Sunday Snippets 5/28/23
In Sunday Snippets 5/28/23, I’m recalling what happened around here this past week.
Which wasn’t anything really exciting.
It’s getting warmer, but there are still days when it’s relaxing and cool enough to sit on the patio. That won’t last long. So I’d better enjoy it while I can.
Then heat and humidity sets in and lasts until probably October.
I sit with my camera and ice water and just look at the plants to see if there’s something I need to tend to. While waiting on a bird or some other sort of wildlife to photograph. Hoping I’ll be lucky enough to see a hummingbird.
TIP: By the way, if you have an extra hummingbird feeder sitting around, you might fill it with water for the bees. The hummingbirds are beautiful, yes, but the bees are vitally important.
The vast majority of plants we need for food rely on pollination, especially by bees.
A New/Used Refrigerator:
They finally gave up on my leaking refrigerator last week and brought me a used one from storage.
I wish they’d cleaned it before bringing it into my kitchen. But they just dropped it off, so I ended up cleaning it.
I wasn’t about to put food in a refrigerator that obviously had not been cleaned by the last resident.
At least it works. It sounds like an old car idling at a stop sign sometimes. But it is what it is, I’m always fond of saying.
The other refrigerator was problematic for three months.
So I was able to order groceries without having the worry of water coming down from the freezer.
Ivy’s New Perching Habit:
Lately Ivy’s habit has been to perch on the arm of the couch to watch whatever I’m doing.
She reminds me of a child in front of a window waiting on someone to arrive. Like Santa Claus, for instance.
Doesn’t she look like she’s pondering something like an important scientific equation of some sort?
Ivy was on my bed purring last night. And I thought how much louder the sound of her purring is now.
There was a time, you may recall, when I didn’t think she purred at all. But I realized that it was just very soft.
Now it’s much louder.
Progress In The Patio/Yard Garden:
I may have to do something with the part of my lawn beyond the rock garden.
The lawn guys have now been here three times, and for some reason refuse to mow it.
They mow Steve’s side, but not mine. Mine looks like someone has gone out of town for the weekend and forgot to mow the yard first.
I know it probably doesn’t look so bad from your standpoint. But right up next to Steve’s yard and compared to the yards all around me, it does.
Plus the weeds are quickly encroaching upon the rocks surrounding that garden space. Before I know it they will have taken over.
I left a message about it at the front office last week, but I’m not holding my breath.
There’s probably not much use in trying to catch the lawn guys when they’re out here either. They usually just indicate that they don’t speak English.
Is It A Sign?
Maybe this is a sign. I wanted to landscape my entire yard.
Maybe I just need to find a way to do that. But I’d have to put up some sort of barrier to Steve’s yard and get rid of the weeds somehow.
It isn’t a very large area. Maybe create a small wildlife habitat sort of space?
What could I do with it that wouldn’t mean a lot of maintenance on my part?
I’ve got my thinking cap on. All suggestions are appreciated.
Sedum Autumn Joy:
This is the Sedum Autumn Joy I found at Southwood nursery. The blooms on this plant are supposed to be white. Or that’s what it showed on the label.
I’ve only had a Sedum Autumn Joy plant that had blooms that were a pinkish/coppery color. I didn’t even know there were ones with white blooms, did you?
I think the edges of the leaves are a little different from the one I had too.
The Saga Of The Ever Expanding Galvanized Garden:
The galvanized garden is pretty much complete. Although from time to time I find a reason to relocate a plant. Or add something.
I love looking out and seeing the plants there. They make me happy.
The purples and pinks and whites and green leaves touch a blissful chord within me.
What I’m Reading:
I’m reading an early Kristen Hannah book called “Fly Away.” I just realized that it is the second book in a two part series.
I should have figured that out and ordered the first one to read before this one, but it’s too late now. Because I’ve already read half of this one.
I need to look more closely next time.
Do you like to read books in a series? For some reason I don’t for the most part.
What I’m Watching On Britbox:
I watched “Redemption” on Britbox. Then I watched a short series called “Guilty.”
