Roses

Roses are very hardy. I myself, like the tea roses and plan on adding a picture to the blog, as soon as they show off with flowers. Today a well known garden expert said; " do not fertilize roses until they show their leaves ". Also do not water the leaves if possible, water at the base. Roses in my opinion need 1-2 inches of water per plant, a week. If you keep the leaves somewhat dry, black spots will stay away and keep the plant healthy. I am not a plant expert but these tips have been working for me. I also like to prune the rose bush a couple times a year and remove all woody ( dried out ) branches.
Being outside and enjoying the growth of what you planted is very rewarding to me. Have fun and experiment. We all learn from our mistakes. Well sometimes.............

PESKY MOSQUITOES

One of our best repellents we have found is to rub on Avon Skin-So-Soft. Bill even puts some in a spray bottle with a little water and spritzes it on for protection when he is outside working. It's really good when we go to the drive-in theater and are sitting outside. It has a good smell, too.

Chris was right about Marcy. She is going to walk the Cancer Relay for Life with her problem foot. Cancer has been such an awful culprit to our family that she feels she has to. My siblings and I are even in an ongoing study that the NHI is doing for multiple myeloma. I give Marcy a lot of credit. If you would like to donate to her effort, you can use the link http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RelayForLifeSouthAtlanticDivision?px=5203353&pg=personal&fr_id=8625. If you would just like to donate to the American Cancer Society, please don't hesitate to go to their website and do so. We lost our grandmother, our dad and one of our brothers to MM. One of our aunts died from possibly MM when I was a young teenager. We lost one of our sisters to colon cancer. One of our brothers has had esophageal cancer and is still plagued with the side effects of that. Like Chris said her family has been set upon by this awful disease. A very good friend of ours has battled with breast cancer. Another very good friend died from lymphoma. I could go on and on but I wouldn't be surprised if there are a lot of you reading this that have had this ugly monster raise it's head somewhere in your life. You know what I mean when I say we have to find something or some way to combat this. Every little bit helps and is appreciated!

Yesterday Marcy, her 2 grandchildren and I went to a local flea market to check it out to see if we would like to do business there sometime. We found that we would and are looking forward to it. After we left there, I stopped at a supermarket to get the fixings for a surprise meal for Bill. He worked longer and harder Friday than he has worked since he had his strokes. I wanted to let him know that I noticed and really appreciated it. He loves steak with blue cheese on top so I fixed that for him. He is not supposed to eat red meat because of gout possibly flaring up, but, we took a chance. I, also, boiled some shrimp in beer with great seasoning and made a delicious cocktail sauce. Add a great baked potato with all the fixings (including real bacon bits) and corn and he was loving it. He has had chicken, fish and turkey for so long he was in heaven eating a steak!! Everyone else sure enjoyed the meal, too.

Today we went to church and then to visit with our mother for awhile. She did not respond to us today, but, at least we saw her. Later we went home and Tamika picked up Darionna and Will to go back home. Now we are all just resting. It's cold and dreary out so it's a good day to just rest. Have a great day in your little part of the wold wherever that might be!!

Wrought Iron Garden Furniture

I plan on freshening up my garden furniture as soon as the yellow pollen is gone. You need to prepare the pieces by wiping off all the dust and dirt. With a wire brush you need to scour all the rust spots. I will paint with a couple of coats of spray paint. Don't rush the job by spraying the paint on to heavy. Take your time and spray on a couple of coats, leaving time to dry between applications. Do it outside on a calm day. Use an old sheet, piece of cardboard, or tarp to keep paint off bottom of surface, your furniture is sitting on to be painted. Paint is a great thing to give your garden furniture a new look. Add some containers filled with flowers, greens, or even herbs. What a happy place to sit and think great thoughts...............
I have the fireplace on. It is very cold today. Normal high is 72 for this time of year. Jackie and her family were at church services. Marcy, Jackie's sister will be walking in support of cancer research. Please, if you have a chance to donated to this great cause, do it. Marcy's foot is not completely healed from a previous surgery, yet she feels motivated to walk for this great cause. People like her need our help and with more funds and prayers, hopefully a cure is found soon! Every little bit helps, even a small donation goes to a good cause. Both Jackie's and my family have been stricken by cancer. I don't know many people who have not dealt with this disease in some way. Take care!

