Spring Update

On the road coming back home from Tucson I saw this beautiful sunset. I don't take very many sunset photos as I am usually in my east-facing back yard paradise. This was a pleasure to see most of the way home.

Lolly follows me everywhere and loves smelling all the flowers in the garden. She now weights 4lbs 6 oz. Her first birthday was December 28, 2011.

Shasta daisies bloomed this week and I'm waiting for all my wildflowers to bloom!

My climbing nasturtium is loving our beautiful weather, which has been running in the high 70s.

Another great grandchild on the way! My first grandson is going to be a father! I found this cute vase at Goodwill, and added the flowers for the mother-to-be.

I pruned the grape vine (it's either a Thompson or a red flame) and made the grape wreath from the trimmings. I'm hoping this second season produce some grapes.

Here's a few things in my garden that I love:

My turtle planter that I found in Indiana about 10 years ago. Turr Tull hasn't ventured out yet to join him again. The winter has been very mild. Yesterday it was 81 degrees, warm enough for Turr Tull to wake up and join the world again!

My adorable turtle watering can.

More smiles-Hubby will be finished with his second round of Chemo in March. Only three months on this time--now the plan is to stay in remission for another year! And, another smile as I stepped on the scales today--7 pounds gone!!! Yeah!

One thing I don't like is my laptop! I barely touch anything and photos disappear, color changes, then it takes off to other websites. I need to get a wireless keyboard to go along with the wireless mouse. I should have just bought a PC. Maybe I'd post more if it wasn't such a frustration!

Lolly Tales

Enjoying another shopping trip. I can't go anywhere without being stopped by folks asking about Lolly. If you want to make friends, get a little dog!

Lolly eats with Turr Tull everyday. I have to hide the pellets from her--she eats every last one. Poor Turr Tull would starve if left to Lolly's devices. Lolly eats all the fruit, some lettuce and drinks his water. She hasn't yet followed him into his turtle house.

Catch Up Time!

My little Lolly Bee loves her new hat! I've tried to get her to wear it for a cute picture, but she wouldn't have any part of it! Of course she is the boss in this family!

I finished cleaning the sweet pea bed and other flowers that were on the wane, and I harvested the last of my vegetables! This year I grew pole beans--the birds only left me a few to try--and they were good. I had quite a lot of broccoli this year. The bedding plants were mislabeled AGAIN as cauliflower--and the lone tomato plant is loaded with blooms and green fruit!

This year's cauliflower wasn't as good as last year's creamy yellow one. I'm planning on having at least 6 plants next year--if I can get something that's labeled right.

Left in the bed is Swiss chard, eggplant and artichoke. The sunflowers surrounding the bed are now over 5 feet tall.

All my annuals are still growing and looking good, although any day now they will wilt and will have to be pulled up. In their place I will plant Vinca plants that will last for all our long hot summer!

Turr Tull came out a few weeks ago and met Lolly Bee for the first time. He didn't stop eating while she sniffed around him, so I guess he likes her. I know they will become best buds!

I planted trailing rosemary on top of Turr Tull's house hoping the roots will help stabilize the dirt on top. The Gargoyle sits on the roof to keep away turtle monsters.

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I'm using this post to catch up for the time that I slacked off blogging: It's been hectic here so I'll explain what's been happening.

Hubby's still in remission--another test in June and we are expecting another good report!!

My grandson's wedding was flawless! The feathers used in place of some flowers were striking-- and everyone loved it! It was a good way to save money too! My deployed grandson acted as best man in absentia. His toast to the bride and groom was recorded on video and played, and there was not a dry eye in the crowd!

I broke my camera yet again--dropping it at the wedding reception. I got smarter this time and bought insurance on my new replacement camera!

My car was towed from downtown Phoenix after it broke down in major traffic--another expense not planned for--but thankfully, I have AAA, and they towed my car home. It's still not running. Hope it's fixable.

