I don't think anyone will be more surprised than I, that I am posting again so soon. After a rainfall of just over an inch this morning, I decided that I would tackle the weeds in my flower beds. (they pull so much better and leave less roots.) Of course, first I had some errands to do with my Dad and couldn't get out there while we still had cool temps and a cloud cover. But I was determined to spruce up the flowers for our weekend company. Nancy of Soliloquy just did a post on being careful when working in the heat- not to get heat exhaustion or sun stroke. I was far from sun stroke, but came in exhausted and highly heated. I took a cool shower, fixed myself a cold Diet Pepsi, put my feet up, and decided I was done for the day. I read and commented on all my favorite blogs, played some Spider Solitaire and now what? Well, I do have a few new pictures and I did promise to 'Share the Love' and do the '6 Random Things' tag. Hence another post. But this has absolutely got to be my last one this week. I've got too much to do to sit at the computer. I solemnly promise-no more posts this week! You heard me, now make me stick to it.
Cheryl, this next picture is for you.
You ask Rose what was the damage the Japanese Beetles could do- this was a pretty rose bloom this morning. Now, it is shredded beyond recognition as are some of the leaves. I have seen them converge on a new rose and in less than an hour completely eat it down to the stem. Bad Bugs! Bad-Bad Bugs!
Rose, posted about surprises in her garden yesterday, and look what I found in mine, a sweet pea vine. I did plant two this year, but not here and neither one lived.(I thought). Wonder if a bird or a squirrel had something to do with this being here?
I found an old birdhouse post and drove it into the ground beside it. I lightly tied it to the post and will help it along from time to time to wind it's way up. Now, is it the perennial plant or merely a stay pea from an annual in the neighborhood?Perennial Garden Lover tagged me a while back with the '6 Random Things' about yourself. I won't tag anyone, but feel free to join in. (and, oh, don't be shocked by some of my disclosures!)
#2. When I was 7 I wanted to be a scientist, at 10 a lawyer, at 14 I discovered boys and there went my plans.
#3. I fell in love with Paul Newman years ago, and would still go out with him even if he is now in his 80's.
#4. I keep forgetting my anniversary date. Is it the 27th or the 29th?
#5. I spent way more on plants this year than I told my husband I did.
#6. I am addicted to blogging! Okay, maybe you already knew that one.
This award was created by Crystal at Memoirs of a Mommy in honor of the heart donor who saved the life of Crystal's young son Noah. Crystal says: The rules of this award are: SHARE THE LOVE!!! Share this award with all those blogs out there that you love. All the people who make you smile. All those that make you laugh. All those that make your day. All those that leave uplifting comments on your blog. "All I ask, is that you include a link to this post with the award and ask your recipient to do the same."
This award was presented to me by Rose of Prairie Rose's Garden. As many of you know, she is my life long best friend. I cherish her friendship so much more than I can explain. She is a constant in my life and I will always love her. If she did not already have this award I would give it to her. Instead, I bestow an honorary degree in 'Sharing the Love' to her.
23 comments:
HI Rose....Oh dear.....that is a naughty bug.....is he native and does he have any predators....I am really interested.....
I love sweet peas....strange Beckie I grew around ten this year and planted.....but the rabbits got them. Yesterday like you went into the garden and there was one lone sweet pea, the rabbits missed it, so hopefully I will have some flowers soon.
Don't garden in strong sun, it really isn't good at our age...and I am not joking...its all to do with out hormones...so be careful it can make you feel quite ill....if you do drink lots of water.....do I sound like your Mum????
Lovely award to a lovely person and I love the facts about you....I to discovered boys too early....fun wasn't it....I have no regrets at all......
Beckie, You're right I am surprised you posted so soon! I wouldn't have even checked if it hadn't been for Cheryl's sidebar updates...I may have to add that.
Don't those Japanese beetles drive you crazy? Did you see the added pictures I posted yesterday? They're on my hollyhocks, too!
I had forgotten you wanted to be a lawyer...boys have a way of changing our plans, don't they:) I think Older Daughter has been taught well--she refuses to get married until she has figured out who she wants to be.
Thanks for your dear comments. Excellent choice on "sharing the love"; I don't like leaving other people out, either.
Until a few years ago, I never saw or heard of a Japanese beetle. Isn't it wonderful what global trade has brought us. Sorry to be negative but those beetles spoil my summer.
Sweet peas are so dainty. Wish I'd planted some. This morning I posted my surprise plant--a sunflower seed dropped by a bird in a very pretty spot. That's the wonder of annuals. Sometimes they appear unplanned but loved just the same.
Marnie
Beckie it is good to see another blog from you this week, but if you're busy, you're busy. Thanks for doing the tag, your random answers made me chuckle. Thanks for that! :) Stay out of the sun! I was out for alittle while yesterday and came in drenched in sweat. Yuck! I need to get up alittle earlier now so I can take care of those chores in the garden. Thanks for sharing the love!
Oh no, just when I can easily get to my computer you decide not to post anymore this week :)
Ah, sweet peas are so gorgeous. I wish I had thought to plant some of those this year.
I'm feeling very glad right now that we don't have Japanese beetles!!!
Cheryl, thank you for your concern. I know it is genuine. I have been overdoing the getting too hot this summer, but you know how it goes. You're out there working, see something else, and before you know it-weak, hot, dehydrated. Yes you do sound like a mom, but I am probably older than you so you sound like my daughter! I will look into the beatles a little more. I know they came over in some produce years ago to New York and are slowly working their way west. We've had them maybe 7-8 years. The Mississippi river stopped them for a while-I think they have now crossed it. We will have to give our little sweet peas extra care and watch them grow together. Have a good rest of the week and a great weekend.
