I am finding it difficult to keep up with everything-house keeping, laundry, gardening and of course more importantly-blogging. I started a new job a couple of weeks ago and am now working full time. It has been many years since I have put in 40 hours a week and marvel at how I used to handle everything and still have time to 'play'. I don't think it is that I am older. Do you? :) I think I am just out of practice and am hoping it will all come back to me.
Rose wrote in her last post of possible reasons why blogging seems to a little thin the last few weeks. I certainly belong in the statistical category of 'too tired at the end of the day!' I hope your reasons are that you are enjoying being in the garden more.
We had a milestone birthday in our family-or at least the party for it. Hubby seemed surprised and was very pleased to see so many of our friends and family there to wish him a happy birthday. It's actually not until the 27th. The 6 yr. old granddaughter had a very hard time keeping the secret, but did manage not to spill the beans as she called it. We have 5 April birthdays. 2 are granddaughters-one turned 16 and the little one turned 4. We celebrated all today with a hot dog and hamburger cookout.
The daffodils have out done themselves this year. I am amazed at how large the blooms are on some of them. The granddaughters have enjoyed all the spring flowers.
And of course, I am enjoying taking pictures of them.
The super macro feature on may camera is getting lots of use. These lilacs are now open and their sweet scent comes in our bedroom window.
I have one yellow tulip-where it came from, I have no clue. But isn't it gorgeous?! I have been thinking about framing some of my super-macro shots and making a group hanging of them.
These tulips, Pink Impressions, are some of the new ones we planted last fall. Or I should say my helpers planted. They have been beautiful, but with the heat the last couple of days, they won't last much longer.
The creeping phlox and vinca have mingled and I like the combination. I did get more phlox planted on Saturday in other areas of the gardens. I love it when it forms thick blooming patches.
The wild violets are blooming. The majority of them I leave where they are. I know they are invasive, but I enjoy their blooms and even their heart shaped leaves.
I have one yellow tulip-where it came from, I have no clue. But isn't it gorgeous?! I have been thinking about framing some of my super-macro shots and making a group hanging of them.
These tulips, Pink Impressions, are some of the new ones we planted last fall. Or I should say my helpers planted. They have been beautiful, but with the heat the last couple of days, they won't last much longer.
The creeping phlox and vinca have mingled and I like the combination. I did get more phlox planted on Saturday in other areas of the gardens. I love it when it forms thick blooming patches.
The wild violets are blooming. The majority of them I leave where they are. I know they are invasive, but I enjoy their blooms and even their heart shaped leaves.
The ornamental plum tree is putting on quite a show this year. Ignore the date on the photo-I was trying to set my camera with the correct date and didn't get it figured out. So...I turned off that feature after taking a couple of pictures.
I hope you don't get tired of my close ups. :) I managed to get some gardening done on Saturday, even with the wind. I planted some Asiatic lilies, gladiolus and a new rose. I also planted several Stella D'Ora lilies thanks to Rose. She divided hers and gave me enough for 5 spots. I tried not to thank her...but it was hard. My seedlings could have been put outside this weekend to enjoy the warm weather, but I couldn't find a place out of the wind so they will just have to stay in the garden window a few more days. Some of them are needing transplanted. I think next year I will wait a couple more weeks before starting them.
I hope you don't get tired of my close ups. :) I managed to get some gardening done on Saturday, even with the wind. I planted some Asiatic lilies, gladiolus and a new rose. I also planted several Stella D'Ora lilies thanks to Rose. She divided hers and gave me enough for 5 spots. I tried not to thank her...but it was hard. My seedlings could have been put outside this weekend to enjoy the warm weather, but I couldn't find a place out of the wind so they will just have to stay in the garden window a few more days. Some of them are needing transplanted. I think next year I will wait a couple more weeks before starting them.
I know this post rambles. Please forgive me, but that seems to be my state of mind the last few weeks. That I am blaming on age! I am hoping for a quiet week coming up where I can get to my favorite bloggers and do some catching up. I just need to get a routine established. But then life always seems to have other plans for me. :)
Hope you all are enjoying your gardens and are able to spend time in them!
