Kristina's Midweek Morsels, then you should know I also love food, and, what better, than to combine the two, and share here a recipe for Goldilocks' Gourmet Spinach Soup which I acquired from reading Diane Mott Davidson's culinary series (sorry! I copied the recipe for use - and it is *wonderful* - but I don't remember which book it was from; perhaps "The Cereal Murder"?) Anyway, it is a simple and tasty recipe, and we luv it around here.

What You'll Need:
5 tblsp. butter
1/4 lb. mushrooms, diced
1 green onion, chopped
5 tbsp. flour
2 c. chicken broth
2 c. milk
1/4 lb. cream cheese, cubed
1 c. Swiss cheese, grated
3/4 lb. spinach, chopped*
salt & pepper, to taste

*Mo's notes: can substitute broccoli for the spinach

To make:
Melt butter in large saucepan. Saute' mushrooms & onions until tender; add flour & stir.
Wisk in broth, then milk, and stir until thickened
Add cream cheese, Swiss cheese, salt & pepper; stir until cheese is completely melted.
Stir in spinach.
heat & serve

If you want to see more great recipes, or to include one of your own, be sure to head on over to Kristina's Favorites for her Midweek Morsels.

Sherbert Blooms

2009-04-27T09:58:00.001-07:00

A visit this weekend to the nursery down the road, brought us these pretty little "Sonset" Lantana blooms for the container garden outside the kitchen door; I love the way the little flowerettes all bloom in such a variety of colors and hues.

If you've never been thrilled to the very edges of your soul by a flower in spring bloom, maybe your soul has never been in bloom. ~Audra Foveo

To find more beautiful blooms, or to post an entry of your own, visit Today's Flowers

Red Skies at Night

2009-04-17T03:19:00.001-07:00

LOTS of rain at the beach this week, which I find isn't very conducive to taking skyward looking photographs! However, it *did* let up for a bit on Sunday evening, and I took these beautiful red-sky pics from just outside my back door (well, to see it in reality was much more spectacular than these quick photos convey...) Hope everybody has a wonderful weekend ahead!!

The sky is the daily bread of the eyes. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

To see other sky watchers, or to play along yourself, visit
Crazy Working Mom

Looking at the Bright Side

2009-04-17T02:32:00.000-07:00

I missed participating in this last week; the mister has gone from a 5-day to a 4-day work week, so I've had to adjust my computer time, as well...But, I'm up early this morning, and ready to play

a place to come on Friday's and think back over your week and just post about 5 favorite things from your week. It can be anything that tickled your fancy over the week. Favorite quotes, posts, happenings, scriptures, recipes, pictures, etc., etc

So, this week was kind of slow...didn't go anywhere, didn't *do* anything...

1. I do get a three-day weekend with the mister, that's always a favorite thing.

2. It's been raining the better part of all week, and even though that keeps us inside, I gotta think my plants are loving it, so that's gotta be a favorite.

3. Oh, yeah....I finally broke down and got myself a MySpace page; Originally, it was just so that I might check the SIL's photo albums, but once I got there, I actually connected with a few long-lost pals I haven't heard from in ages, so THAT really DID turn into a favorite thing this week!

4. Early mornings; It's about 5:30am right now, and my house is silent...the mister and the hounds are still sound asleep, and I have the quiet all to myself! That, too, is a favorite thing!

5. And, finally, today we are going to pick up the mister's tax refund check; with his hours being cut temporarily, the extra little bit of cash will be a welcomed 'buffer', so that's my final favorite this week!

So, what about you? What were your favorite things this week? Be sure to head on over to Living to Tell the Story and share your highlights with Susanne and all the other wonderful participants! And, until next time...

May Everyday be filled with all of *YOUR* Favorite things!

One for Later

2009-04-15T04:26:00.000-07:00

Well, I gotta tell ya, it's not been much of a "Suzy Homemaker" kinda week for me; I didn't even bother with a menu plan this week, as our dinners have consisted of hot dogs & french fries, burritos, burgers...anything that's quick and easy. I didn't play along with Tackle-it Tuesday, because I haven't tackled anything all week. And, I figured I'd miss Kristina's Midweek Morsels too, because I haven't MADE any morsels this week, either. BUT...I did run across this easy sounding recipe for Dream Coffee Cake in this week's issue of "American Profile", submitted by Laverne Koivisto in Ashtabula Ohio, and because it sounds yummy (and, did I mention, easy?!) I thought I'd share it here (and so that it's in easy 'reach' for me when I *do* wanna give it a go)

What You'll Need:

1 (18 oz.)pkg. yellow cake mix
1 c. vegetable oil
4 eggs
1 c. sour cream
3/4 c. sugar
1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 3/4 c. walnuts, chopped

To Make:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees; grease 13x9 baking pan.

Combine cake mix, oil, eggs and sour cream in large bowl; beat 2 min. w/ mixer at low speed, scraping sides of bowl frequently.

In med. bowl, mix sugar, cinnamon and walnuts

Spread 1/2 of cake batter into pan; sprinkle top with 1/2 of walnut mixture; repeat w/remaining batter, then walnut mixture.

Bake for 40 minutes.

If you want to see more great recipes, or to include one of your own, be sure to head on over to Kristina's Favorites for her Midweek Morsels.

Impressions of Impatiens

2009-04-13T06:26:00.001-07:00

Earth laughs in flowers. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

To find more beautiful blooms, or to post an entry of your own, visit Today's Flowers

The Mister's favorite

2009-04-08T09:25:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned, this Friday is The Mister's Birthday -- and, what's a birthday without cake? Since his favorite is Pineapple Upside Down cake, I try to make him one around this time of year, and as today is Wednesday, I thought I'd share the recipe I use with you, here. This one's from The Fanny Farmer Cookbook, and

what you'll need:

1 1/2 sticks (12 Tblsp.) butter
1 c. brown sugar, firmly packed
1/2 c. sugar
1/4 c. pineapple juice
1. can sliced pineapple (rings)
1 jar Maraschino cherries (my own 'addition' to this particular recipe)
whole pecans (also my addition)
1 1/2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/8 tsp. salt
1/2 c. milk
1 egg

to make:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Melt 4 Tbsp. butter in 9-in cake pan; over low heat, stir in brown sugar until it dissolves. Remove from heat and add pineapple juice.

Arrange pineapple rings in one layer in the pan; place one cherry & one pecan in each "hole".

In a separate cook pan, melt remaining 8 Tblsp. butter; remove from heat; stir in milk & egg, beating well.

Blend flour, sugar, salt and baking powder in a bowl, and add milk/egg mixture; beat until smooth.

Pour over pineapple slices and bake for 35 minutes (until toothpick comes out clean). Let cool for 10 minutes, then turn, fruit side up, onto plate.

If you want to see more great recipes, or to include one of your own, be sure to head on over to Kristina's Favorites for her Midweek Morsels.

A mini-menu (made up in minutes!)

2009-04-06T09:41:00.001-07:00

Last week we were very good at sticking to our menu; right down to the days in which I assigned the meals. This week, however, I barely even have a menu put together! We were rather lazy this past weekend, and neglected to go shopping. And, since The Mister's birthday is this upcoming Friday, I am going to allow him to decide what's on the menu for the weekend. So, as sparse as it may be, I'm going to construct one, here

Mo's Menu for Apr 6th-10th

Monday: easy beef enchiladas, re fried beans
Tuesday: grilled chicken breasts, noodles Alfredo w/broccoli, garden salad
Wednesday: oven baked pork chops, seasoned potatoes, green beans
Thursday: hot Italian sausage w/onions & red peppers, french fries
Friday: to be determined

Which reminds me, I gotta email the grocery list off to the mister, so he can stop off on his way home...

So, what's on YOUR menu?! For participation (AND inspiration) head on over to I'm an Organizing Junkie and see what's cookin' in the kitchens this week...

Garden dreams

2009-04-06T05:49:00.000-07:00

In my garden there is a large place for sentiment. My garden of flowers is also my garden of thoughts and dreams. The thoughts grow as freely as the flowers, and the dreams are as beautiful. ~Abram L. Urban

To find more beautiful blooms, or to post an entry of your own, visit Today's Flowers

Capturing the sun

2009-04-03T07:52:00.001-07:00

Rain, rain and more rain; that's what we've been seeing here at the beach this week. I'm not complaining (much) tho, as my little cottage garden could use it (not to mention my lime trees!! LoL) This weekend brings the Blues Festival to town tho, and I'm hoping it doesn't get rained out! Temps are nice - in the mid-seventies - and the sun *does* peek out, now and again. This pic was taken in the back yard earlier this week, when Sol made one of his brief appearances (have a great weekend, everybody!)

Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul. ~John Muir

To see other sky watchers, or to play along yourself, visit
Crazy Working Mom

Family, food, and fun

2009-04-03T04:11:00.000-07:00

It's Friday again, and that means the weekend is upon us! I just poured myself a nice, hot cuppa, and now, it's time for one of my most favorite weekly exercises

a place to come on Friday's and think back over your week and just post about 5 favorite things from your week. It can be anything that tickled your fancy over the week. Favorite quotes, posts, happenings, scriptures, recipes, pictures, etc., etc

1. So, as I told you last week, this past Saturday we went to a birthday dinner for the two nieces, and I could NOT have had a better time! To start, I was given the privilege to help build a fort with the nephews, out of blankets, a couch and a treadmill machine - the niece and I were even allowed IN the fort, once it was completed, and I was regaled with "farting ghost" stories from all three kids! Later, after a wonderful dinner, we played hide & seek, and later still, watched Aladdin and Jasmine(??) on DVD. Those kids LOVE their Auntie Mo, and I couldn't love them more if they were my own!! Definitely a favorite this week!

