The Stone Rabbit

WONDERS AND WORDS WEDNESDAY. . . #2

 

More Summer Wonders!!!

 

The thermometer in my car yesterday afternoon---an all time high !!!!

 

 

 

The temperature at 8:19 p.m. last night. . . as I prepared to jog!!!  :)  I just ran two miles. . . and I was doing it at a very slow (nearly walking!  :) pace.  It was the hottest temperature in which I have ever exercised.  

 

Today's high is predicted to be ONLY 97. . . .what a welcome improvement!!  :)

 

It's a WONDER our plants are hanging on in this heat wave.  

This is a long stretch on the north side of our house and it the first summer I've been able to keep plants alive there.  It gets blistering heat in the morning, but shade all afternoon.

I planted begonias and moss in vintage galvanized buckets and lined them along side the walk and have really enjoyed watching them grow.....instead of croaking like my previous plants have done.  :) 

 

I am always in awe at how hard I work to keep our plants watered so they won't die, then, the other day when I was jogging I saw this amazing flower blooming in a crack on one of our side streets!

 

On another day,  I saw this moss  filling a crack in a local street.

Yep, the wonders of Mother Nature at work, even in this miserable heat.

 

THE STONE RABBIT wants to remind us to never leave our homes without a bottle of water this time of year!

 

WORDS:

THE STONE RABBIT also wanted this selection to serve as the WORDS portion of the post today!  

It brings back so many memories for me. . . I hope you enjoy it, too!

 

 

 

KEEPING COOL......DANA

 

PORCH PARTY.....2011

 Rhondi of ROSE COLORED GLASSES is hosting her annual PORCH PARTY!!!

This event is one I really look forward to. . . not because I have great decor to share, but because I love to "porch hop" and see how other folks get their outdoor spaces spiffed up for warm weather enjoyment!

 

The last three years, I have shared my Patriotic Porches.   Sadly, this year. . . I have not decorated for the Fourth. . . .  yet.  I have to say, my DIL can't believe it.

 

I can't believe it.

 

That's the way I  handled decking out for Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, and even Easter this year, too!!!

 

I went to the effort of hauling the boxes full of decorations upstairs from the basement....only to have them remain in the exact spot until a day or two before the holiday. . . at which point I slapped the stuff out!!!!   Then, it stayed out way too long.  I would finally decide to pack it all up and take it back down to the basement. . . without really having enjoyed the decor that once made me so happy!

Is that a sign of a mental issue. . . .or am I just old and tired?  Lordy. . . .I hope it's a big fat NO on both accounts!

 

SO, I am hoping that, with Rhondi's "gentle push", I will get my self in gear and at least spiff up the porches around this joint.  Then maybe, while I'm on a roll from "porch spiffing", I'll carry that enthusiasm into the rest of my home!

 

So here we go. . . .

 

First, I'd like to share one of my most cherished possessions. . . an old mop bucket.

 

This bucket was given to us as a housewarming gift from my pal Bonnie when we moved here six years ago.   It was filled with the most gorgeous plants.  Ever since, I have enjoyed giving it a new look each summer.  

I used the word "enjoyed" to describe how I feel when I fill this container with foliage . . . and this is why. . . . 

 

it just turns out different and lovely each and every year. 

 

The above photo was taken on May 30, 2011, just before I filled it with plants.  The one below is how it looks today!!!  The plants are thriving and looking so pretty!

 

Here is a shot of our back patio.  It's kinda an "L" shape, with this area being the longest part.  

 

There are actually two big metal tables in this spot. . . with six pots of red periwinkles/vinca and the mop bucket marching down the white porch rail.

This area is not covered with a roof. . . that's still a sore spot with me.  I tried to convince my hubby and builder that we needed it covered, since it faces West.  I lost the fight.  So, it's a hard spot to enjoy in the afternoon. . .and even until the sun sets.

 

This section is the "small end of the L" and is covered by a roof.

