Orlando Realtor

Not Just Another New Year's Resolution....

2012-01-01T11:23:00.002-05:00

The book of Awakening....Having the life you Want by Being Present to the Life you Have....... by Mark Nepo

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.

"A year's supply of inspiration every day and the perfect gift for yourself and your friends." -Oprah Winfrey

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.

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 Big New Year's Resolution/projects of several years ago have I made this kind of commitment!

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.

What are your goals for 2012? Won't you join me?

Simply in Season.....

2011-09-15T14:42:00.000-04:00

"Simply in Season", I just love this cookbook....

Eggplant Cheese Pie..... a recipe I found in this incredible book that features new recipes and reflections on eating seasonal foods grown locally.

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?

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.

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. ( Eggplant Cheese Pie )

"This cookbook reflects a commitment to eat what is in season. Enjoy the flavors and gifts of this book." -- Graham Kerr (The Galloping Gourmet)

John Deere, more then just a tractor......

2011-09-11T21:41:00.001-04:00

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

GARDEN ON THE MOVE......

2011-08-28T11:50:00.012-04:00

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. The Dwarf Poinciana, or Caesalpinia Pulcherrima, has found a new home.

Here is my Dwarf Poinciana in it's new home.

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.

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.

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.

And from 14 seeds, I got 6 plants........isn't nature wonderful?

I have already given away one plant to a friend yesterday, leaving me several additional plants up for adoption to good homes.

Does a tree have 9 lives like a cat?

2011-07-31T16:36:00.022-04:00

This is my backyard after a Tornado/Twister roared thru 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 Gossypium Barbadense, 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?

The Gossypium Barbadense 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 Polasek Museum & Gardens, I came across the specimen 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 successful 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.

The rest of the story since I started my little tree.....The original was removed from the Polasek 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.

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!

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 Gossypium Barbadense 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.......

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.

Anyone want to put their name on a list for a plant if I am lucky to get some seeds?

What is bigger, a grape or a tomato?

2011-06-07T14:51:00.005-04:00

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? The photo below will show you the true size of these yummy tomatoes, placed just below a grape and above a dime.

Here is the story of the Everglade Tomato, Zone 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.

But this is no ordinary tomato. This is the native wild Florida Everglades tomato. If you get the chance to taste a few they are outstanding, sweet with a delightful true tomato taste.

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.

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.

The Sun Will Come Out Tommorow.....

2011-04-26T11:18:00.026-04:00

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.....In the front of my home, this Lilly proudly displays its beautiful flower in a grouping of many just like it. 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. On March 30, 2010 a tornado/twister 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.

I am not writing this complaining because I know just how lucky I am. 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. We are all safe, not my roof, not my yard, but what is really important is safe! Nestled under Majestic Oaks in a park- like setting used to describe my back yard. Sounds like a Real Estate phrase, doesn't it? But, this was how I would have described my back yard before, after all gardening is one of my true passions.

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. Now here is a big lesson on being very specific on what we ask for. I never meant to eliminate totally all my Oak trees, just the droppings!!! As I begin to clean up the mess, I am thankful that my little Gossypium Barbadense (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.

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.

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...never accept the first offer!!

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.

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.

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. Out with the shade loving plants and as you can see I have gotten my first 3 cactus plants.

I will be fine, we will all be fine, but my message here is appreciate all that you have, and take photographs, because in the blink of an eye all can change....................

Does all this color indicate the arrival of spring?

2011-03-07T20:46:00.009-05:00

I certainly hope so.....notice the insect getting nector from this flower.

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.

When I trimmed away all the old brown and dead branches from the surface, look at what I uncovered hidden away.

This is the flower from "Mother of Thousands", a succulent. Plants from this family are usually unusual and interesting.

And much to my surprise they all came back.......proving again you can grow plants anywhere and I do!

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.

No color here, but as I walked my yard today, I was thrilled to see my Gossypium Barbadense (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.

There is always a surprise in store in my garden and as usual, I welcome it.

Look What I Caught.....

2011-02-09T19:57:00.006-05:00

With a face like this does he look guilty? In a previous post Who has been eating my arugula, I talked about my vegetable 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. They are a nuisance 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.

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. Good luck little guy, I hope you are happy in your new digs.

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.

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.

Attention all single gals! Could this be the breakthrough we are waiting for?

2011-01-28T19:09:00.002-05:00

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.

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.......

So watch for updates, days to germinate 8-18 days.

Could it be, Grow Your Own Boy Toy??

May all our dreams come true!

Who is eating my Arugala?

