Max Is Home!

Yes, you read it correctly. I'm very excited, and a little nervous, but mostly excited to have Max back in my home. We went over to the apartment building for our regular, daily visit, but it was anything but normal. One of the neighbors (actually, she's the one who called back in November, to tell me Max had been found) came over to deliver a message to me from the maintainence man. He has been a special friend to Max, as well as many others in the building. Anyway, he had given her a message to tell me. I don't know when this occurred, but he saw a little boy (about 12 years old or so) getting ready to hit Max with a big rock. Of course, he yelled for him to stop, and went to inform his mother, only to discover they don't speak English. He told a friend who does speak Spanish and English to talk to them, but he doesn't know if she did.
Now my first reaction was to bundle Max up and bring him home, but I have a tendancy to over react. I called Dave over for her to repeat the message to him, and Dave's reaction was the same. So I stayed behind with Max, while Dave went to get the pet taxi. I called Sis JoAnn to explain the situation to her. I was nervous about the call, because I was worried that she'd be as sad as I was when I gave Max up. I also worried that She'd think I was implying that she wasn't taking proper care of him, when in fact, I know she was. She told me her feelings weren't hurt at all, and that I should do what I feel is best. She also said she appreciated me letting her know so she wouldn't wonder where he was.
When we got Max into the carrier, and were headed home, the nervousness really hit me. I was so afraid my other cats wouldn't accept him back. We walked in, and I put the carrier down, and let them smell it (and him). Then I held my breath, and opened the door. I expected him to run for cover, and hide for the rest of the day, but he didn't. He simply walked through the house, refamiliarizing himself with the smells and sounds. The other cats have been sniffing him, and one little face off with Morty occurred, but all in all, it's gone surprisingly well. In fact, he's now laying in one of our back porch chairs, napping. It's as if he'd never left. So far, he hasn't begged to go out. I'm praying he never will, but I know that if he does, we'll have to let him. Since he's become an outdoor cat, it would be cruel to cage him in. Please pray Dave and I will know the right time to do this. If we let Max out, and he runs away, I'll be devistated.

Stinky Cats

I'll just let the first photo speak for itself. I don't know who did it, and I'll probably never know, but such is the life of a multi cat owner.
I cleaned up the mess, trying to leave as much soil around the root ball as possible. Then I wrapped a moistened paper towel around it, and put the whole thing in a plastic baggie. Hopefully that will keep the plant alive until I can get some potting soil. If not, I guess it's not tragedy. Ivy is pretty plentiful after all.

Hydrangea Pictures

The seemingly endless clouds and rain, have given me a terrible case of the blues. I was looking thought the garden pictures I took last week (I like to take lots of garden pictures, then save them for future posts). I was hoping these shots would remind myself of why I should appreciate this rain. It worked. Not only did it improve my mood, but it also provided me with today's post, because I found a couple I'd forgotten to share.
These are my hydrangea shrubs. The second picture is the one that was already planted and established by the previous owners of the house. The first picture, I'm especially proud of. This is the small bush we bought last year. I'm simply amazed at how much it's grown in such a short amount of time. If you'd like to see for yourself, click here to see the picture I took last year of the same plant. I'll post another comparison after it blooms.

Stormy Pictures

The good news is that I did get to visit Max after all. There was a break in the storms, and I got there around 3:30pm. He was waiting for me on the concrete wall behind the building, and I got to sit with him for almost an hour, before it started clouding back over. I called Dave to ask him if this was just a little cloud cover. He told me another storm was moving in, and I should wrap things up and get home. I sure didn't want to leave Max, but since I didn't think I'd get to see him at all, I couldn't be too disappointed.
After I got back home, I turned on the radio, and began to tidy up the house. The storm blew in around 5. Wow, it was a big one. I'm glad I got home when I did, and I'm sure Max had plenty of time to finish his food, and hunker back down. I took a couple of pictures from my front porch, and one from the back. I just couldn't believe it was this dark at 5pm...

