Simple start to the week ahead

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

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)

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

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

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

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)

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)

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)

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

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

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)

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!!

That hot spot (Tackle-it Tuesday)

So, my first Tackle of this year is simple (baby steps, right?!) - that "hot spot" in our dining room; you know what I'm talkin' about, that one place in the house where everything seems to accumulate like flies on ...honey.

Well, *our* hot spot, is the side table in our dining room:

I know - that's just awful, isn't it?! Especially now, as the mister was home on vacation over the holidays, so that was 10 solid days of compilation (I do little-to-no housework when he has some time off...see the quote at the bottom of the page!)

It's actually a very nice, antique drop-leaf maple table. Of course, you can't TELL that, as it is so piled high with crap, that you can't SEE it!! But, that will be corrected TODAY, my friends! I will report back with an update, later in the day (I hope!)...

~~~~~
Ahhh...now *that's* better! Now, I can at least see the top! BUT - not only THAT - I also picked up the living & dining rooms, cleaned the kitchen AND did all the dirty laundry! I am on a roll, boys and girls!!...

Need some inspiration of your own to get up and tackle something today? Be sure to head on over to 5 minutes for mom, and see what others are tackling this new year...

Happy Housework!!

Happy Holidays

~ Wishing You a Happy Holiday Season ~

On Time (Tackle-it Tuesday)

Well! It's been a *very* long time since I've participated in Tackle-it Tuesday! (they even got a kewl new logo, there!) Actually, my house is all nice and tidy today (save making the bed, and a few dishes that need to be put away), but in keeping with my resolve to keep up with this house, and coincidentally to keep up with this blog, my tackle today is to update our wall calendar for the upcoming year...

You know, add in all those birthdays, anniversaries and other personal dates that you don't want to forget! The mister brought me home a 2009 calendar from the Beaches Museum & History Center, which even sports an old photo of a friend of ours! (posing with his award-winning photograph of the Bicentennial Flag Pavilion in Jacksonville Beach), and so today, I plan to transfer all the needed data into it and have it ready to hang for the new year.

Not a very taxing tackle, but a chore that needs doing, just the same! How about you? Are you tackling something today? Be sure to head on over to 5 Minutes for Mom and share your hard work with the rest of us! In the meantime ~

Happy Holidays to You and Yours!

Planning Paradise

Wow...Long Time, No Post, huh?!

Here we are, about to embark on yet another new calendar year, and I am making it my mission (yet again) to keep a sort of home journal with this blog; we may not be moving along with the renovations/remodeling/revamping as quickly and efficiently as we might like (both time and money bridle those plans currently), but little by little we are moving forward; this year, the Mister is dedicated to a vegetable garden (or, so he says), and this coming spring I WILL tame the overgrown jungle which was once our planting beds. I have oh-so-grand plans for a wonderfully clean and organized home and I intend to HAVE one!! I want to get back to trying new and tasty (and preferably easy) dishes, instead of having the same things for dinner, night after night.

So. That's the plan. (First, have a plan) - And, since the mister is at work, and my house really *is* nice and tidy at the moment (I'm doing the little bit of laundry we have, so as I feel like I'm accomplishing something), I'm going to go read some "homey" sites, and resolve my resolve, for my resolution!! *wink*

~ Happy Holidays to You and Yours ~

May Garden Talk

This month’s “gardening time” was focused on the potted plants; propagated new plants, repotting those that were root-bound, top dressing some, and edge trimming a few.

I created a new hanging begonia from some of that which I am using as ground cover in the east-side garden, and a small pot of English Ivy, that used to grow over a trellis, until hurricane winds took that out, and it now grows along the east side of our spare bedroom windows. Both of those were created from stem cuttings, but now is the time to propagate by stem and leaf cuttings or layering, as well.