 

The windows are  a French door  that goes into our dining room.  If you look closely, you can see our kitty, Twiggy, in the lower left window pane. . . watching me get ready for all of you guys to visit us!!!

 

This little set of table and chairs is a new addition to the patio.  I wanted something smaller than the larger sets we had. . . just to sit at and enjoy a cup of coffee in the mornings or a little meal with the hubby in the evenings.

 

When I saw this at a recent antique show, I had to have it!!

 

My friend, Claudia, was selling it at the Greenwood (Missouri) Garden Show in April!!

 

 

 

So, this little table will be the spot where you and I can visit when you come by during the Porch Party!!!

It'll be a cozy little place. . .and it's covered by the roof!!

 

I decided to add a vintage black and white table cloth, an old berry box, some mini-carnations and a bandana. . . 

 

along with some wonderful old silverplate I recently picked up at a flea market. 

 

With napkins, small plates and a sweet patriotic candle (given to me from my buddy Patty), I'm almost ready for your visit!

 

But, I needed a "theme".

 

So, because it's Summertime. . . and because I'm nuts about watermelons. . .

guess what YOU'RE gonna get to eat today?  

 

Yep, some awesome and juicy and sweet and delicious watermelon!!

 

Of course, I can't stop at one item to serve you. . . no way!!

 

I came up with these terrific angel food cake watermelon goodies, too!!

 

 

Just like the rest of you, I've been super duper busy lately and didn't have time to create some grand little treat, so I picked up little prebaked "loaf" pans of angel food cakes at our store.

 

 

Next I cut them up and "shaped" the pieces to sorta resemble watermelon slices (ya gotta use your imagination here!)  :)

 

Next, I grabbed some pre-made white frosting and some food colors. . . 

 

and went to work!!!

 

First a little pinkish/red. . . then. . .

 

a bit of green around the edges!!

Finally, a few squeezes of black frosting to create the "illusion" of seeds and . . . 

we're ready for a PORCH PAR-TAY!!!!  

Look who's joined us for the fun. . . THE STONE RABBIT!!!!    He's been looking forward to seeing you, too!!

 

OK. . . so just help yourself while I go inside and fix us an extra special liquid refreshment!!!

 

 

I know this will be  a big hit at the Porch Party. . . WATERMELON MARGARITAS!!!

 

 

Here you go!!!  

 

Now, if you like, we can leave the tequila out, but I have to say "WHY"?   :)

 

 

It was so nice of you to visit today!

While you're here . . .

let's concentrate on relaxing and enjoying our time together. . .

taking in the scent of the fresh basil and . . .

 

mint . . . and . . .

 

while watching another batch of storm clouds roll in. 

 

 

Of course, we'll have to toast to another GREAT PORCH PARTY!!!

 


 

Thank you, Rhondi, for hosting this great event!!!

 

Please visit her blog, ROSE COLORED GLASSES, for a grand tour of terrific summer porches and patios!

 

Have fun!!

 

Dana

 

PINKS ON "THE SQUARE"!!!

 

The day before Mother's Day was just beautiful in our city of Independence, Missouri.  It was as if the weather had been specially "ordered" for the annual Flower and Garden Sale on THE SQUARE of this historic town!! 

The vendors set up shop around the old court house, giving us the longed for burst of color which, after our Missouri Winter, is always such a welcome sight.

 

Besides the amazing array of plants, you can usually find President Harry S. Truman, strolling around The Square, greeting the  shoppers and . . . .

 

reminiscing  about his unexpected victory over Dewey!!!  In fact, he keeps a copy of the newspaper with that famous headline in his pocket!!

 

 

This year my neighbor was able to attend the sale with me.  She was pleased with the  gorgeous plants she found for her flower pots.

 

 

I ran into my buddy Sharleen at the sale, too.  She was hunting for a hanging plant. . . and was really impressed with the size and beauty of this one!!!

