Puppy Gal Welcomes You To
Judy's June 2009 Journal....
I started this feature for friends and family to answer their "What's going on?" emails, therefore, I probably tell too much, but you are welcome to laugh, cry and sigh with us.If you have been gifted with the ability to love, you are a fortunate person indeed.
Hardeman Co. Animal Control
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and Scams. If you need to speak to me please call (731) 376-0635 between the
hours of 7 AM and 7 PM CST. This is a private residence, we are not a company. This
telephone number is on the State of Tennessee and Federal NO CALL lists for telemarketers.
Please do not call me in reference to when we will have available puppies, I will post that information on
the website when the time is appropriate. Be polite and you will receive same in return, but if
you are rude (don't call me Judy if you refer to yourself as Mr. or Mrs. I'm not beneath you in
life's pecking order) or ask explicate sexual questions about breeding, I'll say goodbye
and hang up the telephone.
I'm a "clutter" person. I collect things that are interesting, like cobalt blue salt & pepper shakers, but they belong in someone's "Salt & Pepper Shaker Collection" not in the back of my shelf in the pantry and needless to say the "Bunny" salt and pepper pieces need to be there also. Problem is I just do not know anyone who would appreciate them. I have too much stuff but am reluctant to depart with same unless I encounter someone who would truly "love/appreciate" the stuff. - Judy
"The Internet Listings Are Getting Crazy" Tuesday - July 1, 2009 8:30 PM
Some how or other Google has me listed as a groomer so I'm now getting telephone calls from people wanting to make an appointment to get their dog groomed. lol lol It was probably the webpage I have on PuppyGal about grooming Bullies. Then I found out a Landscape Directory (www.landscapedirectory.org)has me (Dogwood Pond) listed under Lawn & Garden Services, if only people could see my lack of a lawn, my flower beds overflowing and my attitude of "just poke it in the ground". No wonder I'm getting weird junk mail. These crazy phone calls are just too much ... but it is kinda funny that Google's listing is so messed up and I have no idea how that Landscape Directory got their information. lol lol
"Story Time" Tuesday - June 30, 2009 8:42 PMMildred wait to come dig up plants until Friday and we can dance around in the rain ... maybe
Friday"s Forecast High 88° F, Partly Cloudy, Chance of T-storms, 30% chance of precipitation I surely hope this forecast doesn't change. Mother Nature needs to refresh all the plants."Water from a hose allows them to survive until Mother Nature makes them thrive." That's a Judy original so if you see it elsewhere you know they stole it from me.
I hope I can remember more "tales" because it's kinda boring around here. Well "behind closed doors isn't so boring" but we don't go there. - Judy
"Story Time" Tuesday - June 30, 2009 3:33 PM
Our county use to have dumpsters for trash, now we have a very neat fenced in dumpster area with an attendant who makes sure you aren't tossing in anything that shouldn't be. We still have not gotten around to recycling bins but I'm sure that is to come.
Back when it was an open dumpster with no supervision, tacky but fun. I would set out "stuff" that was good but I didn't need any more and other people would do the same. Someone would come along and pick up what they wanted or needed. I have been known to bring home an item or two. Well I was driving the little Datsun pickup, pulled upside the dumpster, got in the truck bed to toss stuff in. With the first toss up pops a head, there is a woman in the dumpster. Now please understand I've got no problems with "dumpster divers" cause a lot of people have more money than they do sense, but this one scared the dickens out of me ... she looked exactly like a very short Walt Disney movie witch. I had the good sense to greet her good day, said I hoped she was having a productive day, pulled Bob's truck up to the next dumpster, tossed in the trash and hurriedly left. I figured if anyone could throw down a curse it was that woman, she for sure looked the part. lol lol lol
"Great Gardening Info" Tuesday - June 30, 2009 3:33 PM
"IMPORTANT MESSAGE - DOG FLU" Tuesday - June 30, 2009 11:00 AM
Bulldog, Pug, Boston Terrier, Pekingese, Boxer, Shih tzu, etc.
Brachycephalic Defination
"Busy Day" Monday - June 29, 2009 9:00 PM
Mildred - this is the bloom on the giant clump of Siberian Iris we spoke of earlier today. If you don't want them please don't be afraid to say so, I'll just put them in the big flower bed. - Judy
Daylilies
Lilies
Rose
Hibiscus
I woke up at 6:20 hurridly dressed, as an afterthought I stuck my bra in my pocket. When I encountered Bob in the kitchen, he said what's that in your pocket, so I told him. Is he getting senile or what. Low and behold it was evening, I thought it was Monday morning!!! So what am I doing with "that" in my pocket. The mailman doesn't run on Sunday and the dogs don't care. I think I got too much sun. lol lol
"Mildred - Red Lilies" Sunday - June 28, 2009 11:30 AM
Don't let me forget to give you the pot of red lilies I sat aside for you.
"Time Out" Sunday - June 28, 2009 10:30 AM
I'm being puny again so I'm taking a day off .... get real I can't do that the critters can't go without care and some of the plants need an early afternoon misting. I "needs" a vacation!!!!
Here are some pictures that I hope make you smile....
Work in progress
Next to the Newest
Tender plants that need to be shaded during the hotest part of the day because their root system can't support them totally. In the picture you will see the frames which support the sheet I attach for shade.
Lilies
The details are not as clear as I would like but you get the idea.
Goldfish
I caught Mr. Cat fishing ... He's been telling me he wants tuna and I suppose he decided fresh caught goldfish were the next best thing. lol lol
Lord Have Mercy, it was hotter than a pepper sprout here today. The thermometer on the back porch (shaded) hit 95 F. No wonder I couldn't handle being outside, but I kept going out to mist plants through out the day. The reason is the plants were planted late and have not developed the root structure to support them. I told Bob next year to "lock me up" during the spring and early summer days to prevent me from going "plant crazy".
I have lots of plant crazy friends and we're all swearing "we'll never do it again". lol lol Meanwhile we know it's a lie, we'll be back at it come next spring, if we're alive.
Daylilies
Lilies
"Up & At It" Saturday - June 27, 2009 8:30 AM
I can't believe it's only 8:30 but it's already too hot for me to work outside. It's 81 F with a 79% humidity and 2 MPH wind. This combination is horrible. I'm going to have to rearrange my schedule so that I'm outside and working at first light, then do the other chores later. First thing we walk the Bullies and collect beds for washing. I put on the wash, fix breakfast, hang up their beds to dry, we eat and then I'm off into the yard. I'll have to adjust this schedule while it is so hot, but since the Bullies can't handle the heat any better than I can, it's breakfast and washing that will have to wait. - Judy
"Up & At It" Saturday - June 27, 2009 7:30 AM
I crawled out of bed at 5 AM and started to work. First order of business was Bob's blood pressure. Since that flying insect bite it has been popping up. He's taking his blood pressure medicine so it's perplexing. At 5:15 AM I handed him a small glass of red wine and told him to drink up. It took 2 glasses before his blood pressure was back in the normal range.
The first round of chores have been done and we're watching the weather station because there is distant thunder. I've got to put down and work in (turn the top 3 inches of soil) the pre-emergent before we get rain. Lordy it will probably do me in for the day, but it has to be done. After I finish that it's time to give preventive worm medicine to the critters and apply Advantage. Oops forgot I have to put down insecticide the ticks are hatching out.
Speaking of insects, something has been eating my plant leaves and this morning I found out what it was ... grasshoppers. I was out inspecting the plants at first light and saw several. Problem is they are the same color as the plants so it's very hard to see them. I'll have to do some research to find out what to use to kill them, but not harm the beneficial insects or the worms.
