Door open all pleasant night (in January). I slept comfortably and, surprisingly, didn’t need to get up during the night. That was “comforting” because my body aches from head to toe!! My unverified diagnosis: “Whip lash” because my neck is really sore!! I only mention this so I can repeat my gratitude, praise, thankfulness, etc., etc., because the accident didn’t put me in the hospital.

Is that an oxymoron?

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“Yours truly” feels “puny”!! Seriously!! I’d sit down for a few minutes thinking about the pain in my neck. I’d jump up when I thought of something I needed to do. Example: To remove labels, bottles soaking in the sink. (Yesterday, a friend gave me a large Trader Joe’s paper shopping bag full of wine bottles.) I “needed” my kitchen scissors–which were outdoors. At least an hour went by before I was back indoors. I moved more plants from the tarp shelter, trimmed away dead growth, and thoroughly watered. Outdoors, I was “perky” and did not think about my aches and pains.

Yes, we may have another occasion of freezing temperatures but I’ll cover these with a couple of layers of old sheets. Until that day, I hope I’m giving the plants an opportunity to grow.

Working in my “yarden”…

…all morning and several hours during the afternoon.

Just think, only one month until Valentine’s Day.

Many pictures are duplicated here to show this “Bottle Bush“ project from start to finish. ~~ It started so innocently with an impulse purchase, followed by “peculiar person project.”  I did an Internet search and learned Bottle Trees are considered the poor man’s stained glass.

Strangely, there isn’t a blog message when I originally set up the “bush” –but several pictures. The forty pound metal “base” was purchased in North Carolina, moved to Texas, but lacked a useful purpose until this project. (I’m deliberate about a sturdy base!!)

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If you have followed my blog you know this original purchase turned into Bottle Mania.

I’d rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy.

(Below) The white plastic trash bag is in the planter for a purpose. Further down the line, see the end result.

No rhyme or reason: I like Bottle Bushes and Bottle Trees “rooted” in a planter.

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Finishing this project was more important than watching the Today Show celebrate 65 years. Would my improvised forms accomplish my goal?? 

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All afternoon, I worked at transporting plants from the tarp shelter to the picnic table. I trimmed the old, dead growth, and watered. A lovely afternoon until I stumbled…. The old lady picked herself up, felt the back of her head and realized it was bleeding. No broken bones, no concussion (that we’re aware of). Off she went to the CARE Center where staff, and nurse, wiped away blood and concluded it is only a minor abrasion. You are receiving this message from a very grateful, blessed, appreciative (etc., etc.) old lady!! I was cautioned “Don’t take a nap” so I’m going back to my “yarden” as soon as this is published. (Didn’t have my camera [lol] so I’m indebted to the nurse, and a resident, for these pictures.)

The frog disappeared for a couple of months; I thought he might have died. See my earlier message titled Life’s little pleasures.

Obsessive-compulsive old lady was anxious to complete another base so a special trip to Lowe’s for a small bag of cement. I’m moving “trees” and “bushes” closer to the “door side” of my trailer home. Specifically: My patio area; less conspicuous from the street.

This morning I trimmed away the ugly frozen foliage from the previously ignored planters. I’ve swept, raked, hosed, etc., so (imho) my yard is immaculate. Nothing “trashy” here?!

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Look at the outdoor temperature. It’s difficult to comprehend the extreme change in weather in less than one week!! A brief six days ago, twenty-three degrees!!

Unbelievable change in temperature the last several days!!