Home Depot Days

We thought we'd stop to get a few things.
I still needed to buy the concrete mix for the patio steps railing,
clamps, nozzles, and blooms.
Chuggy met us inside and we did our 'indoor' shopping first. Chugs bravely resisted the allure of the Garden Department, purposely going out the front doors without looking back.
Good for her! There is never a lack of delightful and fragrant possibilities out there.
As we were searching for potted dill, LadyBug snuck up on us and gave me a big hug!
SURPRISE!
She was there re-planning her demolished garden too.
There were no drive-around buggies available for the first half hour but then we saw one heading out to the parking lot so we shamelessly followed her. The kind lady dropped a pot as she was unloading and we felt bad.
It was only Fountain Grass and so it was no worse for wear.
Sad, really, because we were trying SO hard not to be pushy, walking far back. Rapunzel then drove us back inside.
When we finally got Gramma into it, she was so very grateful.
These always make her shopping day nicer, and much less tiring.
I think I'll try a coral-to-peach flower palette this year, with a little dark purple to accent. Last year we had pale yellow, dark yellow, and white...it was so sweet and gentle.

It's a wonder that there is any room in there for Gramma!
(Move over, Bobby!)

Look What I Found!

I was looking for a pretty wall fountain, have been for a few years. I wanted one that was self contained, not attached to a hose or any other water because we are up-hill from the condo next door and the drainage would seep into their garage. (this patio wall is their garage wall, too) The erosion and shifting of soil over the years has made our row of homes leak into each other so we try to be careful.
This one takes about two gallons of water and re-circulates it over and over.
It has a little 10 watt bulb in the pool so it lights up at night.
Or during the day if you like.
Now I just need to hook it up!
We'll need to string an all- weather electrical conduit anyway, there are no sockets on that wall. I'll try to hide it in the ivy when there's more of it.
Isn't it beautiful how the ivy is already covering the side? Very old style, yet brand new! It even has cracks and ancient mouldy stains!
We'll have our own Old World Italian Garden!
Mom already is looking forward to spending the morning out here with her coffee and Bobby.

President's Day

Sometimes it's interesting to see a before and after
This is what our beautiful Bougainvillea looked like last Autumn.
We've had it freeze back even further than this and come back.
By further, I mean all the way to the ground!
I expect J/Broccoli today, to help me a little(alot).
We'll finish the side yard paving stones,
"plant" a railing/banister for Mom to use at the steps,
dig up the Agapanthus (Lily of the Nile) in the front yard, separate the corms and give some to Chuggy.
Maybe plant Iris in the bare places in the back.
Carolina Jasmine.
Cape Blue Plumbago.
Potato Vine.
2nd Plumbago. (little)
just a peek next to the cable dome.
Fountain Grass.
a few fronds visible in front of neighbor's garbage can

The Carolina Jasmine is no worse for wear, as you can see.
I think we'll plant the Iris (Mom's favorite flower) in the dirt triangle near the curb curve.

My WELL PROTECTED Sweet Pea Plot!
Tiny and wimpy, I know, but I'm pleased with it.
I was able to successfully save some!
Last year (and the year before) the gardener, not recognizing them, raked them away!

The gardening service is hired by the home owners asso.
Even though they are adept at mowing, pruning, and clearing brush, I wonder if the workers know much about plants?

Sorry, sorry socks.

As far as I'm concerned, I don't care if Kate gives me anything else for my birthday.
I'll need another pair by October, don't you think?
I put them on as soon as I get home from work or wherever.
I regretfully take them off at night.
I'd wear them to sleep but, hot feet give me nightmares.
Usually I have a pair if slippers on, too...not always, though.
They are the very expression of comfort.
Thank you again, Kate!

Happy Valentines Day!

I know, I know!
No need to remind me that I am a whine-y Californian...change the weather two degress and I curl up and die!
Oh, the pain!
The indignity!
The work involved in restoring my beloved, tiny, (warm, sunny, southwest) patio.
(Which is actually on the northeast side)

We had two errands to do before 8:00am today. Mom needed to get her blood-work done and Bobby needs his Rabies/Distemper/Parvo vaccines. Pretty risky to ask non-morning-person me to do this, you know. There was a probability I would drop the wrong senior citizen off at the wrong doctor.
"How did it go, Mom?"
"Woof!"


Mom has re-started her loom afghans.
It's so nice to cuddle up with a crazy patchwork blanket like this.
I rememeber her making these for as long as I can remember.
Bobby claims anything that is on the floor, as you can see.