Li'l Cookie is being rowdy. Kate continues to decline. Melanie takes seriously her "JOB" as overseer of the critters. Jeb hasn't been minding Bob at all the last few days. Cherry Cookie is surly and only the Good Lord knows why. Fluffy is ready to pounce when Jerry Lee even looks at one of her "boys", poor fella just wants friends. Ms Kitty went missing for a few days. .... and the list goes on.
I've been in contact with the Sheriff's office and they are going to increase patrols in the area. We've got a plan so that makes me feel better.
I'm going to take a deep breath and get back to work now. - Judy
"Needed A Break" Friday - June 26, 2009 9:00 PM
I had to get away from the house today, there was too much work to be done and I knew if I stayed here I would hobble around doing it. By day's end yesterday I was limping bad, too much bending over and squatting got to my hips.
Bob and I went to Corinth, MS to get pre-emergent for the garden area, it's suppose to rain Sunday and I want to finish the garden preparation before then. I would have already gotten it done, but other "must do" things took priority. We also went out for lunch while we were in the "big city". lol
Below are some blooms that I hope make you smile, they sure did me. Have a wonderful weekend. - Judy
Daylilies
Lilies
Hardy Hibiscus - Luna Pink
Buds about to open
Raised Flower Beds
Rose
"4 Wheelers" Thursday - June 25, 2009 8:30 PM
Man Alive!!! 4 Wheelers are tearing up the property next door. The gated off old road was being used as a racetrack just now. Bob got as close to them as he could and told them the sheriff's deputy was on the way, so they best get going. Bob had called 911. Early this morning I stopped at a neighbor's to let them know about last night's prowlers and the man told me another of our neighbors had a shotgun stolen from an outbuilding the night before and neighbor #1 said he had seen two guys on 4 wheelers up at the other house but didn't think too much about it. Now I'm not the type of person who should have a gun, maybe a flare gun, ifin' it wouldn't set the woods on fire. lol lol If I attempt to toss or throw anything you can bet it will be way off target. Lordy, if I tried to shoot above someone's head I'd probably hit them square between the eyes, but if I aimed for between the eyes, don't worry they wouldn't have a scratch. I know my limitations.
There was something that would come through our property at 4:30 AM, set you watch by it, and cause all the dogs in the neighborhood to start to bark. One morning about 5 months ago I heard 5 pistol shots, whatever it was no longer disturbs the peace. The only problem is I don't know who to THANK!!!
That's today at Dogwood Pond ... Judy
"Support USPS" Thursday - June 25, 2009 3:45 PM
The US taxpayers are going to have to pay for the operating loss of the USPS so I figure having packages shipped by them is of more value than Obama bailing them out. I'd love to get my hands on their operating budget, Boy Howdy, would I take the red marker to multiple line items. Times have changed but the Postal Service is severely lagging in Internet savvy, plus they have not made cost cutting measures on a timely basis. If a business knows it's losing money on a daily basis, they make cuts, but for USPS like General Motors .... there is a union to reckon with. What part of "can't meet these concessions" do they not understand?? Can the USPS take bankruptcy??? Another thing that gets "stuck in my craw" is the money UPS and FedEx are spending needlessly on rural delivery. A simple compromise would be to toss the rural packages into the USPS bucket. FedEx & UPS would save money and the USPS would increase their sales. Simple?? OK that's my rant for today.
Bob's hand is still swollen from the insect sting and his blood pressure is up. I tried to get him to go the doctor but he's being hardheaded ... I know, the pot calling the kettle black. He didn't get an ID on the flying insect but it was a dozy, the sting where it opened the skin is about 5 times bigger than the wasp sting I got and there is a bruise surrounding the actual puncture. I've never seen one like it before.
I'm convinced I've lost my mind, over plants, but instead of worrying about it, I'm going to laugh my way through it. Stay positive, keep cool and love the one your with. - Judy
"Boomer The Alarm Dog" Wednesday - June 24, 2009 10:35 PM
Oh Lordy, Boomer's high pitched squeal sounded the alarm to all the other critters that there was someone on the property ... actually they were 20 feet outside the property on our neighbor's land. Bob rush down, due to my legs & feet, but I wasn't far behind when I saw through the upstairs window that there were people walking on the "old no longer used road". It's gated off and there are no trespassing signs everywhere. I hollered out who are you and what are you doing, no response ... who ever was out there is not from "round here" cause if they were they would have told what they were doing. I told them "to get" cause I was calling the law and proceeded to call 911. I told 911 the direction the people were headed and where they would come out on a county road. As soon as I was off the telephone I hollered out the law is on the way and you'll be sorry if I turn the "big dogs" out on you. I best not see hide nor hair of you again.
Am I crazy or what???? - Judy
"Gotta To Keep On Going" Wednesday - June 24, 2009 10:00 PM
I have identified my "invasive" plant and from what I've read, I may have maligned too fiercely. Many people like the plant and pay good money for it.
Saponaria officinalis
Gosh it was hot as dickens here and the humidity was high, but not as high as the day before. I'm still taking it easy on the old legs and it's paying off, they are a little better today. The problem is my body reacts negatively to protein, causing my legs to swell. Evidently I maxed out on protein and didn't even realize it. I have to have "some" protein and try very hard to watch my intake, but my body reacted like I chomped down on a huge steak and didn't let go. lol lol
Please don't think I'm ignoring my health issues, I'm not, it's just that I've been through so many weird health issues that now I don't get excited. At one point in my life I had so many tests run that turned up nothing ... the internal medicine doctor actually put his arm on my shoulder, nurse and husband in the room, and said we're near the point where the only option is exploratory surgery, or you will starve to death. So I swallowed hard, brushed a tear away and flipped into 3rd gear restoring a 75 year old house.
Remember sometimes we just have to raise our mind over the matter, place one foot in front of the other and meet the new day. - Judy
"Heat Advisory" Tuesday - June 23, 2009 4:30 PM
The high temperature was forecast to be 99 F today. With temps that high and high humidity it's hard on all of us, humans and critters. Completing a project takes 5 times as long as it otherwise would. I absolutely can't imagine the heat stress our fellow Americans are enduring in the Middle East Wars. I can't stay outside but for a few minutes at a time.
Daylilies
Daylily - Kwanso
Lilies
Goldfish Pools
Although it doesn't look as good as the "rustic" older pool, I love the spa pool because I don't have to bend over to look at the fish, they are up close and personal.
Invasive Plant
The blooms have turned a shade of lavender
My legs are better today although the situation isn't totally resolved. As long as they keep getting better I'm not going to the doctor. You knew what I was going to say, didn't you. lol lol
Take care, stay cool and hug those you love. - Judy
"I'm In Trouble With Big Bob" Monday - June 22, 2009 8:30 PM
He caught me .... I went out earlier this evening to measure the new flower beds. The house is in the woods but across the driveway is an open area and that is where Jay tilled up the new beds. The area gets sun all day long and Boy Howdy it's hotter than hades during peak summer days, just the place for pepper plants. The large bed is 27 feet wide and 72 feet long. The smaller bed on the cusp of the shade is 6 feet wide and 19 feet long. Bob had already built the 4'x8' raised bed frame to match the other raised beds in the area so now we're either going to build another to cover the 6x19 area or move the frame elsewhere. The reason for the raised beds is tree roots, can't go digging into (i.e. damage them).
