How Addicted To Blogging Are You?

72%How Addicted to Blogging Are You?

Actually, I believe it's more like 99.9%!

OUCH!!!!

Got a bit of a boo-boo at work today :o( Hurt my shoulder when some heavy boxes fell on me. It's only bruised-having that extra body fat comes in handy sometimes.

Raven's a little mad 'cause she can't have "walkies" tonight but she'll be thrilled when she learns that I'll be home tomorrow. She knows when Momma's home we share a bagel and cream cheese for breakfast. And weather permitting, we will be doing this outside in the backyard, enjoying the summer morning. This is something we don't do too often, since I'm usually at work before the sun comes up.

And speaking of "walkies", I never noticed the effect of having a large dog walking me for the past twelve years or so had on my shoulders. At first the doctor thought my right shoulder was swollen until she compared it with the left one and noticed they were pretty much the same size.

Seems I have managed to build some muscle in that area- unfortunately the rest of me has not benefited as much from these doggie workouts. Looks like I may need to upgrade to a St. Bernard to get a total body makeover

A Dark And Stormy Day

Big boomers here today. They've let up for a while, but my cat, Jeter has yet to emerge from his hiding place. Not to worry, for he has a way of magically appearing like clockwork every day at 5 pm. Hey, what do you know; guess who just walked into the room? Scram kitty cat! You're 25 minutes early for din-din!

There's a few power outages around here. Luckily it hasn't affected us, not yet anyway. Many of the traffic lights are out. Should be a most interesting evening.

The humidity has broken a bit, but the rest of this week we can expect pretty much of the same kind of weather. Looks like it's going to be another hot, sticky, and buggy August in the state of NJ.

My veggie garden has gotten so dense I can barely get in there to search for hidden squash and cucumbers. Looks like I overdid it with the Miracle Grow again! One of these years maybe I'll get it right.

Well, I'm getting "feed me" faces from the furry ones so I'll stop my rambling here. They can get pretty persuasive when they're hungry. Maybe I should send them into the garden to hunt for cucumbers.

Show And Tell

Kelli is hosting a Show and Tell Friday. If you would like to join the fun, please visit Kelli's blog and leave a link to your post.

My show and tell for this Friday are these photos of some of the pretty winged visitors to my butterfly bush.

This first one is of a red admiral butterfly. These are probably my most frequent guests. Sometimes one will actually land on me for a few seconds.




This painted lady wouldn't let me get too close. Her wings are so pretty when open, but she was a bit camera shy.




A pretty tiger swallowtail stopped by for a visit:




And this majestic monarch kept teasing me by landing close by and then taking off as soon as I would try to take his picture. Don't you just love his spots?



I love sitting on the front porch in the summertime and watching what stops by. I'm still waiting on my favorite black eastern swallowtails to pay me a visit.

Thank you for looking at my show and tell and thank you Kelli for hosting.

A Summer Afternoon On The Porch

One of my favorite places to spend a summer afternoon is on our front porch. I like to read there or just watch whatever comes to visit the garden that day. Here's a photo of some of the flowers on one side of the porch:



I was attempting to take some pictures of butterflies, but it was pretty windy outside and most of the photos were blurry. However, Mr. Bee was kind enough to pose for a shot atop this purple coneflower:



And this black-eyed Susan:



Apparently Mr. Bee was on some kind of top-secret mission, for he chased me after I snapped his photo!

Who can this be, hiding behind the flowers?



I also recommend that if you are trying to take pictures of butterflies, for best results leave your chubby kitty cat with the tiny head indoors.



That's Jeter, enjoying the show at the butterfly bush.
I took this picture while lying down on my stomach to get the best angle to show off my cat's unique physique. And wouldn't you know it, at the same time my postman was coming up the front steps. He did look at me rather strangely as he handed me the mail.

Thank you for looking at my pictures. Hope everyone is having a wonderful summer.

Sgt. Pepper's Magical Mystery Mushrooms

Hey, I don't remember planting these! Look what's growing in the same containers with my peppers:



And this mysterious fungi is just downright scary:



And here's a more psychedelic photo of the "mystery mushrooms":



I do like peppers and mushrooms on my pizza, but I don't think it's a good idea to eat these.

