tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33472797268078930302024-03-13T07:50:18.993-04:00Orlando RealtorAsk me about Real Estate.......Orlando Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061598658293393744noreply@blogger.comBlogger131125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3347279726807893030.post-72857017446374026272012-01-01T11:23:00.002-05:002012-04-24T15:11:53.254-04:00Not Just Another New Year's Resolution....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yf4KCV8POOU/TwCF-UeZRqI/AAAAAAAABkM/82PE_VMXDDw/s1600/book+of+awakening.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yf4KCV8POOU/TwCF-UeZRqI/AAAAAAAABkM/82PE_VMXDDw/s320/book+of+awakening.jpg" width="172" /></a></div>
The book of Awakening....Having the life you Want by Being Present to the Life you Have....... by Mark Nepo<br />
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I do not make many New Years Resolutions, however I came across this incredible journal/book last year well into 2011. I decided at that time to wait for 2012- January 1st. and use it as a daily inspirational reading....you know the book you pick up on a daily basis to get you started off on a good note.<br />
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"A year's supply of inspiration every day and the perfect gift for yourself and your friends." -Oprah Winfrey <br />
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Cancer survivor, poet, and philosopher Mark Nepo has consciously allowed life to move through him. The Book of Awakening is the result of his journey of the soul and will inspire others to embark on their own. Nepo speaks of spirit and friendship, urging readers to stay vital and in love with this life, no matter the hardships. Encompassing many traditions and voices, Nepo's words offer insight on pain, wonder, and love. I did not read it in it's entirety, but yes I peeked for sure! Each entry is accompanied by an exercise that will surprise and delight the reader in its mind-waking ability. <br />
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As stated above, I tend to not make too many New Year's Resolutions, but this one I intend to follow on a daily basis. Not since my <a href="http://maxinethomashomes.blogspot.com/2010/01/new-years-resolutionsand-one-done.html"><em><span style="color: #741b47;"><strong>Big New Year's Resolution/projects of several years ago</strong></span></em></a> have I made this kind of commitment!<br />
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For your information as a follow up to my completed resolution of several years ago, mentioned above....my pantry has remained a topic of great pride and accomplishment. I will happily show it off to anybody who enters my home. <br />
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What are your goals for 2012? Won't you join me?Orlando Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061598658293393744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3347279726807893030.post-84699828306376750242011-09-15T14:42:00.000-04:002011-09-15T14:42:06.213-04:00Simply in Season....."Simply in Season", I just love this cookbook....<br />
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Eggplant Cheese Pie..... a recipe I found in this incredible book that features new recipes and reflections on eating seasonal foods grown locally.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cfctVzjhuGI/TnIyvSwxMNI/AAAAAAAABjY/qsBepsyIHZI/s1600/eggplant+cheese+pie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" rba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cfctVzjhuGI/TnIyvSwxMNI/AAAAAAAABjY/qsBepsyIHZI/s320/eggplant+cheese+pie.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div>This was a very tough and challenging growing season on most of us gardeners. We went through excessive heat and no rain or flooding. The only survivor in my Edible Garden is the eggplant-plant.....and it surely is producing in abundance. Now what will I prepare with it? <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Ve3RLPs3BM/TnI1RECXaiI/AAAAAAAABjc/I_0havDWMjo/s1600/eggplant+7.26.11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" rba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Ve3RLPs3BM/TnI1RECXaiI/AAAAAAAABjc/I_0havDWMjo/s320/eggplant+7.26.11.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div>I am always searching for new recipes, especially when the ingredients are growing fresh in my garden. Sometimes I think that I will not live long enough to cook all the recipes that I have collected. But, cooking is a passion of mine as is eating healthy, whole foods and gardening/growing plants for the ingredients makes it even more rewarding. Therefore, growing an edible plant in my garden, finding a wonderful recipe to prepare with it and the reward of eating it, is a win-win situation for me.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qypfjK6A8EQ/TnIuKq9ckZI/AAAAAAAABjQ/n5M5fXGDJhU/s1600/simply+in+Season.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qypfjK6A8EQ/TnIuKq9ckZI/AAAAAAAABjQ/n5M5fXGDJhU/s1600/simply+in+Season.jpg" /></a></div>I usually always have a stack of books that I take out of the library, yes I love books also. Cook books are always included in these borrowed books from the library. When I came across Simply in Season written by Mary Beth Lind and Cathleen Hockman-Wert, I knew this was one that needed to be added to my personal collection. With this book, your imagination and appetite will be piqued with fresh herbs and spices, seasonal vegetables and fruits and ways of cooking them. "Simply in Season" is a fun, easy cookbook that follows the cycle of the year. The recipes complement the seasons--from tomatoes in the summertime to persimmons in autumn. There's an emphasis on fruits and vegetables, so the cooking is quite healthy. The recipes are also user-friendly. ( <a href="http://www.foodreference.com/html/eggp-chpie0707.html"><span style="color: purple;"><strong>Eggplant Cheese Pie</strong></span></a> )<br />
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"This cookbook reflects a commitment to eat what is in season. Enjoy the flavors and gifts of this book." -- <i>Graham Kerr (The Galloping Gourmet)</i> <br />
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</div>Orlando Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061598658293393744noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3347279726807893030.post-55068482057390345342011-09-11T21:41:00.001-04:002011-09-12T22:55:38.203-04:00John Deere, more then just a tractor......<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l6pxw5S7xeo/Tm1MVP5NVOI/AAAAAAAABjI/gHn9NLLaPKw/s1600/john+deere+closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" nba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l6pxw5S7xeo/Tm1MVP5NVOI/AAAAAAAABjI/gHn9NLLaPKw/s320/john+deere+closeup.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div> When I asked my daughter Denise what she thought that her son would like for his birthday, she told me he likes computers and John Deere. I quickly knew I was not getting a computer for David, and so my focus turned to John Deere. In thinking about what I could get for him, I remembered seeing Dora the Explorer "character" fleece fabric in Jo Ann's, the fabric and craft store. If John Deere was so popular, which was new to me, surely there would be fabric in that theme. And I was right, there were 8 bolts of assorted John Deere themed fleece fabric. I just had to select one. I eliminated 2 really cute, but "nursery" looking prints, not at all acceptable for an 8 year old big boy!<br />
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My idea was to make David a non-sew blanket, like the one that I got from Small Paws Rescue, when I adopted Charlie, one of my Bichon foster dogs. By the way Charlie loves this blanket and somehow knows that it belongs to him.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xB2S_PFbpKU/Tm1Ml4Fh0DI/AAAAAAAABjM/zcectGkNSLc/s1600/john+deere.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" nba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xB2S_PFbpKU/Tm1Ml4Fh0DI/AAAAAAAABjM/zcectGkNSLc/s320/john+deere.jpg" width="320px" /></a>By simply googling "no-sew fleece blanket, it was very easy to find instructions for making this type of blanket. All you needed was a tape measure and a pair of scissors. I quickly tried to cut the fabric with about 4 scissors I had on hand, but none would cut the fabric. I then tried my kitchen sheers, from my set of WUSTHOF knives, which was a Christmas gift from an ex-boyfriend, many years ago. Thank goodness they cut the fabric, so again, years later thank you Peter! I use these knives all the time in food preparation, but never thought that I would use the kitchen sheers for a project like this. And now I was ready to go........ cut knot, cut knot, cut knot and so on.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is not the first themed blanket or comforter that I have made. When my daughter Carrie was about 8 years old, she loved Holly Hobbie. Everything was about the Holly Hobbie theme. I made her a patchwork quilt, which she absolutely adored and showed off to everyone. Until the day came that she decided that this was a "babies" blanket and she was too grown up to have it. Then I who at one time was the hero for making this for her, became the mom who forced her to have this baby stuff.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DU19WDywAF4/Tm1MBtK72LI/AAAAAAAABjE/vQFXJuL_1gw/s1600/hollyhobby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" nba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DU19WDywAF4/Tm1MBtK72LI/AAAAAAAABjE/vQFXJuL_1gw/s320/hollyhobby.jpg" width="312px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">David, I hope you love your birthday-John Deere blanket as much as your Aunt Carrie loved her Hollie Hobbie blanket. When you get tired off it, just pack it up so that some day you can take it out and show it to your children. </div>Orlando Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061598658293393744noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3347279726807893030.post-1195008776089670432011-08-28T11:50:00.012-04:002011-08-28T13:48:51.558-04:00GARDEN ON THE MOVE......The butterflies and the dragonflies are out in abundance in my yard these last several weeks. The photo of this Monarch was taken this morning as I was out taking the photo of my Dwarf Poinciana.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9rG_HFU6aL8/Tlpo7Ll82EI/AAAAAAAABjA/pgiOEE6R1go/s1600/butterfly%2B8.28.11milkweed.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645940448795875394" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9rG_HFU6aL8/Tlpo7Ll82EI/AAAAAAAABjA/pgiOEE6R1go/s400/butterfly%2B8.28.11milkweed.jpg" /></a> The <a href="http://www.rareflora.com/caesalpiniapul.htm"><span style="color:#006600;"><strong>Dwarf Poinciana</strong></span></a>, or Caesalpinia Pulcherrima, has found a new home.
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<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v61_cHZOp8Q/TlpodxJXcqI/AAAAAAAABi4/0TIm_aIaVJY/s1600/Dwarf%2BPoinciana%2B8.29.22.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645939943480455842" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v61_cHZOp8Q/TlpodxJXcqI/AAAAAAAABi4/0TIm_aIaVJY/s400/Dwarf%2BPoinciana%2B8.29.22.jpg" /></a> Here is my Dwarf Poinciana in it's new home.
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<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UoYN9d03l10/TlpodulE_xI/AAAAAAAABiw/Yj6VrtwccuI/s1600/d_poinciana_large.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 277px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645939942791380754" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UoYN9d03l10/TlpodulE_xI/AAAAAAAABiw/Yj6VrtwccuI/s400/d_poinciana_large.jpg" /></a> Fully grown and in flower this is what this plant will look like. The story behind this little plant is as follows: two months ago at a master gardener meeting that I attended, one of the other MG's announced he had some seed pods that he had collected 5 years ago and has had sitting in his desk drawer. Always being on a quest for new plants, I took 2 pods.
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<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yzk3LIeBQRI/TlpodTWTesI/AAAAAAAABio/J8Pyqlt2oY8/s1600/dwarf%2Bpoinciana%2Bpod.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 128px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645939935481658050" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yzk3LIeBQRI/TlpodTWTesI/AAAAAAAABio/J8Pyqlt2oY8/s400/dwarf%2Bpoinciana%2Bpod.jpg" /></a> I "googled " dwarf poinciana and read that before attempting to grow from seeds, the seeds should be soaked for several days. These pods were really dry, so I soaked the seeds in warm water for several days. The 2 pods gave me 14 seeds.
<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YCG3oI_DWmU/TlpodV-NI-I/AAAAAAAABig/SDaTn7uqF6c/s1600/dwarf%2Bpoinciana.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645939936185885666" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YCG3oI_DWmU/TlpodV-NI-I/AAAAAAAABig/SDaTn7uqF6c/s400/dwarf%2Bpoinciana.jpg" /></a> In my usual way of starting seeds, I planted the seeds in toilet paper rolls. I fill these rolls with my home made mixture of potting soil and stand them upright in a clear plastic tray that I get from salad bars. This creates a miniature hot house. I mist the "seeds" once or twice a day so they do not dry and I can see the humidity when covered with the top of the tray. Behind the dwarf Poinciana seedlings is a tray of Purple Trumpet Plants that I am also starting. Within 3-4 days the seeds began to sprout.
