tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-302132542024-03-14T08:24:10.132-04:00The Giddy Garden GnomeA journal documenting the trials and tribulations of gardening on the rocky coast of Downeast Maine. My attempt at keeping in touch with my many friends and loved ones who live all across the nation.Giddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810313282013706875noreply@blogger.comBlogger314125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30213254.post-64963394994056938372010-07-27T13:10:00.004-04:002010-07-27T14:05:37.658-04:00No PromisesMy Muse is still in mourning. No matter how much I try to goad her in to coming out from under her cloak, she peeks occasionally, but refuses to inspire me. Today, I have plied her with fresh vegetables from the garden, gently sauteed in olive oil, garlic and topped with a chiffonade of fresh, fragrant basil, and a few glasses of lovely Chardonnay. She is mellow. Perhaps now, we can allow the joy, the anguish and the hope to rise to the surface. We shall see, but no promises.<br /><br />The past few months have been a frenzy of activity. I received a small sum of insurance money after H's passing and, coming from a financial background, I gave some serious thought to how I would best invest the sum of his gift. Given the state of the economy and the abysmal handling by both the current and past administrations, the stock market was absolutely out of the question. Banks at this time are under fire and aren't paying any decent amount of interest, so my leanings were toward real estate. With so many properties, unfortunately, under foreclosure at this time, I began looking to buy a rental property. My younger son, along with his wife and two children had decided to move here and were looking for a place to rent, sooooo, it seemed like the ideal time. DIL, found a candidate in my price range on the internet, and since I knew the realtor, I made an appointment to view the property. My eldest son, who was visiting at the time, came along to help check things out.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg57MjLkmjzMry8uzzB4CE2x8iIWOwSfv6PsXZ_TH6PLa8Ob8PCNxALjtCu2GHYAqDgCTZpGjKfVES-2PEDys-cXZTKA-FR9n5TCth54Oqby2G-fDVrBeoaKczT8OK4AQa1g9rZ/s1600/P4220038.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg57MjLkmjzMry8uzzB4CE2x8iIWOwSfv6PsXZ_TH6PLa8Ob8PCNxALjtCu2GHYAqDgCTZpGjKfVES-2PEDys-cXZTKA-FR9n5TCth54Oqby2G-fDVrBeoaKczT8OK4AQa1g9rZ/s400/P4220038.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498641311310845586" border="0" /></a>To make a long story short, I put in an offer and after a couple of counter offers by the bank, it was mine!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxCObHM0LgzJLoMSCwsKqLJdegQYS4tLzlceapTWPKWlk95VKnTctFVFKzh-lACTWwHrrfBYOzQ0u6VN8BqviEbmis7YGAAcsq5SVNagjxKgUIjQkGP5wDCFaZC8YGpVC6wjL4/s1600/P4220068.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxCObHM0LgzJLoMSCwsKqLJdegQYS4tLzlceapTWPKWlk95VKnTctFVFKzh-lACTWwHrrfBYOzQ0u6VN8BqviEbmis7YGAAcsq5SVNagjxKgUIjQkGP5wDCFaZC8YGpVC6wjL4/s400/P4220068.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498641320824077634" border="0" /></a>I have spent the past few months running back and forth, 20 miles each way from my home to the rental home. Each day, I would spend it there painting and generally improving the property. My son and family moved in early in July and we have been busy with the ongoing things that need our attention. All in all, the property was in good shape, but as with any property that has stood empty for any length of time, some deferred maintenance was to be expected. And....... it needs some landscaping!!! Right up my alley.<br /><br />This week has been spent stacking firewood for the coming winter and, with the help of DIL, transplanting two lilac bushes and a huge spirea.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq4Wun1NT7EkMLv-6AL6b8z93EC8VzVmFGwAhh2wQI5cBNir8QrYvDY-trcUU1L55Ia6dkdWhLYU1F1Lr4TGMO2AxUWMDxzswUrom_Ka2_3fKsnFaRQFUEIE0UYb1OdGGRXsGU/s1600/P7240006.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq4Wun1NT7EkMLv-6AL6b8z93EC8VzVmFGwAhh2wQI5cBNir8QrYvDY-trcUU1L55Ia6dkdWhLYU1F1Lr4TGMO2AxUWMDxzswUrom_Ka2_3fKsnFaRQFUEIE0UYb1OdGGRXsGU/s400/P7240006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498641327529075922" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNg1YI0UED10-LDO0wOmTIHzhB4UpBHc3DVw1BlZlp0nvi9kDiIcCB3Rku73XBAhvkwgCIvH4pkxWUQ17iw4AjlOUDQ6Y82dEUCJm3G3rolB_i2bPMhgX7W_zO-qH96uwbC7KX/s1600/P7240008.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNg1YI0UED10-LDO0wOmTIHzhB4UpBHc3DVw1BlZlp0nvi9kDiIcCB3Rku73XBAhvkwgCIvH4pkxWUQ17iw4AjlOUDQ6Y82dEUCJm3G3rolB_i2bPMhgX7W_zO-qH96uwbC7KX/s400/P7240008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498641337482311218" border="0" /></a>Tomorrow is my birthday, so I've been invited to come over for a celebratory lunch. H and I never celebrated our birthdays, so it will be fun to share it with my family.<br /><br />Yesterday marked six months without my dearly beloved and I am inconsolable. Life without him is difficult. Even though I am busy with my projects and family, and as much as I love them, nothing can fill the bottomless cavern in my heart. People tell me this will pass but I know better; memories may fade, but they are always with one.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmU5s89ug7DrcZyl-B2UhM1A4UNR8Pp-tAltFZhmD27Mjh1BJFk5iuk5D5qYfyhQN7Pp8rNF5M_cg7rcCdxWgin9KWl2Kmp2zWuhyY2U-G0-8xpiCRw-JQ1r4jqtemv588xeEw/s1600/P7070005.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmU5s89ug7DrcZyl-B2UhM1A4UNR8Pp-tAltFZhmD27Mjh1BJFk5iuk5D5qYfyhQN7Pp8rNF5M_cg7rcCdxWgin9KWl2Kmp2zWuhyY2U-G0-8xpiCRw-JQ1r4jqtemv588xeEw/s400/P7070005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498641342998745410" border="0" /></a><br />My Muse has indicated she is heading back to her hidey hole, so I will end this post with a smile, but heavy heart. and hope to post again soon.<br /><br />My hugs to all my family, friends and blogger buddies! I wish you all a wonderful day and please, do not forget to tell your loved ones how very much they mean to you on a daily basis!<br /><br />Life is one day at a time these days, but still good.<br /><br />Hugs, GiddyGiddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810313282013706875noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30213254.post-28890285191013767232010-04-19T15:15:00.011-04:002010-04-19T17:16:54.801-04:00Of Firsts and LastsI'm finally back home and am so grateful to be here, surrounded by comforting, familiar things. It was nice to spend time with my family in Florida, however, to quote Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, "there's no place like home", and home is where the heart is. I'm comfortable being in my own bed, cooking in my own pans, in my own kitchen, etc, etc, etc. I feel John's presence here and am comforted by that feeling.<br /><br />Unfortunately, I am faced with many "firsts" and "lasts" here at home. Some of them are difficult, such as the first time I went to my knitting group and John was not there to pick me up on his way back from the grocery, or finding the last of the gumbo he made in the freezer and eating it. There are still so many firsts to come; birthdays, holidays, places we visited together, gatherings with our friends. I will survive, heartbroken though I may be.<br /><br />There was much work to be done in the garden upon my return back home and, although I missed the annual few days when the crocus bloomed, I was pleased that the daffodils, hyacinth and primroses were blooming for me.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfGFuQCmeKI-HUNmZpMWTIRlo9B05AhW9ynoSUXkTa1j89kwx3WFpzQCTfBjrzt6ls1is_OmKtNjjy27fCkTWJlvhn1IjGoZHRdPzeLH_RR5s3m2w-bxdYIYTbyzOClg1CMn2k/s1600/P4190001.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfGFuQCmeKI-HUNmZpMWTIRlo9B05AhW9ynoSUXkTa1j89kwx3WFpzQCTfBjrzt6ls1is_OmKtNjjy27fCkTWJlvhn1IjGoZHRdPzeLH_RR5s3m2w-bxdYIYTbyzOClg1CMn2k/s400/P4190001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461948791384612322" border="0" /></a>This was the only hyacinth the squirrels left for me!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNEjjD-uiQ8sjxV3pAOVC8SHQUAFOVvcLKf4FB_GSbIlNuYwUcAl4MOz0kh7375ahrQ3NX-tX8mIOFZpxLpQ_SwfrrEtZBf2XiSsD0_qK_kkdlBxjPeQ9meES3_wXh9Y7JSP8h/s1600/P4190003.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNEjjD-uiQ8sjxV3pAOVC8SHQUAFOVvcLKf4FB_GSbIlNuYwUcAl4MOz0kh7375ahrQ3NX-tX8mIOFZpxLpQ_SwfrrEtZBf2XiSsD0_qK_kkdlBxjPeQ9meES3_wXh9Y7JSP8h/s400/P4190003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461948798604631074" border="0" /></a>Even the insects are out enjoying the nice weather!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicIxrBOyK6WeD1t1nQ8340s0plwWFkkW79eMfoJyRvFSgf4pjAxniAR8CDj-A8WOuEKM5oBKBtaFIM-tGBzErUORzg6ndazZOKUYzCKiSLsxLjv1uehOlwZq9AWX2ivaV-g00O/s1600/P4190002.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicIxrBOyK6WeD1t1nQ8340s0plwWFkkW79eMfoJyRvFSgf4pjAxniAR8CDj-A8WOuEKM5oBKBtaFIM-tGBzErUORzg6ndazZOKUYzCKiSLsxLjv1uehOlwZq9AWX2ivaV-g00O/s400/P4190002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461948796520532242" border="0" /></a>Froggy is keeping watch over the blooms<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoYqA6SNtMSexa_hKaHQ6mVICuTlN3CuPxtHVy0hTNHkGaHDOkBSo8ZibJOX8pbTNT_s5rg1btKPbQE38-swCDaV5ny9FCo3DGgV9H8xIiSJD68UgbsDp7NDyLHpqpoMxLXC0A/s1600/P4190006.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoYqA6SNtMSexa_hKaHQ6mVICuTlN3CuPxtHVy0hTNHkGaHDOkBSo8ZibJOX8pbTNT_s5rg1btKPbQE38-swCDaV5ny9FCo3DGgV9H8xIiSJD68UgbsDp7NDyLHpqpoMxLXC0A/s400/P4190006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461948809476853426" border="0" /></a>The PJM Rhododendron is just about to burst forth into bloom.....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO-_ju-UE-fpnKfwvifyuxB3xbjjPXxI0Nc6acfpAOw5MeF2LT0c9DewYNsF0nAYsDIowIZIoePZxOrtKepMuVOSK_HsKO2Dfljr8FkLiHxuXpJz56RE-ka1xtJ51o7ge7ayHi/s1600/P4190004.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO-_ju-UE-fpnKfwvifyuxB3xbjjPXxI0Nc6acfpAOw5MeF2LT0c9DewYNsF0nAYsDIowIZIoePZxOrtKepMuVOSK_HsKO2Dfljr8FkLiHxuXpJz56RE-ka1xtJ51o7ge7ayHi/s400/P4190004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461948805084656146" border="0" /></a>and the hostas are peeking out, reaching for the warm sun.<br /><br />My dear friends at Shirley's Yarn shop, where my knitting group, The Downeast Knitiots meets, greeted me back with open arms and hugs all around. What a great group they are. We laugh, cry, fuss and support each other better than any therapy group!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj60K-zdvoWdYBoB55PWUfz17SxFI1S-FFDkot_ESjELPGj4qKRBmnyajE4ykAqSjFq-1VhULw49YJZRl2TxYx-vAhR7Jjxkz9E82HjMBhKVKGmdyOYu0ohxhAKCyead03m9Xf8/s1600/P1130006.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj60K-zdvoWdYBoB55PWUfz17SxFI1S-FFDkot_ESjELPGj4qKRBmnyajE4ykAqSjFq-1VhULw49YJZRl2TxYx-vAhR7Jjxkz9E82HjMBhKVKGmdyOYu0ohxhAKCyead03m9Xf8/s400/P1130006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461952340509641570" border="0" /></a>I've just helped Shirley get the yarn shop on Facebook, so if you'd like to become a "friend", just search Facebook for<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Shirley's yarns</span>. They will be posting all their special sales there, so you can be one of the first to get the word!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO-_ju-UE-fpnKfwvifyuxB3xbjjPXxI0Nc6acfpAOw5MeF2LT0c9DewYNsF0nAYsDIowIZIoePZxOrtKepMuVOSK_HsKO2Dfljr8FkLiHxuXpJz56RE-ka1xtJ51o7ge7ayHi/s1600/P4190004.JPG"><br /></a>My eldest son, Jason, is spending some time up here with me and we have converted the loft area of the garage into an artist's studio for him. Like his father, he is a talented artist, his artistic flair is found in many organic finds. He is currently working on painting masks, created from carved saw palmetto fronds. They are quite colorful and unique with each having their own individuality!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCNVC8jw7i2LMG9O7WLrPxHB4-yCwwVNmXmr3ry4N2aPt7ykiOaNhGow66F40A4xLcAmk-zZr_Ag01SwIkxrYyLjAOobSwRwVgMznBO_SuLNce9v19Oi29uKCF92VFlgrOtiYr/s1600/P4190001.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCNVC8jw7i2LMG9O7WLrPxHB4-yCwwVNmXmr3ry4N2aPt7ykiOaNhGow66F40A4xLcAmk-zZr_Ag01SwIkxrYyLjAOobSwRwVgMznBO_SuLNce9v19Oi29uKCF92VFlgrOtiYr/s400/P4190001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461946445541186450" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtH3Fc8wqW2UG3KPYms1gBpzA8UdwuIAWURo7n01DeB0abH-nGbNA-rrrWzD504MuBiBJ0MXYU66HDyS-ZuYuCBVSgDSaMNB4Xgk6WXIjiF1Qd42NRptzQyhvXPHNl69uZz1oX/s1600/P4190003.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtH3Fc8wqW2UG3KPYms1gBpzA8UdwuIAWURo7n01DeB0abH-nGbNA-rrrWzD504MuBiBJ0MXYU66HDyS-ZuYuCBVSgDSaMNB4Xgk6WXIjiF1Qd42NRptzQyhvXPHNl69uZz1oX/s400/P4190003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461946468016345282" border="0" /></a>They remind me of wolves!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4zL276ScI4nHg87ZvrJCfhSTnahXh0l1UejnigJbiWlwYtBhn470avCeYt4xvCNgBqXytFgP7nDkVJs0UIvy2_v-ePD38RcrthLKa8u0ZVn6y8stXapbipY3qAc40zm3iXBJE/s1600/P4190002.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4zL276ScI4nHg87ZvrJCfhSTnahXh0l1UejnigJbiWlwYtBhn470avCeYt4xvCNgBqXytFgP7nDkVJs0UIvy2_v-ePD38RcrthLKa8u0ZVn6y8stXapbipY3qAc40zm3iXBJE/s400/P4190002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461946455077045410" border="0" /></a>As I stated before, I'm so happy to be back in my own kitchen, preparing things I love to eat. My latest snack has been roasted red pepper hummus. I had been buying it in Florida, but at $3.99 a pop, I knew I could make the same thing for much less money, plus without all the preservatives.<br /><br />I made it today and I must say, it tastes even better than store bought! If you want a good, healthful snack, I highly recommend this tasty, simple recipe:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqVJy9y88YJKqev586kvu3EacshSjEApHIlD-r_-0LpGvSQH_jV9kDYqaPXKXeywrgX59uVJnDRZxuNPQRPFjNGSrCHfCXV1dVdGoM6FGu6ncffIh7M5gEvcNRg2k6yYxv0tPx/s1600/P4190001.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 376px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqVJy9y88YJKqev586kvu3EacshSjEApHIlD-r_-0LpGvSQH_jV9kDYqaPXKXeywrgX59uVJnDRZxuNPQRPFjNGSrCHfCXV1dVdGoM6FGu6ncffIh7M5gEvcNRg2k6yYxv0tPx/s400/P4190001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461946431544318402" border="0" /></a>Roasted Red Pepper Hummus<br /><br />1 can chick peas (garbanzo beans)<br />1/4 Cup bean liquid<br />1/3 Cup Tahini (sesame seed paste)<br />1/4 Cup Lemon Juice<br />2 TBSP Olive Oil<br />2 Cloves Garlic, crushed<br />1/2 - 3/4 Cup Roasted Red Peppers<br /><br />In food processor, combine beans, bean liquid, tahini, lemon juice and olive oil. Process til smooth. (this will take a while). Add peppers and garlic and process to desired consistency. Garnish with parsley and a few chopped peppers.<br /><br />Life today is different, but still good.<br /><br />Hugs, GiddyGiddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810313282013706875noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30213254.post-28704693301726478892010-03-24T15:39:00.005-04:002010-03-24T16:39:48.290-04:00Gasparilla State Park in Boca GrandeJohn and I had planned on returning to the beach we had visited in Boca Grande while we were down here visiting the children last June, so my next adventure was to do just that.<br /><br />This morning, I once again took a deep breath, squared my shoulders and set forth with "Lola's" directions. Oh, I haven't mentioned Lola have I? She's the voice on my GPS, so named because whatever Lola says, we do and so far, she hasn't gotten us lost. So, having programmed Lola to get me to the beach in Boca Grande, I set out for my adventure du jour. I left around 8:15 and was surprised that the traffic was not as bad as I anticipated. It took about an hour to get there and when I arrived, I found I was the only soul on the beach as far as I could see in any direction.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwmFa7GOpqd-OCSRcjEsmppzM578tL7cTzpVCf9VQ01anCvKVs8LFOtf24Hofz9MASDStnDIJv7PdpPpHqJwki6EEQb5dtTHgleXuSzsmJYqzWqKdMDcwT7lK20aGxMI4qkjQG/s1600/P3240034.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwmFa7GOpqd-OCSRcjEsmppzM578tL7cTzpVCf9VQ01anCvKVs8LFOtf24Hofz9MASDStnDIJv7PdpPpHqJwki6EEQb5dtTHgleXuSzsmJYqzWqKdMDcwT7lK20aGxMI4qkjQG/s400/P3240034.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452289251491108578" border="0" /></a>and since there was no one there to snap a picture of me, I just got one of my shadow! Traveling alone has its disadvantages.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEzDSdYzaJC_o6k2opa1tQF1KDYvxhcsSafIA7woKUaElYhv37E1dajYVSC_oSQ-zy9F1r2l1xQXhxKstIaHaOGUnhj0AZ9B14VJDyqZR4cHJDfi7L84YvabvwgNz_AN96ies9/s1600/P3240033.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEzDSdYzaJC_o6k2opa1tQF1KDYvxhcsSafIA7woKUaElYhv37E1dajYVSC_oSQ-zy9F1r2l1xQXhxKstIaHaOGUnhj0AZ9B14VJDyqZR4cHJDfi7L84YvabvwgNz_AN96ies9/s400/P3240033.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452289255661607058" border="0" /></a>The weather had recently been stormy and the surf was just beginning to settle down so I was finding some incredible shells and other less savory finds......<br /><br />This stone crab had just recently passed away as he was still intact and quite colorful among the shells. I actually poked him just to make sure he wasn't still alive.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhinc-iPgl2QAT963_CWfRbDbhm06UaCOGHbxoGii9XbloZLslHbPwMTOwG068vax3tzBHIJBf8Vh4PXtockgWqllYNl-pueuddvD_wLQnp5Tc86z-kvg7UdFrKh_yBIbMrVhVB/s1600/P3240035.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 381px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhinc-iPgl2QAT963_CWfRbDbhm06UaCOGHbxoGii9XbloZLslHbPwMTOwG068vax3tzBHIJBf8Vh4PXtockgWqllYNl-pueuddvD_wLQnp5Tc86z-kvg7UdFrKh_yBIbMrVhVB/s400/P3240035.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452289256800587026" border="0" /></a>This poor shore bird looked like the unfortunate victim of a shark attack as the only thing left of him was his head. Needless to say, I did not venture into the water!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLVAkkYcTtbqyy0GbVeg8IfMX4hzolKaSG8CdKmTOqa69ofSQGcVDAI8Ewl9LJe6efcf2n6qiJgHjP2X77693nvD_XzR4ev0mX-AKrkBtpL7p6vUebhR2lguDHEZv30k33XEI5/s1600/P3240037.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLVAkkYcTtbqyy0GbVeg8IfMX4hzolKaSG8CdKmTOqa69ofSQGcVDAI8Ewl9LJe6efcf2n6qiJgHjP2X77693nvD_XzR4ev0mX-AKrkBtpL7p6vUebhR2lguDHEZv30k33XEI5/s400/P3240037.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452289268862599938" border="0" /></a>I walked up and down the long length of the beach for about 3 hours, searching for large shells that were still intact and found quite a few. It was interesting to note that similar shells were to be found in certain places and not others.<br /><br />Other than the great variety of shells, I'm afraid I find Florida beaches to be a bit boring. There's not much to see other than a huge expanse of water that slowly drops below the horizon.<br />I guess I just miss my rocky coastline in Maine.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL0IFYrZltK18Y7GSFRq8hX53vtPF3ilbwAY8ggGUd5NQvGnKAywd2rVPHtDRD8ZEZFhcmB_NeYaWzM6hcD69Vh6NZTFedRv8Z7a2UquG0NQyZXgpxrE3SZvD6xreUWcJucbpb/s1600/P3240043.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL0IFYrZltK18Y7GSFRq8hX53vtPF3ilbwAY8ggGUd5NQvGnKAywd2rVPHtDRD8ZEZFhcmB_NeYaWzM6hcD69Vh6NZTFedRv8Z7a2UquG0NQyZXgpxrE3SZvD6xreUWcJucbpb/s400/P3240043.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452292208573242114" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I did find a few interesting things though. This lighthouse was at one end of the beach....<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxrOaPRz38lsoRB4RXaWThJl-qinY09e8lliPz0LRGRstNM4Q7ni114W3bjN9rdY13mUyYwtpEzbZmT-En9Ev77tG02llbN3DwWEShtvUVmV54YVbtYqZTzRtPz677bwbHE9lm/s1600/P3240041.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxrOaPRz38lsoRB4RXaWThJl-qinY09e8lliPz0LRGRstNM4Q7ni114W3bjN9rdY13mUyYwtpEzbZmT-En9Ev77tG02llbN3DwWEShtvUVmV54YVbtYqZTzRtPz677bwbHE9lm/s400/P3240041.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452289272327199042" border="0" /></a><br />and this pier to nowhere seems to have been what was left after a hurricane blew through.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLZ8RAOgfwHZow5VeRKHdZ7Ygn0cH7gbzk9zeYrDG07W_RCmqtyk9FM9BQXeY7RKnW0GyUyaN_ZhxbDhmGpuiKd4BzLt53q9B5qAcfPih_BXYr5EijMQDUO6Ri0yLSdl0kKpg6/s1600/P3240038.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLZ8RAOgfwHZow5VeRKHdZ7Ygn0cH7gbzk9zeYrDG07W_RCmqtyk9FM9BQXeY7RKnW0GyUyaN_ZhxbDhmGpuiKd4BzLt53q9B5qAcfPih_BXYr5EijMQDUO6Ri0yLSdl0kKpg6/s400/P3240038.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452292196368299842" border="0" /></a><br />Again, since I had no one to take my picture, I just got creative and realized I had a setting on my camera that was "self portrait"<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE20AtUTZEFOOwBCUFpI3i64mSZHF7yDPRTuNIHgTaWE14TpJ1Dbx50izAJpTr3l_K95IVcf3Fo2rUx2nodm_DN5ZgX3IeHuPgJDRyZcNOnXjL-c6D01_kpndMeFtmx4v18Hyt/s1600/P3240050.