2011-01-19T18:50:00.009-05:00

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. 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".

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?

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.

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!

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 Cape Cod Chopped Salad 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. Who is eating my Arugula? What furry little critter is getting the benefit of all my work? First the weather then the critters.....

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!

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.

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.

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!!!

In the true spirit of the holidays....

2010-12-28T12:30:00.005-05:00

Food, family, friends and fun....

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.

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!

And in the true spirit of the holidays, our family complied! We ate, we ate.....and we ate again.

Mrs. C, your entry was truly the winner in my mind.

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!!

Who has been eating my eggplant???

2010-11-12T07:39:00.003-05:00

I guess I should consider myself lucky, as my "edible garden" has escaped the critters of the yard.....up until now. 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).

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.

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.

GET THE DIRT......

2010-11-02T16:27:00.011-04:00

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........ 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 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.

Something for every one's taste. Have food, fun and MORE! 　
Learn new craft ideas
Find out all about bees
Meet Sir Gus, the kissing Camel

(You haven't been kissed until you have been kissed by Gus)
Enter contests to win prizes

　Purchase plants and horticulture items
See beautiful plants & landscape ideas

View vegetable gardening demos and alternative gardening demos

The Seminole County Master Gardeners have been working on this project for over a year and hope to see you out at Expo 2010.

Red Bug Lake Park

3600 Red Bug Lake Road

Casselberry, FL 32707
Saturday, November 6, 2010

10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

For more information, please call (407) 665-5550

The Serenity in the Garden....

2010-10-18T16:21:00.018-04:00

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 display of magic. And, to think maybe I did have something to do with all this. So what's happening in the garden? With the cooler weather and nights here in Florida finally, some changes are obvious.
Here is a flower on my Bird of Paradise, or Strelitzia. Strelitzia is a tropical plant with spectacular flowers reminiscent of an exotic bird. Plumage is another word used to describe Strelitzia 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.

As the evenings get cooler the "edibles" in the garden have become rejuvenated and are again producing. My Native Wild Florida Everglade Tomatoes 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.

The Japanese eggplants, 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.

My red Salvia one of the slow to recover plants from the brutal cold of last winter is finally flowering. The butterflies and dragonflies love this plant.

My very interesting Giant Kalanchoe Gastonis Boanieri, or Donkey Ears, 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.

A water garden can add a striking new dimension to your home's landscape...mine is little, but my water plants are thriving. My Cyperus Papyrus, or paper plant, stands proudly surrounded by floating lettuce plants.

On either side of the bird bath in clay pots partly sunken in the ground are Variegatus or Red Bird Cacto Cardenal. With the weather cooling the leaves are beginning to turn red in color and they will become a beautiful fall display.

Look how big the Gossypium Barbadense, or cotton plant has gotten that I started from seeds not too long ago. It is over 5 1/2 ft. tall now and
just taller then the Shepard's hook that the bird house hangs from.

The following plant I started from a cutting that I got from a home participating in the Garden Walk that the Seminole County Master Gardeners 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 Clerodendrun, 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.

Another orphan plant with no name. I started this from a plant growing in the yard of a home that I sold several years ago to one of my Buyers. The home belonged to a lady named Leota, so I affectionately refer to it as Leota's bush. I know someone out there can help me do better then that...so if you recognize it please fill me in.

For me, everyday in my garden brings a new gift. Are you looking for peace and serenity, look in nature......

I knew I would find a use for these.....

2010-10-03T17:11:00.009-04:00

The seed starter everyone has in their home.... 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 germinates, 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 Egyptian Cotton or Gossypium Barbadense seeds that I gathered from a mature tree at the Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens.

I just loved the look of the leaf, heart shaped and shiny.

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.

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 succeeded with propagating 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.

A Little History Lesson on this plant....who would have guessed? I just thought it was a pretty and different looking plant.

Peruvian Pima Cotton – Gossypium Barbadense
Native South American Luxury Textiles of Peru & Inca Civilization

Peruvian Pima Cotton – Cotton of the Incas - Public Domain
Peruvian Pima cotton, gossypium barbadense, is a luxury cotton native to South America. Here is an overview and history of Peruvian Pima cotton from the Incas to today.
Gossypium barbadense, commonly known as Pima 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.
A History of Peruvian Pima Cotton
Gossypium barbadense was given the name “Pima” cotton after the Pima 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 Sacaton, Arizona.
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. Archeologists discovered cotton samples of this era in the Huaca Prieta excavation, a site located in today’s cotton growing region of Peru.