Funny thing, about two summers ago in this very same spot, I had planted a Beatle garden (I LOVE the Beatles). It featured a mini "Strawberry Fields", a "Pepperland", an "Imagine" stepping stone, and a walrus. One day I noticed that a certain illegal drug was also growing in my little garden. I have no idea how it ended up there, but I thought it was a fitting tribute to the Fab Four so I "Let It Be". It was a bit of a novelty for us that summer, until my hubby pulled it out. I guess that was the smart thing to do, but I wish I had taken a picture of it.
So now it appears the mystery gardener is at it again. I am thankful this mischievous little sprite has kicked his naughty habit. Or perhaps he has a secret garden yet to be discovered.

You Are What You Read....

I'm slowly cataloging my home library on line. I love to read and have an extensive book collection and for some crazy reason, I'm exposing it for all the world to view. Yes, many of the books I own are downright embarrassing and some are from past lives (oh those crazy college years), but you can tell a lot about a person by what's on their book shelves. I wouldn't be surprised if some of you run for your life and never visit me again! And I haven't gotten to the really weird ones yet.
Seriously, I am having some fun with this. I've barely scratched the surface of my collection, this is going to take some time. I use our extra bedroom as a library and I still have books in other rooms. This is helping me to organize my books better and I've also rediscovered a few old favorites. There's also several that I no longer have a need for, so I'll be finding new homes for them.
If this sounds like something you'd be interested in doing, check out Library Thing. You don't have to put your books on your blog if you don't want to, but I figure if someone came to my home, they would see these books out in the open, so why not display them on my virtual home?
I also found this site: Gurulib, where you can catalogue your books, music, games, software, and movies. Something to do on a rainy day perhaps?

Freaky Friday

Friday the 13th arrived a week late for me! Had quite a challenging day at work but things seemed to improve after I arrived home as Carlos had picked up some Chinese take-out so making dinner was at least out of the way. He left to go fishing with his buddies down the waterfront as he usually does on Friday nights and I fed Raven and Jeter.
I sat down to watch the 5 o'clock news and I did a mini version of Rip Van Winkle, for I fell asleep and did not awaken until nearly 10 pm! And then I remembered "Show and Tell Friday" so I attempted to take some photos and my camera reads "WARNING BATTERY EXHAUSTED" (apparently the fatigue is contagious) so that idea went out the window.
I turned on the computer to see what my blogging friends had posted and my hubby comes home violently ill from some kind of stomach bug. (He's much better today)
So this morning I wake up, head still foggy, eyes red, itchy, and puffy, and that can only mean one thing-my summer allergy season has officially begun! I do have a prescription nasal spray but one has to take it in order for it to be effective.
This morning I managed to shampoo the carpet (you don't want to know why!) and make some potato salad. I need to take a walk to the post office before it closes or before I succumb to another allergy-induced siesta.
I looked outside my front door for a moment just in time to see a small black cat walk by-apparently the fun is not over yet. I guess I will just have to proceed with caution as I attempt to accomplish my agenda. Better take my "lucky penny" with me!

Return To Pooh Corner

Return to Pooh Corner
Written and performed by: Kenny Loggins


Christopher Robin and I walked along
Under branches lit up by the moon
Posing our questions to Owl and Eeyore
As our days disappeared all too soon
But I've wandered much further today than I should
And I can't seem to find my way back to the Wood

So help me if you can
I've got to get back
To the House at Pooh Corner by one
You'd be surprised
There's so much to be done
Count all the bees in the hive
Chase all the clouds from the sky
Back to the days of Christopher Robin and Pooh

Winnie the Pooh doesn't know what to do
Got a honey jar stuck on his nose
He came to me asking help and advice
And from here no one knows where he goes
So I sent him to ask of the Owl if he's there
How to loosen a jar from the nose of a bear

So help me if you can
I've got to get back
To the House at Pooh Corner by one
You'd be surprised
There's so much to be done
Count all the bees in the hive
Chase all the clouds from the sky
Back to the days of Christopher Robin and Pooh

It's hard to explain how a few precious things
Seem to follow throughout all our lives
After all's said and done I was watching my son
Sleeping there with my bear by his side
So I tucked him in, I kissed him and as I was going
I swear that the old bear whispered
"Boy welcome home"

Believe me if you can
I've finally come back
To the House at Pooh Corner by one
What do you know
There's so much to be done
Count all the bees in the hive
Chase all the clouds from the sky
Back to the days of Christopher Robin
Back to the ways of Christopher Robin
Back to the days of Pooh



This song always brings back memories of all those carefree summer days of my childhood. Yes, adulthood does have its perks, but wouldn't it be fun to "find our way back to the Wood" just for one day?