Now I’m watching “Grace,” which is the last name of the main detective in the series.
He comes with baggage. His wife just up and disappeared five or so years ago and he has no idea what happened.
Every time a woman around her age is found dead, he wonders: Is this going to be her?
I don’t know what I’ll watch next. Any suggestions?
Random Indoor Photo:
Food For Thought:
“Everything good, everything magical happens between the months of June and August.” —Jenny Han, The Summer I Turned Pretty
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Suggestions for BritBox – Karen Pirie, River, and Scott & Bailey. You like Douglas Henshall; have you watched Collision? It is also a series. I believe it is still available on BritBox.
Also Foyle’s War on Acorn.
Have you watched Life in a Cottage Garden with Carol Klein on Britbox?
It’s soothing and you’ll be amazed at her garden with stone walls and cottage cut yew hedges and Goliath poppies and…sigh, you will love it!
It is everything you’ve ever thought a natural English garden would look like times a thousand. Her gardening tips are valuable, her garden is amazing, and her haircut is…interesting! Lol. Try it!
True. And then the owner has to pay!
I love how Ivy sits there. Scruffy does the same and watches me. If I move to another room he does, too. Pets are so comical and I love their habits.
Too bad about your lawn not getting mowed. You are right-maybe it is time to put in a low maintenance landscaped area with plants that don’t take a lot of work….and maybe a birdbath for an accent or a small bench?
Happy Memorial Day to you, Brenda- Diana
Ivy is certainly a beautiful kitty. And clearly doesn’t lack personality, either! Brenda, would you consider planting some type of ground cover like myrtle in that grassy area? Myrtle is hardy and has really pretty purple or white flowers in the Spring. It can be invasive but also pretty much maintenance-free. If it seems to be getting out of control I just take some scissors and clip it back or even just pull it out by the roots if it’s starting to grow beyond where I want it. Talk to your neighbors and see if any of them have planted it and whether they are happy with it as a ground cover. Another ground cover you might consider is pachysandra. I’ve not grown it myself but you could Google it and see if you like the way it looks.
I’m glad you got a working frig. but I think the management should know that it was not delivered in useable condition. You shouldn’t have had to clean the previous owner’s mess before you could use it. Tacky on the part of management.
Enjoy your garden; it is truly beautiful and I marvel at. how you’ve been able to pull it all together. I think you are really doing well compared to last year at this time! Yay for you! Just don’t overdo! I know that often my enthusiasm out-runs my energy and stamina!
So sorry those chumps gave you an unclean fridge…it is such things that add unnecessary stress to our lives these days…but it seems one must fight for every single little thing…or do it yourself…which is not what you pay rent for. Hubby lost part of a crown on Thurs…do you think they COULD HAVE seen him in order to grind off a rough place it left?? OH NO…not possible…they even tried to give us an appt 2 wks out. His mouth has sore now, made by that sharp place…even pain when he swallows. They begrudgingly gave us a 10 AM appt Tues…which means we will have to get up at 5 AM in order to get all the morning things done in order to get there in time. I am not enjoying how life is these days!!
I am disappointed that the complex dumped an old refrigerator on you without even cleaning it! That is awful.
For the bees I fill a shallow dish with stones and then pour in some water.
Love the picture of Ivy, she is so beautiful!
Yeah, I’ve done that too. Getting ready to do it again I guess.
Good Afternoon Brenda,
the pictures of your galvanized garden are so pretty! You have an innate grace with with plants; do you ever talk to them? I lost one of my best friends April the 8th this year, she was an amazing gardener. She talked to her plants in her yard. Me, it’s the stinking weeds! At the beginning of every season, I hire a crew to get everything pulled and trimmed and refresh the flowerbeds with bark. After that, I can do it myself.
Ivy perching on the couch arm is funny. My French Brittany spaniel Lucy, lays over my lap and couch arm to look out the window at the bird feeder; she is mesmerized by all the activity! She also runs back and forth between windows to watch the deer graze next to our house.
We are having a quiet Memorial Day in the Pacific Northwest. Hope yours is wonderful!