In fact, Sharleen no doubt knew I'd be at the sale, so she wore her PINK jacket. . .just in case I needed a Pink Saturday photo!!!

I've trained my friends well!!!  :)

 

This vendor had such a gorgeous selection of hanging plants!!!

 

I didn't get hanging plants, but did pick up several small pots of Gerber Daisies to use as Mother's Day gifts the next day!

 

Sharleen was pleased with her purchased. . . and the help she had in getting that huge plant to her car!!

 

This is Debbie Kraft,   a local gal and the author of  "Perfect 10 Cookbooks, Family Secrets" .   I saw that she not only had her cookbooks for sale, (I bought mine at another sale)  but she also had added a line of "toppings" which she calls "Island Jamz".   My neighbor and I each purchased a jar. . . I selected Pineapple-Coconut Rum!!!!  I'm saving it to drizzle over some yummy vanilla ice cream one day. . .  very, very soon!!!  If you clink on the link, you can see the amazing selection of flavors. . . and the many uses for her delicious "toppings"!!

 

This is Stephanie Speers. . . another local entrapeneur.

Stephanie creates the most delicious sweet treats.  Her business, called PIN-UP PASTRIES, specializes in cupcakes, cake pops, cookies and brownies. 

Don't you just LOVE how she incorporates so much PINKNESS into her displays and creations?  I sure do!

 

I personally had to sample one of these and . . . .

 

one of these!!!

Somebody had to do it. . . .right?   :-)

They were wonderful!!!!



I feel so lucky to live near our wonderful square that hosts so many great events throughout the year. . . especially the annual garden show.  It's a very special surprise when local small businesses share their wares  at these events, too.

 

Just looking at Stephanie's wonderful cup cake pictures makes my mouth water as I write this post.   Sadly, I don't have any of her sweet delights to satisfy my urge for sugar.  

 

HOWEVER. . . I did remember that I still had the box of PINK Cuppy-cakes left from last week's Pink Saturday Birthday Party!!!!

 

 

Sadly, THE STONE RABBIT reported there was just ONE PINK Cuppy-cake left!

It seems the hubby had been enjoying these little goodies all week long!!!!  Guess I will have to find a better hiding place in the future!  ;-)

 

While these little gems are not nearly as pretty OR tasty as Stephanie's, THE STONE RABBIT and I have to say. . . .

they are still pretty danged yummy!!!! 

 

   

 

Please visit Beverly at HOW SWEET THE SOUND for a long list of fellow bloggers with PINKS to share with you!

 

Happy Pink Saturday!!

 

DANA

A VISIT FROM A LITTLE BIRDIE

 Yesterday, I kept hearing  little chirping sounds, but couldn't locate the source until I peeked out the office window and spotted this little one. . . perched on the empty planter. . . looking in the window!

 

 What a sweetie. . . with a few of its little newborn feathers still hanging on!

 

 

It wasn't long before Twiggy spotted the baby, too!!

 

The birdie didn't seem phased by the sight of a cat just inches away!   
 

Twiggy and I watched the visitor for quite a while.  It kept chirping and looking in the window at us.  Of course, I started getting concerned about it being out there all by itself. . . and envisioned myself digging worms to feed it.

Soon, however, I spotted a robin out in the yard.  If you look, you can see it to the left of the little tree.  I was certain that it was the mama. . . just waiting for the baby to hop down and head her way.

While I was looking at the robin in the yard another one landed on the chair by the baby. . .it had food in its mouth!  And as I was messing with my camera, trying to pull off a shot of the baby actually receiving a beak full of nourishment. . . it happened and I missed it!

 

Then, my husband pulled into the driveway. . . and both of the birdies took off!

And that was that!!!



This morning,  THE STONE RABBIT was admiring our blooming roses. . . located very near where the birds were last night.   I told him what Twiggy and I had seen  and how happy I was that I'd  taken a few pictures so I could remember that the little birdie had paid us a visit.