<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8M-L2sJYPHo/Tlpoc8zyGQI/AAAAAAAABiY/Yhzf-VRRfAc/s1600/dwarf%2Bpoinciana2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645939929431283970" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8M-L2sJYPHo/Tlpoc8zyGQI/AAAAAAAABiY/Yhzf-VRRfAc/s400/dwarf%2Bpoinciana2.jpg" /></a> And from 14 seeds, I got 6 plants........isn't nature wonderful? </div>
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<br /><div>I have already given away one plant to a friend yesterday, leaving me several additional plants up for adoption to good homes.</div></div></div></div></div>
<br />Orlando Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061598658293393744noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3347279726807893030.post-51400842718546247812011-07-31T16:36:00.022-04:002011-07-31T19:03:28.818-04:00Does a tree have 9 lives like a cat?This is my backyard after a Tornado/Twister roared <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">thru</span> Central Florida on March 30, 2011. All my huge trees were uprooted, ripped out of the ground and turned on their sides. It was difficult to pick any particular plant out of the pile. I searched for my little <em><a href="http://www.tropilab.com/gossyp-bar.html"><strong><span style="color:#990000;"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Gossypium</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Barbadense</span></span></strong></a></em><strong><span style="color:#990000;">,</span></strong> or Egyptian Cotton tree that I had started from a seed about 10 months earlier. This poor little plant had already survived freezing temperatures and managed to come back....was it gone now?<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mmpafYrAG6Q/TjXN6NxrwYI/AAAAAAAABho/talhQFoR7JQ/s1600/DSCF5360.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635636908738199938" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mmpafYrAG6Q/TjXN6NxrwYI/AAAAAAAABho/talhQFoR7JQ/s400/DSCF5360.JPG" /></a> The <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Gossypium</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Barbadense</span> is a survivor. Look at her now below, she stands about 4.5 foot tall and gets more beautiful with each day. On a visit with a group of master gardeners to the <a href="http://maxinethomashomes.blogspot.com/2009/08/hidden-jem-in-my-own-backyardthe.html"><span style="color:#990000;"><strong><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Polasek</span> Museum & Gardens</strong></span></a>, I came across the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">specimen</span> that was there and had just flowered. The flower creates an actual cotton ball in which seeds are located. I loved the tree with it's unusual shape leaves and cut a couple of these seed pods to take with me and attempt to propagate. I was <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">successful</span> with starting 3, kept one for myself and gave two away, the two I gave away did not survive.....and no more seeds. And now my surviving plant was lost.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KU-tFhpMZyU/TjXNICrMIyI/AAAAAAAABhg/QNQXHDv-RmU/s1600/cotton%2Btree%2B2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635636046764712738" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KU-tFhpMZyU/TjXNICrMIyI/AAAAAAAABhg/QNQXHDv-RmU/s400/cotton%2Btree%2B2.jpg" /></a> The rest of the story since I started my little tree.....The original was removed from the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Polasek</span> Gardens, so there will be no more seeds available from there to grow another. As I began to clean up my yard, look at what I found. My little cotton tree was safe and standing proudly between the fallen trees.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mc_3wTdzwUE/TjXAJMc5FzI/AAAAAAAABhI/xQJvZPp1tpE/s1600/DSCF5391.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635621772917806898" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mc_3wTdzwUE/TjXAJMc5FzI/AAAAAAAABhI/xQJvZPp1tpE/s400/DSCF5391.JPG" /></a> This is not the end of this story. When the trees were cleared from my yard and cut up to slices to remove a tree fell right on my little tree. But is was still there. I had to cut it back to about 1 foot high with no leaves. Talk about a "Charlie Brown" tree. I had to protect it from someone coming along and just pulling it out of the ground thinking it was nothing more then a twig!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xSkBinMGRLI/TjXAIqAlpMI/AAAAAAAABg4/mXiHJ95SY68/s1600/cotton%2Btree%2Bclose%2Bup.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635621763672286402" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xSkBinMGRLI/TjXAIqAlpMI/AAAAAAAABg4/mXiHJ95SY68/s400/cotton%2Btree%2Bclose%2Bup.jpg" /></a> But it did thrive and grow, maybe better then it would have had it been shaded as before. As I am slowly replacing all my shade loving plants with sun loving varieties, my little <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Gossypium</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Barbadense</span> remains one of my favorites.....but look at what she has been through. First below freezing temperatures of the winter, then a tornado and then being crushed. I am hoping that it will flower this year and produce its own cotton pods with seeds.......<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q8VO9ygUKqs/TjXAIIbPHxI/AAAAAAAABgw/OqZB5iFElkw/s1600/cotton%2Btree%2Bleaf.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635621754657251090" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q8VO9ygUKqs/TjXAIIbPHxI/AAAAAAAABgw/OqZB5iFElkw/s400/cotton%2Btree%2Bleaf.jpg" /></a> Here is a leaf close up with it's unique shape and purple veins & stems, which measures across about 8-10 inches. Oh, I forgot to mention that my home is currently for sale, so I will have to leave this little tree behind at some point in time. With new seeds collected and propagated I will surely keep one in a portable pot to go with me.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div><em>Anyone want to put their name on a list for a plant if I am lucky to get some seeds?</em></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Orlando Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061598658293393744noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3347279726807893030.post-36138382685037397932011-06-07T14:51:00.005-04:002011-06-07T15:30:41.246-04:00What is bigger, a grape or a tomato?This may look like a big basket of vine ripened tomatoes. Guess again, this is a very tiny-little basket with tiny Everglade tomatoes. Who was it who said good things come in small boxes/baskets?<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_cE84J6MVag/Te5zzTbi-VI/AAAAAAAABf4/jUpAhntWyaM/s1600/basket%2Bof%2Btomatoe.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615553110603921746" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_cE84J6MVag/Te5zzTbi-VI/AAAAAAAABf4/jUpAhntWyaM/s400/basket%2Bof%2Btomatoe.jpg" /></a> The photo below will show you the true size of these yummy tomatoes, placed just below a grape and above a dime.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jRyq9P8OCsA/Te5zy4dBwOI/AAAAAAAABfw/JprLHpgj9K4/s1600/gape%2B%2526%2Btomatoes.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615553103362375906" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jRyq9P8OCsA/Te5zy4dBwOI/AAAAAAAABfw/JprLHpgj9K4/s400/gape%2B%2526%2Btomatoes.jpg" /></a> Here is the story of the Everglade Tomato, <a href="http://mgonline.com/articles/zonemap.aspx">Zone</a> 9-10 for year-round growth, but OK in all states in your season. Typically, in Florida tomatoes do not grow and produce in the hot summer. Our normal season is to plant seeds continuously from August through February then harvest as ready. Never are there tomatoes in the heat of Summer. </div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div>But this is no ordinary tomato. <strong><em>This is the native wild Florida Everglades tomato</em></strong>. If you get the chance to taste a few they are outstanding, sweet with a delightful true tomato taste. </div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>I got my first plant last year from another Master Gardener...but knew nothing about the variety, only that the tomato would be small....I assumed like a grape tomato. I have come to find out that almost nothing can stop them, not even a tornado....which mine have personally experienced. Below is a photo taken of my plants with what seems like hundreds of tiny morsels just waiting to be picked.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DUGuQIQ0woE/Te5zyQTQZzI/AAAAAAAABfo/XPEROCJx7IU/s1600/tomato%2Bplant.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615553092583974706" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DUGuQIQ0woE/Te5zyQTQZzI/AAAAAAAABfo/XPEROCJx7IU/s400/tomato%2Bplant.jpg" /></a> My crop this season just showed up, and I have shared them with many friends. I never planted them after the first year. I have been told that the very easiest way to plant seeds is to take a very ripe fruit then gently squish it into the soil with your shoe where you want tomato plants to grow. This technique is 100% sure to grow (many) plants in that spot (you'll have to thin the sprouts). If you would like to try it, I would be happy to share some of my tiny tomatoes with you.....let me know.</div></div>Orlando Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061598658293393744noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3347279726807893030.post-70900450400516264422011-04-26T11:18:00.026-04:002011-05-16T09:02:26.573-04:00The Sun Will Come Out Tommorow.....Did you ever have the words of a song stuck in your head? The words from the song from the play Annie have been with me for some weeks now.....<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xVmgj_EqE6U/TdBlFYAWacI/AAAAAAAABfc/eslrVqCZD8k/s1600/lily2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607092679093938626" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xVmgj_EqE6U/TdBlFYAWacI/AAAAAAAABfc/eslrVqCZD8k/s400/lily2.jpg" /></a>In the front of my home, this Lilly proudly displays its beautiful flower in a grouping of many just like it. <em>From the front elevation of my home there is no evidence that nature has blown through and caused a total "upset" to my garden plans</em>. On <a href="http://www.facebook.com/maxinethomas.OrlandoRealtor#!/media/set/?set=a.10150168738954365.341706.606859364"><span style="color:#3333ff;"><strong>March 30, 2010 a tornado/twister</strong></span> </a>touched down directly on my back yard, literally lifting it 3 foot up in the air and depositing it down on it's side. This did not effect any of my neighbors properties. They still have heavily treed yards, as I did, except for my side neighbor who had two trees come down right into my bedroom roof and screened patio. I write this post now for me. as I believe it is part of my personal process to deal with this event......I guess I can call it the grieving process.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><em>I am <strong>not </strong>writing this complaining because I know just how lucky I am</em>. I was home at the time this happened, got my 3 dogs and got into the closet until the crashing noise and shaking of the home stopped. <em>We are all safe, not my roof, not my yard</em>, but what is really important is safe! <em><strong>Nestled under Majestic Oaks in a park- like setting</strong></em> used to describe my back yard. <em>Sounds like a Real Estate phrase, doesn't</em> <em>it?</em> But, this was how I would have described my back yard before, <em>after all gardening is one of my true passions. </em><br /></div><br /><br /><div>I remember wishing that we would get some heavy rain to clean up and finish off the mess and droppings from the oak trees, which always got so annoying for several weeks each spring. <strong>Now here is a big lesson on being very specific on what we ask for</strong>. I never meant to eliminate totally all my Oak trees, just the droppings!!! <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zxowWzf_2Q0/TdBlFPy_PdI/AAAAAAAABfU/CmBHT90hWYs/s1600/cotton%2Btree.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607092676890410450" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zxowWzf_2Q0/TdBlFPy_PdI/AAAAAAAABfU/CmBHT90hWYs/s400/cotton%2Btree.jpg" /></a> As I begin to clean up the mess, I am thankful that my little <a href="http://maxinethomashomes.blogspot.com/2011/03/does-all-this-color-indicate-arrival-of.html"><span style="color:#3333ff;"><strong>Gossypium Barbadense</strong></span> </a>(Egyptian Cotton tree), has survived the storm and is hanging on. I could see through all the rubble that it was still standing upright and had not gotten crushed. I was thrilled! But needless to say, when the "downed trees" were being cut up to remove one fell on it and it snapped in half. But this little tree is a survivor, I cut it back and protected it from being pulled out as a branch sticking up, and it is again getting some new growth.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QCySIlxupB4/TdBlEyZ_GSI/AAAAAAAABfM/8Wcx6XFXca0/s1600/orchard.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607092669000915234" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QCySIlxupB4/TdBlEyZ_GSI/AAAAAAAABfM/8Wcx6XFXca0/s400/orchard.jpg" /></a> Today I spent several hours out doing some more clean up. Buried under some overgrown plants in the one area of my yard that did not get crushed, I found this Orchid in bloom, what a wonderful surprise. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, it just took me some time to get here. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>I am still "negotiating" with the insurance company on what will be paid to complete repairs to my home. I have had to hire an Independent Insurance Adjuster to negotiate for me just as you would have an attorney represent you on other issues. The first payment sent was returned and it is looking now like the payment for repairs will exceed 4X that original offer. Yes I have learned alot from this experience. First thing...<strong><em>never accept the first offer!! </em></strong><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CZT2q3CNOBU/TdBlEshsRQI/AAAAAAAABfE/JkY5b50MuEc/s1600/oak%2Btree%2Bmulch.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607092667422622978" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CZT2q3CNOBU/TdBlEshsRQI/AAAAAAAABfE/JkY5b50MuEc/s400/oak%2Btree%2Bmulch.jpg" /></a> This is part of what I did out side this afternoon. You are looking at my raised "Edible beds". Those little Everglade tomatos are still thriving, despite being crushed, almost to death. The last several weeks prior to this storm, I was thinning them out and giving tomato plants away, to everyone....maybe that was an omen.<br /></div><br /><br /><div>Back to the fresh mulch. It is actually the mulch from one of the tree stump grindings. So as I shoveled the mulch into my wheel barrel, moved it across the yard, and put it down, I had the feeling as if I was distributing ashes from a love onto their final resting destination. Which it was in reality, this tree was my oak that was covered about 5 foot all around the base and about 12 foot up with Bromeliads. I originally planted about four plants around the base when I moved in to my home in 2002 to see what would happen.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s2-M9C3IqBc/TdBlEZ_nkXI/AAAAAAAABe8/sHhFT3jZNoM/s1600/cactus.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607092662447870322" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s2-M9C3IqBc/TdBlEZ_nkXI/AAAAAAAABe8/sHhFT3jZNoM/s400/cactus.jpg" /></a> This storm caused a loss, but again I will say I am lucky. The damage could have been much more horrific like so many others have suffered this year with tornadoes/twisters. I will have to get used to no shade and the beating hot sun. It will take time to replant and make my back yard pretty again, as I will! But I know it will never be the same and I know that. <strong>Out with the shade loving plants and as you can see I have gotten my first 3 cactus plants. </strong><br /></div><br /><br /><div>I will be fine, we will all be fine, but my message here is <strong><em>appreciate all that you have, and take photographs, because in the blink of an eye all can change.................... </em></strong></div></div></div></div>Orlando Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061598658293393744noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3347279726807893030.post-78440267022004157022011-03-07T20:46:00.009-05:002011-03-07T21:28:21.377-05:00Does all this color indicate the arrival of spring?I certainly hope so.....notice the insect getting nector from this flower.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bukESXjP_1I/TXWNiZyqvkI/AAAAAAAABe0/6bXD9n7WHak/s1600/DSCF5344.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581522935374069314" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bukESXjP_1I/TXWNiZyqvkI/AAAAAAAABe0/6bXD9n7WHak/s400/DSCF5344.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-op20Cy0dfcc/TXWNiKAhcKI/AAAAAAAABes/dDHM6h35R6o/s1600/DSCF5355.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581522931137212578" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-op20Cy0dfcc/TXWNiKAhcKI/AAAAAAAABes/dDHM6h35R6o/s400/DSCF5355.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3QqusXKSibo/TXWNNKUjSQI/AAAAAAAABek/tl6vTCrhBiA/s1600/DSCF5354.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581522570443966722" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3QqusXKSibo/TXWNNKUjSQI/AAAAAAAABek/tl6vTCrhBiA/s400/DSCF5354.JPG" /></a> I have not planted any thing new in my yard this season, all that is springing up in bloom here have been planted from previous seasons.<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZgLxdLescDM/TXWNM3kbXLI/AAAAAAAABec/q2rWJV8MoLw/s1600/DSCF5353.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581522565410282674" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZgLxdLescDM/TXWNM3kbXLI/AAAAAAAABec/q2rWJV8MoLw/s400/DSCF5353.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wbXzGSi04yY/TXWNMi4Q-pI/AAAAAAAABeU/cw74iTEVoIc/s1600/DSCF5351.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581522559856343698" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wbXzGSi04yY/TXWNMi4Q-pI/AAAAAAAABeU/cw74iTEVoIc/s400/DSCF5351.JPG" /></a> When I trimmed away all the old brown and dead branches from the surface, look at what I uncovered hidden away.<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XHx1KqkGA_c/TXWNMuDdfXI/AAAAAAAABeM/9Y-K7ML36Hs/s1600/DSCF5348.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581522562856090994" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XHx1KqkGA_c/TXWNMuDdfXI/AAAAAAAABeM/9Y-K7ML36Hs/s400/DSCF5348.JPG" /></a> This is the flower from "Mother of Thousands", a succulent. Plants from this family are usually unusual and interesting.<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-94BWS2lgYGw/TXWNMCRXfYI/AAAAAAAABeE/q6LTfMWlOAI/s1600/DSCF5331.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581522551103257986" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-94BWS2lgYGw/TXWNMCRXfYI/AAAAAAAABeE/q6LTfMWlOAI/s400/DSCF5331.JPG" /></a> And much to my surprise they all came back.......proving again you can grow plants anywhere and I do!<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Ujsg039CTg/TXWMYP8rnNI/AAAAAAAABd8/xS0IsS1HzYE/s1600/DSCF5357.