Life Does Have It's Moments......

2010-09-28T10:55:00.017-04:00

I wonder what I will be when I grow up? I wonder does time really fly?

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......

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.

I wonder why I agreed to participate in a Garage Sale?

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!

A Garage sale…is an experience that everyone should experience at least once in their life. For me, it gave me a much needed goal 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.

See anything you like or need in these photos, let me know.

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.

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.

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. I know that all things happen for a reason, and there is a reason that I am yet to understand here. Perhaps there is still something or someone that will come into my life that I can help or am meant to be part of.

During this time, much thought has been given to the most “battered market in real estate”, 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.

Sadly I had to say goodbye to a friend taken by that ugly Villain, Cancer, another unpleasant life lesson.

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.

Now, I am just trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up!

It is time to come out of the closet....

2010-08-04T13:20:00.006-04:00

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.

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.

Recently it has come to my attention that "funky" 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. Funky sneakers are a fun, sporty alternative to wearing flats.

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.

How about you, my friends reading this....I dare you to be bold, not beige!

A day in the life of a 12 year old....

2010-07-28T17:14:00.018-04:00

When it is his birthday...... I don't care what your age is, young or old, 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 UCF Campus near Orlando. This was a bit unusual, since Scott lives in Pt. Saint Lucie about 140 miles south of Longwood, which is my home. Usually when we see each other it is with the entire family, including his 2 brothers.

SO SCOTT, IT IS JUST US, WHAT CAN WE DO FOR FUN?? Here we go....we are on our way.

Just messing around with my camera, while I drive.

Our first stop......

Audubon Center for Birds of Prey

1101 Audubon Way

Maitland, Fl. 32751 - 407-644-1090
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.

One of the most enchanting animal encounters to be found in the Orlando area is The Center for Birds of Prey in Maitland, 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.

On display here is a giant birds nest.

Birds of Prey is located on the beautiful shores of Lake Sybellia.

Sam, has been a staff Vet Tech. for 5 years. Here she is holding Bogie, one of the center's Educational Ambassador Birds. Bogie 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.

Here is Scott with Bogie. 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.

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.

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 Adopt-a-Bird program, a fun and interesting way to participate in the conservation of Florida's magnificent raptors housed and treated at the center.

Hours: Tues-Sunday 10-4PM
Admission: Adults $5, Children $4, under 3 are free
http://www.audubonofflorida.org/. If you are looking for something interesting to do check out The Center for birds of Prey.

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 Judaica Shop, 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 Tallit 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.

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.

Scott happily tried on several Tallit 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".

Sisterhood Judaica Shop

Congregation Chev Shalom

5015 Goddard Ave.Orlando, Florida 32804

407-298-4650

Happy Birthday Scott! We had fun didn't we? What will you request for your next birthday? Perhaps a trip to Israel.....

Extreme Makeover......

2010-06-26T15:55:00.010-04:00

From "Farty to Funky" Following a complete "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????

We will most definitely refer to this chair as "Farty". 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.

Upholstered with the selected fabric, it takes on new life......becoming funky! I will refer to this as an extreme makeover!

It was decided to also upholster 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.

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 swivel 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 swivel chairs installing a swivel mechanism. Yes he is a magician and wonderful!

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 "gizillion" pounds.....I mean really heavy!

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 funky fabric.

This is the view from the Great Room that I did not want to distract from.

Do you blame me?

Here it is put together from various views.

Note the "Queens" chair over in the dining room next to the hutch.

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.

Even Max the family dog has found his spot.

( In this photo: Bruce Ross & Maxine Thomas )

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.

Contact Ross Upholstery @ 407-880-3331
Buying or Selling Real Estate or

need help with decorating, contact me @ 407-718-8323

Your home should be your castle and reflect your personality.

4 Cucumbers and an Eggplant....

2010-06-18T20:30:00.011-04:00

This is my harvest from my garden this morning... Squash plants are spreading and taking over my garden.

It is obvious that a critter got into this squash.Japanese Eggplant on the vine.

Ripe tomatoes ready to pick.

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.

Several critters visit my garden.

I believe this is an Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterfly.

This dragonfly was happy to sit quiet and be photographed.

Back to my "edibles", a cucumber on the vine. There is nothing like a fresh off the vine cuke sprinkled with a little salt.

Spaghetti squash......

Just a garden ornament......love my dragonflies.

Before I pulled out my Brussels Sprout plant, which is a cooler weather plant, I picked these off the plant and prepared them as follows. They were a bit smaller then the first batch but mighty tasty.