 

 

Then, he pointed to the little "treasure pile" to his right, on the porch. . . and said it  looked like one of the birdies had left a calling card for us!  :)

That bunny doesn't miss much!

 

 

 

DANA

A SUMMER PROJECT

In May of 2008, Bonnie and I visited Liberty, Missouri, for a wonderful sale that was being held around the town square.   To read the post about that adventure, please click HERE!!!

Pictured in the photo below is one of the items I bought that day.  A talented couple combined vintage finds to make the most wonderful bird feeders and planters.

I kept this find on a back patio. . . with a potted plant in it. . . for the last two summers.  However, this year, I decided I would like to have it in another location, with flowers actually planted in the old enamel pan.

Since there were no drain holes in the bottom of the pan, I scrounged around in my husband's stash of tools and came up with an object that looked like it was capable of withstanding the blows of a small sledge hammer. . . and hopefully, it would be able to punch through the metal!! 

It worked!!

After successfully beating five nice sized holes in the pan. . .
 

I added some pea gravel for drainage  and some dirt (didn't get a photo of that step for some reason) and then . . .

some yellow Rose Moss I found on sale!! 

A friend gave me this old tea kettle some time ago.  I believe Lynne ,of LYNNE'S GIFTS FROM THE HEART, shared how she had filled such an object with Rose Moss.  It reminded me of how my mother always had that plant growing in various containers.    I stuck one little left over red begonia in it, too!!!

This is how the two projects looked this morning, exactly three weeks after I planted them!!  The moss has really filled in and it puts out gorgeous blooms each and every day!

THE STONE RABBIT has really enjoyed our new planting addition.  He loves to hop out there in the mornings, when it's shady, and take in the beauty and peace of a new summer day!

 

Before long, however, the sun comes over the roof of the house and spills on to the Rose Moss. . . making the shady spot disappear and causing those yellow blooms to spring forth even more!   Rose Moss loves the sun!!!

THE STONE RABBIT, on the other hand, goes in search of more shade.  He's not a real sun lover in his old age!

DANA

OUR TEXAS TRIP Part 4. . . . . . .or We Brought Pink Memories Home With Us!

 

This is the fourth and final installment about the trip I took to Canton, Texas, with my friends Bonnie and Marian.

We drove from Independence, Missouri, to Terrell, Texas, on March 30.  Then, for the better part of three days,  we shopped  at Canton's HUGE "First Monday Trade Days" .  We also spent one rainy day visiting local antique shops and an outlet mall!

THEN, bright and early on Easter Sunday morning, we each pulled on our special PINK "cowgirl" socks that Bonnie had given us as a memento of this trip, then we. . . .

donned the rabbit ears I had brought for us and . . . .
 

loaded our car and prepared to leave the fine motel we had called home for five nights!
 

BUT before we left I FINALLY spotted the first real Texas wildflower I had seen on our trip . . . and it was growing right on the grounds of our motel!!! 

Yes, I had jabbered and jabbered about how we were certain to see lots of wonderful Texas wildflowers when we were visiting Canton, but we didn't see any- - -  until the day I saw this beauty! :)
 

 It was foggy on Easter Sunday morning as the Dallas skyline came into view.

Bonnie was driving on that leg of the trip and I was enjoying checking out the scenery in broad daylight.  When we came through that area six days earlier it was very late at night and I was driving. . . very white knuckled.. . . .fearful about being on that stretch of strange and confusing highway. . . and certainly not appreciating the beauty of the area.

Anyway, we were zipping along when all of a SUDDEN I realized we were seeing. . .
 

huge patches of TEXAS BLUE BELLS on the side of the highway!!  My little camera was able to capture the gorgeous carpet of that honored wildflower as we headed home!!

 

This part of Dallas has lots of over and over-over passes.  It didn't look as scary in the light of day as it did when we were driving it late at night.
 

The star of Texas proudly adorns the concrete supports of this highway. 