2. We have plans for tomorrow nite to have dinner with some of our closest friends; one of our pals whom we don't see much of is in town for the weekend, so we're all gonna eat too much, laugh too hard and enjoy each others' company. I can't wait, really...

3. Oh, the Chicken Dijon recipe I tried last nite was DE-licious! Definitely one I will be adding to the standard repertoire. I luv it when a new recipe turns out well!

4. Liquid Nail adhesive; yeah, I know, weird fave, huh? But, you see, last week, when I was de-weeding my fruit trees and butterfly bushes, I accidentally knocked the ear off of my little garden piggy. I luv the little guy, and I sure didn't want to throw him away (it was a 'clean break', after all) so the mister brought me home this water-proof, fast bonding adhesive. It worked perfectly, and in fact, I think I will use it this week to repair a few other outdoor items, like my birdbath and my children-at-the-garden-gate statue, since the top of the gate broke off of that too!

5. And, finally, I'll add that I'm just finishing up Nora Roberts "Key of Light", and I'm enjoying more than I had anticipated, which *is* a fave, as this is the first book in a new-to-me trilogy (by an author that I rarely read), which means I have two more left to look forward to!

So, what about you? What were your favorite things this week? Be sure to head on over to Living to Tell the Story and share your highlights with Susanne and all the other wonderful participants! And, until next time...

May Everyday be filled with all of *YOUR* Favorite things!

WFMW: Backwards Edition

2009-04-01T07:21:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been a while since I've participated in Works-For-Me Wednesday (ok, technically, it's only been a couple of months, but it's been long enough that WFMW has a new home - see the new addy on the header, there? That's right, Rocks in My Dryer has passed the blogger baton on to We Are THAT Family, who is hosting this weekly carnival, now. It's still the same great concept, with all the weekly hints and tips we all luv...just at a new home.) This week, tho, is a special, 'backwards' edition, where all the participants get to pose their own dilemmas, and ask the readers "What Works for *You*?" So, what better time to jump back in the fray?! Which brings me to my question;

How and where do you store your plastic kitchenware?

I'm not talking, really, about plastic cutlery or plates and cups, as I don't really use any of those items; what I'm speaking of is all of your 'tupperware'-like storage containers and all the little lids that go with them! I *used* to keep them in the pantry, but I got tired of them cluttering up the few shelves I have, and they were constantly being dropped, or falling on your head when you went to retrieve one. I have since relegated them to a lower drawer of my cabinets (along with all my stove pot lids), but *that* then, becomes a literal pain-in-the-back, when you have to bend down, pull the drawer ALLLLLL the way out, then sort through the "stacks" for the right size - don't forget the lid! It works - don't get me wrong - but I'm looking for a better way when I ask "What works for YOU? Do you keep them in a drawer? In a cabinet? stacked? tossed in a room, haphazardly? WHAT?? Inquiring minds wanna know!!

Got a question of your own to pose? Be sure to head on over to We Are THAT Family...who knows? You might even get the answer you've been looking for!

Goin' Bananas

2009-04-01T04:28:00.000-07:00

I swear that the mister always buys more bananas that we can possibly eat just so that I will bake another loaf of my grandmother's banana bread. A great way to use up those over-ripe bananas - its very easy, and a tasty treat for breakfast or any time!

What you'll need:

3/4 c. sugar

1/2 c. shortening (Crisco)

3 over-ripe bananas

2 eggs

3 tsp. cold water

2 c. flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. baking powder

To make:

In mixing bowl, cream together sugar & shortening; add bananas, eggs and water, and mix until all ingredients are well blended.

Combine remaining dry ingredients and add gradually to the banana mixture.

Pour batter into bread pan and bake @ 350 degrees for 45 min.- 1 hr. (bread should be browned on top and "spongy" to the touch.)

If you want to see more great recipes, or to include one of your own, be sure to head on over to Kristina's Favorites for her Midweek Morsels.

Tackle called off, due to rain (Tackle-it Tuesday)

2009-03-31T08:37:00.000-07:00

Well, the plan was that for this week's tackle, because I am so woefully behind in this project to start with, was to plan and plant a butterfly/hummingbird garden in the yard just outside my kitchen window. While the mister gave the lawn its second mowing of the season, I *did* de-weed the little bushes which are already there. I'm not certain of the kind of bushes they are, but they produce delicate, white blossoms in the late spring, which the butterflies just luv!

Since the MIL gave me both a beautiful feeder AND the seed shaker for this Christmas passed, and my backdoor neighbor has offered me cuttings from her garden as well, I thought this week would provide a perfect opportunity to share my progress here, at Tackle-it Tuesday.

Mother Nature, it seems, has other plans for me, as today looks overcast and cloudy, with the weatherman calling for rain throughout the day, and so I am relegated to the typical Tuesday household chores, which for me include laundry, making dinner and sweeping the floors.

So, what does this Tuesday have *you* tackling? For your own participation, or just for inspiration, head on over to 5 minutes for mom and join in the fun. Until next time,
May all your tackles be productive ones!

Hibiscus blooms

2009-03-30T09:13:00.001-07:00

Another weekend come and gone, and nary a blossom to be found at our cottage; either they are just budding, or past bloom, save my lime tree, and I guess you all are sick of seeing those from me! So, I opted to share some older photos (last year) of our fancy red hibiscus (actually, I'm not sure just what variety these are, but I did find this great website for future reference!) that grow near our front patio, in perfect view from our dining room window...

Flowers... are a proud assertion that a ray of beauty out values all the utilities of the world. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

To find more beautiful blooms, or to post an entry of your own, visit Today's Flowers

Chicken on the Menu

2009-03-30T07:11:00.000-07:00

So, it's Monday again. Last week, we really didn't adhere much to our menu (we ate leftovers a couple of nites & had dinner at the SIL's over the weekend), so we have a few 'holdovers' in this week's lineup.

Mo's menu for March 30 - April 3
Monday: pot roast w/potatoes, carrots & onions (hold over)
Tuesday: soft tacos, re fried beans (hold over)
Wednesday: ravioli, garden salad
Thursday: chicken supreme Dijon*, rice, Brussel sprouts
Friday: pizza

The chicken Dijon is a new recipe for me, so I thought I'd share it here;
What you'll need: (makes 2 servings)
1 whole, boneless chicken breast, split
2 Tbsp. butter
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 small onion, minced
1/4 lb. fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 1/2 c. heavy cream
2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard

To make:
In skillet, over med. heat, brown chicken in 1 Tbsp. butter on both sides, until done; remove from pan (keep warm)
In same pan, cook garlic, onion and mushrooms in remaining butter until tender.
Stir in heavy cream & mustard; simmer, stirring constantly, until sauce is slightly thickened.
Add chicken; turn to coat in sauce.
Serve over rice.

So, what's on YOUR menu this week? For participation (AND inspiration) head on over to I'm an Organizing Junkie and see what's cookin' in the kitchens this week...

Blue Skies Ahead

2009-03-27T07:25:00.001-07:00

Well, it looks like a beautiful start to a wonderful spring weekend! We're looking forward to temperatures in the high seventies throughout the weekend (with a chance to see the low eighties on Saturday), but they're calling for showers on Sunday afternoon. Right now, it's seventy-two, the sun is tryin' to shine, but its a bit cloudy and overcast this morning. These shots were taken while I was out in the yard, earlier this week; as you can see, we've had nothin' but bright, blue skies all week long; did I mention how very much I *LUV* spring?! Have a great weekend, everybody!

Nothing discernible to the eye of the spirit is more brilliant or obscure than man; nothing is more formidable, complex, mysterious, and infinite. There is a prospect greater than the sea, and it is the sky; there is a prospect greater than the sky, and it is the human soul. ~Victor Hugo

To see other sky watchers, or to play along yourself, visit
Crazy Working Mom

Multiples in Five

2009-03-27T04:03:00.000-07:00

Wow...this week seemed to fly by - I can't believe its Friday already. It must be that the warm, spring weather; It seems there's more time in the day to get things accomplished, yet there's still not enough of it to get EVERYthing done!

a place to come on Friday's and think back over your week and just post about 5 favorite things from your week. It can be anything that tickled your fancy over the week. Favorite quotes, posts, happenings, scriptures, recipes, pictures, etc., etc

1. This past week included not one birthday, but two! My precious, sweet niece turned 6-years old last Saturday, and the littlest angel just turned two, yesterday. Tomorrow is the big birthday bash for us 'ol fuddy-duddies to attend, but Sweet Girl's "party for the little people" was, apparently, a smashing success!

My beautiful niece and her two loving brothers
2. Not one, or two, but THREE new-to-me books came to my house this week! While we were at the grocery store, I found the next installment (for *me*) of Evanovich's Plum series ("Lean Mean Thirteen") in hardcover, for $6, so I added that to the cart! Then, I received a bookcrossing RABCK (Random Act of BookCrossing Kindness) from a generous reader who saw it ("Blasphemy" by Douglas Preston) on my wishlist, and was kind enough to share it with me! And finally, I received another GoodReads author giveaway ARC book, entitled "Land of Men" by Edward Muesch. From what I gather reading the previews, its a sort of sci-fi historical thriller; can't wait to crack THAT one open, either! (Oh, BTW, I *did* finish reading and reviewing "American Rust" - the last GoodReads title I told you all about - and if you're interested, you can read my review,here.)

3. Speaking of the grocery store, we got THE best Italian five-grain wheat bread from the Publix deli this week...OMGosh! it is soooo good!! In fact, I'm having a toasted piece with my coffee, as I type this! YUMMY!!

4. My neighbor friend has gotten some good news this week. See, she's been dealing with a serious medical condition for over a year now. She needs to undergo surgery (again!), and so she just underwent tests on her heart and stress-levels to determine if she IS a candidate for the surgery. This week, those test results came back positively, and now she can get back on the road to full recovery...I'd say that qualifies for a Friday Fave!

