IN Carmel

     I usually take pictures in the morning.  But not today.  This one has the evening sun shining through. Another way to end the day.  Heaven is touching earth with rest.   Spotted these in the garden.  They are going with us.  Some we'll eat and some we'll share.  There is nothing close to a tomato from the garden in the U P.  The growing season is to short.  Another easy day.  And eventually I needed the clippers to gather flowers for the altar area at church tomorrow.  I met Heidi there with her contribution and we got started.  What a bummer that the camera was in my back pocket, and I forgot to take pictures.  Heidi brought beautiful glads of a delicate salmon  color. They are beautiful.  I loaded up with everything here and we made four arrangements.  Two for the chapel and two for the sanctuary.  What fun to work with such beautiful gifts.                                           The Daliah's were spared the cut.  Their stems were not long enough.   We had time to

 Two more sleeps and we're off to the north woods.  We always counted sleeps when the boys were little.  And now we still do for the old folks.  So, this morning another wonderful time with the birds, sunshine and the stillness that a new day brings.  It was another snipping morning filling the cart with throw away stuff whose absence made the garden breath again with more space.  It's a wonderful time alone with nature.                                                                            Wonderful eye candy.    I did some fluffing the dirt and feeding the kindergarten Benary.  I'm expecting some growing to happen while we're gone.  And they heard me.                       This should be another great collection of flowers when they bloom later this year.  More zinnias found their way into vases which will go with us.  And more flowers will be cut tomorrow for the altar vases Sunday.  Cutting stimulates growth.  Everything will have time to grow buds and bloom as

  The four o'clock are getting their act together.  But I would not recommend that you tell time with them.  They are a little off.  No! A whole lot off with their time. Today was a little different.  But it started out as usual with a walk through the garden to see what I could see.  It was time to clean out another day lily which happened. More are ready to regrow some leaves for the rest of the warmer season.  I checked on the Holly Hocks in two places.  The leaves seemed to grow rust.  Not uncommon for H H. They got a haircut with the hope that some new leaves will grow before cold weather.  It never hurts to give it a try.  So many different colors.  Even more than you can see.  Most of these will be cut and taken to Michigan.  Just a bit of home lasting a little longer.  I moved the last of the potted plants to one area that were scattered around.  Now a phone call to Eric sharing watering details while we're gone.  Three of the pots love hot and dry treatment but three r

 Trash Day, Lawn Day, Rest Day.  Why not.  So, I did the third one for most of the day. I remember yesterday evening.  One of those every now and then is enough.   Remember this little Mex. Sunflower.  You saw him in bud form, then halfway open and today a perfect specimen.  Beautiful in every way still waiting for a butterfly.   Of course, I did the lawn walk taking pictures in the morning rather than the late afternoon or early evening.  And I posted some pictures on Facebook.  I think this is the second time I've done that.  I get a lot of Facebook information from zinnia growers.  Most are from the south and most are new growers.  From the new growers there are lots of questions and sometimes I don't think the correct answer is given.  One must know where the grower lives, north, south, east or west to share a good answer. Important seed information is missing. I read that zinnias didn't like to be transplanted.  Well, that's the only way I grow them. Transplanting

 Woo...When I opened my eyes it was 8:30. Now how did that happen?  I guess the liven' is easy today.   After walking the garden, I decided that a tad of work would make things better.  It sort of feels like the first part of the summer is over and now it's ready to do a few things to prepare for the rest of the summer.   This is the bed that got a trim after most of the day lilies bloomed.  There is one more clump to go which will be finished by Friday.  When checking around I found more volunteer cleome and moved them to this area with the hope that when the lilies regrow, they will be in good company.  A few more touch -me-nots have joined the cosmos.  There should be great improvement when we get home from the U P.   I moved on to another bed, the one that I pictured yesterday where there is a little of everything.  The center attraction is oats grass.  I love it but it can take up space.  Last Summer I dug out a lot making the plot smaller.  Sometime in August, I usually c

                                                    A first time orange.  Salmon is along side somewhere.  Yes...This is the day, the beginning of that call and response song.  There have been a whole lot of Mondays in my life.  But this is one I call monumental Monday.  Yes, this morning I'll hear the plan being put in place for this crazy hip that hurts.  It hasn't stopped since March. I will admit that it has its ups and downs.  I particularly like those ups. Downs not so much.                          One of the first things I saw this morning.  That's almost as good as a rainbow.                                                                                                          It's going to be a great day.  So my good friend Dr. Schneider is in charge of the plan and that makes everything just a whole lot simpler for me.  I'll get this next bit out of the way in short order.  Good hospital work doesn't happen quickly.  It takes a lot of time so here i

 The first day of the week.  Sunday.   Up early again and ready for church.  I did a garden thing and found two more-day lilies open the deer missed so they were cut for the altar at church.  A couple of weeks ago I cut some flowers for the west entrance and then gave them to Mary McD. after the second service.  This morning I cut more flowers for the west entrance and for Mary.  I can't imagine living without flowers.  It's possible but right now not my choice.                                                                                            Altar flowers We were off to church.  Lots of visiting with friends and a great service.  Kathleen C played music composed by Martin Elis.  It was like visiting a friend that she brought with her. Martin was our organist a few years ago.  A person never to be forgotten.  One with so many talents he shared with us.   I softly yelled, thank you Martin.  For those who need an explanation...we had a gentleman years ago who always yell