Green Thumb Chronicles

New Area planted with Pole Beans

2009-06-18T14:09:00.002-04:00

Decided I didn't have enough planting space, so we borrowed the neighbors rototiller and dug up some more ground.. We put in beans and sweet potatoes..

Seeds, Seeds, Seeds

2009-04-22T13:58:00.001-04:00

Which should I plant first??? So many seeds, so little time...

Well Last Freeze has Past.. I HOPE!!

2009-04-09T13:01:00.002-04:00

I am getting ready to put three Lemon Boy tomatoes in the ground.. I need to line the super deep holes with newspaper, wet them with compost tea and let them sit for a while.. I need to go get some manure, top soil and moss for the rest of the garden I need to bring up to speed.

Some Pics to Get You in the Mood for Spring...

2009-02-06T14:40:00.002-05:00

Life Can Get So Crazy

2009-02-04T14:50:00.004-05:00

I know I have been totally MIA.. With five kids, two of them teenagers in school sports, a full time job, etc. etc. the time just gets away.. I did however get to go home to Idaho for the funeral of my beloved Uncle Dave. While I was there I had the opportunity to shovel and snowblow. I have not done that for decades, literally. Living in Georgia, you really forget how cold a Zone 4 can get, especially when you are used to living in a Zone 7b. The Daffodils are starting to peek out of the ground and so are the hyacinths. That gets me excited to see spring, along with all the seed and plant catalog's arriving in the mail. I now leave you with some of the snow photos, photo with my sisters (we don't look a thing alike), and my oldest two boys who are 14 and almost 13. (to really understand how tall they are I am five foot ten inches)...

Sweet 100 Tomatoes

2008-10-15T22:23:00.003-04:00

All of these sweet one hundreds were picked Monday afternoon, from one plant.

This plant is still producing many, bite size, perfect for salad tomatoes.

Of course they rarely make into my house.

I eat them right off the vine!!!

Yum!

No Gas, No Rain No Problem??

2008-10-04T21:51:00.004-04:00

Well we have had ZERO rain since my last post. Yes Fay was the last to bring my yard rain.. We have also been under a gas crunch here in the SouthEast.. Crazy, Crazy, and more Crazy. I still am getting tomatoes, but not a ton, as the season is winding down. I did have four different come on at the very same day. Lemon Boy, Celebrity, Roma and and unknown Green Heirloom tomato. They sure tasted wonderful on my homemade chicken enchiladas.

Fay Has Arrived

2008-08-25T14:23:00.003-04:00

Well she took long enough. We desperately need the water and the cooler temps. Although the last 4 days have reminded me of Seattle, with the gray skies, light breeze and misting.. I was able to do some much needed weeding. Here's hoping we get some good rain totals and no tornados (unlike my sister in Parker Colorado)!!!

My sisters photo of the tornado, with my nephew in the forefront. Scarey!!

All You Ever Wanted to Know About Dirty Fingernails

2008-08-08T15:21:00.003-04:00

44 Things About Me....
1. Do you like blue cheese? the actual cheese yes
2. Have you ever smoked heroin? Cough Cough No
3. Do you own a gun? Pediatric ER RN what do you think?
4. What flavor do you add to your drink at Sonic? Lime
5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? Heck I know more than the Dr. LOL
6. What do you think of hot dogs? YUCK!!!
7. Favorite Christmas song? Little Drummer Boy
8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Dr. Pepper
9. Can you do push ups? Hmm, haven't tried in a while, no interest
10. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? Wedding Ring
11. Favorite hobby? Sleeping
12. Do you have A.D.D.? My hubby would say yes
13. What's one trait that you hate about yourself? Bossy
14. Middle name? M. that's it the intial M
15. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment. I am getting too old for the job I do, How much are all of the school supplies going to cost? Will I ever catch up on my sleep?
16. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink?Dr. Pepper, Mr. Pibb, Smoothie King
17. Current worry right now? I need more sleep
18. Current hate right now? My messy house
19. Favorite place to be? Grand Tetons
20. How did you bring in the New Year? I worked
21. How old are you? Thirty Five
22. Name three people who will complete this? John, Shady Gardener and whomever else wants to
23. Do you own slippers? Yes
24. What color shirt are you wearing? Black
25. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? No. I like 600 total thread count or higher cotton ones
26. Can you whistle? Yes
27. Favorite color? Red
28. Would you be a pirate? It depends upon what I was pirating
29. What songs do you sing in the shower? I don't sing in the shower
30. Favorite girl's name? Lots
31. Favorite boy's name? Lots again
32. Last thing that made you laugh? Crazy mom at work last night, thinking the ED was the Ritz Carlton
33. Best bed sheets as a child? Flowers on them, lots of yellow ones
34. Worst injury you've ever had? Splintered Nose
35. Do you love where you live? Yes and No
36. How many TVs do you have in your house?3
37. Who is your loudest friend? Joel
38. What is your favorite game to play? Cranium
39. Does someone have a crush on you? All the cute little babies I take care of at work
40. What is your favorite book? Betty Crocker Cookbook circa 1945
41. What is your favorite candy? Peanut M&M's
42. Favorite Sports Team? Any team my kids play on, sometimes that can be 6 teams in one season..
43. What were you doing 12 AM last night? Helping stitch up a lacerated forehead
44. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up? Crap half the day is gone.

