There's A Birthday Party Today

And, it's very special because my sweet Great Granddaughter turned One Year Old this past Sunday on the 24th.

She is a very happy baby! 

And, she has a very very good mommy and daddy ~ and big brother.

Eleven months.

Ten months.

Nine months.

These "little love bugs" grow so fast. It seems like it is just a "blink of an eye" since she was born. I'm sure the party will be fabulous. Maybe, not as big as the First Birthday party for her brother! If you have children you know how life has its on season. It's a beautiful sunny day for them and a good day for an outside party.

I have not had the opportunity to meet this little sweetheart and I will not be able to drive the three hour trip to and fro to celebrate with then. The little family is going to try to come up to the country and visit and go out to lunch soon after my Granddaughter graduates from university with her Bachelor's Degree next month!!!

My Granddaughter is quite remarkable (no bias here) with all that she has accomplished in the last few years. A great partner/fiance, two babies, full time student, part-time employment until after second baby, relocation to newly built home in area closer to her partner's employment (following his promotion) and all of this with lots of lengthy car travel. They seem to be a very good little team living the American dream. I pray that this nice but very challenging life will continue to shower them with the rewards of working hard to raise a family with values that seem so fleeting in today's society.

When trying to do a lot of tasks each and every day, priorities have to be determined. And, she clearly has chosen to be happy and save the fancy makeup and hair styles for special occasions. A big part of motherhood ~ don't you think!

 2015

April 2014

 Celebration at Their Good Friends Wedding.

March 2016

Her 24th Birthday Celebration in Las Vegas.

Next Celebrations on their schedule is Her Graduation, their son's Third Birthday in June and then a Wedding.  So exciting!!! I am not sure about the Wedding date. But, I sure hope I can make the trip! I am so very happy for them and very proud,. 

We are having a sunny day in the high 70's but periodically throughout the day we have been having fierce winds that are quite cold.

Wishing you a lovely weekend.

Mary

Yummy Lunch

On a chilly windy day a Baked Potato with butter, light sour cream ( I'm laughing at how much good is light going to do) and home grown chives is very nice and tastes great. Add some cherry tomatoes and home grown Italian Parsley. And, you'll be all set.

I sure wish I had enough sun (somewhere ~ anywhere) on my property so I could have a vegetable garden. I have a really nice 4 by 8 foot raised garden bed, but since the trees (oaks, cedar and pine) have grown so large and tall the beds are now in the shade. That's a lot of tree canopy!

Tree removal is very expensive plus there probably would be a bit of an uproar about tree removal. However, I will soon have to address a tree issue at my driveway. The tree roots have invaded so much that portions of the cement have raised 6 inches and continue to cause cracking of the cement driveway. Home ownership can be "a little pricey"! Home equity loan may be something I will have to research.

In closing. Look at these lovelies that live in my living room window. They have been bringing me so much enjoyment.

My goodness how did the end of the week get here so soon? I hope you have something nice planned.

Blessings, Mary

Thunderstorms, Weeds And Monarch Butterflies

It seems that every few days we have heavy rains, lightning and thunderstorms. Sometimes it is just for a few hours and then sometimes it is longer.

Last Friday the rain came down so hard it was like sheets of water coming off the roof. And, then there was so much hail that it almost looked like snow because the ground was so white. That storm was just before my tall white iris were just beginning to open. The elements were so heavy that the spires of white flowers were leaning over. Thankfully, they were not broken and I was able to tie them back up.

Even though the many fresh blooming flowers take a bit of a beating with the rains it is so wonderful to have the water. And, the garden is flourishing and quite lovely like I have not seen in years.

Lady Bank's Climbing Rose

And then, even without the rain my garden has more weeds than anytime in the past. I only have "so much energy and ability" to do what I do. It's been a very long time since I have used a Weed Trimmer. But, that is what is going to happen soon. I found that I still have a trimmer in my garden shed and it works but needed new replacement plastic cord. I ordered new cord and as soon as I can, I will be trimming.

I can hardly believe how tall the weeds have grown!

My ever faithful blooming Perennial Wallflower Erysimum 'Bowles' Mauve always shows up for the party regardless of who is in attendance! Remember, A weed is in fact merely a plant growing where we do not want it. ~ E.J. Salisbury, The Living Garden, 1935.

On Saturday I went "Out and About" to the Calaveras Master Gardeners' Open Garden Day to hear a presentation on "Saving The Monarchs".

Not long after I moved to the country I took the course in 1995 to become a Master Gardener. I think it is an excellent Program and it taught me so much to help me in my love of gardening.

The program on Saturday was very informative. The Master Gardeners have a very large and beautiful Demonstration Garden that the volunteers have developed in the last few years. In addition, they sell plants once a month and the highest priced plant is $3.50 ~ starting at 50 cents each.