A daughter, granddaughter and I celebrated our birthdays in March and April, and there were wedding showers, the wedding and our granddaughter's tryouts and acceptance to the University of Arizona's Pom Line! She was chosen as one of the 22 who will be on the line. Well over 150 tried out, so getting on the line is quite an honor as in incoming freshman. She's a wonderful dancer and has been at it since she was two!

I had mini school pal reunion at my home, and then a sleep over! Just like half century ago!

This month there is my granddaughter's senior graduation, party, and my pregnant granddaughter will be visiting from NC. It will be her last trip home before the new baby arrives.

I'm planning my trip to Hawaii for next month--my graduating granddaughter is being gifted the trip by her parents and all of us go along--just like when our other granddaughter graduated years ago.

After all this, and then going on our annual camping trip means that I should plan on buying all my clothes from Lane Bryant. If I could just say no--but no, I can't! I did start the Sunday morning on a diet but guess who came over on Mother's day with a homemade lemon cake!! I couldn't refuse my granddaughter--she went to a lot of trouble making it and all....

Seven Years of Some Kind of Luck

So, after 22 years of using an inherited mirror, it slipped off the bathroom counter and broke! It was a gift to my aunt from her mother when she was a child. My aunt Lucy passed away in 1986 at the age of 86. I used it every day, just as she did. It has a wood frame and up until this date, it was very sturdy as things from the past were normally made, but glass is glass, and it breaks.

I have had a lot of major expenses these past weeks! Bad luck I guess--over $1k in car repairs, then my computer froze and I got a new laptop, lots of house repairs--on and on--and all this happened BEFORE the mirror broke! If I were superstitious, I would think I should go into hiding! And just when things started to become overwhelming for me, I started a new project! I wonder if it's a form of self punishment or a way to relieve anxiety!

I'm dumping my unused hobby room (I had delusions of grandeur, planning to spend hours in there crafting and "arting", but it was never to be.) So, I'm making the room into a proper guest room...once again! We tore out the original white carpet, now 20 years old but still white, and replaced it with wood floors to match the rest of the house.

Me and my shadow--with me every step I take!!

We are having so much fun with little Lolly Bee! She weights 1lb 3oz! She can fetch and is potty trained! Only barks when she wants to play. Loves everyone--not shy--and she is so darn cute!

Turr tull came out of hibernation for the first time this year . I fed him a few hibiscus blossoms and introduced him to Lolly. He hissed at her and she just looked at him and went off to play. I am losing a few pounds going outside with Lolly--best thing ever--I have to get off my computer quite a few times a day. We are enjoying our beautiful spring!

Remodel Chaos

Turr Tull coming in to check the progress of the remodel. He waits at the door, and then when he thinks it's safe, he crawls through each room.

I'm recovering from painting two walls in my family room remodeling project. We didn't plan on doing any more than break through the stairwell wall and expose the old bookcase that was there from a previous remodel. But...I went into a manic state and decided to paint the wall next to the bookcase. Then another wall, and then, why not another wall with a coordinating color? So, off to the paint store I went. As I started home after the paint store purchase I passed a fabric store. I stopped and found the perfect fabric to match the paint color. I couldn't resist! I didn't know how much fabric I needed (did I mention I don't know how to sew but I know how to use a staple gun and hemming tape, and I am good at guessing,) so I bought 10 yards of floral and one yard of stripe for the accents. I have plenty left for pillows and enough to upholster a chair! So much for good guessing!

The wall color is Dried Chamomile. The "Cinnamon Stick" color is now called "Sealing Wax"

Hubby is working hard building the area for my computer. I found some fabric baskets at Lowe's and I might use them instead of Hubby making drawers. I am trying to keep Hubby from over working and tiring too much.

