Lots Of Troubles

I am having difficulty with my layout of my blog. For some reason some of the elements are missing on the layout and I have not been able to correct it. Along with the header, the comments element is not working.

Additionally, I have to get my health more stabilized. I have had an EKG and it is normal. For whatever that is worth. The emotional stress is the Big Elephant in my room. And, I must continue to diligently work on taming the herd. I choose to not say more. I realize that there are many many, especially women who are having huge challenges as they age. And, I pray daily that answers and remedies presents themselves.

My posts will be very sporadic for the time being. I will continue following some of your blogs because of the insight that I can gleen from some of your experiences.

God Bless you All.

Mary

ps. It looks like comments may be working again after I did some tinkering!

Perseverance

I guess I must have misunderstood (when I was feeling so sick) about the graduation activities for my Granddaughter. There are two days filled with events. Today, the individual colleges had presentations and tomorrow there will be a University Commencement Ceremony.  She will not be attending tomorrow's event.

I am so glad to have a photo of her (far right) in her Cap and Gown.

I called today's post PERSEVERANCE because she has accomplished so much. And, she expressed her feelings on Facebook better than I can. She wrote, "This day has been anticipated for the last 6 years when I moved to pursue higher education. Life took me on another journey midway: motherhood. Through my drive and my family's motivation I stayed in school. It might have taken me longer than most, but I've accomplished so much already. I hope that I'm an inspiration for my children that you can do anything you set your mind to no matter what happens in life. I'm thankful for my family's love and support to finish what I came here to do."

I am a very proud Grandma. And, she is my favorite Grandchild - - - She is my only Grandchild. I love telling her that she is my favorite!

Wishing you a Splendid Weekend.

Mary

The Little Family - Health Update

My Granddaughter and her family are doing very well. Today is a Red-letter day for her. She has finished all of her tests and projects for her Bachelors Degree. As she wrote, "Graduation is next". However, I do not think she is going to the Graduation Ceremony. She has a full life and the Diploma is what is important to her.  Quite impressive considering she was taking a minimum of 12 credits each semester along with being a mommy to little ones that are both under the age of three (a couple pregnancies in there!) and being a partner to her fiance! She plans to continue her education but not at this time. But, she plans to get a job soon. In March she had her 24th birthday. I am so very proud and happy for all of them.

These photos were taken a few days ago. Getting away for a little fun.

Daddy has a "little me" and he is loving it. They are such good parents. It is a special blessing.

Update on my health. I am feeling much - much better. My body is responding to my increased medication dosage. This evening my BP (at 7:30) is 129/72 and pulse 62. And, I was able to get a lot of outdoor clean up done today. I always do the work in two hour segments so I can rest between the outdoor work. We have had a lot of wind lately which always brings down a lot of leaves and branches from the trees. Oh yes, and I hope to see the doctor on Friday. I am so thankful that I no longer feel so ill like I did during the weekend. Another special blessing.

I hope all of you are having a Fabulous Week.

Mary

Windows 10 - Roses - Health

I finally took the time a couple days ago to download Windows 10, but with some trepidation. I had read several blogs that noted that they had a lot of trouble and couldn't find their photos and other problems. I chose not to download at the beginning of the offer because I was hoping that if there were "bugs" they would have some of them worked out. I am so thankful that everything has gone well for me. Yes, it took a little time to figure out where everything is with Windows 10 and I still want to learn a little more to make sure I am doings things the easiest way.

 And, guess what? I DID NOT HAVE TO CALL MY GREAT GRANDSON!
                                        Don't ya love that photo? I can't stop laughing because it is so true.

My "White Dawn" Climbing Rose is loaded with buds and started opening this morning and by this evening there are several open roses. It is so beautiful and a very prolific bloomer that can get to 20 feet tall. I have to trim it often when it reaches the top of my fence. It is an older rose and actually was introduced about 70 years ago. It is black spot resistant and can take the hot sun as well as some shade. It has done so well in my garden. I think it likes where I have it planted. It has always looked healthy and that pleases me. Enjoy these photos I took this late afternoon.