Been outside off and on. Talked to some neighbors walking by. Nothing special going on today here.
Forgot to say:
The Autumn Joy you have has leaves that are different than the one I have. And you’re right:
Autumn Joy has pinkish-coppery flowers. But whatever yours is will be beautiful, too.
I can’t wait till I see the blooms on this one.
I like the container and its contents on your table. Very pretty.
I’m sorry I don’t have any ideas for the expansion of your garden, in the area next to Steve’s patio. You’re waaaaay advanced compared to my design abilities with gardens.
but I do agree with you – that it would make a lot of sense, and be very joy-giving, if you go ahead and make that grass area more garden space.
Is your pretty pink Pentas attracting many butterflies? Or bees? I can’t remember which like it—or both. That photo in particular makes my soul say, “Ahh…!.” I *love* Pentas, and may go ahead and get it again this year after seeing yours!
How *adorable* that Miss Ivy always sits now where she can watch it when you’re outside. I’ve heard of “Velcro Dogs,” but never a “Velcro Cat.” She must be one because she loves you so much.
She just began acting this way recently. Before she was like “meh” wherever I was. Now she’s following me.
Ivy looks so cute in that picture. We got our cat from the Humane Society and she didn’t purr for the first ten years we had her. Now in the last year she has discovered she has a loud voice! I think I like the purring better. She walks around using her voice in different tones. lol
Glad you got a different frig and hope this one works well for you. Keep after the people who mow. I’ve heard the squeekiest wheel gets the oil. (Smile) Too bad that no rental property is perfect. There is always something they should do.
Yeah, but then owning a home has its problems too.
True, and then the owner gets to pay!
That Ivy, an endless source of entertainment! To me her expressions says, “Why are you looking at me?”
Sigh, wish you’d done better with the fridge; if it’s not leaking, I guess that’s an improvement. Lucky whoever got the one in my former apartment – I left it spotless. And the oven.
Enjoy the holiday and your plantings. They really look nice!
Ivy is quite entertaining!
I’m glad you got a ‘new’ refrigerator although it would have been nice if they’d cleaned it first. Big Sigh! Hopefully this one will work much better for you.
I’m really like your galvanized garden. Something I wish I could do here but it would never with stand our heat. We’re already in the high 90’s and a few 100 degrees days, as well. Enjoy every minute sitting on your patio and digging in the dirt before the heat makes it difficult.
You’re starting to ‘sound’ happier and more at peace. When we are able feed our soul with things that makes us happy it makes such a huge difference. I refer to my sewing/stitching as “feeding my creative soul”. I am filled with bliss and peace.
Happy Sunday!
Sewing/stitching used to feed my creative soul too. Wish I could still do it.
This is the first time the “save my name, email, and website…” has worked.
Brenda you are writing and taking pictures like you used to before your move and surgery. All your physical therapy is making you better and stronger.
Isn’t there a box that says remember my name next time when you comment? I don’t even know myself right now. Yes, I go till I drop pretty much. I only have one speed on this bicycle. Greg said he wished there was a turn off switch.
What do you think about planting those tall grasses in that corner? They’d make a natural boundary and supply shelter for wildlife. I think they’re winter hardy, too, and require zero maintenance.
I hesitate to put anything taller than a couple of feet. Ron and Pat rely on being able to look through my yard at all the other yards. That’s why they chose that apartment, for the view, they told me.
Maybe you could plant honeysuckle bushes in there. They spread all over and smell wonderful. It is strange they aren’t mowing it. Ivy looks like she is sitting there having a conversation with you in the kitchen about her dinner!
I know. She’ll sit at one end like that, then the other end just looking at me and sometimes meowing a couple of times. Maybe she’s trying to tell me something. She’s just such a social creature that she likes to be around people. And most of the time I’m it.
Hi Brenda, Try to catch the lawn guys and if they don’t understand point at them. I don’t buy it! If not get a big pot and put something in it and put it on a large stepping stone.