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581521661421395154" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Ujsg039CTg/TXWMYP8rnNI/AAAAAAAABd8/xS0IsS1HzYE/s400/DSCF5357.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-drL9dy7oBfM/TXWMWAJxzBI/AAAAAAAABd0/g5PYiPFOgnA/s1600/DSCF5333.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581521622821620754" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-drL9dy7oBfM/TXWMWAJxzBI/AAAAAAAABd0/g5PYiPFOgnA/s400/DSCF5333.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CACZO-wIC7U/TXWMVh5gMDI/AAAAAAAABds/-5xL-VzFWU0/s1600/DSCF5332.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581521614700294194" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CACZO-wIC7U/TXWMVh5gMDI/AAAAAAAABds/-5xL-VzFWU0/s400/DSCF5332.JPG" /></a><br /><div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-za7NIsDLiEo/TXWMVc5tSNI/AAAAAAAABdk/nSkmOKGGs0o/s1600/DSCF5352.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581521613358975186" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-za7NIsDLiEo/TXWMVc5tSNI/AAAAAAAABdk/nSkmOKGGs0o/s400/DSCF5352.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jylK3N4BD9Y/TXWMVEQ3B9I/AAAAAAAABdc/g1tSqgpPAds/s1600/DSCF5343.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581521606745196498" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jylK3N4BD9Y/TXWMVEQ3B9I/AAAAAAAABdc/g1tSqgpPAds/s400/DSCF5343.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ud5IjLlMamg/TXWLeEwDFoI/AAAAAAAABdU/3EAFuRkOvM0/s1600/DSCF5341.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581520661983204994" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ud5IjLlMamg/TXWLeEwDFoI/AAAAAAAABdU/3EAFuRkOvM0/s400/DSCF5341.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hLfbBA25m40/TXWLdjNWaxI/AAAAAAAABdM/0VPInalCCeE/s1600/DSCF5335.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581520652979301138" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hLfbBA25m40/TXWLdjNWaxI/AAAAAAAABdM/0VPInalCCeE/s400/DSCF5335.JPG" /></a> A healty tomato plant sending out flowers. One of many-many that reseeded itself from last season. The "critter" I have been battleing, that ate almost everything in my edible gardens, obviously does not care for tomato plants.....yet. <div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i8hOxoVHfpA/TXWLdXOfNAI/AAAAAAAABc8/_JYVHOaMSwk/s1600/DSCF5326.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581520649762845698" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i8hOxoVHfpA/TXWLdXOfNAI/AAAAAAAABc8/_JYVHOaMSwk/s400/DSCF5326.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qTt4WCHSggc/TXWLdDxpQBI/AAAAAAAABc0/AelKNR_208s/s1600/DSCF5339.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581520644541595666" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qTt4WCHSggc/TXWLdDxpQBI/AAAAAAAABc0/AelKNR_208s/s400/DSCF5339.JPG" /></a>No color here, but as I walked my yard today, I was thrilled to see my <em>Gossypium Barbadense</em> (Egyptian Cotton tree), break out with leaves and doing well....for several reasons. This plant is a native of Peru and I started it from a seed that I collected on a visit to the Polansek Gardens and Museum in Winter Park, Florida. I did not know that I would be successful to propagate it, to begin with and I did not think it would tolerate and survive the severe cold temperatures we experienced in Central Florida for several evenings. Also, I am told that the garden no longer has it's tree where I obtained the seeds. </div><div> </div><div>There is always a surprise in store in my garden and as usual, I welcome it.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Orlando Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061598658293393744noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3347279726807893030.post-749282639941773582011-02-09T19:57:00.006-05:002011-02-09T21:02:31.657-05:00Look What I Caught.....<strong>With a face like this does he look guilty? </strong><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zCHzys9S9qA/TVM40teP2RI/AAAAAAAABcs/wm9UEiaiDoc/s1600/squirrel.jpg"><strong><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571859642198251794" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zCHzys9S9qA/TVM40teP2RI/AAAAAAAABcs/wm9UEiaiDoc/s400/squirrel.jpg" /></strong></a> In a previous post <a href="http://maxinethomashomes.blogspot.com/2011/01/who-is-eating-my-arugala.html"><span style="color:#006600;"><em><strong>Who has been eating my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">arugula</span></strong></em></span></a>, I talked about my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">vegetable</span> garden invasions in the night. Yes, some critter was stealing my produce right from under my nose while I was sleeping. I had no choice I borrowed a Have a Heart Trap from a friend's dad and set it out in my garden baited. I thought that I might catch the critter who was guilty. I caught a squirrel!! My dogs went bonkers when they saw it. My first thought was that it was impossible to be a squirrel doing this....I have thousands in my yard. They breed, like rabbits, up in my huge Oak trees that fill my yard.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2JrxZLdS6rI/TVM40aYarcI/AAAAAAAABck/9bd_r4m4SBw/s1600/DSCF5273.JPG"> </a>They are a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">nuisance</span> in many ways, they eat all the bird food that I put out so I had to stop, and they torment my 3 dogs constantly, especially Niko, my biggest hunter. I think I was hoping to catch a Rabbit or something cute.<br /><br /><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m5uioiiAWAM/TVM40PKNFbI/AAAAAAAABcc/mimhLDxl4C0/s1600/DSCF5272.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571859634061120946" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m5uioiiAWAM/TVM40PKNFbI/AAAAAAAABcc/mimhLDxl4C0/s400/DSCF5272.JPG" /></a> As I again took a glimpse at my plants chewed down to just nubs, I just knew I needed to move forward with my plan and remove what I caught from my yard, however I was starting to feel guilty about it. Could this squirrel be a mom with a nest of babies up in the tree close by? I do not know how you would tell the sex of a squirrel, however as I stopped to take the photo of my little trapped critter, I did notice that he looked like he could be a boy squirrel therefore I was not responsible for potential orphan squirrels. This should make me feel a bit better right? Wrong, as we got into my car to relocate the little fella, I thought about in my heart, I don't believe he is the guilty party, but just a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time and he fell for the bait! I know I surely have been in that position. I found my self talking to him about the ride in the car as he sat in the trap in my back seat. I knew for sure this had to be his first ride. I put on the music for him to calm him...some Jazz. It would be alright, I was taking him to a better neighborhood about a mile away and across 2 major roads. Upon arrival to my destination, I removed the trap from my car and I opened the door releasing him on the Seminole County Bike trail. He was gone in a New York minute and up a tree. <em>Good luck little guy, I hope you are happy in your new digs.</em></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Back to my problem, When I arrived back home, I did speak to one of my neighbors the one behind me, who told me that she has been seeing rats in her yard and her hubby was trapping them. Now I know for sure, who is stealing my veggies and that makes sense! I just have to decide if I want to deal with attempting to trap them and deal with it if I do, or just do nothing and see what happens.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LkmhlnlJqRM/TVM4z8AOL8I/AAAAAAAABcU/016Z5meFfHw/s1600/DSCF5271.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571859628918976450" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LkmhlnlJqRM/TVM4z8AOL8I/AAAAAAAABcU/016Z5meFfHw/s400/DSCF5271.JPG" /></a>The " Have a Heart Trap" is the most humane trap to catch an animal without causing them any harm or danger. They come in various sizes, are fairly easy to use and can be used over and over.</div></div></div>Orlando Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061598658293393744noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3347279726807893030.post-25918006013148217712011-01-28T19:09:00.002-05:002011-01-30T19:43:26.133-05:00Attention all single gals! Could this be the breakthrough we are waiting for?<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TUYBqS6acOI/AAAAAAAABcI/N3xhQ8vtDZU/s1600/boy%2Btoy%2Bfront.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 288px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568139815433171170" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TUYBqS6acOI/AAAAAAAABcI/N3xhQ8vtDZU/s400/boy%2Btoy%2Bfront.jpg" /></a> As a Seminole County, Florida, Master Gardener I attend a monthly meeting of this group. Sometimes we have invited speakers, we exchange ideas, plant cuttings and sometimes even trade seeds to start our own plants. At last week's meeting, I was given two packs of seeds. You are viewing the front of the package above. Could this be for real, Grow Your Own Boy Toy?? Not a bad concept at all. Give this package of seeds to this girl that still believes in Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny and watch me plant them following the growing tips.<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TUYBqN74eAI/AAAAAAAABcA/TVoJfDU-_DE/s1600/boy%2Btoy%2Brear.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 286px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568139814097156098" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TUYBqN74eAI/AAAAAAAABcA/TVoJfDU-_DE/s400/boy%2Btoy%2Brear.jpg" /></a> Let's see I live in zone 1, per the instructions on the back of the package, outdoor planting dates, September-February. It is time to plant.......</div><div>So watch for updates, days to germinate 8-18 days. </div><div> </div><div>Could it be, Grow Your Own Boy Toy??</div><div><em><strong>May all our dreams come true!<br /><br /></strong></em></div><div></div>Orlando Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061598658293393744noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3347279726807893030.post-60027754682807789892011-01-19T18:50:00.009-05:002011-01-19T20:33:36.576-05:00Who is eating my Arugala?Gardeners have been experiencing very unusual and unpredictable weather lately. In my own Central Florida garden, my Christmas Cactus photographed at Christmas/late December 2010 is just beginning to bloom. This plant typically in past years has been as predictable as the best calender, displaying it's showy flowers, as a gift, just in time for Christmas day.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TTd_vym613I/AAAAAAAABb4/4wRPvwU0rjs/s1600/DSCF5222.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564056323655128946" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TTd_vym613I/AAAAAAAABb4/4wRPvwU0rjs/s400/DSCF5222.JPG" /></a> We were caught with little warning in mid December with a "hard frost" for two consecutive nights killing off and browning up plants, gardens and even turf. Floridians like myself are not used to this and as a gardener, I find this to be just so invasive of nature to just wipe out with one swoop my beloved garden. Below is what was left of my "edible garden".<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TTd_U1MTdfI/AAAAAAAABbw/CSUwSbIrUB0/s1600/vegtable%2Bgarden.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564055860492334578" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TTd_U1MTdfI/AAAAAAAABbw/CSUwSbIrUB0/s400/vegtable%2Bgarden.jpg" /></a> As I moped about, surveying the damage, I did discover buried way in the back of my yard in a very often not explored spot, a Bromeliad in bloom. Was this a sign that Mother Nature was attempting to win back some of my lost admiration and wonderment?<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TTd_UR45mvI/AAAAAAAABbo/GfsVskTwSVU/s1600/DSCF5221.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564055851015707378" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TTd_UR45mvI/AAAAAAAABbo/GfsVskTwSVU/s400/DSCF5221.JPG" /></a> So, after looking at my edible garden disaster for several weeks , as long as I could possibly endure this, I did break down and pull everything out and replanted. Ah a new fresh start. I planted all the "winter or cold weather" veggies that could survive another hard freeze. I planted several varieties of lettuce, celery, broccoli, cabbage-green and red, brussel sprouts, kale, beets and probably some additional veggies that I just did not think of now, in addition to many herbs in portable pots, that can be moved under cover in severe or freezing weather.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TTd_UPx1XqI/AAAAAAAABbg/RaPmoQCjqHM/s1600/DSCF5227.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564055850449198754" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TTd_UPx1XqI/AAAAAAAABbg/RaPmoQCjqHM/s400/DSCF5227.JPG" /></a> So here are my new little sprouts proudly doing what I expect of them. And I do check them several times a day. Even my kale and beets are coming up from seeds. My raised beds measure 4 foot X 6 foot, and were easily made by cutting 2 pressure treated boards in half, originally 12 foot and 8 foot. A drill and and some special screws and I have my raised beds to house my edible garden and I control the growinng soil. Yes, since the new planting, we had several additional evenings with a hard freeze and I just cover my raised beds with a full size fitted sheet....really easy. I would like to take the credit that I thought this out and planned it accordingly, but cannot. This worked out quite by accident!</div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TTd_T8vI5oI/AAAAAAAABbY/Eau82c3YafQ/s1600/arugula.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 198px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564055845337622146" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TTd_T8vI5oI/AAAAAAAABbY/Eau82c3YafQ/s400/arugula.jpg" /></a>This morning, I noticed that my Arugula was ready for harvest. There is nothing like going out to the garden to pick fresh produce for dinner. I immediately got on the Internet and found a recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/cda/recipe_print/0,1946,FOOD_9936_439760_RECIPE-PRINT-FULL-PAGE-FORMATTER,00.html"><span style="color:#006600;"><strong>Cape Cod Chopped Salad</strong> </span></a>which looked very yummy, and proceeded to go outside with my basket and clippers to pick my Arugula. But.......it was all gone! Chewed down to just nubs. <em><strong>Who is eating my Arugula? </strong></em>What furry little critter is getting the benefit of all my work? First the weather then the critters.....</div><br /><div>By the way, I will mention for any of you Vegitarians out there, I am sure this salad would still be yummy with the bacon left off!</div><br /><br /><div>Obviously the photo above of the Arugala is not from my garden. I have decided to just be patient and wait for my crop to regrow, which it will....and I will get to it first.</div><br /><br /><div>If you are not familiar with Arugula, it is a spicy little leaf, which some describe as bitter and others characterize as having a "peppery-mustardy" flavor. Because it is so potent on its own, it is often mixed with milder greens to produce a nice balanced salad. It can also be sauteed in olive oil. You can substitute most any green for arugula, but the closest matches are Belgian endive, escarole, and dandelion greens. </div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TTd_TjPUIFI/AAAAAAAABbQ/b1rncEG2Eh8/s1600/Orchid.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564055838493253714" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TTd_TjPUIFI/AAAAAAAABbQ/b1rncEG2Eh8/s400/Orchid.jpg" /></a> In the meantime, while I wait, I will admire my Orchid which is in full bloom and fills my kitchen with the sweetest aroma. But, I could not help to think that what I have experienced in my garden is probably how one would feel when they go to the refrigerator for a glass of milk and find a milk container empty!!! </div></div></div></div>Orlando Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061598658293393744noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3347279726807893030.post-38523245186099200852010-12-28T12:30:00.005-05:002010-12-28T13:02:32.289-05:00In the true spirit of the holidays....Food, family, friends and fun....<br /><br />This past long holiday week-end spent at my daughter's home, we had 4 woman cooking in the kitchen. There were times, you would have to wait your turn to get to the stove, which is gas and I still haven't figured it out. We had as many as 17 for dinner on December 25th, with the food served, a vast array from many ethnic back grounds.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TRofXdhdUaI/AAAAAAAABbI/atap7u80lsU/s1600/greek%2Bpotato%2Bsalad.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555787578237342114" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TRofXdhdUaI/AAAAAAAABbI/atap7u80lsU/s400/greek%2Bpotato%2Bsalad.jpg" /></a>My overall favorite dish, was a Greek potato salad served on a bed of greens with sliced fresh beets, Feta cheese, avocados and tomatoes. Feta cheese in lieu of a large amount of mayonnaise made this Greek potato salad creamy and incredibly yummy. Unfortunately there was no recipe, so I will have to improvise when I attempt to duplicate it. This dish was truly too pretty to not take a photo of...so I did!<br /><br /><br /><br />And in the true spirit of the holidays, our family complied! We ate, we ate.....and we ate again.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TRofJs17MYI/AAAAAAAABbA/bAC4KCQdbss/s1600/Irma.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555787341831549314" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TRofJs17MYI/AAAAAAAABbA/bAC4KCQdbss/s400/Irma.jpg" /></a> Mrs. C, your entry was truly the winner in my mind. </div><br /><div>Spoken as I sit here in front of my computer still "grazing" on a left over Peruvian dish that I could not tell you the name of. Yum!!<br /><div></div></div>Orlando Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061598658293393744noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3347279726807893030.post-13850629803011486162010-11-12T07:39:00.003-05:002010-11-12T08:05:44.404-05:00Who has been eating my eggplant???I guess I should consider myself lucky, as my "edible garden" has escaped the critters of the yard.....up until now.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TN02V-J6xGI/AAAAAAAABa0/YosWkRZ4lWg/s1600/DSCF4422.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538642867825329250" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TN02V-J6xGI/AAAAAAAABa0/YosWkRZ4lWg/s400/DSCF4422.JPG" /></a> My eggplant has been healthy, producing and most of all untouched by the critters of nature, providing the main ingredient of many recent meals. (sauteed with ginger, green onions and lots of garlic, served over brown rice, being one of my personal favorites).<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TN02VdnoIGI/AAAAAAAABas/cNcf21ruckk/s1600/DSCF5124.