BUYING SEEDLINGS

This is something that I saw in a gardening wisdom book that I have. When buying seedlings keeps these thoughts in mind. Purchase very short plants with little or no flowers. Never purchase tall lanky, flowered plants because you'll only have to cut them back. Finally, if at all possible plant your seedlings as soon as you bring them home.

It has been a beautiful day here today and we worked outside just about all day. Bill really did a lot today and I know is going to be hurting and tired tonight and tomorrow. Marcy and I were thinking of going to Summerville to do our flea market thing this weekend, but, Bill needs to be at home after today. So we will just stay home and get some things done here. I plan to go visit with my mother some tomorrow. Now I am going to drink my little gin and olives on the rocks and go to bed. Have a great weekend!!

ROSEBUSH HINT

This is a good one. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of Epsom salts around each rosebush every spring. The magnesium in the salts enhances cell walls and plant absorption of nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur which rosebushes need.
Just can't get it together. My mind is very foggy and I need to snap out of it. I plan on getting outdoors on Saturday for some serious planting. Wish me luck and ambition. Sleep well!

DEVILED EGGS

Here's a recipe that was in our local paper and has a little twist on the ingredients.

BLUE DEVILS

6 boiled eggs, peeled and cut in half

2 tbsp plus 2 tsp mayonnaise

1 tsp Dijon mustard

2 tbsp crumbled blue cheese

salt and pepper to taste

3 tbsp bacon bits for garnish

Place egg yolks in a bowl and thoroughly mash. Mix with the mayonnaise and mustard. Add the blue cheese and mash well into the mixture with a spoon. Taste, then season with salt and pepper. Fill the whites evenly with the mixture and garnish each egg half with bacon bits.

Yesterday was pretty busy. Marcy and I went to get our hair done and then I was planning on going grocery shopping. However, Bill took our other car to drop off to get repaired so I had to go pick him up. Then Marcy and I went shopping. But, Bill called in the middle of it and needed to go to Home Depot because he was in the middle of a repair and needed something. I took the car to him and since I was feeling pretty worn out then, I laid down and took a quick nap until he came back. Then Marcy, Darionna and I went back to our grocery shopping. When we finally got home (worn out) Marcy made the fixings for chicken taco while I laid down again. Bill went to a Knight's meeting and we ate and watched a movie while he was gone. When he came home he fixed him a plate and watched another movie with us.

Today I have been doing chores here and there. One thing I did was to put a new hose vent on my drier. Now I am going to fix dinner and get back to doing chores here and there. Have a great day.

SNAKES---YARD---GARDEN

Like Jackie and many other people, we don't like snakes. I read a little about them this morning and thought I would pass this on to you. The article says that snakes won't bother you unless you disturb them. I have to believe this because I never heard of a snake running after anyone. Snakes play an important part in nature, by eating mice and rats. Two creatures I don't want around. I guess I don't know who I would want in my yard or garden (snakes or rodents ) NEITHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
There is something I plan on trying, you buy at your pharmacy call Mercaptans--this has a synthetic skunk odor. Skunks eat snakes, rats, and mice, so this smell keeps the snakes and rodents away. Unfortunately, it also keeps you far away. I think you have to decide weather to smell like skunk or have snakes and rodents around.
Plan B is to have all garbage and trash away from your garden and house if possible. If there is nothing to eat, it will discourage rodents and snakes will have to go elsewhere for their next meal. Just a thought. Smile!

BOY, DID I REST YESTERDAY!

