The Stone Rabbit

My Favorite Summer Flowers

 

 

One of my favorite summer flowers.......the zinnia!

Folks who have success raising them tell me how EASY they are to grow.  They don't grow for me.....even though I LOVE them.

So. . .I have to rely on the kindess of others to SHARE a bouquet with me!!!  

My mom was the Zinnia Queen.   She had big ones and little ones and they were all different colors. . .almost always started with the dried seeds from the previous season.  When I visited her in the summer, she would send me home with a huge batch of them to enjoy.

Since they are usually going strong around my summer birthday time, my buddy Bonnie has frequently given me a beautiful arrangement from her zinnia patch as part of my birthday gift!

 

This picture is from 5 years ago.  Bonnie shared these gorgeous zinnias with me AND that vintage Rodney Kent hammered aluminum pitcher were in!!  I keep it displayed in my kitchen all the time!!

What t was I thinking with that hairdo?  :) 

 

This year Bonnie didn't plant zinnias !!!!  Boo Hoo!!!

However, yesterday I was visiting my neighbor and she was showing me her flowers and I FLIPPED when I saw her zinnias. . . .

 

 

 

and she picked a bouquet for me!!!  

Ahhhhh......

 

 

 

 

She also gave me a tomato plucked fresh from the vine!  

I don't grow tomotoes either! 

I put the zinnias in one of my mom's vases. . . .

 

 

THE STONE RABBIT was wondering what are you favorite summer flowers?

I love so many of them, but these are the top of my list. . .they remind me of my childhood and my mom's love of gardening.......a skill she did tried to pass on to me, but it didn't take.  :)

Happy PINK Saturday to all of you!

Be sure you pay a visit to Beverly's blog HOW SWEET THE SOUND.  You will find a lot of other bloggers ready with their weekly shares!!

DANA

 

 

 

 

Flowers Potted BEFORE Mother's Day. . . a first for me!!!

 

 My mom could put a stick in the ground and it would root and grow and bloom.  Among the thousands of great qualities she possessed was that "green thumb" of hers.

She was so good about "bringing plants in" for the winter. . .so she could "put them back out" and enjoy them the next summer.  One such plant she almost always included in the "bringing in" would be a begonia or two.  

She was great about "starting" new plants over the winter and often times (usually on or around Mother's Day) she would give me one of the begonias she'd started because she knew that was one of my favorite outdoor plants. . .and during those days it was a plant she knew I couldn't kill cuz we had a super shady yard then and those begonias thrived there.

My mom did pass on  some mighty fine qualities to me, but she knew that Green Thumb wasn't one of them!  

I know she found great inner peace when "piddling" with her plants and garden.  One of the greatest joys in her life came when she and my brother and his wife shared a home and garden.  She loved to show off their latest planting efforts, and he his, and I know that brought great happiness to her cuz he also had a pretty Green Thumb in those days.

But, like I said, that Green Thumb just skipped right over me.  I really don't find relaxation in dragging huge bags of soil around or putting the dirt in the pots or even placing the new little plants in them and it REALLY irritates me to shell out money to buy the plants in the first place.   Oh and I HATE to water them!!

So why do I do it?  

I like the results.  I like to sit on the patio and look at the pretty blooms.  That's the time I find very peaceful and relaxing.

However, this year has been somewhat different.

I still didn't like having to pay WAY too much for my little flat of plants OR dragging the dirt from the garage to the back patio.  However, once I started the process of "potting" the little plants I felt the presence of my Mom.

She's  been on my mind a lot more than usual lately.   I think of her every day. . .but recently it's been nearly overwhelming.  This will be the 11th Mother's Day without her. . . and I still can't believe she's not with us.   I know all of us who have lost our parents go through similiar feelings. . .and I'm sure it's simply a sign that we loved them so very much.

So, as I pulled the little Vinca plants out of their starter containers and placed them three to a pot, the "job" of getting the patio pots filled this year didn't seem so bad.

I wish I'd had a video of the thoughts that were going through my head during this time.

I know I was having flashbacks of Mother's Days Past . . . and being so grateful that we did have those times together.

 

 

Over the previous 9 summers we've lived here, I've found that  Vincas do great on our Western exposure.  It gets like an oven on that side of the house in the late afternoon, but these little beauties can take it!!