We soon found ourselves leaving Texas and driving North through Oklahoma. 

Around 1:30 p.m., we stopped in  Billings, OK, to gas up the car.  When we pulled up to the station, we were quickly tempted by the Dairy Queen that was conveniently attached to it.  

Within minutes we were enjoying our Easter Lunch of yummy chicken tenders and gravy and fries- - - vowing we would be back to our healthier eating habits after this meal!

A few  hours later, we had made it through the rest of Oklahoma and Kansas, then East into Missouri and HOME!!!

We had a great time on our road trip to Canton Texas Trade days.  However, I bought very few items!! For some reason, there was little that appealed to me.  Even Bonnie didn't find much.  I think Marian had more luck than either of us on this trip.  So while disappointing in the "the finds" we still loved "the hunt".

Both Bonnie and I hauled home door panels- - - vintage and new.  We paint signs on them to sell in shows.

Twiggy thought I had made a good choice with the panels.  However, . . . .

she didn't know what to make of the carton of ceramic eggs that I found.
 

Actually, Marian spotted them.  I'll use them for a Spring sale. . . possibly filling them will grass and a little chick and flowers.
 

Bonnie and I each bought some of this. . . it's oil cloth!  We both have totes we purchased several years ago made from oil cloth and thought we'd try to create some new ones. 

Actually, we have lots of projects that we are guilty of buying the supplies for, but not actually following through and completing.  I hope we really take the time to do this project!   If not, we can always use the fabric for tablecloths!  Of course, I picked some great PINK patterns!
 

I found this "vintage" Fisher Price camera for my grands to play with.  Their daddy and Aunt B had one when they were kiddos!  I'm pretty sure I sold it in a garage sale- - - probably for one dollar.  I paid two dollars for this one.   I knew I had to have it when I held it up and looked in the view finder, clicked the button and the faux flashbulb twirled around!  Lots of memories of my own "little ones" filled my head in that moment!

Last week, I mentioned the booth (THE JUNK EXCHANGE) where I found these great vintage prints made into cards. These are 5 X 7 and I will frame them to display.
 

However, a great touch the creators add to this product is a flap that can be attached to the back of the card, allowing it to stand by itself!


 

I shared on an earlier post (about our trip) this great oil cloth placemat and chalk board combo that I purchased for my Grand Girl!  Someone asked if I'd bought one for my Grand Boy.  I didn't cuz this was the only one the vendor had left.  However, I'm pretty sure I will be able to recreate one for him. . . I just have to locate where to buy the vinyl chalkboard fabric.  I have a little time. . . he's only 9 months old and isn't interested in writing yet!  We'll just have to watch the chalk. . . he likes to chew on stuff!  :)
 

THE STONE RABBIT was really glad my friends liked their rabbit ears.  I told him we got a lot of attention as we rode the elevator down to the lobby on Easter morning. . . .heading for one final continental breakfast at the motel.
 

Both THE STONE RABBIT and little Twiggy spend a lot of time at my feet when I am sitting at the computer.  They LOVE it when I wear my "cowgirl" socks.
 

As I typed away on this post, Twiggy kept pawing at me.  When I didn't pay attention to her gentle taps, she finally yelled out, "I want to see those rabbit ears!"
 
 

Hmmmmmmm. . . . . what can I say!

Well. . . .I do know of ONE thing I can say and that would be. . . .

 

HAPPY PINK SATURDAY !!!

For many more blogs full of PINKS to share, just visit Beverly of HOW SWEET THE SOUND!  She will have a long list all ready for you! 

DANA

IT DOESN'T GET MUCH BETTER THAN THIS. . . . . . A SPRING GIFT

On Saturday, our Weeping Crabapple Tree was filled with zillions of wonderful buds. . . .so very close to their glorious Spring 2010 "Home Opener". 

Some just couldn't wait . . . unfurling their petals before the others were ready.

All of that beauty was magnified by the intense blueness of the sky which served as the backdrop to this yearly scene.