Rainy Day, Rainy Mood

This is not one of my better days, so I probably shouldn't even be writing. It's raining and dark, with no end in sight, and Dave, along with the other DJ's have to be at the station to cover it. Normally, I'd put on some music, or sit outside with my knitting and watch the storm, but not today. All I can think about is how unfair it is that I'm not going to see Max today. He's probably snuggled down in some dry spot, and it would be unfair of me to draw him out so he can eat wet, soggy food in the rain. I've been hoping for a break in the storm, making a quick visit possible, but I don't have much faith it will happen. Dave just called to tell me that storms will continue in their listening area, and he wouldn't be home for lunch. I had to eat tuna salad all by myself, while I sat on the porch missing my husband and Max. Please, somebody feel sorry for me. Just a little. :(

Easter Blessings

After enjoying a great Easter service and dinner at the church, I just wanted to pop in and wish all me readers a very happy and blessed Easter.
As the old song says- Jesus is Alive and well!

Obsessiveness?

It all started one night, probably about 3 weeks ago (give or take). I was unable to sleep (I know you're so surprised). My mind was wandering, making it impossible to read. Finally, after reading the same paragraph several times without understanding it, I decided to put my book down, and get up. I got on the computer, but couldn't get interested in neither web surfing nor games. I started looking though my pattern books, which put me in the mood to crochet. I was happily working on my blanket, when I noticed my shoulder making a popping sound everytime I did a treble crochet. It didn't hurt at all, but the sound began to annoy me to the point I had to put down my crochet. I don't know how long it's been doing that, but ever since that night, I notice it more. Even when the TV is on, I can hear the popping sound in the background. Sometimes it's impossible to ignore, causing me to put my work away, and just sit there. I never "just sit there." Why, oh why, do I get these crazy obsessions that prevent me from enjoying things I love?

More Roses

Sorry. I just couldn't help myself. The first picture is the view from my back porchstep.

Finished Crocheted Throw

I crocheted this throw for the church. We have several cold-natured members in our church, and it was suggested that we might need some afghans that match the new benches. I'll be taking this one to prayer meeting tonight to see if they like it.

Update: I just got home from prayer meeting. They loved it! I'll be making more of them as the year goes by.

Another Joseph Coat Update...

I know. Too many Joseph pictures in too short a time, but I just had to share this. Another bud opened, making the contrast of colors more pronounced. I wanted ya'll to see it.

Joseph's Coat Update

I wish the photo was a pretty as the actual plant, but I wanted you to see how the same rosebush, from two days ago, looks today. I hope you can see how the rose has turned pinkish, and the newer bloom is beginning to pink as well.

Herbs

Time for a little break in the rose parade to show the changes I've made to my herb pots. Last year, I planted in wire baskets with coco liners for the first time. I'd never used them before because I was afraid they'd dry faster, needing more frequent waterings. I was pleasantly suprised at how well they held the moisture. Even during the heat of the summer, they didn't need water any more often than the other pots. This year, when the perinnial herbs returned, I got another nice surprise. My oregano had pushed its way through the coco liner, and began to trail down the side of my window box. Beautiful. I liked it so much that, when I thinned out my mint garden, I cut another slit in my window box, and stuck a few sprigs though. It took root, and is growing nicely beside that oregano. Of course, I had to add basil, because we use it more than any other herb, but I also placed a marigold in that pot for color. I also planted a geranium in the pot with my lemon thyme (I'm really liking the addition of flowers to my herb gardens). Another change I made involved no new plants. I can't believe this, but I'm actually having fun, seeing the changes that can be made with little shopping and buying. I had two potted herb gardens from years ago. I guess I had over filled them, because the onion chives had taken over one pot, with the exception of a little sprig of purple sage hanging onto life. In the other pot, nothing survived but sorrel. These plants have been growing strong since 2006, with very little effort on my part. This year, I decided to repot them (about time, huh). Just a simple repotting was all I had in mind, but after I got into the task, I wanted to have a little fun. I divided the sorrel, and the onion chives, and placed a secion of each into the new pots (actually, recycled pots from last year). I left the purple sage with one of the sections of chives, because the roots were so entangled. So one finished pot contains onion chives and sorrel. The other pot, much bigger in size, contains sorrel, onion chives, and the sprig of purple sage. Still the bigger pot had space available, so I divided off a small section of the new basil plant to fill that hole. I'm very happy with the results. It's a great feeling to have a completely new looking herb pot without having to buy a bunch of new plants.