We purchased a few new pots for those root bound plants too. As a general rule, I prefer clay pots, as they are very porous, however, I’ll admit to using/buying some plastic pots as well, especially in the larger, harder-to-move (and pricier!) sizes. A good tip is to keep your plants in a pot within a pot, so that any excess water that accumulates in the outside container can be easily drained off. If the container is too large to lift, layer some peat moss or vermiculite between the two pots, as these materials will absorb the excess water, so the roots aren’t resting in it.

And, while I did repot two date palms, two fig trees and a lady palm, we STILL had a few that I simply gave a top dressing. This is a ‘quick fix’ to help keep plants that are outgrowing their pots healthy for a few months, until you can repot them. To top dress, use a fork to loosen the top 1-2 inches of soil. Remove that and discard. Mix some fresh soil with a slow-release fertilizer and add the mix to the pot, to the original soil line. Tamp soil lightly,and water well. As I said, this should give the plant enough nutrients for about two months or so, until you have a chance to repot it properly.

Of course, lawn mowing is in full swing now. If its been dry where you live, remember to water your lawn, but only when the grass blades begin to fold.

Some vegetables for planting in May: lima beans, eggplant, southern peas, sweet potatoes. Annuals for planting: coleus, impatiens, marigolds, ornamental peppers, moss roses, salvia, periwinkles, zinnias.

This and That (Tackle-it Tuesday)

Well, *we* certainly enjoyed our three-day weekend around here, which meant we spent as little time as possible on those household tasks which continue to accumulate, regardless of one's relaxation plans...the pesky little buggers that they are! So, to try and get back in the swing of things, my goal for this week, is to simply get our little cottage habitable once more! My "must do" list for today:

1. make the bed done
2. put dishes away/tidy up kitchen done
3. tidy up living room and dining room; special attention to sideboard (our "hotspot") done
4. dust living room/dining room done
5. sweep floors
6. balance checkbook done
7. clean up bathroom
8. change kitty litter done
9. put away last week's laundry done

That should keep me busy on what looks to be a rainy afternoon. How about you? Be sure to stop by 5 minutes for mom and see what everybody else has to tackle.

I've tried (WFMW)

Shannon over at Rocks in My Dryer has asked that we play a little different in this week's Works for Me Wednesday, and has turned our thoughts to what doesn't work for me.


Personally, as much as I'd LIKE it to, cutting coupons just doesn't work for me. I've tried; I peruse through all 32846865 of them that are included in our Sunday paper, but I can never seem to find any for the products that we actually USE. Since "name" brands aren't a big priority with us, and we purchase very little in terms of pre-packaged or prepared foods, there aren't many that are useful for us. And, even if I should come across $1 off the dog food brand we DO buy, then, I enevitably leave the coupon home when I trek to the grocery store.
Which brings me to my next doesn't work for me issue:

Planned weekly/monthly menus. Another fabulous idea in theory, but one that just doesn't play out well in practice, at our house. I've tried; I've planned the meals, purchased the needed ingredients...then, the Mister works late on Wednesday and picked up a pizza on the way home, or it's Thursday, and I'm just not up for making lemon chicken tonight, and want pasta instead! We're more of a stop-at-the-fresh-market-on-your-way-home and get "what's for dinner TONIGHT?" kinda household.

So, there ya have it - two frugal, money-saving opportunities that just Don't work for me...for more non-working dilemmas, be sure to stop by Works for Me Wednesday - maybe you can learn from (or empathize with) the pitfalls of others!

'Bout time - (Tackle-it Tuesday)

Today's Tuesday, and ya know what that means?! There's an awful lot of tacklin' goin' on at 5 minutes for mom!



My tackle for the week is one that really should have been done before the end of April, but I figure the first week of May is close enough, right?!

I'm gonna plant some (2 doz.) gladiolus bulbs, along with a shakerbag full of wildflower seeds.

Right now, we have some woodland ferns growing along the back fence line. The plan is, to prepare a long, narrow-ish bed in front of those ferns for the wildflowers (I got a fragrant cutting mix, that is supposed to cover up to 1000 sq. feet) and in the southwest corner, I intend to plant the glaidolus. In this area, those should have been in the ground by late April, so cross your fingers for me, that I haven't waited too long! Hopefully, sometime in July I will be able to post my "success".

What are YOU tackling today?!

April Garden Talk