The Master Gardeners have planted milkweed and other plants that provide nectar for adult butterflies and their garden has been certified as a Monarch Waystation.

The Monarch Butterflies have declined 90 percent in the last 20 years and it is very important to rebuild their population. Some of the reasons for the decline may be loss of milkweed plant which is needed for the monarch caterpillars to grow,  drought conditions, insecticide and herbicide use, adverse land management and illegal logging. Dragonflies, native bees, and many other beneficial insects are also facing serious challenges. Plant pollination and pest control provided by butterflies is a very important aspect of our Ecosystem.

The garden has a lovely wrought iron entrance but I did not get a photo. When I arrived there were some people that I knew from years ago and I got side-tracked.

 The two black spots on each side of the body are identifying marks of the Monarch Butterfly.

After the program I found a little restaurant called Country Bagel where I had lunch in a very nice setting. I did not take my camera in and I wish I had so I could show you what a cute place it was.

I am so happy to say that I have been feeling better than I have for a long time even with all the pain issues. So much of pain management is in the head. And, the sun has been shinning most days which sure helps me.

Wishing you Beautiful Spring Days.

Mary

Isn't She Beautiful

After yesterday's long post I thought I would share this beautiful Rose animation.

Such gentle shading and motion!

Have a Great Weekend. I'm looking forward to getting "out and about" tomorrow.

Mary

Ladies And Gentlemen

Announcing that my GE Profile Range has a proper heating oven! I replaced the oven temperature sensor that looks like this

And, this is where I removed the fastening screw inside the back of the oven. It was a difficult location for me to reach. I felt like I was crawling into the oven!  What! - Hansel and Gretel!!! Check it out!

And, this is where the other end of the sensor comes out the back of the oven and is fastened to the connector that will provide electrical current when the power to the range is turned back on at the circuit breaker. Do you see the brown area on the wire coming directly from the oven above the white connector. It looked like it had overheated. This is not uncommon when the oven is not heating properly.

Now, the back of the oven was put back together.

Later in the evening I baked a small pizza - to perfection! I am so very happy. The broiler as well as the convection feature works well also. It took me a lot of time, but, so far so worth it. Twenty one dollars for the price of the part and shipping. Can you imagine what a great savings of money!

 The new microwave oven still has to be installed. Way, way to heavy for me to take care of.

The car has a new battery and that is great. However, the labor charges were more than I expected but the shop is close to me and I could walk to and fro as need be. I must admit the shop is quite high-end as auto repair shops go. But, come on now - $115 per hour! Yes, I realize the battery is housed in the left wheel-well below the engine compartment. It so happens that the last battery was only a little over two years old which means that I did get some reimbursement on the warranty. They tell me that the car needs to be driven more to keep the battery charged. I admit that I have not driven much in the last year and before that MSM always drove his car when we went out and about.

Last time when the battery was "giving me fits" I was able to take it to a auto shop that also is here in town that has been here for over thirty years and the owner is like a friend to all. He has a simple shop and does not have all the fancy computers for servicing the newer cars. But, for a battery service and oil changes he is great. He only charged me $15.00 for labor and gave me a lot of time explaining and diagnosing the problem to insure that there wasn't something else causing the problem.

I am thankful that it is all taken care of and the auto shop really did take good care of me and my car. So, anyway, I guess I need to "hit the road" more often and "get out more" as the tow-truck driver told me as well as the auto shop!

This morning I tested the oven features again and everything looks A-OK. Hopefully, it will continue to give me good service. I am looking forward to doing some baking. Cookies, muffins, cakes. Just about anything sounds good!

New toothbrush arrived and works great!  Pricey even with comparative shopping and free shipping. But, dental health is important and I have been fortunate not to need any extensive dental work in my life.

Home maintenance updates to continue in future, as well as, garden update.  I, also, have a "get out and about" idea for the weekend.

Wishing all a lovely bright and sunny day.

Mary

Walk With Me

Every single morning I can hardly wait to go outside and check the garden for everything that looks new since the day before. So much is growing so quickly. And, I am enjoying each and every moment. The White Garden is starting to burst forth with lovely healthy freshness. The Vanhouttei Spirea, a vigorous bloomer on the left has been blooming for weeks already. The white Iris popped two days ago and the Gourmet Popcorn delicate Rose bush in the front is loaded, really loaded with healthy buds. 

