Betty White doesn’t have a monopoly on Off Their Rockers.  Lots of “us” Seniors can relate!!

I didn’t “do” any of the “should do” projects the last several days.  Insanity ruled!!  It all started innocently enough–while “downsizing.”  I came across the large garden flag saying “Home Tweet Home”–unopened, still in its original package.  (When did I buy it??)  With all my bird houses; with all the bird feeders; with my obsession regarding my backyard, the garden flag should be on display.  From my storehouse of miscellaneous “stuff” I had **almost** everything I needed for the display.  See the upper right hand corner: I needed a simple PVC pipe “tee.”  With my pipe and broomstick, I spent an hour in Ace Hardware trying to find one simple item.  Got home… it wouldn’t work.  By then it was after 6 o’clock and Ace was closed– so I went to Lowe’s.  About one hour of trial and error in the plumbing department (for a PVC “tee”) followed by time in the electrical department and lumber department.  I came home with an electrical connector but it, too, would not support the flag (on the broomstick).  PVC pipe three-quarter inch is different from electrical three-quarter inch; aluminum pipe three-quarter inch is (likewise) different.  The problem has not been resolved.  I folded the garden flag and put it back in the package–until I decided to prepare this blog message.  I spent countless hours on that project!!  I could have been “downsizing.”

Well, the next project that took a lot of my time and attention might be considered “downsizing”: I cleaned three of my garden display items and resolved to sell them (or give them away).  “WHY?”  Because I may have to move soon and I might as well start cleaning up the backyard too.  I haven’t “fallen out of love” with my backyard!!  In fact, yesterday I made a special trip to my favorite bird supply store for whole peanuts for the squirrels, and mealworms for the Bluebirds. I bought a new (very expensive) Bluebird house!!  This one will make it much easier to view the nest, the eggs, and the babies.  Now isn’t that a contradiction?  I mentioned a move earlier in this paragraph but buy a new Bluebird house as though I am going to be here next Spring when Mama Blue and Papa Blue build a new nest in my backyard.  Off her rocker!!

To change the subject back to flags, I installed a flag pole bracket (from my vast supply of “stuff”) and hung the American flag for the holiday.  (At least I was able to complete one flag project!!)   I moved a Shepherd’s  hook from the backyard–and a hanging basket with Nasturtiums.  I also moved two other planters.  “WHY?”  Because a neighbor suggested I ought to bring part of my backyard into the front yard.

Of course, I spent hours watering plants in the backyard, filling bird and squirrel feeders, etc., etc.  Some trimming of dead leaves and flowers, too, and  sweeping the patio.  I repeat what I’ve said so often: “I love my backyard!!”  In fact, several days ago I bought three more flowering plants–for the Hummingbirds (they love the new plants!).  I had stopped at Lowe’s for another Squirrelola seed cake and just “had to” check the area with plants marked down half-price.  I’ve been very successful nursing bedraggled plants!!  (My Topsy-Turvy upside-down tomato plants were the exception.  I gave them love, and fertilizer, and water, but the extreme heat killed them.)

Postscript, Monday 9/03/2012, 6:00 PM: I returned to Ace Hardware today and finally found a PVC pipe “tee” that serves my need.  “If at first I don’t succeed, try try again!”  ~~  Picture taken indoors because Tropical Storm Isaac reached North Carolina and dumped a lot of rain on us.  (Weatherman says “Isaac will linger all week.”)  ~~  What do you think of my “trash to treasure” flag display??  The weighted umbrella base was on sale for $6.49.  The metal upright pole was “free” from my supply of “stuff.”  The wood broom handle (mop handle?) was “free” from my supply….  The “tee” was $1.06.  The garden flag was originally $15.97 but marked down to $3.99.  I may have purchased that flag several years ago (or last summer?) so I only consider this project cost $7.55.  (I can’t put a dollar value on my recent time and aggravation.)

Postscript, Tuesday 9/04/2012, 10:00 AM: After a few minor additions, the garden flag is available for the entire neighborhood to enjoy.  (My back yard is isolated and seldom seen by anyone other than “yours truly.”) This morning I drilled holes through the “tee” and added screws to secure the upright and cross arm–so it would not pivot in the wind.