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538642859091566690" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TN02VdnoIGI/AAAAAAAABas/cNcf21ruckk/s400/DSCF5124.JPG" /></a> I guess those days are over, a thief of the night has found it's way into my garden. Two days ago as I looked over the garden in the early morning, I noticed an eggplant had been snacked on. I immediately plucked it off the plant and discarded it. At that time I didn't take it too seriously. But the next day....the same thing, with a 2nd. eggplant, so I decided to leave it and see what happens. The photo above is that eggplant the next morning, perfectly scooped out and eaten. At least the little culprit went back to the same one he had gotten into the night before and left the others on the vine intact. They are still much smaller. I really don't know what I can do from here about this situation. I consider myself fortunate that it took this long for the critters to discover my garden and I realize that I have enough to share, within reason.<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TN02VHBo61I/AAAAAAAABak/y6eneiPQ2NY/s1600/DSCF5128.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538642853026655058" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TN02VHBo61I/AAAAAAAABak/y6eneiPQ2NY/s400/DSCF5128.JPG" /></a> Recently, my three dogs have been digging down into my plants and they are in most definite "hunt" mode, especially Niko. I think that they are on to something. I believe that whatever animal is snacking on my eggplant, is also residing in my garden, right under my nose. I will have to keep an eye open and see if I can solve this little problem.</div></div>Orlando Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061598658293393744noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3347279726807893030.post-30344559246922939972010-11-02T16:27:00.011-04:002010-11-02T18:46:18.731-04:00GET THE DIRT......<div align="center">Get the dirt on how to have a great garden at the Seminole County Master Gardener Expo, a Horticultural Exposition. Whether you only have a really small garden or a huge garden........<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TNCIIQR5ooI/AAAAAAAABac/QAQaqAvPrLg/s1600/classic-car-mobile-garden-lg.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 313px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535073617428718210" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TNCIIQR5ooI/AAAAAAAABac/QAQaqAvPrLg/s400/classic-car-mobile-garden-lg.jpg" /></a> No matter the size of your garden or the type of garden is your interest, this is the place to "Ask The Experts"! Gardening is for everyone! Come out and and speak to and listen to local and regional celebrities <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TNB5u797QII/AAAAAAAABaM/n1M8DaoMiI8/s1600/Garden+Art.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535057789316710530" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TNB5u797QII/AAAAAAAABaM/n1M8DaoMiI8/s400/Garden+Art.jpg" /></a>EXPO will take place at one of Seminole County’s finest lake-front settings. The Seminole County Master Gardeners have invited exhibitors from a wide variety of interests in urban horticulture: growers, retail sales, landscapers, non-profit organizations plant societies and more. The objective is to bring these varied urban horticulture interests together in Seminole County for residents, visitors and others to experience. Expert speakers and instructors are scheduled to speak throughout the day along with entertainment and food service. Sample some great tasting foods while wondering around the exhibitors displays.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TNB5uYAnnsI/AAAAAAAABaE/ie5NT90vlFs/s1600/latin+food.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535057779664330434" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TNB5uYAnnsI/AAAAAAAABaE/ie5NT90vlFs/s400/latin+food.jpg" /></a> Something for every one's taste. Have food, fun and MORE! <br />Learn new craft ideas<br />Find out all about bees<br />Meet Sir Gus, the kissing Camel</div><div>(You haven't been kissed until you have been kissed by Gus)<br />Enter contests to win prizes<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TNB5t9qhtzI/AAAAAAAABZ8/TgYH2H8n1aE/s1600/ketttle+corn.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535057772592346930" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TNB5t9qhtzI/AAAAAAAABZ8/TgYH2H8n1aE/s400/ketttle+corn.jpg" /></a></div><div><div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TNB2LfoDRaI/AAAAAAAABZ0/HrTKDHfoIVE/s1600/ilce+cream.j%5Bg.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535053881878463906" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TNB2LfoDRaI/AAAAAAAABZ0/HrTKDHfoIVE/s400/ilce+cream.j%5Bg.bmp" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TNB2Kv_AoEI/AAAAAAAABZs/V4YrJM44NuM/s1600/DSCF4690.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535053869089857602" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TNB2Kv_AoEI/AAAAAAAABZs/V4YrJM44NuM/s400/DSCF4690.JPG" /></a> Purchase plants and horticulture items<br />See beautiful plants & landscape ideas<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TNB2KFGdmlI/AAAAAAAABZk/CfG1rJkBXuQ/s1600/DSCF4693.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535053857578392146" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TNB2KFGdmlI/AAAAAAAABZk/CfG1rJkBXuQ/s400/DSCF4693.JPG" /></a> View vegetable gardening demos and alternative gardening demos<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TNB2JhXIL9I/AAAAAAAABZc/-xiTDh6A9V0/s1600/DSCF4695.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535053847984615378" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TNB2JhXIL9I/AAAAAAAABZc/-xiTDh6A9V0/s400/DSCF4695.JPG" /></a>The Seminole County Master Gardeners have been working on this project for over a year and hope to see you out at Expo 2010.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TNB2JbtnvJI/AAAAAAAABZU/Z_X7u0klTZs/s1600/mg_banner01_500.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 153px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535053846468344978" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TNB2JbtnvJI/AAAAAAAABZU/Z_X7u0klTZs/s400/mg_banner01_500.jpg" /></a><strong>Red Bug Lake Park</strong></div><div><strong>3600 Red Bug Lake Road</strong></div><div><strong>Casselberry, FL 32707<br />Saturday, November 6, 2010 </strong></div><div><strong>10:00 AM to 4:00 PM</strong></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;color:#006600;">For more information, please call (407) 665-5550<br /></span></strong><br /></span><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Orlando Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061598658293393744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3347279726807893030.post-43977007838777425702010-10-18T16:21:00.018-04:002010-10-18T18:22:02.941-04:00The Serenity in the Garden....Like this bunny perched upon the tree stump, I think that I continue to find my serenity in the garden. I continue to be amazed by the wonders of nature and it's ongoing <em><strong>display of magic</strong></em>. And, to think maybe I did have something to do with all this.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TLyvjL54PWI/AAAAAAAABZM/nRsC1wql5yY/s1600/DSCF5005.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529487461529959778" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TLyvjL54PWI/AAAAAAAABZM/nRsC1wql5yY/s400/DSCF5005.JPG" /></a><strong> So what's happening in the garden?</strong> With the cooler weather and nights here in Florida finally, some changes are obvious.<br />Here is a flower on my <strong>Bird of Paradise</strong>, or <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Strelitzia</span>. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Strelitzia</span> is a tropical plant with spectacular flowers reminiscent of an exotic bird. Plumage is another word used to describe <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Strelitzia</span> as the flowers resemble a bird’s beak with spiked head plumage. The Bird of Paradise is an evergreen plant with leaves similar to the banana plant only much smaller.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TLyvLwRQycI/AAAAAAAABZE/MbF89TkhalY/s1600/DSCF4923.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529487058974853570" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TLyvLwRQycI/AAAAAAAABZE/MbF89TkhalY/s400/DSCF4923.JPG" /></a> As the evenings get cooler the "edibles" in the garden have become <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">rejuvenated</span> and are again producing. My Native <strong>Wild Florida Everglade Tomatoes</strong> the size of a marble are incredibly tasty. If you can locate the seeds for this teeny tiny tomato, these delectable tomatoes have now been grown in all 50 states, Canada, Mexico as well as several Caribbean islands. Plant them in your ground or plant them in pots or plant them to grow on your porch or patio, these tomatoes perform amazingly well with minimal care.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TLyvLogyyrI/AAAAAAAABY8/pUxW_j0DZKY/s1600/DSCF4999.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529487056892512946" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TLyvLogyyrI/AAAAAAAABY8/pUxW_j0DZKY/s400/DSCF4999.JPG" /></a> The <strong>Japanese eggplants</strong>, good producers during the hot Florida summer, continue to produce. They are smaller than American eggplants, and the skins are thinner. They can be grilled, steamed, simmered, fried, pickled, and so on. I like to prepare them sauteed with ginger and lots of garlic in a soy and sesame oil sauce and serve with brown rice.....healthy and yummy.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TLyvK5BNfpI/AAAAAAAABY0/bvKQELceVKo/s1600/DSCF4994.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529487044143578770" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TLyvK5BNfpI/AAAAAAAABY0/bvKQELceVKo/s400/DSCF4994.JPG" /></a> My <strong>red <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Salvia</span></strong> one of the slow to recover plants from the brutal cold of last winter is finally flowering. The butterflies and dragonflies love this plant.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TLyvKkk_bwI/AAAAAAAABYs/fvq2iohSy8w/s1600/DSCF4998.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529487038656507650" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TLyvKkk_bwI/AAAAAAAABYs/fvq2iohSy8w/s400/DSCF4998.JPG" /></a> My very interesting Giant <a href="http://maxinethomashomes.blogspot.com/2010/02/incredible-journey.html"><span style="color:#3333ff;"><strong><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kalanchoe</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Gastonis</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Boanieri</span></strong></span></a>, or <strong>Donkey Ears</strong>, sometimes also known as the Life Plant is filling in and growing daily. This is one of a few babies that I was able to salvage from the "mother plant". I had photographed and followed the incredible journey of going to flower last season on another post, before the cold weather destroyed it. Note some babies forming on the tips of the leaves.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TLyvJx1YVuI/AAAAAAAABYk/UKSZhLtdwP0/s1600/DSCF4997.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529487025035040482" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TLyvJx1YVuI/AAAAAAAABYk/UKSZhLtdwP0/s400/DSCF4997.JPG" /></a> A water garden can add a striking new dimension to your home's landscape...mine is little, but my water plants are thriving. My <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Cyperus</span> Papyrus, or <strong>paper plant</strong>, stands proudly surrounded by floating lettuce plants.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TLyuAjlCP1I/AAAAAAAABYc/Ly21yOn-IfM/s1600/DSCF4993.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529485767077936978" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TLyuAjlCP1I/AAAAAAAABYc/Ly21yOn-IfM/s400/DSCF4993.JPG" /></a> On either side of the bird bath in clay pots partly sunken in the ground are <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Variegatus</span> or <strong>Red Bird</strong> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Cacto</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">Cardenal</span>. With the weather cooling the leaves are beginning to turn red in color and they will become a beautiful fall display.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TLyuAGzWLoI/AAAAAAAABYU/KFePTq9nIRc/s1600/DSCF5007.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529485759353335426" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TLyuAGzWLoI/AAAAAAAABYU/KFePTq9nIRc/s400/DSCF5007.JPG" /></a> Look how big the Gossypium Barbadense, or <a href="http://maxinethomashomes.blogspot.com/2010/10/i-knew-i-would-find-use-for-these.html"><span style="color:#3333ff;">cotton plant </span></a>has gotten that I started from seeds not too long ago. It is over 5 1/2 ft. tall now and<br />just taller then the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Shepard's</span> hook that the bird house hangs from.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TLyt_bDt8HI/AAAAAAAABYM/tQMdhIQCU-w/s1600/DSCF5006.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529485747610841202" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TLyt_bDt8HI/AAAAAAAABYM/tQMdhIQCU-w/s400/DSCF5006.JPG" /></a> The following plant I started from a cutting that I got from a home participating in the Garden Walk that the <em>Seminole County Master Gardeners</em> put together. It produces a large spike like purple flower on a plant that can grow several feet tall. The homeowner stated that it is in the family of the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">Clerodendrun</span>, or Shooting Star, but did not have a name. If anyone reading this recognizes the plant and can give me the name, I would appreciate it.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TLyt-kNpvVI/AAAAAAAABYE/ZhDtMt4LXn8/s1600/DSCF5003.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529485732888558930" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TLyt-kNpvVI/AAAAAAAABYE/ZhDtMt4LXn8/s400/DSCF5003.JPG" /></a> Another orphan plant with no name. I started this from a plant growing in the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">yard</span> of a home that I sold several years ago to one of my Buyers. The home belonged to a lady named <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">Leota</span>, so I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">affectionately</span> refer to it as <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-error">Leota's</span> bush. I know someone out there can help me do better then that...so if you recognize it please fill me in.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TLyt-U-OhpI/AAAAAAAABX8/WBJ4W-Wfxt0/s1600/DSCF5001.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529485728797329042" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TLyt-U-OhpI/AAAAAAAABX8/WBJ4W-Wfxt0/s400/DSCF5001.JPG" /></a> For me, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">everyday</span> in my garden brings a new gift. <em><strong>Are you looking for peace and serenity, look in nature......<br /></strong></em><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Orlando Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061598658293393744noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3347279726807893030.post-56799459896858434342010-10-03T17:11:00.009-04:002010-10-03T17:58:32.947-04:00I knew I would find a use for these.....The seed starter everyone has in their home....<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TKj1IXZGlYI/AAAAAAAABX0/uZif8XBkPyo/s1600/seed+starter.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523934467036976514" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TKj1IXZGlYI/AAAAAAAABX0/uZif8XBkPyo/s400/seed+starter.jpg" /></a> I always knew that there had to be something that could be done with the empty Toilet Tissue tubes...... I finally saw something in a book I was looking at and tested it....loved how it worked. It worked perfectly as a seed starter and satisfied my personal need to use them for something of value. I just took my personal mixed potting soil and filled the tubes. I stood them up-right in a container that I collected at the salad bars. Plant several seeds in each tube....mist daily and cover with the clear top, creating a "miniature hot house". Once the seed <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">germinates</span>, remove cover and continue to mist. Take the entire tube and plant in the ground. The following will show you how I am growing some <strong><em><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Egyptian</span> Cotton or <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Gossypium</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Barbadense</span></em></strong> seeds that I gathered from a mature tree at the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Polasek</span> Museum and Sculpture Gardens.<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TKj05anGFcI/AAAAAAAABXs/AEj5RM7wqWI/s1600/cotton+tree+leaf.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523934210202932674" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TKj05anGFcI/AAAAAAAABXs/AEj5RM7wqWI/s400/cotton+tree+leaf.jpg" /></a> I just loved the look of the leaf, heart shaped and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">shiny</span>.<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TKj0teq6hPI/AAAAAAAABXk/Epxw107uowA/s1600/cotton+tree.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523934005134263538" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TKj0teq6hPI/AAAAAAAABXk/Epxw107uowA/s400/cotton+tree.jpg" /></a> I put my little cotton tree in the ground after it had about 3-4 leaves. This plant can be grown as a bush or tree. I preferred to shape it into a tree, so therefore I removed all the lower leaves.</div><div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TKj0e0TtK9I/AAAAAAAABXc/hmyEuTW-TvU/s1600/cotton+tree+2.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523933753244462034" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TKj0e0TtK9I/AAAAAAAABXc/hmyEuTW-TvU/s400/cotton+tree+2.JPG" /></a> Look how big it has gotten as of today. Proudly standing about 5 feet tall. The interesting part about this little story, is after I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">succeeded</span> with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">propagating</span> some seeds, and I contacted the museum to get the official name of my little plant, I was told that the original tree, much to their grief is no longer at the gardens. No one exactly knows why it was removed. And I was questioned about time involved to grow mine. </div><div><br /><strong>A Little History Lesson on this plant</strong>....who would have guessed? I just thought it was a pretty and different looking plant.<br /><br /><em>Peruvian <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Pima</span> Cotton – <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Gossypium</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Barbadense</span><br />Native South American Luxury Textiles of Peru & Inca Civilization<br /><br />Peruvian <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">Pima</span> Cotton – Cotton of the Incas - Public Domain<br />Peruvian <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">Pima</span> cotton, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">gossypium</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">barbadense</span>, is a luxury cotton native to South America. Here is an overview and history of Peruvian <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">Pima</span> cotton from the Incas to today.