Praying for victims, families, and law enforcement personnel

in Orlando, Florida.

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No, my name is not “Dora” but I am always an explorer!! The article about Gardening is for the Butterflies is greatly appreciated!! ~~ First, I saw the image (right) and was curious about “Texas Lilac.” It was a previous unknown. Now I need to decide if it is another plant I want to add to my garden. (Decisions, decisions!!)

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I’m tickled pink!! This afternoon I experimented with learning, and setting, the self-timer on my Canon camera. Believe it or not, I’ve never done that before. I didn’t comb my hair, I didn’t “dress up” for photographs (lol). ~~ In an earlier blog, I commented on the awesome growth of the Elephant Ear plant. Seriously, it is almost as tall as I am. ~~ I’m trying to find a new home for the Elephant Ear because it monopolizes my patio. I want a picture to document it’s time in my yard. 

Yesterday, the repair; today, the test. Yes, rain water is running off the corner of the awning and splashing into the rain barrel. Sometimes my projects do not go as planned. I’m thrilled when projects end well.

About ten days ago, I spent time on the Internet ordering things I needed (de-flappers, sensor, heavy-duty planter caster-dollies, etc.). I made the “impulse purchase” of a “bottle tree.” (Check this website for background information.) I’ve lost count of the number of times visitors say “Where’s your bottle tree?” Frankly, I believed my yard had enough “character” without a man-made object!! ~~ My purchase arrived in the mail today but I don’t plan to unwrap it and set up. I’ll save it for Fall and Winter. I have four or five months to accumulate sixteen pretty bottles. (No, I’m not going to spend money to buy bottles!!)

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Postscript, Monday, June 13, 2016, 12 noon: The first bottle for my tree!! I advertised on our Park Email requesting colorful empty wine bottles. A lady-friend brought me this beautiful crystal glass perfume bottle and hopes it will find a home on one of the branches. (Yes, indeed…!)

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Yesterday, the jar was inspected to see how many roots were on the Hummingbird Trumpet Vine slips. All well and good!! This afternoon, I found a caterpillar had eaten most of the leaves. Now I’m perplexed: How did “it” get there? The jar is on a shelf of the rolling shelves–forty-one inches from the ground. ~~ Gardening is full of interesting challenges!!

A volunteer installed new de-flappers to the awning and repaired the tear. Now, rain water should drain off awning into rain barrels. Hallelujah!! ~~ I installed new batteries in new sensor and secured it to a very study ring, and the ring to a tree limb. I defy any storm to take down the new sensor!! ~~ Just for the fun of it, I double-checked separate sensor temperature under tarp shelter.

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When I wasn’t pinching insects or pulling weeds, I cut cardboard into small pieces for the Garden Tower compost tube. Several boxes were ruined due to major water leak so a valuable resource. (Waste not, want not.) It’s 4:00 (four days later) and I’m still waiting for my handyman, David.

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Double-checking the new sensor against my stand-by reliable little clock thermometer. ~~ Always an object to photograph; always a blog message to write. Never a dull moment!!

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Time will tell. I may be my own worst enemy?

Today, a young man trimmed some of my trees. I’ve speculated that my garden needs more sunshine. However, the tropical plants on my patio may have thrived due to deep shade. Yes, “time will tell.” (I’ll report the result.) ~~ Check these pictures vertically and not horizontally. ~~ James cut the big heavy limbs; Lorraine cut them into smaller pieces. (Radical tree surgery because it may be “a cold day in hell” before I have another helper. I’m capable of many tasks, woefully lacking in others.) ~~ Too tired for square dancing tonight. I usually limit my physical activity on Monday so I have energy for square dancing but the helper too valuable to postpone!!

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Postscript, Friday, June 10, 2016, 12:45 PM: I’m a renter. Frequently my wishes are overruled. I won’t complain!! Gratefully, I obtained permission for the tarp shelter, and cement pad for my Garden Tower.

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