Tomatoes Coming On! And the Pumpkin Grows On!

2008-07-30T19:55:00.005-04:00

Sweet 100 Cherry Tomato. Doing very well, but needs trellised. It is an indeterminate that is a vine. Produces well!

The above three are heirlooms, I am anxiously waiting to see what type they are.. They are also indeterminate, which means they grow and grow and produce on a vine like plant until the first frost. I had a packet of heirloom tomato seeds I started indoors, I just picked some seeds and now we are getting close to finding out what they are..
The Pink Elephant, continues it's growth.. Maybe we will get one pumpkin out of it.

Look What is Blooming!! Varigated Angel Trumpet

2008-07-30T19:17:00.004-04:00

I have had this Varigated Angel Trumpet since early spring. It spent a few months in the house and outside for many more than a few months. I was so excited to see the blooms today. It really just bloomed out of the blue. The buds were there for a day, maybe if that.

Family Reunion in Idaho

2008-07-21T16:34:00.003-04:00

Grandpa and Grandma had three sons. Those three sons had 17 kids combined. Look what the seventeen kids did.. Had lots of their own.
Can you believe one couple and all of their posterity?..

It really is mind blowing.

It also reminds us that what we do in our life can and will affect our own posterity.

Update on our Pumpkin RIP

2008-07-20T19:48:00.003-04:00

On our trip our neighbor Miss Terri took care of the garden. We had a ton of rain while we were gone and I guess the pumpkin didn't like it.. It rotted. She said it was a sad, day when the smelly, moldy, rotten pumpkin had to be put in a bag and put in the trash. She knew the kids were looking forward to having it as a jack o lantern for halloween. That was the first things when we hopped out of my FIL van, how big is the pumpkin. Oh well, such is that in the life of a gardener. Some things make it, and others don't.
The vine is still flowering and we still may get one yet, there is a lot of growing season left here.

Idaho Mountain Wildflowers

2008-07-20T18:49:00.004-04:00

Our trip to the Idaho side of the Grand Tetons was a beautiful one. We were there at the right time, just when all the mountain wildflowers were starting to bloom. I miss is already. The mountains in Georgia are not nearly the same.

A Visit to West Yellowstone MT

2008-07-09T21:07:00.003-04:00

We had a fun trip to West Yellowstone National Park yesterday. We got to see some wildlife in their own habitat. One that we saw was unbelievable, and to see in the wild is unheard of. We saw a father bald eagle protecting his nest of young eagles. You could see two little eagle heads poking out of the nest. We also saw old faithful, buffalo, coyote, and elk as well.

Pink Elephant in the Garden Continues

2008-07-01T15:07:00.002-04:00

We still get a good chuckle out of this huge vine growing at the edge of the garden. I have a feeling when we get back from vacation, it will be HUGE!!! I have no idea what kind of pumpkin it is, but hopefully we can get on jack-o-lantern out of it..

If You Live in Southeastern Idaho....

2008-07-01T14:32:00.001-04:00

Idaho Fish and Game to offer free fishing class for kids
Post Register

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is hosting a children’s free fishing clinic.
The free clinic will be on Tuesday nights in July.
The first class will be 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. July 8 at the Fish and Game’s regional office, 4279 Commerce Circle.
The class will continue July 15, 22 and 29 at different fishing spots.
Fish and Game will provide the gear but any student older than 14 will need to have a fishing license.
Students will need to register by calling 525-7290.
Students will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. The class will be limited to 20 students.

Yummy!! They Were Delish!

2008-06-30T17:57:00.000-04:00

First Harvest (if you can call it that)

2008-06-28T19:03:00.002-04:00

I had my first harvest today. Two Yellow Boy tomatoes, One Celebrity tomato, One Better Boy tomato and plenty of basil.. The tomatoes are really starting to do something now that everyday is in the 90's. They love the heat.

For Dad, South Africa Climate

2008-06-25T11:50:00.003-04:00

My dad went on a church mission to South Africa back in the 1950's. This post of the climate is for him. We visited the Atlanta Botanical Garden's yesterday and experienced many different climates. Needless to say, this was a hot, dry one..

Update on Baby Birds (Purple Finches)

2008-06-25T11:23:00.002-04:00

They are growing fast and soon will leave the nest. One of the eggs was a dud, so we only have two cute little birdies.

Roses from Fernbank Rose Garden

2008-06-24T20:25:00.004-04:00

I Met a New Friend Yesterday.