5. And finally, I am adding the fact that I washed/cleaned ALLLL the window treatments in our house this week, PLUS I washed the windows in all the living areas (still need to do the ones in the bedrooms...) including our ten pane front door - inside AND out!! The window washing part isn't the fave, obviously. It makes my list because I am ever-so-thankful that *that* spring-cleaning chore is out of the way!

So, how about YOU??! What are your Friday Fave Fives?? Be sure to check in with Susanne's at Living to Tell the Story, and see what favorites made the lists this week! Jump on in and add your list, too...its a great way to start the weekend. Until next time,

May your week be filled with all of your favorite things!

Garden Talk in March

2009-03-26T10:25:00.001-07:00

Well, here we are at the tail end of March, and what should be happening in my little N Florida garden?

Well, the lawn has already had its first cutting of the season.If you have St. Augustine grass (like we do), now is also the time to begin fertilizing the yard (first in March, then again in May, July and Sept.) if you are prone to doing so. Remember, we have new state fertilization guidelines and restrictions, now: No more than 1lb. nitrogen per 1,000 sq. ft., and no more than 1/4 lb. phosphorus/1,000 sq. ft., each time you apply fertilizer. The total amount of nitrogen cannot exceed 4 lbs. per year; phosphorus, 1/2 lb. per year. Be sure to read the fine print on those bags, carefully!

All the dead grass and leaves should be removed from the lawn and composted by now; As usual, we're a little behind on that particular chore. But, the banana trees are all trimmed back, all the citrus trees are de-weeded and fertilized, I'm happy to say, AND my lime tree is blooming!! (yeah, I know YOU know, but I'm beyond excited about that!!) Palm trees should also be fertilized this month, as well as the azaleas when they've finished blooming (this is also a good time to transplant those, if you've a mind to do so.)

Prune the cold weather damaged plants now, after the new growth appears; doing so beforehand can cause you to remove too much, and the plant will take longer to recover. Heavy pruning of the hedges should be done anytime after Mid-March, as well; For more bushy growth, prune just below the bud swells. To retard growth, prune just after growth flush, once the leaves have fully expanded.

And, if you've turned your beds at least two weeks in advance (hahahah....yeah.), now is the time to start planting those tender annuals and vegetables.

Some of the veggies to plant this month: snap beans, lima beans, carrots, celery, corn, cucumbers, lettuce, peppers, potatoes, summer squash, and tomatoes.

Annuals to plant: begonias, coleus, dahlias,daisies, geranuims, impatiens, kalanchoe, marigolds, salvia, periwinkles, phlox, verbenas, and zinnias.

Sweet rewards

2009-03-25T05:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, while I was ~~blowing off~~ taking a break from windows and washing, I took time out to make a batch of Peanut Butter Blossoms to reward my ~~sweet tooth~~ hard work. I suppose just about everyone already has a recipe for these, but I thought today, as my participation in this week's Midweek Morsels, I'd share mine (I *would* say this was another of grandma's recipes, however I was informed this week that my orange cookie recipe actually comes from my mom's kitchen, and I don't want to give 'false credits' for this one! So...this one started either with mom, gram, or great-grandma, all of whose recipes are blurred together in my recipe files!!)

What you'll need: (makes 2 doz. cookies)
1/2 c. peanut butter
1/2 cup vegetable shortening (Crisco)
1/2 c. white sugar
1/2 c. brown sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. vanilla
2 Tbsp. milk
1 egg
1 3/4 c. flour
24 Hershey's chocolate kisses, unwrapped

to make:

In large bowl, cream together peanut butter & shortening.

Add egg, milk and vanilla ; Add sugar and brown sugar; beat until all ingredients are thoroughly blended.

GRADUALLY add the flour & baking soda, and beat until dough is light and crumbly.

Roll dough into small (quarter-sized?) balls, roll balls in white sugar (a small bit on a plate) and place on un-greased cookie sheets. Bake at 375 degrees for 8 minutes, then remove from oven.

Firmly press one Hershey's Kiss in the center of each cookie; return to oven for 2-5 minutes more.

If you want to find some more great recipes, or to include one of your own, be sure to head on over to Kristina's Favorites for her Midweek Morsels; Keep on cookin', folks!

The view thru my windows (Tackle-it Tuesday)

2009-03-24T10:43:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I admit it, folks; my tackle this week is the SAME ONE that I began to tackle last week; to clean all the windows and the window treatments. Now, I give myself some slack here, because I *do* have 13 double-hung, weighted windows, each with 12 individual panes to clean. Yes, the one in the bathroom is of a slightly smaller scale, but it too has 12 individual panes; and, that doesn't even include the two sets of Florida windows in the kitchen (which I hate, by the way, and would just luv to replace those with a nice garden window, but I digress...) or my 10-pane front door...plus, I figure there's more to life than doin' laundry and washin' windows, don'tcha think?!

BUT... I have got quite a bit of it tackled; I've finished the front door (see; you can see clearly now - no dog snot at all!), both inside AND out( please ignore all the leaves that have blown onto the front porch - it's been a windy week) , and have cleaned the inside of both the living room windows and the two in the dining room (but, obviously, they need some severe outside cleanin', as well!); I've got all the "exterior" curtains (swags?) washed and ready to hang back up, but, I'm currently soaking the sheer under-panels, that - obviously - must be hung first. And, I still have to do the kitchen, bedrooms AND bathroom windows yet -- including the shutters in there; I *hate* cleaning those shutters, but I do like the way they look, so....a gal's gotta have her priorities!

So, what are *you* tackling this Tuesday? Need some motivation? Be sure to head on over to 5 minutes for mom to get some inspiration, or to add a tackle of your own.

~ May all *your* tackles be productive ones! ~

What's for Dinner this week?

2009-03-23T08:08:00.000-07:00

Well, with nearly 400 participants, I guess I'm not telling anything "new" here, but I'm an Organizing Junkie hosts Menu Planning Monday every week, for those of us who want to try and stay on point with our menus, and find some new additions to our recipe repertoire. And, so, since I need all the help I can get, I've decided to play along, myself!

Mo's menu for the week of March 23rd

Monday: meatloaf, mashed potatoes & green beans
Tuesday: ravioli w/hot sausages, garlic bread, garden salad
Wednesday: Swiss chicken, white rice and vegetable medley
Thursday: soft tacos & re fried beans
Friday: pot roast w/onions, potatoes and carrots

Now, since this is only my first post here, I really don't have many recipes yet to link to; I promise tho, once I get the hang of this one, my posts will get more interesting... I hope. However, there are a TON of recipes to be had - just click HERE, and you'll find 'em!!

Blue Blossoms

2009-03-23T05:40:00.000-07:00

Well, again, there isn't much new blooming in my yard this beautiful spring morn; the rain is coming tho, so I imagine it's just a matter of time...
These are some of my favorite garden dwellers; not sure what they're called, but they sure are pretty!

Can we conceive what humanity would be if it did not know the flowers? ~Maurice Maeterlinck

To find more beautiful blooms, or to post an entry of your own, visit Today's Flowers

Ostara Sunrise

2009-03-20T05:17:00.000-07:00

Well it's a beautiful morning here at the beach on this, the first day of spring! Right now, its about 60 degrees, with high's near 70 all through the weekend. I was up bright and early this morning, so I snapped these two photos from my front patio, looking east, toward the new day...

The year's at the spring
And day's at the morn;
Morning's at seven;
The hillside's dew-pearled;
The lark's on the wing;
The snail's on the thorn;
God's in His heaven -
All's right with the world!
~Robert Browning

To see other sky watchers, or to play along yourself, visit
Crazy Working Mom

Simple things

2009-03-20T03:27:00.000-07:00

Here we are at the end of another week, and its time once again for

a place to come on Friday's and think back over your week and just post about 5 favorite things from your week. It can be anything that tickled your fancy over the week. Favorite quotes, posts, happenings, scriptures, recipes, pictures, etc., etc

Spring has finally sprung, and I'm looking forward to the weekend! I hardly ventured out of my own house this week, but I am feeling healthy again after having some bug last weekend, so my 1. favorite thing this week is that I FEEL GOOD! (...said in my best James Brown voice...)

And, since the warmer weather seems to be here for the duration, my little tootsies needed some TLC to be 'presentable' to the world, and so, coming in at #2. this week is my little tube of True Blue Spa "Shea it isn't so" shea butter foot cream. As I am true to my hillbilly roots in the summer, and I spend as much time barefoot as possible, this stuff is my friend! 3. On that same note, we can't be walking around barefoot with BARE toes, so I've painted my little digits with Sally Hansen's Hard as Nails "champagne frost".

4. The mister brought me home a package of Pepperidge Farm Orange Milano cookies, just because they're kinda hard to find around here and he knows they're a favorite...I'm counting both the cookies AND the mister as one of my "faves" *wink*

5. this week I was honored with not one, but TWO different awards for my blogs- one here, by Susanne herself (our wonderful host for this FridayFaveFive!), and one on my other space, from my friend Thorne at Eclectic Witch. So, my fifth Fave Five this week is a nod to all my blogging buddies, who's beautiful photographs, witty posts, thoughtful introspection, helpful hints and tips and funny words all help make MY week just *that much* better!

May your Friday, and every day, be filled with your
~ FAVORITE THINGS ~

'Priciate it!!

2009-03-19T06:54:00.000-07:00

Ms. Susanne over at Living to Tell the Story has honored me with this wonderful little award:

The rules (aren't there *always* rules?!) are to list 7 things I love and then to tag 7 people to do likewise.

Okay, so this part is pretty easy:

1. The Mister
2. The Mother
3. The Hounds (does that count as two?!)
4. The Manx
5. the sunrise
6. the moonlight
7. coffee

Now, seven folks to play along??! ...