<br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">Gossypium</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">barbadense</span>, commonly known as <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-error">Pima</span> cotton, is today cultivated in many of the major cotton growing regions of the world. This luxury cotton, highly valued on the global market, is still harvested in Northern Peru where its origins can be found.<br />A History of Peruvian <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-error">Pima</span> Cotton<br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-error">Gossypium</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-error">barbadense</span> was given the name “<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" class="blsp-spelling-error">Pima</span>” cotton after the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_23" class="blsp-spelling-error">Pima</span> Indians who first harvested the cotton in the United States. An experimental farm for the cultivation of this species of cotton was developed in the early 1900s by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_24" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sacaton</span>, Arizona.<br />While the common name of the plant originated in North America, its historical origins are distinctly South American. Cotton fragments have been found in Peru dating as far back as 3100 B.C. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_25" class="blsp-spelling-error">Archeologists</span> discovered cotton samples of this era in the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_26" class="blsp-spelling-error">Huaca</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_27" class="blsp-spelling-error">Prieta</span> excavation, a site located in today’s cotton growing region of Peru.</em></div></div></div>Orlando Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061598658293393744noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3347279726807893030.post-21118844340910114312010-09-28T10:55:00.017-04:002010-09-28T12:05:10.871-04:00Life Does Have It's Moments......I wonder what I will be when I grow up?<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TKINMgXfHRI/AAAAAAAABXU/HdFvLRtPEtI/s1600/dating.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 284px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521990601607683346" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TKINMgXfHRI/AAAAAAAABXU/HdFvLRtPEtI/s400/dating.jpg" /></a> I wonder does time really fly?<br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 321px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521984336607443538" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TKIHf1bB-lI/AAAAAAAABXM/lWTrnPLLeb4/s400/time-flies-clock-10-11-2006.gif" /> I cannot believe that it has been since August 4th since my last post. I have not forgotten you, my online Journal. These last several weeks have just been packed full of “Life Happenings”, attempts at solving some of life’s problems and some intense Soul Searching. If you are wondering what has distracted me......<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TKIGaoZC52I/AAAAAAAABXE/S1sOBW7Q3sk/s1600/DSCF4422.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521983147698480994" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TKIGaoZC52I/AAAAAAAABXE/S1sOBW7Q3sk/s400/DSCF4422.JPG" /></a> I have kept up with my usual volunteer work in the Nursing home and as a Master Gardener, my work-out "therapy at the gym" and also signed up for Boot Camp….. Like I need to work out more then I already do. I am still “playing” out in my garden as often as time allows and still producing edibles which I love to creatively cook.<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TKIGIe7ljYI/AAAAAAAABW8/E-i8Y0ITNRM/s1600/time+in+a+garden.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521982835921358210" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TKIGIe7ljYI/AAAAAAAABW8/E-i8Y0ITNRM/s400/time+in+a+garden.jpg" /></a>I wonder why I agreed to participate in a Garage Sale?<br /><br /><div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TKIFeEf9G7I/AAAAAAAABWs/O9QhWkOUGgA/s1600/DSCF4871.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521982107271633842" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TKIFeEf9G7I/AAAAAAAABWs/O9QhWkOUGgA/s400/DSCF4871.JPG" /></a> The decision to participate in a community garage sale was an eye-opener and time monopilizer. Two of my girl friends came over and brought some of their stuff to sell also….so we made it a party. I admit, I am the World’s biggest or at least in the top 10% of biggest “keepers”. I don’t get rid of anything! I have clothes in my closet older then most of my friend’s ages! O.K,. I guess that gives away my age somewhat!</div><div> </div><div> A Garage sale…is an experience that everyone should experience at least once in their life. For me, it gave me a <strong><em>much needed goal</em></strong> to gather & purge some stuff that should have been purged decades ago. It is an interesting picture of the human race….and that is an interesting story. If something is priced well below its value…."they” still want it for less! I wonder if things were priced for free…what would happen. </div><div> </div><div>See anything you like or need in these photos, let me know.<br /></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TKIFQdyNkgI/AAAAAAAABWk/3P_Ie2iT7J4/s1600/DSCF4870.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521981873540928002" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TKIFQdyNkgI/AAAAAAAABWk/3P_Ie2iT7J4/s400/DSCF4870.JPG" /></a> This is what is left that did not sell…….now what do I do with these treasures? Clothes were already picked up by Am vets, so they will go to folks who can use them, which makes me feel better.<br /><br />I have posted some of the bigger & better items, in my opinion, on Craig’s list and EBay for sale. Now I just have to develop a little patience and wait, not one of my better qualities.</div><div> </div><div>In the interim I have dealt with the emotions of the upcoming 3rd anniversary, October 3rd, of the Home Invasion that I encountered, where I was bound and held hostage for 3+ hours, while my home was ransacked by a bunch of creeps, looking for gold & money, etc. You want to talk about a life altering event? Three years ago and it still feels to me like it was only a month ago, an experience that will never go away. I still believe that during that encounter I was watched over by my Guardian Angel to help get me thru this horrific event. <em>I know that all things happen for a reason, and there is a reason that I am yet to understand here. </em>Perhaps there is still something or someone that will come into my life that I can help or am meant to be part of.<br /></div><div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TKIE9-jmiBI/AAAAAAAABWc/9Wt4Ej9TL6s/s1600/openhouse.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 101px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 92px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521981555920504850" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TKIE9-jmiBI/AAAAAAAABWc/9Wt4Ej9TL6s/s400/openhouse.jpg" /></a>During this time, much thought has been given to the most <strong><em>“battered market in real estate”</em></strong>, in the industry’s history, which is what I do. No I am not going to be another Realtor Casualty! I have been enjoying my career for 14+ years and I will stick with it. But this does mean that I must depend on my past customers and friends, you know who you are, to tell everyone they know what a great job I did for them and send me some referrals. This is a great time to purchase after all.<br /><br />Sadly I had to say goodbye to a friend taken by that ugly Villain, Cancer, another unpleasant life lesson. <br /></div><div>If you are still with me reading, I do not mean to let this posting sound like anything other then me just explaining my absence in “posting”, while continuing to take on life. I have made some life altering decisions which will be disclosed in the imminent future. In doing so, I have realized again, the importance of friends and family in my life; I have taken lots of photos, attended several wine tastings, read some books and just participated in life.<br /><div><div><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:180%;color:#333399;"><strong>Now, I am just trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up!</strong></span></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TKIEGFRYEzI/AAAAAAAABWE/099SsQuprNw/s1600/animals.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 195px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 123px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521980595650433842" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TKIEGFRYEzI/AAAAAAAABWE/099SsQuprNw/s400/animals.jpg" /></a> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Orlando Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061598658293393744noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3347279726807893030.post-76315884711096392322010-08-04T13:20:00.006-04:002010-08-04T14:09:44.482-04:00It is time to come out of the closet....<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TFmiq3lgcvI/AAAAAAAABVk/6UTVdMDaQzk/s1600/DSCF4652.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501607277169242866" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TFmiq3lgcvI/AAAAAAAABVk/6UTVdMDaQzk/s400/DSCF4652.JPG" /></a> I cannot tell you exactly how long I have owned these shoes, nor can I tell you what I was thinking when I originally purchased them. I can say however, with much certainty, that they relocated with me from New York to Atlanta in 1978 and again from Atlanta to Orlando in 1988. So yes, I am ageing myself here! The math puts these shoes in excess of 32 years old.<br /><br />I have not worn these shoes in all these years except once, to a Jimmy Buffet "Margaritaville" party several years back. They were the talk of the party. Together we were even voted 1st place for the outfit of the night.<br /><br />Recently it has come to my attention that <strong><em>"funky"</em></strong> shoes are making a comeback. Sneakers are pissed at flats. They've taken over as our casual shoe pick of the day. And they're not going down without a fight! This season, sneakers have been made over with new color, patterns, and textures. <em>Funky sneakers are a fun, sporty alternative to wearing flats. </em><br /><em></em><br />Even several of my Zumba instructors have adopted these new bold look sneakers. So my old friend, funky shoes, are you ready to get out on the Zumba floor with me and take on a little Salsa and Meringue? I believe it may be time to take you out of the closet and give you another go-round.<br /><br />How about you, my friends reading this....I dare you to be bold, not beige!Orlando Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061598658293393744noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3347279726807893030.post-39852272389882104552010-07-28T17:14:00.018-04:002010-07-28T21:12:05.967-04:00A day in the life of a 12 year old....When it is his birthday......<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TFCjymuOXCI/AAAAAAAABVM/KjsdbUEAgI8/s1600/DSCF4601.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499075234802588706" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TFCjymuOXCI/AAAAAAAABVM/KjsdbUEAgI8/s400/DSCF4601.JPG" /></a> I don't care what your age is, <em>young or old</em>, we all like when our birthday is remembered and have some special plans to make it a special day. My grandson Scott and I spent the day together Monday, for his birthday, while his mom was taking a medical board test at a testing center here locally @ the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">UCF</span> Campus near Orlando. This was a bit unusual, since Scott lives in Pt. Saint Lucie about 140 miles south of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Longwood</span>, which is my home. Usually when we see each other it is with the entire family, including his 2 brothers.<br /><br /><br /><div align="center">SO SCOTT, IT IS JUST US, WHAT CAN WE DO FOR FUN?? <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TFCjyBQRg4I/AAAAAAAABVE/N9mjaZTRoz8/s1600/DSCF4600.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499075224744854402" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TFCjyBQRg4I/AAAAAAAABVE/N9mjaZTRoz8/s400/DSCF4600.JPG" /></a> Here we go....we are on our way. </div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TFCjx_Jz9gI/AAAAAAAABU8/xrBWBVA39ww/s1600/DSCF4602.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499075224180880898" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TFCjx_Jz9gI/AAAAAAAABU8/xrBWBVA39ww/s400/DSCF4602.JPG" /></a>Just messing around with my camera, while I drive.<br /></div><br /><div align="center">Our first stop......</div><br /><div align="center">Audubon Center for Birds of Prey</div><div align="center">1101 Audubon Way</div><div align="center"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Maitland</span>, Fl. 32751 - 407-644-1090<br />Scott is an animal lover..... I wonder where he gets that??? I thought that he would enjoy seeing Birds of Prey. The problem was they are closed to the public on Monday....the only day we had. So I made a few phone calls and the wonderful folks at Birds of Prey, made it possible for us to visit on Monday and we were able to browse around the facility as VIP guests. </div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TFCjw7fKX5I/AAAAAAAABUs/trwwrINpSKw/s1600/DSCF4618.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499075206016819090" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TFCjw7fKX5I/AAAAAAAABUs/trwwrINpSKw/s400/DSCF4618.JPG" /></a> One of the most enchanting animal encounters to be found in the Orlando area is The Center for Birds of Prey in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Maitland</span>, Florida. Each year this facility takes in about 700 wounded and orphaned raptors from all over Florida, tends to their wounds, and nurses them back to health with the ultimate goal of releasing them back into the wild. About 40% make it.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TFCjB_P_8PI/AAAAAAAABUk/cX0gCQnKv1I/s1600/DSCF4607.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499074399573111026" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TFCjB_P_8PI/AAAAAAAABUk/cX0gCQnKv1I/s400/DSCF4607.JPG" /></a> On display here is a giant birds nest.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TFCjBmyZI9I/AAAAAAAABUc/YHH2iQ9_i0M/s1600/DSCF4608.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499074393006482386" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TFCjBmyZI9I/AAAAAAAABUc/YHH2iQ9_i0M/s400/DSCF4608.JPG" /></a> Birds of Prey is located on the beautiful shores of Lake <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sybellia</span>.<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TFCjBBsJm8I/AAAAAAAABUU/DbVL8YGCIwo/s1600/DSCF4613.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499074383048186818" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TFCjBBsJm8I/AAAAAAAABUU/DbVL8YGCIwo/s400/DSCF4613.JPG" /></a> Sam, has been a staff Vet Tech. for 5 years. Here she is holding <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bogie</span>, one of the center's Educational Ambassador Birds. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bogie</span> is a Great- Horned Owl and came to Birds of Prey as a baby in 1992 after he had fallen out of his nest, (hence the name). He has a fractured wing and is unable to fly so cannot be released into the wild.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TFCjAxr_NNI/AAAAAAAABUM/khQFcAo4rMU/s1600/DSCF4612.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499074378752537810" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TFCjAxr_NNI/AAAAAAAABUM/khQFcAo4rMU/s400/DSCF4612.JPG" /></a> Here is Scott with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bogie</span>. Although the birds are trained and able to be handled by the staff, while wearing a heavy padded suede-like glove to protect them, they will not go to others.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TFCjAZUQHiI/AAAAAAAABUE/jFTyCkWAHeA/s1600/DSCF4614.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499074372210531874" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TFCjAZUQHiI/AAAAAAAABUE/jFTyCkWAHeA/s400/DSCF4614.JPG" /></a> Spike is a Red-tailed hawk, also one of the Education Ambassador birds. Spike was admitted in 2000 with an eye injury to her left eye. The injury became chronic and her eye was later removed.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TFCiFXwXIsI/AAAAAAAABT8/uCQRcmCV_Hc/s1600/DSCF4615.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499073358179279554" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TFCiFXwXIsI/AAAAAAAABT8/uCQRcmCV_Hc/s400/DSCF4615.JPG" /></a> Here Scott is getting a closer look at Spike. Birds of Prey is open to the public, except Monday as I learned. They accept donations to maintain the facility. They are always trying to raise money to support their programs. An easy way for folks to get involved is to join the <a href="http://www.audubonofflorida.org/who_centers_CBOP_adoptabird.html">Adopt-a-Bird</a> program, a fun and interesting way to participate in the conservation of Florida's magnificent raptors housed and treated at the center.<br /><br />Hours: Tues-Sunday 10-4PM<br />Admission: Adults $5, Children $4, under 3 are free<br /><a href="http://www.audubonofflorida.org/">http://www.audubonofflorida.org/</a>. If you are looking for something interesting to do check out The Center for birds of Prey.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TFCiFNUFcHI/AAAAAAAABT0/1mKWGfQwaDc/s1600/DSCF4617.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499073355376324722" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TFCiFNUFcHI/AAAAAAAABT0/1mKWGfQwaDc/s400/DSCF4617.JPG" /></a> In this close up photo of Spike, you can see the missing eye. When I asked Scott what he would like to do next, as we still had several hours to "mess around", and hearing his response, you could have knocked me over with a feather! Never- never would I have guessed his response. He asked to go to a <em><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Judaica</span> Shop</em>, a venue for finding that special and unique 'Jewish gift'. He and his brother are currently studying for their Bar Mitzvah which will be next year and he was interested in looking at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Tallit</span> Sets. Now, I had no idea of where to find such a shop.....at the time. I made a few phone calls and came up with exactly, if not better then he ever expected, right here in Orlando.<br /></div><br /><br /><div>The Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah are "rites of passage," crossovers from childhood to adulthood; milestones in a Jewish life. In the eyes of Jewish law, the child becomes responsible for his/her own deeds, spiritually, ethically, and morally.... It is a true connection to Judaism.<br /></div><br /><div>Scott happily tried on several <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Tallit</span> Sets, and to watch him do so, so excited, I thought of the phrase "he had a smile on his face from ear to ear".<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TFCiEg77jdI/AAAAAAAABTs/WRvFiIJ-df4/s1600/DSCF4604.