Joseph's Coat Rosebush

Tired of roses yet? My Joseph's coat rosebush bloomed today, and as I was taking pictures of it, it dawned on me. My last two blog posts were about my rosebushes...maybe I should write about something else, and leave these pictures until tomorrow...but, I just can't wait that long. Joseph's coat is a very intersting rosebush. It's a climbing bush, that produces clusters of buds. These buds open into yellowish orange roses, which change colors as they mature. The ideal is a dazzling display of various colored roses on the same bush. I've had my Joseph's coat for two years, and yes, the roses are beautiful, and do change colors. Unfortunately, my plant has never produced more than a couple of roses at the time, but I may have found the solution. Last year, as I was making room for the groundcover at the side of the house, I moved my potted Joseph's coat to the front of the shed. Since this is a much sunnier location, I decided to leave it. I'm so glad I did, because this plant has more buds than I've ever seen on it. Maybe, I just wasn't getting enough sun before. If so, this may be the year I finally see my Joseph's Coat in all it's glory. I'll keep everyone posted on it's progress...if you're not sick of roses, that is...

Rose Buds And Blooms

Yesterday, when I looked out from my window, I was saddened to see that the heavy rains of the previous night had claimed my two pink roses. There was no reason to be sad, I was to discover. A closer look revealed many roses to come...

The Results

Well, I'm not sure what to think. Frosting with the cap is how I used to always do my hair, but it's been so long. At first, I must confess I absolutely HATED it, but that's not longer the case (thankfully). I probably just needed a little time to get over the shock of being blond again, because I'm starting to warm up to it a bit. I'm a little reluctant to post a picture, because I'm still getting used to it myself, but it's hardly fair to tell my blog audience that I'm doing this, then not show the results. Dave took my picture outside, using my newly bloomed rosebush as a frame. Maybe the beauty of the flowers will distract from the scarey blond posing by them. lol

Crossing My Fingers...

Right now, as I sit here and write, I'm highlighting my hair. I normally get my hair cut and colored by Kim twice a year. Once during the spring, and again around the Holidays. She uses the foil method, and three colors- one matching my natural color, one reddish tint, and a strawberry blond for highlights. Because of this layering of differen colors, I don't have a problem with roots as it grows out. I have some grays, but that's not the main reason I do it. I like to have it done because middle age has turned my hair dull, and it causes me to feel dull all over. Since a salon visit isn't in the budget at this time, I decided to do it myself. It won't be as professional as Kim's work, and there will be no red, but the blond highlights should brighten me up enough to feel better about myself. At least I hope so. Oop! My timer just went off....gotta go rinse....

Roses And Cats?

My potted rosebushes are alive with new buds. After feeding the cats Tuesday morning, I decided to take some pictures to show my readers the explosion of color that awaits us. Later, as I was reviewing the shots on my computer, I noticed that I had captured Scruffy and Sassy, peacefully enjoying their meal, in the background of one. I just love the way the rosebushes frame the two cats, adding an image of peace an contentment to the whole picture. I hope ya'll can see it, too. It's such a good feeling to provide feral cats with a place where they can feel safe.

Budding Bells

Not much to write today, but I wanted to share some more garden photos. These are pictures of four of my coral bell plants. The bud on the flower scapes will open to reveal clusters of tiny bell-shaped flowers, pink on the green variegated ones, and white on the darker leafed ones. Hope you enjoy...

Vinca Surprises

I love having a shady front yard. It makes sitting on the porch, or working outside so much more pleasant. I think it even helps keep the house cooler inside (of course that could be my imagination). As much as I enjoy all this, there is a big drawback. Planting options. Even grass doesn't grow in the more deep shaded areas, but to me that's a small price to pay for a cooler house.