I do so hope these legs of mine will get back to normal so I can work in my new garden beds. - Judy
"Out There Gardener" Monday - June 22, 2009 4:30 PM
I've got to tell you this story .... a female friend of mine became friends with a married man living in the state of Washington, who posted wonderful pictures of his plants, landscape design and gardening tips on the Internet. This guy organized sending packages to our men in uniform fighting in the Middle East, sent seeds, cuttings and rooted plants to people throughout the USA, assisted a nonprofit organization to receive donations of seeds which their volunteers used in 3rd World Countries to teach people how to raise their own food, etc. He was happily married and so is my friend so there was no hint of romance, just a love of plants. He was just an all around great guy ... well I was leery, too good to be true. Sure enough he started in raving about this neighbors not liking him dressing up in his dead sister's mumu on her birthday while sitting out in his carport drinking beer and playing her favorite CDs fairly loud. Then there was the potion he used on his plants which included his own waste products, beer and who knows what else. Since I had refused to be in involved with him even via Internet, she showed me the beautiful plants she had gotten from him but was reluctant to say much else. When she finally broke down and told me all the above, I laughed so hard and long, she was about to get mad at me. Quickly I said "Good thing the fella is so generous with his plants, don't leave me off the list of folks wanting cuttings when they get big enough."
"Staying In Bed" Monday - June 22, 2009 Noon
I made a deal with Bob ... I'll stay in bed today and if my legs are still giving me a problem tomorrow, I'll go to the doctor. Drats!! I think I've been "snookered".
I wonder if I could cheat just a little by going out into the yard to see if there are any new blooms?? - Judy
"Busy Day" Sunday - June 21, 2009 7:40 P.M.
We were up and working by 5 AM. I'm having a bit of trouble with my legs which has caused Big Bob to become concerned. He said he would push me around in a wheelchair if I wanted to "go looking" at any of the stores in Corinth. Did you get that "looking" part ... I've got way to many plants to put in the ground as it is and in regard to food we don't need anything (except corn on the cob cause I'm addicted) so that only leaves "looking" which I didn't want to do. Stupid woman that I am, I threw away an opportunity to be spoiled by the best of men.
Poor Mildred came to "look" at plants ... she worked so hard in the heat digging up plants to take home that she called it quits before she was a third of the way through. Mainly she got Iris. I was sick when the Iris were in bloom and I've forgotten the names or colors of many from 2 years ago, but I gave her all that were in the "children's wading pool" bed, plus generously shared my favorites. I sure hope she doesn't break out since she was wading around in poison oak or ivy, don't remember which since I'm not allergic to it, the 5 leave version whichever that is.
I'm about ready for bed, Bob said he would take the Bullies walking when it cools off a bit more, so I was welcome to stretch out on the bed and read a book until he returned. I hope you all had a good weekend and didn't get over heated. - Judy
"Garden Tilling" Saturday - June 20, 2009 8:30 P.M.
I'm so happy!!! Thank you Jay! Thank you Mildred! The very nice man (Jay, Mildred's brother) with the tiller attachment on his tractor came and tilled up my garden spot. Never in a million years would any other machinery have done as good a job as what his rig did. I just stood there watching as "that baby" grounded up the earth as fine as ash. I'm going to add some roughage for drainage, round up to kill the green stuff still lurking after a few days, then apply a pre-emergent to kill the seeds that are waiting for the first rain to sprout. After all that is done I'll be ready to plant my peach trees, iris, lilies and whatever else pops into my mind. I feel like an artist with a blank canvas. - Judy
"Today's Blooms" Saturday - June 20, 2009 8:00 P.M.
Daylilies
Each bloom is only open for one day that is why they are called Daylilies, but the stalk have many buds therefore they are blooming for several days to weeks.
Interesting observation - pictures taken early morning then early afternoon
Early Morning
Early Afternoon
Mildred, I have an extra clump of this last lily, but you will have to do the digging. - Judy
Mildred, this is the plant with the stinky bloom I said you were welcome to dig up if you wanted it. Many people love it and last time I checked they were not cheap. Look it up on Google and decide. - Judy
"Made A Supply Run This Morning" Saturday - June 20, 2009 4:00 P.M.
We got up at 5 AM to get an early start on our trip to Tupelo, MS to get dog food and a couple of other items. We didn't get home until 2:30 PM or so and it took awhile to unload the van. Bob almost got "put out" with me ... I was driving therefore I stopped at all the nurseries and bought a few plants. lol lol
Ya'll I'm so proud, oh Dang maybe I shouldn't be too proud cause I still have some health issues, but my energy level is back up to par and more important my brain is finally working right. I had been so tired and just could not think as clearly as necessary, but this past week I've driven the van on our short trips and even went by myself to a friend's house to take her plants. It's good to be "bright eyed and sassy" again. Now I'm determined to catch up with all the undone things in my life.
The question of the day has been ... how many cases of beer do you give to a man for tilling you up a flower bed. He won't take any pay which doesn't set right with me. I don't want him doing it for free, so his sister told me to just give him "something". Well I had no idea what that would be, cause I don't know the man, so she suggested beer. I forgot to ask what kind so when we were at Sam's today I looked over the stacks and stacks of beer and decided the stack with only one case left must be a popular brand therefore I got him the one case as a "down payment". lol lol
I'll post pictures in a few minutes. - Judy
"Insect Bites & Stings" Saturday - June 20, 2009 8:00 A.M.
Boy Howdy, yesterday the insects were after me. I took hold of a Snow Pea pod which just happened to have a wasp on the back side. That little devil stung the blazes out of me ... Bob just heard a squeal and watched me run toward the house. I ran my thumb under cold water then covered it with salt. It was hurting like the dickens but soon stopped and about 5 minutes later my thumb was back to normal and I was working. Then pulling up weeds in the flower beds, I yelled at Bob that my ankles must be covered with chiggers because they were burning and hurting. Into the house I dashed, up the stairs and into the shower. I used Dawn dish washing detergent to wash me down, ankles first. Afterward I used Ivy-Dry, you can get you some at Walgreen's. It's the best I've found for poison ivy or chiggers. About an hour later, I realized I had a tick, where a tick should not go and had to ask Bob to remove it. Enough for one day, I went to bed early.
Bob is going to spray the yard for insects today so maybe I'll not be whining about insects for awhile. - Judy
"New Blooms For Today" Friday - June 19, 2009 Noon
"Cooking Fool" Friday - June 19, 2009 11:00 A.M.
It's "hotter than a $2 pistol" outside, so I had to come inside to sit a spell under the a/c. Bob just got back from the doctor's office, having tests run as part of his yearly physical. He should have the results on Tuesday. While he was gone I was working outside, watering plants, giving fresh water to the critters, etc. Oops I forgot to feed the goldfish.
When we went to Corinth, MS I bought 8 pounds of chicken legs and thighs for $.49 per pound at Kroger. I immediately put them in the crockpot where they cooked most of the night on low, then packed it away in the frig until I had time to process it "Judy Style". Yesterday, I pulled the meat off the bone in preparation for making several meals in advance, plus fix chicken stew to mix in with the English Bulldog food. I snuck in a big package of chicken gizzards I found marked down because it was the "last sell by date". The Bullies love gizzards, liver, etc.... any of those innards of beef, chicken or pork, so the gizzards were their treats for yesterday. I made chicken and dressing yesterday morning while it was still cool, plus cooked the vegetables in the chicken stock in preparation for making chicken pot pie. Early this morning while it was 70 F outside I turned on the attic fan, opened the windows and turned on the oven to preheat. I thickened the veggies in chicken stock with self-rising flour, added some of the chicken I had picked off the bone, added seasonings, mixed together well and poured some in a frozen pie crust. I cooked it at 400 F for about 45 minutes. I had enough pie filling for another pie so it went in the freezer. Last night we ate the chicken dressing with cranberry sauce, next time we eat it, we'll switch to medium hot pepper jelly instead of the cranberry. I wonder how cranberry pepper jelly would taste. I think I'll give it a try. lol lol
Yesterday afternoon I took some plants to a friend in Middleton, TN which is about 9 miles from here. She's experienced more health problems in her life than any other 10 people I know combined. She derives great pleasure from plants, therefore my objective was to make her smile for a little while.