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE20AtUTZEFOOwBCUFpI3i64mSZHF7yDPRTuNIHgTaWE14TpJ1Dbx50izAJpTr3l_K95IVcf3Fo2rUx2nodm_DN5ZgX3IeHuPgJDRyZcNOnXjL-c6D01_kpndMeFtmx4v18Hyt/s400/P3240050.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452292219338723826" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid9C7e80Hp39Gge1OghHPbI3ru3plA_Tg3h-eALUy3l6wdMxcJnhQrF3wfeiW1nZPmeuDcdc7ilIf8fvoBCNsA7vKD9mnVD6QtpkeBlzZh9fGJpafObgYeA6R2J2E6MjgIXJPd/s1600/P3240047.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid9C7e80Hp39Gge1OghHPbI3ru3plA_Tg3h-eALUy3l6wdMxcJnhQrF3wfeiW1nZPmeuDcdc7ilIf8fvoBCNsA7vKD9mnVD6QtpkeBlzZh9fGJpafObgYeA6R2J2E6MjgIXJPd/s400/P3240047.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452292213700930674" border="0" /></a>The clouds above also made for an interesting photo.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8qpmZjJMFYeq_BvgT58DZ9qPEqDXgI6XFsmblFxUnu5YCIoDNV6UoOofs1rz_Z8EZPuDn7JCO2Cp9zq0rl1nBFsBSwQVdWLNdmijwmHHteG9FdBtnZKojjGs7FElwRQ98Y2aw/s1600/P3240045.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8qpmZjJMFYeq_BvgT58DZ9qPEqDXgI6XFsmblFxUnu5YCIoDNV6UoOofs1rz_Z8EZPuDn7JCO2Cp9zq0rl1nBFsBSwQVdWLNdmijwmHHteG9FdBtnZKojjGs7FElwRQ98Y2aw/s400/P3240045.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452301439360050802" border="0" /></a><br />And, last but not least, when I got back, I unloaded my bounty from the shore.....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ7vv7JEWnpb5gVHoyCX_3V7W5DEhrWjkhZSE5Oxw635wwdbWbTnp2CLMsV3u621vC8TrHDwEX26vM4wsarnkNnXdM0BdFxNX4sVdayKGVG6p-wNmnJ3RpYgMUHA_v9alvq5jx/s1600/P3240052.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ7vv7JEWnpb5gVHoyCX_3V7W5DEhrWjkhZSE5Oxw635wwdbWbTnp2CLMsV3u621vC8TrHDwEX26vM4wsarnkNnXdM0BdFxNX4sVdayKGVG6p-wNmnJ3RpYgMUHA_v9alvq5jx/s400/P3240052.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452301449111472642" border="0" /></a>I think I might just make a little "faux" beach when I get back home!<br /><br />Life was sunny today.<br /><br />Hugs, GiddyGiddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810313282013706875noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30213254.post-10847608911205308532010-03-21T08:31:00.012-04:002010-03-21T14:39:15.626-04:00Walk in Lettuce Lake ParkYesterday, my son Brian, DIL Amy and kids took me on an outing to Lettuce Lake Park in Tampa. The weather was beautiful (for a change) and we had a lovely time walking along the board walk, looking for wildlife. It was pretty early in the morning and still a bit cool, so we didn't spy any big 'gators, but managed to see one little one.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiUdtVc6G_4-hdoYkiyyQzUJgguKEhOy7b_OHnpmCoL2_lbHiQ69ZdxTWNuEkYtY6p69jRK3v3VHjmqo4HnlNC2BmWNThd48HaMzUtmbd0Gq1HLHwf34M4qqGn82XS1vy2dyUy/s1600-h/P3200015.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiUdtVc6G_4-hdoYkiyyQzUJgguKEhOy7b_OHnpmCoL2_lbHiQ69ZdxTWNuEkYtY6p69jRK3v3VHjmqo4HnlNC2BmWNThd48HaMzUtmbd0Gq1HLHwf34M4qqGn82XS1vy2dyUy/s400/P3200015.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451064506611722194" border="0" /></a>Ashton and Kaiya had fun atop the tower over looking the lake......<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwGvvHpYuCXyZ76zfATlYEno6eMZDHJa4EOCiDADuUjZqmUs2allaZOe6MJg7f0c6H4er7xgg598G5GZS_0GhAw9wnF7bVIfkwcD9PRT8x6BtKUpVmqKzPuRNL2QrAAf3oCvA0/s1600-h/P3200016.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwGvvHpYuCXyZ76zfATlYEno6eMZDHJa4EOCiDADuUjZqmUs2allaZOe6MJg7f0c6H4er7xgg598G5GZS_0GhAw9wnF7bVIfkwcD9PRT8x6BtKUpVmqKzPuRNL2QrAAf3oCvA0/s400/P3200016.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451064511287652498" border="0" /></a>and running along the boardwalk that took us through the park.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYucyf8M2j8z8xUJQwOilVXroDI8SHXaXUsXlLxmuexpgcAmoWidwbgvil21dgZkhY0En7X4pTJtBptfwRlRZKuBhyvDB66fRoEbkb6ldCjbYxwrCSUzRozZmzf54x9YrijKVG/s1600-h/P3200029.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYucyf8M2j8z8xUJQwOilVXroDI8SHXaXUsXlLxmuexpgcAmoWidwbgvil21dgZkhY0En7X4pTJtBptfwRlRZKuBhyvDB66fRoEbkb6ldCjbYxwrCSUzRozZmzf54x9YrijKVG/s400/P3200029.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451158184865107794" border="0" /></a><br />We found these three turtles sunning themselves on a log.....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieuFXa63txU1kYh57cIgED2aQ-rrFwPMaPmmxsidANneNBR7v8q8JfU_-vnIbs1IEBeNToY2rHYLu0XXo3XK73rkvYuc4-_cEKFY5DWIE1DHkqMpq8xe1Y0I7wYAazO77vPA3a/s1600-h/P3200022.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieuFXa63txU1kYh57cIgED2aQ-rrFwPMaPmmxsidANneNBR7v8q8JfU_-vnIbs1IEBeNToY2rHYLu0XXo3XK73rkvYuc4-_cEKFY5DWIE1DHkqMpq8xe1Y0I7wYAazO77vPA3a/s400/P3200022.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451066521691776578" border="0" /></a>while Brian caught this little lizard who hopped back and forth from Brian to Amy, delighting the kids to no end!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Ubx3yRtHq2blG-fyIyUazaXos3YnRe4d1zmgPd4qDIiM-vF2_1n9Rx5j0ByuisVGJooquXbQTTJPMMp5tWB57-AjpJIvSuk90WPIfgX-TOfWSbZBpiyGTTjt-vkqw2Vytl-q/s1600-h/P3200027.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Ubx3yRtHq2blG-fyIyUazaXos3YnRe4d1zmgPd4qDIiM-vF2_1n9Rx5j0ByuisVGJooquXbQTTJPMMp5tWB57-AjpJIvSuk90WPIfgX-TOfWSbZBpiyGTTjt-vkqw2Vytl-q/s400/P3200027.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451067428316029506" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieuFXa63txU1kYh57cIgED2aQ-rrFwPMaPmmxsidANneNBR7v8q8JfU_-vnIbs1IEBeNToY2rHYLu0XXo3XK73rkvYuc4-_cEKFY5DWIE1DHkqMpq8xe1Y0I7wYAazO77vPA3a/s1600-h/P3200022.JPG"><br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2mtzxekQj6zvZzw0DR90HuvWuOwOQTvQ1qdPTu8Haum5rV3LGM0xFfqZ65ClA2wz9n2ulHoIKEwb2WcnTFkTD0KOVuYMwL4k8tyRtmPSY7hYHfZGc978rWHWz6PXsY6XPq8KC/s1600-h/P3200021.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2mtzxekQj6zvZzw0DR90HuvWuOwOQTvQ1qdPTu8Haum5rV3LGM0xFfqZ65ClA2wz9n2ulHoIKEwb2WcnTFkTD0KOVuYMwL4k8tyRtmPSY7hYHfZGc978rWHWz6PXsY6XPq8KC/s400/P3200021.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451064515748772898" border="0" /></a>A fun time was had by all and we headed off to a Chinese Buffet for lunch.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvDUnOFBxlIK8V-J6lXuie_XevzoeK3XO1PPAs_i8nQGT-5nZt2EUlAHWNkA9Vv0_LwbLkJAiKDF8ImPb67k7N5T_315glQls20duR9OJJCZt41p7oXGe9J7Kc-IllClPMJ8Zj/s1600-h/P3200032.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 344px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvDUnOFBxlIK8V-J6lXuie_XevzoeK3XO1PPAs_i8nQGT-5nZt2EUlAHWNkA9Vv0_LwbLkJAiKDF8ImPb67k7N5T_315glQls20duR9OJJCZt41p7oXGe9J7Kc-IllClPMJ8Zj/s400/P3200032.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451065784098695810" border="0" /></a>I'm finding this is a time of "firsts" in my life without John. We did everything together and enjoyed our life immensely, whether it was something as mundane as grocery shopping or exciting as our annual trek up Champlain Mountain in Acadia National Park.<br /><br />I ventured out on my own a couple of days ago with a road trip to Historic Spanish Point in Osprey, Florida. I hadn't driven much in the past 7 or 8 years and Heaven knows, the traffic in Maine is not nearly what one finds down here, so it was quite the adventure for me. But, I must find ways to fill the days and I can only go to the YMCA or read so much. Therefore, I gave myself a pep talk, took a deep breath and headed out onto the freeway!<br /><br />Spanish Point was interesting from an archeological point of view, but I was hoping for more of a botanical garden type visit. The few colorful flowers I found were interesting, but no signs gave me a clue as to what they were. I plan on visiting the Marie Selby Botanical Garden in Sarasota soon.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4hU9yATLN2lJg4Nb_fuvZzSy1axcMDj1CuAgKEB-PZlolYm9DOi6benGDsmMY0539Nc9rDUgHLob-OVgciE9LmFPLeKEZP2uHYBkir-qfLTjAWSv1RaT8u7aiZ9fxWDfo6B0F/s1600-h/P3190003.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4hU9yATLN2lJg4Nb_fuvZzSy1axcMDj1CuAgKEB-PZlolYm9DOi6benGDsmMY0539Nc9rDUgHLob-OVgciE9LmFPLeKEZP2uHYBkir-qfLTjAWSv1RaT8u7aiZ9fxWDfo6B0F/s400/P3190003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451065766881762690" border="0" /></a>This "hammock" tree had a very interesting stump.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicsEWRdwN4Ab5WrWjQUYR1QTOd_OJlJ1R4deS0Bna0V0koH88L3UkAqvx8yJA8-6rhPyvI0CTZyMTPEZnoLefqc_5xlLKx-rBVih1XG3DCmZywLvL0m30OkkUFxLahDWb61ccp/s1600-h/P3190012.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicsEWRdwN4Ab5WrWjQUYR1QTOd_OJlJ1R4deS0Bna0V0koH88L3UkAqvx8yJA8-6rhPyvI0CTZyMTPEZnoLefqc_5xlLKx-rBVih1XG3DCmZywLvL0m30OkkUFxLahDWb61ccp/s400/P3190012.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451065778002661618" border="0" /></a>And this little green gecko was kind enough to sit still for a close up!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoNvUWxqcjhdANRuvgDEcYrBh-3OhD-JpyoBDyPD3IPJmMGn6_SHIgOmT77laION5MIg8Ma4XRItJEvsvfIXZsZqmsV2KXzpE3ixs9P1KAUYNZIhII04qdUViUizCVtaaYC40n/s1600-h/P3190009.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoNvUWxqcjhdANRuvgDEcYrBh-3OhD-JpyoBDyPD3IPJmMGn6_SHIgOmT77laION5MIg8Ma4XRItJEvsvfIXZsZqmsV2KXzpE3ixs9P1KAUYNZIhII04qdUViUizCVtaaYC40n/s400/P3190009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451065773541223106" border="0" /></a>According to the literature, all building materials and supplies had to be brought in by boat in those days and the Point turned in to quite the spot for northern tourists looking for a respite from the cold winter days.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm45oTYimWl_k1hukAGuDy4pJo4ADa7F02V94Ui1BBWL6A1RogB2a53ZMqDxsWZMxvPuUJsHco8gOP0uFii0l5-wY4Y-JIVDb8E3apBe3KSAAMlq1f8K6J1r2jBJu6NNUfru0s/s1600-h/P3190010.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm45oTYimWl_k1hukAGuDy4pJo4ADa7F02V94Ui1BBWL6A1RogB2a53ZMqDxsWZMxvPuUJsHco8gOP0uFii0l5-wY4Y-JIVDb8E3apBe3KSAAMlq1f8K6J1r2jBJu6NNUfru0s/s400/P3190010.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451065778599502082" border="0" /></a><br />My next first was going to a restaurant for a meal by myself. It was quite the strange feeling, not having John sitting across from me asking "what are you going to have". I sat alone at the table, observing my fellow diners and feeling envy that they had someone with whom to share the experience and realizing that this was only one of a long line of many "firsts" upcoming in my life.<br /><br />Again, another deep breath. Carrying on alone right now is the most difficult.<br /><br />Life is Good, but sometimes quite unfair.<br /><br />Hugs, GiddyGiddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810313282013706875noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30213254.post-6750484610006857112010-03-07T07:23:00.005-05:002010-03-07T07:58:44.043-05:00Trip to Myakka State Park<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyjMzQUIwq9yfTxyQBZURfJT4fvVUyNQHa71Uqexo7aFUlRguLPE8y_3hHsHT2yS0D1pMf8ExH655cwzMSJKia6cgJg1624Y32YEZ1IsOtl9N5PexQC3l7YaPYjyxfKFpaMqXT/s1600-h/029.JPG"><br /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_RSqRwVO-T7WaWBqmeMQ6pzbwU0fRgalyJ-KFurwtXZNsaar0RWhpLSDr-ibBV32H7_bhR2bDFnBsuypNRhX-AYhWBVzCaeBcR1FS7Fhyrg2-cYhS89D9bpwEnI0YFzpox_I7/s1600-h/007.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_RSqRwVO-T7WaWBqmeMQ6pzbwU0fRgalyJ-KFurwtXZNsaar0RWhpLSDr-ibBV32H7_bhR2bDFnBsuypNRhX-AYhWBVzCaeBcR1FS7Fhyrg2-cYhS89D9bpwEnI0YFzpox_I7/s400/007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445868632407497586" border="0" /></a><br />Yesterday, my son, Brian, his wife Amy, my grandson, Ashton and granddaughter, Kaiya took me out to visit Myakka State Park.<br /><br />We had a lovely time beginning with a picnic surrounded by a murder of crows who sat waiting expectantly for bits of sandwich to drop from the table. Needless to say, Ashton and Kaiya were quite accommodating, despite being warned not to feed the wildlife.<br /><br />While on the nature walk, we spied lots of birds and other wildlife, but we were surprised to see this wild hog rooting around a bog.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmdV_fmyP8oflyITqSJrpUlwhUDqzO0El8JIyrsmVVC4YKhJSxDfCXvgU-olb-SbsKbDFm61-Rgt64xyXMDyoKOUHX8AgkaKXXxmwLPTbsD7reJCgcuuMmQDyjcW3uuJuOnby5/s1600-h/008.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmdV_fmyP8oflyITqSJrpUlwhUDqzO0El8JIyrsmVVC4YKhJSxDfCXvgU-olb-SbsKbDFm61-Rgt64xyXMDyoKOUHX8AgkaKXXxmwLPTbsD7reJCgcuuMmQDyjcW3uuJuOnby5/s400/008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445868633106892242" border="0" /></a>Seven year old Ashton was very interested in the holes in the trees made by Yellow Bellied Sapsuckers.......<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8r-OqKDoI_cLq4JP8hw-5HvMI3PoI7V1QPjrqjGf-WjKBUnvJsj9mxeGjGMA9ZsiYQjbH4xs7ZjVi-8jkOx3IKuGWdxKhDMRnE-Y1KJm8U88RLaRQscc5jzFVmuZMT4z8pPAG/s1600-h/014.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8r-OqKDoI_cLq4JP8hw-5HvMI3PoI7V1QPjrqjGf-WjKBUnvJsj9mxeGjGMA9ZsiYQjbH4xs7ZjVi-8jkOx3IKuGWdxKhDMRnE-Y1KJm8U88RLaRQscc5jzFVmuZMT4z8pPAG/s400/014.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445868648847784610" border="0" /></a>....and the different algae and lichen we found.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnpupIdQY7IQ_X6UBrBJc4jkbtvJ2z9TnTB3csGfCud8F-xtksPG2g0IabppkTMT6H1TTrCTPoJG2RXcbs-e8yAB20zc-WJpC6wvjzIS6YovzX6TTesWmxMZfGlZBTrNGcgL4Y/s1600-h/012.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnpupIdQY7IQ_X6UBrBJc4jkbtvJ2z9TnTB3csGfCud8F-xtksPG2g0IabppkTMT6H1TTrCTPoJG2RXcbs-e8yAB20zc-WJpC6wvjzIS6YovzX6TTesWmxMZfGlZBTrNGcgL4Y/s400/012.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445868644523688866" border="0" /></a>Some of the fungi looked familiar. I recall seeing lots of these in Maine.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSAjp-b04BaU-_HhZ5F1LCICjWZPe3632du8nrkyEy-uy_5J8jqI0_15BZdC3CM3E9CMuTLrrD_M5BkmT1oX1I1W4ckYB3PzX4P2ZYes9mBU2QBbsUmKpduj-U9jJtwzPbmZpd/s1600-h/027.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSAjp-b04BaU-_HhZ5F1LCICjWZPe3632du8nrkyEy-uy_5J8jqI0_15BZdC3CM3E9CMuTLrrD_M5BkmT1oX1I1W4ckYB3PzX4P2ZYes9mBU2QBbsUmKpduj-U9jJtwzPbmZpd/s400/027.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445872806368422098" border="0" /></a><br />Five year old Kaiya liked running along the path and sitting in trees while having her picture taken.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuDd-32P8F5k0qX8JuEN0y1mawJT-iNsFclFX87yaZ99od3rCuTNS359HLSldxtFtu8_hlOYQBMSOOWmsRXXsQiX96Kt4tpvYtV-xT0RX0uu4-eZFu7nJBrCkfYr-n9ZST87o_/s1600-h/018.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 382px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuDd-32P8F5k0qX8JuEN0y1mawJT-iNsFclFX87yaZ99od3rCuTNS359HLSldxtFtu8_hlOYQBMSOOWmsRXXsQiX96Kt4tpvYtV-xT0RX0uu4-eZFu7nJBrCkfYr-n9ZST87o_/s400/018.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445868653964132754" border="0" /></a>Ashton managed to get into this shot, as well.<br /><br />And what's a nature walk in Florida without seeing a few alligators? We were not disappointed.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7COvmyDwgYkufMVlXmkNFlf4tVrLW1APpfPn1wEjNbJey6f44ZE-uXEFvwO_gtjPVBRwydz7kVMm3iZrvvmIkNecyw8qdrAuTvy84Eq0ZTbjMf4Jl_nQLAn0brzUg_97Qqq2k/s1600-h/031.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 275px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7COvmyDwgYkufMVlXmkNFlf4tVrLW1APpfPn1wEjNbJey6f44ZE-uXEFvwO_gtjPVBRwydz7kVMm3iZrvvmIkNecyw8qdrAuTvy84Eq0ZTbjMf4Jl_nQLAn0brzUg_97Qqq2k/s400/031.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445872813272707698" border="0" /></a>These fellas were HUGE! I couldn't believe there were people kayaking in the vicinity.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyjMzQUIwq9yfTxyQBZURfJT4fvVUyNQHa71Uqexo7aFUlRguLPE8y_3hHsHT2yS0D1pMf8ExH655cwzMSJKia6cgJg1624Y32YEZ1IsOtl9N5PexQC3l7YaPYjyxfKFpaMqXT/s1600-h/029.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 264px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyjMzQUIwq9yfTxyQBZURfJT4fvVUyNQHa71Uqexo7aFUlRguLPE8y_3hHsHT2yS0D1pMf8ExH655cwzMSJKia6cgJg1624Y32YEZ1IsOtl9N5PexQC3l7YaPYjyxfKFpaMqXT/s400/029.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445872808562434050" border="0" /></a>All in all, we had quite a lovely day with lots of exciting things to see and talk about.<br /><br />Thank you, Brian and Amy for including me in your Saturday adventure.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl0aSm_yUn-znQ6E15fH114bWTSk5cBF8Ln1P-81oP4P7mMCsmgkqjOgJryhVa3zVkTZCKDnRbB3h3zHj0NSSLFNZrq2faAL7QER4PrSo7QottEDRXpsERaDnDo8kpjNfvl-H0/s1600-h/026.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl0aSm_yUn-znQ6E15fH114bWTSk5cBF8Ln1P-81oP4P7mMCsmgkqjOgJryhVa3zVkTZCKDnRbB3h3zHj0NSSLFNZrq2faAL7QER4PrSo7QottEDRXpsERaDnDo8kpjNfvl-H0/s400/026.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445872803066437234" border="0" /></a>Life is Good.<br /><br />Hugs, Grandma Giddy<br /></div>Giddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810313282013706875noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30213254.post-20633265862659219052010-03-03T09:28:00.003-05:002010-03-03T09:55:14.147-05:00Time will healYesterday, five weeks had passed since I lost my beloved John. Time has not yet begun to heal the overwhelming sense of emptiness and heartache. Each day dawns with thoughts of him and the endless hours march by in agonizing slow motion. Some things have gotten better; I can now write about it without melting down into a teary mess, but the lump in my throat remains.<br /><br />I was hoping that coming to Florida, as we had planned would help ease the pain, but it hasn't and I find myself second guessing and Monday morning quarterbacking; why did I not see how serious his condition had become? Why did he not heed my constant pleas to have a thorough physical? Why was I not more insistent that he do so? Why was he so damned stubborn?<br /><br />The questions continue to plague me, unfortunately, to no avail. What is done is done and cannot be undone. Try as I might, I cannot awaken from this nightmare. Down here in Florida, I constantly see happy, elderly couples and I wonder why, oh why, could we not have had a few more years together?<br /><br />I know that this too, shall pass in time, things will get better and in the meantime, I need to focus on the wonderful memories we shared for the 45 years we were together even though those memories bring tears and more heartache right now.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnO9JfZCBwZpiLzxkTtR0tk3Zwy4SYZWHseV2CkX8k09ajSQzTCkdLmjG_GxLcoqCgOgcYWoH9-ymwlpTBmS_x9ykhTs6W4W25iLp9z_s3BSLzo32wriMWDWZiEt9n4G7XtZ17/s1600-h/Mullins1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnO9JfZCBwZpiLzxkTtR0tk3Zwy4SYZWHseV2CkX8k09ajSQzTCkdLmjG_GxLcoqCgOgcYWoH9-ymwlpTBmS_x9ykhTs6W4W25iLp9z_s3BSLzo32wriMWDWZiEt9n4G7XtZ17/s400/Mullins1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444419602031269650" border="0" /></a>I'm trying. Life is still good, just sad for the time being.<br /><br />Hugs, GiddyGiddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810313282013706875noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30213254.post-50329736848091974652010-01-31T08:31:00.004-05:002010-01-31T08:54:27.529-05:00Where to Begin?Last Tuesday afternoon, my dear soul mate, lover, best friend and husband of 45 years passed away unexpectedly, literally in my arms.<br /><br />I am lost without him and inconsolable. My two sons are here helping me cope, and together, we have cried, laughed and regaled in fond memories of my dear, sweet, John,<br /><br />I'm sure that in time, my Muse will return to me with fond memories and allow me to once again fill this blog with thoughts and pictures of our beloved Maine, but until then, I will sign off for a time to heal and spend time with my boys.<br /><br />To those of you who still have your loved ones near, please hug them and tell them you love them every single day. Our time in this world is so very tenuous and the moments precious. Hold them close.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8sKiOXkxKQvDjjeZobaklBe18PcmhBLWvd1kmF2ywX8ZfgUBV8rCoZmr4c4REd1cANEofmP0FQXU4cMeq2B0He2StctBi8ThrVWaUutSOSK4xpv1EbQf9MNI1M9d5R2l8BZcS/s1600-h/misc+013.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8sKiOXkxKQvDjjeZobaklBe18PcmhBLWvd1kmF2ywX8ZfgUBV8rCoZmr4c4REd1cANEofmP0FQXU4cMeq2B0He2StctBi8ThrVWaUutSOSK4xpv1EbQf9MNI1M9d5R2l8BZcS/s400/misc+013.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432900705643226322" border="0" /></a>Sleep well, my Johnny Angel, til we meet again. I have loved you so desperately all these years.Giddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810313282013706875noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30213254.post-40544885067776745812010-01-22T18:50:00.002-05:002010-01-22T19:08:43.047-05:00SpeechlessI am always in awe of our winter sunsets, but tonight's truly left lacking for words! I looked up from the computer and saw the sun setting over Calf Island, grabbed my camera and stood on the deck clicking away.