We've found out doing this project that we just can't work like we used to! A terrible thing happened that drove home that point. We were in the half-size closet, trying to put the backing on the bookcase. It should have been a simple job--just nail a panel on the back shelf. We had to hold the light-weight paneling up two inches to get it in place for nailing, and we found out we couldn't do it. Had to get a crow bar to lift and hold it place. This was done by lying on the floor and using my foot to hold the crow bar, with Hubby lying on top of me trying to nail it all in place. Finally we we got it done. We were so proud! Then...we could not get up. I think it's called being "all stoved up!" After cursing our joints, old age, weak muscles, each other and wondering aloud how we got to this sad stage of life, Hubby finally managed to back out of the closet. I tried to straighten up but I was so twisted in the small space I just couldn't unbend and move! Hubby had to tie a sheet around my ankles, twist me around then pull me out! I felt like a beached whale! Once out, I straightened out and just stayed on the floor in the hallway floor for almost one-half hour. It took two days to recover!

Before the drapes were started and the walls painted, we decided to put brick on the wall above the built-ins. Back to the store to find a match to the existing fireplace bricks.

This is the confusion that I am working around in the middle of the room I'm working in. Boxes of dolls and other knick-knack collectibles are scattered everywhere. They came out of the closet we had to clear out to do the project. ADHD has kicked in full time, adding to the mess. My whole house looks like this now! While painting, I decided that the laundry room needed to be freshened up. While making the drapes I decided I needed somewhere to store the found items from the laundry room so I started to clean a shelf in my closet. On and on it goes until my whole house is in shambles. It's not a easy life!

I am so ashamed of spending so much money on all these dolls and stuff. I can't even sell them on EBay. They are a dime a dozen now. What a shame. Don't want to give them to Goodwill but don't want to store them any longer--what to do? I will try at the community yard sale next month. However, I see light at the end of the tunnel for this remodel. The surge of good feelings has started a bit as we get closer to the completed remodel Can't wait!

Summer Confusion

I waited all night for the rain to come! Not a drop! Weatherman was wrong yet again. The beautiful sunrise almost makes up for the waterless clouds.




Waiting for sun...this sight always takes away my anxious feelings...if only for a moment.

The hours when the mind is absorbed by beauty

are the only hours when we really live.

~ Richard Jefferies

Turr Tull was looking for his food this morning...


Oops! This is not food. He is a very slow learner, or he has poor eyesight. Maybe both.



I can't keep up with all the eggplants on this bush! It loves this 110 heat, and I will definitely plant this again next June.




Another project for Hubby! This will be the second remodel--maybe the third--I see two wall paper patterns under the existing mustard colored sheet rock wall. The stairwell closet was full of collector dolls. The hall and bedroom are the new storage places until we finish. I am skillful at stumbling over confusion--having practiced all my life! A few months ago I made the mistake of selling my large desk and two large bookcases. I replaced it with an unsuitable computer desk . I miss having my books close by, so down came the stairwell wall! Let the fights began! My Hubby and I don't work well together, but our love of doing projects usually overcome the battles that follow! We only stay mad until he understands that I am right. It doesn't take very long at all, and it does place a terrible burden on me to know everything and have to always be right. He doesn't understand that part yet for some reason. After 35 years, you would think....

Summer Stuff

The clouds gathered for over two inches of rain last week. It rained for two days and the accumulated rain water from the side and back yards almost flooded my patio! Turr Tull's new home located in the side yard stayed dry. He finally move in last month after shunning it at first.

The hibiscus that I bought from the clearance table at Lowe's bloomed for the first time after getting drenched with rain. I'm glad it is red as Turr Tull loves anything red, even my red toe nail polish! He nibbles at my toes if I stand still very long!

Let the parties begin!! All the weekends during August and September will be birthday parties. I started another diet today, and I am determined to stick with it for the next two months!

This pocket shrine is something I made at at a reclaimed art retreat that I attended a couple weeks ago up in northern Arizona. We had a fun weekend learning to make art from found treasures. We brought photos from home, and the instructor furnished the cigarette box. We purchased other ephemera from a local thrift store and a yard sale nearby.