Remember the old saying, "what goes around comes around". Make other people happy and happiness will find you. - Judy
"Stopping At A Strangers House" Thursday - June 18, 2009 7:45 P.M.
Bob said I didn't embarrassed him anymore, he had gotten use to me!! lol lol Coming back from Corinth, MS all of a sudden I made a quick turn around and went back to a house I'd had my eye on for a couple of years. Ever the one to notice flowers, I begin to notice "things". The ole timey plants indicated an older woman lived there but the buildup of dust on the portable (foldup) wheelchair on the front porch lead me to believe she had passed on sometime last year. There had been a young man staying there for awhile, I reckoned he ran into the front porch brick pillar with his car, evidently didn't have the money to get it fixed, didn't try or perhaps couldn't find anyone willing to do the work. A couple of months ago he must have moved out or was asked to leave because I hadn't seen his truck around.
Finally today I spoke with a man who said he owned the house and asked if he would mind me getting a start of the Formosa Lilies which were over in the grown up area to the right of the house. I suspect it had once been her flower garden but it had "grown up" to the point of reverting back to the forest area with underbrush getting a foothold. At first he said I could have some of the bulbs, then his heart sank and he said he really couldn't part with the Lilies, his mother had gotten him to plant the original 12 and they reminded him of her. At this point I told him where I lived, having grown up in the area he knew "about" where I was talking about. I remarked his mother must have had a awfully green thumb and asked if he would mind if I fertilized the rose bush, it was one of the healthiest (no insects or black spot) I had seen, but was being robbed of needed nutrients by the other things growing in the clump. I told him the product I would use and not to get worried if he saw me out there one morning shaking granules at the base of the rose bush, I wouldn't knock on the door or disturb him, just do my job and move on. I complimented his mother on her ability to grow peonies, I don't have any luck with them and I think it is because our place doesn't have enough sunlight. Looking toward the peonies I noticed tire tracks, evidently someone had parked their vehicle next to them them stepped out, stomping them under foot.
He got around to tell me I could have some of the lilies. We walked toward them. One look and I told him now as not a good time to dig them because the chiggers would eat me up and that I would return in the Spring if he didn't object to me waiting. He said any time would be fine. Standing there in the hot afternoon sun, we both felt the warm spirit of his mother through her plants, or was it that I had just "a little touch of the sun". - Judy
"Smooky Stuff" Thursday - June 18, 2009 2:00 P.M.
"Hotter Than A Pepper Sprout" Thursday - June 18, 2009 9:30 A.M.
The high temperature for today is suppose to be 97°F with a heat index of 102°F. I've been up since 4:30 AM but didn't get my behind into gear until 5:30 AM. I skipped right over first and second gears, straight into 3rd gear. I thought for sure I had burned up third gear, so it felt good being all revved up. Of course the critters were "put out" with me for waking them up. Seems they think they should be making the wake-up barks. They started to pay attention when they saw me put their dry food on to soak, but it was the aroma of beef kidneys being heated to add to their food that got them up and moving. They know when they get back in from being "walked" that there will be a treat waiting and this morning it was a chunk of kidney, one of their favorite things.
I'd like to make a point on "walking the dog" ... if you don't obseve your pet's waste product you are doing both yourself and it an injustice. Often time the first indicator of a problem is their pee or poop.
Be wise, stay cool (more ways than one) and keep your love light shining. - Judy
"Storms Knocked Out Computer Network" Wednesday - June 17, 2009 3:30 P.M.
The storms "kept it up" until they knocked out the household computer network. Bob finally got it fixed this afternoon so that I could upload this entry and pictures of blooms.
I can't begin to tell you what a smile the new blooms put in my heart, but I will have to admit they take third place in my life ... first comes Bob, then the critters then the plants. Everyone should be as lucky as me!! That isn't exactly a fair statement, it isn't luck it's taking the time to cultivate my relationship with them, all of them, because that is what I want from life.
Yesterday afternoon we went to the thrift shop to purchase me more books. I had read all the ones Bob got me last week, some were too weird for words, maybe he's tired of being responsible for picking out my books because they surely weren't up to his usual "picking". Maybe it's his way of doing like ... a lady I met in the grocery once, looking at my shopping cart she could tell I was about to cook Thanksgiving Dinner for a host of people. She started in asking if I like to cook, which I do, but I hate to cook for a drove of people who will not tell me what they like then complain because it isn't to their likin' .. you know the kind of comments I mean, "that apple pie would have been so much better if you had put a tad of cinnamon in the filling", "I always add a pinch of sugar to vegetables to enhance their flavor", etc. She laughed and laughed and then proceeded to tell me what she did. She over sugared, over salted, over "cinnamoned" everything when she cooked her last big dinner, now everyone insists she bring items she can purchase outright, like pickles, butter, paper napkins, etc. lol lol I'm here to tell you this way of cooking that last dinner for a horde of people worked for me also. lol lol
I told all that to tell you I saw some daylilies in a ditch on the way "to town" which were not your regular "ditch lilies" so on the way back I stopped and poor Bob dug me up a batch. Bless his heart he slipped and stepped into the ditch. Made me feel bad. Here is a picture of them. I think they were worth digging but I'm not sure Bob would agree. lol lol
More Blooms For Today
Lily
The biggest, heaviest and thickest of all my lilies.
Daylilies
Daylily Kwanso
Goldffish Pool
The original pool with plants beginning to come out and start looking good. I was late getting things planted because I was so sick, so it will take another week or so before everything is up to it's full potential.
"Gobbledygook" Monday - June 15, 2009 8:45 P.M.
Just what kind of gobbledygook is this. Does he have any idea what he's talking about. Rude, crude and vulgar can't be excused by saying these words. I say boycott LETTERMAN!!!
"Blooming Today" Monday - June 15, 2009 8:00 P.M.
I took more than one picture of some blooms but I was just to tired to decide which I liked best so I'm posting them all. lol lol
Daylilies - Kwanso ("triple ditch lily")
Lilies
Two of the biggest and most beautiful Lilies that I have.
Unknown Plant - Invasive!!!
These blooms start out white then turn a light pink. I'll post an undated picture in a few days. If you live in zone 7, have a large area that you wanted covered in blooms off and on from the last of May until frost and were aware that the plant grew like kudzu, this is the plant for you. They are about 36 inches tall but the weight on the blooms makes them lay down of the ground. Call me, agree to pay the postage and I'll ship you a box of cuttings, because my other plants have to have some relief. lol lol (original plant dug up from an old home site 20 years ago.)
"Made It To Monday" Monday - June 15, 2009 7:40 A.M.
Whew!!! The storms were bad yesterday morning and our electricity did go out, but only for about an hour. Fortunately our part of the world had not heated up so the Bullies were OK without hooking up the generator.
Kate and Melanie decided they had to go out and Jeb said "me too, me too". As those 3 went out onto the back porch, Boomer and Dumpy made a mad dash inside and into the utility room. Seeing the back door open and our attention turned else where, Mr. Cat thought he would get in on the action so he came inside but only a foot or two. Kate, Melanie and Jeb had thrown on their brakes as soon as they realized it was raining and did a reverse into the house. Melanie found her crate/den occupied by the two "strays that came to stay", but in she went anyway, cause she's afraid of storms. Afraid of being smushed by her big feet out came the "strays" and hopped into a laundry basket, full of clean freshly folded clothes to be taken upstairs. I yelled "NO" which really made all the critters crazy. Deep breath, deep breath, take pity on the poor scared critters. Why do some go crazy when it rains and others will walk out into to take care of their business .. just like people, all different.
Good Morning - Judy
"Blooming Today" Sunday - June 14, 2009 8:40 A.M.
Goldfish Pool
In progress
"It's comin' up a bad cloud" Sunday - June 14, 2009 8:00 A.M.