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzzlJrILS-2UeSQ9q-sAWkuZY-FaSwKmEvIbZsc4l01Dd5rP81UktUGFwB6mLTZNPyQzry_Y5RZYUCL7g6H5vgZg6higSHtK5oAsiMoGd8MCrZQgKfQRsN1xQYxfBRdJT7HmEp/s1600-h/P1220050.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzzlJrILS-2UeSQ9q-sAWkuZY-FaSwKmEvIbZsc4l01Dd5rP81UktUGFwB6mLTZNPyQzry_Y5RZYUCL7g6H5vgZg6higSHtK5oAsiMoGd8MCrZQgKfQRsN1xQYxfBRdJT7HmEp/s400/P1220050.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429716382634527394" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvoSKgco2OEIODvA3R9Mfo8T-klUsHAksd56-CpVZ3xFZxL21NESmtvoM8GiJAUq4gIgB760FoUfdrVgEs_21pRZp17mR0jmhTOCDE463StoLR9OcwVV_Fg57h8Evvrv7KvIIn/s1600-h/P1220048.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvoSKgco2OEIODvA3R9Mfo8T-klUsHAksd56-CpVZ3xFZxL21NESmtvoM8GiJAUq4gIgB760FoUfdrVgEs_21pRZp17mR0jmhTOCDE463StoLR9OcwVV_Fg57h8Evvrv7KvIIn/s400/P1220048.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429716360135552162" border="0" /></a>the purples and pinks slowly morphed into golds and teals .......<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyn__NNI8It8WwKTYN1xbqVO6HiezDdrpDk0pAYwrr4vuDFQZFW33dDURUmVf3Ll7R_8gTSN0csOnWd0cgoGMlia3FMxOw8hgKqsbmlD37RgSAfydW6MbtA2v5Dz6ZGGIauwW5/s1600-h/P1220057.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyn__NNI8It8WwKTYN1xbqVO6HiezDdrpDk0pAYwrr4vuDFQZFW33dDURUmVf3Ll7R_8gTSN0csOnWd0cgoGMlia3FMxOw8hgKqsbmlD37RgSAfydW6MbtA2v5Dz6ZGGIauwW5/s400/P1220057.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429716404487480338" border="0" /></a>and then burst forth into fire in the sky, raining the fire onto the cove's surface.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwcyDYMwOxcOZMp6ItVkLZ4pxbfiPVIfT3079vXEAfuc9jzZj7gudBfNWK56gpsvMK-9j7uMz-NEVPTlrFrNEAtspwds1FLCgDgjsToeJ2qIk6i0u3MThprYUyHN9Tn2XNPn_M/s1600-h/P1220043.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwcyDYMwOxcOZMp6ItVkLZ4pxbfiPVIfT3079vXEAfuc9jzZj7gudBfNWK56gpsvMK-9j7uMz-NEVPTlrFrNEAtspwds1FLCgDgjsToeJ2qIk6i0u3MThprYUyHN9Tn2XNPn_M/s400/P1220043.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429716354836904498" border="0" /></a>I stood on the deck, shivering in the cold, but too entranced to stop snapping photos. And, finally, the last of the golden rays dipped beneath the horizon, leaving a faint glow.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjamtfc5uVIemIpTDDlkTP8usCLfdtE4sa1W8jP2XX1_IdAYUm-olCu9xBDQPwAB3hc3oTmDIxMKyGmB26joPqxUjFYSSw_66dvVQ3_lzn55DZFVwglpa3QfH0sLgu87y9C6TM/s1600-h/P1220037.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjamtfc5uVIemIpTDDlkTP8usCLfdtE4sa1W8jP2XX1_IdAYUm-olCu9xBDQPwAB3hc3oTmDIxMKyGmB26joPqxUjFYSSw_66dvVQ3_lzn55DZFVwglpa3QfH0sLgu87y9C6TM/s400/P1220037.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429716349427922226" border="0" /></a>Words cannot describe the beauty nature provides us.<br /><br />Life is Good<br /><br />Hugs, Giddy<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyn__NNI8It8WwKTYN1xbqVO6HiezDdrpDk0pAYwrr4vuDFQZFW33dDURUmVf3Ll7R_8gTSN0csOnWd0cgoGMlia3FMxOw8hgKqsbmlD37RgSAfydW6MbtA2v5Dz6ZGGIauwW5/s1600-h/P1220057.JPG"><br /></a>Giddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810313282013706875noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30213254.post-35926780946992477782010-01-20T12:43:00.004-05:002010-01-20T13:10:21.262-05:00SighIt's snowing again. Not that I mind the snow; it's beautiful. However, I am beginning to get somewhat tired of shoveling and plowing. I was supposed to go to my knitting group, The Downeast Knitiots today but there was just too much work to be done clearing the snow that fell overnight. I have a new post on my other blog, <a href="http://downeastknitiot.blogspot.com/">The Downeast Knitiot</a>, if anyone is interested in catching up with my projects and Sluggo, my Quality Control Cat.<br /><br />Yesterday, before the snow began in earnest and the roads were still fairly clear, we headed over to the Town Office to pay the second half of our property tax and renew H's Conceal Carry gun permit. The office is located on the shores of a quaint Maine harbor and as I had the forethought to take my camera, I got some nice winter photos. Of course, I'm sure those of us living in the Great Frozen North will not be amused! "-)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOgtrd8-7_0nwFIRDn_hWNf6SkaK_y4UGOix-WxG2KKsQ7vSDijslqJA7hrxLerZqcIrGWjIzQA6CH0vQAtmVGhW-5EH53p_DeJJ1uPNrkX25XSGVTmH-jBTay0wsuW1Tc6Ek1/s1600-h/P1190035.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOgtrd8-7_0nwFIRDn_hWNf6SkaK_y4UGOix-WxG2KKsQ7vSDijslqJA7hrxLerZqcIrGWjIzQA6CH0vQAtmVGhW-5EH53p_DeJJ1uPNrkX25XSGVTmH-jBTay0wsuW1Tc6Ek1/s400/P1190035.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428879992384002706" border="0" /></a>This is a picture of the giant fisherman standing next to the only sardine factory remaining in the US, so the next time you open that can of sardines to put on top of a cracker, think of Giddy!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEingz7a9uHbf63ovAAseq2y8pOuPs1w1mOpoPpALDAzko4qiMcS6AlQr7YE6cnsHT_zofmrQjxifbOoizCkXoujhyphenhyphenEo9lsgt4cE93AWnY767qAuEUItZ6slzNffuEYxamS0RoHz/s1600-h/P1190041.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEingz7a9uHbf63ovAAseq2y8pOuPs1w1mOpoPpALDAzko4qiMcS6AlQr7YE6cnsHT_zofmrQjxifbOoizCkXoujhyphenhyphenEo9lsgt4cE93AWnY767qAuEUItZ6slzNffuEYxamS0RoHz/s400/P1190041.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428879994720436066" border="0" /></a>We drove by one of our favorite stops in the Schoodic portion of Acadia National Park....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIWbNKEd1OT0uOY4mImtRAlDzA5UACCMrK7Oclx8pAatP86lAOqtXUublY7P1tmq8jPRF8161tuim2oO16400d6kKrz0DygIF6LbSVH6QwvndmhAV09n1yLBgt37Bf5iWoIddR/s1600-h/P1190043.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIWbNKEd1OT0uOY4mImtRAlDzA5UACCMrK7Oclx8pAatP86lAOqtXUublY7P1tmq8jPRF8161tuim2oO16400d6kKrz0DygIF6LbSVH6QwvndmhAV09n1yLBgt37Bf5iWoIddR/s400/P1190043.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428880004170444930" border="0" /></a>however, it was much to cold to stop by for a picnic beside this towering spruce tree!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8A9vk8RxI1tN5OjVWMK8J7C9ZU7sxWHgSJgfPG9oxAxzXB0NAgD66B9UgXTi8tHeBxLhHi4RwhhIFZ4g1Cqnw76D_bbSZAderuiwdBPAUuaj6FhNlQ_B6bFL5VphJJ90He7pM/s1600-h/P1190044.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8A9vk8RxI1tN5OjVWMK8J7C9ZU7sxWHgSJgfPG9oxAxzXB0NAgD66B9UgXTi8tHeBxLhHi4RwhhIFZ4g1Cqnw76D_bbSZAderuiwdBPAUuaj6FhNlQ_B6bFL5VphJJ90He7pM/s400/P1190044.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428880003621411250" border="0" /></a><br />I seldom get the opportunity to photograph a sunrise as it comes up behind us, hidden by a hillside of spruces, but I did manage to get a shot of it sneaking up over the trees and illuminating a snow capped Cadillac Mountain across the bay.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2FUeRHTXFJcYHw7ZwhLSCo0zzGbOwRznieKqLogi2X6y4b_DgcTniAgNBtawXTC7ks8mpoq4bBp-XfoT8hK7jzcayrNLhw1iNWT16xR-ZsxqcH_rJ-_SBLfo0LbRLcWSig4s5/s1600-h/P1170012.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2FUeRHTXFJcYHw7ZwhLSCo0zzGbOwRznieKqLogi2X6y4b_DgcTniAgNBtawXTC7ks8mpoq4bBp-XfoT8hK7jzcayrNLhw1iNWT16xR-ZsxqcH_rJ-_SBLfo0LbRLcWSig4s5/s400/P1170012.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428885581741299858" border="0" /></a><br />And, so ends another post, written while we wait for the snow to end so we can head up the hill with the plow yet one more time!<br /><br />Life truly is good!<br /><br />Hugs, GiddyGiddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810313282013706875noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30213254.post-48969535872601929882010-01-10T16:48:00.006-05:002010-01-10T17:27:32.899-05:00Now, the work beginsThe Holidays are finally over, the work of undecorating, packing things up, putting everything in its place and bringing order back to the house is here.<br /><br />Spike and Sluggo have been a huge help with checking things over before we packed things up again until next year.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipPr_uQpAMKpCa0Y4AAkCH8FtDH7qcOFxA_Ud3NC3s8B9k7I4t5ojJb9yGGeMb57GH5SgTLylJXGR9BZhp2zwksr19hcr47WgzKSAQXd5X6rDm_mDA7D0bZJiR1cIoC40avq6F/s1600-h/P1070082.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipPr_uQpAMKpCa0Y4AAkCH8FtDH7qcOFxA_Ud3NC3s8B9k7I4t5ojJb9yGGeMb57GH5SgTLylJXGR9BZhp2zwksr19hcr47WgzKSAQXd5X6rDm_mDA7D0bZJiR1cIoC40avq6F/s400/P1070082.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425233941000125746" border="0" /></a>I've been doing a lot of knitting, having knitted everyone a sweater for Christmas. Unfortunately, I neglected to take pictures of them before I packed them up to send them to the kids and grand kids in Florida, so I'm hoping I'll get some pics soon. I understand the one I did for Ashton needs a bit of work as he couldn't get it over his head! I'll have to fix that when I get down there next month.<br /><br />Jason was kind enough to send a picture of the blue Gansey sweater I knitted him......<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRRU02vdKAbelB6YM1JuCuvxVmf2QRTpLxV3jEXyBuhwvaeSopsunpklfUO5HJ4lMiXZ5Y-biWJs2_SOS4NwpzJx7dOq5jGqxYFaaA7ve7l7eQXPhpu8Vkko0bx7jevIpxVn2E/s1600-h/j+and+sweater.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRRU02vdKAbelB6YM1JuCuvxVmf2QRTpLxV3jEXyBuhwvaeSopsunpklfUO5HJ4lMiXZ5Y-biWJs2_SOS4NwpzJx7dOq5jGqxYFaaA7ve7l7eQXPhpu8Vkko0bx7jevIpxVn2E/s400/j+and+sweater.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425236309990283106" border="0" /></a>and I did manage to snap a quick pic of the Yankee Knitter pattern I did for Brian.....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ7y_mfq5mQRO5GEag-n5kglHZKVVZvMztMUZty-DOAfjEvrB6gDP653RGpQhKeKKhGpV6S_sdeTqjTACaYp14HSUlJikOi5k6M8OSv-DkWrIxNv0jUpy7P_3mzet17SuJECuK/s1600-h/PC290036.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ7y_mfq5mQRO5GEag-n5kglHZKVVZvMztMUZty-DOAfjEvrB6gDP653RGpQhKeKKhGpV6S_sdeTqjTACaYp14HSUlJikOi5k6M8OSv-DkWrIxNv0jUpy7P_3mzet17SuJECuK/s400/PC290036.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425236314293187538" border="0" /></a>The boys both live in Florida, and from the looks of the temperatures down there this week, it looks like the Christmas gifts are coming in handy!<br /><br />After doing the sweaters, I decided I needed something fairly mindless to knit, so I decided to use up some of my stash of various wools to knit a kitty bed.<br /><br />I was planning on felting it, but as soon as I finished it, Spike hopped right in and has claimed it as his own.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH3yPVupJZOOg_tKZNl8AMJYAPoRiESH3xffpbnKXDN9WD7dHU0PUEiy6B5Qyjl7TE_R9uLQUrg6DnB5HjjoWRdXgzAZ0tV4GrR9HOF6HwUutowfVkIZQL5MIFJ06iFwy_IjbW/s1600-h/P1050066.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH3yPVupJZOOg_tKZNl8AMJYAPoRiESH3xffpbnKXDN9WD7dHU0PUEiy6B5Qyjl7TE_R9uLQUrg6DnB5HjjoWRdXgzAZ0tV4GrR9HOF6HwUutowfVkIZQL5MIFJ06iFwy_IjbW/s400/P1050066.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425236323128597650" border="0" /></a>It had been a while since I had baked bread when Pete, of Pete Bakes posted a great recipe for another no knead bread, this one had beer in the ingredient list and sounded really great, so I tried it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXN8KjofJzo2kbT0-vK9KGG5ssG2SrmHOZXZXe1hX5NJzPvOv_vrksknzPyUydvtFxfoA6EKSR0OUtgK33m82H8rOvExIxTrIs_plogjIqyuamBzBxtqYsqBGUlRsHFu0Wg4Gc/s1600-h/P1070084.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXN8KjofJzo2kbT0-vK9KGG5ssG2SrmHOZXZXe1hX5NJzPvOv_vrksknzPyUydvtFxfoA6EKSR0OUtgK33m82H8rOvExIxTrIs_plogjIqyuamBzBxtqYsqBGUlRsHFu0Wg4Gc/s400/P1070084.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425233951924200914" border="0" /></a>It turned out beautifully, but I still prefer the basic "Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day" recipe, which takes even less time. Sorry, Pete!<br /><br />Tonight's sunset started out a beautiful blue, pink and purple.........<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqpMmxgeIKZsaW1mr29gCaJXRZU2tdyE4uwya4zILL3qeCUUv8W-GJqSBglOSBv54tyoZxTwymVNSTlMKqvg01nIG3FlYRxSRzr2HXnj_H1c7qUZG0cMu_xFYl_bqKMmLCULB/s1600-h/P1060075.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqpMmxgeIKZsaW1mr29gCaJXRZU2tdyE4uwya4zILL3qeCUUv8W-GJqSBglOSBv54tyoZxTwymVNSTlMKqvg01nIG3FlYRxSRzr2HXnj_H1c7qUZG0cMu_xFYl_bqKMmLCULB/s400/P1060075.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425233935993033778" border="0" /></a>and ended up a fiery red. A fitting end to a beautiful, albeit cold, Sunday!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPdMASA7hrJ8bsirj3LUI1-i7H4HWhJYMeAwzhXDWkT_VIfZvHGOWPWy9gcc1GoXmr9mvacoZ_sESJ6jzZePSnhBIy4mERgDLuQFXLnn4rxAIFZ7dKBhQK0xiRbyX4URddBpv0/s1600-h/P1100091.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPdMASA7hrJ8bsirj3LUI1-i7H4HWhJYMeAwzhXDWkT_VIfZvHGOWPWy9gcc1GoXmr9mvacoZ_sESJ6jzZePSnhBIy4mERgDLuQFXLnn4rxAIFZ7dKBhQK0xiRbyX4URddBpv0/s400/P1100091.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425233952450579666" border="0" /></a><br />Life is Good<br /><br />Hugs, GiddyGiddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810313282013706875noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30213254.post-65017645787704494152010-01-04T14:24:00.008-05:002010-01-04T15:44:24.071-05:00Happy New Year!<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;">The New Year's Eve moonrise was quite lovely as a nearly full moon rose from behind the trees and the next day,.........</span><br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipGORYpYLbVnu091u7D-DaXmin0m3iZr3zvSKkbPvApGNd2Qs4mOv2E5vIa8xmA2xFrgRbRzAnG2LJG6zXaTAKImYkHa7PW7sbdO0I9rk4CC6hrV2oQGxsad3NtdDnsrhvLW7i/s1600-h/PC300041.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipGORYpYLbVnu091u7D-DaXmin0m3iZr3zvSKkbPvApGNd2Qs4mOv2E5vIa8xmA2xFrgRbRzAnG2LJG6zXaTAKImYkHa7PW7sbdO0I9rk4CC6hrV2oQGxsad3NtdDnsrhvLW7i/s400/PC300041.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422972539695538130" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;">2010 was ushered in with a three day snowstorm up here in the Great Frozen North! It began innocently enough with a little light snow, the kind you sit admiring from your arm chair, glass of Chardonnay in hand and a toasty fire in the stove.<br /><br />Then, day Two arrived with yet more of the fluffy white stuff and our world view was one of glistening beauty and through yet another glass of lovely wine, we marveled at Mother Nature's bejeweled cloak.<br /><br />Day Three, the Siege continues! As we threw another log onto the fire and watched what had now become a raging blizzard, we grumbled under our breath and decided it was time to break out the bourbon. We couldn't see squat outside because the howling wind had whipped the snow into a freaking white out. We begin to realize that tomorrow was not going to be much fun when we'd have to get out in this mess to begin plowing and shoveling the now 18 inches of snow which, according to the weather report had thus far fallen. We won't even mention how deep the drifts were apt to be.<br /><br />Day Four. I gingerly open the front door to peek out and assess the day's chores.<br /><br />Little Sluggo, who was born at The Ark Animal Shelter, had never set foot in snow and zipped out between my legs onto the front porch. He found himself standing in three inches of cold, wet stuff and for a split second, his eyes widened to the size of two golden saucers. He immediately whipped around and high tailed it back into the house!<br /><br />For one brief moment, I stood admiring the beauty of the frosty, glistening landscape and then, reality set in. This was gonna be a lonnnngggg day.<br /><br /></span></span></span></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK060dH-Ytp6O7teAxvXa4qvmVPhvqNfXBPymkRWa8K_WwBRIElsui8GSdLOIOclx6LLdQvCeJ6qDFxOkj5ZO36UCJaJmZC0KjHYilMf6D0-wg2fBoXxvR3NJDWSh1rDw6UVja/s1600-h/P1020054.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK060dH-Ytp6O7teAxvXa4qvmVPhvqNfXBPymkRWa8K_WwBRIElsui8GSdLOIOclx6LLdQvCeJ6qDFxOkj5ZO36UCJaJmZC0KjHYilMf6D0-wg2fBoXxvR3NJDWSh1rDw6UVja/s400/P1020054.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422972515546629618" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />And so, the work began. H manned the plow while I threw the shovel over my shoulder and sang Hi Ho, Hi Ho, it's off to work I go and began clearing the first of several necessary areas.<br /><br /></span></span></span></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIA_f33Fa3DNk6CXqeGcAiHO7HTzdMFqk39d5aj2c6UKWNUJ1iTRLYYe57C_c7_8U7XVqAX9dJAFfkoXaZk_09QsOoQuY_nhLxHs0vf9pkMC9lYv2oFkaWyTMsaS9NacDWJypv/s1600-h/P1020050.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIA_f33Fa3DNk6CXqeGcAiHO7HTzdMFqk39d5aj2c6UKWNUJ1iTRLYYe57C_c7_8U7XVqAX9dJAFfkoXaZk_09QsOoQuY_nhLxHs0vf9pkMC9lYv2oFkaWyTMsaS9NacDWJypv/s400/P1020050.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422972522998541266" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">I wandered a bit up the hill to see how badly the snow had drifted and found this cute snow goblin sitting in the woods. Mother Nature does have a sense of humor!<br /><br /></span></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmqmY7sSn5EB9HBz13Upcdl7TlEXv1miWhOFLNrhSP-vmt-RTE4bb05LJk61vqobABZjvhh96ARCIi5wY5iM0J2-q5st7K66HEuR31TJZB8dNXSXeoiU3Vah0HKudTCP7aF5_e/s1600-h/P1030060.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmqmY7sSn5EB9HBz13Upcdl7TlEXv1miWhOFLNrhSP-vmt-RTE4bb05LJk61vqobABZjvhh96ARCIi5wY5iM0J2-q5st7K66HEuR31TJZB8dNXSXeoiU3Vah0HKudTCP7aF5_e/s400/P1030060.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422972530751843234" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">After about 2 1/2 hours, we cried "Uncle" and went back inside to nurse our poor, tired muscles.<br /><br />Now, since this is technically a gardening blog, not a venue for griping about the weather, I should mention a few "green" things. For the first time since I was gifted a cute little Christmas Cactus by a dear friend, this plant has finally bloomed at the proper time. Last year, it bloomed off and on during the year and did nothing for Christmas. She is, however, making up for lost time this year and is covered in gorgeous blooms. This photo shows her with lots of buds which have since blossomed. I have to try to get a good shot of her in her glory.<br /><br /></span></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq6BE5XuPO5ZWy6OhXkrnLt1zS8zMcFrpHmPgJVdxdQfPdRu1Tc3suA6CclMtnv1au_2rGbvvw8ZP5R0zOh1rsUBK46LLp37Owxu_pTQNGfxxiVPolrNIiirWgWP0vj4sbiymR/s1600-h/christmas+cactus.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq6BE5XuPO5ZWy6OhXkrnLt1zS8zMcFrpHmPgJVdxdQfPdRu1Tc3suA6CclMtnv1au_2rGbvvw8ZP5R0zOh1rsUBK46LLp37Owxu_pTQNGfxxiVPolrNIiirWgWP0vj4sbiymR/s400/christmas+cactus.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422978936605912018" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA11IV6gR6Uqk-lsz6T8_kY_icocdXolh9rNPD69BR-aRJdGazFZnSgh69rIahqngN6GtkhpFRyRdvwIImX6Js_qQHjLCzNsDCICJ0GypnEoPxMynOp1-LaY4iyLpHScycezTg/s1600-h/Cactus+bloom.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA11IV6gR6Uqk-lsz6T8_kY_icocdXolh9rNPD69BR-aRJdGazFZnSgh69rIahqngN6GtkhpFRyRdvwIImX6Js_qQHjLCzNsDCICJ0GypnEoPxMynOp1-LaY4iyLpHScycezTg/s400/Cactus+bloom.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422978939816424818" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">A close up shows off the delicate beauty of her blooms.<br /><br />I told my grandchildren that I would be trying to grow an avocado tree for them as a gift when we visit them this winter. I started two seeds and this one really took off. The other one is just now beginning to send up a shoot.<br /><br /></span></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6UO4wV5aLmvAZWau5JsPYOGqeTN1PclQnZm8cmTibvcRkL9o_VUxz-rfYPXG5hUxK8LN1FCGrv_1L1zzuGomBGb4EYx7WNtK8xdnZ8MkdMVvc_h5ypiJe4T9-5laaWf9FVgRQ/s1600-h/Avocado+sprout.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6UO4wV5aLmvAZWau5JsPYOGqeTN1PclQnZm8cmTibvcRkL9o_VUxz-rfYPXG5hUxK8LN1FCGrv_1L1zzuGomBGb4EYx7WNtK8xdnZ8MkdMVvc_h5ypiJe4T9-5laaWf9FVgRQ/s400/Avocado+sprout.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422978947496835714" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">H has been after me for a long time to submit some of my photos to our local newspaper. Last week, I finally relented and sent in a shot of the Winter Solstice sunset. Much to my surprise, when we purchased last week's Ellsworth American, we found my photograph featured as the front page banner! Wow! I am so honored.<br /><br /></span></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgll9r3elFEHBMowB7HbuUKGYx2LJPCBwqwG9cZQ5hfgkNuMZQsc1fNHhmvNFJ7ccpo1PJo6m-VV4fXfCGTo_YVufU1HJw6oWeMYOxuc3KBOf1pKhjqx9Vo9LUVSsxMcJlGU7Td/s1600-h/Solstice+Sunset.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgll9r3elFEHBMowB7HbuUKGYx2LJPCBwqwG9cZQ5hfgkNuMZQsc1fNHhmvNFJ7ccpo1PJo6m-VV4fXfCGTo_YVufU1HJw6oWeMYOxuc3KBOf1pKhjqx9Vo9LUVSsxMcJlGU7Td/s400/Solstice+Sunset.