Btw Monday after Mother’s day I suffered a heart attack. I was sitting at the computer talking to my girls as my gkids watched tv. All of a sudden the sharp pain and all the other symptoms. Ambulance and three days in hospital. Please ladies listen to your bodies don’t chuck it to old age. It’s real, take your meds an eat well. I’m thankful for this next opportunity.
You are lucky!
I pray you keep well and happy.
Oh my goodness, Lucy! What a scare! At least you were communicating with someone and they knew something was happening. If you’d been all alone it would have been even scarier I imagine. Thanks for the reminder.
Wow—how frightening, Lucy!!!
Sooooo happy you’re OK!!! And thank you for the reminders!
Oh my! How scary that must have been. You are right, we need to take really good care of ourselves and pay attention to what our bodies are telling us. It’s not selfish for ourselves to come first, I think we’ve earned it!
Omg, Lucy!! I’m so sorry to hear about your heart attack! I know I I need to eat better and exercise more. I will try to do better! I’m glad you sound like you’re doing better.
Working in the garden is always exciting! I love the bowl with the beautiful greens on the dining room table. Have a great day.
That’s faux hydrangeas with a faux Lamb’s Ear garland. I didn’t have enough hydrangeas to fill the bowl, so added the garland to cover the gaps.
Ivy is so cute and photogenic. I love that picture of her. I noticed, about a week ago, that my dog has started snoring in her sleep. That’s not a cute sound! Yes, I do like reading books in a series, especially when a favorite character is in all the books. That’s kind of strange about your refrigerator. You’d think they’d have cleaned it before giving it to you. I’m sorry you got stuck doing that.
Glad they brought a new fridge to you!
Ivy sure does look pensive in that cute pose – she may be marveling at your recent increased activity level and wondering “what the heck is she going to do next?” Or, she may be pondering Einstein’s theory of relativity:-)
If you decide to plant the “grassy” area, maybe you could add a small birdbath? Because it’s right along the sidewalk maybe create a border, a partial circle, or a staggered row of something like a few compact Japanese Holly (like Soft Touch or Compacta) – they look a lot like boxwoods but are not prone to disease – these two types are compact only 2-3′ tall and wide at maturity. I bought 10 small ones at WalMart (a few months ago) to border the front of a flower bed – they were less than $9 each and are extremely healthy. Whatever you do I vote for keeping the plantings very simple and also perennial (aka easy care)?
https://www.monrovia.com/soft-touch-compact-japanese-holly.html
Have a lovely day!
I went out there with my garden stool to pull weeds in the gravel. It doesn’t help just to cover them up with the galvanized tub. I still know they’re there. Before I knew it I had worked my way around the outside and along the rock garden on the other side. Pulled a lot of weeds by the root about six inches away from the border. Steve is no longer using my old blue ceramic bird bath. Might take that back. But the top is pretty heavy to lift to clean.
Brenda, You need to bring your camera to our yard. We have been sitting outside and enjoying this glorious weather. And in the past several days we have sited 2 baby red foxes playing in our neighborhood. One citing to the south, one in our yard and last night the 2 played for an hour in the neighbors house to the north of us. They were there this morning when I went out to water plants. We also have lots of birds. Lots of photo opportunities.
Oh, what I’d give to be able to take photos of the baby foxes!
First, Ivy is adorable sitting there like that! So I wonder why they’re not mowing that section? I’m not seeing a reason that they wouldn’t, meaning there doesn’t appear to be anything you’ve done to warrant it. Nothing is in the way, not rocky, etc. But, I’d prefer it as MY space too! I think it’s great that they allow that. But I do wonder why, for a place that is mostly retirees, that your area with the unlevel blocks, along with the unlevel public walk-ways would be such a hazard to anyone much less an older person! But, moving on, if you have the money, I would just call it my own! that weed sheeting can be pricey for sure, but maybe just get-er-done! LOL
Well, I don’t think they care about us older folks much when they allow a kid to speed around on some electronic car almost running down the seniors on walkers. There have been some close calls. I think I have a roll of that stuff to cover the ground in my outdoor closet. That is if you mean that landscape fabric that you put over the ground before you add gravel or mulch. Pulled quite a few weeds around the outside perimeter this morning.