Fertilize Friday

I found a wonderful idea at My New 30. It's called fertilize Friday! What a great reminder to fertilize and great idea for a photo journal of your garden.

This first photo is a daisy we just planted with the azalea in the background. The azalea were beautiful about a week ago. It will be interesting to see how the daisy progresses through the summer.


My son and dil gave me this beautiful basket for Mother's Day.


We have three peony plants. They have lots of buds on them and will be in full bloom probably next week. Check back next Friday.


The irises in our yard took over a few years back and we gave a lot away and spread out the ones that we have. These too should be blooming in about a week.


We had such good luck with wave petunias last year that I potted up plants by the front porch. Last year the petunias were by the back door and they literally hung down to the deck.


I'm real excited about this Fertilize Friday post idea because I'll have a photo journal with dates of when the plants bloomed and the progress they make. Hope you join in on the idea because I'd love to see your plants and flowers too.

For Sale Taurus SHO

We have a car for sale on ebay if you know anyone that might be interested. It's a 1993 Ford SHO with low mileage and is very clean. No rust at all. Check it out and if you know anyone that might be interested please pass it on. Thanks.

The Attacking Eagle

Check out this eagle we found and bought this past weekend. The guy was selling them on the side of the road near Elkhart IN. I love the colors of the wood and how they lay on the carving.

As with anything, our issue is where to put it. I want it on the front porch mounted on a log/stump with an American flag draped behind it. Yesterday when I got home from work I found it on top of our stereo cabinet in the living room. Looked a little menacing and out of scale for the area. The porch will win - trust me.

Police Patrol

This past weekend we went to the G.L.A.S.S. Rally. That stands for Great Lakes Annual Spring Spree. It's put on by the Michigan Knights, that's an FMCA club, and they have it every year at the Berian County Fair Grounds. They must really want us to come back every year because they really patrol the place well. The patrol men actually hung around at one of the evening performances and they looked real good in their BDU pants. The best performance was actually the first night - they had a group called The Odessy. We've seen them before and really liked them. The next two nights we could have just stayed home and listened to the radio... that bad. I'm not usually that critical, but people were leaving left and right. We did have great weather though and enjoyed the people that we were with. They stated that there were 871 coaches in attendance. That is only a few down from last year. Surprising with the economy what it is.

What's Your Birthday Wisdom?

I saw this over at Wendy's and thought I'd give it a go. We're both 'Balanced'. Wonder what T and MM have to say about that? lol

Your Birthday's Wisdom is Balance

You have learned to live a life balance and moderation. You believe that there can be too much of a good thing, and you act accordingly. You try to put equal emphasis on work and play. You also divide your focus between yourself and others. You believe that evening everything out is the key to life. You shy away from extremes.

What's Your Birthday's Wisdom?

We're Going To Disney World

Well, we've got our tickets and we're ready to go to Disney World!! When the kids were little we went a couple of times. I really liked the Magic Kingdom, but with the new Hopper Pass you can go to all the parks while on your visit. The kids really enjoyed the fact that they had rides their size, from It's a Small World to a little roller coaster. I liked the fact that I felt the kids were together and enjoying everything. They used to have all the characters walking around mingling with the guests - I think now you have to go to a special spot, which is probably better because our little Peanut doesn't like people with "Big Heads".

We got our tickets from Disney Tickets. This site has the best deals for all the Disney parks. We're staying at Fort Wilderness Campground again... it's right on location and has transportation running all day and into the night. While staying at the campground you can go into the parks early or stay late on certain days making it a lot less crowded. I think what's best about camping right on site is we can go back and rest if necessary and take a little break.

I also remember the Hoopty Do Revue. It's lots of bears on stage doing a presentation that the kids LOVE!! We all giggled and laughed, even my mother who went with us back then. This time we're the parents of the parents lol. I can't wait to see everything through lil Peanuts eyes. It's going to be so exciting.

Another great memory was of having breakfast with the Disney characters. The kids thought it was hilarious when Goofy came over and kissed grandma on the neck. She did the obligatory screams of excitement and giggles. Hope they don't come up and surprise lil Peanut, because the surprise will be on them when she has a meltdown lol. Yeah, we've learned that she doesn't like characters with big heads. The Princess will probably be okay because she's 'normal', but Mickey and Goofy had better keep their distance, if you know what I mean.