Veggie Tales

I had the most bizarre looking cucumbers growing in my garden-they were oddly shaped, almost kind of round. Well, when I went to harvest my little mutants for their photo session they were gone. So either aliens spotted them from outer space and brought them back home or Carlos ate them. (If he starts growing an extra eye, then I'll know for sure.)
My veggies are not doing as well as my flowers this year and many of my fellow "farmers" are having similar issues with their gardens. We did get some rain today so maybe things will improve. I do have lots of green tomatoes-they always grow like crazy here. Here are a few photos:

Some sweet banana peppers:



Better boy tomatoes (c'mon you guys-turn red already!)



And Mama Mia-that is one big zucchini!




As I was writing this post, I found out there was a large steam pipe explosion in midtown Manhattan. It is NOT terrorist related, but there is a huge crater in the road (Lexington Ave) and a few people have been injured and thousands in the area have been evacuated because there is danger of asbestos and the buildings near the crater may be unstable. My niece works in the area, but I believe she made it home safely.

Just One More......

Couldn't resist posting another photo of the Swamp Rose Mallow with its new neighbor Monarda (bee balm). Tomorrow I may take some pictures of my veggies if it's not raining-I think they may be getting a little jealous!

More Flower Power

This Swamp Rose Mallow continues to amaze me. This is what greeted me when I pulled up in front of my house this afternoon:



I measured the flower-8 1/2 inches across. Can you see the pink edging on the petals? I just wish that the blooms would last longer than a day. They are so pretty-I may have to plant more of these.

Well, I need to get busy like this here bee-I have so much to do!



Thank you for looking at my flowers (again!)

Flower Power

Well, here I go with some more garden pictures. This first one shows rudbeckia (aka black-eyed susans), gayfeather (liatris), and purple coneflower (echinacea). The butterflies love to visit this spot.



Here are some daylilies:



Some close-ups of the black-eyed susans and purple coneflowers:





And this last one is a hardy hibiscus also known as a swamp rose mallow. I just planted this last weekend in honor of Ladybird Johnson who did much to preserve native American plants. The blooms only last a day, but they are large-this one is at least 6 inches in diameter.



These are all perennials and thrive where I live in NJ. They seemed to have enjoyed that heat wave we had here last week. And best of all, the butterflies are attracted to them, but they were a bit camera shy-better luck next time!
Thank you for visiting my garden.

A Message From The Cat

Pssst! Looks like Mom left the computer on while she and Raven went for a walk. Raven, Raven, Raven! Seems like she's in a lot of posts. Well please allow me to introduce myself-I'm Jeter, the family cat.
Yes that's Jeter, she named me after the NY Yankees shortstop. And frankly, I find it a bit embarrassing because lately they are as stinky as my litterbox! (Mom doesn't clean it very often-PU!)

And speaking of embarrassing, how do you like that picture she took of me? Not exactly my best angle. Boy, just wait until I get my paws that digital camera-I'm going to get even and trust me, it will not be pretty!

I'm still trying to master using this mouse thing attached to the computer, it's not easy. And speaking of mice, I noticed Mom never told you about the one I caught a few months back. Now that's what I'm talking about-Raven chews a shoe and Mom posts about it. I catch a mouse and she says nothing-I guess it wasn't blog-worthy enough!

Well, I think I hear them coming inside, gotta run! But don't worry-you'll be hearing from me again soon.

And Mom if you read this-pleeeeease clean my litterbox!!!

She's Baaaaaaack!

An Old Lady Who Has Lost Her Shoe -- Her Dog Appears to Have Stolen It!

Whoops-took an unexpected blogging break. Been a little busy catching up on things that I've neglected-like spending time with my Dad. We spent the day in Pennsylvania yesterday, even got a little lost! But that's okay, sometimes you discover some out-of-the-way places that you otherwise would have never known about. Well that was not the case with us, but we did enjoy some beautiful scenery.
Well It's back to work for Carlos and I tomorrow. It was nice to be away because things are getting a bit challenging (actually downright ugly) at my job, but I do not wish to go into details about it because you never know who may stumble across this blog. I do try to focus on the positive side of things and it helps to get me through the rough moments. God has blessed me in so many ways and I try to remember that when the going gets tough.
Well, I guess it's time time to get back into my usual routines. I used to dislike routines but as I've gotten older they have become a necessity in order for me to stay focused.
As I type this, my soon to be 12 year old "puppy" is nudging me to go for a walk. I called her "puppy" because she chewed my favorite pair of summer shoes and I had to go to the mall today to see if I could find another pair like them. And would you believe the only pair left in my bigfoot size 10 were the exact color that I wanted, (score!) and they were also on sale (double score!)
It's still about 90 degrees here, so Raven is going to have to wait another hour or so for that w-a-l-k. Meanwhile, I'm going to savor the last few hours of this lovely weekend. Here comes Raven again-maybe we'll take that walk sooner, I'd hate to lose another pair of shoes!