2008-06-19T11:50:00.007-04:00

Before work yesterday, I wandered over to the Fernbank Rose Garden. My first time ever. Boy was I in for a great surprise.. I had no clue they had test roses there.. I saw new varieties that aren't available.. Did you know they were testing a yellow knockout rose? I met the head gardener, who incidentally gets to vote for her favorite roses in both AARS and ARS, Miss Connie. She was a wealth of knowledge and has my dream job. Far cry from ER nurse. The opposite of utter chaos. I didn't have my camera, but promise to go back and get photos. She helped me understand what roses do best in the hot and humid Southern climate... Best of all the garden is free to wander around in, as long as you don't pick the roses or let your little rugrats step in the garden..:)

The Robert L. Staton Rose Garden is open daily to the public free of charge The garden is located near downtown Atlanta at 767 Clifton Road. It is one of only three gardens in the United States that have both AARS and ARS test roses.
The garden is named in honor of the man who first established a rose garden at Fernbank in 1983. Bob Staton's love of roses, his desire to educate the public, and the absence of a test site in Atlanta's growing climate were key forces in the birth of the concept that evolved into the garden you see today.
The garden consists of approximately 1,300 roses from three sources: All American Rose Selections (AARS) test plants, American Rose Society Award of Excellence (ARS) miniature test plants, and donated named roses.
The Robert L. Staton Rose Garden is maintained by Fernbank Science Center. The garden is located on the property of Fernbank Museum of Natural History. The partnership of the Fernbank Museum and Fernbank Science Center has enabled this lovely garden to be available to all to enjoy and appreciate the beauty of roses. Be sure to visit the garden when in the area and return from time to time to view the varieties of roses being tested by ARS and AARS, as well as the seasonal changes displayed by the established roses.

Weeds

2008-06-19T01:09:00.001-04:00

Many things love to come and live off your plants, including bacteria, bugs, birds, and bunnies. If youdon't control them, entire crops can be ruined. The result of your careful cultivation, in your gardenand in your life, can be lost to predators in a short time. ... Take a look at your life, what toxic relationships, substances and emotions are feeding on your energy and taking away from whatyou have to give to others. Eliminate them.- Vivian Elisabeth Glyck, 1997

Heart Goes Out to the Boy Scouts in Iowa

2008-06-12T15:42:00.005-04:00

I heard the news and was so saddened. I have two at boy scout camp as I sit here and type. The anguish their mothers feel, I am feeling it with you. My sympathies, love and prayers go out to all who were affected. May the Lord comfort you in this time of crisis. I know the motto of the Boy Scouts "Be Prepared" saved more than they may realize at this time.

God Bless

From One Boy Scout Mom to Another

Tomatoes and Basil

2008-06-12T15:04:00.006-04:00

I am so excited, the first sweet 100 is ripe and the celebrity and lemon boy are doing well. My unknown heirlooms are much slower, but a couple even have sweet yellow blooms.. Can't you tell I am excited. I grow basil and marigolds around them, old folklore from grandma I guess.

Please Vote for Your Favorite Flower

2008-06-12T10:26:00.003-04:00

See Poll on the right side.

We Have One Baby...

2008-06-12T10:16:00.003-04:00

One of our little sparrows of the three eggs I posted the other day has hatched. Momma bird doesn't seem to mind me looking at them, as long as the cats are not around. She will sit at my feet and let me look. They are so ugly, when they are first born, but still cute at the same time.

The Pink Elephant in the Garden

2008-06-11T10:12:00.006-04:00

Every year I have a couple of volunteers that just show up out of no where in my garden. Last year they were flowers, this year, they are vegetables?? This is my first year with a veggie garden. Well one is neatly tucked amoungst my annuals and the other under the big maple tree with my tomatoes and basil. One thing, this is MASSIVE. I really mean HUGE.. I am not sure if I want it there taking all the natural elements from the earth, because it is a heavy feeder, but I know if it keeps going like it should, we could have many , many pies come fall. Check out the size of the leaf compared to my hand.

I have very large hands too..

We call it the pink elephant because you know it is there , but care to look the other way because it doesn't fit in with the rest of the plants.

It is HOT!

2008-06-09T18:50:00.003-04:00

96 Degrees F.
Feels like 96 degrees
Humidity 25%
Wind VAR 3 mph
Current time 1835 EDT

Atlanta Botanical Garden

2008-06-09T14:48:00.002-04:00

Vaughn's Lillie Oakleaf Hydrangea

2008-06-09T11:15:00.007-04:00

I got this for a Mother's Day gift a few years ago and it is looking great this year!

Looking Up From the Side of My House

2008-06-08T18:34:00.002-04:00

This is my favorite time of the year. This is my favorite place in my garden.. Lilies are my absolute favorite. This garden spot is dedicated to my Grandmother Bessie. She is where my dirty fingernails began!

Someone Has Been Busy in My Hanging Baskets

2008-06-07T22:03:00.009-04:00

Surprise,Surprise.. Good thing wandering Jew's don't need watered a ton.. Don't want to drown the babies.

Got Cat?? Cat Stuck in Tree!!

2008-06-02T11:30:00.005-04:00

Our super garden cat Tiger Lily (she rids us of the moles, chipmunks etc.) was stuck up in a tree between 30-45 feet. Big Daddy, the kids and our neighbor Mr. Favors tried to get her.. She had been up 24 hours, crying like crazy. Who got her down??? Spidermom, scaling up the ladder then the tree. Mom to the rescue like usual!

Work, Work and More Enjoyable Work

2008-06-02T10:51:00.003-04:00

Yes I am a mean mother and make my children do "hard labor" at my house. Heaven Forbid! The thirteen year old wants to know when it will end, and I give him "the look" never blurts out of my annoyed mouth.. "There is no free room and board at this house!" Poor kids.

