—–

How to protect plants.

“Bed sheets, drop cloths, blankets and plastic sheets make suitable covers for vulnerable plants. Use stakes to keep material, especially plastic, from touching foliage. Remove the coverings when temperatures rise the next day. For a short cold period, low plantings can be covered with mulch, such as straw or leaf mold.”

Plant protection covers. My covers were purchased in North Carolina (no current expense). The sheets came from the recent CARE Garage Sale (minimum of expense).

No wind anticipated so these covers should hold. I’d need a lot more clothes pins–or weights–if strong winds.

—–

Check this web site: Food Matters TV.

Food “matters” to me. I won’t be eating in the CARE dining room today; I don’t eat fried food and I don’t eat hot dogs. Sometimes you’ve read my comments about “this old lady” (etc.) but, in reality, I am in very good health for eighty years “young.” I became interested in health, and nutrition, almost forty years ago (in an effort to restore my husband’s poor health). I followed a vegan lifestyle for many years. I was trained as a Health Minister by Hallelujah Acres. Truthfully, I shake my head in bewilderment when I listen to friends and neighbors talk about their diseases, and medications. I don’t “need” all the services provided CARE residents. I do “need” the valuable resources available when or if illness or accident dictate. (I’m particularly thrilled with the on-site clinic, and our wonderful nurse practitioner.)

I’m extremely thankful for my CARE family!!

A beautiful video: A New Day.

Yesterday, I went shopping (and spent a small fortune).  Our local Walmart recently reopened and I reluctantly visited them. (Items I want and can’t buy any other place in Livingston.) I browsed every aisle because the floor-plan has changed dramatically!! I simply “had” to have the Snowman Sunflower Seed bird feeder. Isn’t it eye-catching? I didn’t “need” another feeder (I probably have two dozen total). Quandary: Where could I hang it so the squirrels wouldn’t get to it? I’m experimenting with the hook by the Bluebird house because the “baffle” might stop them.  Time will tell.

The many-years-old blue feeder is for the mealworms I feed my Bluebirds. To my delight, this morning I saw a couple on my alternate Bluebird house. It’s too early for them to build a nest and start a family. But they may return in February or March?!

—–

Your blogger identifies herself as a wounded bird right now. The holidays are coming and I’m slipping into depression. Holidays are all about “family” and I’m estranged from mine. One place on my list, yesterday: Our small Health Food store. I bought Saint John’s Wort and will faithfully take it over the next five or six weeks (six weeks to the New Year). Saint John’s Wort–and other supplements (because this “old lady” body needs a boost). Today, I’m planning to remain at home–no meals in the dining room, no interaction with other residents. I’m hurting!! (People can be so cruel!! I won’t elaborate.)

—–

The Houston TV meteorologist’ are predicting freezing temperatures Monday night. I purchased another indoor/outdoor thermometer to be positioned inside my tarp shelter. During the Winter, for the plants, I’d like to know how cold it gets. ~~ I take my garden seriously!! It’s my happiness!!

Full disclosure: My KIA had to be inspected and renewal of registration. Part of the expenses yesterday.

—–

Perhaps I’m “premature” but I want to protect my investment (lol). Lots of plants under the tarp-shelter. I’m already eager for Spring so I can plant perennials in large planters–for several of my CARE resident neighbors (and in front of Thrift and Gift shop). “Protect my investment”?! When I do simple arithmetic, twenty-five plants (more or less) at five dollars each (more or less) represents an investment.

Revised forecast: Freezing temp early Monday morning.

Getting started with Project Feeder Watch? I’m uncertain; still more instructions to read before I start documentation. However, while enjoying my morning cup of green tea, I watched my “feeding station.” In less than ten minutes, four Doves, one Blue Jay, two Cardinals, one Chickadee, and five unknown little brown birds. (And three squirrels!!) Hoping to identify the little brown birds, I searched for my binoculars. Now, that’s a challenge!! I can’t get them focused to “see” the bird. Maybe I’ll have to continue taking a picture and then crop it (to enlarge it) so I can compare with the chart or an identification book?! ~~ I’m so happy the birds have accepted the “feeding station.” Isn’t it curious how they avoided it for a couple of weeks??

Oh the joy of an extra pair of hands!! A CARE volunteer named David secured the “tie downs” over the tarp and shelter. That gives me so much peace of mind (maybe the tarp won’t blow away in a major wind storm). The “tie downs” I purchased to tighten the awning did not have a hook on the end (Lorraine purchased the wrong item). David swapped my two for two of his… and anchored them to two trees. I doubt I have another sleepless night with flapping awning!! ~~ David came and went (between responsibilities) so I moved things out of the storage building–and rearranged. David helped with one extremely heavy, awkward, box. I feel so good about our accomplishments today!!

A sleepless night!! The trailer was “rockin’ and rollin” and the awning was buffeted by the strong wind. Hour after hour, I was wide awake. Finally, after 4:00 AM, I fell asleep but the NOAA weather radio awakened me at 4:40 with news of tornadoes (but not local). ~~ Fortunately, the tarp is still on the shelter. I have long “tie down” straps to go over the top and secure to the cement blocks (prepared last month). A CARE volunteer has promised to do that relatively simple task–but he never gets “a round tuit.” (I hate to ask my friend, David Wolfe, because he has so-o-o-o many other jobs.)

—-

—-

Even as I was preparing this message, the awning was thrashing around in the wind. It has begun to rain–and several inches is predicted.

Encouraged to see birds on and near the Feeding Station. Moments earlier, there were several others on the feeders plus several Doves on the ground. Robins never get on feeders but I’m delighted to see them in the field. ~~ So-o-o-o, I’m thinking “positive” that birds will eventually flock to this smorgasbord of tasty food. ~~ Obsession for feathered friends; does that make me a “bird brain” ??

—-

Postscript, 7:00 PM: Today, a large envelope of information arrived in the mail–regarding Project Feeder Watch. I’ve been studying the details.

The birds are slow about returning to the feeders on the “feeding station.” However, the squirrels (three at one time) love it!! That cage is supposed to stop the greedy little critters. “Nope!!” Two feeders are now in my living room because black oil sunflower seeds are too expensive for those little gluttons. (Some… but not all.)

No pictures of the holes in my yard–and the field–where armadillos have rooted around for earthworms and grubs.

———-

———-

I’m not complaining. I love birds and animals in my front yard.

———-

Postscript, 4:00 PM: Now **this** is amusing. I sprayed WD-40 on the “trunk” and “limbs” of the feeding station in hopes I could discourage the squirrels. “Yup!!” It was hilariously funny to watch a squirrel slide down. It has been a long time since I laughed so hard.