Show And Tell

Kelli is hosting a Show and Tell Friday. If you would like to join in the fun, visit Kelli's blog and leave a link to your post.

My show and tell for this week are just a couple of things I picked up at a large flea market in Columbus, NJ yesterday.

First is this yummy Jersey sweet corn-I'm going to have myself an ear as soon as I'm finished writing this post!




Next is this glass pitcher. I think this is so much nicer than those plastic pitchers to serve iced tea and lemonade in. Plus the ice makes that nice tinkly sound when you stir or pour the beverage. (I just hope Carlos doesn't use it for his Sweet Corn Tea!) Right now it is holding my favorite summer drink-pink lemonade. I'm not sure how "vintage" it is, but I like the round shape and the textured glass.

If you look on the right side of the photo in the back, you can see my two pink flamingos-they just had to get into the picture!





Thank you for looking at my Show and Tell and thank you Kelli for hosting.

Heat Wave

It has been very hot and humid here the past few days. The simple act of breathing is enough to cause one to break out in a sweat! So not much has been happening here, as I have been in a heat-induced trance since Monday.

Took the Jeep for an oil change and since it was nearby, thought we would take our chances at NJ Motor Vehicles to get it inspected. No sane person would want to sit in a hot car on a 100 degree day to wait on an inspection line, so naturally, that is what we opted to do.

We pulled up to the inspection station, and lo and behold, for the first time in all my years of driving, NO ONE ELSE WAS THERE! Except of course for the employees and they all looked like they had passed out from the heat.

In New Jersey, one must leave their vehicle with a technician and wait near the exit in a booth. You watch as various tests are performed to ensure your vehicle is roadworthy enough to travel on the treacherous highways and byways of the Garden State. When they are finished, they drive it to the exit where you are waiting and then the big moment arrives.

You watch with anticipation as the technician scrapes away the old inspection sticker and slowly peels the backing from the new one. Will it be the dreaded red REJECTION sticker or will you pass?

Yay-it's a green sticker with a big number "7" in the middle! "Jeep-Jeep" has passed and is good to go for the next two years! We applaud our victorious vehicle as it crosses the "finish line". The technician eyes us warily, then laughs, as he knows the intense heat does do strange things to people.

We stop by a little flea market on the way home but buy nothing. It's just too stifling to be outside. I do admire the brave souls who are out there hawking their wares in this weather.

So, just where do the citizens of New Jersey go in this heat? Are they at the beach? Perhaps many are, but we found out there is another popular destination-they are at Wal-Mart!

Yes, that was our big road trip for today, a visit to our local Wal-Mart. Just picked up a few needed items, no fabulous bargains to report. We then headed home and had a little cookout before the rain arrived.

So hopefully this heat wave will end soon. I would really like to take a long drive somewhere. Maybe visit a Wal-Mart in another county or perhaps one near the shore? I'll keep you posted on our exciting adventures in the Garden State. Who knows, we may even cross the state border!

A Gazebo and Squished By a Squash

It's getting really hot and humid here. We have not yet hit the triple digits like some other parts of the US, but it just may happen tomorrow. Anyway, if we do experience power failures and no air conditioning, we have a place to sleep outside because we are now the proud owners of this groovy gazebo:



Carlos and his buddy put it up this weekend. They sent me away while they did their guy thing in the backyard. Meanwhile, I went to our city's annual waterfront festival and watched the sailboat races and listened to a few bands that were performing there. And unfortunately, I did not bring my camera so I have no photos to post.

So instead here is a photo of my monster zucchini plant:



I would not be surprised if I find that it has invaded the kitchen when I wake up tomorrow morning. See how that leaf in the bottom of the picture has escaped the fencing. It is headed towards my back door and I know it is out to get me for I have violated this plant several times. I peek under its leaves almost daily looking for some fruit to harvest. And I do believe I have mentioned the words "zucchini bread" in its presence. So if you do not see any posts from me, it will be most likely because this plant is holding me hostage.
Is it just a coincidence that these plants are known as "squash"?

