Twinkle lights

Hello my friends, how are you?  We finally have a clear day today after lots of rain, but still very overcast and gray.  I have been feeling the need to get out in the garden and do something, even if it's just pulling weeds.  Does the garden ever call to you?  Galen thinks I'm crazy, but I find it very rewarding and therapeutic.  

I decided to restring twinkle lights outside in the jasmine over the back porch.  The lights will usually last about six months so I only have to replace them twice a year.  They went out two nights ago.  

I twist the lights through the vines starting at the bottom, taking them up and over the porch door and ending near the pergola.  It makes the prettiest light at night.  No matter how dark it is you can always see without turning a harsh overhead light on.  The twinkle lights create a nice ambiance.  

Lights are done....now maybe I'll go pull those weeds.    

Enjoy your day!  

Garden therapy

A little garden therapy is good for the mind and soul.

We're home from PA and my brother is doing about the same. He was very happy to see us and that seemed to keep him in good spirits and a bit stronger. He has his good days and bad. Hospice has been wonderful. And once again, I want to thank you all for your thoughts and prayers that touch my heart and keep me going. Thank you.

So, we returned to warm weather here in the south and what a delight. I was able to spend the day outside in the sun and noticed a few blooms here and there. The pretty white crocus were blooming by the front door, and the Japanese Quince was a beautiful sight to behold after all the snow and gray weather in PA.

Since February is the time to trim back liriope and prune the butterfly bush, that's what I did.

A little work....a little play....Otis and Riley and I had a good day. It's always a good day when the sun is shining and you can be in the garden. Garden therapy...a little goes a long way.

The great outdoors

I was feeling a bit under the weather, so I decided some fresh air and sunshine would do the trick. It was a beautiful day, a little chilly, but nice and sunny. I put Otis and Riley's leashes on, and out the door we go.

Ahhhhhhh, to breathe in that fresh fall air. Otis and Riley were so full of energy they pulled me down the street. They love to go for walks, it makes them really happy.

Nothing like a walk on a sunny day to make you feel good. On the way home, I picked up the most beautiful colored leaf. And I found some beautiful green moss growing at the foot of an old tree, I picked up a handful.

I put the moss in the flower pot that I planted with paperwhites last week. And look at the color of the leaf ~ isn't it gorgeous?

Feeling better after making a fresh pot of coffee (great for headaches and clearing your head), I decided to do some gardening.

A BIG cup of coffee.

I started raking the leaves, lots of leaves in the front yard. Otis and Riley watched from the door.

After I got tired of raking I thought I'd tackle the hedge in the back yard. It needed some trimming.

Till the day was said and done, I was feeling MUCH better and had accomplished quite a bit.



The great outdoors can do wonders for a person's frame of mind!

Garden therapy

Although I dread the thought, and deeply sigh whenever it's time to prune the hedge, I must admit, it's good therapy.

Today, I decide, is a good day to tackle the job. I get my trusty garden tools out; trimmers, pruners, gloves, ladder, rake, compost bin and broom.

Taking a long deep breath and another sip of hot coffee, I position my aluminum ladder and start in. I feel a gentle, cool breeze. It's heavenly and helps immensely. Before I know it, I'm moving along with the greatest of ease. I feel like Edward Scissorhand!

clip, clip, clip

Here we have a cut through, or an underpass in the hedge as you walk through the gate and into the garden. Our neighbors call our back yard "The Secret Garden".

I round the holly bushes at the end of the driveway.

Another rounded holly bush at the entrance to the garden.

Look at all the berries, even after all the pruning.

So here's a bit of color after looking at all the green. Don't want you to get bored.

The birds were obviously hungry.

It's now late afternoon. A bit of clean-up yet.

Done.
And now I enjoy a cup of coffee on the back patio. I look around at all I accomplished today. What a great feeling!

Truly garden therapy.