By the next afternoon, the tree was covered with its  gift to us.  Not only was it loaded with magnificent pink blossoms, it was sharing the lightest, and yet, most fragrant scent.

I snipped a few of the lowest branches and placed them in a glass of water.  Later, I positioned them in a vintage flower basket.

THE STONE RABBIT was quick to spot the arrangement I had placed on the dining room table. 

He hopped right up and bent forward a bit - - - taking in a long, slow breathe.

I saw a smile cross his face the moment he inhaled the sweetness of the delightful Spring Gift.

He, too, knows that it just doesn't get much better than this.

 

Twiggy enjoys "hanging out" on the table in front of our living room window. . . admiring the blooms on that spectacular Weeping Crabapple Tree and watching the bumblebees going about their work, moving from flower to flower. 

The blinds are apparently not an obstacle.

She wants to take in every moment of our Spring Gift,  because she also knows it doesn't get much better than this.

Happy Spring! 

DANA

SUMMER BOUNTY, OR ONE STEP CLOSER TO FALL

Saturday morning, I made a little trip to the Independence Farmer's Market, located near the historic square of Independence, Missouri.

The weather was absolutely amazing and the market was PACKED with vendors and shoppers.

Vendors displayed their goods  on tables, under tents, on the ground and out of the back end of their pickup trucks.  It was such a festive outing to see the shoppers eagerly selecting the best produce they could find and on that day.......EVERYTHING looked wonderful.

The peaches were from Dover, Missouri, which is  East of Independence on Highway 24, in an area full of orchards. 

I brought home some of this corn.....it was wonderful.

The little lady at this space always has plants to sell, which she "starts" herself.  Sometimes, she sells fresh cut flowers, too.   That day, she added this little sign to her booth.

I found the spot where my friend Marian had purchased blackberries last Wednesday.  If you click HERE you can read why I needed to buy these to give to her!! :)

Look at that sky!!!  How could you not feel anything but GREAT when you're out and about on a day like that!

Whoopee!!!  Look what I found.......Fall is almost here!

I made my purchases and headed home, but first I had to stop at Marian's (who had JUST returned from her Pilate's class!) and give her the replacement blackberries!  

In addition to the blackberries, I purchased corn, green beans, tomatoes, a watermelon AND theses terrific gourds, pumpkin and yellow sunflowers!  I'm not certain if these are sunflowers or not, but I thought they were beautiful!

Bonnie has a little Zinnia bed at her house, so I helped myself to a few of those, too, to add to my bouquet.  She knows how much I love them.  She won't care if I snipped some.  Plus she was away on a little trip with her friends.......having FUN!!!   :)

I just love Fall and this little grouping certainly puts me in the spirit for our next season!!!

THE STONE RABBIT  liked the little pumpkin I brought home to him, but he reminded me that we still have lots of time left in Summer. . . .even my patio plants were saying, "Hey, wait a minute.   We're finally looking good!  Don't wish Fall to come so soon!"

They're right, but I can't help but be a little excited about the coming of our next season!!! 

REALLY IMPORTANT NEWS!!!

I just found out from my daughter-in-law, that JC (the fellow pictured on your left below) and his group called THE TEXAS TENORS, will make their next appearance on "America's Got Talent",  Tuesday evening, September 1 ST !!!  As I wrote about (CLICK HERE) earlier, JC is a friend of my son and daughter-in-law.   He is a super nice guy as well as a wonderful singer!  Hope you can tune in for their performance!!!  I won't ask you to vote for them, but I'll bet you just might want to after you hear them sing!!

Have a great day!!!

DANA

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

Welcome to another Wordless Wednesday!!!

Our theme this week is:
                                      

                                     BLOOMING ! ! !

                               

To find links to other folks who are wordlessly sharing their "blooming"  photos, please visit Dixie at FRENCH LIQUE, TEXAS!!!!!

    DANA