My Goodness Gracious!!! There is a bucket load of storms with hail headed this way from Arkansas. A perpendicular (north to south) line of "red" storm cells are transversing the TN/MS stateline and should arrive at our "little piece of Heaven" in about an hour. The line of storms are still gathering and it looks like the middle of the storms will pass over us. I suwanne, I spent yesterday afternoon pickin' up and rightin' as best I could all the damage done by the 80 MPH flat-liner.
I have pictures to post but if I'm not back today you'll know the electricity took another lick. - Judy
"Stinkie Mushrooms, Mulberry Tree Blown Down ..." Saturday - June 13, 2009 7:30 P.M.
Isn't this a nasty looking thing!!!
Lily
Yellow Tiger Lily
Rose of Sharon, Althea Hibiscus syniacus
Daylilies
Pictures taken after the 80 MPH winds came through our area. I don't know exactly how fast it was going when it passed through our property but it was scary!!
Lily
Isn't she beautiful!! She's suppose to be a single but as you can see, she's a double/triple.
Mulberry Tree
The wind uprooted it and it landed on the last two big black tubs which contained gorgeous tomato plants. This is so very sad, because it was a wild tree that we had tried hard to preserve. The mulberries are delicious. It takes 10 years for a mulberry tree grown from seed to product fruit. I'm trying to root some cuttings. I poked them in a Water Iris pot which was in the goldfish pool .. we'll see if it works.
Hosta
See pods forming
"80 MPH Flat Line Winds" Saturday - June 13, 2009 3:00 P.M.
About 5 PM yesterday, a small storm started kicking up big time. I looked at the radar and it didn't show anything but a small line of nasty little storm cells extending for 10 miles or so from the MS/TN Stateline, north. We were on the southern end of this little peppersprout. That storm turned out to be a nasty little tease with Grandmaw following close behind. She knocked down trees, sent everything sailing and just had herself a regular little "hissy fit". Oooooey, those "grands" can get their Grandmaws in a such a snit that they trample over everything just trying to get their hands on the little buggers.
A tornado sat down in Olive Branch, Mississippi which is where we met our friend Bonnie for her Happy Birthday Breakfast. It's about an hour west of our house. The northern part of Mississippi and southern most part of Tennessee experienced power outages. North and east of Memphis there were 131,000 homes without electricity. The electric company said in some areas it would be the end of next week before the power was restored. When the 80 MPH winds came through here, Thank The Good Lord, the temperature dropped and continued to do so until it settled around 67. The bad news is our electricity went off and did not come back on until just a little while ago. There was no way the Bullies would be able to stand the high temperatures predicted for today, so off we went at 6:30 AM to be first in line at Lowe's in Corinth, MS for a generator. $760 later we had it in the van and were rolling down the highway toward home. Bob set it up and plugged in the newly purchased Bully window a/c's. Whew the emergency was contained and the critters were comfortable. Long about 2 PM I was dinking around in not so well lit house folding dog beds, etc. Like being slapped, I realized the box fan in the kitchen was running and I had been listening to the radio for several minutes without realizing the electricity was back on. See what going without sleep all night and worrying about what to do in regard to the Bullies can do to a person's mental ability. I went to tell Bob to turn off the generator ... he started laughing and said he had been on the back porch and wondered why I was listening to "Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me on MPB" 'cause I don't like the program. He never thought about the electricity being back on either. We're going to sleep good tonight. - Judy
"Blooming Today" Friday - June 12, 2009 4:30 P.M.
Canna
Lily
Hollyhock
"Worm Grunting" Friday - June 12, 2009 3:30 P.M.
"Boycott Letterman!!" Friday - June 12, 2009 2:00 A.M.
I forgot to tell you ... Bob and I both 'bout went into cardiac arrest when we came in from working outside to find a message from Bob's doctor wanting him to call. Wednesday Bob went in for his normal high blood pressure checkup, plus a yearly physical. A personal telephone from a doctor you've just seen is never good news. Whew the doctor just wanted to tell Bob he was going into dehydration and to reduce the dosage of his diuretic, take it only every other day. Other than that all tests were normal.
Re: Letterman jokes about the Palin Family young ladies ....
In my opinion the jokes were far worse than the stupid adlib by Don Imus about the girls basketball team, Imus didn't engage his brain before he spoke. Letterman has joke writers, therefore his rude sexual remarks were planned. I say BOYCOTT LETTERMAN!! - Judy
"Pothead" Friday - June 12, 2009 1:30 A.M.
Several years ago....
Boomer who is a Beagle mix, was on the back porch when I went out to feed and water the outside critters. He got up to greet me BUT he was wobbling like he was addled. Sure that he had been hit by a car or one of the crazy deer he chases, I scooped him up and yelled for Bob to come see what was wrong. I couldn't examine him while holding him in my arms. Bob said his eyes were dilated and his best guess is he was either drunk or stoned, which put my emotions into turmoil.
I locked Boomer in a crate and he was just fine the next morning
Two days later he was lying out in the driveway in the pouring rain. He wouldn't come to me when I called him, so I rushed inside and hollered for Bob to come quickly. While Bob was on the way, I went out in the rain and picked up Boomer and brought him onto the back porch. When Bob got there I started babbling again about Boomer being addled by an accident, poison or whatever. Again Bob said he's either drunk or on drugs. Look at that goofy expression and those big eyes. I put him down; he ran back out in the rain and did a crazy dance standing on his back legs, looked like the world famous 'Australian Frilled Neck Lizard dance'
Two weeks later the Sheriff located and burned a pot field not 2 miles from the house. We refer to Boomer as the "Pothead" and would offer his services to law enforcement, but we're afraid he would eat the evidence. lol lol
"Doing The Green Thing" Thursday - June 11, 2009 11:30 A.M.
So I been thinking, it's time for a drastic change alright but would my ideas be more objectionable than high gas prices ......
All government, financial institutions, and other businesses which are open from 9 - 5 should open at 6 AM during the Spring, Fall & Summer months when the mornings are cooler, great savings on gas used by the vehicle's a/c to cool down the driver and passengers, also electricity for building a/c since the early morning hours are cooler. Closing at 2 PM just as the afternoon heat peaks would save electricity for a/c, opening and closing of doors plus warm bodies really take a tole on the efficiency of an a/c unit. All business and homes with a/c need to be retrofitted with fresh air intake monitored via thermostat to take advantage of the overnight cool temperatures, if the outside air is cooler than 75, or so degrees, it should be used to cool the house versus an a/c. This will trap the cool night air in the buildings, which will cool down walls, furniture, etc. making less work for an a/c. All clothes washing and drying should be down after the sun goes down, commercial or home. Baking likewise should be done at night. Utilization of a clothes line to dry clothes saves money on electricity twice, once on dryer usage and second on a/c electricity to offset the heat the dryer produced. If you can't do without the soft touch of clothes which have been dried in a dryer, mist them lightly with water and utilize the dryer for only a few minutes. (Line drying either inside or outside the house also helps to prevent shrinkage of clothes.)
The above ideas are some of my "Green Thing Ideas", or should that be Green Money Saving Ideas. They are simply the things we do every day. - Judy
"New Daylily Blooms" Thursday - June 11, 2009 8:30 A.M.
"Heat & Humidity Headache" Thursday - June 11, 2009 6:30 A.M.
I've been awake with a headache since 3 AM, but didn't dare get out of bed for fear of waking up "our gang". When they wake up they "have to go" immediately but I don't dare let them out before sun up. I'm sure my headache is the heat and humidity from yesterday still hanging on. I skipped supper last night I was so tired, but I'm going to make up for it in just a few minutes. I'm hungry!!