Gardening Comes First

2008-06-02T10:45:00.003-04:00

My posts will be hit and miss, because at my house. Gardening first and blogging later. And I love Mr. Brownthumb's saying, I am not dead I am dormant!! Happy Gardening Everyone!!!

Morning Bed Update

2008-06-01T19:24:00.002-04:00

Our morning bed we created earlier in the spring, now has a veggie and some flowers planted in it. We have zucchini, tomatoes, bush beans, lavender, peppermint, marigolds, peas that tolerate heat,oregano and other plants. We sure are hoping for a large crop.. I did have some problems with yellowing zucchini and decided perhaps they needed some nitrogen, since they are heavy feeders. The leaves are now a beautiful green.

Lilies

2008-06-01T18:38:00.003-04:00

Roses

2008-06-01T18:05:00.005-04:00

Tons of Flowers!! Pots!

2008-06-01T17:56:00.004-04:00

Holy Moly! I have gone way to long without putting up pictures. Especially this time of year.. Blooms everywhere! Our computer had to be upgraded. I guess I used too much memory.. He-He! Here are some snipits over the past three weeks. Pots are up first!

Adding a Morning Sun Bed

2008-05-03T01:50:00.004-04:00

Been working on this for several weeks now. That is where i have been. We also hit Starbucks, where you can pick up their used organic coffee to enrich your soil with. You go in and ask for their grounds for grounds and they will hand it over. It is an excellent almost neutral (ph 6.9) additive. My favorite it is free. We also put manure and compost in this. it is about 12 feet by 15 feet. It is almost ready for plant life.

Finally Foxgloves

2008-05-03T01:37:00.006-04:00

I have tried desperately for the last nine years. YES NINE years to grow foxglove. This is the first year they bloomed for me. While I was pondering why it took so long, something whispered in my ear, "The kids are now old enough". AH yes, they are very poisonous. They are where we get Digoxin, a potent cardiac medication from. It was God's will to keep the little ones safe from harm, until they were old enough to understand to stay out of them. Not having them for that long only made them sweeter and more enjoyable when they did bloom.

Pots, Pots and More Pots

2008-05-03T01:19:00.004-04:00

No explanation necessary. I have a weakness for pots!

A Couple of Funnies

2008-04-18T09:40:00.002-04:00

New Nursery to Order From

2008-04-16T16:52:00.003-04:00

I decided to give this place a try. They are in Tennessee, so not too far for shipment purposes for me. I also needed some more drought tolerant plants so I ordered:

Fancy Frills Echinacea
Frosty Morn Sedum
Razzmatazz Echinacea

Summer Sky Echinacea
Sunrise Echinacea
Sunset Echinacea

Twilight Echinacea

Shipping and Handling: FREE (This is the best part)
www.summerstonenursery.com
©2008 summerstonenursery.com

Update and pictures to follow when order arrives. Excited to see and didn't spend too much on them.

The Mystery is Solved..

2008-04-13T17:43:00.004-04:00

Across the street at Miss Terri's house, these strange leaves started to pop up in her woodland garden area.. Neither of us knew what they were. We figured it was a bulb since it was spring, and the leaves looked like mounds of larger lirope leaves, but only more succulent. I searched my garden magazines and finally came up with the name. Spanish Bluebells. I had never seen them before. What pretty flowers that pop in the woods.

Scilla

There are over 100 species of Scilla, but only about half a dozen are widely available commercially. Probably the most commonly cultivated are the Scilla hispanica, or Spanish Bluebells:
Spanish Bluebells

As the name suggests, these flowers are native to Spain (and Portugal) and have beautiful blue, bell-shaped blossoms. What the name doesn't tell you is that they grow and multiply very easily, even in shade, and in almost every type of soil. What ever the opposity of "finicky" is, that is what Spanish Bluebells are. They will even grow where grass won't!
The wild variety is a violet-blue, but cultivated varietes are available in several different shades of blue, as well as pink and white.
Spanish Bluebells are among the tallest of the Scilla. Try them planted behind some of your shorter, earlier-blooming spring bulbs to extend your spring blooming season, and in the more difficult spots in your garden. Just try them; you won't be sorry.
Flowering time: late spring
Plant height: 10 - 18" (25 - 46 cm)
Minimum planting depth: 4" (10 cm0
Hardiness zones: suitable for zones 3 - 8
Colours: cultivated varieties are available in pink, white and various shade of blue wild variety is violet blue
Shape/form: flowers are shaped like a broad bell with a flared rim about 12 to 15 flowers hang from a sturdy, round stalk 5 to 6 strap-like leaves per plant
Alternate names: Wood Hyacinth, Scilla campanulata, Endymion hispanicus

Correct Latin name: Hyacinthoides hispanica
Notes: good for rock gardens, beds, borders, among ferns, in woodland gardens, ground covers, or as mass plantings wild variety is fragrant; cultivated varieties are generally scentless when planting, add sand or gravel to ensure good drainage, if necessary
Example varieties:
Blue Queen (soft blue), Danube (dark blue), Excelsior (blue-violet), Rosabella (violet pink), Rose Queen (rose-pink), White City (white), White Lion (white), White Triumphator (white)

thanks A. Steinberg

Off Topic Recipe: Mama Reed's Southern Poundcake

2008-03-30T22:37:00.006-04:00

1 cup softened butter (can use half crisco and half butter)
3 cups granulated sugar
6 eggs
3 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2tsp. salt
1 cup buttermilk, sour cream or
heavy cream
1 tsp. vanilla, almond or lemon
extract

Combine butter and sugar until fluffy, then add one egg at a time. Continue to beat until light and fluffy.
Alternate one cup flour with 1/3 cup buttermilk until all ingredients are incorporated. Mix until smooth.
Add extract and beat for one more minute

Pour into greased bundt or tube pan.
Bake at 325degrees for 1 hour and 25 minutes.