 

 

 

THE STONE RABBIT wanted me to show you a picture I took last summer right before a big  storm was about to come through.

 

I'd pulled the Vinca beneath the roof-covered part of our patio to protect them.  Little Twiggy helped me do that!!

 

 

Another plant I've found that does super on that hot patio is Lantana.  For the past few summers I've been putting it in a vintage mop bucket that was given to me by my friend Bonnie.

I don't know how much longer that bucket will be good for plants, however, as I discovered the bottom appears to be rusting out!!!  I'll have to get creative and figure out a way to keep using it as a planter cuz I love it so much!!

 

 

 

 

Here is THE STONE RABBIT with last year's Lantana!!!  It got HUGE and bloomed all summer long!!

 

 

 I often wonder what my mom thinks about me taking up the activity of running?  Bet she LOVED the first 5K I ever did nearly four years ago.  That's me with my son.  He ran it with me. . .every step of the way.  :) 

 

 I'm sure she was doubly tickled as was my sister up in heaven with her, cuz that was my niece's first 5K, too.    That's us running together in our second 5K !!

 

 

Running seems to have come along at a good time in my life. . .when I needed to find a different way to relax and to find inner peace. . .pretty much like Mom seemed to find with her "Green Thumb".    Actually, she might be thinking I'm nuts to enjoy running, but I do know she's most likely my biggest cheerleader and she will be waiting for me at the big finish line in the sky.  :)

 

 

And here are my begonias. . .ready to be placed in their new pots and put in some shady areas on the porches!  

Can't have a summer without begonias!!  :)

 

Happy Mother's Day.

 

Please be sure to visit Beverly's blog HOW SWEET THE SOUND!  There will be a long list of other bloggers ready to share their special Mother's Day or PINK posts with you!!

DANA

 

Such Special Pinkness!!

 

 

 

Last year was the first time I'd ever watched the Boston Marathon . 

I'd started running in the summer of 2010. . .and didn't have an interest or a clue about "Boston" until last year!!

I had a birthday luncheon to attend that day and, somehow, I found out I could "live stream" the elite runners. . .so while I was getting ready to go. ..I watched the marathon on my iPad!!  

I saw those elite runners finish. . .then I left.  

Later, after the luncheon, I got into my car to come home. . ..and turned on the radio. . .only to be stunned by the tragic and senseless events that had occurred at the finish line.

This year, Twiggy Cat and I were determined to support those who had lost their lives or were injured in last year's attack AND the 2014 runners and BOSTON, by watching the marathon.  And like so many others, we held our breath and prayed that all would be well. . .

And it was.

Thankfully.

Twiggy loves to snuggle with me in my Pink SNUGGIE!!  :)

 

 

 

So that was Monday.

On Tuesday, I to our nearby Bass Pro Trail.

 

 

I have been dealing with an "injury" for two months. . . an outta the blue injury that knocked me on my running backside!  And FYI, it had nothing to do with "running", but a raging case of tendinitis that was triggered by a calcium deposit in a muscle in my leg.

I have been slowly trying to build up from just being able to walk longer and longer distances without pain . . .  then ,  to running a few steps (and stopping when the pain started),  and to my present level of being able to do run/walk intervals of 3 min./one min. for 3.1 miles!!

It's been a miserable two months in terms of pain and worry (didn't know for awhile what was going on), but I'm feeling better that I can run without leg hurting. 

This was such an odd thing to happen . . . but probably was a reaction to an injury I'd received in that part of my leg years and years ago.  I shouldn't be surprised. . .if it's gonna be something with a "slim chance of happening", well, it most likely will come my way!!

Anyway, I'm going to do my first 5K of 2014 this weekend, so I headed to the trail for a 3 mile run/walk.

 

It was a coolish and gorgeous morning to be out and about.

Here's a little view of part of the lake on the South side of the trail. . .

 

 

 

 

And on the other side, they are building a motel.    It was supposed to have been started a long time ago, but we are glad it's a "go" now.  The Bass Pro building is behind the motel in this photo. . .you can see a bit of it peeking out on the left of it.  It will mean more jobs for our area.

 

 

This was  what was waiting for me on another part of the trail. . .a PINK stuffed critter perched in a tree!!!