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499073343463853522" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TFCiEg77jdI/AAAAAAAABTs/WRvFiIJ-df4/s400/DSCF4604.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TFCiEf5crAI/AAAAAAAABTk/ORb_789TBIY/s1600/DSCF4605.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499073343185005570" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TFCiEf5crAI/AAAAAAAABTk/ORb_789TBIY/s400/DSCF4605.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TFCiD3pLgyI/AAAAAAAABTc/V6KEecCgf7M/s1600/DSCF4606.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499073332379353890" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TFCiD3pLgyI/AAAAAAAABTc/V6KEecCgf7M/s400/DSCF4606.JPG" /></a> Sisterhood <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">Judaica</span> Shop<br /><div>Congregation Chev Shalom</div><div>5015 Goddard Ave.Orlando, Florida 32804</div><div>407-298-4650</div><div>Happy Birthday Scott! We had fun didn't we? What will you request for your next birthday? Perhaps a trip to Israel.....</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Orlando Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061598658293393744noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3347279726807893030.post-15846977705939572632010-06-26T15:55:00.010-04:002010-06-26T20:02:52.193-04:00Extreme Makeover......From "<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Farty</span> to Funky"<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TCaEfqFKaII/AAAAAAAABTU/7HMtVT_CVLM/s1600/DSCF4374.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487218875404281986" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TCaEfqFKaII/AAAAAAAABTU/7HMtVT_CVLM/s400/DSCF4374.JPG" /></a> Following a <strong><em>complete</em></strong> "gutting and renovation" of this home in Pt. Saint Lucie, selecting the paint colors was the next step. I found this fabric which was perfect with the color selections on the walls throughout the home and it was what was used to upholster a chair that had been in the family for 60 years. The first piece of furniture to begin the next step of decorating and furnishing the Great Room. And Great Room is the proper name in this case as the room is approximately 30 foot x 30 foot....where to begin????<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TCZ_GnpgJII/AAAAAAAABTE/NEaWDwi96LM/s1600/chai-fartyr.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487212947696526466" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TCZ_GnpgJII/AAAAAAAABTE/NEaWDwi96LM/s400/chai-fartyr.jpg" /></a> We will most <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">definitely</span> refer to this chair as "<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Farty</span>". Not at all what this young family would ever select. As a matter of fact, they were not sure they would keep this old chair.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TCZ_GUOR9kI/AAAAAAAABS8/uANV1gw8zPA/s1600/chair+funky.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487212942482077250" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TCZ_GUOR9kI/AAAAAAAABS8/uANV1gw8zPA/s400/chair+funky.jpg" /></a> Upholstered with the selected fabric, it takes on new life......becoming funky! I will refer to this as an extreme makeover!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TCZ_F6voy9I/AAAAAAAABS0/jfZgvx6a8g8/s1600/dining+room+chair+fabric.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487212935642663890" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TCZ_F6voy9I/AAAAAAAABS0/jfZgvx6a8g8/s400/dining+room+chair+fabric.jpg" /></a> It was decided to also <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">upholster</span> the existing dining room chairs which were ready to be "tossed to the curb". The style of the dining room furniture with a little rehab, fit this family's lifestyle and budget....and that is exactly what was done.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TCZ9_pmhY6I/AAAAAAAABSs/R17-_tYL-Wk/s1600/chair+better+w+fabric.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487211728450184098" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TCZ9_pmhY6I/AAAAAAAABSs/R17-_tYL-Wk/s400/chair+better+w+fabric.jpg" /></a> I decided to look for 2 fabric chairs in a light color so that when looking through the room, they would not block or distract from the incredible water view. Hopefully I would locate <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">swivel</span> chairs that would work with the other pieces, so that when sitting on them, it would be easy to focus on the fireplace/conversation area, turn to enjoy the view of the water or turn to be part of the dining room. I could not locate an acceptable chair that fit the description, however this chair was perfect and the upholsterer was able to convert them to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">swivel</span> chairs installing a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">swivel</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">mechanism</span>. Yes he is a magician and wonderful!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TCZ9_bd0uLI/AAAAAAAABSk/EslJ4kqob9Q/s1600/cocktail+table.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487211724655605938" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TCZ9_bd0uLI/AAAAAAAABSk/EslJ4kqob9Q/s400/cocktail+table.jpg" /></a> The pieces were coming together, I loved this cocktail table which came out of a Model Home, but the problem was moving it. Having a solid granite top it weighed about a "g<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">izillion</span>" pounds.....I mean really heavy!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TCZ9-xV_qZI/AAAAAAAABSc/A7WkEI74rew/s1600/DSCF4547.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487211713348479378" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TCZ9-xV_qZI/AAAAAAAABSc/A7WkEI74rew/s400/DSCF4547.JPG" /></a> Locating the correct sofas was the biggest challenge. I carried around my fabric samples and cushion from the chairs to every furniture store in Orlando....and I believe I located the perfect sofa. Things really fell into place as there were two in stock and I was able to get them delivered in 5 days. The very same day that I was planning a trip with the upholsterer, from Orlando to Pt. Saint Lucie to deliver some pieces and install the window treatment, also done with the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">funky</span> fabric.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TCZ9-hnAySI/AAAAAAAABSU/-xukFPabBAU/s1600/DSCF4325.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487211709124888866" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TCZ9-hnAySI/AAAAAAAABSU/-xukFPabBAU/s400/DSCF4325.JPG" /></a> This is the view from the Great Room that I did not want to distract from.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TCZ9-CT2ClI/AAAAAAAABSM/IrYBZtLDGT4/s1600/DSCF4323.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487211700722993746" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TCZ9-CT2ClI/AAAAAAAABSM/IrYBZtLDGT4/s400/DSCF4323.JPG" /></a> Do you blame me?<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TCZ80GVR09I/AAAAAAAABSE/xQicPrR-rI4/s1600/great+room2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487210430492431314" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TCZ80GVR09I/AAAAAAAABSE/xQicPrR-rI4/s400/great+room2.jpg" /></a> Here it is put together from various views.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TCZ8zyIgdgI/AAAAAAAABR8/DLvIiGe1ACc/s1600/great+room+3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487210425070155266" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TCZ8zyIgdgI/AAAAAAAABR8/DLvIiGe1ACc/s400/great+room+3.jpg" /></a> Note the "Queens" chair over in the dining room next to the hutch.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TCZ8zszk-wI/AAAAAAAABR0/qbiBAFoA33Q/s1600/great+room.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487210423640193794" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TCZ8zszk-wI/AAAAAAAABR0/qbiBAFoA33Q/s400/great+room.jpg" /></a> Except for some minor accessories, like some silk plants, etc., this room is pretty much complete. It is functional, comfortable and inviting. Denise and John are thrilled with the finished look and everyone is happy.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TCZ8yxYWlyI/AAAAAAAABRs/mpYhi5Q_SvY/s1600/dining++best.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487210407688312610" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TCZ8yxYWlyI/AAAAAAAABRs/mpYhi5Q_SvY/s400/dining++best.jpg" /></a> Even Max the family dog has found his spot.<br /><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TCZ8yc2qwJI/AAAAAAAABRk/CDOcSx1ZFrk/s1600/Bruce+%26+Max.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487210402178318482" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TCZ8yc2qwJI/AAAAAAAABRk/CDOcSx1ZFrk/s400/Bruce+%26+Max.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"> ( In this photo: Bruce Ross & Maxine Thomas )</span></div><br /><div>Thank you Bruce for working with me on this project. You are creative, extremely talented and an artist at what you do. Together we make a great team, not to mention great friends since we met about 10+ years ago. I look forward to doing the next project with you.</div><br /><div>Contact Ross Upholstery @ 407-880-3331<br />Buying or Selling Real Estate or</div><div>need help with decorating, contact me @ 407-718-8323<br /></div><div><em><strong>Your home should be your castle and reflect your personality.</strong></em></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Orlando Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061598658293393744noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3347279726807893030.post-28649801999994635542010-06-18T20:30:00.011-04:002010-06-20T14:53:52.034-04:004 Cucumbers and an Eggplant....<div align="center">This is my harvest from my garden this morning...<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TB5Xls3NVuI/AAAAAAAABRc/ajabmj1IIek/s1600/4+cucumbers+and+eggplant.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484917701393340130" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TB5Xls3NVuI/AAAAAAAABRc/ajabmj1IIek/s400/4+cucumbers+and+eggplant.jpg" /></a> Squash plants are spreading and taking over my garden.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TB5Xj_Xyi0I/AAAAAAAABRU/TfmWce7cUAU/s1600/DSCF4420.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484917672002095938" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TB5Xj_Xyi0I/AAAAAAAABRU/TfmWce7cUAU/s400/DSCF4420.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>It is obvious that a critter got into this squash.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TB5XjVoF8PI/AAAAAAAABRM/CEzTG9nKpUg/s1600/DSCF4421.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484917660796186866" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TB5XjVoF8PI/AAAAAAAABRM/CEzTG9nKpUg/s400/DSCF4421.JPG" /></a>Japanese Eggplant on the vine.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TB5Xi339AFI/AAAAAAAABRE/zGkyNTyI0B4/s1600/DSCF4422.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484917652809646162" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TB5Xi339AFI/AAAAAAAABRE/zGkyNTyI0B4/s400/DSCF4422.JPG" /></a> Ripe tomatoes ready to pick.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TB5XiHp0HTI/AAAAAAAABQ8/4SYpbZ2mlTo/s1600/DSCF4423.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484917639865441586" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TB5XiHp0HTI/AAAAAAAABQ8/4SYpbZ2mlTo/s400/DSCF4423.JPG" /></a> My Sago Palms are healthy, no scale as many people have struggled with. I go to one of the local coffee shops, where they are happy to share bags of brewed coffee grinds. I generously sprinkle the coffee grounds within the top mound of the plant and make a trench around the base and fill with coffee grounds....looks like its working for me.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TB5WceUthvI/AAAAAAAABQ0/_gIOBc-VqxE/s1600/DSCF4437.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484916443360102130" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TB5WceUthvI/AAAAAAAABQ0/_gIOBc-VqxE/s400/DSCF4437.JPG" /></a> Several critters visit my garden.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TB5WcOSntNI/AAAAAAAABQs/NNtp-tbBX3U/s1600/DSCF4498.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484916439056364754" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TB5WcOSntNI/AAAAAAAABQs/NNtp-tbBX3U/s400/DSCF4498.JPG" /></a> I believe this is an <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Eastern</span> Tiger Swallowtail butterfly.<br /><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TB5WaR3f42I/AAAAAAAABQc/URHjrCzsv-w/s1600/dragon+fly.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484916405656609634" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TB5WaR3f42I/AAAAAAAABQc/URHjrCzsv-w/s400/dragon+fly.jpg" /></a> This dragonfly was happy to sit quiet and be photographed.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TB5WZtZ4lgI/AAAAAAAABQU/7tSC2XFexpk/s1600/dragon+fly2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484916395868722690" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TB5WZtZ4lgI/AAAAAAAABQU/7tSC2XFexpk/s400/dragon+fly2.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TB5UxPk3i9I/AAAAAAAABQM/dA5zhB0ncBQ/s1600/cucumber+6.5.10.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484914601155333074" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TB5UxPk3i9I/AAAAAAAABQM/dA5zhB0ncBQ/s400/cucumber+6.5.10.jpg" /></a> Back to my "edibles", a cucumber on the vine. There is nothing like a fresh off the vine <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">cuke</span> sprinkled with a little salt.<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TB5Uw0KiEPI/AAAAAAAABQE/kk0juhbm66Q/s1600/DSCF4496.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484914593797116146" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TB5Uw0KiEPI/AAAAAAAABQE/kk0juhbm66Q/s400/DSCF4496.JPG" /></a> Spaghetti squash......<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TB5UwcV1jcI/AAAAAAAABP8/H1kFh4RdzSs/s1600/DSCF4494.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484914587402079682" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TB5UwcV1jcI/AAAAAAAABP8/H1kFh4RdzSs/s400/DSCF4494.JPG" /></a> Just a garden ornament......love my dragonflies.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TB5Uv_vRTaI/AAAAAAAABP0/tvqFmld8trI/s1600/DSCF4487.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484914579724127650" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TB5Uv_vRTaI/AAAAAAAABP0/tvqFmld8trI/s400/DSCF4487.JPG" /></a> Before I pulled out my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Brussels</span> Sprout plant, which is a cooler weather plant, I picked these <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">off</span> the plant and prepared them as follows. They were a bit smaller then the first batch but mighty tasty.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TB5UufLsleI/AAAAAAAABPs/8ihbIH1DC_U/s1600/DSCF4489.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484914553805116898" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TB5UufLsleI/AAAAAAAABPs/8ihbIH1DC_U/s400/DSCF4489.JPG" /></a> <strong><em>This Brussels sprouts recipe</em></strong> is for the "I don't like Brussels sprouts" people. The super-fast stir-fry in butter and lemon retains the beautiful color, and the Brussels sprouts get the most wonderful sweet flavor, and tender texture. The secret is the thin slicing, and the quick cooking time.<br /><strong>Ingredients:<br /></strong>1 1/2 lb Brussels sprouts, washed, bottoms trimmed<br />1 tbsp butter<br />1 tbsp olive oil<br />1 lemon, juiced<br />salt and pepper to taste<br /><strong>Preparation:</strong><br /></div><div>Cut the Brussels sprouts in half lengthwise, and then slice each half into very thin ribbons (see picture). Place a large skillet over high heat. When it is very hot, add the butter and oil; as soon as the butter is melted, toss in the Brussels sprouts. Saute, stirring and tossing constantly for about 45 seconds. Add the lemon juice, and toss for about 15 seconds more. Remove from heat, add salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste, and transfer into a serving dish. <em>Do not overcook, and the Brussels sprouts will stay green, sweet, and tender. </em><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TB5TKAM7yOI/AAAAAAAABPU/ySqpVhWqFQE/s1600/DSCF4511.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484912827501889762" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TB5TKAM7yOI/AAAAAAAABPU/ySqpVhWqFQE/s400/DSCF4511.JPG" /></a> Oyster plants, my ground cover in my back yard islands is finally filling in from the Winter freeze. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TB5THt16g6I/AAAAAAAABPM/7vHJN36e8pE/s1600/DSCF4510.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484912788213760930" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TB5THt16g6I/AAAAAAAABPM/7vHJN36e8pE/s400/DSCF4510.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TB5THJPpSFI/AAAAAAAABPE/ENpP3CWlO7M/s1600/DSCF4509.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484912778389571666" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TB5THJPpSFI/AAAAAAAABPE/ENpP3CWlO7M/s400/DSCF4509.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TB5R-FflT_I/AAAAAAAABO8/YyUaFLelCnI/s1600/DSCF4505.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484911523252228082" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TB5R-FflT_I/AAAAAAAABO8/YyUaFLelCnI/s400/DSCF4505.JPG" /></a> A little bit of scattered color.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TB5R9vFEOcI/AAAAAAAABO0/GYdMOwhFQR4/s1600/DSCF4504.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484911517235427778" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TB5R9vFEOcI/AAAAAAAABO0/GYdMOwhFQR4/s400/DSCF4504.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TB5R9A1aiZI/AAAAAAAABOs/cwC3zv8_5KI/s1600/DSCF4501.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484911504821750162" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TB5R9A1aiZI/AAAAAAAABOs/cwC3zv8_5KI/s400/DSCF4501.JPG" /></a> The <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Impatians</span> planted <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">around</span> the borders are starting to get bigger with constant color.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TB5R8g1sSoI/AAAAAAAABOk/zAnmdyqdmnI/s1600/DSCF4493.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484911496232979074" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TB5R8g1sSoI/AAAAAAAABOk/zAnmdyqdmnI/s400/DSCF4493.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TB5R8PNEm2I/AAAAAAAABOc/gK416JWJDog/s1600/DSCF4435.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484911491499203426" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TB5R8PNEm2I/AAAAAAAABOc/gK416JWJDog/s400/DSCF4435.JPG" /></a> Love those flowers.....Lily of the Nile.</div><br /><div align="center">Everyday in my garden brings new discoveries.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Orlando Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061598658293393744noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3347279726807893030.post-42201705049565407402010-06-10T13:52:00.008-04:002010-06-10T14:57:01.579-04:00Life is a gift<div align="center">Meyer (Mike) <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Deutsch</span></div><div align="center">May 26, 1913 - February 29, 2008<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TBEm2zbg1JI/AAAAAAAABOU/r6icvPeTA90/s1600/grandpa+the+grad.