Tink *~*~* @ My Mobile Adventures
Dianne @ Do You See What I See
Linda @ Are We There Yet?
Gayle @ The White House
Tish @ CrAzY Working Mom
Kristina @ Kristina's Favorites
Fran @ Toad Haven Annex

Ladies, this one's for YOU!! (And, Thank You Susanne, for thinking of me!)

From Grandma's Kitchen

2009-03-18T08:00:00.000-07:00

This week, the mister brought me home a package of one of my favorite store-bought cookies: Pepperidge Farm Orange Milano...oh, how I luv these! They're not too sweet, and they have just that *right* amount of orange flavor. Very yummy. But, they got me thinking about some of my favorite homemade cookies, more specifically, my grandma's orange cookies. Ohhh...how I luv those things even more, so even tho I haven't made them in awhile, I thought I'd share the recipe here with you, for my Midweek Morsels

What you'll need: (makes 3 dozen cookies)
2 1/4 c. flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 c. shortening
1 egg
juice from 1 orange
grated peel from the orange
1/2 c. milk

To make:
Cream together sugar and shortening; add milk, egg, orange juice & peel.
Mix dry ingredients and add to wet mix.
Drop on cookie sheet and bake at 375 for 10 min. let cool. (These are best, when covered in a simple powdered sugar glaze...yummm-my!!)

If you'd like to participate in this weekly recipe round-up, or want to see what others are posting, head on over to Kristina's Favorites.

Erin Go Bragh

2009-03-17T09:22:00.000-07:00

~ Happy St. Patrick's Day ~

Let the Sunshine In! (Tackle-it Tuesday)

2009-03-17T08:43:00.000-07:00

Although the nice spring temperatures look like they're here for the duration, it's rather cloudy and overcast today, and it looks like we may get some much needed rain. BUT, it *is* spring...and since today is a normal laundry day at my house, I thought I'd take the opportunity to take down all the window curtains and give them a good spring-cleaning, as they could certainly use it. And, since they will already be "curtain-less" for a time, I suppose today would be as good a day as any to wash the windows, as well (well, the inside of them, anyway). With two hounds who love to press their noses to the panes, all of my lower windows look as though they've been glazed (eeww)! So, if I expect to accomplish that task, I suppose I ought to get a spring in my step, huh?!

What about YOU? Are you tackling something today?? Be sure to head on over to 5 minutes for Mom to see what others have planned for the day - Until next time,

May All YOUR Tackles be Successful ones!

Garden Bloggers Bloom Day (Mar '09)

2009-03-16T10:19:00.000-07:00

Well, as many of you already know, May Dreams Gardens hosts Garden Bloggers Bloom Day on the 15th of each month; And if you read *this* blog, you may *also* know that I missed the opportunity to participate last month ('cause I simply forgot!), but was bound-and-determined to play along this month. But, I forgot that the 15th was a Sunday this month, and because I don't usually venture into BlogLand on the weekends, I am - not unusually - late. So, if you will all permit me my delay, I will post my entry, post haste!

Although, truth be told, while we *did* spend a good deal of time in the garden this past weekend - the mister mowed the lawn and trimmed the banana trees, while I cleaned out a flowerbed or two - and many shades of green can be found peeking out from various corners, we have very little actually "blooming", as of yet.

Along with the hot pink azaleas that I featured in today's early post...I noticed this lone impatiens trying to revive itself for the new blooming season.

There are also wild blackberries that are 'blooming' along my garden path; interesting little flowers...

And, of course, I would be remiss if I didn't mention my FAVORITE Bloom of the Day:

Our Key Lime tree!! Finally, after three years, it is blooming!! I'm so excited - can you tell?!

My wait, rewarded

2009-03-16T07:49:00.001-07:00

Well, my little, lone azalea bush opened all of its buds over the weekend, and provided me with several beautiful blooms...it would look even prettier blooming along side a few more of its kind, wouldn't you think?!

Flowers seem intended for the solace of ordinary humanity. ~ John Ruskin

To find more beautiful blooms, or to post an entry of your own, visit Today's Flowers

Clear skies and bright stars

2009-03-13T10:01:00.000-07:00

Well, it seems that the warm weather is here to stay, nothing but high 70's through the weekend; The weatherman does predict some rain on Sunday, but we actually need that, so I won't complain. We had a full moon early this week, so I snapped a photo...

Tis the witching hour of night,
Or bed is the moon and bright,
And the stars they glisten, glisten,
Seeming with bright eyes to listen
For what listen they?
~ John Keats

To see other sky watchers, or to play along yourself, visit Crazy Working Mom

A 'Limited' Addition

2009-03-13T08:42:00.001-07:00

Ugh! I am SOO feeling crappy today, folks, and I have been since Wednesday afternoon, so my "favorite things" may be a bit limited this week. But, I figured that is kinda the whole point of the exercise, right?! So, here's my contribution to this week's

a place to come on Friday's and think back over your week and just post about 5 favorite things from your week. It can be anything that tickled your fancy over the week. Favorite quotes, posts, happenings, scriptures, recipes, pictures, etc., etc

1. The switch back to Daylight Savings time, 'cause now we actually HAVE some daylight once the mister gets home.

2. The warmer temperatures, that look like they are here for the duration - Welcome Back, Springtime!!

3. The blossoms on my Key Lime tree; we've had the thing for three years now, and this is the first year we've seen any blooms.

4. The hounds; they seem to sense when I'm not feeling well, and don't create the mischief they normally do!

5. The clearance-rack, knee-length sweat pants (exercise pants??) I purchased for $4 a few weeks back - they are very comfy, and great for loungin' around in when your not up to doin' much else!

So, there's my Friday Fave Five; Check out Living to tell the Tale for other participants, or to add your own. And, until next time -

~May all your days be filled with your FAVORITE THINGS~

Recipe Round-up

2009-03-11T09:16:00.000-07:00

As I have mentioned here, recently, since the mister has been put on a bi-weekly pay schedule (instead of every Friday, as I was happily used to), and that has ~~forced~~ motivated me to attempt to plan a weekly menu, and stick to it! I've been doing pretty well, I must say, and it's even provided for a bit more 'variety' in the meals, because I'm not trying to pull it together on the fly...

With this in mind, I came across this meme at Kristina's Favorites, and thought perhaps this was just the thing to prompt me a bit further, and perhaps allow me to add some new recipes to the repertoire that I could ~~steal~~ borrow from the other participants.

So, as *my* first participation, I thought I'd share one of my recipes that I just made again for the first time in a long time...Mediterranean-Style Chicken. I've had this recipe in my box for years, so I'm not really sure just where it came from, but it's one we keep going back to, when I think to look through my files!

Ingredients:
1-2 lbs. skinless chicken pieces
1 tblsp. olive oil
1 (14 oz.) can tomatoes, cut up
1/4 c. dry, red wine
1 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. dried basil
1 bay leaf
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tblsp. water
2 tsp. cornstarch
sliced (pimento) stuffed green olives

spaghetti noodles, cooked & drained

To make:
Heat olive oil in 10" skillet over medium heat; Add chicken and brown evenly on both sides (about 10 min.)

Add undrained tomatoes, wine, sugar, basil, garlic and bay leaf; bring to a boil then reduce heat. Cover and simmer until chicken is tender (about 35-40 min.).

In a small bowl, mix water and cornstarch, then add to skillet, stir and cook until thickened and bubbly.

Serve over cooked spaghetti noodles; garnish with olives.

So, if you are looking for some new recipes to try, or want to share some of YOUR favorites, why not stop on over to Kristina's Favorites and play along?!

Spring Tackles (Tackle-it Tuesday)

2009-03-10T08:01:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been a looong time since I've posted a Tackle-it Tuesday entry; I wanted to jump back in the fray, so today I am posting my efforts to fertilize the fruit trees outside my kitchen window. It's March already (!!) and that means it's time for their feeding!

lemon & orange (Valencia) tree ~ Fig tree

Key Lime

The first thing I had to do was de-weed underneath them; Since I haven't spent much time out there recently, this was *quite* the job!! As usual, I forgot to take "before" pics (this is the biggest reason WHY I usually miss Tackle-it Tuesdays!), but here's what I removed:

That was actually the hardest part of the job, obviously, because now, all I had left to do was to 'plant' the sticks!

I used "Sta-Green" fertilizer spikes, which keep feeding for up to six months, delivering nutrients directly to the root zone; You simply hammer the spikes in at the drip line of the tree (at LEAST two feet from the trunk) until it is 2 inches below the surface. And, Wah-la! All done 'til September!

And, Look! I've already got Lime blossoms!!

So what are YOU Tackling today?? Be sure to head on over to 5 minutes for mom, and tell all about it!! See what everyone else is tackling, and maybe garner some motivation...

Anticipation

2009-03-09T06:39:00.000-07:00

While I see big azalea blooms all over the neighborhood, *mine* are still just budding; Currently, we only have this one little bush in the front of the house...I think I'd like to plant four more there, to make a naturalized barrier from the road. Azaleas are of the rhododendron species and prefer a slightly acidic soil.

One of the most delightful things about a garden is the anticipation it provides. ~ W.E. Johns

To find more beautiful blooms, or to post an entry of your own, visit Today's Flowers

Here comes the Sun!

2009-03-06T09:32:00.000-08:00

Today's temps are already in the 70's, and the weatherman tells us that the entire 7-day forecast looks like nothin' but clear, blue skies and warmer temperatures; Spring has finally arrived in our corner of the world, and I'm ever-so-glad to see it!!

This picture was taken in our back yard. Okay, so you can't *really* see "the sky" in this photograph, but you CAN see the sunshine, and that's somethin', right?!

Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air…
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

To see other sky watchers, or to play along yourself, visit Crazy Working Mom

Sandwiches, Siblings and SUNshine

2009-03-06T04:35:00.001-08:00

Geez...I let another entire week go by, posting nary a thing except my viburnum blooms on Monday! BUT....I made it here in time for Susanne's

a place to come on Friday's and think back over your week and just post about 5 favorite things from your week. It can be anything that tickled your fancy over the week. Favorite quotes, posts, happenings, scriptures, recipes, pictures, etc., etc

So, my list this week begins with 1. Veterinarians; ALL of them in general, but *my* DVM, Dr. Langford, more specifically. See, we had to take Murphy in to see him on Wednesday, because she was experiencing what I had thought was a cold, or worse - some sort of pulmonary infection. But, after an extensive visit, which also included her updated vaccines, we found that Ms.Murphy has air-borne allergies. Now, you may be wondering why my doggie having allergies would be one of my FAVORITE things, but that is because I was worried half-crazy that it was something more serious. *This* we can handle; *This* we can eliminate; *This* makes my #1 favorite thing this week!!

2. Nick the Greek's restaurant & the best gyros EVER!! So, on the way home from the doggy-docs, we stopped to grab a quick bite for dinner at this new little restaurant. Come to find out, that Nick was the cook at one of our favorite Sunday-breakfast diners, and he and his lady friend left there to open their own place. And Oh! My! GOSH!! am I glad they did; we had two of their gyros (packed high with the *best* spicy lamb I have ever eaten, loads of fresh veggies and the. best. pita bread.) Just YUMMY...and the *best* part?! They are, literally, just around the corner from my house!

3. Cheesecake; Nick's has a pretty good home-made cheesecake too.

4. My SIL, T; Taking EXCELLENT care of four wonderful kiddos, she makes sure they ALL have their piece of her attentions, she keeps a clean, safe home for them and my lil' BIL; She's sweet, caring, smart, beautiful and funny (and, no, I don't owe her ANY money!! LoL). I luv her to bits and I'm thrilled that we are both friends AND sisters!

And, finally, 5. 70 degree temps outside my cottage, with nothing but mid-eighties in the foreseeable forecast! SPRING is HERE, baby!!!

Be sure and head on over to Living to Tell the Tale, and check out all the fabulous fave fives this week; Join in and tell us about *your* weekly favorites. Until next time...

~ Have a Wonderful Weekend & May ALL your days be filled with your Favorite Things!! ~

The smell of springtime in the air

2009-03-02T05:04:00.000-08:00

Here we are, it's Monday again, and this week I actually found some blooms! Again, I'm not sure what it's name is, but this is an evergreen bush that grows just under our living room windows; it's an early bloomer (obviously), and the small flowerettes have a very heady, very sweet smell.

Smell is a potent wizard that transports you across thousand of miles and all the years you have lived. ~ Helen Keller

To find more beautiful blooms, or to post an entry of your own, visit Today's Flowers

Late February

2009-02-27T06:09:00.000-08:00

As I've been saying all week, the weather pattern here at the beach is kind of wonky - we have had high's in the upper 70's, then the next thing you know, the weather folks are tellin' us to bring in the pets and cover the plants! In fact, today and tomorrow are supposed to be very spring-like, high's in the mid-70's, but then Sunday nite, a stormfront is expected, and they say temps will dip back down to 38*. Anyway, this was taken last Sunday (on one of the warm days!) on our way to the 'mainland', going over the intracoastal waterway; I just thought the clouds-in-the-clouds was an interesting natural effect...

"Late February days; and now, at last,
Might you have thought that Winter's woe was past;
So fair the sky was and so soft the air."
- William Morris

To see other sky watchers, or to play along yourself, visit Crazy Working Mom

This week's favorites

2009-02-27T04:10:00.000-08:00

a place to come on Friday's and think back over your week and just post about 5 favorite things from your week. It can be anything that tickled your fancy over the week. Favorite quotes, posts, happenings, scriptures, recipes, pictures, etc., etc

Let's see...what *are* my Fave Five for this week?! well...

1. We went to the littlest niece's baptism this past Sunday. As this was my first time in attendance (again, other than my own, which I don't remember at all), I found the entire ceremony very interesting. Besides, it was a good excuse to see the kids! (S -the eldest niece - looks beautiful, as always, and, my nephews looked SOOO handsome in their dress clothes & ties!) And little A was so cute; and I don't think she cried once during the entire ceremony.

2. It's payday again! I know I mentioned this two weeks ago, but since I'm still getting used to the biweekly checks (instead of weekly), payday *is* one of those five favorite things!!

3. Febreze Air effects (spring & renewal scent) 2 spoiled hounds & an indoor cat. 'Nuff said.

4. This cute, fuchsia ...chenille(?) sweater that I picked up on clearance at JCPenneys (and, am wearing now). I'm not usually a 'pink' kinda gal, but I just luv this sweater! It's so soft, and comfy; it's one of those shirts you can throw on to beat-around in, but still look "presentable" if you have to actually interact with society! LoL...

5. And, finally, I was given this wonderful little Friendship Award from Holly @ Homebody; She always has such crafty (and frugal!) ideas on her site, and because I started ~~stalking~~ following her, she awarded me with this:
And, because I'm supposed to pass it along, I'd like to take this opportunity to award it to Susan @ Living to Tell the Tale, for hosting *this* wonderful project every week. Thank you, Susan!

So...what were YOUR five favorite things from this past week?? If you haven't already, head on over to Susan's blog, grab the little icon, and play along!!

~May you ALL have a wonderful weekend ahead~

Garden Talk in February

2009-02-26T11:12:00.000-08:00

Well, here we are at the end of another month, and I have yet to turn a bed, nor transplant a bush this year! To be fair, we have had some very unseasonably cold weather here at the beach this winter, and it is just now starting to warm up enough to want to be outside (or, to feel safe in leaving the tropicals there without protection!).

It's too late, I think, to transplant my camellias (they suggest we do that here no later than mid-Feb.), but they seem to like it where they are, anyway. The problem is that we have an Elephant's Ear and a patch of ginger in that same location, and when spring finally does arrive, I'm afraid they get crowded. *Something* has to be moved, that's certain. Now's the time to prune all the leafless trees and shrubs, and to plant any fruit trees you have planned for the landscape, as well.

Now's also the time to rake the yard, and till the gardens, and all that ~~wicked~~ wonderful prep work I so ~~hate~~ ~~abhor~~ can't wait until it's finished!

Annuals we can plant now include baby's breath, cone flowers, dusty miller, daisies, hollyhocks, petunias, and snapdragons. Plant regional bulbs like amaryllis and calla lilies.
Veggies that can go in the garden this month: broccoli, cabbage, kale, lettuce, onions, potatoes, radishes and turnips.

I guess I really DO need to get busy, huh?!

The orange and the green

2009-02-23T08:24:00.000-08:00

Well, today's "blooms" are not in fact, blooms at all, really, but the seed pods that are left after this thing blooms!

I'm not quite sure of the plant variety, other than to say it is a bromeliad of some sort; its leaves are spikey along the edges, and when blooming (small pink/white flowerettes), the center turns bright orange, and these sort of orange-yellow berries last for several months. Currently, it's the only other "color" in my garden, besides my camillias...

To freely bloom - that is my definition of success. ~ Gerry Spence

To find more beautiful blooms, or to post an entry of your own, visit Today's Flowers

Monday, Monday

2009-02-23T06:17:00.000-08:00

FOR TODAY (Monday, February 23)...

Outside my window...the sun is shining; it's still a bit nip in the air, but spring IS coming!

I am thinking...about all the tasks I need to accomplish today; I just brewed my second pot of coffee this morning, and I'm thinking about getting up and grabbing another cup.

I am thankful for...my B&SIL, and my beautiful nieces and handsome nephews!

From the learning rooms...I attended my first Catholic Baptism (well, other than my own, which I don't remember) this weekend for my niece. Very interesting stuff.

From the kitchen...I haven't made up a menu for this week yet, but it will prob'ly include spaghetti & meatballs, and a new recipe I found for spinach & swiss stuffed chicken (yumm!)

I am wearing... jeans, a white ribbed long-sleeve tee and a black & white hoodie.

I am creating...a digital photo album of the snapshots we took over the weekend

I am going....next door, as my neighbor just called and asked to borrow some milk for her coffee

I am reading... "It Wasn't Always Easy but I Sure Had Fun" by Lewis Grizzard

I am hoping...that it warms up throughout the day

I am hearing...the TV in the living room and the BOOM-BOOM of a car stereo going passed my house

Around the house...is where I plan to spend the day

One of my favorite things...laughter

A few plans for the rest of the week: getting some chores done around here, perhaps preparing my veggie bed for spring plantings

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

If you would like to take part in your own weekly daybook, visit The Simple Woman's Daybook for all the details..

Aim for the Sky

2009-02-20T07:03:00.000-08:00

Well, the temperatures are getting to be a bit more spring-like lately, altho today's high isn't expected to top 55 degrees, the weekend temps look pretty promising, in the upper sixties. This is another sunset photo, looking out off our front patio.

Think of all the beauty still left around you and be happy. ~ Anne Frank

To see other sky watchers, or to play along yourself, visit Crazy Working Mom

It's Friday!

2009-02-20T04:51:00.000-08:00

I gotta say, I am LOVIN" this little meme! All the friendly folks who play along - it's wonderful to be a part of the group; and the "idea" of it is just fabulous ...I get up every Friday now, and the first thing I do is prepare my Friday Five...

a place to come on Friday's and think back over your week and just post about 5 favorite things from your week. It can be anything that tickled your fancy over the week. Favorite quotes, posts, happenings, scriptures, recipes, pictures, etc., etc

1. So, this week I will start my list off with dinner last Friday night at The Fish Company. We met up with another couple - two of our nearest and dearest friends - for a few drinks, some really good food, and some great conversation. Lots of fun and lots of laughs...just how I like to start the weekends!