Well, here at the beach this month, it was ALLLL about the lawn, folks! The warm weather is here to stay (except, it's supposed to get down in the 40's tonight -*shiver*), and the Mister has mowed the yard twice already. Remember, if you have St. Augustine grass, it should remain about 2 - 3 1/2" long (Bahia should be about 3-4"); grass mowed too low will have a shorter root system, and therefore more easily damaged during dry weather and, being weaker, will more likely have weed problems.

And, whether you used sod, plugs, or seedlings, this was the month to repair dead or damaged areas of the lawn. Remember to keep it well-watered if the weather by you has been dry. If you're establishing a new lawn, water frequently, but lightly, for the first two weeks. Then, gradually decrease the frequency and increase the length of irrigation.

IF the weather is dry, water your lawn with 1/2 in. of water, no more than twice a week. Water ONLY when the blades fold, and water early in the morning before temperatures rise. If the blades fold in the afternoon, water the next morning.

Recycling your grass clippings back into the lawn. Grass clipping won't cause thatch to build up if only 1/3 of the grass top is removed when mowing. Besides, removing the clippings carries off any fertilizer that is used on the lawn. Remember, too, that almost ALL yard waste can be used as mulch or compost.

Now is also the time to divide any fall flowering bulbs or perennials that are overcrowded. Some fruits & veggies to plant in your garden this month; cantaloupe, cucumbers, eggplant, tomatoes, turnips and watermelon. Some pretty annuals for the month; coleus, dusty miller, hollyhocks, impatiens, daisies, marigolds, periwinkles, salvia, and verbenas.


Happy Planting!!

March Garden Talk

WoW! Here we are at the tail-end of March already, and our little cottage garden is nowhere near the shape it should be in! Well, I *did* get out at de-weed my fruit trees, and fertilized them all just yesterday; as that task should have been completed last month, we're adhering to the motto of "better late than never". We tried a new product this season - "Sta-Green" fertilizer for citrus, fruit & nut trees. My fig tree produces ample fruit every year, but in the two years we've had them, not one of my citrus trees have bared fruit. We shall see if perhaps a direct delivery of nutrients will change that.

If you have St. Augustine grass (like we do), now is also the time to begin fertilizing your lawn, as well, which should be done four times a year (March, May, July and September). This is assuming that you've already raked all the dead grass & leaves into the compost pile. Again, tho, here at the cottage...well, we're a bit behind schedule on that front!

If you have palm trees, now's the time to fertilize them, as well, begining in March, and continuing every two months through September.

Heavy pruning of hedges should be done this month. To encourage bushy growth, prune just prior to the bud swell. To slow growth, prune just after bud swell, and after the leaves have fully expanded. Any cold-weather damaged plants should be pruned AFTER new growth appears (if you prune too soon, you can nremove too much and it will take longer for the plant to recover).

Do you have poinsettias from the holiday season, still? Now, until early-April is the best time to get those incorporated into your landscape. Cut them back to about 12" of ground-level, and pinch back the new growth every four weeks until September; Plant away from any lighting that will be on at night. Fertilize every month from May until September.

And, if you've turned your beds at least two weeks in advance (again...I've dropped the ball on this one, but, I'll get to it before the month is out, I guarantee!!), 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, corn, cucumbers, lettuce, peppers, potatoes, summer squash,and tomatoes. Some favorite annuals to plant: begonias, coleus, dahlias, geranuims, impatiens, daisies, marigolds, salvia, periwinkles, and zinnias.


Happy Gardening!!

Fruits of Labor (Tackle-it Tuesday)

Today is Tuesday! And, that means, time for a tackle;



This week, my tackle is an easy one, but one that should have been completed last month! Today, warm weather permitting, I am going to de-weed under my fruit trees (orange, lemon, lime and fig) and get them fertilized for the coming warm weather. We've purchased "Sta-Green" fertilizer spikes, which are supposed to feed continuously for six months. My fig tree is already sprouting buds (its one of the few plants in the yard that actuallly looses its foliage in the winter, here), so its definately time for feeding!

Perhaps I will get my veggie garden turned and tilled this week, too...another yard job that has been put off long enough - time to tackle it!!

So...what are *YOU* tackling this week? Be sure to check out 5 minutes for mom, and see what everyone is working on this week; always a good source of inspiration....