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 283px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481204944447001746" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TBEm2zbg1JI/AAAAAAAABOU/r6icvPeTA90/s400/grandpa+the+grad.jpg" /></a> <em><strong>With Fathers' day approaching</strong></em>, I find myself thinking <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">a lot</span> of my dad. Death is usually thought of as something sad and terrible. But, something that is so final has a way to make us put our mortality into a new perspective. When one dies who is 94 years old, it's also amazing to think about the gift of life and longevity.<br />My dad lived a strong and independent life. When he passed peacefully February 29, 2008, he was 94, with an extremely sharp mind. He lived independently until Jan 12 when he broke the second hip and went to the hospital. He recovered from his first hip surgery exceptionally well.<br /><br />My dad was not formally educated, but he was very smart. My dad was self-educated, he read the New York Times almost each day of his life. He would have loved to be formally educated and was always very sensitive to the fact that he was not. (The photo above is of my dad dressed in a Graduation Gown for one of his grand children.)<br /></div><div align="center">I have several <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">physicians</span> in my family, but my Dad always said he was the first MD in the family...get it...Meyer <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Deutsch</span>...he was full of humor and had corny jokes always! Dad, your influence on me shall live on. </div><div align="center">Happy Fathers Day!<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;">Life is a gift and 94 years is certainly a precious gift!</span></em></strong></div>Orlando Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061598658293393744noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3347279726807893030.post-42203029112677797382010-05-30T10:45:00.009-04:002010-05-30T11:30:08.545-04:00WHEN I STOP TALKING, YOU'LL KNOW I'M DEAD.....When I first heard the title of this book, which got my attention immediately, I thought to myself, "dam", someone got my book title first!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TAJ6bKjYn7I/AAAAAAAABOE/eU57jgCeBpU/s1600/when+i+stop+talking.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477074703943770034" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/TAJ6bKjYn7I/AAAAAAAABOE/eU57jgCeBpU/s400/when+i+stop+talking.jpg" /></a> I immediately went to the library and found out that I had to put my name on the list to reserve it. I actually love that system, I get an email when the book is ready to pick up. Isn't technology great. When I received notification that my book was ready for pick up, several weeks later, I went to the library to check it out.....at that time I still didn't even know what it was about, I just was intrigued by the title.<br /><br />I was really enjoying reading this book, when I got yet another email message from the library. Since this book was still reserved by others, it was now due, after only two weeks, not the normal 3 weeks. With no time to finish it, I thought about just keeping it and paying the fine when I returned it. But....I felt guilty, so I brought the book back to the library, paid my 20 cents fine, and inquired about putting my name back on the list. The librarian told me that I should have just kept the book till I finished it, then returned it and paid the fine.....that is what most people would do. There are 18 other people who have the book on hold ahead of me, and only 2 copies in the county. It was too late to reverse my decision, once I paid my big fine and it was put in "the system".<br /><br /><strong>With 18 others ahead of me, I wonder if I will live long enough to get my 2nd chance to complete this interesting story!! But, I have learned my lesson.</strong> <strong><em>Next time, I will just keep the book longer, pay my fine, and not ask questions! <span style="font-size:100%;">What would you have done?<br /></span></em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>I couldn't be in better company in enjoying this story. Look at this, it's me</em></strong> <strong><em>and George Clooney!</em></strong> <br />"Now, I could tell you stories about Jerry, but Jerry is the first and best to tell them. He's funny and grumpy and perfectly inappropriate. When it comes to work, nobody works harder. When it comes to charities, nobody guilts better. And when it comes to friendship, he has no peers. That's Jerry's great talent. He doesn't just light up a room, he lights it on fire. He's a great producer, a great organizer, a great friend, and truly the greatest showman on earth." (George Clooney )<br /><br /><br /><strong><em>Wondering what this book is really about? It is the biography of Jerry Weintraub, a most colorful man who was an "out of the box thinker", and always seemed to be in the right place at the right time who always met the right people.</em></strong><br /><br />From Publishers Weekly<br />Hollywood power player Weintraub, now 72, is always in control and goes to great lengths to prove it: besides having managed musical legends like Presley, Sinatra and John Denver ("I cooked him from scratch"), Weintraub once closed a deal by faking a heart attack, and won the respect of one of Chicago's most powerful men, Arthur Wirtz, when he cursed Wirtz out for making him wait (Wirtz would go on to become one of Weintraub's mentors). Weintraub's also produced plays, TV shows, movies (from Nashville to the Ocean's 11 franchise), and more, summing up his talent simply: "When I believe in something, it's going to get done." Edgy and honest but refreshingly spare in his criticism of stars, colleagues and family, Weintraub can be forgiven for glossing over speed bumps in his career (one failed business lost $30 million before it closed in the mid-'80s) and occasionally showing his age with wandering rumination. As Weintraub repeatedly states, he is not a star, which perhaps that explains the disappointing omission of photos. Still, with a bold voice, a storied career, and a cast of superstars, his memoir makes a rousing insider tour of some five decades in the entertainment industry. Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.<br /><br />Good, interesting reading! I highly recommend this book and I will go back for my 2nd chance to finish it.Orlando Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061598658293393744noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3347279726807893030.post-4223310475352270502010-05-23T21:23:00.017-04:002010-05-23T22:58:24.100-04:00<strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Orchid Show at the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Polasek Museum</span> & Sculpture Gardens</span></strong><br /><br />633 Osceola Avenue, Winter Park, Fl. 32789<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_nfbtoiuDI/AAAAAAAABN8/2_o2IxK21JE/s1600/entrence.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 288px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474652489244653618" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_nfbtoiuDI/AAAAAAAABN8/2_o2IxK21JE/s400/entrence.jpg" /></a> The Greater Orlando Orchid Society brings their annual Orchid Show back to the museum, Friday, May 21 <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">thru</span> Sunday, May 23, 2010. During the show, the gardens were open with free admission each day from 10:00am - 4:00pm.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_nfPdxgIAI/AAAAAAAABN0/xRE1yeEzrL4/s1600/Eternal+moment.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474652278828834818" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_nfPdxgIAI/AAAAAAAABN0/xRE1yeEzrL4/s400/Eternal+moment.jpg" /></a> View and enjoy Classic Art in a Classical Setting.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_nfO98SjOI/AAAAAAAABNs/HGYsb_5MqYc/s1600/DSCF4477.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474652270284147938" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_nfO98SjOI/AAAAAAAABNs/HGYsb_5MqYc/s400/DSCF4477.JPG" /></a> My visit to the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Polasek</span> Gardens today allowed me the opportunity to do several things that I enjoy: view beautiful gardens, plants and flowers, play with my camera and talk to other folks interested in these same things. <a href="http://maxinethomashomes.blogspot.com/2009/08/hidden-jem-in-my-own-backyardthe.html"><span style="color:#330099;"><strong>Since I have already done a post last year on the garden</strong></span></a>, I will mostly just post my updated photos.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_nfOiwG_zI/AAAAAAAABNk/rtiz8WlvS28/s1600/DSCF4476.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474652262985301810" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_nfOiwG_zI/AAAAAAAABNk/rtiz8WlvS28/s400/DSCF4476.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_nfNvXhBAI/AAAAAAAABNU/jJpy0UYsLwc/s1600/DSCF4474.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474652249191941122" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_nfNvXhBAI/AAAAAAAABNU/jJpy0UYsLwc/s400/DSCF4474.JPG" /></a> Some spectacular Vanda Orchids. In the world of flowers, orchids are the undisputed champions. No longer only a rich man's hobby, orchids are now within the reach of any income. The beauty and diversity of orchids captivate men and women of every walk of life. Modern reproductive methods make it possible for growers to enjoy the finest plants for a few dollars.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_nd9l5BLLI/AAAAAAAABNE/UhDUbVJgxOc/s1600/DSCF4472.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474650872258571442" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_nd9l5BLLI/AAAAAAAABNE/UhDUbVJgxOc/s400/DSCF4472.JPG" /></a> Some hanging flower baskets around the property.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_nd9PhcMuI/AAAAAAAABM8/H3shkPe3e3g/s1600/DSCF4471.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474650866254099170" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_nd9PhcMuI/AAAAAAAABM8/H3shkPe3e3g/s400/DSCF4471.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_nd8_TkIZI/AAAAAAAABM0/rlhbLifVzQg/s1600/DSCF4470.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474650861900931474" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_nd8_TkIZI/AAAAAAAABM0/rlhbLifVzQg/s400/DSCF4470.JPG" /></a> The beautiful gardens create an incredible display area for the statues.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_nd8WWnskI/AAAAAAAABMs/rvBrbpvwF3g/s1600/DSCF4469.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474650850907894338" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_nd8WWnskI/AAAAAAAABMs/rvBrbpvwF3g/s400/DSCF4469.JPG" /></a> You would never know the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">devastation</span> suffered in the garden from the Florida freeze this past winter.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_ndDi1u6CI/AAAAAAAABMk/kxle0-P__Pc/s1600/DSCF4468.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474649875007072290" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_ndDi1u6CI/AAAAAAAABMk/kxle0-P__Pc/s400/DSCF4468.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_ndCp-RfAI/AAAAAAAABMU/hRb5efIFjP0/s1600/DSCF4466.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474649859742071810" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_ndCp-RfAI/AAAAAAAABMU/hRb5efIFjP0/s400/DSCF4466.JPG" /></a> The <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Koi</span> pond.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_ndCIadVtI/AAAAAAAABMM/wYsnpantdDM/s1600/DSCF4465.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474649850733483730" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_ndCIadVtI/AAAAAAAABMM/wYsnpantdDM/s400/DSCF4465.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_ndBx0Dg6I/AAAAAAAABME/-OUYImUpiDI/s1600/DSCF4464.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474649844666827682" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_ndBx0Dg6I/AAAAAAAABME/-OUYImUpiDI/s400/DSCF4464.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_ncHT3FugI/AAAAAAAABL8/rWWjAwSw3ZY/s1600/DSCF4463.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474648840194079234" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_ncHT3FugI/AAAAAAAABL8/rWWjAwSw3ZY/s400/DSCF4463.JPG" /></a> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Venders</span> at the show were selling Orchids, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bromeliads</span> and Ferns.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_ncG8oZ3xI/AAAAAAAABL0/A0FXAem1oYo/s1600/DSCF4462.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474648833958469394" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_ncG8oZ3xI/AAAAAAAABL0/A0FXAem1oYo/s400/DSCF4462.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_ncGgmt6qI/AAAAAAAABLs/0ZM7rl9wsaQ/s1600/DSCF4461.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474648826435201698" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_ncGgmt6qI/AAAAAAAABLs/0ZM7rl9wsaQ/s400/DSCF4461.JPG" /></a> The home across the lake.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_ncGAWLqNI/AAAAAAAABLk/RGVYwJEq1Jw/s1600/DSCF4460.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474648817775913170" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_ncGAWLqNI/AAAAAAAABLk/RGVYwJEq1Jw/s400/DSCF4460.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_ncFx_JLaI/AAAAAAAABLc/FiH5YxSbpEQ/s1600/DSCF4459.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474648813921185186" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_ncFx_JLaI/AAAAAAAABLc/FiH5YxSbpEQ/s400/DSCF4459.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_naeEip-eI/AAAAAAAABLU/pKAt-NO8L-Y/s1600/DSCF4458.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474647032195578338" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_naeEip-eI/AAAAAAAABLU/pKAt-NO8L-Y/s400/DSCF4458.JPG" /></a> Another Vanda Orchid.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_nadx2WKTI/AAAAAAAABLM/XihDibjsNFo/s1600/DSCF4457.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474647027177892146" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_nadx2WKTI/AAAAAAAABLM/XihDibjsNFo/s400/DSCF4457.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_nadscQxVI/AAAAAAAABLE/0355QC6CPnI/s1600/DSCF4455.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474647025726309714" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_nadscQxVI/AAAAAAAABLE/0355QC6CPnI/s400/DSCF4455.JPG" /></a> Plants and flowers on the wall.<br /><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_nacwlgZ0I/AAAAAAAABK0/e3SfdvXpDlc/s1600/DSCF4452.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474647009658955586" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_nacwlgZ0I/AAAAAAAABK0/e3SfdvXpDlc/s400/DSCF4452.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_nYGhkSeNI/AAAAAAAABKs/EbHvQmD5oPM/s1600/DSCF4451.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474644428646938834" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_nYGhkSeNI/AAAAAAAABKs/EbHvQmD5oPM/s400/DSCF4451.JPG" /></a> A very unusual color for an Orchid.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_nYGeZzYRI/AAAAAAAABKk/-8ZofIR_FwE/s1600/DSCF4449.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474644427797651730" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_nYGeZzYRI/AAAAAAAABKk/-8ZofIR_FwE/s400/DSCF4449.JPG" /></a> Tomato plants<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_nYF9NxpaI/AAAAAAAABKc/-ylx3ZCwzFo/s1600/DSCF4448.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474644418888836514" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_nYF9NxpaI/AAAAAAAABKc/-ylx3ZCwzFo/s400/DSCF4448.JPG" /></a> A rare form of tomato plant that actually has thorns.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_nYFiEfo6I/AAAAAAAABKU/B8IAZONXJM0/s1600/DSCF4446.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474644411602150306" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_nYFiEfo6I/AAAAAAAABKU/B8IAZONXJM0/s400/DSCF4446.JPG" /></a> Square foot gardening in raised beds.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_nYFbIoIOI/AAAAAAAABKM/XrNtOmtFKps/s1600/DSCF4445.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474644409740435682" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_nYFbIoIOI/AAAAAAAABKM/XrNtOmtFKps/s400/DSCF4445.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_nW145aY3I/AAAAAAAABKE/RzsVLr3J4lU/s1600/DSCF4444.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474643043340149618" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_nW145aY3I/AAAAAAAABKE/RzsVLr3J4lU/s400/DSCF4444.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_nW1Vw9U2I/AAAAAAAABJ8/4jZD6cgNw5c/s1600/DSCF4443.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474643033909449570" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_nW1Vw9U2I/AAAAAAAABJ8/4jZD6cgNw5c/s400/DSCF4443.JPG" /></a> This tree has various types of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bromeliads</span> and air plants growing all around it. You can see it if you look closely.....it is amazing in person.<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_nW05v58pI/AAAAAAAABJ0/qfm2TrgLFoY/s1600/DSCF4442.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474643026388841106" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_nW05v58pI/AAAAAAAABJ0/qfm2TrgLFoY/s400/DSCF4442.JPG" /></a>This could be my yard or yours......right?<br /><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_nW0Re8l8I/AAAAAAAABJs/NNR6FxsYLdM/s1600/DSCF4440.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474643015580293058" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_nW0Re8l8I/AAAAAAAABJs/NNR6FxsYLdM/s400/DSCF4440.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_nW0P-wWqI/AAAAAAAABJk/GsFQsQN3Qu8/s1600/DSCF4439.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474643015176837794" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_nW0P-wWqI/AAAAAAAABJk/GsFQsQN3Qu8/s400/DSCF4439.JPG" /></a> The <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Polasek</span> Museum & Sculpture Garden is a perfect setting for Special Events, Visiting Exhibits, Educational Opportunities, Group Tours, School Field Trips and Garden Tours and Programs. The grounds are cared for by volunteer Orange County Master Gardeners.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><em><span style="color:#330099;">Cultivate Your Spirit in the Garden</span></em></strong><br /></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Orlando Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061598658293393744noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3347279726807893030.post-53551776136045038932010-05-17T18:08:00.022-04:002010-12-16T08:50:46.931-05:00Garden Walk.......Sunday, May 16, 2010, 11 a.m to 5 p.m<br /><strong>Sponsored by the Master Gardeners of Seminole County.......