I’m confident the reader is tired of my oft-repeated expression: “I love my backyard garden!!”  Without the wildlife, life wouldn’t be worth living!!  The variety of birds, and the large number of squirrels, haven’t abandoned me.  I never cease to enjoy seeing a dozen, or more, birds outside my large patio doors/windows.  Moments ago I counted over twenty….  I took a few minutes to replenish feeders.  ~~  I’m not complaining.  I’m not unique.  How many other Seniors are facing the holidays alone??  The media puts an emphasis on “family”; advertisements bombard us with gift suggestions.  In my humble opinion, “K” is for kindness not a jewelry store.  Don’t misunderstand, I receive kindness here at the JAARS Center.  **BUT** I passionately long for contact with my children and grandchildren.  I get depressed at this time of year.  Repeat: I’m not complaining.  My blogs have been my diary, my journal, my documentation of events in my life.  I started this specific blog message to express pleasure with approximately two dozen birds on the lawn and feeders.  Sorry, I can’t capture the scene in a picture.~~ But, I share with you a Phlox that  is blossoming in my yard.  The picture doesn’t convey the beautiful deep purple color. 

The local TV weatherman said “Feels like April.”  Today’s temperature will reach 74 degrees.  ~~  As I prepare this blog, thirteen or more doves are enjoying seeds scattered in the grass.  A squirrel is running through the birds to scare them away because the squirrels eat the seeds too.  Earlier, four squirrels at the same time on various feeders.  Better than TV (in my humble opinion).

Sometimes I feel very guilty for enjoying my backyard (and spending money on my backyard) when people are still suffering from the aftermath of Hurricane/Tropical Storm Sandy.  On the 700 Club TV program (at 9:45), I’m watching a segment regarding Breezy Point, NY, folks without electricity five weeks after the storm.  Operation Blessing is still on the scene doing clean up and serving meals.

Today I am reminded to “count [my] many blessings.”

When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Refrain

Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.

Refrain

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings. Wealth can never buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

Refrain

So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be disheartened, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

Refrain

A dear friend shared this message with me regarding gratitude.

You’ve heard that old saying “Best laid plans of mice and men“?!  I had every intention of posting pictures of my backyard busy weekend.  Something radically changed yesterday regarding preparation of a blog.  Did WordPress make a major change?  I had a similar problem almost one year ago with Blogspot.  ~~  I accomplished so much this weekend!!  It has been  unseasonably warm with 66 degrees yesterday.  I haven’t heard the high for today but weatherman predicted a similar temperature.  Tomorrow is likely to reach 70 degrees!!

Recently I read (on the Internet) about planting Phlox and Daffodils in the same flower bed.  Due to my transient status, everything (except the Honeysuckle plant) is in planters and plastic containers.  I transplanted a Phlox–separated into three clumps–into a large planter, and added Daffodil bulbs.  The package was sold as “22 bulbs” but I still had 20 bulbs and faced the question “Where do I plant these?”  Today Daffodil bulbs were planted at the top of the  plastic containers, weighted bases, for the framework of my Topsy-Turvy upside-down tomato planters.  With the remaining bulbs, I planted singularly in attractive small planters.  Those planters are currently in the backyard but when (if) the Daffodils bloom I can put them in the front yard.

The Phlox came from mark-downs at the back of Lowe’s.  (At the time I didn’t even know what it was but it had pretty purple flowers.)  Likewise (from Lowe’s mark-downs) two Petunia plants that I have watered but had not given a proper home.  Yesterday, I planted them in two of my cone-shape hanging baskets.  Those two had provided faithful service but had been shelved when their Petunia plants were discarded.  OK, they look a little shabby but may have another few months!?  I created new plastic liners from heavy-duty plastic bags and transplanted the Petunias.  Gorgeous!!

In the extremely large planter (from Goodwill) I planted California Poppies.  The planter will eventually hold Scarlet Runner Bean plants next Spring, and Poppies will be ideal at the base of the vine (in my humble opinion).  The seeds may not germinate because at least nine years old.  I discovered them while “downsizing.”  

I trimmed old flowers from the Pansy plants.  I gave everything a soaking!!  My indoor “starts” were outdoors enjoying the sunshine.  The tomato plant seems to grow several inches every time it is outdoors!! ~~   I filled all the bird and squirrel feeders.

Several pictures I specifically want to show you: A new squirrel feeder.  This feeder was on-sale at the “going-out-of-business-sale” at Lancaster, South Carolina, K-Mart.  Even with a 30% discount I wasn’t going to pay $17.49 for a squirrel feeder.  I had already paid for the organic planter soil (50% discount) when I told the clerk “OK, I’ll take it.”  Yesterday, I removed the old wood feeder from the little chair and secured the new metal one.  The squirrels were not intimidated by the change.  Why a little chair?  Because I have to bring the feeder in at night so the raccoons don’t devour the food.  Some critters I pamper, some critters I discourage!!

