.

I confess to being discouraged. The weeds never stop growing; the heat never subsides!! My projects never cease.

The weather station thermometer didn’t get much attention today. I was surprised by the numbers this late in the evening. We have this to look forward to for the next three months!!

.

I surrender, I give up,  I cry “uncle”!! Time to retreat from my “yarden” and enjoy some sun tea with fresh ginger. I accomplished at least two dozen things this morning (in three hours) but only two were photographed.

Yesterday afternoon my bird bath fountain stopped bubbling so I planned to replace the pump first thing this morning. Yesterday, I checked the breakers and plug-in, and cleaned the pump but still no bubbles. Miraculously, this morning I was greeted by the soft murmur of running water. (Gratefully, not a major water leak like three weeks ago!!) I’m deliberate about keeping fresh running water for the birds and squirrels. I have a replacement pump when the occasion arises. So what did I do? Besides scrubbing clay pots, “dead head” spent flowers, pulled weeds, watered several plants, and set up a “Mister.”  Birds–and plants–love a fine mist.

Remember an earlier message when I said I might have sabotaged my garden? The shade of tree limbs was sacrificed for sun for many planters. The tropical plants on my patio are suffering from too much sun. Leaves are turning yellow on the Elephant Ear. I think the mist will make the plants happy. (“Mister” was a North Carolina purchase.)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Postscript, 12 noon.

.

.

Yesterday (Sunday), I started yard work before the sun came up!! The day prior, I shopped for two hours in Lowe’s and spent almost $100.00. I purchased new garden hoses, “critter” repellent, light bulb for my reading lamp, screws for a project, etc., etc., and two plants marked down to $!.00 each. (It takes time to find the right size screws, the unique size bulb, and read labels on the “deter critter” products!!)

True story: I had a major water leak three weeks ago!! My handyman, David, looked at the problem briefly (very briefly) and swapped the “culprit” for my garden hose. Days went by, weeks went by, and David hadn’t returned to make the repair (and tackle the long list of projects waiting his expertise). I’ve been frustrated because I didn’t have my indispensable garden hose to water plants, clean the patio and sidewalk, etc. I’d been told that David had/has an RV/Marine hose so not to buy…. But I’ve been carrying water to my plants in gallon containers; I’ve worried about “drinking” water from a non-RV/Marine hose. ~~ I’d waited patiently; time to take action!!

Terro Ant Killer (from Lowe’s) seems to have solved the problem with tiny ants crawling all over my kitchen counter. I’ve been fighting them for weeks (and I’m constantly cleaning the counters)!! I followed instructions saying to put some of the gel on a piece of cardboard. In a matter of minutes six ants became sixty (+/-). Two days, and I haven’t seen an ant (hallelujah). ~~ Repels All was sprayed on one bird feeder to see if it will “repel” the squirrels. I wondered if it would keep the birds away, but birds haven’t shied away. Had I known, Repels All might have kept the critter away from my watermelon?! ~~ I have yet to use the Mosquito Barrier. It’s just too hot to spend time in the yard!! Honestly, the minute the sun came up (yesterday), it was so hot I had to retreat to my trailer home.

.

Today, time in the yard as weather permits!!

Tomorrow, time in the yard as weather permits!!

.

This picture copied from a Facebook page. It makes me smile. Sorry, no “like” button here but you might want to share it on your Facebook page?!

Don’t know?? Here’s a hint: Remember when…?

.

.

.

How to Make Garden Spray from Fels-Naptha Soap

.

.

.

.

Sadly, my watermelon disappeared within the last nineteen hours. I was showing if off–with pride–at three o’clock yesterday afternoon. It was gone when I checked plants this morning. Shame, shame on Lorraine!! Bird Screen and hoops were ordered–and received–days ago but I neglected to cover some of my plants. Yes, I’ve noticed that tomatoes were pecked, and strawberries disappeared, but it didn’t occur to me that the watermelon would fall prey to the squirrels or birds. Repeat: Shame, shame on Lorraine!!

.

See my earlier blog message: Unscheduled. But I couldn’t resist taking pictures of the growth process. ~~~~~~ This blog message was “under construction” (unpublished) because I planned to publish when the watermelon was ready to pick. All my tender loving care–stolen by some sort of wild life. It was still “green” so I hope it got indigestion!!

.

.

The bird bath bubble bath picture was unplanned. The heat quickly causes unsightly green, brown and slim. Birds frequently drink and splash so I like to keep it clean. This afternoon, I soaked it with dish washing soap and bleach. Naively thinking it had cooled somewhat, I ventured out of my air-conditioned trailer (after six) to scrub the bird bath. The sun on the bubbles inspired the impromptu picture. ~~ Some garden plants were watered, some weeds were pulled. Wringing wet with sweat, I retreated to my living room (and my computer).

Readers may think I have a singular focus on the heat at my location, and concern for my garden. Believe me, I’m burdened with sadness for millions of people affected by the blistering heat. Southern California was my home most of my life. I know the areas that are burning. My travels took me to Arizona and the location of that huge fire. I’m praying for the firemen, un-sung heroes, doing their job under miserable conditions! I’m praying for the displaced families. I’m praying…