Rose, I've added that feature and so far really like it. I saw beetles on the sunflowers today. Is there nothing they won't go after? Of course if they get rid of your poison ivy that's okay!
Good for E! She always did have her self together! You were right when you said you and I don't often express our feelings to each other, we just know. Once in a while it is nice to hear the words, though.
Marnie, we have been so blessed with those little desroyers! NOT! I remember seeing them in Indiana at an Uncle's 2 years before they showed up here. Your sunflower is so pretty. And it's such a delight to find surprises like that. I found some petunias yesterday in one of the beds-almost pulled them as weeds. But I left them to grow and bloom. I'll take more flowers any way I can.
PG. The 'random' thing is harder than it looks, but fun. You should follow your own advice! Really it can be dangerous for us to get so hot. Heat exhaution and heat stroke can come on quickly(dare I mention at our age!). If you're like me-there is no one around to help if I did get into trouble.
Amy! I have been wondering about you. How are you doing? Hope it's going better for you, but I know this will take a long time. Be patient! I hadn't thought about sweet peas in a long time-my grandmother had a perennial one that I loved. Anyway, when I saw them on line I ordered 2. They weren't in great shape when they came so it was not surprising they didn't make it. But I have one now from somewhere and am going to baby it. I have already started a list of plants I want next year! Maybe you will be lucky and never have the beatles, but they are moving west. Take care of yourself and let us know how you are.
I've got to say you're probably better off having forsaken a life in the law. Sometimes hormones are a good thing. How lucky to find a volunteer Sweet Pea. I hope it makes up for the Japanese Beetle attacks.
Good to hear from you even if you didn't intend to post Beckie. I hope you are ready for your weekend visitors. :)
Beckie,
1st I thought your random things were a hoot!!!
Secondly, I think you are in good company when you talk about being addicted to blogging.
Oh - what a beautiful post, Beckie! I will certainly Share the Love - there's lots to go around.
I really identify with #1,2, 5 and 6.
1.Chocolate - bring it on!
2. Oh yeah, once boys showed up - forget all my plans!
5. I always spend more on plants than I tell anybody!
6. Addicted to blogging. And yes, I share your views about spending too much time at the computer. It's sooo pulling, and yet, we have to do other things too.
I took almost a whole week off blogging, as I was outside most of the time. Got some catching up to do.
Happy blogging. It is fun.
p.s. that poor rose eaten by those japanese beetles looks horrible!
Interesting insights! Why do you hide the chocolate eating from the hubbie? I understand the plant spending--but I'm curious about the chocolate!
Aiyaan
MMD, Yes the sweet pea will help, but my poor roses. Some one should invent a cover to put over them that would only let the good bugs in.
Lisa, You know I can't keep away from blogging too long. And yes, I am just about ready for the company. We are so looking forward to seeing them. Hear you have a visit planned this weekend too. Have fun and give that baby a kiss.
Susie, Thanks! I never was one to talk on the phone much so I was a little surprised at my self getting hooked on blogging-but you get to communicate with the NICEST people.
Wendy, I just knew there were others out there who were like me! Aren't you proud of yourself for getting all that work done!
Aiyana, I hide it from him because he would want me to share it with him! Let him get his own!! ;)
Beckie - I love to weed after the rain. Everything looks and smells so fresh. Right now it just stirs up the mosquitoes, but most times its a great "chore". I have a real hard time with the heat - always have! But I still get hot flashes and they are even worse when it's anywhere near warm. At work it can be especially annoying.
A couple of years ago I grew sweet peas and they were wonderful. I'd pick bouquets of just a few stems and they would perfume the whole room.
I don't know of many women who aren't chocolate lovers. I crave just about any sweets and I even dream about them! Yikes...
I liked reading about your "shocking" secrets and, you know, I can never remember Steve's and my anniversery either. And we've only been married for 3 years - isn't that awful?!
Beckie,
Hi, there...weeding is so much easier after a rain...speaking of rain...thanking you and Rose for sending it down here! We are getting rain and this morning I planted in it! It's coming down hard and it will be a gully washer but the creeks will fill up and maybe the lakes. We are talking strong rains!
We have a little black betle that is eating my coneflowers, it's not colorful like the JB. I pick it off and squish it! yikes!
Gardening is not for the faint of heart...someone said this on someone's post earlier!
Gail
Hi, I love your posts. They are intersting and enjoyable!;o)
I really dislike those nasty Japanese beetles! They are completely eating the leaves of the purple sweet potato vine.
Your husband must not read your blog! If he does, your secrets are out!
I hate those beetles they can ruin anything in a heart beat.Have a good weekend.
Beckie,
You make me laugh. Have I said that before? Your six point meme is so funny! When I was in sixth grade at a Catholic elementary school, I was going to become a Nun. Until 8th grade when the hormones kicked in... LOL!
Addicted to blogging. Aren't we all? Sometimes, like now, being away hurts, though. I miss you.
Mary
Beckie, I miss you--it's a new week--can you post again?
Beckie where are you.....missed you loads, come back soon.....you are not ill are you?????
You're going to have to be real creative now with your chocolate hiding place, if your husband sees this post. Believe me, I've hidden it so well before to keep it secret from hubby and daughter that I forgot where I hid it and discovered it six months later!
The beetles sure ruined your rose. I had a problem with Viburnum Leaf Beetle this year. They totally de-foliated my snowball tree. I had never heard of them before.
It seems there are a lot of garden pests doing damage lately.
Beckie,
Making my morning rounds and wanted to stop by say hello.
Hello...
gail
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