Now, a little about my issues with my blood pressure which is called Labile Hypertension. It was a very difficult weekend. I started increasing my hypertension medications on Friday. I felt very ill and my BP readings were all over the place with the highest 205/115, but later in the same day 131/56. I have been through this roller coaster so many times. The last time was in November 2014 when MSM was ill and passing away! This evening my reading is 134/73 and of course I am feeling much better but this morning (9 AM) it was 187/107! If I had gone to the walk-in clinic during the weekend, they would have sent me to the hospital for admission. It has happened a few times in the past. I will do anything to stay out of the hospital! However, my GP will be in her office tomorrow (off today) and I will call to see if she can see me tomorrow. This is no fun! However, being a retired RN and having lived with this for so long (since age 29) helps a little bit. Through the years I have had a multitude of diagnostic tests. It may be time for more. It is always "trial and error" with medication and dosage adjustments. Needless to say, my physical activity is minimal and I am resting most of the time. This is a pretty good definition of Labile Hypertension. "Instead of physical activity, it is usually emotion stress that results in Labile Hypertension. Because of this and its volatile nature, labile hypertension is usually not as receptive to blood pressure medication as other variants of hypertension." Enough said.

Take care and always listen to your body. It can tell you a lot.

Mary

So Many Beautiful Colors

The roses have been responding to a couple warm days in the low 80's. It seems like they opened in a day or two. 
 And, the White Garden is filling in nicely.

My garden shows that I have had more time this year to work in it. That along with the great rains has really made a big difference!

The last few days I have been able to get a lot of things done here at home but  I have felt very tired and not quite right. I have not checked my blood pressure for a long time. So, I thought it would be a good idea. Unfortunately, it was elevated to 152/102. And, that did not make me very happy. I am not quite sure what is going on. It was normal in April when it was checked at the doctor's office. I have an annual physical exam with the GP in a couple weeks. In the mean time I will continue to monitor the readings. I have always had difficulty with a lot of fluctuations.

I hope you enjoyed the photos of some of the flowers in the garden. I continue to feel a lot of joy with my garden. It is such a healthy hobby!

Have a great weekend.

Mary

Wishes For Mothers And Children

The rains have stopped for the time being and it is a beautiful sunny day.

Wishing all Mothers a Happy and Enjoyable Day, whoever you are, wherever you are and whatever your circumstances. Motherhood changes a lady in a way that others can not comprehend. I enjoy listening to "new mamas" talk about how the birth of their baby has joyously changed them in their perspective of life and their personal relationship with others.

However, if we are real and look at the whole spectrum of what this day means to many mothers and for that fact, children who have not had the life experience of birth that is portrayed as GRAND, I think it is very appropriate to send loving thoughts and prayers of understanding, protection, comfort, forgiveness, acceptance, strength and peace as they go forward.

I am having a nice quiet day reflecting on the wonderful past experiences of this celebration of Mother's Day.  The memories of  My Special Man who always made sure that I had a Mother's Day filled with flowers and love as well as all the doggy kisses, snuggles and love from my precious Lily.  All is Good even though "a tear just fell".

Mary

Who Doesn't Like To Receive A Package

It is very seldom that I ever consider ordering plants through the mail. Occasionally, I have a weakness.

What a pleasant surprise to find plants in excellent condition and superb packaging.

Now, I have to wait for the rains to stop so I can do some planting. We have had quite a lot of rain, like every other day or so. The roses are falling because the flowers fill with water and the weight pulls them down. I am continually amazed at how the garden is bursting with foliage and flowers. It is like I moved to a different location.

We still need the rain even though we seem to be getting a pretty good snow pack.


I hope my new plants thrive and produce nicely.

WOW. What's it called?

 Up close, it sure looks amazing!

