I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.
A tree whose hungry mouth is prest
Against the earth’s sweet flowing breast;
A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;
A tree that may in Summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;
Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain.
Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree.
“I come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses….” I spend time in the garden when I’m not feeling well (and when I’m feeling great). Nearly broke my little finger yesterday and it has caused some pain and discomfort. ~~ Oh joy, earlier today I saw all five recently fledged baby Bluebirds–with Mama–at the mealworm feeder. I’m so glad they survived the miserable weather. ~~ Checked the bird house nest and all four baby Carolina Chickadees have fledged.
The welcome mat is out; y’all come.
Hanging by my front door.
Y’all come; sit awhile.
Seeds started indoors; just transplanted.
Lots of trellis for cucumbers to climb on.
Mandevilla (right) was not climbing.
Mark-down Marigolds from Lowe’s.
Calibrachoa is doing extremely well.
Verbena is doing poorly.
Begonia is doing well.
My first tomato.
My first green pepper.
Salvia is doing fine.
Cape Honeysuckle almost killed by frost but recovering.
Calibrachoa doing excellent.
“Sister” Calibrachoa not blooming like the other.
Mandevilla starting to climb.
Isn’t this a beautiful view?
Such a beautiful old tree.
Mosquito plant near yard chairs and table.
Hey, that’s for the birds.
Rosemary and Aloe share the shade.
I’m constantly picking off new growth on the stump.
All came from North Carolina.
A mark-down from Lowe’s; now the African Daisy’s thriving.
More mark-down plants; not doing well.
A faithful bloomer.
Haven’t decided what to plant here.
Life is good !!
Speaking of “projects,” I have a storage shed that needs lots of attention and a mini-storage unit (down the highway) that will eventually be vacated. I see no end to the things that need my attention!! ~~ Click each picture to enlarge for better viewing.
With misspelled words to emphasize the accent, the saying is attributed to the Amish: Ve get too soon oldt undt too late schmart. No luck finding the exact reference on the web but found this book. ~~ I bring this topic because I explored my behind-the-scenes blog area designated “administrator.” There are two-hundred-eighty-five spam messages and I’m told over two-thousand spam messages have been deleted. Fascinating!! ~~ I read some of the spam and see suggestions that I expand my audience by joining Facebook or Twitter. (No thanks!)
I’d pick more daisies… if I had my life to live over.
Look at the latest picture (left) of my Carolina Chickadee babies. See the progression in less than one month. Very soon they will depart.
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I’m taking it easy today–enjoying the yard and the birds. No strenuous work today; too much exercise yesterday!! “Too soon old….”
This old lady likes wholesome old movies (and Hallmark presentations). One of the VHS tapes I brought home on Saturday was my viewing choice for the evening. I don’t recall seeing the movie (released in 1955). What an inspiring film; what an inspiring man—A Man Called Peter. Oh how America needs a man like that in Washington D.C. Peter Marshall preached powerful Christ-centered messages. He spoke of truth and integrity in public office.
Oh, to be thirty again–or forty, or fifty!! Weed-wacking can be (**is**) a big job!! My bare foot got too close to the line and I was “wacked.” The manager of maintenance reminded me this morning that my yard needed attention. “I know, I know. I’ll start it shortly.” It took most of the morning; it’s 12:35 and I just came in moments ago. (Time for some iced sun tea.) Eight-four degrees outside; eighty-one degrees inside. I’m relying on the oscillating fan right now; I don’t think I need the air-conditioner. ~~ I’m heading for the shower, and then “doctor” my wound. ~~ FYI: The ants were an overnight unexpected unwanted addition to the yard. Thankfully I knew where the Ant-B-Gone was stored (a purchase in North Carolina).
Postscript, 5:45 PM: Took a nap; did very little all afternoon. 
Tonight, I’m revisiting an old activity: Square Dancing. I’ve been waiting for a new class to begin. After thirty-five years… I need to ease into this.
The Ant-B-Gone seems to have killed the pests!!
If you’ve followed my blog for any length of time, you know I spend a lot of my time and energy in my yard. Today, I tackled cleaning the “big” trailer. Last night I had an unexpected guest and she said “May I come in?” I was so embarrassed by the clutter!! Hence: Clean!!!! The “down side” is the fact that a lot of things are piled on the table in the yard and I’ll need to find a place for them. I’m delighted with my gift to myself; my living quarters look very attractive. Guests welcome!! ~~ I needed to succumb to using the air-conditioner. It is ninety-one degrees outside (3:00 PM) and, frankly, even warmer inside without the A/C.
My day isn’t over: Next I’ll go to the CARE Center and water the indoor plants. I like to do it where there are a minimum of people around. ~~ 
FYI: Yesterday–all day–I was a volunteer at the local Habitat for Humanity. They twisted my arm (LOL) because now I’m scheduled for every Saturday. Yesterday, I moved dozens (hundreds?) of VHS tapes from one place to another and neatly arranged them. We have them priced at ten cents each. I brought home eight… and have watched two. I’ve promised myself I will watch a DVD or VHS and then donate it to CARE or Habitat. Likewise, read a book and then donate it. Eventually, one-by-one, I’ll downsize!!
Nine-thirty PM and I’ve just watched (on VHS tape) Pay It Forward with Kevin Spacey, Helen Hunt, and Haley Joel Osment. What a great movie (2000); I never saw it previously (I rarely go to movie theaters). Repeat: What a great movie!! What a great concept. A kin to Random Acts of kindness.
This next week is Teacher Appreciation Week so that’s a place to start paying it forward. We have to wait for February 2015 to celebrate… but read my earlier blog regarding Random Acts of Kindness Week. Oops, we just missed Pay it Forward Day.
Three Quarters & Counting 