Recipe courtesy of Gumpaste Joel.
This didn't last long in the house and I kept finding that the crust on the top of the cake would be missing in places. "Not Me!" seemed to really like the cake. This is not a low fat cake either!! Just how I like it!

Forget Me Not (Myosotis alpestris)

2008-03-30T19:36:00.004-04:00

Forget me not, has been around for years. This year is the first year I planted and am kicking myself , trying to figure out why I haven't planted it sooner. It blooms so early and nothing can match it's dainty blue clusters of flowers. My neighbor Miss Terri tells me it can be invasive here in the South, because of it self sows, rather proficiently. Here is considered a herbaceous perennial. I put down more seed in hopes of more flowers. Other areas like Southeastern Idaho where I grew up my grandmothers had to plant it every spring. My grandmother Eva had a magnificent garden, that was featured in the local newspaper many times. I remember as a little girl on the back of the garage a small garden of just forget me nots. Blue as the eye could see. It matched the brisk days and bright blue skies of springtime in the Gem state. Everytime I see the little blue flowers it makes me think of the previous green thumbs in my life.

Who Doesn't Love Spring Flowers

2008-03-23T04:30:00.004-04:00

The daffy's and the hyacinths are almost over and done for. Next are the azaleas, bridal wreath, planted annuals such as the blue moon torenia I got from the growers outlet and clarkia. The forget me knots, ice plant, primroses are still going strong. What is going on in your garden..

Spring Visitors

2008-03-14T20:37:00.001-04:00

Seedling Update

2008-03-11T13:00:00.002-04:00

Well my indoor "greenhouse" is doing pretty well. The tomatoes, zucchini and basil are doing very well.. Hoping the night temperatures stay warm soon. I am itching to get some veggies in the ground.

It IS Coming!

2008-03-06T15:59:00.002-05:00

I Hit the Jackpot!

2008-03-04T18:05:00.005-05:00

I decided to stop by the Growers Outlet on the way home from my oldest child's double header , just to see what they had as far as cool weather plants. To my delight I got there a half an hour before they closed and the inventory truck had just arrived, with new plants. I strolled over that direction and my jaw hit the cement. The coveted Variegated Angel Trumpet. I snatched one, without a thought. The owners said they were accidentally shipped too early and they only get 6 of the big ones in a year.. I was destined to have one.. However I have to keep it in the house until it warms up a good deal more.. What a bargain for Ten Dollars.

Neighbors.. Miss Terri

2008-02-26T14:52:00.003-05:00

Havoc performed by the Pileated Woodpecker. It took off all that bark in less than 48 hours. She said it sounded like a jack hammer and the bird was the size of a hawk.
Me (left) Miss Terri (right)
Moon Vine Seeds and instructions from her huge plant last summer.
Frog Pond

You have read about Miss Terri in my blog over the past year. Here are some pictures of her yard and of her and me this past week, while it was so warm outside.. We both have the spring fever bug.

Box Elder Bug

2008-02-25T14:55:00.003-05:00

Thanks to my two quick posters Katie and Tina, who knew what family my bug belonged to.. It makes sense, I found them in the leaf pile below my maple tree.

Box elder bugHemiptera: Rhopalidae, Leptocoris trivittatus

SIZE: About 1/2 inch (12.7mm)
COLOR: Black with red lines
DESCRIPTION: This bug is about 1/2 inch long and 1/3 as wide. It is black with three red lines on the thorax, a red line along each side, and a red line on each wing. The wings lie flat on the back when at rest. The young nymphs are red and gray. The population of bugs may number into the thousands.
HABITAT: Box elder bugs normally feed on the leaves, flowers, and seed pods of the boxelder tree or silver maple. Large numbers of box elder bugs are usually on the female, or pod-bearing, tree. These insects feed on male box elder trees and other trees and plants, but they usually do not build up to such large numbers. The adults search for a place to overwinter which brings them into houses where they hide in small cracks and crevices in walls, door and window casings, attics, and around the foundation. During warm days in winter and early spring they come out and scatter through the house. They are primarily a nuisance as they crawl or fly about in the rooms.
LIFE CYCLE: The adult bugs lay eggs in the spring and the nymphs emerge in a few days. The nymphs are small and show more red than adults. These nymphs develop into adults during the summer, then mate and lay eggs which hatch into the nymphs of the second generation. Activity of nearly fully grown nymphs is noticed in August and September when they gather in large numbers on the trunks of box elder trees. The migration of the adults begins at this time.
TYPE OF DAMAGE: The box elder bug becomes a pest in many houses each year in fall and spring. They do no damage by feeding, but their excrement spots on draperies are difficult to remove. The bugs cause little damage to trees.
INTERESTING FACTS: On warm days during winter and early spring, box elder bugs sometimes appear on light painted surfaces outdoors on the south and west sides of the house, resting in the sun.