This is Gomphrena 'Fireworks'

What do you think?

Is this a real flower? Yes, it sure is. This is the first Rock Rose flower to open on the patio. It almost looks like a tissue paper flower like I made as a little girl.

Today I am linking up to PINK SATURDAY with my pink flowers. Take a look at all the links!

Where do the days go? It is already another weekend. Hope you have a good one.

Mary

Learning Something New Every Day

Well, this was a little surprising.
I sure hope you have a sense of humor. If you don't, please come back tomorrow.

For more information click here for National World Naked Gardening Day.

Who knew? I guess the event started a few years ago. I wonder if the local Master Gardeners celebrate The Day. My guess would be ~ NO!  But, who knows.

Perhaps this says something about my post today. I'll try to do better tomorrow.

Mary

Is This A Messenger

Did they really send out a messenger from the fields pleading for more attention like a little weeding, good soil and fertilizer. They claim that they were all very pretty at one time. This is the only iris that has bloomed this year. Other than the White Iris which is in the White Garden. And I don't see any other buds on any of the stalks of the other plants. But, it is still early for the bloom season. It's better than last year! Last year there weren't any blooms! I am sure the rains are helping this year.

Isn't it a beauty? I am quite sure the name in Blenheim Royal Iris. I was checking some of my notes from when I planted the Iris Flower Beds. My notes said Blue category - Deep blue-violet. And, this next photo is what I found when I googled what I thought was the correct name. "Color" is a tricky thing when using the Internet.

I know I have shown  this iris mosaic a few times in the past. But this is what my iris bed produced for me when I planted it a few years back. As I have noted many times the amount of sunshine is so important. However, good soil and fertilizer goes a long way in getting good results. I am really hoping to improve the iris garden in the future.

What's Lily doing in there? Do you see her? She was always by my side! I love that little gal!

Each of these photos are a different iris specimen from my garden. I think Iris are so elegant and I hope I can regenerate the flower bed. I will sure let you know how it goes.

The website Proflowers/Florapedia tells us "With striking uniqueness and beauty, irises have rich meanings, and when given as gifts, they can convey deep sentiments. With over 200 varieties in a wide spectrum of colors, the iris, which fittingly takes its name from the Greek word for “rainbow,” can be found in virtually every part of the world, growing both naturally and in farms. While garden irises can come in any of these many varieties, the flower’s cut versions are mostly blue (the most popular type), white, and yellow.
The iris’s history is rich, dating back to Ancient Greek times when the Greek Goddess Iris, the messenger of the gods and the personification of the rainbow, acted as the link between heaven and earth. Purple irises were planted over the graves of women to summon the Goddess to guide the dead in their journey. Ancient Egyptian kings marveled in the iris’s exotic nature, and drawings have been found of the flower in a number of Egyptian palaces. During the Middle Ages, the meaning of irises became linked to the French monarchy, and the Fleur-de-lis eventually became the recognized national symbol of France. From their earliest years, irises were used to make perfume and as a medicinal remedy. Today, they are primarily seen in gardens, in bouquets, and in the wild all over the world.

Through its intricate history, the meanings of the iris has come to include faith, hope, and wisdom. Depending on factors such as color and region, irises may bear additional meanings as well. In some parts of the world, the dark blue or purple iris can denote royalty, whereas the yellow iris can be a symbol of passion. Irises may also express courage and admiration. The many meanings of the iris makes the flower a great choice for an array of gift giving occasions: corporate, sympathy, get well, just because, and birthday are just some of the occasions for which irises might be the perfect choice.

Today, the iris is the state flower of Tennessee, and the Fleur-de-lis is the emblem for the city of New Orleans. Irises are cultivated all over the world, and they can be found naturally in Europe, the Middle East, northern Africa, Asia, and North America."

Do you like Iris and do you grow Iris in your garden? I have seen some marvelous photos of iris on some blogs.

Have A Lovely Day.

Mary