Show And Tell

It's Show and Tell Friday! If you would like to join the fun , please visit Kelli's blog and leave a link to your post.

I thought I would post some pictures of my summer perennials that are just starting to bloom for this week's Show and Tell. "July is really dressed up and playing her tune" here!

This first picture is Monarda or Bee Balm. I call it my "4th of July flower", because every year, without fail, that's when it blooms.





In this next photo are some Black-eyed Susans and the taller purple flower is Gayfeather. I like combining round yellow flowers with spiky blue or purple flowers. The Susans started out as a small clump just a few years ago and they've really spread. They will continuously bloom through the summer and early fall.



And the flowers in this last photo are actually annuals, but the marigolds always reseed themselves in this container, so it's almost like they're perennials. I also have some type of spiky purple flower planted with them.(Sorry, can't remember their name)



Thank you for looking at my flowers, and thank you Kelli for hosting Show And Tell Friday.

Summer Breeze

See the curtains hangin' in the window, in the evenin' on a Friday night.
A little light a-shinin' through the window, lets me know everything is alright.
Summer breeze, makes me feel fine, blowing through the jasmine in my mind.
Summer breeze, makes me feel fine, blowing through the jasmine in my mind.

See the paper layin' in the sidewalk, a little music from the house next door.
So I walked on up to the doorstep, through the screen and across the floor.
Summer breeze, makes me feel fine, blowing through the jasmine in my mind.
Summer breeze, makes me feel fine, blowing through the jasmine in my mind.

Sweet days of summer, the jasmine's in bloom. July is dressed up and playing her tune.
And I come home from a hard day's work, and you're waiting there, not a care in the world.
See the smile a-waitin' in the kitchen, food cookin' and the plates for two.
See the arms that reach out to hold me, in the evening when the day is through.
Summer breeze, makes me feel fine, blowing through the jasmine in my mind.
Summer breeze, makes me feel fine, blowing through the jasmine in my mind

By Seals and Crofts

This song brings back some fond summer memories. Do you have a favorite summer song?

What Is Your Blog Rated?

My blog is rated "PG" because I used the words "breast" 3 times and "death" once.
Oops!-I just used them both again-does this upgrade me to 'PG 13"?

Happy Birthday America!

4th JULY QUOTES

"We hold these truths to be self evident,
that all men are created equal."
~Thomas Jefferson~

"I know not what course others may take,
but as for me,
give me liberty or give me death."
~Patrick Henry~

"Our flag is red, white and blue,
but our nation is a rainbow -
red, yellow, brown, black and white -
and we're all precious in God's sight."
~Jesse Jackson~

"Our flag is our national ensign,
pure and simple,
behold it! Listen to it!
Every star has a tongue,
every stripe is articulate."
~Robert C. Winthrop (1809-1894),
Senator from Massachusetts~

"You can't appreciate home
till you've left it,
money till it's spent,
your wife until she's joined a woman's club,
nor Old Glory till you see it hanging
on a broomstick on a shanty
of a consul in a foreign town."
~O. Henry (1862-1919)~

Wishing everyone a safe and happy 4th.

A Very Sleepy Blogger

Ready for Bed

Been a bit busy these past few days-niece's graduation party, gardens in needing of some weeding, plus putting in some extra hours at work. Took a few pictures of the veggie garden-hope to post them tomorrow. Looking forward to a nice relaxing Fourth of July-hope you all have a safe and happy one.
Well that's all for now-have to be at work at 5am. Yes, I know it's a bit early, but there's no traffic at that time, such a rare thing in NJ.
Goodnight and God bless.

A Magical Place

Discovered a most enchanting blog, but sadly it's author has recently passed away. I'm hoping her family doesn't delete it just yet, because I still have a lot of reading to do, and it's such a lovely blog it would be a shame for it to vanish forever. When I visit this blog, I feel like I'm in the English countyside.

So I urge you to pay a visit to Daisy Lupin's blog Cats in the kitchen flora in the garden. I'm sure you will agree-it is a most enchanting place.

What Kind Of Blogger Are You?

You Are a Life Blogger!

Your blog is the story of your life - a living diary. If it happens, you blog it. And make it as entertaining as possible.

What Kind of Blogger Are You?

I plead the fifth!!!