I'm off to fix breakfast and let the critters out to potty. Bob's not wanting to wakeup therefore I'm going to do what I can without him this morning. A fresh brewed cup of coffee, better make that espresso, and a glass of orange juice should get him thinking about crawling out of bed. lol lol
I hope you have a very good day. - Judy
"Working Hard" Wednesday - June 10, 2009 10:45 A.M.
We were working hard when the tail-end of a bugaboo storm decided to come for a visit. High winds and heavy rain accompanied by thunder and lightenin'. All the critters have hunkered down in their dens. Jerri Lee dashed into Kate's crate/den cause he didn't want to be by himself, she just ignored him. I suppose he figured that was as bad as being by himself so he went into his crate/den and snuggled with a big stuffed animal.
I'm off to do housework, it's such a mess since "Oscar" (Bob) was in charge for 2 months or so when I was sick. Problem is finding someone to help clean, but then again I'd have to clean before I'd let anyone in this house. lol lol
I hope you have a wonderful day. - Judy
"Blooming Today" Wednesday - June 10, 2009 8:15 A.M.
Rose
Last year I got it into my head to take cuttings of rose bushes and root them. Bob set me up a misting system and all went very well. I'm guessing 40% took root and put out new leaves, only to die over the winter. Only two survived and they are both extremely hardy. This one is still in my "nursery area". She hasn't stopped blooming this Spring. The blooms are very small almost like a wild rose.
Daylilies
Lily
"Blooming Today" Tuesday - June 9, 2009 5:00 P.M.
Gunny's Rose
Medium probably antique which roots well and has florished through out the Mid-South thanks to Gunny's Granddaugher Sandra, who freely gives away newly started plants to honor the memory of her Grandmother.
Another Medium size rose
Angel's Trumpet - held at a 45 degree angle instead of straight down
Lilies
Daylilies
"Happy Birthday Bonnie Breakfast" Tuesday - June 9, 2009 9:30 A.M.
I ran out of energy yesterday before I got around to makin' a journal entry. We were up at 5 AM to do the "must do" chores, put the critters under a/c, shower and get dressed good enough to be around other folks (critters don't care what you wear). We left the house around 6:30 AM to travel to Memphis to meet our friend Bonnie and her friend Kenny for a Happy Birthday Bonnie Breakfast. Although I had interacted many times with Kenny via internet, yesterday was my first time to actually meet him.
It wasn't my birthday but both Bonnie and Kenny brought me plants for my goldfish pools, plus Kenny gave me 3 pots of Alocasia (members of the same family as Elephant Ears). The 6 foot Elephant Ears I had two years ago "ruined" me on EE's they got so big and their roots were half way to China so digging them up was a chore, poor Bob. I gave them away and people were happy to get them so I'm proud they went to good homes.
We had a very pleasant visit with Bonnie & Kenny, the kind where afterward there is a warm glow of comfort, just like visiting with old friends should be. They departed to meet up with other gardening friends I know and they were all going nursery hopping. I decline to join the group due to the potential of overwhelming personalities competing for attention. I stay as far away from that kind of interaction as I can get. Also it's very easy to get caught up in the buying on the spur of the moment mentality, only to get back home with a van full of plants and I'd work myself to death potting or planting them all. Get behind me devil of temptation. lol lol
Sunday morning when I took Jeb out to potty, oh my there was an odor of ammonia. I had to investigate, I dipped a forefinger in the urine brought it to my nose and it was like I had sniffed a bottle of ammonia. Great Day In The Morning, poor Jeb. Obviously he had a UTI, urinary tract infection. I gave him a 65.5 mg Clavamox and 500 mg of vitamin C. I only had the 500 mg and it was a gel capsule, 100-200 mg of vitamin "c" should have been the dose but on a Sunday morning I worked with what I had. On Monday morning I did the finger dip test and there was no ammonia odor. Now that's pretty quick so it could be the stinker just wasn't drinking enough water or the medicine knocked the bacteria down significantly. I'm going the safe route, I'm planning on giving him the Clavamox for at least 10 days, just to be sure all the bacteria is killed. When the poor baby suffered the "accident" which eventually resulted in him being flat on the floor using his paws to drag himself around, he had a really bad UTI.
Be safe, be careful and tell those you love what they mean to you. - Judy
"Yuck" Tuesday - June 9, 2009 9:30 A.M.
I'm frustrated, I had a long entry written out telling you all about our very pleasant yesterday and somehow I zapped it. I'll be back later to recreate it. - Judy
"Pictures" Sunday - June 7, 2009 1:30 P.M.
New Lily Bloom
Mr Cat sitting on Jeb's Jeep
Angel's Trumpets
Butterflies On The Lilies
Link to the short video I took
'Butterflies On Red Lilies'
Frogs or Toads, I don't know which
"Working Saturday" Sunday - June 7, 2009 7:30 A.M.
We got up early, completed the "must do" chores then jumped into the van to go to the local Farmer's Market in Corinth, MS. Going early is a must because the farmers sell out quickly. We were there by 7 AM. Along the way I stopped for more gold fish. We had emptied the dirt out of the black heavy duty cattle feeder and moved the larger one I had used for a plant stand, from the front porch to an area in the back of the house. I rigged it up so that water from an empty black cattle mineral container, balanced on another empty mineral container would spill over into the "big" container which would then spill into the "feed container". Works like a charm, now I need to find a water pump I have around here somewhere, so that water can be transferred from the last "feeder" into the mineral bucket. I do hope that explanation is clearer than mud. Bottom line is the buckets are set up and the gold fish are happy campers. Just in case some wild critter (I suppose Mr Cat of late can fit in this category) decides to have gold fish for a snack, I only put 3 in the shortest tub. If they come up missing I'll just keep a supply of "shiners" (small fishing bait minnows) for the wild critters.
Our friend Jo, an engineer for a large company during the day, is an organic gardener so we try to buy what produce he raises. Yesterday we bought snow peas, sugar peas and swiss chard. We eat the peas raw and they are great. I tasted the swiss chard then asked Bob to do likewise. That stuff was bitter and I would not have messed with cooking it for myself, but Bobby said he really would like it cooked. Surprise, it was really tasty by the time I finished cooking it with two slices of hickory smoked bacon, plus salt and pepper. When I served it to Bob I added a splash of pepper vinegar, also called pepper sauce which confuses some people since pepper sauce is also the "red" stuff, totally different.
Our next stop was Lowe's for more top soil and the rest is all Bob's fault. While I paid for and got the soil loaded, he made a restroom run and came back via the discount plant area. He caught up with me outside just as a young man was loaded the last of the soil and told me to take a cart to the discount plant area because there were lots of plants I was going to want. Dang him ... now I have so much work to do. I'm not even going to tell you how many pots of petunias I bought for $1 each. Here they will bloom all summer if you keep them deadheaded. I've got to decide just where would be a good place to plant the two blueberry plants Bob bought. Oh Lordy, I'm going to have to re-pot, re-pot, re-pot, then skewer some because I don't have time to do it all and maybe even toss a few that are just worn out.
Got to run for now, Bob needs some help with "our gang". - Judy
"Corn On The Cob" Friday - June 5, 2009 12:30 P.M.
For those of you who do not know everything .... you would be surprised how many people think they "know it all" therefore get so offended if another person expresses an idea.
For years I excluded Corn On The Cob from my meals because it was so time consuming to fix. Then along came Bob (22 years ago). He tore off a layer or two of the outside husks, cut off the head (end with the silks) just enough to get rid of the pointy end and the tassel, then popped it in the microwave for 3 minutes. Holding it with a pot holder by the semi-branch he did not cut off the bottom, he peeled back the husks and silks. After it is cooked the silks just slide off, no muss, no fuss. He then broke off the husk end and tossed them in a pile for the compost. He also butters up a piece of white sandwich bread and rolls the corn on the cob on it to butter lightly. I've gotten to where I melt the butter in a small soup bowl, stick the head in, then spoon the butter down the sides, the extra runs off back into the bowl for use on the next one.