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422978950061683810" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">And so, Dear Ones, I end this post with a wish for all of you. Please have a warm, wonderful, happy, healthy new year. Keep your loved ones close and tell them often how much you love them. Don't let things get in the way of life's pleasures. Life is too short to worry if your house is clean enough or worrying about what people may think of you if you have dirty knees or fingernails from digging in the garden.<br /><br /></span></span></span></span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Mother Nature offers her bounty and beauty. We just have to open our eyes and enjoy it.<br /><br />Life is Good!<br /><br />Hugs, Giddy<br /></span></span></span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /><br /></span></span></span></span></span>Giddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810313282013706875noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30213254.post-85375506460226341662009-12-21T14:00:00.004-05:002009-12-21T14:39:23.920-05:00Happy Winter Solstice<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXMoWkKTzlgxbdGrlWyNkmtg1z9u2krA5pBSsPdmNfJgsi_nBhdisqqbuzahW6MqG-ULLQjPoIFNyodpriA26qj7D7mLetAJDym_sDxmHvLq4AQqC-WkajzsdxRZnQJnFf7KPi/s1600-h/first+snowfall+of+winter+09+003.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXMoWkKTzlgxbdGrlWyNkmtg1z9u2krA5pBSsPdmNfJgsi_nBhdisqqbuzahW6MqG-ULLQjPoIFNyodpriA26qj7D7mLetAJDym_sDxmHvLq4AQqC-WkajzsdxRZnQJnFf7KPi/s400/first+snowfall+of+winter+09+003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417768597104909314" border="0" /></a><br />Last night as the sun set, anticipation set in. After a full day of light snow (only 6 inches of the fluffy, white stuff this time), we settled in for the final evening of autumn.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ivZL1M-JERB0jdElXUFI38FUOdx84215Vq1WnO2r-2RLYXOD7Nf12s94LdmmnAE95Qc_PBKBhQ4SPMtjqwRHmiLLZs3RGWVZAHKjtkHcHvOfpjco_uJrUlCqNPap_rUaWbf-/s1600-h/misc+2009+051.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ivZL1M-JERB0jdElXUFI38FUOdx84215Vq1WnO2r-2RLYXOD7Nf12s94LdmmnAE95Qc_PBKBhQ4SPMtjqwRHmiLLZs3RGWVZAHKjtkHcHvOfpjco_uJrUlCqNPap_rUaWbf-/s400/misc+2009+051.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417768981646521234" border="0" /></a>Today at 7:04 a.m., we finally are making our way slowly back to spring and sunshine. Although the Winter Solstice designates the official beginning of winter, the knowledge that we are headed back to our gardening days warms our hearts.<br /><br />Christmas is mere days away, all packages have been sent and we are settling down in front of the glowing wood stove to relax for the remainder of the holidays.<br /><br />H, Spike, Sluggo and I wish all of you a wonderful Holiday Season! May the new year bring you all health and happiness.<br /><br />Life is Good,<br /><br />Hugs, GiddyGiddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810313282013706875noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30213254.post-20036858494444944852009-11-15T09:09:00.010-05:002009-11-15T10:54:37.487-05:00It's a Zen DayThe remnants of Hurricane Ida are passing through this morning and it's a perfect day to just sit and watch the rain and fog outside. It has been a while since I've had the leisure to contemplate a posting for the blog, but the many photos I've taken over the past few weeks have given rise to my Muse, who has obviously been in vacation mode for a while now.<br /><br />We try to begin our days with a yoga session of 20 or so minutes, however, we seem to get interrupted quite frequently when Spike and Sluggo decide our attention needs to be focused on them instead! We haven't told Spike that his pose is called "Downward Facing Dog", not Cat.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipJywrcVv4HyxR59l5I_YAvpbi051aIt02NNQ_Q1ySJcGOUb7XGQZTBvBFdDcDjn8nbi3pnsOFFKFl_D1e0wJkg6kMV4mgLKWGTaDoLdtBCf00GJYb2c5ngY7S9BfPlCndawKM/s1600-h/cats,+leaves+004.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipJywrcVv4HyxR59l5I_YAvpbi051aIt02NNQ_Q1ySJcGOUb7XGQZTBvBFdDcDjn8nbi3pnsOFFKFl_D1e0wJkg6kMV4mgLKWGTaDoLdtBCf00GJYb2c5ngY7S9BfPlCndawKM/s400/cats,+leaves+004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404340906570454162" border="0" /></a>On a late afternoon walk up the road the other day with my camera caught my shadow, foretelling the shortening days of autumn and that winter would be just around the corner. We are still having mild days and the forecast is for more of the same once Ida heads up to visit our friends in Canada.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3h_gukMvdnYu0HZpigGts7TIGHVkiRJDSg-JIvGQ-UIROd-r53yTlZpnV2UzkvlP7kdcQlF3z_Z2YarM9X5rqZHVP72U_tNVT8OoJyKW7KTQGgymjbpbEKZswhJc4SGbQOME5/s1600-h/sushi+002.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3h_gukMvdnYu0HZpigGts7TIGHVkiRJDSg-JIvGQ-UIROd-r53yTlZpnV2UzkvlP7kdcQlF3z_Z2YarM9X5rqZHVP72U_tNVT8OoJyKW7KTQGgymjbpbEKZswhJc4SGbQOME5/s400/sushi+002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404339082250070002" border="0" /></a><br />The dried seed heads of the Karl Forster Grass, highlighted by the autumn sun and waving gently in the breeze cause me to pause for a few moments and capture its beauty. Long after being buried in the winter snow, I'll be reminded of how lovely it was.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhejFfwkbJkzWaDpIoGGaauQZpObS7mMtcgxL3IFQSJpImhFxfK4kX4JiY7541VDmoZ4SnL2pWRS328luq4HRGYLr6CZIWYXatTgn5NyGzIJjJLiIsLIiMUNPyVYoR0gCsZ9CVf/s1600-h/sushi+001.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhejFfwkbJkzWaDpIoGGaauQZpObS7mMtcgxL3IFQSJpImhFxfK4kX4JiY7541VDmoZ4SnL2pWRS328luq4HRGYLr6CZIWYXatTgn5NyGzIJjJLiIsLIiMUNPyVYoR0gCsZ9CVf/s400/sushi+001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404339081609157682" border="0" /></a><br />The hips on the Rugosa roses are turning red against the golden leaves. I've often thought of making a batch of Rose Hip Jelly, but just have never gotten around to it. Oh, well, perhaps next year.<br /><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP920s3YNpUceLtOmL3B0oLyMbsntZPKTtgFRHsk928iDghiK6x8qHoK31hbzvIsK3A9sLscSIYvIEZXfdMYjqTDQ4n4eJXP5CIoo895nPuwfasdf7HQVg__O2z7PF9cOuIodd/s1600-h/sushi+003.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP920s3YNpUceLtOmL3B0oLyMbsntZPKTtgFRHsk928iDghiK6x8qHoK31hbzvIsK3A9sLscSIYvIEZXfdMYjqTDQ4n4eJXP5CIoo895nPuwfasdf7HQVg__O2z7PF9cOuIodd/s400/sushi+003.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br />Another one of my favorite vistas is from a short bridge crossing a creek that empties into the ocean. Card's Crossing, as it is named, is beautiful any time of year, but the glorious colors of autumn bring out something special.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgp98xVTuO2QoNagZyZL3LdH4CtKUmabtVrrnoCwAC9So28thDXB4gutHNniKJt51kr8Nt0ffA21PnX8H3pjhYmAnkE8HEdZfnoZieg835mK5akdJ2cf7LtVBMcb4ccEx8DiaD/s1600-h/Sandy's+phone+pics+034.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgp98xVTuO2QoNagZyZL3LdH4CtKUmabtVrrnoCwAC9So28thDXB4gutHNniKJt51kr8Nt0ffA21PnX8H3pjhYmAnkE8HEdZfnoZieg835mK5akdJ2cf7LtVBMcb4ccEx8DiaD/s400/Sandy's+phone+pics+034.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404339074584805026" border="0" /></a><br />H and I are not much on traveling, having done so much of it in our lives, but duty calls and we once again headed west for our annual visit to H's Mother and Sister in Nevada.<br /><br />Last year, Mom was waiting on her second hip replacement surgery and was in quite a bit of pain, but this year found her very happy and not limping quite so badly. As always, it was good to see her.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSBLb_sItSeZGGtAhCBuWC_0NC6JMVzwVBCGKRWu4KeYcuEJkIk7vbfvCSNHsdfFdYCFzNdGtUkOPIgIG0HYx_GD0YrW2xGBRQ2ZZS7tVr_GwezjfbmevVQDRbjKKJ7sb8K7dc/s1600-h/Sandy's+phone+pics+021.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSBLb_sItSeZGGtAhCBuWC_0NC6JMVzwVBCGKRWu4KeYcuEJkIk7vbfvCSNHsdfFdYCFzNdGtUkOPIgIG0HYx_GD0YrW2xGBRQ2ZZS7tVr_GwezjfbmevVQDRbjKKJ7sb8K7dc/s400/Sandy's+phone+pics+021.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404337855628616114" border="0" /></a>H's Sister is quite the crafty artisan and was busily getting ready for the fall craft shows she attends. Her craft room is very well organized, unlike my knitting stashes, which can be found all over the house!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEunE-7Xy-ZBiy9HvCxQ3ksJjqk3E2hbd4zXF0z20nsPPecWKVpGj4jNL429PQ4yCA2nyv_RmiU9_xLkUnQ6dS7DO-I5PKMlaDbdlTkh_j_nzHlSshgdUx0JTzkPMtbfaT28R0/s1600-h/Sandy's+phone+pics+016.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEunE-7Xy-ZBiy9HvCxQ3ksJjqk3E2hbd4zXF0z20nsPPecWKVpGj4jNL429PQ4yCA2nyv_RmiU9_xLkUnQ6dS7DO-I5PKMlaDbdlTkh_j_nzHlSshgdUx0JTzkPMtbfaT28R0/s400/Sandy's+phone+pics+016.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404337852809185362" border="0" /></a><br />Her resident pet, is a very cute Cockatiel named Poco. He,s quite vociferous and his screeches can be earpiercing, but his cute whistling of Jingle Bells all year long brings a smile.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-pQ-OoRM11Ix80AfH90_In9gt8Zt11LnigDXELunY51gpv7rKGkyo18OfP8fmV17US_WMP1oqqLmSAtkCVRuZFmWdOAHYNCQbZ_S0ebmV3X_aFPkvrfxVfgfUUXUa7N7H00QB/s1600-h/Sandy's+phone+pics+012.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-pQ-OoRM11Ix80AfH90_In9gt8Zt11LnigDXELunY51gpv7rKGkyo18OfP8fmV17US_WMP1oqqLmSAtkCVRuZFmWdOAHYNCQbZ_S0ebmV3X_aFPkvrfxVfgfUUXUa7N7H00QB/s400/Sandy's+phone+pics+012.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404337849230162146" border="0" /></a>Normally very shy among strangers, Poco took a shining to H, particularly his mustache and eyebrows. H looked a bit dubious, but took it all in good humor.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifN_LrEE_vLKSQHVC-5X6oKSjMmH_dap-aI7iSqnsBxw73eR1X0AfQHsxz_RWhUTG6rub3cgyqL3nCbyUWJpc9OSCIVrKcS4djWtNePLHE4-Aq9UxzUm810OZ2OEfe4O0r3Uw6/s1600-h/Sandy's+phone+pics+014.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifN_LrEE_vLKSQHVC-5X6oKSjMmH_dap-aI7iSqnsBxw73eR1X0AfQHsxz_RWhUTG6rub3cgyqL3nCbyUWJpc9OSCIVrKcS4djWtNePLHE4-Aq9UxzUm810OZ2OEfe4O0r3Uw6/s400/Sandy's+phone+pics+014.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404337848572675682" border="0" /></a><br />After getting back home, we were called to transport two dogs and a cat from our favorite animal shelter, <a href="http://www.arkpets.org">The Ark</a>, in Cherryfield to the local vet for spaying and shots. While we waited for them to be loaded into their travel crates, I visited with the cats in the cat room. These babies are all waiting to be adopted and every one of them is so sweet and gentle. I just wish I could take them all home with me.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPwEd42erb2rbBTIRWWmznhMamtdnMQT825rR5-ci0-cWMVqQbsmHFg8CihV7nzn6eZvsGo30REyGHs2kgAuetsTEF3vIGC_ZJobtUAjywsP0hR9kdOH4qOIDKhqiUrWAS8inF/s1600-h/Sandy's+phone+pics+024.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPwEd42erb2rbBTIRWWmznhMamtdnMQT825rR5-ci0-cWMVqQbsmHFg8CihV7nzn6eZvsGo30REyGHs2kgAuetsTEF3vIGC_ZJobtUAjywsP0hR9kdOH4qOIDKhqiUrWAS8inF/s400/Sandy's+phone+pics+024.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404339069207462210" border="0" /></a><br />Of course, no post to this blog is complete without me telling about my latest culinary adventure. A few weeks ago, H and I discovered we like sushi! So, after a lot of research on the web, yesterday, I made my first batch! Came out quite good, actually, but I doubt if I'd get a "A" in sushi class. "-)<br /><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaa2NUVs96IhX7Gzo54DSCawY9WDyNiBkpdVKbtB-VBvVqKc4plPJoyR_7RVgUnC-tuJ7FKcKCHJjPEL_kTnbW2QB7aQRVFEX9e-LVovLRHTUWDWrTBAzpuFsC6wAn7MeH8Aac/s1600-h/sushi+007.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaa2NUVs96IhX7Gzo54DSCawY9WDyNiBkpdVKbtB-VBvVqKc4plPJoyR_7RVgUnC-tuJ7FKcKCHJjPEL_kTnbW2QB7aQRVFEX9e-LVovLRHTUWDWrTBAzpuFsC6wAn7MeH8Aac/s400/sushi+007.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br />They were very tasty and the little bit of wasabi paste I put on mine almost took the top of my head off. WOW!!! What a natural way to clear one's sinuses!<br /><br />Halloween was fun for the grandkids and our son sent lots of pictures from his phone, however, this one of little Kaiya had us literally rolling on the floor! Seems her costume was a princess and Mom had given her a ring to wear and she just had to show Daddy her ring!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizbrAgDzNkWq89ZJm6ERu9ixhK3PCjNdHV_72X_PnnxccgDNYlQc2WaJD44sU4MtbkMtlvHaH79wzwrERTfPqa1jtQt6WCUsFiqW2edQX6cNsyc5owZ4Q6U5lgrhBftOSL-jEy/s1600-h/Sandy's+phone+pics+004.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizbrAgDzNkWq89ZJm6ERu9ixhK3PCjNdHV_72X_PnnxccgDNYlQc2WaJD44sU4MtbkMtlvHaH79wzwrERTfPqa1jtQt6WCUsFiqW2edQX6cNsyc5owZ4Q6U5lgrhBftOSL-jEy/s400/Sandy's+phone+pics+004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404337844703416450" border="0" /></a>Speaking of silly pictures, this is one sent from a little gray haired knitting buddy of mine. And, if I don't get cracking, I'm not going to finish the sweater I'm knitting for someone for Christmas!!! And no, I don't expect to get "paid"!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwUayreWfPcTikUqa1-HdWE9sNe2mLi4BoCiz8u7HV3VBye-8rHpYpw5ynOaIXvHhwhsXGTaJtqrq62zHgvlwf_LMA5xiN_wYsmU5cofSXrsHAqiqy4yt_Fo2U-yzyzSJCbr0u/s1600-h/knit+for+sex.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 280px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwUayreWfPcTikUqa1-HdWE9sNe2mLi4BoCiz8u7HV3VBye-8rHpYpw5ynOaIXvHhwhsXGTaJtqrq62zHgvlwf_LMA5xiN_wYsmU5cofSXrsHAqiqy4yt_Fo2U-yzyzSJCbr0u/s400/knit+for+sex.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404340898046636930" border="0" /></a><br />And so ends yet another post. I think I've covered all the excitement.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht3XmslkwcM3sqPwStvDHRGD6GqJ3G8BeJ0JpEbOkvmd7eDVTkRyazwiN7f-GEdgTzqpRU-fdGBliGtBDVfu85jlSqX9lwHnEmTNYRSVgj91Mwa0FT64Kki9unAjWhzwx5WcmL/s1600-h/mom+005.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht3XmslkwcM3sqPwStvDHRGD6GqJ3G8BeJ0JpEbOkvmd7eDVTkRyazwiN7f-GEdgTzqpRU-fdGBliGtBDVfu85jlSqX9lwHnEmTNYRSVgj91Mwa0FT64Kki9unAjWhzwx5WcmL/s400/mom+005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404340903009102386" border="0" /></a><br />Life is Good<br /><br />Hugs, Giddy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaa2NUVs96IhX7Gzo54DSCawY9WDyNiBkpdVKbtB-VBvVqKc4plPJoyR_7RVgUnC-tuJ7FKcKCHJjPEL_kTnbW2QB7aQRVFEX9e-LVovLRHTUWDWrTBAzpuFsC6wAn7MeH8Aac/s1600-h/sushi+007.JPG"><br /></a> <div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-origin: padding; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous;" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div>Giddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810313282013706875noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30213254.post-55306830986180765172009-10-19T09:49:00.004-04:002009-10-19T11:13:45.402-04:00Mid October Musings<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">Sun rise shining on the maples<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPQFRqZTryjexEaGBYRfZW3zgwaMOsXC4R6MHc18gLqjevuIWD0Xqp9YKQNTkB48PYDZRGcORJhzWcQ1gCs1tt6IYgG2q0qUQH8Z5NTSWWHynlxSJecJQOkTer79QA-cK3CudR/s1600-h/PA090056.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPQFRqZTryjexEaGBYRfZW3zgwaMOsXC4R6MHc18gLqjevuIWD0Xqp9YKQNTkB48PYDZRGcORJhzWcQ1gCs1tt6IYgG2q0qUQH8Z5NTSWWHynlxSJecJQOkTer79QA-cK3CudR/s400/PA090056.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div>It's hard to believe that it's already mid October. Where did our summer go???<br /><br />My garden this year was pretty much a bust with the cool wet spring and early summer we experienced. But, on the positive side (there's always a positive side), our autumn has been spectacular with some of the best leaf color we've had in years. We don't often see beautiful sunrises as we face southwest, but our winter sunsets can be breathtaking.<br /><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN6ObREEuHBAR-ULywzdrelxVQFE2pAyneBjVRHh3MbS4vsjR0dZ1ibgJh_ikA70OurHqFLuwoolVugLJsowTp4FG6uhyARRvn3bD369rFf_Gc1HAd_TcdkKp0Dv7exwDOpqFa/s1600-h/PA090057.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN6ObREEuHBAR-ULywzdrelxVQFE2pAyneBjVRHh3MbS4vsjR0dZ1ibgJh_ikA70OurHqFLuwoolVugLJsowTp4FG6uhyARRvn3bD369rFf_Gc1HAd_TcdkKp0Dv7exwDOpqFa/s400/PA090057.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We've had a few cool, rainy days and guess what Giddy does to keep busy? Why cook and bake, of course! I was perusing some of my favorite blogs and came across this recipe for Whole Wheat Pumpkin Scones on <a href="http://adashofsass.com/">Dash of Sass's</a> blog. She always has wonderful recipes that showcase good, healthful, and most importantly very tasty foods. You'll find the recipes, along with step by step photos on her blog.<br /><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjVdlAVou6bmM3FqaY9sZMhu-79oVdo31cminYoWdr9bcY-Vhtz_854fqi0qz_fu4PHk_maTVg-zM7ZogQzj3RTj-sfb9IfXYqDEfFeSt4GXeDDs29jHeHymcd4_Js8AtC2-M7/s1600-h/PA130072.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjVdlAVou6bmM3FqaY9sZMhu-79oVdo31cminYoWdr9bcY-Vhtz_854fqi0qz_fu4PHk_maTVg-zM7ZogQzj3RTj-sfb9IfXYqDEfFeSt4GXeDDs29jHeHymcd4_Js8AtC2-M7/s400/PA130072.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And, of course, I can't have a baking day without baking something from the "Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day" book (See my post of January 15, 2008 for basic bread recipe details and video). Yesterday's choice was Caraway Rye Bread. It went together easily and came out of the oven looking great. Needless to say, H and I did not wait long to cut in to it. It did not disappoint.<br />I also highly recommend the book author's blog, <a href="http://zoebakes.com/">Zoe Bakes.</a> She always has something interesting and tasty baking.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjytskXmRj97tJTli5k78kV_0Fv6wUHfR_97fCBLuUVDrNqNKW5f6nRVm1BpwKoeYy3wl55Xvgtts0kGE_NlZK-ZX12UGUHnbf7kqKJb-uhjnL3C-YPSfykZ7kuVyME8x7SYfH2/s1600-h/PA140073.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjytskXmRj97tJTli5k78kV_0Fv6wUHfR_97fCBLuUVDrNqNKW5f6nRVm1BpwKoeYy3wl55Xvgtts0kGE_NlZK-ZX12UGUHnbf7kqKJb-uhjnL3C-YPSfykZ7kuVyME8x7SYfH2/s400/PA140073.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And finally, I made a batch of my Guilt Free Dark Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies. I developed this recipe with our own tastes in mind and we love them! They're full of whole wheat flour, old fashioned oats, craisins, grated fresh ginger, pecans, Ghiradelli cocoa and Ghiradelli dark chocolate chips. <br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwMgVildWgH-aPbzN1PvgVd_to6BSJDnbgUunF0kFo9MZ0v26mqLfyKfNuNuMpQhLVCfirTUOIfAR4Z0LaA_oRYyN2FVeJEVGgwlto-_f1-PrxmVyiu-o2D7CGwgx_a_4aafjS/s1600-h/PA140074-1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwMgVildWgH-aPbzN1PvgVd_to6BSJDnbgUunF0kFo9MZ0v26mqLfyKfNuNuMpQhLVCfirTUOIfAR4Z0LaA_oRYyN2FVeJEVGgwlto-_f1-PrxmVyiu-o2D7CGwgx_a_4aafjS/s400/PA140074-1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394323157024196978" border="0" /></a><br />H and I worked hard the other day getting the deck ready for winter. We drained the fountain and put it in the garage and put all the deck plants into the "winter garden" downstairs. The winter garden is simply a spot in our mechanical room. The heat from the water heater keeps the temperature from freezing and most of the plants do quite well over the long, cold winter. Come spring, I'll cut them all back and begin feeding with Miracle Grow. By the time summer comes along, everything will be looking fine and I will have saved a bundle of money. Giddy is quite the tightwad.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYSXfTr2T76GycACpGgGXE98IKhzSHm3btoKjpqMnlaY9s4G6DuURmY2ynCLK_vRUpb_WuDyZw-9FvXUtVjn0neGTYnfB8hzpQ1RL5FBVAP-TPwP8ogNqdAayELX2Emo6lKxY-/s1600-h/PA190090-1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYSXfTr2T76GycACpGgGXE98IKhzSHm3btoKjpqMnlaY9s4G6DuURmY2ynCLK_vRUpb_WuDyZw-9FvXUtVjn0neGTYnfB8hzpQ1RL5FBVAP-TPwP8ogNqdAayELX2Emo6lKxY-/s400/PA190090-1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394323175663651090" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIt7-ildLlOVXdhIZ9nM8X0q59lTdmYsR2zT_OYYUpVpW_ssIEUap6ocfdJkNdPNLcq3Ud29ikyEIHMHOLAIq7C6ZkJWnNrJKjAmSPs6227XX42T6RwUW1ggdVmua_3PX14tBg/s1600-h/PA190089-1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIt7-ildLlOVXdhIZ9nM8X0q59lTdmYsR2zT_OYYUpVpW_ssIEUap6ocfdJkNdPNLcq3Ud29ikyEIHMHOLAIq7C6ZkJWnNrJKjAmSPs6227XX42T6RwUW1ggdVmua_3PX14tBg/s400/PA190089-1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394323170357105154" border="0" /></a>My Muse has left me and Sluggo is bugging me for his lunch, so I'll have to sign off now.<br /><br />Life is Good,<br /><br />Hugs, GiddyGiddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810313282013706875noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30213254.post-62825303784443452622009-10-11T14:48:00.009-04:002009-10-11T16:14:51.414-04:00Road TripsWell, folks, life has been a wee bit busy around here. Autumn brings so many wonderful opportunities and it's difficult to pick which ones we will avail ourselves of before the season ends. Soooo, we begin this post with a continuation of the apple picking fun.