 

 

 

Oh, and another bit of PINKNESS. .  our weeping crabapple tree  before the big old rains hit yesterday.  It's so pretty when it's covered with all of those PINK blooms!!  They just don't stay on long enough!

 

 

I didn't have a chance to get a "new" photo of THE STONE RABBIT before writing this post, so I am sharing one I took of him a few years ago.  He was visiting my neighbor across the street that day and enjoying her amazing tulips!!!

He's always loved Spring. . .and this is one of the reasons. . .those flowers are so beautiful!!

 

 

 

Be sure you visit Beverly's blog, HOW SWEET THE SOUND, for a long list of others who are waiting to share their PINKS with you again this week!!

 

Happy Pink Saturday!!

DANA

 

 

Happy Winter-Spring!!

 

 

Recently a friend and I drove to a nearby town to get in a little Spring outing!  As we entered the town, this little sign caught our attention!!

I thought it was hysterical. . .a blood drive and bake sale all in one!!!  

Anyway. . the sign was PINK with  a touch of blood red!! 

 

And here's the Winter-Spring I was talking about in the title of this post!!  

My Christmas Cactus is blooming. . .and so are the daffodils!!

THE STONE RABBIT was really happy to see me bring in the daffodils yesterday . . .they are one of his favorite flowers!  

 

 

Be sure to visit Beverly's blog HOW SWEET THE SOUND!  There will be a lot of other bloggers ready to share their PINKS with you this weekend!!

 

DANA

 

 

Surprise PINK Blooms!!

 

My Christmas Cactus  didn't bloom at Christmas, but look at it now!!!

Actually, the plant looked like it was croaking, so I moved it to a different spot and it promptly started putting out these PINK blooms on the end of every stem!!

 

 

THE STONE RABBIT was "sunning" himself yesterday in the 50 degree weather. . .next to the last bits of snow in our yard.  I decided the Christmas Cactus might like a moment of fresh air, too.  Also, I could get better pictures of the PINK blooms to share with you!!

By the way, Patty (one of my buds) told me HER Christmas Cactus was blooming, too. . .and hers DID bloom at Christmas.   

 

 

 

I can't believe another week has gone by and it's time to join in the Pink Saturday Party again!!  Thank you, Beverly, for keeping us in the party mood!!!  :)

Please visit Beverly's blog, HOW SWEET THE SOUND.  You'll find lots of other bloggers who are ready to share their PINKS with you this weekend!!

HAPPY PINK SATURDAY!

DANA

 

Celebrating PINK Blooms!!

 

Recently, our friend Michelle (front row, second from left. . .next to me in my PINK lei!!! :), hosted her "Second Annual Mimosa Party"!!!

We gathered with Michelle and her three sweet dogs (left to right: Gracie, Moose and Glory) to celebrate the . . .

 beautiful PINK blooms on her. . .

 

 

gorgeous Mimosa tree!!

 

 

 Of course, part of that celebration included awesome brunchy food and to sip on delicious Mimosas!!

Michelle made two wonderful egg casseroles and the rest of us filled in with muffins, fruit, veggies and. . .

 

 

 

yummy dessert!!  One of the guests brought these awesome treats!!!

 

Glory's beautiful face wasn't showing in our group shot. . .here she is, wearing her PINK lei.  Moose has on his orange one!!   All three of Michelle's pups are so sweet!!

 

THE STONE RABBIT and I were reminiscing about the Mimosa party.  

We tried to recreate a bit of the feeling by enjoying one of our pretty periwinkle plants and a glass of OJ, minus the champagne.  While it's no where near the same as Michelle's great party, we enjoyed our quiet time on the patio!

I'm nearly done with the second longest book I've ever read. . . PILLARS OF THE EARTH.   I love it. . .actually, I love it so much I don't want it to end!!  Fortunately, Ken Follett is a prolific writer, so I have plenty more of his books to look forward to!

 

 

Something else I'm looking forward to is another week of PINK SATURDAY!! Be sure to visit Beverly at HOW SWEET THE SOUND, because there will be a whole bunch of other bloggers who are ready to share their pinks with you!!

 

HAPPY PINK SATURDAY!!

 

DANA

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