Do You Know This Bug?

2008-02-25T13:21:00.002-05:00

I found this in my yard today by the hundreds. I have no clue what it is, but it flies and hides under the leaves.. PLEASE HELP!

Seed Planting Day (first of many to come)

2008-02-24T21:45:00.002-05:00

We commenced our first of many seed planting days. We had a family meeting and talked about the garden we want to have as a family, not just moms flowers and stuff. It is going to be an undertaking with railroad ties, lots of mulch and sand and top soil, but it will be worth it.. We put the peat pots with seeds in the teenager's room. Where it is warm, no direct sunshine and NO Visitors allowed. Some may wonder "who would want to go into a teenage boy's room that plays sports?" Sometimes it just has to be done, and we hope the seedlings don't wilt. ;)

Garden Sayings

2008-02-24T19:45:00.000-05:00

Planting Sweet Peas

2008-02-24T19:29:00.004-05:00

Sweet Peas can't handle the heat here in the South. So today we sowed them by the mailbox, hoping they will provide lots of blooms and sweet scents before it heats up.. We also planted Forget Me Nots. Both are firsts in our garden.

Things that Bring a HUGE Smile to My Face!

2008-02-22T15:15:00.004-05:00

Cardinals out in force, enjoying the worms the rain has pushed towards the earth.
Clematis Vine starting to leaf out.
Rosemary blooming. That means it is time to trim it back and use, lots of fresh rosemary in our meals.
Who doesn't love to stretch out on the couch and take a nap.??
Multitudes of seed packets for ten cents each.. For that price who cares?
Another Cardinal on the same day.
And my most favorite! Lilies!!!!!!!!!!!! They are peeking through the earth!!!
Rain on blooming daffodils during a drought!

Lunar Eclipse and Skyline

2008-02-22T15:08:00.001-05:00

Photos taken at around 2230 at work Wed. night. We went up to the helipad to look at the Eclipse.

Over Looking the Mississippi

2008-02-19T23:58:00.001-05:00

Sunset in July in Nauvoo, IL. Picture facing West towards the Mississippi River and Iowa. Who doesn't love a beautiful sunset?

We Need the Rain, BUT

2008-02-17T17:37:00.001-05:00

Do we want it to come with tornado warnings?? Off to the basement we go...

Garden Helpers GALORE!!

2008-02-17T11:47:00.004-05:00

Three of the five we have , just LOVE to follow me around where ever I roam. They especially love it when I am outside and in the yard or garden. The big fat smoke gray one is Penelope, the Orange Tabby is Yellowstone and the Calico is Tiger Lily!

Of course they also love it when our neighbor Miss Terri is out, Tiger Lily in particular follows her around and or pays a visit. Just ask the birds who nested in her hanging pots, they would chirp your ears off when TL would cross the street.

Sure Signs of Spring!

2008-02-17T11:08:00.003-05:00

The cut, bruised and bleeding ( I accidently cut my hand with the garden shears) hands are one sign, that the weather is warm enough to really do a substantial amount of work in the yard. The others? Green buds, almost blooming daffodils and Camilla flowers blossoming!

Garden Hazards

2008-02-16T22:48:00.004-05:00

While I was doing my garden chores on this warm February Saturday afternoon, I saw this creature come about 1 foot from my hand. I am not afraid of critters, but this one made me jump!!! Classic red hour glass shape on the abdomen of this Black Widow Spider. Of course I had to catch it and look at it for awhile. It was a good lesson in the hazards of gardening, if you aren't careful.

Time to Trim the Crape Myrtles

2008-02-16T22:42:00.003-05:00

February is the month to trim back your Crape Myrtles if you don't want them to be bushes. I am training them and have for the past 5 years on these bushes to be trees.. A pretty common sight in the South.

Birthday Collage

2008-02-14T13:06:00.004-05:00

For my 35th birthday yesterday my daughter made me a Flower Collage from her own hand.. I think it is wonderful!

Sprinter Flowers

2008-02-14T09:10:00.004-05:00

In my mind we have "sprinter flowers" That would be spring and winter combined. They are the flowers we imagine in our mind while we are waiting for the snow to melt or the temps to stay above freezing.. What are your SPRINTER flowers.? Let's hope we are in the last 20 yards of our sprint towards spring!!!

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

2008-02-14T08:18:00.002-05:00

Holy SMokes 5000!

2008-02-13T16:25:00.001-05:00

Five Thousand Visitors.. What a great birthday present!!! Here is to the next five thousand!!

5000

Poppy Field

2008-02-11T23:07:00.001-05:00

Poppies on canvas via acrylic paint. Brighten up a winter day.. I did this painting a year ago.

Some New Gardening Books I Bought and are Reading

2008-02-11T09:08:00.000-05:00

I slowly over the winter, bought some books pertaining to the garden. I guess it is my way to solve the winter blues at my house.. Each book is so different, yet have so many of the same tips. Most of which I knew already, but a few I didn't. What my favorite thing in books, are the names of new and different varieties of the same old annual or perennial. Have any of you fellow gardeners come across any of these books?