Warning: Corn fixed in this manner can become addictive but it's awfully good for the digestive system. - Judy
"Garden Pictures" Friday - June 5, 2009 1:30 A.M.
I needed this bed for all the lilies I have in pots, but what did I do, bought more plants. I need to stop buying plants "right now" even if they are beautiful and on sale at a low, low price. Well, Bob and I have talked about building more beds across the driveway, because I've run out of room on this side. lol lol Bob is a facilitator!!!
The lattice was added for the Japaneese & Other Fancy Morning Glories to climb. I grew them from seeds and they will be beautiful, Hopefully!!!
'Blue Silk'
Chocolate Morning Glory
Akatsuki No Tsuyu Japanese Morning Glory
Lilies
We had to repot this one because it was top heavy, then we had to tie it to a tree to keep it straight. Whew!! It is some kind of beautiful.
Garden Shots with Angel's Trumpets as the focus
"Just Skewer Them " Friday - June 5, 2009 5:30 A.M.
Are you about ready to say "Skewer Them"!!! Are your potted plants long over due to be repotted? They are just existing, not flourishing?? Are you about ready to toss the whole mess because you don't have the energy, time or necessary funds to upgrade their pots and buy new potting soil Well before you toss them try just "Skewering Them".
Take a long skewer (used to poke through meat and veggies prior to grilling) poke lots of holes through the rootball then fertilize with a water soluble fertilizer (Miracle-Gro), maybe let it soak in a pail of liquid fertilizer you've made up according to the directions on the package, for a few hours. You will not believe the difference a little skewering will make (small holes will allow water, air, and fertilizer through out the root system).
In addition if the soil level is low enough, after the initial Skerwing and fertilizing, add some good potting soil (Miracle-Gro with fertilizer)on top of what is in the pot and over a few watering it will drift into the "skewer holes" taking much needed nutrients to plant roots and holding moisture longer. - Judy
Beer ... left over beer, don't pour it down the drain, pour it in a very low container (plastic coffee can lid is great) and set it in your flower bed. Snails and slugs love beer, will crawl in, partake of the liquid, get drunk and die. Round here I'm afraid we have a problem keeping Boomer from drinking it down before the slugs find it. lol lol
Let me give one word of warning, try not to make yourself a pest at gatherings by continually asking if the person is finished with their beer. lol - Judy
"Singing The We Miss Jelly Blues" Thursday - June 4, 2009 5:30 P.M.
I'm the world's worst at getting testy while trying to run from sorrow. I'll try my dangest to outrun being sick or hit the road for a few hours to put the blues behind me. I had a sad night so I made a deal with Bob to get up this morning and just go "do" whatever felt right for most of the day. A must was picking up top soil at Lowe's while they still had it for $1 a bag. I got 12 bags, plus 3 large bags of soil conditioner to add to it, needless to say my opinion of the top soil isn't much but I'll use it for the base of my own special blend of potting soil. I still have "things" to pot up so I'll be making a batch up tomorrow, if it doesn't rain. While at Lowe's I noticed 7 pots of Peace Lilies on the markdown table for $2 each. I loaded them in a cart and asked a woman working nearby who I needed to talk to about marking them down to $1 each and I would take them all. One more day in the sun and not even I could make them come back to life. She marked them down and I loaded them up. Then at Wal-Mart I got 4 pots of Daylilies for $2 each and 2 pots of Jasmine for $3 a pot. All these goodies helped to chase away the Blues.
Another thing I do to chase away the Blues is cook, especially pork chops. I deep fried a very large package of pork chops, then started deep frying battered onions ... oops ran out of self-rising flour so I used a handful of plain flour to thicken the batter and the dang stuff turned to some kind of weird cake type dough and stuck to the fry basket. Lord Have Mercy, I made a mess of the deep fryer, but everything sure was good after all the trouble.
I've just finished up the last of the "must do" chores and I'm ready for bed. I haven't gotten much sleep lately so maybe I'll sleep for the next 24 hours. - Judy
As you will note, this bloom is not like the others. This is Isabella, she's strong and blooms profusely for me here in zone 7. She's got some children over in the compost pile which came back this year but the plants I left in the yard are not doing near as well. The compost pile is under a big oak tree and I believe it gave a degree of protection when it got real cold last winter.
These pictures were taken after the sun went down and the last one is looking up into a 9-10 foot Angel's Trumpet tree. We have 9 foot ceilings in the house and the barn therefore we wintered it over at a little more than 9 feet, it will have to have some of the top cut off to get it into the house this comin' winter.
"Ditch Lilies" Wednesday - June 3, 2009 9:00 P.M.
Mildred, I refer to these as my Triple Ditch Lilies but the proper name for the single form
(as seen in ditches around here) is fulva and the triple form is Kwanso. I have
both the single and the double/triple. Do you want some??? - Judy
"Celebration of Life" Wednesday - June 3, 2009 8:30 A.M.
Jelly Bean passed away late yesterday afternoon. Poor Baby had been in failing
health the past couple of months due to her health issues. Born 12/29/03 with a
cleft palate, Bob fed her with a tube he inserted down her throat and into her stomach. For
those of you who do not know about this process, it's not for the faint of
heart. At the crossroad of "should we put her down or try our best to help her
survive", we decided all critters deserved to live if there is any way possible but if her
situation became such that she no longer enjoyed living, then we could help her along the way. Jelly loved
her Big Daddy Bob with all her heart!! Yesterday
morning he sat in the floor and cradled her in his lap, they were saying their final
goodbyes. 5 1/2 years of being loved and having the ability to return that love, is
indeed a life well worth living, just think of the many humans who have not been so
fortunate ..... we celebrate Jelly's years on this
earth. - Judy (I'll return later and post pictures of her. I can't see the names
of the pictures through my tears.) "Bully Heat Stroke Warning & Angel Trumpet Blooms" Wednesday - June 3, 2009 6:00 A.M.
Blooming Now....
Angel's Trumpet (Brugmansia) Rosamond Seedling, which means it was grown from a seed and I could
apply to have it registered, but it looks too much like Rosamond's other offspring. I don't
know how they smell but she perfumes an acre easily with this many blooms. When an Angel's
Trumpet has several blooms open at one time it's referred to as a "flush". this is a June 2008 photo.
Yearly - Bully Heat Stroke Warning!!!!
Summer can be hadazardous to your English Bulldog's health and well being.Use good judgement at all times and monitor your Bully carefully. A woman called me crying and wanting to know if I had any puppies, her children had been in the back yard playing with their Bully and didn't know it was over-heating, it had a heat stroke and died. Thankfully it wasn't one of my "babies".
Never leave your Bully outside alone without shade when the temperature is above 72F, their coat absorbs the sun's rays and depending upon the Bully it could prove to be fatal. Just because there is shade available doesn't mean your Bully will go to it if it gets hot, they don't realize they are hot, until they are too hot.
Never leave your Bully outside alone although it is confined to a shaded area during the summer, temperatures rise quickly.
Never jog with your Bully.
Never take long walks with your Bully without taking along a wagon to transport it back home should it start to get too hot ... a good idea is to take along plenty of water to drink or pour on it.
Never allow your male Bully to attempt to breed a female, free style. They are too short and compact to complete the act and could very well have a heat stroke or heart attack trying.
Never place your Bully in a plastic kennel in a vehicle during the summer, air flow is too restricted.
Never allow your Bully to be unsupervised in a vehicle, crated or otherwise. A/c systems fail, vehicles run out of gas, etc.