</strong><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HKV0-qXJI/AAAAAAAABJc/lTfhX-hGSHM/s1600/wilson1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472377498579393682" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HKV0-qXJI/AAAAAAAABJc/lTfhX-hGSHM/s400/wilson1.jpg" /></a> Nine homes were selected to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">participate</span> in the Garden Walk. Visitors were encouraged to visit all or any number of these gardens. Participation in this event was free and we only asked that pets were left at home and to respect the garden owner's property and privacy. Above is the property located on Wilson Rd in Sanford, owned by Stephanie Powers and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Rami</span></span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Yosefian</span></span>.<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HKVliULDI/AAAAAAAABJU/coawd9a4ZNk/s1600/sign.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472377494433967154" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HKVliULDI/AAAAAAAABJU/coawd9a4ZNk/s400/sign.jpg" /></a> Located all around Seminole county were signs like this one guiding you to the open gardens.<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HKVInpLjI/AAAAAAAABJM/dZr02Q-IZlU/s1600/god.+little+wilson.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472377486671687218" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HKVInpLjI/AAAAAAAABJM/dZr02Q-IZlU/s400/god.+little+wilson.jpg" /></a> Back to the home on Wilson Road, as you arrive at the property, this is the sign that welcomes you. Here, visitors enjoyed a pair of connecting ponds....<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HKU86VuSI/AAAAAAAABJE/JebsN7sQPVI/s1600/goat+wilson.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472377483528878370" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HKU86VuSI/AAAAAAAABJE/JebsN7sQPVI/s400/goat+wilson.jpg" /></a> An adorable goat, that greeted you and followed you around and behaved like he was a dog......<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HKURr2H4I/AAAAAAAABI8/InbTLCHiSxw/s1600/goat2+wilson.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472377471925362562" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HKURr2H4I/AAAAAAAABI8/InbTLCHiSxw/s400/goat2+wilson.jpg" /></a> He even climbed up on the table to steal snacks every opportunity he had.<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HJdmPtCEI/AAAAAAAABI0/HoIV2OVE0v0/s1600/wilson+birds.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472376532551665730" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HJdmPtCEI/AAAAAAAABI0/HoIV2OVE0v0/s400/wilson+birds.jpg" /></a> A huge aviary is home to two beautiful birds.....lucky birds!!!<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HJdUE_GCI/AAAAAAAABIs/ngukCkA6q6I/s1600/water+flowers+wilson.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472376527674873890" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HJdUE_GCI/AAAAAAAABIs/ngukCkA6q6I/s400/water+flowers+wilson.jpg" /></a> Water flowers in the pond, my personal favorite.<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HJczrfq1I/AAAAAAAABIk/Hx8bdQCaBrc/s1600/koi.wilson.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472376518978022226" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HJczrfq1I/AAAAAAAABIk/Hx8bdQCaBrc/s400/koi.wilson.jpg" /></a> And a school of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Koi</span></span>. This yard is maintained with Integrated Management Techniques, in a natural setting.<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HInj4fWTI/AAAAAAAABIc/YoSfhLASzUQ/s1600/tomato+magnolia.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472375604204493106" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HInj4fWTI/AAAAAAAABIc/YoSfhLASzUQ/s400/tomato+magnolia.jpg" /></a>AT the home of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Norb</span></span> and Carole <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Jaworski</span></span>, on Magnolia Ave. in Sanford, I viewed some of the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">healthiest</span> looking <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">vegetable</span> gardens I have ever seen, in addition to 15 citrus trees and much more. This home is an outstanding garden in Sanford's beautiful Historic District. I wonder what they use to fertilize this extensive <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">vegetable</span> garden? I want some for my "edibles".<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HInOhn-OI/AAAAAAAABIU/mdTXH5FfJ1Q/s1600/S.+Magnolia+Ave.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472375598471444706" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HInOhn-OI/AAAAAAAABIU/mdTXH5FfJ1Q/s400/S.+Magnolia+Ave.jpg" /></a> A gardener's work is never done as evidenced by additional plants ready to be put in the ground.<br /><div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HGg70UZdI/AAAAAAAABIE/ZvHlNV-k3JI/s1600/Demo+garden.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472373291347109330" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HGg70UZdI/AAAAAAAABIE/ZvHlNV-k3JI/s400/Demo+garden.jpg" /></a>The Student Museum, a Seminole County historic landmark, on 7<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">th.</span></span> street in Sanford, was also on the tour. It is the site of the Student Museum Gardens, which contains thirteen individual gardens, including; Butterfly, Antique Rose, Wildflower, Florida Native, Asian, Pioneer Garden Plants, Herb, Wildlife Habitat and Shade. Seminole County Master Gardeners volunteer to take care of these gardens and it's maintenance.<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HGgsIdFtI/AAAAAAAABH8/EjbgFDZCulA/s1600/demo+garden1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472373287136597714" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HGgsIdFtI/AAAAAAAABH8/EjbgFDZCulA/s400/demo+garden1.jpg" /></a> Some of the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">vegetables</span> and herbs in the Pioneer Garden.<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HGgRMqLbI/AAAAAAAABH0/8ARhJNCUnNQ/s1600/demo+garden3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472373279906475442" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HGgRMqLbI/AAAAAAAABH0/8ARhJNCUnNQ/s400/demo+garden3.jpg" /></a> Don't you just want to pick that squash? Fourth grade classes from all over Seminole county tour these Student Museum and gardens.<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HGfyDKSfI/AAAAAAAABHs/4d8x9jmRLIk/s1600/Dr.+Ferrer+%26+wife.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472373271545137650" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HGfyDKSfI/AAAAAAAABHs/4d8x9jmRLIk/s400/Dr.+Ferrer+%26+wife.jpg" /></a> Dr. Al <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ferrer</span></span>, the Urban Horticulturist and Master Gardener Coordinator for Seminole County was one of hundreds of visitors that came through on the garden tour, with his wife.<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HFo09cXyI/AAAAAAAABHk/D9vT9-xvMzo/s1600/oak+hill1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472372327433658146" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HFo09cXyI/AAAAAAAABHk/D9vT9-xvMzo/s400/oak+hill1.jpg" /></a> This home on Oak Hill Drive in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Altamonte</span></span> Springs is perfectly maintained and was offered on the tour by Bea and Mike Koch.<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HFoh1fznI/AAAAAAAABHc/ykxKX5wKL4M/s1600/oak+hill2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472372322300055154" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HFoh1fznI/AAAAAAAABHc/ykxKX5wKL4M/s400/oak+hill2.jpg" /></a> This home is a plant collector's paradise in an old English style. Individual spaces for sitting and relaxing are evident throughout the gardens.<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HFoMI1rjI/AAAAAAAABHU/Q7bZ5HEnta4/s1600/oak+hill+3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472372316475600434" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HFoMI1rjI/AAAAAAAABHU/Q7bZ5HEnta4/s400/oak+hill+3.jpg" /></a> As a professional Realtor, I must add here that if more homes were this inviting on the exterior, they would certainly sell quickly. When you enter this beautiful garden......you just want to stay.<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HFIQl4VaI/AAAAAAAABHM/6Mxujvow1RE/s1600/oak+hill4.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472371767915337122" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HFIQl4VaI/AAAAAAAABHM/6Mxujvow1RE/s400/oak+hill4.jpg" /></a> This lovely garden certainly demonstrates what can be done in just an average sized yard with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">a lot</span> of love! And it shows.<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HFH9JjttI/AAAAAAAABHE/rcYMzDbChFc/s1600/oak+hill5.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472371762696271570" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HFH9JjttI/AAAAAAAABHE/rcYMzDbChFc/s400/oak+hill5.jpg" /></a> This raised bed is home for Roses and other plants with an inviting swing for two just behind it.<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HFHRFxEkI/AAAAAAAABG8/kzcfw2Hsb94/s1600/oak+hill+6.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472371750869209666" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HFHRFxEkI/AAAAAAAABG8/kzcfw2Hsb94/s400/oak+hill+6.jpg" /></a> Every inch of this garden has something to look at. This path leads to the "Secret Garden" as the owners refer to it.<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HFHHX83bI/AAAAAAAABG0/tirbZte6tZc/s1600/secret+garden+oak+hill.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472371748261125554" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HFHHX83bI/AAAAAAAABG0/tirbZte6tZc/s400/secret+garden+oak+hill.jpg" /></a> Here it is.....the secret garden!<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HDVrQh80I/AAAAAAAABGc/1J3fVhS7XrU/s1600/jessup+rain+barrel.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472369799388590914" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HDVrQh80I/AAAAAAAABGc/1J3fVhS7XrU/s400/jessup+rain+barrel.jpg" /></a> Next stop on my tour was on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Jessup</span></span> Avenue in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Longwood</span></span>. This was the only commercial property on the tour and home to Dix. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Lathrop</span></span> and Associates, Inc. Here, two structures were surrounded by water-wise, native and ornamental plantings. Note the Rain Barrel to collect water for watering plants.<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HDVTu-cgI/AAAAAAAABGU/Eq_J6rTUPN4/s1600/jessup+1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472369793073836546" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HDVTu-cgI/AAAAAAAABGU/Eq_J6rTUPN4/s400/jessup+1.jpg" /></a> I do not know the name of these 3 trees in the pine family......they certainly are unique.<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HDU0a1vDI/AAAAAAAABGM/nxFhrYd9UA0/s1600/jessup2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472369784667880498" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HDU0a1vDI/AAAAAAAABGM/nxFhrYd9UA0/s400/jessup2.jpg" /></a> Some more native Florida plants....<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HDUeT4vgI/AAAAAAAABGE/sCtqewTBLp4/s1600/jessup3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472369778733137410" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HDUeT4vgI/AAAAAAAABGE/sCtqewTBLp4/s400/jessup3.jpg" /></a>Pictured is a Coral Honeysuckle growing on a trellis at the building entry.<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HDTzh4LKI/AAAAAAAABF8/64CdCtlEKPU/s1600/jessup01.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472369767249095842" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HDTzh4LKI/AAAAAAAABF8/64CdCtlEKPU/s400/jessup01.jpg" /></a> Beautiful potted plants adorned the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">entrance</span> of the building.<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HCRs7i1LI/AAAAAAAABF0/1lzXrV8Ohmk/s1600/myrtle1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472368631606334642" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HCRs7i1LI/AAAAAAAABF0/1lzXrV8Ohmk/s400/myrtle1.jpg" /></a> My next stop on the tour was in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">Longwood</span></span>, on Myrtle Lake Hills Road. Jeff and Debbie Dix describe their yard as "modern Florida cracker". They have created a sustainable garden <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">requiring</span> minimal water, fertilizer and pesticides....and it is just gorgeous.<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HCRbKsWpI/AAAAAAAABFs/DVp07NyVHGo/s1600/myrtle2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472368626838035090" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HCRbKsWpI/AAAAAAAABFs/DVp07NyVHGo/s400/myrtle2.jpg" /></a> If you are wondering, there is no high maintenance grass. What you are seeing is a huge use of Asiatic Jasmine....low <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">maintenance</span> and low watering......not to mention no grass to cut regularly. This makes life just grand, everything is green, lush and just beautiful!<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HCQ5_ocgI/AAAAAAAABFk/hMxVB_A3CtI/s1600/myrtle3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472368617933271554" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HCQ5_ocgI/AAAAAAAABFk/hMxVB_A3CtI/s400/myrtle3.jpg" /></a> Every angle of this garden was just terrific!<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HCQkBImII/AAAAAAAABFc/rHcrk3_TvdM/s1600/myrtle4.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472368612033992834" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HCQkBImII/AAAAAAAABFc/rHcrk3_TvdM/s400/myrtle4.jpg" /></a> Asiatic Jasmine and Bromiliads....nothing exotic, but look how gorgeous.<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HCQCItgrI/AAAAAAAABFU/WR10K5fIfvc/s1600/myrtle5.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472368602938966706" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HCQCItgrI/AAAAAAAABFU/WR10K5fIfvc/s400/myrtle5.jpg" /></a> More Asiatic Jasmine and Bird of Paradise.<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HBhMVfaZI/AAAAAAAABFM/gOacOo4JApk/s1600/myrtle6.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472367798223071634" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HBhMVfaZI/AAAAAAAABFM/gOacOo4JApk/s400/myrtle6.jpg" /></a> Iron plants with Asiatic Jasmine.<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HBgv2-qkI/AAAAAAAABFE/TiSH2o3rBPc/s1600/myrtle+7.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472367790578903618" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HBgv2-qkI/AAAAAAAABFE/TiSH2o3rBPc/s400/myrtle+7.jpg" /></a> The path to the pool and spa.<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HBga-AdWI/AAAAAAAABE8/WQ4Xup9m9sM/s1600/myrtle8.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472367784971236706" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HBga-AdWI/AAAAAAAABE8/WQ4Xup9m9sM/s400/myrtle8.jpg" /></a> Very inviting, isn't it?</div><div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HBfiMek8I/AAAAAAAABE0/Ff7y3kWJuEI/s1600/myrtle+curb.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472367769731109826" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HBfiMek8I/AAAAAAAABE0/Ff7y3kWJuEI/s400/myrtle+curb.jpg" /></a> Talk about "Curb Appeal", I know a Real Estate term, I couldn't resist that.......just more Asiatic Jasmine on the curb.<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HA1buotnI/AAAAAAAABEs/k2wlL1InLn4/s1600/myrtle10.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472367046440826482" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HA1buotnI/AAAAAAAABEs/k2wlL1InLn4/s400/myrtle10.jpg" /></a> Check out the planting on the little island surrounded by the driveway....more Asiatic Jasmine. <div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HA09Ah1CI/AAAAAAAABEk/3LdQkEbSo3I/s1600/myrtle9.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472367038194373666" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NscWcVxkCCc/S_HA09Ah1CI/AAAAAAAABEk/3LdQkEbSo3I/s400/myrtle9.jpg" /></a> Another view with Fern growing under the tree.</div><div></div><div><strong>Although there were nine homes included on this tour, I personally only made it to six of them.</strong> I guess it proved what I have been told for years.......I talk too much. I just ran out of time.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><em><strong>My sincere apology to the 3 additional homes in the tour that I did not get to visit and photograph. A brief synopsis of these homes are as follows:</strong></em></div><div><em></em></div><div></div><div><em>The home of Tabitha and Steve Miller on Morgan Street in Winter Springs</em> is described as a large property featuring a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_23" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">tropically</span>-themed oasis complete with Koi Pond and an array of gardens designed by Tabitha Miller. Tabitha is a certified feng shui consultant who was on hand to answer questions about designing gardens to promote peace, prosperity and other feng shui principles. </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><em>The home of Sue Tarum on Cayuga Drive in Winter Springs</em> was designed to require no irrigation and attract birds and butterflies. Many natives have been included in the landscape. Integrated pest management techniques have been employed to also minimize the need for pesticides and fertilizers.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><em>Rick and Mindy Geer on Olean Court also in Winter Springs</em>, contrast the "Florida formal" front yard with the more tropical back and side yards. Colorful, textural plants massed and smooth curvilinear lines are combined to appeal to the eye while providing easy maintenance.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><strong><em>Who are the Seminole County Master Gardeners?</em></strong></div><div>Seminole County is one of 56( out of 67) Florida counties that has an active Florida Master Gardener Program. Florida Master Gardeners (MG's) are adult volunteers trained by cooperative Extension Service personnel. After completion of an intense training program (12 to 14 weeks, 6 hours per day, one day per week with approximately 75 hours of intensive horticultural instruction), the volunteers become certified MG's, ready to return many hours of volunteer service to their community through assistance with Extension home horticulture activities and projects. </div><div></div><div></div><div>Master Gardeners are the Extension's in-house resource that provides solutions to the challenges of Florida gardening. They share knowledge of best practices, scientifically proven solutions and advice on eco-friendly methods that are vital to the sustainability of Seminole Countys most precious resosurces.</div><div><br /></div><div><strong>Additional sponsors of the Garden Walk</strong>......Sunniland, Wild Birds Unlimited, "The Original" Do-it-yourself Pest Control, Inc.- Fern Park, Fl. and South Seminole Farm and Nursery. <em>Thanks to you all for assisting to make this event possible.</em></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Orlando Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061598658293393744noreply@blogger.com2