2. And, it seems we are right on track with our weekly 'allowance' spending; I gotta say, I do believe that has a bit to do with our new weekly menu planning. (Okay, so I'm a big enough person - I can admit it when I'm wrong...)

3. Oh! I won a book from GoodReads, and it arrived here this Wednesday (that reminds me, I gotta go post there, and tell them I have it...) It's a debut novel by Phillip Meyer's entitled "American Rust". I'm very excited to read it, as it takes place in a dying Pennsylvania steel town, and as *that* is my 'childhood home' I'm very interested to see if he captures the feel of it all...

4. Well, if that cold snap we had was good for ANYTHING, it was that it prompted my camillias to bloom! I thought perhaps we wouldn't get any off those bushes this year, as we just transplanted them last spring, but this week I had pretty pink flowers out there to greet me...(altho, I'm mad at myself that I missed May's Garden Bloggers Bloom Day for February, but I'll be there NEXT month, you can count on that!)

5. And, the ducks are back! We don't see the little guys much in the colder months, but we know spring is just around the corner when these fellas start hangin' out in the garden!

Now, head on over to Living to tell the Story, and share *your* Friday Fave's with Susanne and all the rest....

~ Enjoy the Weekend ~

February's Bloomin'

2009-02-16T05:25:00.000-08:00

well, if there's anything good about the cold snap we recently experienced at the beach it's that it prompted the camellias to bloom and blossom! Camellias are evergreen shrubs that bloom anywhere from November to March around here, and they belong to the Tea family of plants. As you can see in the photo above, my white bush hasn't flowered yet, but my pink ones have!

(I believe both my bushes are of the 'simple' semi-double classification, meaning that all stamens are central, and there are 7 or more petals)

Whenever evil befalls us, we ought to ask ourselves, after the first suffering, how we can turn it into good. So shall we take occasion, from one bitter root, to raise perhaps many flowers. ~ Leigh Hunt

To find more beautiful blooms, or to post an entry of your own, visit Today's Flowers

Another week ahead

2009-02-16T03:40:00.000-08:00

FOR TODAY (Monday, February 16)...

Outside my window...it's still before sunrise, so its rather dark outside my window..

I am thinking...I have a ton of housework to get done today.

I am thankful for...the relationship I have had throughout my life with my mother...so many women seem to have "issues" with theirs (jealousy, competition, anger...whatever), and my mom and I have always been tight and right...for that, I'm grateful.

From the learning rooms...well, I learned this week that Abraham Lincoln, prior to signing the Emancipation Proclamation tried to "buy off" the slaves of the southern states and proposed that they be made to leave the country entirely. (I, personally, had NO IDEA)

From the kitchen...This week's menu includes Italian sausage sandwiches, Mediterranean chicken, smothered pork chops, steak & sloppy joes

I am wearing... my pj's and bathrobe...it's only 6:30 am.

I am creating...a "to-do" list for the week

I am going....to get myself a cup of coffee! (No plans for any outings this week)

I am reading..."Backstabber" by Tim Cockey (the final installment of his Hitchcock Sewell series)and "It Wasn't Always Easy but I Sure Had Fun" by Lewis Grizzard

I am hoping...that this lingering cough will soon go away completely!

I am hearing...the coffee brewing and the computer humming.

Around the house...I have tons of housework to do; dishes need put away, the bed needs made, the bathroom needs cleanin', I have laundry piling up (but, that won't get done until tomorrow)...

One of my favorite things...a good, strong cuppa joe!

A few plans for the rest of the week: can't say that I really have any...laundry will have to be done tomorrow...I told my neighbor I would help her set up her computer...

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

If you would like to take part in your own weekly daybook, visit The Simple Woman's Daybook for all the details..

Looking Up

2009-02-13T07:26:00.000-08:00

Okay! So the temps are finally getting back to normal here at the beach; we expect a high of 75* today, and its only supposed to drop to 58*...not swimsuits-and-shorts weather, but a WHOLE lot better than those 17* nights, for certain! This pic was taken just at sunset last night, just standin' out on the front patio...

May I never miss a sunset or a rainbow because I am looking down.
~ Sara June Parker

To see other sky watchers, or to play along yourself, visit Crazy Working Mom

This week's fave's

2009-02-13T03:04:00.000-08:00

Wow! It's Friday again, already. And, ya know what that means?? Time for

a place to come on Friday's and think back over your week and just post about 5 favorite things from your week. It can be anything that tickled your fancy over the week. Favorite quotes, posts, happenings, scriptures, recipes, pictures, etc., etc

So, I'm still trying to overcome this head cold I seem to have acquired, but the good news is that 1. The temps are finally climbing back up into the (high) 70's, which means I was able to take all my potted plants BACK outside onto the patio and porches where they belong. (the added bonus, is that the hounds will stop eating them, and promptly puking them back up, all over my hardwood floors!) 2. And, today is also the 'every other' Friday, known affectionately around here as PAYDAY!! Plus, I think the mister actually has a two-day weekend ahead (he often has to work Saturday's), so we can hang out and enjoy the warm weather.
3. Netflix; I just LUV these guys!! Really. I just mailed off two movies on Tuesday, and got two movies in the mail YESTERDAY...that's Tues. to Thurs....I couldn't have mailed something to my next door neighbor and have it arrive that promptly. (Plus, I get to watch 'Hancock' this weekend!)
4. Coffee. I do LUVs me some coffee, now. And, ever since I posted this, I think I luv it all the more!
5. And, finally, I just LUV this pic of my hounds; I think it's just adorable how Dolby's big 'ol' ear covers her sister's (Murphy) entire head!

Don't forget to stop in at Living to tell the Story, and share *your* Friday Fave's!

I hope you ALL have a Fabulous Friday, a Wonderful Weekend and a Marvelous Week ahead!

Picturing Spring

2009-02-09T06:57:00.000-08:00

Nothing is blooming in my yard today, but these pretty purple snapdragons were in full color on my birthday last year (May), and so I'm daydreamin' of warmer temps - and big, pretty blooms!

Flowers are words even a baby can understand. ~Quentin Crisp

To find more beautiful blooms, or to post an entry of your own, visit Today's Flowers

Mo's Monday report

2009-02-09T05:21:00.000-08:00

FOR TODAY (Monday, February 9)...

Outside my window...the sun is shining brightly.

I am thinking...I wish I felt better, because I have a ton of housework to accomplish, and absolutely NO energy to do it!

I am thankful for...over-the-counter cold meds

From the learning rooms...30 mummies found in newly discovered tomb in Egypt

From the kitchen...I haven't thought much about this, yet; the mister made beef stew yesterday, and I feel so crappy this morning that we may just have THAT for dinner again, tonite.

I am wearing... my pj's and bathrobe...I feel like crap.

I am creating...a nest of blankets on my couch, in front of the television

I am going...to spend the entire day on the couch.

I am reading...still reading "The House of Mirth". Don't feel like reading much - that alone tells ya, I feel like crap.

I am hoping...these Nyquil cold & sinus pills will work, and I feel better before the day is through.

I am hearing...myself breathing and sniffling.

Around the house...looks like a bomb went off! And, ya know what?! I don't care....

One of my favorite things...breathing (easily)....I sure do miss that.

A few plans for the rest of the week: getting over this sickness.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

If you would like to take part in your own weekly daybook, visit The Simple Woman's Daybook for all the details..

Sunset Silhouettes

2009-02-06T07:34:00.000-08:00

As I said, we have been experiencing record low temperatures here at the beach all week long; we've see everything from 71 degree high's down to 17 degree low's - too cold for me to venture far for pictures, or any other thing! These are shots of the sun going down in my backyard on Imbolc (Tuesday).

There's a certain Slant of light, Winter Afternoons--
That oppresses, like the Heft Of Cathedral Tunes--
~Emily Dickinson

To see other sky watchers, or to play along yourself,
visit Crazy Working Mom

You can visit even MORE skywatchers, HERE

My week in review

2009-02-06T04:54:00.001-08:00

It's time once again for

a place to come on Friday's and think back over your week and just post about 5 favorite things from your week. It can be anything that tickled your fancy over the week. Favorite quotes, posts, happenings, scriptures, recipes, pictures, etc., etc.

So, this week has been long and cold, and I've been feelin' under the weather, so this was a challenge for me this round...

1. The Steelers won the Superbowl last Sunday, to gain their 6th Championship in franchise history - more than ANY OTHER team in the NFL. (Them's my boyz!!)

2. I just paid the mortgage this week - the first in the new booklet - and realized that our house payment has dropped $25/month. Not earth-changing, but $300/yr. is alright with me!

3. The Mister got himself walk-on-water evals at work (way to go, sweetie!), and got a raise in pay! Not a life-style changin' raise, but every little bit helps.

4. My big, fuzzy, pink bathrobe; we've been having record low temp's here (swings from 17 all the way up to 71) at the beach all week long, and my robe has kept me toasty through the worst of it!

5. I got a book-box in the mail yesterday (Like I *need* more books!) and I found four books to swap out in it! That's a pretty 'average' take for me from these things, so I was happy! (Plus, that means four already-read books get to move along to another reader....and *that* is good to me!)

So...there is my Friday Fave Five...what's yours?! Be sure to head over to Living to tell the Story, grab a button from Susanne, and share your wonderful week with all the other participants....go on, you know you want to!

Pretty Paper

2009-02-02T05:53:00.001-08:00

Not the *best* photograph, but the only one I have of my 'paper white' Narcissus in bloom; a gift from my BIL at Christmas...they smell very nice.