Click on the pictures to enlarge them for better viewing.

The Ultimate Bluebird House

will eventually replace the existing satisfactory, less expensive, Bluebird house in my backyard.

Actually, prepared Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Reprieve!! Today I learned I am not on the short list for a move. I think I’ve mentioned previously that I am in an apartment complex built for retired missionaries. When I arrived in late May 2011, there were many vacancies. I’d have to move when all units were rented and a retired missionary desired an apartment. I’d have 90 day notice. Well, all apartments are rented and I’ve been anticipating “the notice.” ~~ I was told today that it would be next summer, at the earliest, before I’d be asked to move. Two or three other residents would be asked to move prior to me. Praise the Lord!! So–in celebration–I installed the new Bluebird house.  (Not my very best photography but I was anxious to document installation of the new, expensive, Bluebird house.  In my humble opinion, this message needs to follow the earlier blog message regarding the Ultimate Bluebird House.) 

The current view from my patio. I frequently change… and add others.

Gotta tell you: I spend an awful lot of time reading information on web sites.  I’ve just spent an hour trying to gain information about an owl that was quite vocal about 5 o’clock this morning.  From my recent search, I suspect it was a Great Horned Owl.  The call I heard doesn’t quite match the descriptions on the web but all the information suggests this is an ideal habitat for them.  Reading about their diet leads me to acknowledge that I have prepared a banquet table for Great Horned Owls.  They eat birds, rabbits, and squirrels (to name only a few).  With nine (9) miscellaneous types of bird seed feeders, I attract a wide variety of song birds.  In addition, I have a suet feeder for the Woodpeckers, mealworm feeder for the Bluebirds, and two (2) Hummingbird feeders.  I have five (“yes” 5) feeders dedicated specifically for squirrels.  Cottontail rabbits eat alfalfa pellets from a dog dish on my patio.  I have two (2) bird baths to supply water to my critters.  Until today, I did not know that I have a smorgusbord of food for birds of prey.  It makes me sad to think that one of my backyard visitors might have become dinner for an owl.

Twenty-two status symbols through the decades.  This is such a hoot!!  I love it!!  (Click the link [above], read the message.)  With over seven decades behind me, I can relate to some of the things listed.

I didn’t have a Commodore 64; I had an IBM-PC Jr.  It was my first computer and I have purchased new models every few years since.  I’m currently shopping for a new laptop computer.

Check this also: Age-Activated Attention Disorder.

Seven reasons why we have not “evolved” to eat meat.  Personally, I seldom eat meat because I don’t think it is good for my health.  But this article makes a good argument and I thought I’d share it with you.

Letting go of guilty clutter.  I suspect there is a super sleuth reading my e-mail messages–and reading my mind.  I can identify with the narrative!!  So why am I hanging on to baby clothes that I meticulously sewed in 1955, little garments worn by two baby boys??  My children aren’t interested in “my memorabilia.”  Why am I hanging on to two old trunks given to me by my grandfather??  (One trunk is over 77 years old but not a round-top steamer trunk with some antique value.)  ~~  Scroll back through my blog messages and see pictures of the bedroom wall with boxes stacked floor to ceiling.  (“Memorabilia.”)  The only thing I can say in my defense: “I’m slowly making progress!!”  Inch by inch, it’s a cinch.

Because I have a Sunflower growing with the Petunias, I was reminded of the amusing little story about a Lonely Little Petunia in an Onion Patch.  Well, specifically, this (lonely little) Sunflower is in a planter with Nasturtiums but Petunias are in adjacent hanging basket planters.  Earlier in the season, I removed foreign plants, and weeds, when they made an appearance.  This plant grew surprisingly fast and has very limited space for its roots.  I admire its perseverance!!

Four Simple Ways to Help Hummingbirds.  Dear Reader: I’m doing my part!!  In my backyard, two feeders; lots of red, purple, orange, and yellow flowers; a source with running water.