I got more-than-enough exercise the last two days!!  I ache all over from bending, stooping, climbing, lifting and carrying heavy bags of soil, etc., etc.  I took some time this afternoon to sit in a comfortable chair, on the patio, and plan the arrangement of planters for my Spring and Summer container garden.  Oh, two more projects: I created another baffle to discourage the squirrels from reaching bird feeders.  Another baffle created from a satellite dish!!  This one had been behind my apartment for over four years; the companies never pick up the dish when a customer cancels or moves!!  Less than $5. for the hardware after I drilled a hole in the center.  (Metal squirrel baffles are $25.or more.  I know because I had to replace plastic ones that a squirrel can break.)  ~~  At Goodwill, recently, I found a rusty old wrought-iron chair.  I’ve been searching for one!!  The seat was removed and the chair will be sanded and spray painted.  One of the large plastic planters (that looks like half a barrel) will sit on it.  The other two “looks like half a barrel” planters will be in close proximity on different levels.  I got this idea at the garden shop at Biltmore Estate: Stagger the height on similar planters or several dissimilar planters of various size and height.  ~~  I’m so anxious for Spring so I can put the plans into action, and plant… and watch grow!!  Lord willing, I’ll see the Daffodils in less than three months, and Poppies in four months.

Too bad I can’t post the pictures.  I’ll have to do additional research to see if I can go back to my original process of preparation.

~~~~~~~~

Comment: After several hours of trial and error, I was able to post the pictures (at midnight).  **BUT** things are not back to my familiar “normal.” If or when you click on the “thumbnail” size picture, it appears enormous!! The picture seems to become an individual blog where visitors can leave a comments.  Duh!!  That’s not acceptable, in my humble opinion!!  Request: Please comment on the blog and not on the picture.

Actually, this is Monday, December 3rd (5:30 PM) but I want these pictures to follow the earlier post and pictures. I adore my unique projects!! First, the satellite dish squirrel baffle previously mentioned. Second, a Christmas tree stand was attached to one of three identical planters, and a shallow plant stand attached to another planter.  The wrought-iron chair had been sanded and spray painted.  Sixth picture shows a potential arrangement.  Last picture reveals that it took half a bag of soil around the Salvia plant removed from the smaller (white) planter.  ~~~~  Hummingbirds (and bees) love Salvia so I’m encouraging expanded growth.   Perhaps Nasturtiums trailing from the tallest of the three planters??  The cone-shape wicker hanging baskets are temporarily on a free-standing metal stand with two “arms.”  Quite possibly, for that,  I’ll plant Calibrachoa in hanging baskets. Everything geared toward flowers for the Hummingbirds!!  ~~~~  Nominal expense: Chair, Christmas tree stand, and planter stand from Goodwill.  Brackets to attach… from my private supply of hardware.  Spray paint was less than $1  from Ollie’s (and already on-hand for my other wrought-iron items).  Matching planters were on sale, from Tuesday Morning.  With the exception of organic planter soil from K-Mart, on sale, I have to pay “top dollar” for planter soil.  That bag was $5.49 from Ace Hardware.  (I’m saving the organic soil for my Topsy-Turvy upside-down tomato planters, and Scarlet Runner Beans, and Nasturtiums because those three are edible.)  ~~~~  It was a beautiful day with temperature in the low 70’s.  The weatherman announced it was “still” 64 degrees at 5:20 PM.

Actually, Tuesday, December 4th, 9:00 AM. Frankly, I didn’t think the hanging plant stand complimented the arrangement. These need to be leveled.  Perhaps elevate the center (lower) planter? This comes closer to the picture I had in my minds-eye. Perhaps eventually arrange some smaller, colorful planters in front of these three?

In an effort to explain why I do what I do: The wrought-iron chair cost $3. at Goodwill.  Simple wrought-iron planter stands 12 inches or 18 inches tall cost $12. and $17. at Home Depot, Lowe’s and Garden Ridge.  Therefore, I look for alternatives!!  The white (or tan? or gray?) planter (with Poppy seeds) sells for $30. at Home Depot or Lowe’s (even more at Garden Ridge).  I paid $3. (or $4.) from Goodwill.  Seed, and soil, seldom (if ever) go on-sale.  Those large covered containers, on the patio, have bird seed, Woodpecker suet, squirrel food, rabbit pellets, etc., etc.  My critters are well fed!!  Repeat: Therefore, I look for alternatives!!

Click this link: http://youtu.be/ln01p1M2cH0  ~~~~  Honestly, I thought this video was cute, with a catchy melody.  When I read the comments, I found a variety of opinions.  ~~~~  If you have followed my blogs, you know where I stand regarding a personal relationship with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  I’ll be celebrating His birthday.  My greeting has been, and will continue to be “Wishing you a blessed Jesus Birthday season.”

Another video worth watching, in my humble opinion: The Interview With God.

2:00 PM: They may not sell but I am unpacking, photographing, and listing on Craig’s List.  I don’t know where the burst of determination came from but I am in “high gear.”  My sons have stated they don’t want my memorabilia.  ~~  In less than twenty-four hours, I have posted nine ads which include the Army footlocker and Collector’s Plates.  ~~  I have boxed many items to donate to a thrift shop.

5:30 PM: A total of thirteen ads now on Craig’s List.  Magnetic mattress toppers (2) and wrought-iron 2-tier display basket with plastic fruit and veggies.  The fruit and veggie display dates back to those days when I was actively involved promoting health and nutrition.

12 noon, Mon. Nov. 26, 2012: Today I added Danny O’Day to the list of items advertised on Craig’s List. Danny was a favorite of my sons over forty years ago. (Today is an anniversary: Sixty years ago I married the father of my three sons.)