The birthday table looks bare without the usual cakes. Instead, the birthday grandchildren prefer cookies, brownies and ice cream!! The table came from my Grandmother's porch and sits in my daughter's dining room. It was hand made by my Grandfather around 1917. It was mostly used as a working table--canning, grading eggs, cooling cakes etc., just a catch-all farmhouse table. My daughter has used it as her dining room table for the past 18 years. We love having our parties at her home, and look forward to seeing her decorated party table!

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Hubby had his last chemo today!!!! Further testing in September, but we are sure he will be free of treatments for two years!

Little Surprises Make My Day

Turr Tull just finished his brunch and instead of going into his newly built house he has been sleeping on the patio. After all our hard work, he hates it! It is the same area he went to after his return home, and we decided that it was the best place to build his home.

We used building blocks and covered the top and sides with about 6-8 inches of dirt. Not sure what the problem could be. He lived at the neighbor's home under bushes and ate only what they had in their small back yard. I wonder if he enjoys being treated like a king, having food delivered once daily? Could it kill him to show a little gratitude and move into his new home that was built with love, and located in a secret garden? What more could he ask for? What an ingrate!

I am growing an artichoke plant for the flower rather than the artichoke, so the largest one will stay on the plant. I will harvest the others when ready. Ummmm!

This was on the clearance table at Lowe's. Can't find the tag but it is a hibiscus and the flowers should be orange. It will be a small plant and a good container plant.

In the side yard in a neat row, Silver Puffs (I think), grew without any supplemental watering, and they are now in full bloom. The seeds were planted three years ago in a flower bed and they never came up! I love that my garden is full of surprises each season, and I am still amazed that seeds can come alive without any help from me!!!

Gazania

For Flowers that bloom about our feet,Father, we thank Thee;
For tender grass so fresh and sweet,
Father we thank Thee.
For the song of bird and hum of bee,
For all things fair we hear or see,
Father in heaven, we thank Thee.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Tortoise Tales

In September, 2008, Turr Tull went missing. We were afraid that his hibernation housing had collapsed or he dug his way out and took off. At the time, we were having our deck repaired and I had the hope that he simply walked out an open gate, or that maybe hubbie had left the gate open and he escaped. (The turtle, not my husband!) After a few nights of dreaming that he was trying to dig his way out of the possibly collapsed housing, we decided to tear it down to check. He had a large dark house under the planter, but each time he came out for food or sun he would be covered in mud. Since he was obviously digging, we could never be sure where he was digging and why he would be wet. The planter itself had been water sealed and should have been dry, so I was concerned that he had gone into hibernation and just drowned. Since we dug the whole thing up to check on Turr Tull, it led to the remodeling of a large part of my back yard that, in the end, turned out to be a very satisfying result. We didn't find him in his house, and after a year of waiting for him to emerge, we sealed the door and placed a headstone on the step, assuming he had passed on.

Turr Tull's Headstone

After two years of wondering what could have happened to Turr Tull and hoping that he didn't suffer regardless of his fate, I mentioned to a neighbor the tale of Turr Tull, and commented that I'd always wonder what had happened to him. She thought for a minute and said, "well, you know the people next door to me found a turtle crawling down the sidewalk and they took it in. It lives in their backyard. Maybe it's yours."

Hubby went to the house and told them that he thought they had our turtle, and sure enough, it was our Turr Tull, but hubby didn't bring him home. The people said they just decided to keep it in their back yard, assuming someone would come looking for it if it was someone's pet. After so much time passed, they figured it wondered in from the desert. Ironically, the deck people came back today to seal the deck. Then, the door bell rang, and I was handed a box with Turr Tull inside!

I quickly took him to the back yard and picked his favorite flower--hibiscus--and he scarfed up 6 flowers without stopping!!

Who would have thought....Turr Tull is alive and well!! This calls for another family party!

Previous Tortoise Posts

Wild Thing and Turr Tull
Turtle Surprise

Turtle Time

A Look Out Back