Flowers never emit so sweet and strong a fragrance as before a storm. When a storm approaches thee, be as fragrant as a sweet-smelling flower. ~ Jean Paul Richter

To find more beautiful blooms, or to post an entry of your own, visit Today's Flowers

A Simple Start to February

2009-02-02T04:31:00.000-08:00

FOR TODAY (Monday, February 2, 2009)...Groundhog's Day

Outside my window...all is quiet; the sun is just starting to shine and the streets are deserted.

I am thinking...I have a lot to get done around here today, and since I've yet to even have my first cup of coffee...I don't feel like doin' any of it!

I am thankful for...FastBoys Wings, who provided us with our dinner last night, so that I could watch my beloved Steelers win their 6th Superbowl Championship!!

From the learning rooms...tomorrow is Imbolc; one of the eight Sabbats on the Wheel of the Year. Imbolc means "in the belly" and is the celebration of the "quickening of Spring"; It is a time for renewal, healing, and complete transformations. (time to get that Spring cleaning underway...)

From the kitchen...this week's menu will look like this: (Mon) chicken fingers & onion rings; (Tues) Polynesian pork chops over rice; (Wed) Swiss steak, mashed potatoes and fresh asparagus; (Thur) Pork roast; (Fri)'The Works' Pasta and (Sat)pork quesadillas & refried beans

I am wearing... l.e.i. jeans, a gray, long-sleeved tee & a pink chenille pullover.

I am creating...nothing currently...

I am going...to finish up this post, get myself a cuppa, and give my mom a call so we can talk about how totally AWESOME that game was last nite!!

I am reading...Still working thru "The House of Mirth" by Edith Wharton, and "The Edible Woman" by Margaret Atwood

I am hoping...that it warms up today; I am ready for spring, already!

I am hearing...the coffee pot, telling me it's ready for me to have a big, 'ol cup!

Around the house...it's just a typical Monday - the mister is back to work, I have an entire house that needs restored to normal living condition, the hounds are playin' in the other room, and here I sit, behind this computer screen!

One of my favorite things...NFL football ; I am going to miss it (until August).

A few plans for the rest of the week: Nothing much, really. This week seems to be wide open to possibilities!

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

If you would like to take part in your own weekly daybook, visit The Simple Woman's Daybook for all the details..

Darkening at Dusk

2009-01-30T06:58:00.000-08:00

While the temps are warming up here, it's been overcast and rainy all week; currently, it's only 56*, and the temps are supposed to drop again over the weekend, so let's enjoy the warmer days while we can - this is a rainy day shot, taken Monday nite in my backyard.

Everything has its wonders, even darkness and silence, and I learn whatever state I am in, therin to be content ~ Helen Keller

To see other sky watchers, or to play along yourself, visit Crazy Working Mom

You can visit even MORE skywatchers, HERE

Post positive

2009-01-30T05:40:00.000-08:00

So, those of you who are familiar with me from my other blog already know that I participate there in "Only the Good" Fridays; this is an effort begun by my cyber-pal Shelly over at This Eclectic Life, to post good things on Friday in order to "spread optimism around the Net like a virus". I LUV this exercise, and try to find some uplifting news to share each week in that vein. But, I try to keep those entries very 'generic', if you will, and share some good that's good for ALL my readers, ya know?

But TODAY....Today I found a great effort sponsored by Susanne over at Living to tell the Story that I just LUV:

It's a place to come on Friday's and think back over your week and just post about 5 favorite things from your week. It can be anything that tickled your fancy over the week. Favorite quotes, posts, happenings, scriptures, recipes, pictures, etc., etc.

Wonderful!! I think this is a great way to end the week, and so, I'm posting my first Friday Fave Five, right now!!

1. Well, Obviously it's this wonderful little meme...Friday Fave Five (I actually "found" it when I was doing my Simple Woman's Daybook entry; another little weekly project I enjoy!)

2. I actually made a weekly menu and we STUCK TO IT!! Now, *that's* a major feat in this house, folks! But, with the Mister now on a bi-weekly pay schedule instead of weekly, it was a much needed change of habit...hopefully, one that sticks!

3. Meatloaf. I luv meatloaf! And, ya know why?! Cause it's never the same twice - at least in MY kitchen! - it's a 'hearty' meal, and there are ALWAYS leftovers for sandwiches...yum! (this week's creation was just some onions, mushrooms, breadcrumbs and a drop of soy sauce for some 'punch!'...easy-peasy, and SOOO tasty! I think we just might have those hot meatloaf sandwiches for dinner tonite!)

4. I got ALLLLLL the trash, recyclables and yard waste out to the curb this morning (I have a bad habit of missing them some weeks!) including the smelly, ol' kitty litter that I changed out completely yesterday...

5. I am happy & healthy; I have a wonderful mister, two fabulous hounds and a terrific manx kitty to share my days with; I have a sweet, loving mother and wonderfully witty friends; I have a house at the beach, food in my cupboards and Spring is on the way!! What's NOT wonderful about THAT??!

Now, head on over to Susanne's Blog and tell everybody about YOUR Friday Fave Five!
May your Friday be Fabulous!

Bath time (Tackle-it Tuesday)

2009-01-27T07:08:00.000-08:00

Just another mundane tackle here this week folks - gotta tackle that laundry (which, I'm happy to report is *almost* finished! - Just towels & sheets left to do); gotta tackle the kitchen sink (put those dishes away and all that); and, perhaps, this afternoon, I will tackle the bathroom - one that is much needed, I'm afraid.

Not only the tub/toilet/sink need to be cleaned, but I really need to clean off those shelves, and I GOTTA clean those mirrors! (We had some freezes here recently - I *told* you it's been COLD at the beach! - so that's why the plant is hanging from the shutters!; also, notice the mister's jeans on top of the towel chest!) Hopefully, I'll be back later this afternoon with better, cleaner, "aftershots" (or, not)

In the mean time, if you'd like to see some completed tackles, or if you would like to participate, head on over to 5 Minutes for Mom, and start tackling!!

Blue Blooms

2009-01-26T06:16:00.000-08:00

I'm not really sure what these little blue blooms *are*, but they make a pretty ground cover in my side garden! (identification would be appreciated)

What sunshine is to flowers, smiles are to humanity. These are but trifles, to be sure; but, scattered along life's pathway, the good they do is inconceivable. ~ Joseph Addison

To find more beautiful blooms, or to post an entry of your own, visit Today's Flowers

Simple start to the week ahead

2009-01-26T04:59:00.001-08:00

FOR TODAY (Monday, January 26, 2009)

Outside my window...there's fog so heavy I can't see to the road, but the temperatures are looking *much* better, with high's expected in the mid-60's.

I am thinking...I can't WAIT for the weather to get warm (and stay warm!) every day; I'm a spring kinda gal!

I am thankful for...my two hounds, who give me unconditional love and who make me smile each and every day!

From the learning rooms...Today marks the beginning of Chinese New Year, the Year of the Ox. Chinese New Year starts with the New Moon on the first day of the new year and ends on the full moon 15 days later.

From the kitchen...sooo...no grocery trip yesterday as I had planned, BUT I do have a weekly menu all planned out; meatloaf tonite, swiss chicken and quesadillas later in the week. Now, to see if I stick to it!!

I am wearing...Levi's, a gray Jaguar sweatshirt, and gray slipper-socks.

I am creating...a new photo "gallery" along our hallway - now, I need a few more picture frames, tho, so the 'project' is on hold until I can get my hands on some!

I am going...to stop in at my neighbor's later today, as she had a Dr.'s appt. this morning and she is rather worried about the results of the scans. Prayers that her issue is benign would be appreciated!

I am reading...right now, I have two novels on the go: first, I'm reading Edith Wharton for the first time, and am about 1/3 of the way thru "The House of Mirth", which I must say is more entertaining than I had first imagined it would be! I'm also reading "The Edible Woman" by Margaret Atwood (on of my favorite authors) and I'm finding both reads to be quite similar in their tone and subject matter.

I am hoping...that the Steelers win the Superbowl

I am hearing...The Morning Show on the television in the living room, and one of the hounds eating breakfast in the kitchen.

Around the house...well, its Monday, and that means back to the daily chore routine...I'm feelin' a bit under the weather this morning, so I think I may just do the "regular" stuff (make the bed, do the dishes, etc.) and call it a day!

One of my favorite things...the quiet of the early morning hours, just as the sun is coming up over the horizon...

A few plans for the rest of the week: nothing really, except the regular routine...and, waitin' around for Sunday afternoon (Go STEELERS!!!)

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

If you would like to take part in your own weekly daybook, visit The Simple Woman's Daybook for all the details...

weather, looking up

2009-01-23T02:30:00.000-08:00

Another cold January day here at the beach, although it IS getting warmer; We are expecting temps in the high 60's today, and nothing below 47* through the night. (This photo was taken at Dutton Island Nature Preserve, along the Intra-coastal , just down the road apiece...)

Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine. ~ Anthony J. D'Angelo

To see other sky watchers, or to play along yourself, visit Crazy Working Mom

You can visit even MORE skywatchers, HERE

The Daily Grind (Tackle-it Tuesday)

2009-01-20T10:53:00.000-08:00

Nope, no big tackles going on here today, folks, just the normal routine chores - that means;

~ Clearing the sink of (clean) dishes, and cleaning up the kitchen (done)
~ doing laundry (this is *almost* done; one load of sheets left to dry/fold/put away)
~ picking up the living room (done)

Then, I am gonna go (back to) curl up on the couch with a lap blanket and my dogs; grab another cup of hot coffee, and finish reading the James Rollins book that has me completely enthralled with its story!!

How about YOU? What are you tackling today? Be sure to visit 5-Minutes for Mom to see what others are doing, and perhaps play along yourself! Whatever you tackle today, I hope its terrific!