<br /><br />As you recall, in our last post, we had such fun at the orchard and before we knew it, we had picked 38 pounds of crisp, juicy apples. Of course, the first order of business was baking a Dutch Apple Pie. Oh, yeah. It was delish! Since it was too much for H and I to finish all by ourselves, we shared it with some friends.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKOGFERu6U-CjGA1eZ3mGg7i4OITuWiKUM9I6RaJIGZbt8cpvxfRkG9TmId5rp0iOXTSFWNDqbqOWJyH4M16BAvxqcpAIJy58O5NwMClRAvLfK1nNJVDZVefsTvugSA3MVP1cb/s1600-h/apples+009.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKOGFERu6U-CjGA1eZ3mGg7i4OITuWiKUM9I6RaJIGZbt8cpvxfRkG9TmId5rp0iOXTSFWNDqbqOWJyH4M16BAvxqcpAIJy58O5NwMClRAvLfK1nNJVDZVefsTvugSA3MVP1cb/s400/apples+009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391436184753282498" border="0" /></a><br />The next order of business was the annual batch of Apple Butter! I think this was the first time H had really tried it and decided it was yummy. He's not big on sweets, but I don't put a lot of sugar in my apple butter. He spread it on a piece of my homemade toasted rye bread and was hooked!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_gRM-qNkluil_LhjveygYrRe3hW7Fx9Sa6RQYrfXiabblITzjVO6LUMgq6FMdH-3UqR7hkNHiFzsDLJ1mZ1F8YbPaqpNuye8xc5fHIm9Fqx503s8W6urBhJZExJnk2ufxxZ4x/s1600-h/apples+006.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_gRM-qNkluil_LhjveygYrRe3hW7Fx9Sa6RQYrfXiabblITzjVO6LUMgq6FMdH-3UqR7hkNHiFzsDLJ1mZ1F8YbPaqpNuye8xc5fHIm9Fqx503s8W6urBhJZExJnk2ufxxZ4x/s400/apples+006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391419174832126834" border="0" /></a>My Mom made that Owl cookie jar in the background and it still holds doggie treats for any visiting canines.<br /><br />We then made our annual road trip to Eastport, Maine which sits right next to the Canadian border. We stopped by <a href="http://rayesmustard.com/">Raye's Mustard Mill</a> for a visit and picked up a jar of Hot and Spicy mustard. They are the last mustard mill in the US and their mustards have a wonderful flavor, tasting nothing like the mass produced mustards found on the grocery shelf.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwwM7UEcZe3WOs_ZUMhSEwWuZynPFBkLhONSB7xUeI5pRvyX7PTJdSFl8vPxyUxAkM_R5Vb-f7BoWuJHr10Q39y0XSApeusDXoZn0Aw23QT0y7ck3c1eeOKCGIGWQI1db840AT/s1600-h/cats,+etc+004.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 351px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwwM7UEcZe3WOs_ZUMhSEwWuZynPFBkLhONSB7xUeI5pRvyX7PTJdSFl8vPxyUxAkM_R5Vb-f7BoWuJHr10Q39y0XSApeusDXoZn0Aw23QT0y7ck3c1eeOKCGIGWQI1db840AT/s400/cats,+etc+004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391421575945923634" border="0" /></a>After our visit to the Mustard Mill, we headed on in to Eastport for lunch and a quick walk around the downtown area. Since it was a bit chilly and windy, we didn't stay long, but a nice couple from Nashville was kind enough to take our picture in front of the giant fisherman.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi35vTK7BJN3S6PnvKw-t8apqjnt6RXogl8x_SMdCnWrSiNoPe4uq6ji9-LF2wigm1pjs7jrfB_fN6rQcw0dI25HWzWpUwIHYgDgEhALpMHS2H_zOhZp_JFE4_i8k0-Cx5Xfj6s/s1600-h/cats,+etc+007.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi35vTK7BJN3S6PnvKw-t8apqjnt6RXogl8x_SMdCnWrSiNoPe4uq6ji9-LF2wigm1pjs7jrfB_fN6rQcw0dI25HWzWpUwIHYgDgEhALpMHS2H_zOhZp_JFE4_i8k0-Cx5Xfj6s/s400/cats,+etc+007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391426322182147330" border="0" /></a>The trees from the deck are showing color changing every day now.....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvNdrod4_qpnBeqp2bwWJUVycbjzGM4kuMP3rzgBprnR4Z-J2VEobU1ZfA20TEna6LI9ZITLIeDsfRGtasyw9vsNzruZIpsVVf8eiaYcUsr6KLValPEpSGt5u2E8QWx_0MsxXi/s1600-h/apples+028.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvNdrod4_qpnBeqp2bwWJUVycbjzGM4kuMP3rzgBprnR4Z-J2VEobU1ZfA20TEna6LI9ZITLIeDsfRGtasyw9vsNzruZIpsVVf8eiaYcUsr6KLValPEpSGt5u2E8QWx_0MsxXi/s400/apples+028.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391421550089379378" border="0" /></a><br />and across the bay, Bar Harbor is seeing daily visits from the big cruise ships for leaf peeping.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw8DVGL9BQyyqBhOOE3zfi0QRYM1pBaRQNkGTn46ebE5-Xfg3Vd2r85vzn8E2ll8vq8MB2Tzm0q5KzBZw6rtw-kTEVL2wduxByzgOWxnsl_rHvJFwfX19jgQ9j73hPhqkBjRkV/s1600-h/cats,+etc+015.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw8DVGL9BQyyqBhOOE3zfi0QRYM1pBaRQNkGTn46ebE5-Xfg3Vd2r85vzn8E2ll8vq8MB2Tzm0q5KzBZw6rtw-kTEVL2wduxByzgOWxnsl_rHvJFwfX19jgQ9j73hPhqkBjRkV/s400/cats,+etc+015.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391426324657585042" border="0" /></a>In between road trips, I still have my volunteer duties at the clinic. In addition to helping out in the office, I also plant and maintain the landscaping. This autumn it is looking particularly nice since I also planted mums which were used for a fund raiser.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHqBHoEKNwC0gVjBtv_DSIeNYRJ2FjIfbIV3NQSQLQVlWu3TXQm3HL3GpXKrLcnGxaFGk_NkbZGIiKMyhsx6hhYkp242q-QJPsNwzByUk8yVCIpd0_f1DRV7vNGkoFKJvuJb0S/s1600-h/cats,+etc+012.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHqBHoEKNwC0gVjBtv_DSIeNYRJ2FjIfbIV3NQSQLQVlWu3TXQm3HL3GpXKrLcnGxaFGk_NkbZGIiKMyhsx6hhYkp242q-QJPsNwzByUk8yVCIpd0_f1DRV7vNGkoFKJvuJb0S/s400/cats,+etc+012.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391428647170750914" border="0" /></a>Our next road trip was to Greenville, Jackman and back home via the Old Canada Road. This bit of historic roadway was exceptionally beautiful.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcGt1_t91AcNrSYEYbDPnPoYEoAV09LS0pf_1VTc9Ud7apsycy124_ItNlVOLYJBJOzCyk7C2M5gEhy-dfP9Yb2MTkbhxxM4Yqg4UURMeLC8kCAWoNRpPbhjYf_fH7OiRLw_7H/s1600-h/apples+010.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcGt1_t91AcNrSYEYbDPnPoYEoAV09LS0pf_1VTc9Ud7apsycy124_ItNlVOLYJBJOzCyk7C2M5gEhy-dfP9Yb2MTkbhxxM4Yqg4UURMeLC8kCAWoNRpPbhjYf_fH7OiRLw_7H/s400/apples+010.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391419187519001842" border="0" /></a>These bold fishermen were sitting in the middle of the river in their anchored kayaks.<br /><br />We stopped by an historic marker and marveled that revolutionary troops could actually maneuver this far north!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6pbAU-T9gBAZO8A0Wr0gHul0au8ukroGc4RmtBhs_q1_ysWNWQvsMYwxhs7TDl0kRw9R_We8zFtrx6lDsNiM7O8yBONX7FhjQm49eDdue4pMWrxB_FZabcgKrZqvKwBQcxvDK/s1600-h/apples+025.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6pbAU-T9gBAZO8A0Wr0gHul0au8ukroGc4RmtBhs_q1_ysWNWQvsMYwxhs7TDl0kRw9R_We8zFtrx6lDsNiM7O8yBONX7FhjQm49eDdue4pMWrxB_FZabcgKrZqvKwBQcxvDK/s400/apples+025.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391419198841327266" border="0" /></a>The vistas were incomparable!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinrKfY1p0D0QeaIwt0CUYyZNyCDujR5NvDzHxNzknUhDXcvSD85RSrLD9k8631VAZANd-F6bX-RDs2yoSnXQk6s6859NpshUqphuZI0n4hL5GURKOUj_AY5IajiTCk6H6eaSDr/s1600-h/apples+018.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinrKfY1p0D0QeaIwt0CUYyZNyCDujR5NvDzHxNzknUhDXcvSD85RSrLD9k8631VAZANd-F6bX-RDs2yoSnXQk6s6859NpshUqphuZI0n4hL5GURKOUj_AY5IajiTCk6H6eaSDr/s400/apples+018.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391419194130811442" border="0" /></a><br />and the colors, all too fleeting.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7d1zcCiop8BdLgOJoWW0gep63a-3dKdcdjYjnBJfyPLiijs9NLzLSTvP6J9RrpkmESKzSibQhlQpdKgjjVxPkf20glQCh3Sn7_us9dgQcKx1ukSYFGDWRMNWs118_gA5L1dHe/s1600-h/apple+picking,+autumn+colors+004.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7d1zcCiop8BdLgOJoWW0gep63a-3dKdcdjYjnBJfyPLiijs9NLzLSTvP6J9RrpkmESKzSibQhlQpdKgjjVxPkf20glQCh3Sn7_us9dgQcKx1ukSYFGDWRMNWs118_gA5L1dHe/s400/apple+picking,+autumn+colors+004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391421566916345986" border="0" /></a>On those days where road trips are not possible, we begin our days with yoga and exercise on the treadmill and stationary bike.<br /><br />Sluggo, loves to participate......<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwdWdyoXs3cSYueD-hOgGAhVZ2k-J80zc7J6BUDrrY-zetbiahqTp8BNv_3GfoAl0AZiwmm_RCB8sJ41g_B833vXfY7i19CAEUrQ-p8CEZxmii4xHX2LiUiLGJJY78GfSW1N4M/s1600-h/apples+031.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwdWdyoXs3cSYueD-hOgGAhVZ2k-J80zc7J6BUDrrY-zetbiahqTp8BNv_3GfoAl0AZiwmm_RCB8sJ41g_B833vXfY7i19CAEUrQ-p8CEZxmii4xHX2LiUiLGJJY78GfSW1N4M/s400/apples+031.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391421558820956146" border="0" /></a>and Spike just looks on in lazy disbelief that anyone would exert that much energy on purpose.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8fPs3iz6myVw4VLy_aOHPIJjVYsT5XtJCPupel2F7IXkdcPP2-mitkshdTYfnzB2yRR1SaUfPo_FWR-if6Igb69pkCq0SImVTZ_n7_Ni5mgoUv4g-dfIDDwudhQ_i374X_35D/s1600-h/apples+033.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8fPs3iz6myVw4VLy_aOHPIJjVYsT5XtJCPupel2F7IXkdcPP2-mitkshdTYfnzB2yRR1SaUfPo_FWR-if6Igb69pkCq0SImVTZ_n7_Ni5mgoUv4g-dfIDDwudhQ_i374X_35D/s400/apples+033.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391421562300317250" border="0" /></a>So, Dear Ones, such ends another post.<br /><br />Oh, and if you've not read enough here, and want to see what my alter ego, <a href="http://downeastknitiot.blogspot.com/">The Downeast Knitiot </a>is up to, check out my knitting blog.<br /><br />Life is Busy and Oh So Good!<br /><br />Hugs, GiddyGiddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810313282013706875noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30213254.post-74173894873188662082009-09-30T16:06:00.004-04:002009-09-30T17:21:51.363-04:00An Apple a DayEvery autumn, H and I head out to the local orchard to pick our favorite varieties of apples. Today was a beautiful, sunny, crisp autumn day - just the right combination to pick apples. We got a bit carried away this year and before we knew it, had picked 38 pounds! I guess I'll be making my usual apple butter, but I've also researched a few recipes for Apple Chutney. It sounds like it would be wonderful with pork, chicken or turkey. My son, the Chef gave me the idea so I'll have to send him some for his approval!<br /><br />H picked all the ones high up in the trees......<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg82w9ca1IkP33ThFTKucnHpj27svRahrODZqTjcqkeM8VhZTqM-UaLBUeKlHvqDja7ccW66p13-OE90wMcV3FEz65Cvj0rpiM1wjWyefWWanQxIQVRu1AZWJ-byrL-IWlQ5tju/s1600-h/apple+picking,+autumn+colors+013.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg82w9ca1IkP33ThFTKucnHpj27svRahrODZqTjcqkeM8VhZTqM-UaLBUeKlHvqDja7ccW66p13-OE90wMcV3FEz65Cvj0rpiM1wjWyefWWanQxIQVRu1AZWJ-byrL-IWlQ5tju/s400/apple+picking,+autumn+colors+013.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387367656230857922" border="0" /></a>..... while I get all the low hanging fruit! (no short jokes, please)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0iJ8UXA8FQFUjjvYh4Hc7HLZ5VGHX6tjqde_HYzlT-EIj4LqkRZLTIJLT-x4kFxJ41uFxjF-Btd-HhLcnAbRREx2nTvO8DliL4_e7Z-8R38-412-wZQ9XtKiXEPjeQF8_5I4x/s1600-h/apple+picking,+autumn+colors+014.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0iJ8UXA8FQFUjjvYh4Hc7HLZ5VGHX6tjqde_HYzlT-EIj4LqkRZLTIJLT-x4kFxJ41uFxjF-Btd-HhLcnAbRREx2nTvO8DliL4_e7Z-8R38-412-wZQ9XtKiXEPjeQF8_5I4x/s400/apple+picking,+autumn+colors+014.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387367661786291778" border="0" /></a>Two bags worth ended up being 38 pounds; one bag of Empires and another of Macouns which are a nice, crisp cross of Cortlands and Macintoshes.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ-3L6n8JKPY-vyjbMZFL3ZH9Ba3UYFMyAC6Fy3Mw8dZCW4eiSeF9chYQYK3FbbytOaKqe6Os1uIjGWebZX3L2vpvz-bnKVzcUqIPJkzLbf7UpIZjaDm7b9KOcGNtR9HKfys0a/s1600-h/apple+picking,+autumn+colors+017.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ-3L6n8JKPY-vyjbMZFL3ZH9Ba3UYFMyAC6Fy3Mw8dZCW4eiSeF9chYQYK3FbbytOaKqe6Os1uIjGWebZX3L2vpvz-bnKVzcUqIPJkzLbf7UpIZjaDm7b9KOcGNtR9HKfys0a/s400/apple+picking,+autumn+colors+017.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387367666868194242" border="0" /></a>Just being in the orchard surrounded by all those apple trees was a treat<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuywMR4eRogTyOueJzniq_dE4v1BEpu7FouVmUNWZY8XWTxDtb-q50v2Yy0v1o3w4Ps7ONTV04sAbbyXJN2WKa7qk8E2C5NAdFKX9GoY2un_uDCc85MMYvdYbfnXDH_VRVDGtJ/s1600-h/apple+picking,+autumn+colors+018.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuywMR4eRogTyOueJzniq_dE4v1BEpu7FouVmUNWZY8XWTxDtb-q50v2Yy0v1o3w4Ps7ONTV04sAbbyXJN2WKa7qk8E2C5NAdFKX9GoY2un_uDCc85MMYvdYbfnXDH_VRVDGtJ/s400/apple+picking,+autumn+colors+018.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387367674206852418" border="0" /></a>Kind of makes you want to take a bite, doesn't it?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSTTdz6mcmYZUnzB1HLUPLlqCDwYUerXGOJyhZ0TzzIYvVg0oVcup1LRmncKXEPwKh1oOAPAxIOIdF-_JuRRh30gN4ExMqek0OxYYl_I4ojpCMJkrKXIh319TabgrH0symXJli/s1600-h/apple+picking,+autumn+colors+019.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSTTdz6mcmYZUnzB1HLUPLlqCDwYUerXGOJyhZ0TzzIYvVg0oVcup1LRmncKXEPwKh1oOAPAxIOIdF-_JuRRh30gN4ExMqek0OxYYl_I4ojpCMJkrKXIh319TabgrH0symXJli/s400/apple+picking,+autumn+colors+019.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387367684600481650" border="0" /></a>Somebody found the bags of apples fascinating......<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidvZph8ZeMSp3X_ACInMMmkhTO9jpoDt5p-XBowYB_suk-mX5z2oIOp7z78z4Fb5G6lyLALLnDr-6Np07dE_sbPLyOVWfK9UY6NKppReZQ5d6posdfOUd3UOLhGoe6PxXHjg5t/s1600-h/cats+006.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidvZph8ZeMSp3X_ACInMMmkhTO9jpoDt5p-XBowYB_suk-mX5z2oIOp7z78z4Fb5G6lyLALLnDr-6Np07dE_sbPLyOVWfK9UY6NKppReZQ5d6posdfOUd3UOLhGoe6PxXHjg5t/s400/cats+006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387371951778723778" border="0" /></a>... and promptly fished one out for his entertainment!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ-uSlhrQBLGok0ew_iGd6jyAwgiWativFOHQTYnTzrAPxpKs6OwMO8r2VPWFXXmNClOFMOjk8C6CWhvlWAorI9Jaz0McNRQsr-wTqA_OtrBsanQzioL-gi1M2TIkD8etDE4PJ/s1600-h/cats+004.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ-uSlhrQBLGok0ew_iGd6jyAwgiWativFOHQTYnTzrAPxpKs6OwMO8r2VPWFXXmNClOFMOjk8C6CWhvlWAorI9Jaz0McNRQsr-wTqA_OtrBsanQzioL-gi1M2TIkD8etDE4PJ/s400/cats+004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387371949514993426" border="0" /></a>Sure wish we could have taken these two munchkins with us. I know they would have enjoyed it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvmvhHf_ISlg1qPVcFyL6p1Rq1BFv2D_rkIOsmkdIuyGvdR-NWNNqEGeTMVaY92f8LBbIaMHmieb-xvBTjHMACyEr9ol80UYi4xpZG8LLh-cOFxMZwOh2O1dLOMLr8biyNvkX1/s1600-h/pic+4+mom.3JPG.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvmvhHf_ISlg1qPVcFyL6p1Rq1BFv2D_rkIOsmkdIuyGvdR-NWNNqEGeTMVaY92f8LBbIaMHmieb-xvBTjHMACyEr9ol80UYi4xpZG8LLh-cOFxMZwOh2O1dLOMLr8biyNvkX1/s400/pic+4+mom.3JPG.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387371960408566466" border="0" /></a>Life is Good!<br /><br />Hugs, GiddyGiddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810313282013706875noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30213254.post-14823694278583636272009-09-20T12:20:00.007-04:002009-09-20T16:01:05.804-04:00I caught a whiff of autumn.......... in the air while walking up the road to fetch the newspaper the other day. I also spotted several maples beginning to turn red. I don't know whether to be sad that summer is coming to an end or rejoice in my favorite time of year!<br /><br />We didn't have much summer this year and the garden had difficulty getting established, but we did eventually get some nice color in the perennial garden. On the other hand, the veggie garden was a bust this year, however, I did manage to get several meals of green beans and lots of peas.<br /><br />I planted another batch of peas and am hoping to get some before any hard frost comes along.<br /><br />The deck plantings did well, although it took lots of TLC to keep them looking good.<br /><br />I managed to overwinter most of my geraniums, thereby saving lots of money!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqTd1b3l1_syDKkoSqxhdyxQ_KlzSwC2doUIOunVQ32Z1eZEt5Um6mY2k2WuIIDfgqpX2hn8n8dNCWRZ3Pxh4OWhl6s0KUwyXhXR4BZNWMrUbUphJe61IKd6N7XqfBveAxzXny/s1600-h/sep+flowers,+lobster+feed+007-1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqTd1b3l1_syDKkoSqxhdyxQ_KlzSwC2doUIOunVQ32Z1eZEt5Um6mY2k2WuIIDfgqpX2hn8n8dNCWRZ3Pxh4OWhl6s0KUwyXhXR4BZNWMrUbUphJe61IKd6N7XqfBveAxzXny/s400/sep+flowers,+lobster+feed+007-1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383631871433179746" border="0" /></a>The dahlias are looking pretty good!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibuxD8Sa-MuGVojtne2igg8Uuja14iUpuxSWlS_aYqXroHp1Vcb04O8BJQAfv4rzeI0zmSuuMI1D9aO1IDx-XbaTgheOm4ewerSBXp4MQeyJ8Yp3Yij9ku3HqDeB7qPFpf8BqU/s1600-h/sep+flowers,+lobster+feed+005-1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibuxD8Sa-MuGVojtne2igg8Uuja14iUpuxSWlS_aYqXroHp1Vcb04O8BJQAfv4rzeI0zmSuuMI1D9aO1IDx-XbaTgheOm4ewerSBXp4MQeyJ8Yp3Yij9ku3HqDeB7qPFpf8BqU/s400/sep+flowers,+lobster+feed+005-1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383631860356896418" border="0" /></a>My favorite pot was planted with burgundy leaved cannas, lime green Marguerite and a Sedona coleus.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT8JukcHeqy8fdUHk3XhXVzysXZz2CPOzQvg54hMqGQZymn_VnkrNkoByp2zjgc-8PTpYvMmfgPAbsDru_R25vGwWxVvIgTBXE37nkLSADonm_Nn-0kPjup_YKZEXUocwUqBwZ/s1600-h/sep+flowers,+lobster+feed+003-1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT8JukcHeqy8fdUHk3XhXVzysXZz2CPOzQvg54hMqGQZymn_VnkrNkoByp2zjgc-8PTpYvMmfgPAbsDru_R25vGwWxVvIgTBXE37nkLSADonm_Nn-0kPjup_YKZEXUocwUqBwZ/s400/sep+flowers,+lobster+feed+003-1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383631855288437762" border="0" /></a>The fountain corner was planted with lots of impatiens. I didn't think they would do well with the sun in that corner, but I was pleasantly surprised!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq2mriOJAZPu1COxmvqC32_WdkACQOzGIcs67l-1hpJv9SRCssWlpVWFr79MClCmVDP4-gvfE8bLsw6RK2dlTErxVoy15vQ_7nuQnSFrUEez6bU97h3zSMQo0sBHw75GXzreQv/s1600-h/sep+flowers,+lobster+feed+002-1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq2mriOJAZPu1COxmvqC32_WdkACQOzGIcs67l-1hpJv9SRCssWlpVWFr79MClCmVDP4-gvfE8bLsw6RK2dlTErxVoy15vQ_7nuQnSFrUEez6bU97h3zSMQo0sBHw75GXzreQv/s400/sep+flowers,+lobster+feed+002-1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383631842342652194" border="0" /></a><br />The Rudbeckia have reseeded all over the garden, but their sunny faces are always a welcome late summer sight.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD6FpuktJ4fyNx2PGwc8cNMhWpOVJ9QMGMcLkNWWc_9HNBP3CekowM-g4Ve_jPTfoxsZcahzJ5YyaBKctwjbdhSqeY4Uc7PK-2-Wr-q6oODdAWvdAZ6Fp2teW363kOhmY-J9JH/s1600-h/sep+flowers,+lobster+feed+011-1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD6FpuktJ4fyNx2PGwc8cNMhWpOVJ9QMGMcLkNWWc_9HNBP3CekowM-g4Ve_jPTfoxsZcahzJ5YyaBKctwjbdhSqeY4Uc7PK-2-Wr-q6oODdAWvdAZ6Fp2teW363kOhmY-J9JH/s400/sep+flowers,+lobster+feed+011-1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383634567573910866" border="0" /></a>That Joe Pye weed in the middle of the garden was not as tall as in previous years, so I think it may be time to divide it next spring. There's an awful lot of it - anyone want some?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5a-ADL0MjiXmHJbt7PBh3_MzUlEBkqNXL4PBTvrWmG-Uf2XWrfMMUu0kJJKmWjiQajIuISdypr8ji3OtAL0dbhacyugDnH0pHASA5lNDwl7sOyVS-YFwWvl7u2NYGUAniuGuK/s1600-h/sep+flowers,+lobster+feed+008-1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5a-ADL0MjiXmHJbt7PBh3_MzUlEBkqNXL4PBTvrWmG-Uf2XWrfMMUu0kJJKmWjiQajIuISdypr8ji3OtAL0dbhacyugDnH0pHASA5lNDwl7sOyVS-YFwWvl7u2NYGUAniuGuK/s400/sep+flowers,+lobster+feed+008-1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383634564458344882" border="0" /></a>We were busy last week with the annual Veteran's Club Lobster Feed. H and I are always on hand to help cook huge amounts of lobster, clams and mussels.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOnEhB7goygegE287XdDZpQhqT0OEsRKfZsfFRhf_qgFEldP8pzOKX6Q67liXiU2GJ3IEff0ImypDZwbGLYJBsU-PBgPqBFEqhiz1AvExu8LHNtaY9SNdUwo96Mf-nI7RzTr7d/s1600-h/sep+flowers,+lobster+feed+020-1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOnEhB7goygegE287XdDZpQhqT0OEsRKfZsfFRhf_qgFEldP8pzOKX6Q67liXiU2GJ3IEff0ImypDZwbGLYJBsU-PBgPqBFEqhiz1AvExu8LHNtaY9SNdUwo96Mf-nI7RzTr7d/s400/sep+flowers,+lobster+feed+020-1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383634575704575026" border="0" /></a>The "before" shot......<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQ9L7c8qlCrlxUh7o1DgIRe48d-uvZR0efrk0wv0-2Pd13qOdt6e8n592Jw6S14nRXlmobxXE7Sa2VjPvxxCBMWV7jPCIkPe9Om3Rwqxy1qdlczXdWbl1YLZQnpBSjndQVk-n/s1600-h/sep+flowers,+lobster+feed+028-1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 387px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQ9L7c8qlCrlxUh7o1DgIRe48d-uvZR0efrk0wv0-2Pd13qOdt6e8n592Jw6S14nRXlmobxXE7Sa2VjPvxxCBMWV7jPCIkPe9Om3Rwqxy1qdlczXdWbl1YLZQnpBSjndQVk-n/s400/sep+flowers,+lobster+feed+028-1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383634583695746226" border="0" /></a>... and one of the after<br /><br />Ah, but the final product is always the tastiest!