The one annual on my must have list is the torenia aka wishbone flower, color of Torenia flava a yellow face with a contrasting dark maroon throat and nearly black wishbone.

Happy Chinese New Year

2008-02-08T17:46:00.000-05:00

Happy Chinese New Year. It is the 4705th year of the Chinese lunar calendar. That is a LONG time.. May it be a prosperous one!

Well They are in Pots Now...

2008-02-07T16:46:00.000-05:00

It is a nice sunny day/afternoon and I just figured my new plants needed the sun and warmth after a long, cool , dark trip from California.

Ebay Order is Here.. I have gone overboard

2008-02-07T14:48:00.000-05:00

My first Passion Vine!

I have gone overboard again with the plants. 34 plants in all. Still a tad to early to plant, but I will get them in their pots and in the sunshine to warm up.. They came in remarkably good shape.

Spring Photo Challenge!

2008-02-04T10:55:00.000-05:00

Yes I have been hit with Spring Fever. I would like everyone to post a couple pictures that remind them of spring. It could be flowers, activities, things you name it.. It is your post.. Let's see what everyone comes up with..

BRING ON SPRING!

Right Up the Road!! Spring is Coming!

2008-02-02T11:17:00.000-05:00

LILBURN, Ga. (AP) -- Georgia's groundhog is predicting an early spring.

Awoken by a crowd of hundreds of fans and TV cameras, General Beauregard Lee poked his head from his antebellum mansion at 7:58 a.m. Saturday and did not see his shadow.

Yellow River Game Ranch spokeswoman Stefanie Reeves says General Lee took his time to leave his mansion, as sunrise was at 7:34 a.m.

Tradition holds that it means the region will have an early spring. Georgia would have been in for six more weeks of winter if the 15-pound furry prognosticator had seen his shadow on his veranda at Yellow River Game Ranch in the northeast Atlanta suburbs.

The Southern varmint's prediction differed, for the third year in a row, from that of his famous Northern colleague, Punxsutawney Phil, who did see his shadow, which portends six more weeks of winter.

Spring Fever

2008-01-31T20:11:00.000-05:00

Look what I found today! Daffodil's peaking out from the ground
Roses starting to come alive.
Butterfly Bush starting prepare for their namesake.
Columbine that the birds must have planted.
And... My pink dogwood with it's buds just waiting for it to warm up.

Large order from Ebay

2008-01-30T08:58:00.000-05:00

I placed an order from ebay for 34 plants. Mostly perennials and herbs.. I am excited to see what comes.. It was a buy one get on free, so I just couldn't resist.. Pics of plants when they arrive I will post!!

Winter Snow In Georgia!

2008-01-29T16:30:00.000-05:00

Something to Warm Us All

2008-01-29T15:47:00.000-05:00

Winter Yellow River (water in a drought)
A nice roll and back scratch on the cement.
Embroidered Kitchen Towels from an old pattern.
Monkey Bread! MMMM
Pullover Sweatshirts and Quilts
Lizards caught by kids and given to mom as present..

I Just Couldn't Resist!

2008-01-19T14:54:00.000-05:00

As the snow was falling outside, I ran into the store for a pair of jeans for the baby. I came out with jeans, but spent most of my time looking, and salivating at the seed packets. I just had to buy some. I came home with 8. I had been looking for the Candy Cane Red on White Zinnia and I found it!! They get huge and I love the color on them.. So different. Spring is around the corner, even if it is snowing today.

I bought the cosmos in honor of Jack (see below), he always had a grand Cosmo garden.

I am a Big Pest!

2008-01-19T14:39:00.000-05:00

We have a child in the family that likes to bug the rest of the children.. Even sometimes his parents. Here is today, playing in the snow, or rather throwing snow at his sister.

Snow Day!!!

2008-01-18T14:46:00.000-05:00

Much to our delight Wed. night it started to snow. Big fluffy flakes that actually stayed on the ground for a couple of hours. We still have several snowballs in our freezer!! We might get some snow tomorrow as well!! How fun it is for me, who grew up with bunches and bunches of snow in the dead of winter.

Botanical Garden Creatures

2008-01-11T15:06:00.000-05:00

Remember the Varigated Angel Trumpets?

2008-01-11T14:54:00.000-05:00

Miss Terri has at this point successfully rooted several stalks of the Varigated Angel Trumpet!! So hopefully come spring, there will be a bunch of new ones in the neighborhood. We all know how varigated varieties can be a tad difficult at times, so we are praying they are able to flourish on the very first try..

Christmas cards usually bring good news, this year...

2007-12-30T19:11:00.000-05:00

When we were first married we lived in Bremerton, WA. He was our next door neighbor and the first to introduce my hubby to computers and it's parts. That was 1993. We got news this year that Jack passed away over a year ago.. He was a go getter and definately how I want to be when I grow old. Always on the go.

