Me, Myself and Memories

Updates from May, 2014 Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

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  Noreen 12:45 am on May 31, 2014 Permalink  

  It’s Not About MPG 

  

  Fern Peonies soaking up the early morning sunlight.

  This morning I was up at six as hubby Dennis had to do a road trip of supplies for his nephew’s concrete business.  Of course it was coffee cup in hand as I headed out to the east garden to do a field check.  You never know what will change from day to day.  It has become a habit to slip my camera into my robe pocket.  Again, you never know what you will run across to photograph.

  The sunlight on the Fern Peonies was stellar.  I do know that I will have to move these beauties come August.  The Maple shrub in this little pod has become large enough that it is giving too much shade for these sun-loving plants.  I was greeted by a hoard of mosquitoes before I ever hit my destination.  I persevered long enough for a photo op, but knew my plan for the day that had included working in the flower bed east of the house was not going to pan out.  There is no way to apply bug spray in all the areas that bugs find to bite.

  I decided to take a small road trip.  The number of miles per gallon is not always on the top of my list of priorities.  My days of being on the road during the work schedule is history.  I will say today my road trip brought me more blessings than I could have obtained if someone else filled my car with fuel for . . . the entire year.  It just takes the single thought when one has to go from plan A to plan B and then act on it.  Thank you Lord for the memories of this day.

   
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  Noreen 3:20 am on May 30, 2014 Permalink  

  It Sneaked Up 

  A morning of being outside with warm temps and low humidity was great.  My first time at using an electric hedge trimmer.  It sure went faster than the old garden shears.  That tool may stay on the garage wall hereafter.  What did surprise me was having a nap sneak up on me while sitting on the back patio.  A breeze and happy birds chirping made for a very wonderful short nap.  The best part is that so far . . . no bugs to speak of.

   
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  Noreen 3:31 am on May 29, 2014 Permalink  

  Grrr! 

  I happen to have the most even-tempered hubby anyone could ask for.  But!!  While mowing the yards today his rider mower began smoking like an Indian sending signals.  The look of exasperation could not be missed.   The mower is off to the Fleet and Farm for a diagnosis.  Thankfully, neighbor Bob gave Dennis a loaner and the mowing was able to be finished.  We have been mowing once a week for the last four weeks.  Both Dennis and I are amazed how tall it was today just, waiting to get a trim.  This may be a long season of mowing.  On the plus side, the acre always looks fantastic when it has been groomed.  Life on Stauffer: ya gotta love it.

   
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  Noreen 4:33 am on May 28, 2014 Permalink  

  And Now it Begins 

  A wonderful shower of rain yesterday and today the humidity is climbing and . . . the mosquitoes have arrived.  Two bites in just a walk to the back patio.  Dang!  It sure was the perfect spring, though short lived.

   
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  Noreen 4:20 am on May 27, 2014 Permalink  

  Perfect Timing 

  

  Right on target for the Fern Peony to open for Memorial Day.

  Over the last several days Dennis and I had used the mighty Mantis tiller to wangle around all the perennials throughout the course of our acre.  We were surprised how dry the soil was, and let me tell you, the Mantis will dig down until you pull it back. It only cuts an 18″ swat, but that is about all I want to handle as the pulverized dirt is flying towards the back.

  Hopefully, this year we will have tomatoes, squash and cucumbers as the seeds were plunked into the mellow soil.  We are starved for full sun, but Dennis scoped out the best spots possible.

  As of late this afternoon we have received a generous half inch of rain for our newly-tilled soil to soak up.  As I said, perfect timing.  There was no chance that there would be run off.  Of course, Dennis was right out there to wipe off the patio chairs for a “sit down,” but the heavens aren’t quite finished with us yet.

   
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  Noreen 4:22 am on May 26, 2014 Permalink  

  Sunday – This is the Day the Lord has Made 

  

  Dennis and I are taking a quiet day embraced by
  lilacs that literally take your breath away.

   
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  Noreen 6:10 am on May 25, 2014 Permalink  

  It Was a Great Spring Day 

  

  From high up in the Lilacs, Sweetie Pie
  agrees it was a great Spring day.