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXl4ze_OAwnG0plZhaDYHEZlj4kJXWp5aSYUjWbuFgxFEanh74NGNP2TBSVo2f5ygYaEA4agPqieATzlEqCfpN9w_RePRBRLs8Og9XuYEKebLRe6yu-xYHVZLtvyq7fpasbnnh/s1600-h/sep+flowers,+lobster+feed+031-1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXl4ze_OAwnG0plZhaDYHEZlj4kJXWp5aSYUjWbuFgxFEanh74NGNP2TBSVo2f5ygYaEA4agPqieATzlEqCfpN9w_RePRBRLs8Og9XuYEKebLRe6yu-xYHVZLtvyq7fpasbnnh/s400/sep+flowers,+lobster+feed+031-1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383634590557801042" border="0" /></a>The lobster dinner was delicious, as always, but the really fun part was that I won the raffle for four more lobsters! I took them home, picked the meat off and froze it for another tasty dish. Hmmmm, Paella?, Lobster Rolls?, Cioppino? Boulliabase? Oh, stop me please!!!<br /><br />Yesterday, H and I headed out to our friend's house and his firing range for a bit of target practice. I finally got to fire the 9mm we had acquired a bit back and to reacquaint myself with the Taurus .38. The guys were quite impressed with my marksmanship. Needless to say, none of the paper targets survived!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgIWdbTcyD6vu9Ak42ksaTqtIw223hDmj-QcAhgwQruLwCW391BpnTQWVl8iG6Ee67R4f7nLq9UMVVyqi2VzZHGz6vHkJbsk2xux0eUMLxCO0giG7Ft-jPe4m07AQETtYI-2op/s1600-h/lobster+feed,+target+practice+005.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgIWdbTcyD6vu9Ak42ksaTqtIw223hDmj-QcAhgwQruLwCW391BpnTQWVl8iG6Ee67R4f7nLq9UMVVyqi2VzZHGz6vHkJbsk2xux0eUMLxCO0giG7Ft-jPe4m07AQETtYI-2op/s400/lobster+feed,+target+practice+005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383636088690955762" border="0" /></a>H is taking aim<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ_xKFv9IHCvZAqR-PkggRJNR-zYdQbl-2aQSFtL9E0tmywBUmo068YWeeL4DgqYZ5VytoRC-w_9BecUENAiTPDFQdzNu0PshScw-4KSu45S5rWMZy54wPeq0xtpNIwwDda5aE/s1600-h/lobster+feed,+target+practice+004.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ_xKFv9IHCvZAqR-PkggRJNR-zYdQbl-2aQSFtL9E0tmywBUmo068YWeeL4DgqYZ5VytoRC-w_9BecUENAiTPDFQdzNu0PshScw-4KSu45S5rWMZy54wPeq0xtpNIwwDda5aE/s400/lobster+feed,+target+practice+004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383636090714374978" border="0" /></a>Giddy and Clyde!<br /></div><br />And so ends another exciting day in the life of a small, aging but fiercely protective gnome.<br /><br />Life is Good<br /><br />Hugs, GiddyGiddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810313282013706875noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30213254.post-51050913004136475062009-09-06T09:27:00.003-04:002009-09-06T09:58:06.331-04:00Catching up Again!Sorry I've been out of pocket for a while, but things have been popping around here.<br /><br />By mid August, the weather had finally turned nice and the garden duties called for daily maintenance. In addition, I had to make an emergency trip down south as my Mother had been admitted to the hospital.<br /><br />I spent five days helping Daddy take care of Mom when she was discharged from the hospital and not one to sit around and twiddle my thumbs, I cooked, cooked and cooked more so I could freeze meals for them before I left. I think I ended up with about 40 meals for them. Between Hungarian Goulasch, Chili, Chicken Soup, Penne Pasta Casseroles, Bean Soup, Brown Rice, Cabbage Rolls and various other dishes which escape me now, I think they will be set for a couple of months.<br /><br />I learned my love of flowers and gardening from my Mom and she has lots of flowers in pots around the yard, so I also did watering and maintenance on her blooms. All in all, it was a whirlwind of chores and not a dull moment the whole time I was there. I think they were pleased.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEkZzUan4wfuE482BtICcLPU2PhswSLMwRl6F5GVVwBkeHnSqQ9laWl1xfU3RlUyzBAOplTopRWzp2LQ_R4jCeAqr2yFhbBgS9GBPnHBFZRadNEsRDQxwjmvZGO4xFndurmzMJ/s1600-h/mom+and+dad+013.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEkZzUan4wfuE482BtICcLPU2PhswSLMwRl6F5GVVwBkeHnSqQ9laWl1xfU3RlUyzBAOplTopRWzp2LQ_R4jCeAqr2yFhbBgS9GBPnHBFZRadNEsRDQxwjmvZGO4xFndurmzMJ/s400/mom+and+dad+013.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378349784753711266" border="0" /></a>The Mother in Law tongue behind them is a testament to Mom's plant care. It's almost as tall as me!!<br /><br />I have always admired the photos of them hanging in their bedroom. They were taken sometime around 1948 or so when Daddy was a dashing young soldier and Mama was a beautiful young, dimpled German girl he met while stationed over there after the war. I tried to take photos of the pictures, but the light was never quite just right. The pictures had been colorized and I was startled to see that they had colored Daddy's eyes brown rather than the deep turquoise blue they had been. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUFWDIC1hkU7pzGAYGnccDgkuaKV0UakPiBVi0LtWbSGktvpTFFOxTt2q6d0Gi_oi8Km38vjPHQ2v6G35vQMRz31dEaeJEqI59H5I0H2XnCmfFCGq_9ATMVzM7vxOitsx0AoRI/s1600-h/mom+and+dad+002.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUFWDIC1hkU7pzGAYGnccDgkuaKV0UakPiBVi0LtWbSGktvpTFFOxTt2q6d0Gi_oi8Km38vjPHQ2v6G35vQMRz31dEaeJEqI59H5I0H2XnCmfFCGq_9ATMVzM7vxOitsx0AoRI/s400/mom+and+dad+002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378349799711125586" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhln93zHpjGZaa4gR2egQ_RgqnkCDrkrtKVIehm7qHqUkVngWClKtz03qJDzkYhf4yhpSMIMixgsBgpfpjS9RcQ574UzgfTzO-qErRISySdrRodjvNMtrp84Jx5egEz9NmV9HPI/s1600-h/mom+and+dad+006.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhln93zHpjGZaa4gR2egQ_RgqnkCDrkrtKVIehm7qHqUkVngWClKtz03qJDzkYhf4yhpSMIMixgsBgpfpjS9RcQ574UzgfTzO-qErRISySdrRodjvNMtrp84Jx5egEz9NmV9HPI/s400/mom+and+dad+006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378349806543803362" border="0" /></a>Nonetheless, they were and still are a handsome, charming couple and I love them both dearly!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8WbG_QEXcYki0CSKCnpxFx1Kc6jNDUdpTpG6renDPDgmToKgbuRFOl2raIJcpknbskmXK27kN-Bv_9jI1S_lLag12Q1uYq4ZX-Uk9fp30K4BAgN1JMCBXH_hqJvQ-vvdb5snk/s1600-h/mom+and+dad+001.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8WbG_QEXcYki0CSKCnpxFx1Kc6jNDUdpTpG6renDPDgmToKgbuRFOl2raIJcpknbskmXK27kN-Bv_9jI1S_lLag12Q1uYq4ZX-Uk9fp30K4BAgN1JMCBXH_hqJvQ-vvdb5snk/s400/mom+and+dad+001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378349791777234242" border="0" /></a>I think I have inherited very good genes!<br /><br />Life is Good<br /><br />Hugs, GiddyGiddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810313282013706875noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30213254.post-7665208036418943272009-08-16T09:21:00.006-04:002009-08-16T10:23:27.117-04:00A Bit of Excitement in the House!Last night, around 9:30, H saw something run under the love seat with Sluggo in hot pursuit<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoT8gTQVL_rFkVjZZ7-68dfsx45H59ybb7-KTOztJJ7rDVqcDnrz1ei1KDqwYiVFksnrvyr0mRYFBcwQOdtl6QafPwGCol7gYsHMRZa4G0uM-VrAEQJfEwMAn4pj5Z574GCtpW/s1600-h/flying+squirrel,+cats+004.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoT8gTQVL_rFkVjZZ7-68dfsx45H59ybb7-KTOztJJ7rDVqcDnrz1ei1KDqwYiVFksnrvyr0mRYFBcwQOdtl6QafPwGCol7gYsHMRZa4G0uM-VrAEQJfEwMAn4pj5Z574GCtpW/s400/flying+squirrel,+cats+004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370566890501228642" border="0" /></a><br />We spent the next hour or so trying to corner and catch a baby flying squirrel that had somehow gotten into the house. He got up into the half moon window and then came crashing down with one of the blue wine bottles.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiytyPmj47RcL89zwKQ_m0b1d2o2KH5b6KsG99qR8qAJ7nfOEB5lUwNh3HMbfAaC1H8inMVkKERwJ7GwmjXCW6ORGN3-yuLA9-OFFAJ0OYZU21cWwDffbjpqUjfhKe1RZEzVanl/s1600-h/flying+squirrel,+cats+005.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiytyPmj47RcL89zwKQ_m0b1d2o2KH5b6KsG99qR8qAJ7nfOEB5lUwNh3HMbfAaC1H8inMVkKERwJ7GwmjXCW6ORGN3-yuLA9-OFFAJ0OYZU21cWwDffbjpqUjfhKe1RZEzVanl/s400/flying+squirrel,+cats+005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370552504742678082" border="0" /></a>It being well past our bedtime and still no luck catching the critter, we left the "boys" in charge and went to bed.<br /><br />Sluggo kept a night long vigil........<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ2QbLsYG5-dilvpI6oY_ltuo72udKiGhuSmO1F-ZiWK8MheBQ34lfjor23GKm2w4M8nEICws6p1ZaVKfTAtlmcjIjsq0aqRdiOwvMvnVxqYnAwrd-mIA-AfmroeIM2hXFrA_4/s1600-h/flying+squirrel,+cats+006.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ2QbLsYG5-dilvpI6oY_ltuo72udKiGhuSmO1F-ZiWK8MheBQ34lfjor23GKm2w4M8nEICws6p1ZaVKfTAtlmcjIjsq0aqRdiOwvMvnVxqYnAwrd-mIA-AfmroeIM2hXFrA_4/s400/flying+squirrel,+cats+006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370552514920138034" border="0" /></a>but I suspect Spike had little interest in losing sleep over something he probably thought wouldn't taste good anyway. The next morning, we found him stretched out and snoozing instead of earning his keep.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyzwvCgPQ3NDf0SIjkDCHqJjYYewyePKmIrD1pFWgQ9DzkksyWclGz6RWmMlMLULeG4Hz6bc604Z2s9YzqqkoH8P-n9aKnrEEOT8PUobcHUQNUkdhGNzykXb5JehdtjyEoTaTg/s1600-h/misc+flowers,+firewood,+cats+027.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyzwvCgPQ3NDf0SIjkDCHqJjYYewyePKmIrD1pFWgQ9DzkksyWclGz6RWmMlMLULeG4Hz6bc604Z2s9YzqqkoH8P-n9aKnrEEOT8PUobcHUQNUkdhGNzykXb5JehdtjyEoTaTg/s400/misc+flowers,+firewood,+cats+027.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370552528158217250" border="0" /></a>In the end, with the help of a fish net, we corralled the little fella and set him free. We're still trying to figure out how he got in the house in the first place!<br /><br />On a culinary note, yesterday, we had our first "mess o' green beans" fresh from the garden. The pole beans are beginning to produce prodigiously and I foresee lots of yummy meals.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis78_c8XLkmgryMHfn-fkAE7pE4uW5_ZQi2CmViuqAwZPXZjvDTEk9fFqAwGwjUJdtZ5akQiQOpIuN3rlbYxOerOvX0wHj-Y9p3KN6q9O9MAbtw9_JuI4G4cefOrLPS_S4pH3E/s1600-h/bohnen+gemuse,+annabelle+001.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis78_c8XLkmgryMHfn-fkAE7pE4uW5_ZQi2CmViuqAwZPXZjvDTEk9fFqAwGwjUJdtZ5akQiQOpIuN3rlbYxOerOvX0wHj-Y9p3KN6q9O9MAbtw9_JuI4G4cefOrLPS_S4pH3E/s400/bohnen+gemuse,+annabelle+001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370552519875168674" border="0" /></a>With this first batch, I made a one pot dish of beans, potatoes and smoked sausage. It was a satisfying meal of food for the soul from my youth.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYkz-MhV5lZaczGuHePfWAxFKYP5JOGyrS-jA5rh0tjNKmYdGh0HYN2EQRmkhY66FfFfemvTdi2WKmK4mbowZqjAhhNLHXW8tMEHPrOEGOi6zIt9yKsQczf7mxLIIGM1L-IxWj/s1600-h/bohnen+gemuse,+annabelle+003.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYkz-MhV5lZaczGuHePfWAxFKYP5JOGyrS-jA5rh0tjNKmYdGh0HYN2EQRmkhY66FfFfemvTdi2WKmK4mbowZqjAhhNLHXW8tMEHPrOEGOi6zIt9yKsQczf7mxLIIGM1L-IxWj/s400/bohnen+gemuse,+annabelle+003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370556523497137650" border="0" /></a>I'm happy to report that one of the BOB houses now has a "NO VACANCY" sign! The condos in the green house have all been occupied. This photo shows what I think is some kind of pollinating wasp checking things out. So far, the other houses have not seen any interest.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv6ZRt8j4yqis4CTVfTYnW6Ud5eO2JXKI0CerNDqtKdHcSnQ3nYPpSjHfAfBIglSAeMMXj0h-p_4ow0EkSJPHhZozqB7BKohgfZu6YFCK3bXiInhpgRFK5if512VmI8i99OFFV/s1600-h/misc+flowers,+firewood,+cats+038.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv6ZRt8j4yqis4CTVfTYnW6Ud5eO2JXKI0CerNDqtKdHcSnQ3nYPpSjHfAfBIglSAeMMXj0h-p_4ow0EkSJPHhZozqB7BKohgfZu6YFCK3bXiInhpgRFK5if512VmI8i99OFFV/s400/misc+flowers,+firewood,+cats+038.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370556528627626562" border="0" /></a>And, on a final note, it seems that all that fog and rain earlier in the spring and summer have produced some beautiful Annabelle Hydrangea blooms. I sat next to the bush to show how huge they are.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg9XtCieEK9VnEUaBnuPAGClWUGzDRpQmumSHBttFfpTojbYWbXnGG13oO-wE3bY0HHsiKvNPQpAOo-WBlNW7hPIkwii1-_TSTSle0U_t9BD0JAB6ga2YUTvcX9PPlar9GTTv0/s1600-h/bohnen+gemuse,+annabelle+005.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg9XtCieEK9VnEUaBnuPAGClWUGzDRpQmumSHBttFfpTojbYWbXnGG13oO-wE3bY0HHsiKvNPQpAOo-WBlNW7hPIkwii1-_TSTSle0U_t9BD0JAB6ga2YUTvcX9PPlar9GTTv0/s400/bohnen+gemuse,+annabelle+005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370556518082223570" border="0" /></a>The weather here has turned hot (ok, maybe not HOT HOT) and the humidity is up so the watering chores have begun in earnest and H has begun spreading watersealer on the deck and we are schlepping plants and furniture back and forth, so I guess I'd better get busy and get the chores done while it's still relatively cool.<br /><br />Life is Good!<br /><br />Hugs, GiddyGiddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810313282013706875noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30213254.post-73307794674112307642009-08-07T16:31:00.007-04:002009-08-10T12:00:21.400-04:00This and ThatJust catching up after a couple of hectic weeks! The sun finally came out and I had to get busy in the garden in between rainy, foggy days. It was so heartening to see the clear, blue skies and we did take off for a quick trip to Canada's Kingsbrae Garden in St. Stephen by the Sea. It was my birthday treat and it turned out to be a spectacular day for a road trip!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9vzeDj88tj6Ff6fN5ltqkej2y4sc79I5MpqCcoBp6IjIrTZdp283MkywN_JOJrvaErcd_3qm4Y3AUHJj1LdrUhaORAF0n7hYPJK_z3SywG3B2S5K6ddHUq4F1L7nrt4qUKz1c/s1600-h/kingsbrae,+flowers,+gnomes+007.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9vzeDj88tj6Ff6fN5ltqkej2y4sc79I5MpqCcoBp6IjIrTZdp283MkywN_JOJrvaErcd_3qm4Y3AUHJj1LdrUhaORAF0n7hYPJK_z3SywG3B2S5K6ddHUq4F1L7nrt4qUKz1c/s400/kingsbrae,+flowers,+gnomes+007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367323546698525954" border="0" /></a>I had recalled that one of my blogger friends had mentioned never having seen Hens and Chicks in bloom and I happened to see some at the garden<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfbBgFC3Xdv0QGxmM1VVA4gCDPZfbmjr2UjCKt9LDj8fTGfbn1IDGc7WdyyEtNF2PrvA6yoXS7OFn23dtc4gMZRYjmqLu_YpeK_3XcxXVZLC-XsfOfqDtr88zquqxDKheDPEBj/s1600-h/kingsbrae,+flowers,+gnomes+001.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfbBgFC3Xdv0QGxmM1VVA4gCDPZfbmjr2UjCKt9LDj8fTGfbn1IDGc7WdyyEtNF2PrvA6yoXS7OFn23dtc4gMZRYjmqLu_YpeK_3XcxXVZLC-XsfOfqDtr88zquqxDKheDPEBj/s400/kingsbrae,+flowers,+gnomes+001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367324303891345698" border="0" /></a>The sun has finally won out over the ever present ocean fog and the bright skies have really made my own garden colors begin to pop.<br /><br />The Annabelle Hydrangea with the pink Astilbe nestled against her look sweet together...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3K7cr-HVsUvI9zWHenCszuwlpls6CGRNJlvi7BEWVUICvf5OIn-UQAd2JbiixnlE2pyjOXSN7tcDi2AR_sRQy0It_2TARN9tU0KaFiKEUnWebAq9Kil96apjakJGgWzG4u0zm/s1600-h/kingsbrae,+flowers,+gnomes+036.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3K7cr-HVsUvI9zWHenCszuwlpls6CGRNJlvi7BEWVUICvf5OIn-UQAd2JbiixnlE2pyjOXSN7tcDi2AR_sRQy0It_2TARN9tU0KaFiKEUnWebAq9Kil96apjakJGgWzG4u0zm/s400/kingsbrae,+flowers,+gnomes+036.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367324308916032194" border="0" /></a>and the little antique wheelbarrow which was a gift from a dear friend is filled with many of the geraniums and dahlias I over wintered.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgynOoJcFydCHXVWQaAudzIlNDMyaTp2orDS07UOIQ50CIIGCFVJMX_iprZBYSqilzSHDRUQmMIEzjhJrPB95l33LMBimQDLAsylUs6IA6Wb-hlVc7GMmSg6gPXCt7SmQ9dViI2/s1600-h/kingsbrae,+flowers,+gnomes+038.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgynOoJcFydCHXVWQaAudzIlNDMyaTp2orDS07UOIQ50CIIGCFVJMX_iprZBYSqilzSHDRUQmMIEzjhJrPB95l33LMBimQDLAsylUs6IA6Wb-hlVc7GMmSg6gPXCt7SmQ9dViI2/s400/kingsbrae,+flowers,+gnomes+038.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367323566498592834" border="0" /></a>Hansi, the fountain gnome is enjoying the dappled shade provided by the Japanese Maple. I'm so glad I transplanted it this year as I don't think it could stand another winter of having tons of snow plowed on top of it!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_3qJWbiKhQCaEEHIqsoh4C3Cz6djc_t8nUXh4RzmmhTsvtrPAFYKKfRwQhLlZFPu6DQLrCQltjUSK8wEAgCpJp4duyQx0U8yzwFZb3F5oUaS1pmHjWNrae2POAFE2s8vTkD-/s1600-h/kingsbrae,+flowers,+gnomes+047.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_3qJWbiKhQCaEEHIqsoh4C3Cz6djc_t8nUXh4RzmmhTsvtrPAFYKKfRwQhLlZFPu6DQLrCQltjUSK8wEAgCpJp4duyQx0U8yzwFZb3F5oUaS1pmHjWNrae2POAFE2s8vTkD-/s400/kingsbrae,+flowers,+gnomes+047.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367324299177914242" border="0" /></a>Speaking of gnomes, yet another one arrived in our mailbox last week. He's a little bookworm whom we have named "Basil" after our favorite herb and of course, our favorite "Fawlty Towers" character played by John Cleese.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8-UScz0s1rx5RGconic8QZ0ROI4Z8MTFiyt6ZrP-dfgZrs6OWvuwEL94-v2-6-Srm6aXErkdAwJtw50cYq23pRefWCdyEiSAXnEfIhLLpT6Ucn8M5QmYIKNaTKnZQPdXK1EcS/s1600-h/kingsbrae,+flowers,+gnomes+023.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8-UScz0s1rx5RGconic8QZ0ROI4Z8MTFiyt6ZrP-dfgZrs6OWvuwEL94-v2-6-Srm6aXErkdAwJtw50cYq23pRefWCdyEiSAXnEfIhLLpT6Ucn8M5QmYIKNaTKnZQPdXK1EcS/s400/kingsbrae,+flowers,+gnomes+023.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367323566527402930" border="0" /></a><br />The veggie garden is limping along, but the green bean towers have finally begun producing prodigious amounts of beans. By next week, I think we'll be up to our eyebrows in haricot vert! I can foresee a green bean, potato and smoked sausage dish in our future.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOwkKUaMdx6j3RLws2DdDFXVKu5s00U-iRWAnjrY0WXPeRbfHsPs1Pme-Wn4xLQ6SCNrw7OTG9TRQ9iqFTblQOlvrNIhDnBz4N_bGG9lUS28qEBttCb6_f2Kp2YT3GTr4Y_T-7/s1600-h/kingsbrae,+flowers,+gnomes+045.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOwkKUaMdx6j3RLws2DdDFXVKu5s00U-iRWAnjrY0WXPeRbfHsPs1Pme-Wn4xLQ6SCNrw7OTG9TRQ9iqFTblQOlvrNIhDnBz4N_bGG9lUS28qEBttCb6_f2Kp2YT3GTr4Y_T-7/s400/kingsbrae,+flowers,+gnomes+045.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367324539724577026" border="0" /></a>Our neighbors are building a new garage and had to take down several cedar trees which they offered to us. Never being ones to turn down anything free, we of course headed right over to collect what we could. We usually cut it up into kindling and I think we have a few years worth here!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrhO6Iu-86FmA80RMrJJBymM_2q5u_pda7hdrbEsDF39Y6iaCEff7SEoEkXeC8AKImllkMFJSl1R_V7kreJ8Xr1Yo398hZqQWEzQjL8LSh6aezxiwwQwCrVxhFIg9w09tLU0bw/s1600-h/kingsbrae,+flowers,+gnomes+042.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrhO6Iu-86FmA80RMrJJBymM_2q5u_pda7hdrbEsDF39Y6iaCEff7SEoEkXeC8AKImllkMFJSl1R_V7kreJ8Xr1Yo398hZqQWEzQjL8LSh6aezxiwwQwCrVxhFIg9w09tLU0bw/s400/kingsbrae,+flowers,+gnomes+042.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367324298154480514" border="0" /></a><br />Of course, we have learned over our lifetime that nothing is truly free. H has had his eye on a small, electric log splitter and all this wood gave him the perfect excuse to finally purchase one.<br /><br />This bit of "free" firewood has cost us $300!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbeefFPzwvRNGTIJYF5Ht0HkRzV3Y-X34c2YNisrKK_oQo9hvFvy909z8dsaxszBya0dWXl4FkfyrIzDwOpZuvc4sI0QYgPqubZ3UML1E5TJnwaop0VFKytOdwM_yJK0dk-GKk/s1600-h/misc+flowers,+firewood,+cats+028.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbeefFPzwvRNGTIJYF5Ht0HkRzV3Y-X34c2YNisrKK_oQo9hvFvy909z8dsaxszBya0dWXl4FkfyrIzDwOpZuvc4sI0QYgPqubZ3UML1E5TJnwaop0VFKytOdwM_yJK0dk-GKk/s400/misc+flowers,+firewood,+cats+028.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368362825070475938" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvD8ZA2t7ByqhrGBY25rO9wQAMRgCxmjIoHkHCjSm7Dpqp46y2YQO80uLIGnEEHmd8Pwl3rT2B0deeJnk0oVovEE7Al-8-xQQ2SbU1HR3FtUC6qcNq0yAtweJQIxaJHB20WBCY/s1600-h/misc+flowers,+firewood,+cats+031.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvD8ZA2t7ByqhrGBY25rO9wQAMRgCxmjIoHkHCjSm7Dpqp46y2YQO80uLIGnEEHmd8Pwl3rT2B0deeJnk0oVovEE7Al-8-xQQ2SbU1HR3FtUC6qcNq0yAtweJQIxaJHB20WBCY/s400/misc+flowers,+firewood,+cats+031.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368362828737151746" border="0" /></a>We've had quite a bit of activity in the cove this week as mussel draggers have been harvesting a wealth of mussels. Out in the bay, the sailboats have been sailing back and forth from here to Bar Harbor.