Cooler weather for the next ten days. This afternoon I’m covering plants again. Hopefully, for the last time (this season)!! This morning I fought with water line connections (with temperature in the forties). Overnight, a small lake developed in the yard between my trailer and my neighbor’s trailer. New fittings…, new washers…, a variety of tools required, and the hoses still leak!! I don’t have enough strength to put enough torque on the fitting to make them stop leaking!! I’m so frustrated because my head says I can do projects but my body says “Sit on the patio and watch the birds.” ~~ I’m at the computer while eating lunch (carry out) from the dining room. I’m in my “grubbies” (work clothes) and did not want to change, and clean up, because more dirty work this afternoon. (I’ll spare you the boredom of pictures of plants covered with sheets. If really interested… see Prepared for freezing temperatures.)

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My day is never scripted. Without previous thought, I start a project. Today, I raked leaves, swept patio and sidewalk. Suddenly the Bluebird house planter-base was the object of my energy. I had to take the sections apart before I could upright the base. Now mealworms are in the freshly washed feeder and I hope “my” Bluebirds return soon to enjoy their treat.

Postscript, 4:20 PM: “Yes,” Bluebirds returned…. Hooray!!

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Sixty hours earlier, it was fifty degrees colder!! ~~ Very few planters remain under the tarp shelter.  I’ve moved most… so they can enjoy the sunshine. Perhaps I’m premature; maybe I’ll regret transferring them when/if we have more low temperatures. Remarkably, I have seventy-five plants enjoying this incredibly beautiful weekend. (I didn’t count my large planters with perennials.) ~~ I washed the nine planters acquired on Friday. It didn’t help their appearance but I know they are clean (and ready for plants). ~~ I drilled holes in more planters. I secured a “cage” to the top of a planter prepared for one or two tomato plants. ~~ Gospel truth: Most of the seventy-five are plants and planters I will give away!! This Spring and Summer, my emphasis will be growing veggies for yours truly.

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“Mobility” is the topic foremost in my mind. “How can I navigate planters in and out of the sun?” I won’t plant tomatoes in the Garden Tower–but I want several tomato plants. A very old, sturdy wastebasket would fit in the shopping cart and be excellent (imho) size-wise and movable. That was one project (of many) yesterday.

This is similar, in appearance, to the large planters I’ve received free. However, this is much smaller–and look at the price. Granted, $6.00 for a planter is reasonable but I speculate a planter four times larger (like mine) would cost at least $20.00. So, I’m counting my blessings for the generous gift of containers from the farm store.

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I started this message before nine o’clock “just because.” (“Just because” I have a one-track-mind focused on gardening and I had just ordered more coir planter soil.) Then I grabbed my camera and walked to the other end of the CARE RV sites. Trees were delivered and planted on sites without trees. I asked one young man “What are you going to do with the planters?” His reply: “We recycle them; why?” I said “Can I beg, bribe, or buy them?” He checked with the supervisor and affirmed that I could have them. They are battered, and dirty, but I think they will clean up and be useful for my major plant projects.

I put an old saying into practice: “Make your head save your heels.” Last night (sleepless) I thought about getting a set of shelving out of the storage building (the on-site storage building). This morning I wrestled to extricate it from its location.  “Yes,” a great place to have small planters during nice weather. But casters would make it even better (imho). I made a trip to Lowe’s for casters (and didn’t flinch at the price because they are labor-saving). I have so many “baby” plants that need to enjoy some sunshine but need shelter from rain and cold.  Many more “babies” when I start planting the Hen and Chicks.

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While in Livingston, I shopped three thrift stores–for saucers underneath my creative planters. I have a very nice selection now. Remember, Money Moss, and Hen and Chicks, have shallow roots so I previously shopped for skinny bowls. (Finis, the end, no more!!)

Yours truly was working at NASA, Edwards Air Force Base, California. I was secretary to the Project Director, sitting at my desk while most employees gathered in the boss’s office to watch the launch on closed circuit television. (Launches had become routine so this one was not being broadcast “live” by the networks.) From my desk, I could see the TV and was horrified to see the Challenger explode. That experience is still indelible in my mind!! The shuttle program shut down for many years; many employees lost their job.

“Nursemaid“ here. The cactus soil will soon be here. I need planters for Hen and Chicks, Kalanchoe, Begonias, Money Moss, and Christmas Cactus. I made a special trip into Livingston to shop for inexpensive containers. First, a Thrift Shop where I found a dozen suitable items (for $7.00). Second, to Dollar Tree when I discovered a bonanza: Attractive medium-size plastic planters, and small “clay” pots ($50.00). I purchased more than I initially need but wanted to buy (from Dollar Tree) while they are available. There are seventy-nine “planters” in the white storage basket–and many “thrift” saucers (earlier shopping trip; underneath planters) stored in a cardboard box in the back of my KIA.

A neighbor complains 😦 ; she wishes the birds didn’t sing, or tweet, until noon!! ~~ With over a dozen bird feeders in my yard, I enjoy the early morning songs!! 🙂

Two years ago, this date, we had snow!!

See my snow blog messages for January 24, 2014.

Counting my many, many blessings! (Then and now!!)

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Over 20 degrees warmer twenty-four hours later              (Jan. 25, 2016).

Out of bed to check the temperature. Quickly back under the covers!!

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Yours truly is obsessive about the temperature for her plants. It’s forty-five degrees outdoors as I type this at 10:30. The two thermometers under the tarp shelter record forty-four degrees. Hopefully none of the plants (outdoors or under the tarp) got too cold. Another cold night is forecast—for Sunday night/Monday morning —so I’ll leave covers over the outside plants.

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I find it curious that the temperatures vary from thermometer to thermometer. It is 58 degrees outdoors–and no wind–so I should grasp this opportunity (after two days) and work in the yard!!