So much to do in my “yarden”; so many projects have been neglected!! Watering and weeding top the list of priorities. This morning, however, I forced myself to accomplish a procrastinated project. I want to plant the Hummingbird Bush–which grows very large–so needed to prepare the large container. (The air-conditioner had a respite from nine PM until ten AM.) “Driven” to do the project but “driven” indoors about eleven (due to heat and humidity).
Better than Christmas!! I was so excited when I heard rain on the roof!! I dashed outdoors and sat in my rocking lawn chair and watched it rain–for only five minutes. But it cooled the air and was so delightful. (We haven’t had rain since June 10th.) A Hummingbird visited the feeder while I was enjoying the rain–and the rocking chair. While refreshed and energized, I launched into the planter shuffle. Then I trimmed the Lantana to the ground because a blight has affected everyone’s Lantana plants. (I may plant something else in that planter.)
Twenty-four hours ago my air-conditioner wasn’t working. I didn’t panic, I didn’t worry. “It’s going to be OK” was my trademark reply when Staff, Volunteers and Residents inquired. ~~ It was “off” (turned off) for several hours. At six o’clock I turned it on and it has been faithfully working ever since. I’m singing and praising!!
Reportedly, this is the day Houston will document one-hundred degrees on the thermometers. Some locations have already recorded one-hundred, and I had one-hundred on my thermometer one day. Well-l-l-l-l-l, I guess the heat finally got the best of my air-conditioner. The first time it clicked “off,” I was smart enough to check the breakers. After I repositioned the breakers, the A/C ran for a few minutes and clicked off again. I’ve been to my on-site storage shed for an oscillating fan but the storage shed must be 350 degrees and I won’t take time to shift things around and extricate it. Maybe this evening?? Frankly, I should have “planned ahead” and had it available!!!! ~~ 
I’m a masochist (lol); I’m going to see how long I can survive in the hot trailer before retreating to the CARE Center. I want to take pictures as the temperature climbs!! ~~ FYI: My A/C has been running day and night for about two weeks. Previous years, I was able to turn off the A/C at night. We have had extreme heat this Spring and early Summer!!
The air-conditioner was turned on at six o’clock and seems (at seven) to be slowly cooling the trailer. Between six and seven, the A/C didn’t click off. All afternoon, I’ve been “hanging out” in the CARE Center.
Sometimes I’m the last one to know details about events at CARE (because I spend so much time in my “yarden”). However, word reached me that “they” will be starting construction on new RV sites next week. Without being asked, this morning I moved the planter and Bluebird house. 
Questions: Will the Bluebirds come six feet closer to my trailer home to nest? Will the other birds come to the feeders?
Bye bye, big and beautiful side yard!!
To my surprise is an earlier blog message.However, first things first: Ginger added to my garden.
Honestly, the journey–growing ginger root–has been “surprising.” They weathered drenching rain in April and scorching heat in July.
Last night, CARE volunteers “went the second mile” for the residents. Woody bent over the fire preparing s’mores, Sharon and Sue provided sodas, water and hot chocolate. Don, Roy and Mary assisted…. Julie and Camille captured the sights and sounds for a future documentary. A delightful evening!!
A couple of young ladies are working on a film documentary about “full timing” RVers. They have graced us with their presence for several days–and (perhaps) another twenty-four or thirty hours. Yes, the residents have lots of stories about RVing but CARE is all about “hanging up the keys” and “the end of the road.” It was so affirming to be interviewed on my patio followed by a tour of my garden!! ~~ I feel so loved, so affirmed!!
Quite unusual for me, this morning I visited a “garage sale” in the adjacent Escapees Rainbow’s End RV Park. I have more “things” than I need or will ever use. However, this sale advertised tools and yard items. Oh my, what a valuable collection of tools–but I have an adequate variety (and nothing there I needed). I purchased the new RV/Marine hose (although my “need” was one month ago). Now I have a spare. The ladder is a valuable acquisition because I’ve had a borrowed ladder for over a year. Time to return–but “they” don’t use…?!
Six weeks ago, the “borrowed” ladder was stolen. It would have been quite expensive to replace!! Frankly, I panicked. Two “handy men” were working next door and I approached them and asked “Did you borrow my ladder?” The reply: “That is our ladder.” My rebuttal: “I beg your pardon, that is my ladder.” One handyman drove home and returned with the ladder. ~~ More explanation than you needed but insight into today’s purchase.
Deep hole in the ground was an earlier blog about my Hummingbird Trumpet Vine.
Above, and to the left, “chapter one” of the Hummingbird Trumpet Vine. Note my comment on one of the pictures “Believe it or not: Passage between my yard and the field is more valuable than the plant.” ~~ Below: “Chapter two” documents the growth of clippings.
No exaggeration:The planter needs constant weeding! With three feeders, bird seed germinates–and sprouts–almost as fast as I remove it. If and when the vine blooms, it is close to the Hummingbird feeder.
Did I hear the question “Why the grill?” Because the squirrels love to dig in my planters!!
Three Quarters & Counting 