Monday, May 30, 2011

Memorial Weekend, May 30, 2011...Monday...

Planted 48 Zinnia plants today...the ones that get about 4 feet tall and bloom all summer and fall. Baked clover leaf hot rolls, cinnamon rolls, and made a yummy "Loaded Baked Potato Frittata" ... ingredients: eggs, chives, bacon, potatoes...really good!

All in all it was a profitable day...gardening, baking, cooking, family, macrame', crochet, and a movie!

Hope you had a blessed weekend and holiday, as well!

God bless those who serve in the armed forces, and for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, we honor you on this your special day of remembrance! :) Where would this nation be without YOU!

Here's the bag...a 70's pattern...with a new twist in 2011...well, here's some pieces to the bag...i'll post pics when it's complete!



OH! Here's the "pic of the day" of Michaela's 4 O'Clocks!

From two leaves to four! :)

Sunday, May 29, 2011

By Hook, By Hand: Basic Amigurumi Doll

By Hook, By Hand: Basic Amigurumi Doll

Growing Things...May 29, 2011

At long last...SUNSHINE today--after a week of rain, clouds, and wind. I took some time to photo-journal new growth in the gardens. Here's the progress...

Seedling Crepe Myrtle - Spring 2011

Blue Asters and Dwarf Red Barberry-Spring 2011

Alyssum is doing great this year!


The Thyme is creeping in the basket...blooms red! 
You can see more of Michael's Garden Project here:


Michaela's Garden Project


Saturday, May 28, 2011

Conducting Experiments in Horticulture...

I planted a Blue Spirea last fall, and it never leafed out this spring. (It either didn't survive the harsh winds of winter, or I planted it too deep.) While i was digging around it, I gave it a slight tug around the main stems and "oops" -- up it came.  There seemed to be some living roots on one stem, so I am  conducting an experiment with the horticulture knowledge that I possess, and making the rest up as I go...LOL!

I put the root in water, and added a drop or two of a root stimulator.

We'll see what happens. Perhaps I should have googled this process first! Sometimes I just like to go with what I know and see what happens! Hehehehehe! :)





Like a school girl when it comes to experimenting horticulturally! :)

More on the roots progress..I promise! As soon as I see "signs of life!"

I have a friend who is trying to bring back bare root strawberries in a similar way. Too fun!
I detest losing plant life... :(
I'm a firm believer in resuscitation! :)


Check out Michaela's Garden Project -- new photos today!
I think the next big project at my house will be...get a greenhouse! :)



Collecting seeds...



You'll find out why the chick in this post, at the end... :)

Collecting Marigold seeds from the plants in my yard that have bloomed this spring.



Love the smell of the flowers! The seeds are quite pungent, also! :)

On the calendar today:

Great movie to watch with "the kids:  "Where the Red Fern Grows."
Viewed it this morning on Netflix.
Of course, then I wanted a red fern for my garden, so I googled it...there is no such known plant.
Where The Red Fern Growns

Researching raising chickens in the city this morning. Sounds like something I would like to do.
Found a lot of information here:

http://www.backyardchickens.com/

They have a great forum where you can learn from the folks who know!

More on this later...lots to ponder before making a decision about chickens in the city!



 :) 

Friday, May 27, 2011

Favorite Link of the Day!

My package of Michael's Project Seeds...


Growing Four O'Clocks for Michaela!

A friend recently sent me a packet of Michaela's Four O'Clock seeds -- read more about the PFF Foundation here: http://www.petitfamilyfoundation.org/

Michaela's father is turning tragedy into triumph for his two daughters and the wife he lost from this earth in a violent crime.



So far, 6 of the 12 or 18 seeds I planted are pushing up from the ground. Bless them, Lord!

I'll keep you updated on the growth of Michaela's Four O'Clocks...I will be sending seeds back to the PFF Foundation in Fall 2011!

What a great way to honor Michaela. You can grow her seeds as well. Just visit the link for more information.

Here is the link to "Michaela's Garden Project": http://www.petitfamilyfoundation.org/ways_to_support/financial_support/make_a_purchase/michaelas_garden_project/

:)

Monday, May 23, 2011

A Vintage Crocheted Bedspread and Tablecloth...

Began a 75" round crocheted tablecloth today; using a pattern from my Grandmother Venus' "stash." There is something so relaxing about crocheting the vintage patterns--thinking of the "good ole days seeing Grandma in the kitchen, the garden, feeding the geese, freezing produce, and crocheting ruffled doilies and other delightful patterns. Crocheting takes me back to a simpler time. A time that I wish our younger folks new more about and could have experienced.

This will be a month's long project...but at least I have finally begun something I have wanted to do for a long time:

Debbie Hindman

If you're thinking of doing a big crochet project just do it...work on it a little each day...and end up with a "work of art!"

Here is the bedspread I hope to begin crocheting soon:

Debbie Hindman

A little doily "Cranberries and Cream" that I crocheted last week for a friend's birthday gift!

Debbie Hindman


Finally, please remember to pray for our friends in Joplin, MO, as they were hit by a devastating tornado yesterday, Sunday, May 22, 2011. Praying and crocheting are great companion activities. As we pray, we remember today that God is faithful to restore!

Oh, and check out Craft Is Cool photos...such talent!

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.286041287791.177342.258896592791


Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Crochet for Children - a Genius!

Sharing a link today. This gal is a crochet genius when it comes to fun things for kids to wear! Take a look, and also "like" her on Facebook.

http://www.littlebearscrochetden.com/