It's going to be tempting to buy every souvenir on site, but we'll just have to pick her favorite if that's possible. I wonder if they still have the hat with ears? I'm sure some things have to stay the same or it wouldn't be Disney. As our trip gets closer I keep thinking of the commercial where the kids are trying to sleep and say "I can't sleep, I'm too excited". That's the way we're all feeling in great anticipation of a memorable trip.

Weekend With My Girls!

We had a real fun weekend with our granddaughters. Peanut was dropped off on Friday and she was the joy that she always is. We made stepping stones using her feet impressions and wooden letters to spell out her name. She wasn't real fond of this, but we did it and got it over with. She really liked putting in the colorful jewels after her feet were cleaned up. We now have a stepping stone of each of the girls because we did Muffins on Mother's Day. Note to self... get a picture of stepping stones.

Saturday we played around the house in the morning (I did go out and spread some mulch) til it was time to go to Muffin's house. I was really on a mission to get pictures of the girls together, but two little ones.... need I say more.







I still need to do some cropping and stuff, but I think I got lots of good material. They are just so precious. Muffin continues to grow and smile and coo. I love to just hold a sleeping baby. Peanut is proving to be a beautiful well adjusted little girl. She didn't misbehave all weekend. I can definitely say though that God gives little children to young parents for a reason. When they start running around it can really wear you out. No worries though, a little rest and I'll be ready for more.

I saw the idea for this new meme over at Tammy's blog. I think it's a good idea because when we see our accomplishments -small or large - they give us inspiration to see that we really are doing something and a boost to do more.

Please go to Clara's new meme blog My Meme Mania to join this meme. Here is what Clara has to say about it:

I believe that it’s important to celebrate our accomplishments. No matter how small, let’s recognize them and cheer. This new meme is a place to pat ourselves on the back, to encourage one another, and most important of all, meet some new online friends.
Here are the rules. You write a post on your blog about one thing you did this week that you had been putting off or that you really hate to do and link back here. Then link to your post below. Then go visit to see what things others have done. Easy right? Why not play along with us! Feel free to grab the banner above that was graciously provided by Chuck of Secondary Roads.

I had a really busy week (who doesn't), I know this is silly, but the big thing for me this past week was getting more mulch spread. MM brought home more bags and then my week just filled up. He was gracious enough to watch Peanut early Saturday and I got to go outside and spread all that he had brought home. Still need a few more trunk fulls, but I really like doing a little at a time (not so overwhelming). So that was it for me – spreading mulch.

I Get Both Girls for the Weekend!

Can't wait for the weekend to start. Lil Peanut is already at the house with MM and she's staying with us til Sunday. Saturday we're going to Muffin's house to watch her too and then take Peanut home on Sunday. I love these girls!! I know my daughter is a little anxious to leave Peanut for the first time for a weekend, but I'm confident that she'll be fine. If all else fails and we can't get her to sleep I'll do what they do - take her for a car ride lol. But really, I've gotten her to sleep at her house and I'm sure this will be no different. I have to get all the girl time in that I can because I know MM is chomping at the bit to go camping and I won't be able to see them as much as I want. Hopefully I'll have some cute pictures after the weekend. Check back next week. Oh yeah, wish me luck lol. No I don't need it, but it never hurt.

The Weekend

Another busy weekend, but lots of fun. MM and I put in a lot of hostas to finish up around the tree and started bringing in bags of mulch. It was kind of fun just relaxing around the house. Sunday we celebrated Mother's Day with my Mom, son, dil and Little Muffin. I'd picked up a couple of Mother's Day lottery tickets and the big winner was my Mom with a $30. ticket. Yea Mom!!

The last time son & dil were over with Muffin her soothie (I thought they just started calling the pacifier a 'soothie', but evidently 'soothie' is a brand name of pacifier) got lost and through the week I found a cool pattern you can make that you attach to the soothie so you can't lose it. There were lots of different options beside the dog, but they have Fred so I thought the dog was appropriate.
Notice Muffin has a mohawk going on too, just like Peanut did at that age.

The soothie attachment was fun to make and because it's so small I was able to make it with fabrics I had on hand. I used a soft blanket fabric for the back so as she gets older (if she still has a pacifier) she can feel the blanket too. She was so fun, she was cooing and blowing bubbles and just very responsive. I sometimes forget that she's only 6 weeks old. My son has found a little spot on her face that if he rubs it she smiles... too cute. We had a great relaxing day and, oh yeah, I got a beautiful hanging basket. I love getting flowers for Mother's Day and watching them grow all season. This one had a variety of plants in it and it's very colorful. Thank you son & dil, but especially thank you for Muffin. I just love her to pieces.