Aug.25, 1921 to Oct. 14, 2006
Veteran
Jack Dean Riggs, 85, of Bremerton died Saturday, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born in Cottonwood Falls, Kansas, to Ollie and Helen (Jensen) Riggs. He graduated from Bremerton High School in 1939 and married Muriel J. (Lund) Riggs on Aug. 8, 1942.
Mr. Riggs served in the Navy during World War II as Chief Radioman Second Class. Aboard Navy PBYs, he flew patrols from the Aleutian Islands and Tongue Point, Ore., on scouting missions over the Pacific to search for enemy ships. He was proud to have received the Air Medal and a letter of commendation from Admiral Chester Nimitz for his performance on a flight while searching for the Japanese Task Force on the stormy night before the Battle of Midway.
Mr. Riggs was an electronics technician for Bremerton National Airport for 39 years, where he maintained radio communication systems equipment, navigation equipment, and lighting. He also owned and operated "Riggs Radio and TV" a television repair business in his home during the 50s and 60s. After his retirement from Pacific Northwest Bell, he drove buses for the Central Kitsap School District.
He was a member of the Civil Air Patrol, Elks, Ham Radio Club, and Kitsap Track Club. He was a long-time amateur radio operator and communicated with most countries of the world. In more recent years he became interested in satellite communication and reflecting signals off the moon. He engineered and built a 30-foot Ham radio dish in his backyard.
As an athlete, Mr. Riggs was proud of being on a basketball team coached by Ken Wills for Bremerton High School. He also ran track and held the 880 county record for many years. He enjoyed entering 10 kilometer runs with his grandson and son-in-law.
As a grandfather, he enjoyed following his grandchildren's activities and spending time with his family.
Survivors include his wife Muriel of Bremerton; daughter, Charlotte and her husband Ben Pedersen of Bremerton; grandchildren, Erik Pedersen and Anna Acker; great-grandchildren, Muriel Grace and Virginia Louise Acker; nieces Jeannie Owen of Florence, Ore., Joanie O'Neal of Grants Pass, Ore., Helen Schwartz of Bremerton, Susan Chaussee of Bremerton; and nephew, Dick Schwartz of Gig Harbor.
The memorial service will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 19 at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, 11th and Veneta, Bremerton. Donations: Donor's choice. Online memorial: www.rill.com.

Today I am the Mother of a Teenager

2007-12-18T15:19:00.000-05:00

I can't believe that thirteen years ago, I gave birth to this child. The oldest of five, thinks he is one of the adults in the home. As for the latest picture with his father and I to give and idea of how big he is. I am wearing 4 inch heel boots and I am 5'10", dad is 6'8". Happy Birthday Old Dude!

My Coolest Friend

2007-12-14T09:25:00.001-05:00

The Original Fairy Princess

A While ago, I asked for ideas for my coolest friend, who was having her 80th birthday. I took Cliff's advice and got a picture of us (finally) together, and this is how it turned out. My 12 year old son took the photo.
The Fairy Princess on the left, Dirty Fingernails in the middle and FP's daughter..

What color of frame should I use and what size of photo should I do??

What is Wrong with this Picture?

2007-12-12T19:16:00.001-05:00

It is December 12th.. What is wrong with both of these pictures??

Don't laugh at my flabby white arms! Much appreciated.

Something is Still Alive

2007-12-06T16:26:00.000-05:00

Much to my surprise today, I noticed that the begonia in my pots were still alive.. I may just have to take them out and over winter them in the house.. I love the color of the leaves. During the summer they were nice and green, but now the shades of pink and burgundy are awesome..

More Pics of the Gum Paste Dahlia

2007-12-06T15:52:00.000-05:00

Mrs. Claus Cook Book

2007-12-06T08:46:00.001-05:00

Whatever would we do without Mrs. Claus.. I love sweets during the holiday season , but all year round also.. That is why I love the internet.. Easy access to recipes, that you wouldn't have otherwise. Just like garden help and botanical reads without end, I can't get enough of recipes. Mr. and Mrs. Claus have their very own website, with recipes included.. YUM

Are they Real??

2007-11-30T07:29:00.000-05:00

My buddy Mr. Gum Paste Joel (the same one who went to the botanical gardens with me) made this beautiful dahlia for me.. He made it out of sugar.. It is a gum paste flower. I am honored he would do something like this for me.. It takes a lot of time and patience to make these. He also does cakes that are amazing as well. My boys and hubby thought it was real, when they first saw it.. One thing I wasn't prepared for, it was heavy!! Very top heavy, thus why it is lying down.. Fun fact, I brought it home in a tissue supplied box and belted it my youngest car set, so I wouldn't break it..

Pies and Leaves

2007-11-23T16:59:00.000-05:00

This post is dedicated to my friend John, who is the master of pies.. I found it interesting how the leaf color and the pies coordinated. Perhaps that is why we are drawn to those type of desserts at this particular time of year.. They remind us of Autumn.

A Rare Thanksgiving Rose and Egg Nog Custard Pie

2007-11-22T12:17:00.001-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving to All!!

Egg Nog Custard Pie, a Dirty Fingernails concoction, with prodding from second son. We will see how it tastes later today.
My son yelled, mom a rose is blooming in the backyard.. What a great Thanksgiving present.. Roses the end of November, this Idaho girl would have never thought of it..
Perfect Day for pies to cool out on the porch.

A Trip to the Botanical Garden....with kids

2007-11-14T19:50:00.000-05:00

More Autumn

2007-11-08T13:27:00.001-05:00