This little area of my garden is really responding to all the attention that it has been receiving. The addition of about 8 cubic feet of mulch and garden soil has helped tremendously! There are so many interesting plants yet to bloom. It is quite a nice list: 'Belle Etiole' Mock Orange,   'The Bride' White Gaura,   Star Jasmine,   'Diana' Hibiscus (Rose of Sharon),   Camellia,   Phlox,   'Joan Senoir' Day Lilies,   'Carpet of Snow' Sweet Asylum,   Jupiter's Beard (Red Valerian),   'Double White' Peony,   'Autumn' Clematis,   'White Alva' Dahlia,   Cyclamen,   Hydrangea,  'White Holly' Penstemon,   'Radicans' Gardenia,   Chrysanthemums,   Snapdragon,   Stock,   'John E Kennedy' Rose,   Sweet Peas,   'White Zephyr' Fairy Lily,   Geranium,   Lamb's Ear,   Pansy,   Azalea,   'White Dawn' Climbing Rose and many different bulbs including Asiatic and Oriental Lilies. Wow, that is quite a list. With more rainfall this year I hope their health and garden performance will improve from the most recent years.

Iris

 Snapdragon

Lamb's Ear

Chive Blossoms

 First Rose of The Season (named Signature)

And, now a little closing photo of precious Lily on a day when she was doing a little outdoor lazy supervising! I will always love her so very much. It is almost two months since she had to leave me. A teardrop just fell!

Happiness to each and everyone of you.

Mary

The Sky Is Falling

WELL, Not quite - but that may be next. For the last few weeks, no make that months, numerous things around my house have decided that they have fulfilled their duties and have simply refused to work any longer. (I would like to try that - Yes, I'll have some lemonade, please!) Anyway, this phenomenon started rather slowly but with rather large expensive characters.  I tried to explain that my budget has strict perimeters and everyone must behave. But, that was to no avail!

It must be over six months ago - yes, that long ago, that the over-the-stove microwave started talking back at me. Well, that was short lived and it simply quit. Gee, thanks! Shortly thereafter the garbage disposal presented me with lots of water running on my shoes at the front of the sink. Oh, that's just great. Well, really, it had served me well and the bottom was totally rusted out. OK, these are two pretty big items to hassle with. But, in my typical fashion I proceeded to start researching models and price in preparation to purchase. The items arrived quickly but installation is almost a bigger problem for me than finding a way to purchase.  I had a handyman's name but by the time I got in the mode to call him, he had moved.

My life has changed so drastically in the recent past that I feel like I am living my life with Training Wheels. So many people that I knew are no longer around and I have not attended church in a very long time.  In my opinion the church experience has changed dramatically in all respects and no longer brings me the comfort of the past. Lovingly, the pastor is always available for me. Tears are my constant companion always perched so close to rolling downward. And, I terribly miss My Special Man and especially my Precious Lily and also some very close Gal Friends. And, the topic of family MAY be a post some day soon. It "ain't pretty".  

Alright now, I have learned to be a champion of my own little abode fixing things as the need arises by reading, asking questions and using Google. However, as my physical health (oh, probably, mental too) has deteriorated I really, really, really really, really want to have the luxury of calling a professional. I would sure like to try a life where all I would have to do is delegate! 

About six weeks ago, the dishwasher that has never given me a second of trouble started to leave the dishes unclean and I started to think, oh NOT that too. After some research I learned that the garbage disposal may be the issue associated with the plumbing network under the sink and interfering with the performance of the dishwasher.  Soooooo, after some more research I decided that I would (Yes, ME) install the garbage disposal myself! The new one is the same brand and model, so I thought that should make the job a little easier. Well, I am proud to say that I now have a nice functioning garbage disposal - and - dishwasher. Boy oh boy, I must be more tenacious than I realized. That was one of the hardest (they are heavy) and complicated (under the sink) repairs/installations that I have ever done. I will spare you the details.

That was just the beginning! Let me make a little list for you of the "annoyances" I have to address.

• The oven is not working (as I have posted previously) but I have removed the temperature sensor and have a new one on order. Yes, I have learned how to use my multimeter!!!!
• The battery died in the smoke alarm.
• My sonicare toothbrush died. $$$
• My car is sitting in the driveway with a dead battery. After 3 visits from AAA I have an appointment Monday for new battery installation. $$$
• Last (I hope) but not least, The pilot light on the propane stove/heater in the living room went out suddenly and will need professional maintenance. $$$ I know when it is time to call in the "big guns".

I really MUST find a helper. The roof is full of leaves and pine needles and I "no longer belong on the roof"! Do I? After all, I am closer to 80 than 70 these days. How did that happen?

That's a whole lot of stuff and money, don't you think? One very good thing is that I have been enjoying my garden that is bringing forth lush new green growth along with a fig tree that is already loaded with small figs and lots of color bursting out everywhere. Oh, and along with lots of weeds. However, I am not letting them get me down and I continue to enjoy the garden areas that I have been able to work on. I will leave you with a little mosaic photo of a little of the garden that I took about ten days ago. As you can imagine, it changes vastly every single day! Enjoy!

Wishing you a joyous weekend. I will blog when I can but it probably will be closer to weekly, so my energy and time can be outside in the sunshine and garden!

Mary