27 comments:
Hi Beckie, I really understand what you mean about working full-time. It was really hard for me to blog and garden and do everything else when I was working full-time. My posts have increased dramatically since I left my job... and I fear they will decrease again when I return to full-time work next year. Love all your blooms. The lilacs aren't quite ready here, but close! Some of the seeds you and Rose included in the swap have sprouted in my winter-sown containers! Will post soon(ish).
It felt like summer here in Virginia this weekend too. We had temps in the 90's today and I was not ready for that. It's hard to keep up with everything when you work full time, I remember. Take care & Happy B-Day to your hubby! :) Beautiful shots today, I love the super macro shots.
My dear Beckie.....I was thrilled to see that you have posted.....I have missed you just being there, in saying that, I fully understand how life is at the moment. I do hope that you are taking good care of yourself....
I, for one, am not fed up with your macro shots.....they are lovely.....and I am so pleased that you are having fun with your camera.... It would be a good idea to frame some........I am sure by the end of the season you will have so many special ones to choose from....
I to Love the combination of creeping phlox and vinca.....it is a match made in heaven.....
Take care my friend.....do not worry about visiting me, as long as I know you are ok, then I am ok.......
Hi Beckie, I think we all are a little surprised with this very warm weather. Here in Virginia we went from heat to A/C. My spring lettuce is really sad looking.
Congrats on your new job and a big Happy Birthday to Grandpa! What a milestone. I don't see how anyone can blog and work full time-couldn't imagine it at all. Your flowers are all so lovely and I noticed how big those daffys are right away. Huge! Never seen any that big before.
Your garden is certainly putting on it's Spring show Beckie! So many beauties to enjoy at the end of a work day! Happy B. Day to hubby..many
of us baby boomers are hitting the 60
this year! Smile all around! :)
Dear Beckie, Welcome back...It's hard to choose when a tray of favorite desserts is offered~~ blogging, gardening, outings with family and friends and jobs we love...and we have to choose sometimes! No matter when you post we will all be here!
I will never tire of macro shots! I love the delicate intricacies of plants...so keep showing us what ever you shoot! Your daffs are splendid...I am watching the summer heat that has arrived too early fade the PPPP! Sigh!
Congrats to your hubby on a milestone birthday!
Gail
Beckie, I can see you are enjoying the super-macro feature on your new camera, and no, we won't get tired of close-ups:) The plum blossoms are gorgeous; I hope I have a chance to see your tree while it's still in bloom. With these winds we've had lately, I wonder how long the spring blooms are going to last.
You were a busy girl this weekend! I'm surprised--and happy--that you had time to post. After tilling ALL the vegetable garden on Saturday, I had to recuperate on the couch for a few hours:)
Hi Beckie....I am back......shame on me.....HAPPY BIRTHDAY to your lovely hubby.....
Hi Beckie, happy belated birthday to your DH.
It is very hard to take care of the home, the garden and work a full time job. Very, very hard. Blogging just has to fit in where it can.
Don't you love the camera's macro feature? The camera sees much better than my eyes.
Marnie
I think I have the same yellow Tulip. Sorry, but I can't remember what it is either. I'm digging your photos with your macro. They're wonderful.
I'm with you about letting the Violets have free rein. I think they look cute in the lawn.
I am glad to see you back amongst the bloggers Beckie. T told me of your new job etc. Good to hear things are going well.
S looks very happy here. Good to see him. Please wish him a happy birthday from us.
Your macro photos are great.
Happy Birthday to dear hubby! 60 certainly is a milestone and he looks happy.
It is hot here too. We did put the AC on today. Had the heat on overnight as it got cold. The ups and downs of this climate are extreme, but that's April for ya.
Working full-time!!! Yikes. I don't know if I could handle that. You must be exhausted at the end of the day. Oh, you will get used to it. Just take your time. And do take good care of yourself too.
I do love your pics - the close-ups too. Your daffys are splendid! I never tire of seeing such beautiful, cheerful spring flowers.
Have a good week.
With you going back to work I know for sure that cuts into all your personal time.
I hate to say it but blogging has almost become a chore for me due to work, finding time to garden and then all the necessary things one has to do. I have even thought of giving it up but then I would miss all my bloggy friends.
So, I've just cut down a lot for now.
I enjoyed your photos much Beckie. It does look like spring has arrived at your home. Right now with our high temps it feels like spring has left and summer is here.