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOiHz5CnIJN3DomLSMfxEJ2kRAyXhrkxG9qJEhEJF3bU5sP_KuJSVhuCR23ksGUcrz0WSy9Dh1YBG-8ls9L3EjFeBzjJQQK6s_hCqgHAC9H__fJTJH3MiOrBoToMMszWGetI35/s1600-h/kingsbrae,+flowers,+gnomes+020.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOiHz5CnIJN3DomLSMfxEJ2kRAyXhrkxG9qJEhEJF3bU5sP_KuJSVhuCR23ksGUcrz0WSy9Dh1YBG-8ls9L3EjFeBzjJQQK6s_hCqgHAC9H__fJTJH3MiOrBoToMMszWGetI35/s400/kingsbrae,+flowers,+gnomes+020.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367323558422962914" border="0" /></a><br />Spike obviously has not heard the old saying about curiosity killing the cat. He almost got mailed to Grandma and Grandpa's house the other day!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb5BhlCXkKDzl_ce1A65tt2nApWCA38g2m6A4nLhSAdo9gVsTPjufwuhsxir6x5X_JXqzfmkl5EzA3_24hFDmSLFAdNzlTJnhdKBzzZ_4AIgAoNE_BMrDfDT6B4goxYBeLam2I/s1600-h/kingsbrae,+flowers,+gnomes+013.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb5BhlCXkKDzl_ce1A65tt2nApWCA38g2m6A4nLhSAdo9gVsTPjufwuhsxir6x5X_JXqzfmkl5EzA3_24hFDmSLFAdNzlTJnhdKBzzZ_4AIgAoNE_BMrDfDT6B4goxYBeLam2I/s400/kingsbrae,+flowers,+gnomes+013.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367323554463428114" border="0" /></a>And, so ends yet another couple of fun filled weeks in Downeast, Maine!<br /><br />May all our remaining summer days be filled with sunshine and flowers.<br /><br />Life is Good!<br /><br />Hugs, GiddyGiddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810313282013706875noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30213254.post-71160291876915281162009-07-24T08:46:00.004-04:002009-07-24T10:27:44.388-04:00New OccupantsThe BOBs have begun moving in to the condos! Yesterday, as I was meandering aimlessly through the garden as I am wont to do on a daily basis, I noticed that one hole in the BOB house had been sealed!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-OveqavKirkCIMDrgelvfXy8HGucy6w2EOr02cj0ZbC0NMWXCv0tczcou9u_V8PHn6OD5Lls3KsVBfcwESM8rLICyia4VNj-V5LJ23D4j6BnOthMG4kEb1CRd5Mq2K72Nzgw/s1600-h/yard,+bobs,+flowers+016.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-OveqavKirkCIMDrgelvfXy8HGucy6w2EOr02cj0ZbC0NMWXCv0tczcou9u_V8PHn6OD5Lls3KsVBfcwESM8rLICyia4VNj-V5LJ23D4j6BnOthMG4kEb1CRd5Mq2K72Nzgw/s400/yard,+bobs,+flowers+016.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362008717726163122" border="0" /></a>Notice the sealed hole - it's the second one down on the left.<br /><br />The female bees lay their eggs in the holes and then seal them up with mud plugs. In the spring, the new bees will dig their way out and begin their task of pollinating plants.<br /><br />The bees look very much like a common housefly and are not in the least agressive.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgsmODraiVCCnXvUGuqrWOi6dUMYjNW9tfIh2pW_frsrjkkPpDdzxxLtdx31mn4RiM1WHuudelMZV4SrAwyfcbO3dx4dqARjFe3zLiyMkIDQnPx_3DtPlN-7pU0qIU_5qt42JS/s1600-h/yard,+bobs,+flowers+008.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgsmODraiVCCnXvUGuqrWOi6dUMYjNW9tfIh2pW_frsrjkkPpDdzxxLtdx31mn4RiM1WHuudelMZV4SrAwyfcbO3dx4dqARjFe3zLiyMkIDQnPx_3DtPlN-7pU0qIU_5qt42JS/s400/yard,+bobs,+flowers+008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362008725189874450" border="0" /></a>More information about these fascinating bees can be found on the website below:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://osmia.com/">http://osmia.com</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">It was a beautiful afternoon, and the boys were happy to join me in the garden. They, however, were more interested in the jumping grasshoppers and the chipmunks chirping in the shrubs.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6bRxqT3goI-zXnICw0OCj-sowp03dqPk_AylXcwmyl2nJLMcoWGdkYbPIsIkolS7VtbN-zeJesSIubKDlHPIQz-lH3J55xH19JhLBYLknvRPHwjXxFqmjmWykjfWVzQtpjt0Z/s1600-h/yard,+bobs,+flowers+022.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6bRxqT3goI-zXnICw0OCj-sowp03dqPk_AylXcwmyl2nJLMcoWGdkYbPIsIkolS7VtbN-zeJesSIubKDlHPIQz-lH3J55xH19JhLBYLknvRPHwjXxFqmjmWykjfWVzQtpjt0Z/s400/yard,+bobs,+flowers+022.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362009517174206130" border="0" /></a>Sluggo was obviously entertained by something as he focused intently for quite some time.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYbG55bIgZ8QcWwUISc30Awvi4UVWWDvMTNVInPOc7a9pcSUCXgQ66v6P1oMvzZXfvEGcXhkuN33_N0q5GXLhosip1KmIbOwoXekNs5Rt_ANWy1GrWVSlxQZyHz6sppE21StNZ/s1600-h/yard,+bobs,+flowers+010.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYbG55bIgZ8QcWwUISc30Awvi4UVWWDvMTNVInPOc7a9pcSUCXgQ66v6P1oMvzZXfvEGcXhkuN33_N0q5GXLhosip1KmIbOwoXekNs5Rt_ANWy1GrWVSlxQZyHz6sppE21StNZ/s400/yard,+bobs,+flowers+010.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362008722437487490" border="0" /></a>My huge Ruby Spider daylily has just begun blooming. Again, this year, it's blooming about a week or more earlier than in years past. I hope this doesn't portend yet another cold, snowy winter!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyDmX9JLhT5xNWsnQ3_jRsYi2KU9PWaJsRUycpVSWE3EeEBd_mi7O8sOd08hywfCxK4_Ud6_W1UHBcMlAOZrD-nENp1kMDc2kaZdZ05CD9n7O8YR00Efpdi2KU9g0pNl7TaU5M/s1600-h/yard,+bobs,+flowers+024.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyDmX9JLhT5xNWsnQ3_jRsYi2KU9PWaJsRUycpVSWE3EeEBd_mi7O8sOd08hywfCxK4_Ud6_W1UHBcMlAOZrD-nENp1kMDc2kaZdZ05CD9n7O8YR00Efpdi2KU9g0pNl7TaU5M/s400/yard,+bobs,+flowers+024.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362009524247902226" border="0" /></a>The dahlias have begun blooming, as well. I thought I had overwintered all of them, but it seems only the pink ones came back.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5qOMhSn0ewUgS0ZZl5TXQMSjmhSSID_v85swjdZ4g9I0ngi9VU6uvqu7eIGvfk6DPeSGf9iPBCQyrvLb8s5PM0k3NgaZMzF7bevCtlD6zjFPSPZn8PQwBtNsS1_Dl3R0dLdhh/s1600-h/yard,+bobs,+flowers+018.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5qOMhSn0ewUgS0ZZl5TXQMSjmhSSID_v85swjdZ4g9I0ngi9VU6uvqu7eIGvfk6DPeSGf9iPBCQyrvLb8s5PM0k3NgaZMzF7bevCtlD6zjFPSPZn8PQwBtNsS1_Dl3R0dLdhh/s400/yard,+bobs,+flowers+018.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362008731486396466" border="0" /></a>This coreopsis "Zagreb" was a pass along from one of my dear neighbors.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaBK8bahjwNNFbJN3yjesfwIWpFyR__SWa65Dz3KWB3enz0O0DKrZxTnlUrtDDI0wNQB75q2y3d_BSBNBUv8WMKFNYWNNYBptml4spOHvfT6sGDEbKG8yPD064m-1kZkWCFrJj/s1600-h/yard,+bobs,+flowers+025.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaBK8bahjwNNFbJN3yjesfwIWpFyR__SWa65Dz3KWB3enz0O0DKrZxTnlUrtDDI0wNQB75q2y3d_BSBNBUv8WMKFNYWNNYBptml4spOHvfT6sGDEbKG8yPD064m-1kZkWCFrJj/s400/yard,+bobs,+flowers+025.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362009527359919154" border="0" /></a>The "Jackmanii" clematis is blooming and I see buds on the "New Dawn" climbing rose that is winding it's way through the clematis. It should be a pretty combination!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu1tLVxOqPP6EJ4-grx4Lo3S3QoqLXKLnGAJBvnoFV9fAriIClrBqOtr6bAFBdqefZhO-fdrNg-5PlDghY3DnPQ-w3A4cImqLKKZW0gZzT-U_q50fygL3k89s0TYZBnfkbWnMc/s1600-h/yard,+bobs,+flowers+020.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu1tLVxOqPP6EJ4-grx4Lo3S3QoqLXKLnGAJBvnoFV9fAriIClrBqOtr6bAFBdqefZhO-fdrNg-5PlDghY3DnPQ-w3A4cImqLKKZW0gZzT-U_q50fygL3k89s0TYZBnfkbWnMc/s400/yard,+bobs,+flowers+020.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362009518457017762" border="0" /></a><br />Down in the shady part of the garden, the Ligularia is blooming a beautiful yellow, and when the dark purple Monkshood begins, they too, will make a nice combination with the silvery lambs ears encircling their feet.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYyppa5UuxE4RgkyzTi2xH2x418BbxqtbwZgBcvuIbaS87WqVAmDJIRPjvdzWpl_xnrFLtBY9QFA_owMJzk34eRADsyQZ-jK185F3tEOX32ncIjqNpHYCMdrIKoqfs-Iug5mEP/s1600-h/yard,+bobs,+flowers+011.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYyppa5UuxE4RgkyzTi2xH2x418BbxqtbwZgBcvuIbaS87WqVAmDJIRPjvdzWpl_xnrFLtBY9QFA_owMJzk34eRADsyQZ-jK185F3tEOX32ncIjqNpHYCMdrIKoqfs-Iug5mEP/s400/yard,+bobs,+flowers+011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362008727867948386" border="0" /></a>And finally, here's a shot of the new hosta bed and the impatiens, astilbe, catmint and cranesbill on the other side of the rock walk. If you recall, this is the where we dug and found the cleanout to the septic tank earlier this spring. The big pot of geraniums is sitting right on top of the cleanout.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-HNNAJPShN2S61VdEkw1qMmiLqRdAju3MojXwzPkGQZQLJ7oXur2X2bW2qwsfDfGcZAUEiHDcDPJs5KWRT57JmmIffnc_Nda3ViHo7eu0VDNvNkaRYUPG49VmYjrc-RMui8ID/s1600-h/yard,+bobs,+flowers+029.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-HNNAJPShN2S61VdEkw1qMmiLqRdAju3MojXwzPkGQZQLJ7oXur2X2bW2qwsfDfGcZAUEiHDcDPJs5KWRT57JmmIffnc_Nda3ViHo7eu0VDNvNkaRYUPG49VmYjrc-RMui8ID/s400/yard,+bobs,+flowers+029.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362009530411927858" border="0" /></a>And today, it rains yet again. If this keeps up, we should have a very colorful autumn (providing of course, if the sun comes out in October!) One can only hope that Mother Nature will bless us.<br /><br />Life is Good!<br /><br />Hugs, Giddy<br /><br /></div></div>Giddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810313282013706875noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30213254.post-89983546462767814242009-07-19T18:02:00.007-04:002009-07-20T10:07:05.692-04:00BOBs?Blue Orchard Bees, that is.<br /><br /> If you recall, from a previous post, H and I had visited Thuya Garden in Northeast Harbor and saw these cute, whimsical Blue Orchard Bee (BOB) houses. As most of us gardeners have read, honey bees are being decimated by Colony Collapse Disorder and as we are all dependent on pollinators for our very existence, it makes sense to cultivate breeding areas for a variety of pollinators.<br /><br />Sooo, H and I are doing our part by making four BOB houses for our garden. They are so easy to make and give us an outlet for our artistic side. I think they turned out really cute!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKGG9JVPELaWEeR7utlCkhTjqHLs9_paYHGilxHIDXlFlXUrdYtQ-3_5jTOfPCsfcmEnh4pBQ6imxRg-m2EnKsmnZn8EJZ0xN3N6P8hMdM47R3WDsrNNtZVVU7zqcb6cxLTsVC/s1600-h/bobs+008.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKGG9JVPELaWEeR7utlCkhTjqHLs9_paYHGilxHIDXlFlXUrdYtQ-3_5jTOfPCsfcmEnh4pBQ6imxRg-m2EnKsmnZn8EJZ0xN3N6P8hMdM47R3WDsrNNtZVVU7zqcb6cxLTsVC/s400/bobs+008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360296868237641058" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVgRUmEUrC6EL5q6-cZeVmz-OhZ0G20ViFTR8H9uMDnRuyc-mqG3gSbFH-wCoqEesFWa5wkC87OYtvnKNDxSUPTvNq_epm8j6f7fHobpGh6XwuMGrtr27Ob5BYz3lRnOjdQjD-/s1600-h/bobs+006.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVgRUmEUrC6EL5q6-cZeVmz-OhZ0G20ViFTR8H9uMDnRuyc-mqG3gSbFH-wCoqEesFWa5wkC87OYtvnKNDxSUPTvNq_epm8j6f7fHobpGh6XwuMGrtr27Ob5BYz3lRnOjdQjD-/s400/bobs+006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360296480867718418" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZYi_cpGf8dxdx8PdmsgvCu_EO3PAwqvrNpy0rrlmmojDNPD-ZQ0f40in0xNJKCp0q2vBetSMF9uLXhnbHOnrM6KjH85ibVa5jLVjWOtOb5H_Gwpc6CWNpX3qKy3vgHp0QklqA/s1600-h/bobs+004.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZYi_cpGf8dxdx8PdmsgvCu_EO3PAwqvrNpy0rrlmmojDNPD-ZQ0f40in0xNJKCp0q2vBetSMF9uLXhnbHOnrM6KjH85ibVa5jLVjWOtOb5H_Gwpc6CWNpX3qKy3vgHp0QklqA/s400/bobs+004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360296473269294994" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpavZ7O-fmFu4mfrz82-v-xd2oPkW4cnQE6LgrPC28AQ8Ield_qoL0P01LEf2h98THf0x3InW6ytpsMmTjLIbuXl3lFJtoQGzItdDXK1lP2-DgMUtfyijWN5yu1NGquUxS5rvh/s1600-h/bobs+003.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpavZ7O-fmFu4mfrz82-v-xd2oPkW4cnQE6LgrPC28AQ8Ield_qoL0P01LEf2h98THf0x3InW6ytpsMmTjLIbuXl3lFJtoQGzItdDXK1lP2-DgMUtfyijWN5yu1NGquUxS5rvh/s400/bobs+003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360296469794790482" border="0" /></a>H painted the one with the kitty in the window. Spike is on one side and Sluggo on the other and<br />I painted the other three. Now we're just hoping the BOBs will find these accommodations pleasing.<br /><br />This morning dawned clear, cool and beautiful. We awoke to the thrumming sound of a lobster boat in the bay so I had to get a quick shot of it and the seagulls flying around, hoping to catch their breakfast.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYTb6tq0A8YUuJm5OFAnQwwcZkpSHe0H6u51O46eURMavfzDtkhjowHGbUKnCdQDrBc4U7dj-SWbkRc59h2ykzPAUd9604TWipnnpEac1pm40CJTlirEgcXZKfJ9kd8lh049PJ/s1600-h/amaryllis+and+deck+plants+001.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYTb6tq0A8YUuJm5OFAnQwwcZkpSHe0H6u51O46eURMavfzDtkhjowHGbUKnCdQDrBc4U7dj-SWbkRc59h2ykzPAUd9604TWipnnpEac1pm40CJTlirEgcXZKfJ9kd8lh049PJ/s400/amaryllis+and+deck+plants+001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360541166168340738" border="0" /></a>And, as long as I was out on the deck, I took a few shots of the amaryllis which have been blooming for weeks now.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrEsm3bdNQDdhUpK3xR4T0hNc-v5KPCkNw36Ni7KA1C3UfeXEqGQUAEoYtWOXQL_fcb2rbhZizGSdDYKr6Dov-wXGtcw5t2C0DL2p3X1oMaOIdx7az4uiLLCcs_Voyno2ilU8b/s1600-h/amaryllis+and+deck+plants+004.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrEsm3bdNQDdhUpK3xR4T0hNc-v5KPCkNw36Ni7KA1C3UfeXEqGQUAEoYtWOXQL_fcb2rbhZizGSdDYKr6Dov-wXGtcw5t2C0DL2p3X1oMaOIdx7az4uiLLCcs_Voyno2ilU8b/s400/amaryllis+and+deck+plants+004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360541176543709666" border="0" /></a>My eldest son sent these to me from his garden in Florida.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9icNI3_q_TW_ns2Tv6NfC6q96VxrHgVeFoidr5Qg1bjO4CyLMuPbZYAA7lVR8A9gRGSw-ZVyocedVX_KOnYbY_uEjywDlfa8UFegNIWnddpZh5fSuQiheitfHxn1lqufaEVBh/s1600-h/amaryllis+and+deck+plants+003.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9icNI3_q_TW_ns2Tv6NfC6q96VxrHgVeFoidr5Qg1bjO4CyLMuPbZYAA7lVR8A9gRGSw-ZVyocedVX_KOnYbY_uEjywDlfa8UFegNIWnddpZh5fSuQiheitfHxn1lqufaEVBh/s400/amaryllis+and+deck+plants+003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360541173692878498" border="0" /></a>This is the first year I've tried Nemesia and so far, I've been thrilled with it. It's been a non stop bloomer and no dead heading needed - my kind of plant. I think it looks very pretty planted with the deep blue Lobelia.<br /><br />The veggie garden is just now coming into it's own and the other day, I prepared peas and carrots with the Sugar Ann peas I planted in the spring. The Sugar Anns are an edible podded pea and so tender and tasty that it's difficult to get enough to bring in to cook as I tend to just eat them in the garden.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3TH8nhVQz7USXPg6t3erGzVO1dHZWG8PR1Pbwhhu_fiRSB6WggCvl23fZOswVdbeeKIEowqg5dvYSfs-vzHhmchwdNejz7khKIw3_1fZtwizCxPt2MkHL527bdl6HRpcd0-Zs/s1600-h/bobs+002.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3TH8nhVQz7USXPg6t3erGzVO1dHZWG8PR1Pbwhhu_fiRSB6WggCvl23fZOswVdbeeKIEowqg5dvYSfs-vzHhmchwdNejz7khKIw3_1fZtwizCxPt2MkHL527bdl6HRpcd0-Zs/s400/bobs+002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360541163776521970" border="0" /></a><br />Now, it's off to the garden for more weeding!<br /><br />Life is Good!<br /><br />Hugs, GiddyGiddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810313282013706875noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30213254.post-12658841193111067322009-07-17T09:08:00.006-04:002009-07-17T09:56:46.195-04:00Thuya AgainLast Tuesday, the sun was shining again, so we headed back over to Mount Desert Island to revisit Thuya Garden. We had been there four weeks ago and due to having substantial rainfall in June, and the lack of sun all month, not much had been blooming at the time.<br /><br />This time, after a bit of warmth and sun, there were more blooms, but still not as much as should have been by mid July. The trip, however, is always fun and we enjoyed the quiet, peaceful stroll through the garden.<br /><br />The path up to the garden at the top of the hill looks quite steep, but the pink granite steps make the climb much easier as it winds it's way to the top. In many spots, the granite cliffs give one a feeling of being in an ancient stone cathedral......<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmUYHplTP7-doHqtoq7EbBwo2YDPkZheTUJ9Hz2HOYAV_elBuKNHqoAV1DbAp8_rGZU0Yc06XsACs5tLtl5PdqsH-GLegL6Eae5eoaFWFMO1JlbavvxoGvlEZuvB96t9pwUFLz/s1600-h/Thuya+Garden+003.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmUYHplTP7-doHqtoq7EbBwo2YDPkZheTUJ9Hz2HOYAV_elBuKNHqoAV1DbAp8_rGZU0Yc06XsACs5tLtl5PdqsH-GLegL6Eae5eoaFWFMO1JlbavvxoGvlEZuvB96t9pwUFLz/s400/Thuya+Garden+003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359417664089164706" border="0" /></a>and the view from the top is nothing short of spectacular looking down on Northeast Harbor.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbWvrZG18_YEQ5mLpfQ_3zoU13O7L7cg6O24SEnpNcvrB9O4FQMnlBOTWx_Hhn6cguG3MPV3Itr4yglGfuTqg217MKK2W5KZud1c4_rSfZbId79mPS4wkce5cbEaA1AAEaZ9oq/s1600-h/Thuya+Garden+002.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbWvrZG18_YEQ5mLpfQ_3zoU13O7L7cg6O24SEnpNcvrB9O4FQMnlBOTWx_Hhn6cguG3MPV3Itr4yglGfuTqg217MKK2W5KZud1c4_rSfZbId79mPS4wkce5cbEaA1AAEaZ9oq/s400/Thuya+Garden+002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359417662367405570" border="0" /></a>The garden itself is full of beauty and whimsy among the more formal parts. This old cedar tree had literally split this huge boulder before it finally succumbed to old age and had to be cut down.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipPhvq_oohOC-mZus1N3Y-TwtxPjpZaSpUb68F4DhDpMQujPFe580UiTz1oeL-QVGutkuu1ENoQbZPtln3-FiCtephpGEMctlOO2l_ktuH8uNeTr0Gh6AEBM7456MBoalDD_S9/s1600-h/Thuya+Garden+006.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipPhvq_oohOC-mZus1N3Y-TwtxPjpZaSpUb68F4DhDpMQujPFe580UiTz1oeL-QVGutkuu1ENoQbZPtln3-FiCtephpGEMctlOO2l_ktuH8uNeTr0Gh6AEBM7456MBoalDD_S9/s400/Thuya+Garden+006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359417668371633202" border="0" /></a>Many of the Dahlia varieties were beginning to bloom, but this pretty one caught my eye.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUV2AMY_SbXlx6gbzltMoCwXRJ7YY_e-aOlII_Mx4kamjmjb_Vj7kd7c5RFxOYrFjK9GV6z2O3vdaJUU9gCC-l2qTAUF7D_j60AjdmiK7SRokWw0GAT7XgubwUZRpsEMV3jWwM/s1600-h/Thuya+Garden+008.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUV2AMY_SbXlx6gbzltMoCwXRJ7YY_e-aOlII_Mx4kamjmjb_Vj7kd7c5RFxOYrFjK9GV6z2O3vdaJUU9gCC-l2qTAUF7D_j60AjdmiK7SRokWw0GAT7XgubwUZRpsEMV3jWwM/s400/Thuya+Garden+008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359417671913589074" border="0" /></a><br />I took a shot of this rustic bench so H could build one for our garden. How difficult can that be???<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA8pXqKjfbFwYmHBXFOObvV8pylly_QkWRizJ7FaScKJpolqV5vFC2JbFJ7qvh8D1SwKCRgyO7YdR1DjwGlG_dxG4KRky0jI68w4KBkbbHXHtwHoWZ0Ho73HlbfdFlyJLZqRhk/s1600-h/Thuya+Garden+009.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA8pXqKjfbFwYmHBXFOObvV8pylly_QkWRizJ7FaScKJpolqV5vFC2JbFJ7qvh8D1SwKCRgyO7YdR1DjwGlG_dxG4KRky0jI68w4KBkbbHXHtwHoWZ0Ho73HlbfdFlyJLZqRhk/s400/Thuya+Garden+009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359417678738870418" border="0" /></a>The Delphinium were having a contest with the sky to see who could be the bluest!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqqdiQPaLc1Ty-Qq61cEB54fbJDbkXNln7kOxEV5J3rbG0C9E7YTksWKwyuEXzZILEGMJCvyRVeZa-jcFZxnGWL3O06-8dqosP59r8n_PeFrdJUY8w8fW_3aFDMxyU0R4zlaME/s1600-h/Thuya+Garden+015.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqqdiQPaLc1Ty-Qq61cEB54fbJDbkXNln7kOxEV5J3rbG0C9E7YTksWKwyuEXzZILEGMJCvyRVeZa-jcFZxnGWL3O06-8dqosP59r8n_PeFrdJUY8w8fW_3aFDMxyU0R4zlaME/s400/Thuya+Garden+015.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359421654249983490" border="0" /></a>And the ferns were winning their own contest with the other verdant greens of the garden.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLBc339vW9WyynIrhGpr4yCgdJvEXCm3MErhwuCC1AtrcECtqFdGagaxVk59IN2ip1EAPnkjLWiW_jWuxvBBg4uNb_diYxfYwqfcwiNe6eWS3_vPLi3QsHfb960lDo3qJznGUV/s1600-h/Thuya+Garden+010.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLBc339vW9WyynIrhGpr4yCgdJvEXCm3MErhwuCC1AtrcECtqFdGagaxVk59IN2ip1EAPnkjLWiW_jWuxvBBg4uNb_diYxfYwqfcwiNe6eWS3_vPLi3QsHfb960lDo3qJznGUV/s400/Thuya+Garden+010.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359421648591706530" border="0" /></a>This little Blue Orchard Bee house (BOB), reminded us that we still had to finish our BOBs.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQvUtSQnP7ge13JAilMQrek3uE_Nxijr-mRls4Sg_Yk5Ru79UbCtzZL3JzddL7tITQowk23rVhbhsOXx7AYeg6SLIMVeKOv1iMrtfcVUDOfvPUWwqW4xBC4hqzR0urad6HlUwU/s1600-h/Thuya+Garden+014.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQvUtSQnP7ge13JAilMQrek3uE_Nxijr-mRls4Sg_Yk5Ru79UbCtzZL3JzddL7tITQowk23rVhbhsOXx7AYeg6SLIMVeKOv1iMrtfcVUDOfvPUWwqW4xBC4hqzR0urad6HlUwU/s400/Thuya+Garden+014.