About two years ago, Dave and I decided to plant a ground cover in one of the front planting beds. I've never been a fan of ground cover, but after many failed attempts to grow plants there, I embraced the idea. Not wanting to plant English Ivy (like everyone else all over town), I got online to shop for something else. Sadly, most of the ones I liked aren't available here, but I did find one that is. Vinca. It's something a little different, and readily available anywhere. We went over to Walmart, only to discover that Vinca is labeled an annual. Well, fine. I know when I've been defeated. I told Dave to go ahead and get the English Ivy, since we know it will grow to cover that grassless area, and we won't have to purchase it new every year. I did, however, pick up a couple of the vinca plants, just because I like them, and planted them in a pot with other annuals. It looked so pretty trailing over the side of my pot.

Fastforward to the next year. Fall and winter have passed, and the next spring has arrived. I'm in the middle of cleaning my annual pots out to make room for new ones, when, lo and behold, what do you think I saw? My vinca vine was reemerging from the soil. Apparantly Walmart had mislabeled this plant, because it has come back every year since I planted it. In fact, last year, I planted a different varietiy of vinca vines in two of my rosebush pots, and they have come back again this year. In fact, this year, I got an extra bonus...The vinca vines are blooming. I didn't even know this plant produced flowers, but there they are. Cute little purple flowers on several of my vines. One of the things I love about gardening is the many surprises it brings, and for me, this little vinca vine has been the source of many delightful ones.

For Glenda

I just didn't want the day to end without telling my sister how much I enjoyed our visit. The four of us may not see eachother very often, but it's always nice when we do. I hope you know that you're always welcome to come back. Maybe next time, It won't be too cool to sit on the back porch. Let Perry know we love him, and I pray both of you have a wonderful evening.

Fun Crochet Memories

It was probably about 15 years ago (give or take), when I had borrowed a crochet afghan pattern from my friend. Kim and I worked together at Unique Image, the salon where I used to cut hair (she, in fact, still works there). We both loved to crochet, and on slow days, we used to sit in the breakroom, and crochet on our afghans in progress. On one occasion, I had admired a double layered shell pattern she was working on, so she lent me the pattern. That pattern was so much fun, it wasn't long until I'd had it memorized, and had made several as gifts. During a recent visit to my sister's house, I retrieved the one I'd made for my mom. I freshened it up with a good wash, and now have it draped across the back of my couch. Of course, daily seeing it lying there, has revived my interest in the pattern. It had been so long since I'd made one, and I didn't even know where to begin. I tried crocheting a swatch to jog my memory. I had the concept in my mind, but not the numbers. After an exhaustive google search, I started a thread on Ravelry. Still no luck, though we all tried very hard. Finally, I decided to just give Kim a call, and ask if she still had the pattern. No, she no longer had the written pattern, but I was still in luck. This is her go-to pattern when she needs to make a gift, or just wants to crochet, so she was able to fill in the question marks for me. It was a lot of fun to get in touch with her, and talk about this afghan. It was almost like I was sitting in the breakroom at Unique Image, crocheting with my friend. Why I didn't just call her first, I'll never know.

Breaking The Silence

I can't believe a whole week passed, and I didn't update my blog. This is the time of year, when my plants awaken, and last year I had a post almost every day. Sometimes two a day. I guess part of me feels that it would be too repetative to reblog my garden every year. Of course, another reason I haven't checked in is because of the week I've had. Lots of anxiety, and I just didn't feel like boring my readers with another of my episodes. But, as always, this, too, has passed, ushering in a much more pleasant latter part of the week. Dave bought me some lemon thyme yesterday, and I did some potting. I took the potting soil from last year's annuals, stirred it up to break apart any clods, and mixed in some Shake n' Feed. There really is no reason it shouldn't work, and I'm pretty proud of myself for saving us some money. Today, Dave and I went to the Costco in Rockwall. We go monthly to stock up on our dry cat food and litter. We used to feed our cats whatever food was on sale at the grocery store, but when the food manufacturers reduced the size of thier food bags, we found it much less expensive to feed our cats the Kirkland brand food. It's a good quality food, with meat as the first ingredient, and comes in 25 lb bags. We also get Scoop Away litter for much less than most store brands cost where we live. We also take advantage of their sales and coupons on many items we use daily. These Costco visits are perfect, because they allow us a chance to get out of town once a month with no guilt. Well, there's really not much more to say. I just wanted to let my readers know that I'm still around. I hope all is well with each and every one of you.