I never got out of my pajamas and practically stayed in bed all day! I was really tired. Today I am all rested and ready to get back to my normal routine. The weather is a bit chilly out right now so I won't be going out to plant the herbs and pepper plants that I bought yet. One good thing is that this is not good weather for snakes. Yayyyyyy! Marcy's 2 grandkids, Darionna and Will, came back today and can help us get some of the yardwork done that needs to be done. When they were here last week Will worked hard and cleared a lot of pine straw out of the back yard. He, also, got up a lot of the branches and pine cones that were strewn about by the storms.

I'm missing Andy not being here. Every once it crosses my mind that he would be here now if he could and I get a little sad. However, I know it is best for him to be at home now.

I will be back later with a recipe or tip. Have a great day!!

GARDENING ZONES

I wanted to get a gardening zone to you. I don't have my scanner up yet. You can go to http://www.thegardenhelper.com/hardiness.htm This will give you, your planting time for your region. I printed the information, for future reference.
I just wanted to say that using newspaper for weed blocking is cheap and does a great job around shrubs. Just leave room around the trunk/roots for watering. You should never put any type of mulch to close to any plants. This may cause rotting or decay. You have to remember that weed block topped with mulch, holds in moisture.
Our garden centers are so informative and the plants have great directions for planting and care. I just purchased Dahlias and Peony bulbs to plant. According to the package I am a little late for my zone. What is nice for the Dahlias, they bloom summer to fall and reach 36" high. I will plant on the fence line hoping for a color full show. Have a good day!

HINTS FOR GARDEN SOIL---CONTAINER SOIL

#1. Container soil must be replaced because I feel the soil gets sour. There are so many at the garden center all ready mixed with all the good blends you need to grow great plants. Makes it easy, which who doesn't like that?
#2. Garden soil must be worked up and enriched with organic matter. Compost or aged manure is the key to healthy growth.
#3. There are places to have your soil tested. A sample can be taken to a cooperative extension office or some garden centers offer this service. To find the cooperative office near you, go to csrees.usda.gov/Extension.
Good preparation at the beginning, is the key to enjoying any garden. Have a good day!

BELATED HAPPY EASTER

My weekend was very full and busy so I had no time to get online. I had a house full of family and I spent Saturday cooking and then Marcy and I went to church at 7:30pm and didn't get out until after 10:00pm. I ate my dinner when I came home. Sunday I got up and cooked brunch for those left. After brunch everyone left went over to visit with our mom, Ricky and Annie. Bill, Marcy and I went over, too. When we came back I finished cleaning the kitchen which included mopping a very dirty ceramic tile floor. At that point I made the decision that now shoes will be removed when anyone comes to my home. I had totally cleaned the floors before everyone came and when they left my floors were filthy. I figure why exasperate myself with this anymore. Now shoes are to be removed. It's done at Ricky and Annie's home and their floors always look great. Besides I am only one person trying to keep this big house clean. I am going to send an email out to the family so this won't come as a shock to them when and if they come back to visit.

I am sad to say that Andy was not able to come due to health reasons. I really am disappointed, but, I understand. He and I are usually in contact several times a day by phone or text messaging, but, it's not the same as being with him. Bill and I are still planning on going to visit Andy and Genelle when we can. One good thing is that our mom has been a little more communicative the last several days. Andy was able to talk to her when Ricky put the phone to her ear and she responded.

Bill and I finally got to see and hold our beautiful great-granddaughter. It was a hectic weekend, but, it was filled with familial love. I wouldn't have it any other way!! Have a great day!!!!

HAPPY EASTER

My hint of the day is to relax and enjoy your day. Try not to watch the news for 2 days. Think good thoughts. On Monday I will start some very simple gardening tips. SMILE AND LAUGH THIS WEEKEND!

PRETTY EASTER EGGS

Here are some easy ways to decorate hard boiled eggs.......
A. Use a stamp pad set with small designs
B. Make dots with a pencil eraser and food coloring
C. Add little stickers, they won't wrinkle if small
D. Put stickers on and than dye. When dry pull off for white design
E. Draw patterns on dyed eggs with great colors
F. As kids we would dye eggs and than wrote names or write names on the egg and than dye
Have fun with the kids or just make your Easter breakfast more interesting with colored eggs.
I have company coming this afternoon, so busy cleaning. Have a good day!