   
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  Noreen 2:04 am on May 24, 2014 Permalink  

  A Glorious Day of Gardening 

  

  What a great feeling to be able to put away
  all the garden gear as the square garden is ready
  for the season. Photo by Dennis

  With Temps allowing for lighter weight clothing I didn’t need an invitation to hit the backyard.  I put breakfast on hold for myself while Dennis enjoyed his usual breakfast of Oatmeal.  I headed for the potting shed to get out the electric Mantis tiller.  I had not been able to use it since the 2010 garden season and there was a bit of dust to blow off of it. After Dennis gave it a once over we were set to garden like there would never be another chance.

  Over a period of time there was created a square garden in the backyard with multiple perennials. Dennis and I always make use of what we have on hand, thus using old bricks to outline the garden perimeter.  It not only defines the area, it also was the boundary not to be crossed by wayward lawn mowers, grandchildren and grand puppies.  As with anything,  if it can harbor a weed, it will harbor a weed.  Tipping the bricks out and using the tiller among the beautiful plants proved to be a balancing act as well as keeping a check on where that blessed electrical cord was.   It was time for the bricks to be plucked out of the dirt they had sank into and nab those weeds that love to crop up in between them.  The surprising thing about these bricks is that they are very, very old bricks.  I swear they weight 5 lbs. each.  My finger tips can attest to their quality.  Tipping them out went much faster than putting them back down.  Such a difference from the lighter weight terracotta new bricks used today.

  A clean slat was achieved with Dennis helping out with the tiller.  It can be a wily machine.  It digs and will take a path of its own if not held back.  I was fairly certain all of the plants that I had anticipated had made themselves known.  It was the best time to use a sprinkling of Preen to keep down the volunteer weeds.  Preen works wonderful when used on freshly tilled dirt and this dirt was fresh.

  What a great day with a light breeze and best of all we had beat the bug season.  What would a summer feel like without swatting and dodging bugs?  We can only wish.

  After the square garden was tidied up, Dennis put the Mantis back in the potting shed − as he mandated this had been enough for one day.  I easily said “yes dear.”  Life on Stauffer is never boring, but it sure is sweet.

   
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  Noreen 3:42 am on May 23, 2014 Permalink  

  Unsuspecting Finds 

  

  Two tiny Hosta struggling after the heart of the plant had
  froze out in the 2012-2013 winter. Time will tell.  I was amazed
  to recognize them and their effort in make a showing.

   
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  Noreen 2:59 am on May 22, 2014 Permalink  

  Back To Mother Nature 

  

  Sitting on the patio and gazing up into the
  crabapple tree it was hard to get up and keep
  moving. This truly was memorizing.

  When I walked the gardens this morning with a cup of coffee the toes of my shoes did not get wet.  The breeze from the north picked up the scent of Lilacs that were just beginning to open.   After breakfast we were dressed and outside before 8:00 a.m.  For me, I could have cared less about listening or watching media news.

  Today was the third mowing of the yards for the year.  The limp, new spears of grass that I had been mowing in the past weeks stood straight and tall and took their haircut with pride.  Spring is in full swing and proof of that was having to get the weed whip out for trimming the areas where the push mower or the rider mower just can’t get at. Dennis and I were on the back patio by 10:30 with the mowers tucked away until the next cutting.  The tomato plants that had been harbored in the garage porch begged to be put into the dirt.  Shovel in hand Dennis headed out and I followed with some good garden soil, water and protectors until they got their feel of being out in the open.

  We really wince at the price of lawn care providers when we are able bodied, but I noticed we had more dandelions than the neighbors.  Out of the back garage came the pull-behind sprayer for the riding lawn mower and Dennis, not wanting to make me feel left out, got my two-gallon hand pumped sprayer ready to use.  In several days I sure hope to see the fruits of our labor.  Our hope is less clover, none of the creeping stuff that blooms blue, and a diminished population of dandelions.

  Again the tools of the trade were tucked away and I will say we were both tuckered out and somewhat surprised that it was three in the afternoon.  Where had the day gone?  As great as sitting out on the patio felt, Dennis and I both knew if we didn’t move we would be too stiff to get up.  Do Dennis and I really need an acre plus to take care of?  Most likely not.  We have acquired several extra lots and put in a lot of sweat equity hours  to rid the area of varmint-filled vacant houses and backyards filled with garbage.  Having the satisfied feeling that we did this afternoon makes it all worth while and lots of fresh air surely can’t hurt.  Material items don’t trip our triggers, but we sure get a lot of happiness from the home we have built since we have been together.  Life on Stauffer Avenue among Mother Nature is sweet and very green.