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359421650992657074" border="0" /></a>After a lovely time winding throughout the garden, we headed back down the hill and moseyed on over to Little Long Pond for a picnic beside the quiet water of the pond.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicRXMiE-6yq0g1mu7j8ix1PRUlnlA2o6AYxx2h3U0lSgmqHJM-PWemiAiRp8BZy9VJffTAMNb5ynI03bpi31Uzl4bzCB8EURQRHg07fNH5MpP9JeHcFymkKOxg6wf0BV5AIX2D/s1600-h/Thuya+Garden+017.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicRXMiE-6yq0g1mu7j8ix1PRUlnlA2o6AYxx2h3U0lSgmqHJM-PWemiAiRp8BZy9VJffTAMNb5ynI03bpi31Uzl4bzCB8EURQRHg07fNH5MpP9JeHcFymkKOxg6wf0BV5AIX2D/s400/Thuya+Garden+017.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359421661998975250" border="0" /></a>And so ended another wonderful day in our little corner of the world.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6UONRhvbWVGqZW-1GxYw7r-xAZXL0dA6LvMcq-GsTXEiw7zCKARSVjTiO1MbtHFbkVpfkNEyxdiS8j_L1YvtXn4fxmQ14EGefJEF_3705gmu_OyvUqyk4fRCQykOefPn5FayE/s1600-h/Thuya+Garden+020.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6UONRhvbWVGqZW-1GxYw7r-xAZXL0dA6LvMcq-GsTXEiw7zCKARSVjTiO1MbtHFbkVpfkNEyxdiS8j_L1YvtXn4fxmQ14EGefJEF_3705gmu_OyvUqyk4fRCQykOefPn5FayE/s400/Thuya+Garden+020.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359421656974379778" border="0" /></a><br />Life is Very Good!<br /><br />Hugs, GiddyGiddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810313282013706875noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30213254.post-53400403755461829092009-07-13T11:19:00.007-04:002009-07-13T12:33:27.752-04:00What's That Bright Light in the Sky?Gasp! Can it really be the SUN????<br /><br />Maine has had the rainiest, foggiest June ever. I doubt we saw the sun more than three days all month and unfortunately, July is looking pretty bleak as well. However, we did have a few days of glorious sunshine and blue skies last week and H and I took full advantage of it with an annual tradition of attending the Belfast Garden Tour.<br /><br />We visited 6 lovely gardens and I was heartened to find that my garden was not alone in falling behind due to the gloomy weather. Many of the gardens showed signs of the nasty slug infestation that was so difficult to keep under control. And I awarded myself bragging rights as no one had as many tomatoes as I do! The experiment of bucket versus garden planted tomatoes so far, has the bucket planted tomatoes ahead by a mile. One of the plants has a tomato the size of a baseball - I'm excited!!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkpDVNgZeEBb3-ZWpZCNA0TOdGHwTB2mWkyUaGM97yKbzgvcqwjn4D16NnVRLwG3eXemoTaQtfpQpdYe1atqffNNjYRNwQz0sznaBT5S6M_BFniiKv46lX2Fe-Xk05Bv5fby_A/s1600-h/July+09+garden+002.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkpDVNgZeEBb3-ZWpZCNA0TOdGHwTB2mWkyUaGM97yKbzgvcqwjn4D16NnVRLwG3eXemoTaQtfpQpdYe1atqffNNjYRNwQz0sznaBT5S6M_BFniiKv46lX2Fe-Xk05Bv5fby_A/s400/July+09+garden+002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357974172834207778" border="0" /></a>Each of the gardens were unique and one stop on the tour was the Cellar Door Winery near Camden.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFKq3-kM2Zv_6BCcm2LxnPOsqdZhLG7mIeAgrYNoT8eY4ezBx2l7KSHQZ5bm2fkFKjgh8ai0lxDNrucMN7u-wyOQvCZvzrkvkU2Ja223szwr5sb0EXKA1CD7NWLOMPphzAPTTH/s1600-h/misc+walks+and+flowers+011.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFKq3-kM2Zv_6BCcm2LxnPOsqdZhLG7mIeAgrYNoT8eY4ezBx2l7KSHQZ5bm2fkFKjgh8ai0lxDNrucMN7u-wyOQvCZvzrkvkU2Ja223szwr5sb0EXKA1CD7NWLOMPphzAPTTH/s400/misc+walks+and+flowers+011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357967033547651074" border="0" /></a><br />The view of the vines from their deck was spectacular with the Camden hills in the background.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwwAPHdI6lTe2w3N0sTp7U8KKr5qTXVmCLXTGL2YChP3F2BinoU5RbtOtVs9DCdZ47PmdqrNRjGajgw1k32Ckk5LSq5vD8pgvA7gPdA_2otzFr-52vXckqeiLcvZhACmiXL1pr/s1600-h/misc+walks+and+flowers+014.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwwAPHdI6lTe2w3N0sTp7U8KKr5qTXVmCLXTGL2YChP3F2BinoU5RbtOtVs9DCdZ47PmdqrNRjGajgw1k32Ckk5LSq5vD8pgvA7gPdA_2otzFr-52vXckqeiLcvZhACmiXL1pr/s400/misc+walks+and+flowers+014.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357967040549209682" border="0" /></a><br />However, I think H and I enjoyed the glass of wine on the deck of the winery best!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_bWcY7HoxnzAxAa8_7JSvK_gfFgmcMGchCnPXeHDIrCq4bCT6w-z9pfhhvOI7ZdJ6KyBDg2ZWeYkC6oRnLwCJ1FM3s-qXKmrBNUYm1xE8foGi_q-2s7xqIvUljqGbIiaxv6R_/s1600-h/misc+walks+and+flowers+015.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_bWcY7HoxnzAxAa8_7JSvK_gfFgmcMGchCnPXeHDIrCq4bCT6w-z9pfhhvOI7ZdJ6KyBDg2ZWeYkC6oRnLwCJ1FM3s-qXKmrBNUYm1xE8foGi_q-2s7xqIvUljqGbIiaxv6R_/s400/misc+walks+and+flowers+015.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357968451957952562" border="0" /></a><br />We met some lovely ladies on the tour and it was very apparent from their accents that they were not from Maine! Turns out they were from Georgia and with H, being originally from Alabama, a discussion of the finer points of boiled peanuts ensued. It never ceases to amaze me how quickly H and I fall back into our southern drawl. The ladies were kind enough to get a picture of the two of us together for a change.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhziG4PN8IM68pmkShcuaRciK2ntY4gsfgHAo48TvyJ8D3GSVcXNdyg6vGRKdqcBoAURYMZdd3oPPBEx9M6I3OFjIIygP2YfggJ9wGXuoJWNkhWtIBuQLbHYxBgXR46G7y4d0uJ/s1600-h/misc+walks+and+flowers+008.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhziG4PN8IM68pmkShcuaRciK2ntY4gsfgHAo48TvyJ8D3GSVcXNdyg6vGRKdqcBoAURYMZdd3oPPBEx9M6I3OFjIIygP2YfggJ9wGXuoJWNkhWtIBuQLbHYxBgXR46G7y4d0uJ/s400/misc+walks+and+flowers+008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357967028824129410" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtOSPLhIg51Ypucnhyvkn9exyzhjZ7A0MGeedKuo5tT-tI-ekz8xKiFjzVmxh_eKtYYPTLaaxakyX80Zgf0t78pgDrrhlUNJuu9qWWEmYudHdz2ldtS4jMmpr1aE5U0MhOyvT2/s1600-h/misc+walks+and+flowers+007.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtOSPLhIg51Ypucnhyvkn9exyzhjZ7A0MGeedKuo5tT-tI-ekz8xKiFjzVmxh_eKtYYPTLaaxakyX80Zgf0t78pgDrrhlUNJuu9qWWEmYudHdz2ldtS4jMmpr1aE5U0MhOyvT2/s400/misc+walks+and+flowers+007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357967027328371810" border="0" /></a>These lemon yellow daylilies were so bright and pretty they made me smile.<br /><br />Always one to find uses for the pile of twigs I end up with after pruning, I found this little masterpiece quite interesting. Looks like a cute way to prop up the floppers in the garden.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiklID8VINP2SOd3sOijOFb8MPVhTBx2IhnW8X0k6Tan2tnb9IUBqOPg45TChflNicioEfbDbZN6tgZPeBLFWuCZVu2-s8IRGBjzWUGH669GNnPTMtrOHk0WjaHBrNtahgd5AQb/s1600-h/misc+walks+and+flowers+010.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiklID8VINP2SOd3sOijOFb8MPVhTBx2IhnW8X0k6Tan2tnb9IUBqOPg45TChflNicioEfbDbZN6tgZPeBLFWuCZVu2-s8IRGBjzWUGH669GNnPTMtrOHk0WjaHBrNtahgd5AQb/s400/misc+walks+and+flowers+010.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357967031026305058" border="0" /></a>Remember that humongous pile of wood we had delivered to the door yard last month?<br /><br />Well, there only remains to stack another 1/2 cord and we will be finished with the task!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBZX536iiE9KL4TlY-N69d0gTTN4Ucic5NneERt5EORX8JWVxNLttyqsNIv6oPNCZiW-Can9P9KbJFG8u-JHbzUBh_4_PRW-W0uYQjmcCSjlnIAaiseVGnEyb7iU1OGa0HIFHS/s1600-h/July+09+garden+001.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBZX536iiE9KL4TlY-N69d0gTTN4Ucic5NneERt5EORX8JWVxNLttyqsNIv6oPNCZiW-Can9P9KbJFG8u-JHbzUBh_4_PRW-W0uYQjmcCSjlnIAaiseVGnEyb7iU1OGa0HIFHS/s400/July+09+garden+001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357974164582881778" border="0" /></a>Yesterday, we stacked 24 wheelbarrows full before the spirit finally gave out......<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7OyDNoP45zec9Pv4WDlhy7GorYxutJfRHrm7pHoOY0TIykWle6-oAjf2vByJl0xOAY4H1hAQeNA2U2NzUEz4jTm42_n4ZL0bu7lAOxRtao_WY3gdJUCeQIG-JBPqcibro4txi/s1600-h/July+09+garden+011.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7OyDNoP45zec9Pv4WDlhy7GorYxutJfRHrm7pHoOY0TIykWle6-oAjf2vByJl0xOAY4H1hAQeNA2U2NzUEz4jTm42_n4ZL0bu7lAOxRtao_WY3gdJUCeQIG-JBPqcibro4txi/s400/July+09+garden+011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357974167460726018" border="0" /></a><br />ah, but there's nothing more satisfying after a long day of stacking than looking at what one has achieved. Our winter will most definitely be warm and cozy.<br /><br />As lovely as the gardens were, we were happy to get back home to our own for a bit of relaxing in the sunshine. As Dorothy said, "There's no place like home"!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Va-79m3tK_9qCcotop5RZZlSe9bVYMBGslHllgM3vL2toVRHQ98PP3sxjMt95XTYfFtTwR9w8347ckU7LizqSdFhqkv9cWebIMpoTI1kf6IQZmou-Tw9SvN7im51YXpY07m9/s1600-h/July+09+garden+004.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Va-79m3tK_9qCcotop5RZZlSe9bVYMBGslHllgM3vL2toVRHQ98PP3sxjMt95XTYfFtTwR9w8347ckU7LizqSdFhqkv9cWebIMpoTI1kf6IQZmou-Tw9SvN7im51YXpY07m9/s400/July+09+garden+004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357974177440929170" border="0" /></a>The goatsbeard is in full, feathery bloom right now.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWSHgkZ0r3VQyFOae6f-Vi8ipcUs4slZD2rHLRxk8KVBVVB4s-E6HA9-T4Zo-u2fJTsINeoZ9VrSaitJPeZNBu7fenB16agzLhKUCc9hx3hA_RPhT6T1nLMZgJwOLoLjN-JpSz/s1600-h/misc+walks+and+flowers+018.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWSHgkZ0r3VQyFOae6f-Vi8ipcUs4slZD2rHLRxk8KVBVVB4s-E6HA9-T4Zo-u2fJTsINeoZ9VrSaitJPeZNBu7fenB16agzLhKUCc9hx3hA_RPhT6T1nLMZgJwOLoLjN-JpSz/s400/misc+walks+and+flowers+018.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357968452828091730" border="0" /></a><br />The nonstop begonia is putting out a great effort to brighten the front porch....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhALmrn15Z9Z_RG0-bjwq7qduBPL8jIYP79x5W13B1vKKAseq31n3hqWg2r0pE4MGMCdfr02PuqWkvwRf8QG1QEx0xGOsHC0Q8qGuDgEKw4Yn1cpa9WTrFGV0MLHgK-6iG5MQhQ/s1600-h/misc+walks+and+flowers+021.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhALmrn15Z9Z_RG0-bjwq7qduBPL8jIYP79x5W13B1vKKAseq31n3hqWg2r0pE4MGMCdfr02PuqWkvwRf8QG1QEx0xGOsHC0Q8qGuDgEKw4Yn1cpa9WTrFGV0MLHgK-6iG5MQhQ/s400/misc+walks+and+flowers+021.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357968463352212850" border="0" /></a>and the fern garden out front is really getting lush. I think I may have to transplant the remaining hosta next spring to make room for the lady ferns behind it.<br /><br />Despite the ravaging of slugs, the cabbages are looking pretty good. Now that I've gotten more slug bait, the nasty creatures shouldn't be a problem. I was getting pretty tired of looking for them every morning with my spray bottle of water and ammonia.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCqL4eEYTqA_GPaxB4_baOcwcs6uoQspfMx4T9JjRiMl77WaVQZRXrbOioe8-mhb2BFhMVf_l30Ym0AS2nFNo7eQssxbWa6R6KqKXaFAHOpV7dV92r1wlePXuhEakP0AnK2hTi/s1600-h/July+09+garden+016.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCqL4eEYTqA_GPaxB4_baOcwcs6uoQspfMx4T9JjRiMl77WaVQZRXrbOioe8-mhb2BFhMVf_l30Ym0AS2nFNo7eQssxbWa6R6KqKXaFAHOpV7dV92r1wlePXuhEakP0AnK2hTi/s400/July+09+garden+016.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357974180239740914" border="0" /></a>The green beans are finally beginning to climb the poles<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxgQMv6XXd2HcR_zqgHm56RXyX1Vb-xkbJnoXeQdmiLC2c5gCHn6B2A0EygBSuhFsbcAnpZjh4grhDu6Cc6mgu2IfUbsy8WszTnIZosmOc5OHwEXxrzLuKyaAT8TvVIPKmJCmO/s1600-h/July+09+garden+014.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxgQMv6XXd2HcR_zqgHm56RXyX1Vb-xkbJnoXeQdmiLC2c5gCHn6B2A0EygBSuhFsbcAnpZjh4grhDu6Cc6mgu2IfUbsy8WszTnIZosmOc5OHwEXxrzLuKyaAT8TvVIPKmJCmO/s400/July+09+garden+014.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357981526132045826" border="0" /></a>The lovage in the background is blooming and is larger than I have ever seen it. It must really have loved the rain, as unfortunately, did the weeds. I've just not been able to keep up with them.<br /><br />So, Dear Ones, this day finds me finally able to sit down at the computer and blog. And to my blogger friends, please rest assured that I'm keeping up with all of you, just don't have time to do much commenting.<br /><br />Life is Busy and Blissfully Good!<br /><br />Hugs, GiddyGiddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810313282013706875noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30213254.post-68332857773060041692009-06-28T12:19:00.007-04:002009-06-28T18:28:53.840-04:00The Fog Rolls In, the Fog Rolls OutWe have only seen flashing glimpses of the sun for the past 10 days now and it's getting to be a bit tiresome. The seeds in the veggie garden are rotting in the ground and the slugs are taking over despite my best efforts. There is no end in sight!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyioYFJRlPcKsiKL6hhPAbtqMjoVpKn1vQyY-HZTqedNEtKbPteeSsRnPszK-pnDGekFsIAhPKw47oWj_J_czhvBODSDwMU0YD1uZe4bgVoFDla9AtU46mULnx8PgrOq0w9jzK/s1600-h/fog,+flowers+001-1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyioYFJRlPcKsiKL6hhPAbtqMjoVpKn1vQyY-HZTqedNEtKbPteeSsRnPszK-pnDGekFsIAhPKw47oWj_J_czhvBODSDwMU0YD1uZe4bgVoFDla9AtU46mULnx8PgrOq0w9jzK/s400/fog,+flowers+001-1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352495248495087874" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ8FFZRu2woYvHAiwShg1bgDMz02z8S3XwKi876GZ537FTK0jH5g9bcTkOQZ_sIhm7ISF3_x2yW9y6zEeCoPSzIc7oC-052IaxqOGs0443-M9EMlIt_ei1q2h8rlajm2gLgngB/s1600-h/fog,+flowers+004-1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ8FFZRu2woYvHAiwShg1bgDMz02z8S3XwKi876GZ537FTK0jH5g9bcTkOQZ_sIhm7ISF3_x2yW9y6zEeCoPSzIc7oC-052IaxqOGs0443-M9EMlIt_ei1q2h8rlajm2gLgngB/s400/fog,+flowers+004-1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352495251026684018" border="0" /></a>We haven't been able to see beyond Hog Island for days. On Friday, we did have a few brief moments of sunshine, but the fog quickly regrouped and came creeping back in.<br /><br />Fortunately, many of the annuals actually like the cool mist the fog brings along.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDkZtfp7Xp-umc7tV3m8FiyOLrX8N2bj1oxwrl01NUpyszKIWWMRkm22T_v9JdorXdXlLKD8Yvo3VZ3wPxTMFLUQb5Z1U56G9KC9MwTmzN_lyiPWT3vFnkd8VE9aI3ajy9Ctb5/s1600-h/fog,+flowers+005-1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDkZtfp7Xp-umc7tV3m8FiyOLrX8N2bj1oxwrl01NUpyszKIWWMRkm22T_v9JdorXdXlLKD8Yvo3VZ3wPxTMFLUQb5Z1U56G9KC9MwTmzN_lyiPWT3vFnkd8VE9aI3ajy9Ctb5/s400/fog,+flowers+005-1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352495249911597554" border="0" /></a>Several years ago, my eldest son brought me a few amaryllis bulbs from his garden in Florida. Those few bulbs are now bursting out of their pots and I'll have to be gifting a few to some of my gardening friends. These babies are so easy. Every autumn, I put them down in my unheated mechanical room, don't even water them all winter long. Along about late April, I begin watering them again and in June, as soon as the danger of frost is over, I place them outside and feed them with Miracle Grow. When they're done blooming, the green, strappy leaves give the deck a nice, tropical feel.<br /><br />The gazanias don't seem to mind the foggy weather.....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-9uzJZ_OXvlF96-A312Q3VXJKQtd6jO8qLf23mTUe4m37rvsOosfpuUVyGnmlpmFKuo5Ka0CKkM_8eqO-cqIqYV6-H1SCp223I8Auikg_GrypBkWzwHE65ocrAoh_O-xB4_K7/s1600-h/fog,+flowers+006-1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 323px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-9uzJZ_OXvlF96-A312Q3VXJKQtd6jO8qLf23mTUe4m37rvsOosfpuUVyGnmlpmFKuo5Ka0CKkM_8eqO-cqIqYV6-H1SCp223I8Auikg_GrypBkWzwHE65ocrAoh_O-xB4_K7/s400/fog,+flowers+006-1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352495253997975138" border="0" /></a><br />nor do the lobelia and nemesias.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK0naBBh4esLCbnYsXo5pAsynRkiw9R2JXQmqXnC5UOndy9hJcuGHCjsP1rUX142ByxeSdT1lEka5W_jbd9WpIRyevsSw3PgG53yOqoJHZww5B2sqZBoRMspJGDMF5YPfpPi82/s1600-h/fog,+flowers+007-1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK0naBBh4esLCbnYsXo5pAsynRkiw9R2JXQmqXnC5UOndy9hJcuGHCjsP1rUX142ByxeSdT1lEka5W_jbd9WpIRyevsSw3PgG53yOqoJHZww5B2sqZBoRMspJGDMF5YPfpPi82/s400/fog,+flowers+007-1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352495257839575666" border="0" /></a><br />Every year, I anticipate the blooming of the poppies and this year, I counted 19 buds....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLw73mkOmz578MpkRINugIEi23VTMJsPjJsbGO1rqH3p55esX4klkBKFNXpJF5u_5wu0hqaA1m0eAXEaJ9klz_t9iGE_rYP8X05nzdzS1KB0mEA9ZRhoUzUqsVaQyqIiX4IJ22/s1600-h/fog,+flowers+012-1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 370px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLw73mkOmz578MpkRINugIEi23VTMJsPjJsbGO1rqH3p55esX4klkBKFNXpJF5u_5wu0hqaA1m0eAXEaJ9klz_t9iGE_rYP8X05nzdzS1KB0mEA9ZRhoUzUqsVaQyqIiX4IJ22/s400/fog,+flowers+012-1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352495967804331266" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqt1yA8C4uad8WzFDayzbOPlxBmTF0dXSan-11MaGLuS7KAbNOWxekD8YPZCOqhE4kI_3QqlX_9QFxCXk4ZqQlmX6Ze2zTJExVJT52RFES0zDVqFF2AF2jZxGrQpFV7XAADIkQ/s1600-h/fog,+flowers+008-1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqt1yA8C4uad8WzFDayzbOPlxBmTF0dXSan-11MaGLuS7KAbNOWxekD8YPZCOqhE4kI_3QqlX_9QFxCXk4ZqQlmX6Ze2zTJExVJT52RFES0zDVqFF2AF2jZxGrQpFV7XAADIkQ/s400/fog,+flowers+008-1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352495968693349698" border="0" /></a>unfortunately, the rain has beat them down and they are not in their glory which is sad as their bloom time is so very short.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Lg45AYZfTj1RAa8-8AJs0-fLtXiUVGmUFXj5tkRROdBUSiSOPzjoAQm9mnwrEgd76zc34O1uVyvLwq3Luki5sM3Y3JlqiJK4j6Gd8k-iIf7uDQqQ94IY_irGFMXwgySw8oRF/s1600-h/fog,+flowers+015-1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Lg45AYZfTj1RAa8-8AJs0-fLtXiUVGmUFXj5tkRROdBUSiSOPzjoAQm9mnwrEgd76zc34O1uVyvLwq3Luki5sM3Y3JlqiJK4j6Gd8k-iIf7uDQqQ94IY_irGFMXwgySw8oRF/s400/fog,+flowers+015-1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352495977605829682" border="0" /></a>The Cranesbill is in full bloom along the perennial border......<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5AZUaYMPbdTkjl6V6BJUrAwLW2RlL8FDx1tVx-l3jh8lNMx037PMyDiV5LUBFL-p5FuwwHVcdw1Fu5a1h_G9RkHwa1SbkhnYPOpcd-hOXbzY7TlE7_h-7M6_9RZoWa0ZqnjeZ/s1600-h/fog,+flowers+016-1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5AZUaYMPbdTkjl6V6BJUrAwLW2RlL8FDx1tVx-l3jh8lNMx037PMyDiV5LUBFL-p5FuwwHVcdw1Fu5a1h_G9RkHwa1SbkhnYPOpcd-hOXbzY7TlE7_h-7M6_9RZoWa0ZqnjeZ/s400/fog,+flowers+016-1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352495977515292050" border="0" /></a>and the catmint is keeping up it's blooming. It's one of the hardest workers in my garden, blooming almost all summer long!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-bSAUgQb4Tu4VZ8CEsjwSG7QfTmkP6VJ-Ylv31vCfdjD78ZeZ4OEng8VYzIb3SGmNkhTvw_vgHJKisEGD90LqKAErW7joKUKVmmRhdvXPFU7ARa3pzbI9Mir6-HXP82OvCP8_/s1600-h/fog,+flowers+019-1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-bSAUgQb4Tu4VZ8CEsjwSG7QfTmkP6VJ-Ylv31vCfdjD78ZeZ4OEng8VYzIb3SGmNkhTvw_vgHJKisEGD90LqKAErW7joKUKVmmRhdvXPFU7ARa3pzbI9Mir6-HXP82OvCP8_/s400/fog,+flowers+019-1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352495981888930674" border="0" /></a>I have a confession to make. I'm somewhat of a kleptomaniac when it comes to sedums. Just about every public garden we've visited seems to have an overabundance of sedum varieties, and in my need to "help out" these gardens, I tend to prune a few of their sedums. As a result, I have quite a variety, but have no idea what their names are. However, I can tell you which garden I nicked them from! This beautiful bloomer came from my neighbor's garden, but I did have her permission to "pinch" a bit!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg73GLSFaKcydhHmbgZkmGKtJGVo0ILD_EiVEbF3d0NCfk_HMtMyV-rKTKQV6hXbVPh5nL74pp3CWo7Gzm4Nbd4oj8B_5bP7jRcPExOcDKp6nZ7GVKhVmmoQwAfePjP44VDPdVG/s1600-h/fog,+flowers+020-3.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg73GLSFaKcydhHmbgZkmGKtJGVo0ILD_EiVEbF3d0NCfk_HMtMyV-rKTKQV6hXbVPh5nL74pp3CWo7Gzm4Nbd4oj8B_5bP7jRcPExOcDKp6nZ7GVKhVmmoQwAfePjP44VDPdVG/s400/fog,+flowers+020-3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352496250197840114" border="0" /></a>Lastly, I'm happy to report that the poor, abused Japanese Maple I transplanted this spring has been deliriously happy in her new spot next to the pond. The Gnome in charge of the water feature has been keeping an eye on her and reports she's growing by leaps and bounds!<br /><br />And so, my friends, Giddy hopes to have your wishes and crossed fingers for a really, really, sunny and warm July!<br /><br />Life is Good!<br /><br />Hugs, GiddyGiddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810313282013706875noreply@blogger.com3