I get my Peanut fix tomorrow :) We made a stepping stone using Muffins feet yesterday and we plan on doing one with Peanut next. This should be interesting with Peanut being older she might have an opinion on having her feet put in cement lol. Wish me luck.

LEMON DESSERT

This dessert is one of my sons favorites. I usually have all the ingredients in the house, but it is time consuming in that you have to stir the pudding in the pot until it's cooled. I make it as directed, but I don't put the dream whip or cool whip on until serving.


LEMON DESSERT

2 sticks of margarine
2 cups of flour

Blend together and form bottom crust, in a 13x9 pan. Bake at 375 for 15 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool completely.

Meanwhile, make 2 3 oz packages of Lemon Pie Filling (not instant). Follow package directions except omit sugar on one package. Cool completely, stirring occasionally to prevent film from forming.

2 cups of confectioners’ sugar and 1 8 oz package of cream cheese. Blend together and spread on bottom of cooled piecrust.

Top with cooled lemon filling.

Top all with dream whip and chill.

It's not overly sweet, but totally refreshing.

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all you Moms out there and to all women that have nurturing souls and wonderful pets or beautiful plants that you nurture. I believe that Mothers are really honored everyday, as it should be.

Air Conditioning

I don't know about you, but I sure hope the air conditioner works this year. The mold, grass and pollen allergens are so high that we need a little relief. I remember the years before we got air conditioning and it was rough. A good company like Charlotte HVAC installed it for us and ever since then it's been peaceful sleeping. Did I mention that we live next to the railroad track and the noise alone would keep us awake if we had the windows open. I've noticed that the house stays a lot cleaner too with air conditioning because we don't have to have the windows open to cool us off. It's also easier to work around the house when I'm not melting into a puddle, which is what I do when I get too hot.

I remember our last house had a small room air conditioner so we got to sleep in comfort, but it was often hot in the kids rooms. During the day we would spend a lot of time in the pool to ward off the heat and that worked just fine with the kids. But now, working all day, I want to come home to a comfortable house without any extra work. So for me the basic relief of air conditioning are: 1. No allergens (the cottenwoods are about to do their thing in our neighborhood); 2. Cooler house; 3. Less dirt (I'm still amazed at the amount of dust that comes in with the windows open) and finally 4. It's a lot quieter. Let's hear it for air conditioning!!

Win a Garden Apron

Well, you could win a garden apron - if I wasn't winning. You have to go over to Apron Goddess and check out her site. It's one of my favorite places to browse around. I have always used an apron, but she makes them fashionable again. Wish me luck and okay, you can put in an entry too.

Update on Landscape

MM has done a lot in the last few days. Last week he did a retaining wall and planted some Arborvitae.

You'd think I could have moved the hose... NOT!

This week he started removing the 'sod' in front of the porch to make way for a border of plantings. He worked hard and had the 'black diamond' in and was waiting for the plant arrangement when I got home from work. This first photo shows the before.


Next comes the new plants.... I love them.


The small tree near the front door is a Magnolia, Maryillyn - it should get no bigger than 12-15 feet and spread no more than 10-12 feet. The three flowering plants are Azalea, Renee Michelle - these only get 2-3 feet high and spread 4-5 feet - love the color of the flowers. The small green mounds in front of the porch are Boxwood, Green Velvet - this too has a height of 2-3 feet and spread of 3-4 feet. This shrub also said "Deer will not eat" - that's good because they ate everything last year. The grasses at either end and on both sides of the Magnolia are Grass, Maiden Purpurascens - it should get 3-4 feet high and spread 2-3 feet - the leaves will get red/purple in the fall and have silvery-bronze plumes in August. We also planted some Daisies kind of in between everything - they're hard to see, but hopefully they'll grow nicely. I love - love - love the way it turned out.

Out front we have a small grouping of hostas. It's still early, but they fill in nicely as the season progresses.


I'm going in search of more hostas today to plant at the base of the trees (both the big one near the drive and the Magnolia) that should conclude the plantings then bring on the mulch to keep the moisture in and weeds down. I'm thrilled with how it all came together. My MM really did a lot of work and he's made me very happy lol. He even said he wants to work on the lawn next - yeah, it's in pretty bad shape. I'll update you later in the year to see if it grows much this season. In the fall I plan on putting in lots of bulbs for early spring color.