Take care of yourself my friend as you get back into the swing of working full time.
You are not alone, dear Beckie ... it's impossible to catch up this time of year. Like you, we had record temps in the 80s (the garden exploding), strong winds, and storms. In between the rain, I lived outside, loving it (besides the garden, grandboys ballgames have started). Love your macro shots but wasn't it crazy photographing in the wind! Happy Birthday wishes for Mr. Dragonfly!
Monica, I for one am glad your posts have increased! The lilacs aren't as pretty as last year-frost I think but still smell great. So glad the seeds are sprouting. I will have to see which ones from you are growing. But I know several are. (soonish-I love that!)
Racquel, thanks! 90's is a little warm. :) But we are back to cool rainy this week. Hope you are enjoying your garden!
Cheryl, I am afraid blogging has taken a back seat to all the others things I am trying to get done. I do miss it and the connections to friends, but want to be outside as much as possible. Then there is the house work-ugh! And of course I seem to need more rest these days all though the work I am doing is not hard. Just getting to old to get it all done. :)
Janet, I can see any cool weather crops would be suffering in the heat. Thank goodness it cooled back down here and we can enjoy our tulips and daffodils a little longer.
Tina, thank you. I am trying to do it all, but some days just aren't long enough. Aren't thos e daffodils blooms huge. I was so excited by them.
Anna, I am one of those boomers! I do enjoy walking the garden after work. A moment of quiet-nice.
Gail, oh no! The PPPP is fading already? Hope it makes a comeback. I'm glad everyone seems to like the macros. I LOVE taking them. :)
Rose, thanks for the nice outing this afternoon. We are going to have to figure out ways to do more of that. Too bad, they don't have lights in some of our favorite gardens.
Marnie, you are right about seeing things with the macro. I am always amazed when I download the photos.
I could let the house go and have more time for blogging couldn't I? :)
MMD, I don't know why people get so upset with the wild violets. The have a graet little flower and mound very nicely. They are more than welcome in my yard and gardens.
Lisa, for the most part things are going well. The rest I am not going to worry about. Birthday Boy did enjoy himself. I think it helped him get through the milestone. :) Sooo looking forward to seeing you and getting to spend some time together.
Wendy, glad to know it warmed up for you. I hope you are enjoying your spring flowers too. I am getting the hang of working full time again, but admit to being tired and doing little every couple of days when I get home. Hope things are good with you.
Susie, I know just what you mean! I do miss blogging on a regular basis though. And I feel like I am missing some good 'friend' time. Maybe when it's hot and buggy out we will have more time. :) Just don't stop all together. I always enjoy reading your posts.
Joey, I will have to start calling him that! Hope you didn't have any damage from the storms. But I know you must be enjoying the warm. I had more blurry pictures from the wind than I did good ones. But that doesn't stop me from trying. Take care and enjoy your spring.
Hi Beckie, I'm so glad you came by to visit! I am having difficulty visiting all my blogging friends too. It's hard to do everything...and now with your full-time job, well, it's gonna be harder on you! I'm blaming my 'slowness' on my age, too, so don't worry )plus, it's a really good excuse for everything! I'm starting to use it more often...and I just turned 52. Hey, it's never too soon to claim senility...then people don't get mad...he he!! It sounds like you are doing well and feeling happy with the warm weather (well, 'hot' isn't so great in spring--but we've been having 95 degree weather, here, too--so I know what that's like). I do love spring and wish it would be 'spring-like' instead of 'summer-like'! I love all of your flowers and photos and your close up shots are beautiful. Your grandchildren are so fortunate to have you in their lives;-) Happy Spring to you, dear Beckie;-)
We (here in Iowa) had temps in the high 80s last Friday then highs in the mid 40s on Saturday, what a change. Your gardens are a bit ahead of ours, nice macro shot of the lilac.
Happy Birthday to Grandpa! :)
Great shot - and I love the sign. It's not yet winter here, but we've had snow already!
I missed a couple posts of yours Beckie. Good luck with your new job. It's definitely hard to fit everything in around a 40 hour work week. If you figure out any secrets (besides giving up sleep) let us know. It looks like spring is in full swing at your house ~ it's just beautiful. Also happy belated birthday to your husband. Sounds like you celebrated well. I hope you take time to relax in your busy schedule.
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