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This is so cute!! The bird would be welcome in my yard!! ~~ It is the hottest day of the year and I spent every hour indoors. Accomplished a lot!!

The garden “calls” to me. It draws me like  magnet. However, it is so beastly hot and humid, I can’t linger in the garden. I was eager to experiment (again) taking pictures using the self-timer. Creating a blog message is my second love, so here I am with only one picture (and two clip art).

At 2:30, my thermometer says ninety degrees but “feels like” temperature is ten to thirteen degrees higher. Yes, TV meteorologist’ are hiking the temperature as much as thirteen degrees!!

Livingston, TX (77351) Weather Mon, Jun 13

TIME 2:30 PM

TEMP 89°F

FEELS  101°

DESCRIPTION Partly Cloudy

PRECIP  0%

HUMIDITY  67%

WIND SSW 7 mph

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My preference: Windows and door open!! I use limited air-conditioning but grateful for it when needed. Last night, at bedtime, it was “so muggy” I continued to run the air-conditioner. At 6:00 AM, I stepped into the yard, briefly, and it felt like a sauna. ~~ The Houston TV meteorologist says “feels like” temperatures eight to ten degrees beyond documented number.

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Regrettably, “Yours truly” will not be working in the garden today.

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Heavy rain for about fifteen minutes dropped the temperature but humidity is almost unbearable.

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!!