HAPPY SPRING

Spring is finally here and I know that most people are looking forward to some peace with our weather. I am home and will be getting some tips together for posting. Thank you my dear friend Jackie, for keeping things going on the blog. My Mom is doing well for 93. I did some walking to the store because I did not have a car for a week. It was good to see, you can function without a car if there is a place to walk and the store is somewhat close. The side walks were ice covered one morning and my legs were killing me the next day because I was trying not to fall down for 20 blocks. It was a good experience not to just jump in the car and go. Hope all of you are safe and well! Have a great day............

BUSY, BUSY DAY

This morning I decided to do my grocery shopping since it is senior citizen day at the grocery stores. I've decided to have lamb and ham for the dinner as the meats. Yummy!! Marcy went with me and we went to one grocery store and WalMart. After we took our goodies home we went to visit our mother. Today she was a little bit more alert and even got the words out to say "I love you" to us when we told her that we loved her. She even smiled a little here and there. When we were leaving Marcy was waving to her and you could see her arm move under the blanket like she was trying to wave goodbye back. Seeing her decline like this is so sad. She was only alert a fraction of the time that we were there, but, that little bit meant a lot to us. After we left there we went to another store to do a little bit more shopping. We made it home just as the rains started to pour. I bought a rotisserie chicken and made baked potatoes to go with it. That was dinner and all I was in shape to fix. Bill went to a Knight's meeting and I did some cleaning. Now I am going to go get the trash together because tomorrow is pickup day. Have a good night!!

Chris is home and we talked this morning. We did our usual laughing and talking like teenagers and loving it. I am so glad that she is back home.

GETTING READY FOR EASTER COMPANY

Luckily our little part of the world was not hit by any of the tornadoes on Saturday. However, we did get a lot of rain and wind. Marcy and I went back to the flea market with our wares on Sunday. Things were slow, but, we still did good. Tamika, Marcy's daughter, came out and brought us some breakfast and stayed with us for the rest of the day. She is a good saleslady, too! Later that afternoon Bill, Sue and Darionna came out and stayed with us until we packed up. We wanted to go by and see the model home for the home that Tamika is having built. It is gorgeous. On the way there we got stuck in traffic on the interstate for about an hour. By the time I got back to Sue's home I was too tired to drag out my laptop. That night Bill and I sat up with Sue and Otis and had a lot of laughs. We came home yesterday, but, after the drive and cooking dinner my brain was not alert enough to compose my thoughts to put here.

Today Bill went for his checkup with his oncologist. The report was great and the numbers from his lab work from last week look great. Nothing has changed since he first had to see the doctor in 2006. He goes back to see him in six months. After that we went to drop a hammer off to Dennis that he left when he came to fix our wall. Then we went to see my mom who is slowly slipping away. She can't talk anymore, but, sometimes tries to. She, also, sleeps a lot. That is all the regression for the latter stage of Alzheimer's. It is so sad. My brother, Ricky, and my sister-in-law, Annie, are phenomenal with her care. They are the reason that she has lasted this long.
This weekend we are going to have Easter dinner on Saturday. Sue and Roxy had both said they might come here this weekend to see my mother. I figured we could just plan to have Easter dinner here and those who had to work Monday would not have to worry about traveling late on Sunday. Andy will be arriving on Sunday evening and I am so looking forward to seeing him.

Chris comes home today. Yayyyyyy!! She will be writing here in the next couple of days. Now I am going to go back to getting the house ready for this weekend. Have a great night!!

WE HAD A GOOD DAY AT FLEA MARKET!!