Strawberry Pretzel Squares

This weekend I finally tried this jello dessert that I've heard so much about. I got the recipe from the newspaper, but several family members told me how good it was.


Strawberry Pretzel Squares
prep time: 25 min plus refrigerating Makes: 20 servings
~What you need!
2 cups finely crushed pretzels
1/2 cup sugar, divided
2/3 cup butter, melted
1 1/2 pkg (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons milk
1 cup thawed Cool Whip topping
2 cups boiling water
1 pkg (6 oz) Jell-o Strawberry Flavored Gelatin
1 1/2 cups cold water
1 quart (4 cups) strawberries, sliced

~Make it!
HEAT oven to 350 degrees F. Mix pretzel crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar and butter. Press onto bottom of 13x9 inch pan. Bake 10 min. Cool.
BEAT cream cheese, remaining sugar and milk until blended. Stir in Cool Whip; spread over crust. Refrigerate.
ADD boiling water to gelatin mix in large bowl; stir 2 min. until completely dissolved. Stir in cold water. Refrigerate 1 1/2 hours or until thickened (spoon drawn through leaves definite impression). Stir in sliced strawberries; spoon over cream cheese layer. Refrigerate 3 hours or until firm.

This is definitely a recipe I'll use again (that's why I put it where I can find it lol).

Are You Mind, Body or Spirit?

I got this quiz from Michelle. Although the questions didn't always give me the choice I needed the result is actually very accurate.

You Are Mind

If you dream it, then you can do it. You are very mentally sharp and strong. You enjoy challenging yourself both at work and with studies. You love mastering difficult tasks. You thrive in new environments, even stressful ones. You are able to study everything objectively. You have a upbeat attitude, and won't be deterred easily. You are open minded and optimistic about the future.

Are You Mind, Body, or Spirit?

Time to Green Up the Grass

With all the rain we've had lately our grass is greening up and growing FAST! We plan on doing a lot of work this summer cleaning up the front yard. The number one project is getting a nice lawn. With little Peanut (and soon Punkin)running around I'm really concerned with using an organic product like ringer lawn restore. This is a chemical free, slow release product that also helps prevent weeds. I've always been concerned with using chemicals. I personally am getting more and more sensitive to ordinary things like bleach. I can't imagine what reaction I would have if we had our lawn chemically sprayed. Our lawn (if you can call it that) has been neglected for years. MM doesn't like yard work so he does the minimum and keeps it mowed but there are a lot of sparse spots and we have two problem spots. A hill out front that is just sand, and between the houses it doesn't get enough sun and there is a lot of moss growing. To have a rich lush lawn would be great to play on with the kids and if the lawn is thick then the weeds won't have a place to grow. I would really like to put in an underground sprinkler system. Another project that's labor intensive, but well worth it in the long run. I've been looking at a lot of plantings to go at the base of the porch out front too. I've got a plan worked out, now to put it in place.

Weekend Plans?

Have any weekend plans? I've got a Clairol party at my daughters tomorrow. Not sure what we do, but I always have fun with her and her friends. On Sunday we've planned our first cookout. All the family is coming out and it looks like the weather just might cooperate. NOT like last weekend. Hopefully I'll be able to get a little yard work in too. MM has been doing sooooo much and I feel bad because he doesn't like to do it and I do. Why? He's retired and I work full time. I'll let you know next week what actually gets done. Have a great one!

Home Remodeling

With the economy in the dump and people staying in their homes instead of moving it's a good time to remodel and upgrade your home. Atlanta Remodeling offers services on remodeling jobs like kitchens, bathroom or even additions. We've done a lot of remodeling jobs and enjoyed all the work that goes into it because you can really reap the rewards. I think the kitchen project was the biggest because we totally ripped everything out right down to the studs. MM had to remove the closet/pantry because we bought a huge pantry that has swing outs shelves and use of absolutely every inch. When the cupboards were delivered we inspected everything and ordered replacement for a few doors that were slightly defective. The cupboards went up and in and we had a guy come out and measure for the new countertop. When doing a project like this you really have to budget so we ended up with laminate and not granite. MM did an awesome job on the tile work between the upper cupboards and counter. The hardwood flooring was a couples project. He nailed them in and I handed him the next board and did the cutting on the end pieces. What a team! Having done this kind of labor intensive job I can definitely see why you would hire a team like Atlanta Remodeling to help you out. There really is a lot of satisfaction in a job well done.