Small splashes of color

2009-01-19T04:02:00.000-08:00

today's blooms are 'Super Elfin Red' impatiens, still flowering on our front patio

Slender joys often repeated, fall as sunshine on the heart. ~M. Tupper

To find more beautiful blooms, or to post an entry of your own, visit Today's Flowers

Ahhh...Simplicity

2009-01-19T01:20:00.000-08:00

FOR TODAY (Monday, Jan. 19, 2009)...

Outside my window...It is still dark outside; the sun hasn't yet peeked up over the horizon. It's been colder than usual here at the beach, but there is promise of sunshine and warmer temperatures later today.

I am thinking...that I am going to enjoy participating in this weekly journal-like carnival, "The Simple Woman's Daybook". What a great way to begin one's week, with reflection on your thoughts regarding how to embark upon it...

I am thankful for...our little, humble abode.

Mid pleasures and palaces though we may roam,
Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home. ~ John Howard Payne

From the learning rooms... Jan.18-25 marks the 8th annual Hunt for Happiness Week, sponsored by the Secret Society of Happy People. The idea is simple - to encourage people to actively seek happiness during the week. A stop at their homepage will give you ALLL sorts of ideas for celebrating; from handing out I-Spy coupons, to coordinating "happy" projects for an entire classroom - they even offer a "31 types of happiness project" to garner your participation. [Okay, so this is one of the prompts that can be skipped, and as I have no children, I suppose that would be the easy option - perhaps the preferred one - however, I am a firm believer in the fact that one should learn SOMETHING every day of one's life, regardless of age or child-rearing status! So...I'm going to try to utilize this prompt as well, if at all possible. ]

From the kitchen...I made a batch of brownies last night. As I've said before, I'm not very good with creating weekly menus ahead of time, but it seems it may be time to *get* good at it; with the mister's paycheck coming bi-weekly now instead of weekly (Happy New Year), I venture that it would be more cost effective - not to mention time-saving - to plan a menu instead of making daily runs to the grocery store. We shall see if that plan gains fruition.

I am wearing...As I just climbed out of bed less than 30 minutes ago, my current ensemble consists of red woolly slipper-socks, red plaid flannel PJ bottoms, a grey "Axemen" t-shirt, and a plush, pink housecoat. (did I mention its been cold here?!)

I am creating...a new blogspot for the furry folks here at our cottage.

I am going...to pour myself another cup of coffee and peruse some of the other participants entries for "The Simple Woman's Daybook"

I am reading...one of James Rollins 'SIGMA Force' novels, entitled "Black Order"; typical macho, testosterone-filled, espionage, thriller type story....and, as is usual with his novels, I'm lovin' every minute of it!

I am hoping...that the Steelers win the Superbowl!!

I am hearing...blessed silence, right now. It's nearly 5a.m., the hounds are asleep on the couch and I can hear them breathing....

Around the house...things are pretty quiet. The mister is already off to work; the hounds are sleeping on the couch, and I'm debating rather to make another pot of coffee. Not much that needs to get done today, which leaves plenty of time to finish reading that novel!

One of my favorite things...Febreze Air Effects spray, Spring & Renewal scent. (it smells so-ooo good!!)

A few plans for the rest of the week: Not much on the agenda for this week; I have a bookbox and a bookring book that need to resume their travels, I want to work on "spring cleaning" my living room (in concert with Organized Home's Grand Plan Challenge), and (hopefully) write out a menu-plan for the next two weeks and shop accordingly!

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

The right idea at 5am

January in Florida

2009-01-16T05:00:00.000-08:00

Sky Nothing but bright, sun-filled skies here in north Florida; we are experiencing the lowest temperatures that we have had all season this week - with lows dropping down into the high 20's, and the high during the day not expected to reach up above 60 - but, as you can see, not a cloud in the sky!

Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves. ~ James M. Barrie

Hey! I just found another sky watchers meme over at Crazy Working Mom's; this one seems a bit more intimate and cozy...so, I'm gonna submit this, there, too - I hope there's no *rule* against THAT!!

Garden Bloggers Bloom Day (Jan '09)

2009-01-15T05:39:00.000-08:00

Well, today, is the 15th, and so I wanted to start the new year by participating in Garden Bloggers Bloom Day over at May Dreams Gardens; Those of you who are regular "gardening bloggers" prob'ly already know about this, but for you newbies-like-me, this is a monthly gardening photo carnival hosted by May Dreams Gardens on the 15th of every month. I had planned to start the year by posting some blooms from around my garden, but, sadly, I took a look around yesterday, and there is nary a flower to be found...well, save the fading blooms on my amaryllis:

The ones from last year's batch haven't even bloomed this year, but my narcissus are trying to bloom, and I hope in a few days I might have some pretty flowers to show from them. I *do* still have bananas in one of the trees, and a bromeliad (I think - anybody know??)with an interesting-looking seed pod...

After reviewing some of the other participants entries, I'm not sure I should even post my paltry pics; But, it is winter time tho, even here at the beach...they're telling us to bring in all the potted plants and outdoor pets, so THAT's how you know its winter in these parts!

Anyway, if you want to see what's bloomin' in January in some other spots around the blog sphere, do be sure to visit May Dreams Gardens; And, why not share a snapshot or two of what's bloomin' in *your* yard! (If you do decide to play along, please leave me a comment, so I can come visit your garden spot!)

A worthwhile challenge (WFMW)

2009-01-14T02:08:00.000-08:00

Have you all heard of OrganizedHome.com? Well, if you haven't yet, you should check it out (there's a little linky there in my sidebar -->); they have everything for getting your house organized, from menu planning, to recipes for homemade cleaning products, to how to cut clutter and save time around the house; it really is a great site, but, what I'm especially excited about is their 2009 New Year Grand Plan Challenge. While it actually began on January 11th, the challenge is to work through a 14-week plan "to clean and organize a spring-clean house for the New Year. " so "By Spring, you'll be ready for outdoor fun." That sounds like somethin' that COULD work for me - and, getting my spring cleaning done BEFORE spring certainly sounds promising...

So, I intend to try and follow along - first mission: the entryway/living room; as I don't *have* a separate foyer, I am combining the tasks of the first two weeks. I don't know yet if it *does* Work For Me, but I sure hope to find out!

Wanna share what works for you? Be sure to check out Rocks In My Dryer, and see what works for all this week's participants!

Three-dimensional cleaning (Tackle-it Tuesday)

2009-01-13T06:45:00.000-08:00

Well, it's gonna be a cloudy, rainy day here at the beach, my friends, and *that* generally puts ME in a mood to curl up on the couch with a warm blanket, a hot drink, and a good book - (the hounds are always 'up' for a good afternoon nap!) - BUT, it *is* Tuesday, one of the first in the brand new year, and, so it is time for;

My tackle today is to clean out the fridge!!

Look at that; It's so bad that the batteries on my camera gave out!

So...that's the plan. Clean OUT the refrigerator; clean UP the dishes that this is sure to generate; And, cleaning DOWN the counter-tops and kitchen surfaces. A 3-D Tackle-it Tuesday! I'll return here later today (I hope!) with the AFTER effects!

~~~~~~~

A rainy afternoon, well spent! (It's a bit barer now, but it's clean)

What are *YOU* going to tackle today? Whatever it is, may it turn out terrific!

big, beautiful blooms

2009-01-12T09:22:00.000-08:00

While I'm not spending as much time in the garden these early January days, I found this weekly meme that can give everybody a bouquet of flowers, no matter what the calendar month!

(My flower for today is a pretty, coral Fancy Hibiscus from my front yard!)

Garden Talk for January

2009-01-07T10:58:00.000-08:00

Well, there's not much gardening to DO at this time of the year, even here in sunny Florida!

The colder weather is a great time to clean the outdoor potted plants of leaves and debris, before having to bring them inside or into the greenhouse (if you are so blessed!).Outdoor tropical plants (schefflera, croton, dieffenbachia, pothos, philodendron) should be protected from temperatures below 55°F and citrus from temperatures below 28°F. And, make sure you continue to water everything during these drier, colder months - including the birds and squirrels. (It's also a great opportunity to add bird houses to your yard, so they can have time to weather before spring.)

Now IS the time to transplant any plants you want moved for the upcoming spring (we have two camilia bushes we're going to have to move again) No pruning though - only dormant shade and fruit trees. And, you should prune poinsettias and holiday mum plants before setting them into the landscape. If you happen to have flowering spring bulbs, now is the time to get them in the ground as well; remember, if you live here in N.Fl./ S.Ga., you should have had them chilled in the fridge for the past 8 weeks.

Annuals that can be planted in January include: calendula, carnations, foxgloves, pansies, petunias, snapdragons, statice.

Since they return year after year, perennials are a great addition to any garden; Perennials to plant this month include African lily, amaryllis,calla, day lily, gladiolus, spider lily, walking iris.

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 beets, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, mustard, potatoes, radishes and turnips.

And, as you make your way thru 2009, remember:

Anyone who has a book collection and a garden, wants for nothing. ~Cicero

Planting made easier (WFMW)

2009-01-07T04:35:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I luv plants and flowers. My MIL knows this, so every year at Christmas she gets me Amaryllis bulbs to add to my garden. This year, along with my amaryllis (and some paper white Narcissus from my BIL) she included

Coir Fiber Coco Peat Disks, an organic potting medium made mainly from natural coconut fibers, that are entirely organic, nutrient rich and manufactured from renewable resources. And, not only are they used by flower growers, but are also used a a bedding material in commercial worm farms and golf courses because of its water retention qualities.

And, they are oh-so-easy to use! Just place a disk at the bottom of your container, add three cups of WARM water (it will stay hard if you use cold) and let it sit for 15 minutes. When you come back, your pot is FULL of planting mix, and you are ready to plant those bulbs!!

Pretty, huh? And, now, even easier to achieve! Pretty AND easy - THAT Works For Me!!