Marcy, her 8-yr old granddaughter, Darionna, and I went to set up for the flea market about 5:30a.m. We found a table for us and started setting things out while it was still dark. We fumbled around and decided how we wanted to arrange things and just waited for daylight and the people to start arriving. It went slow at first and it seemed as if we were only going to sell incense and oils. However, in the afternoon things changed and we sold more. Then Sue, Otis, Bill, our grandson, Marc, Roxy and her son, Jarritte, came and bought some stuff, too. We left early because the wind started blowing hard and things started blowing off the tables. My hair was all over my head. Atlanta was hit by a tornado last night and the storms were supposedly heading in this direction. Now as we watch t.v. we see that there is a tornado watch out for this area. Hopefully, there won't be a problem and we can go out there again tomorrow.

Now I am going to sit back and relax. After dinner I am going to bed and get ready for flea marketing tomorrow, hopefully. Have a great night and an even greater rest of the weekend!!

CUBA LIBRE

Here is a delicious, simple recipe that I got from oprah.com when I was searching for a recipe that I had seen on her show. It's almost like a rum and coke except for the lime juice added.

CUBA LIBRE

1/4 cup (2 oz.) dark rum

1 tbsp. freshly squeezed lime juice, plus 1 lime wedge

Coca Cola

Fill a highball glass (or like me, just a regular glass) with ice cubes. Add rum and lime juice, and top off with Coke to taste. Rub rim of glass with lime wedge, then garnish with wedge. (To serve large groups, mix batches 2 parts rum to 1 part lime juice to 4 parts Coke. Pour over ice in individual glasses, then rub rims with lime and garnish with 1 wedge per cocktail.)

Well, Marcy and I will be doing our first flea market gig tomorrow. We are really looking forward to it. We still are on the waiting list for an inside table or booth so we will be outside. If the weather is as nice as it was yesterday that will be no problem. So we are hoping that Saturday and Sunday there will be okay weatherwise. I hope I am not too tired to put my experiences on this blog tomorrow evening. It should be fun.

This evening the Knights will have an honor guard at one of the funeral homes here in honor of one of their members who has passed. He will be in full regalia and I am going to try to get a good picture before he leaves home and I will try to put it on here later. Now I have to go and get some chores done, do some packing and get ready to travel. Have a great day and a great weekend.

PRAYER REQUEST

I have mentioned before how Chris and I love to go to Hilton Head and spend a week or a few days whenever we can. We may be going back in May for my sister, Marcy, and Chris' birthdays. In fact, some of the pictures that I have inserted at the bottom were taken there. Bill and I have a timeshare and we switch off and stay at different resorts when we go. If we don't stay at a timeshare, Dennis and Chris rent a place for the four of us to stay. Most of the resorts are laid out in gated residential communities. My favorite one to stay at is Sea Pines. The picture at the very bottom shows Bill and Dennis walking past some yachts at the marina there. I have always said that if I were ever lucky enough to have a yacht (we all know that's a pipe dream) I wanted to dock it at that marina and sit on deck sipping a drink while people strolled past. Everyone laughs at me when I have said that, but, we all have to dream sometime. Anyhow, there has been on the news lately that a couple that did live part-time on their yacht there and, also, had a home in Atlanta have disappeared. For some reason I feel the need to ask you all to say a prayer for them. A "person-of-interest" to the police regarding their disappearance suddenly committed suicide. He needs our prayers, also. Thank you.

ALL'S WELL THAT ENDS WELL

Thank you, Dennis!! The pipe is fixed, the wall is fixed and Bill enjoyed it all. He always did love doing any kind of fixing and making things. He really enjoyed spending the time with Dennis.

Also, check out the posting that I put in a few days ago about our new great-granddaughter. Our daughter, Sue (the proud grandmother), put in pictures of Jasmine and Quentin, Jr.

Now I am going to get ready for bed and watch Big Brother After Dark on Showtime. I know, I'm crazy. Have a restful night. Oh, I talked to Chris this morning and she is not enjoying the WI weather at all and will be glad to get back to the warmth. Of course, she will miss her mom and other family, though. I don't know how we ever lived up North because I can't bear cold weather now.