"Update" Tuesday - June 2, 2009 3:45 P.M.
1. See the pictures of Kate & Mr Cat that I added on the first posting for today. lol lol This is typical of what Mr Cat does, just think about all the others running around acting weird to poor Kate.
2. While shopping I got frustrated with the label of my shirt sticking my back. I went into the Kroger restroom and turned my shirt inside out and put it back on. What a relief it was!!! Lordy I had a hand full of nice Southern Ladies, lay their hand on my shoulder and whisper in my ear, Sweetheart you've got your shirt on inside out. I told each of them "Thank You So Very Much". Everywhere I went after that the scene was repeated. How very nice and helpful people can be if given the opportunity.
3. When I went sailing through Corinth, the KFC wasn't open so I opted to stop at Subway for a sausage biscuit ... oops changed my mind and got a 12 inch Italian Meatball Sub instead. Of course I shared with Bob and Alvin, who was here to help Bob build the new raised bed, install the window a/c's I purchased in Corinth and help move "stuff".
I've 'bout run out of steam. - Judy
PS Down here we have stores that are called "bent & dent" or salavage stores. I've gotten all sorts of bargains that you just would not expect i.e. a paint scratched gallon can of Olive Oil $11 still within date ... it's great for the body inside and out. Please read these articles.
"Gotta Think On This" Tuesday - June 2, 2009 11:40 A.M.
First off I used Flonase (contains steroids) for two days, skipped 2 then used it in the middle of the night for insect bites for a total of 3 usages, last time Sunday night. I'm here to tell you I feel 20 years younger, course I was feeling pretty dang old and had to fight to keep a good attitude when I was the sickest. After running all over Corinth, MS shopping, I was doing a bit of "line dancing" in the kitchen with the Bullies a little while ago, Bob came in the back door, looked at me and went back out. I called out "do you wanta dance, do you wanta to party" to which he replied "no thank you". lol lol I'm thinking I need to get up and leave the house every morning at 6:30 AM and going walking through stores. I'll be back later to tell you how to get on a friendly basis with lots of Southern ladies quickly. Bob says only I would do such a thing ... I didn't do it to elicit caring words and actions from our local Southern Belles but that surely is what happened. - Judy
"Ms Kate Of Dogwood Pond" Tuesday - June 2, 2009 6:00 A.M.
She turned 11 years old this past March. She has begun to show her age physically and has become even more high demand. She wants to go out to take care of her business a couple of times in the middle of the night. I told Bob I think she just has something outside she likes to do at night but he swears she has herself a drink of water then trots out to her favorite place. Today I finally "got it" .. she's gotten to where she doesn't like to go out with "our gang", she's not as tolerant as she use to be. Ruckus is a get in her face pest, Cherry Cookie is trying to lay claim to Queen Kate's throne, Jerry Lee's hormones are kicking in (she's tired of explaining her head is not an object of pleasure), Li'l Cookie will run over anything in her way when she makes the "potty time over inside dash" because she knows there will be a treat waiting (if she hurries she can might be able to eat more treats than just hers), plus Kate is tired of Mr. Cat's fur up her nose when he rubs himself on her. They just will not leave her alone, therefore she's putting off taking care of her business until she can be alone. We tried taking her to a dog run, but that was an insult. You should have seen the look on her face as she screamed "put them in dog runs I was here first". lol lol
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Thursday - 03/09/06 11:45 AM Whenever he sees her in the yard he runs to her and starts rubbing and purring. She likes the attention but as you will see in these pictures when she has "to go" she tries to ignore him. She trots off to the tall grass with him trailing behind her or trying to stop her by rolling on the ground in front of her. [Kate is an 8 year old retired Bully Mama who had some of the sweetest baby bullies ever.] 
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Judy's Mauve Rose
I grew this from seed therefore it's special, but too near to others which have been hybridized for me to register it as new. By now a great many people have received cuttings and it's well on it's way being very popular because it is so very easy to grow.
Oops ... had to go help with the critters and now I have to get on the road, must make a trip to Corinth, MS by myself to get supplies. The high temperature for today is forecast to be 91 F, so I've got to make this trip quickly. I'll be back later with pictures, the Angel Trumpet blooms turned overnight to their first shade of "rose" so I'll be posting those pictures.
"Re-enactment Of Caddyshack" Monday - June 1, 2009 4:00 A.M.
I was considering a re-enactment Of Caddyshack. Some critter has developed a taste for my Lilies. It is tunneling in and eating the roots and bulb. The plant will look like it is wilted but give it a slight tug and up it comes to expose the tunnel below. So far it's only been the stargazers and I have so many of the others that losing a few shouldn't make a difference but it does. So I stomped and fumed at the "strays" because they hadn't caught whatever it is.
All of a sudden yesterday afternoon there is a gosh awful feline growl, large size not a sound that we have ever heard before. I dashed off to investigate because I didn't want a juvenile Bob Cat attacking one of the critters. The only times we've seen Bob Cats they were at the side of the road eating "road kill", not anywhere near houses, but you never know what a wild critter will do. By the way they are beautiful.
Up popped Mr Cat out of no where, coming straight toward me with a varmint in his mouth, bigger than a rat, long tail and just as pink as it could be. Goodness for a few minutes I thought he was going to lay it at my feet and I wasn't sure it was dead, so I said "No Mr Cat, scat". He walked on by, while I put myself into reverse. Down the side of the house he went with the "thing" in his mouth. About half way to the front, he let out with that gosh awful war cry, I suppose it was one of pride mixed with a warning that it was his "kill". I can assure you after all the hollerin' he did, no other critter wanted to even look at his dang "kill", afraid he would do serious damage to them. I hope that puts an end to the lily attacks.
Working amongst the weeds in my flower beds on Friday, I got bit by all sorts of insects, from little spiders to big ticks. All the rainy weather we've had caused them to hatch out, plus June is "chigger" time so perhaps a few of the early hatchings had a taste of me also .... if I'm with a hundred people and there is one insect, it will find me. I couldn't sleep last night the itching was so bad. In the early morning hours I used the Flonase, which contains a steroid. We went to town yesterday morning to buy potting soil and wood to make yet another raised bed. When lunch time came around we headed to the New China Buffet ... I reasoned if I was already taking steroids it was highly probable that I wouldn't have a "upper respiratory allergic reaction" to seafood. I gorged myself on shrimp and raw oysters. They were some of the best oysters I've ever eaten. I ate at least a dozen. lol lol My reasoning was correct, no allergic reaction. Now how do I get a few steroid pills ... the doctor will prescribe a dose pack when the insects bites are really bad, but I don't think he'd be willing to prescribe steroids just so I could stuff my face with the food I love. lol lol Oh my if I have to use the Flonase today, I'm going to find a KFC and order a giant container of fried chicken livers. I'll eat all the small ones while running down the highway back toward home and leave the big ones for Bob because their flavor is too strong for me. lol
Lilies - new blooms
PS - Did You Know
Pepper plants, both hot and sweet, are perennial and will live for many, many years if protected from frost. Even if you have them planted in the garden you can pot them up just before frost and winter them over in a well lighted area.
Canna Lilies - it's time to give them a good dusting with Sevin Dust before the leaf rollers get a toe hold.
2008 Garden Pictures - Iris
2008 Garden Pictures - Angel's Trumpets
Click Here Judy's Garden 2006!!
Click Here Judy's Garden 2005!!
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Judy's Journal - April, 2009
Judy's Journal - March, 2009
Judy's Journal - February, 2009
Judy's Journal - January, 2009
Judy's Journal - December, 2008
Judy's Journal - November, 2008
Judy's Journal - October, 2008
Judy's Journal - September, 2008
Judy's Journal - August, 2008
Judy's Journal - July, 2008
Judy's Journal - June, 2008
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