This Brussels sprouts recipe 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.
Ingredients:
1 1/2 lb Brussels sprouts, washed, bottoms trimmed
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lemon, juiced
salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:

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. Do not overcook, and the Brussels sprouts will stay green, sweet, and tender.

Oyster plants, my ground cover in my back yard islands is finally filling in from the Winter freeze.

A little bit of scattered color.

The Impatians planted around the borders are starting to get bigger with constant color.

Love those flowers.....Lily of the Nile.

Everyday in my garden brings new discoveries.

Life is a gift

2010-06-10T13:52:00.008-04:00

Meyer (Mike) Deutsch

May 26, 1913 - February 29, 2008 With Fathers' day approaching, I find myself thinking a lot 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.
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.

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.)

I have several physicians in my family, but my Dad always said he was the first MD in the family...get it...Meyer Deutsch...he was full of humor and had corny jokes always! Dad, your influence on me shall live on.

Happy Fathers Day!

Life is a gift and 94 years is certainly a precious gift!

WHEN I STOP TALKING, YOU'LL KNOW I'M DEAD.....

2010-05-30T10:45:00.009-04:00

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! 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.

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".

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. Next time, I will just keep the book longer, pay my fine, and not ask questions! What would you have done?

I couldn't be in better company in enjoying this story. Look at this, it's me and George Clooney!
"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 )

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.

From Publishers Weekly
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.

Good, interesting reading! I highly recommend this book and I will go back for my 2nd chance to finish it.

2010-05-23T21:23:00.017-04:00

Orchid Show at the Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens

633 Osceola Avenue, Winter Park, Fl. 32789 The Greater Orlando Orchid Society brings their annual Orchid Show back to the museum, Friday, May 21 thru Sunday, May 23, 2010. During the show, the gardens were open with free admission each day from 10:00am - 4:00pm.

View and enjoy Classic Art in a Classical Setting.

My visit to the Polasek 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. Since I have already done a post last year on the garden, I will mostly just post my updated photos.

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.

Some hanging flower baskets around the property.

The beautiful gardens create an incredible display area for the statues.

You would never know the devastation suffered in the garden from the Florida freeze this past winter.

The Koi pond.

Venders at the show were selling Orchids, Bromeliads and Ferns.

The home across the lake.

Another Vanda Orchid.

Plants and flowers on the wall.

A very unusual color for an Orchid.

Tomato plants

A rare form of tomato plant that actually has thorns.

Square foot gardening in raised beds.

This tree has various types of Bromeliads and air plants growing all around it. You can see it if you look closely.....it is amazing in person.This could be my yard or yours......right?

The Polasek 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.

Cultivate Your Spirit in the Garden

Garden Walk.......

2010-05-17T18:08:00.022-04:00

Sunday, May 16, 2010, 11 a.m to 5 p.m
Sponsored by the Master Gardeners of Seminole County....... Nine homes were selected to participate 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 Rami Yosefian.

Located all around Seminole county were signs like this one guiding you to the open gardens.

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....

An adorable goat, that greeted you and followed you around and behaved like he was a dog......

He even climbed up on the table to steal snacks every opportunity he had.

A huge aviary is home to two beautiful birds.....lucky birds!!!

Water flowers in the pond, my personal favorite.

And a school of Koi. This yard is maintained with Integrated Management Techniques, in a natural setting.

AT the home of Norb and Carole Jaworski, on Magnolia Ave. in Sanford, I viewed some of the healthiest looking vegetable 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 vegetable garden? I want some for my "edibles".

A gardener's work is never done as evidenced by additional plants ready to be put in the ground.

The Student Museum, a Seminole County historic landmark, on 7th. 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.

Some of the vegetables and herbs in the Pioneer Garden.

Don't you just want to pick that squash? Fourth grade classes from all over Seminole county tour these Student Museum and gardens.

Dr. Al Ferrer, 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.

This home on Oak Hill Drive in Altamonte Springs is perfectly maintained and was offered on the tour by Bea and Mike Koch.

This home is a plant collector's paradise in an old English style. Individual spaces for sitting and relaxing are evident throughout the gardens.

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.

This lovely garden certainly demonstrates what can be done in just an average sized yard with a lot of love! And it shows.

This raised bed is home for Roses and other plants with an inviting swing for two just behind it.

Every inch of this garden has something to look at. This path leads to the "Secret Garden" as the owners refer to it.

Here it is.....the secret garden!

Next stop on my tour was on Jessup Avenue in Longwood. This was the only commercial property on the tour and home to Dix. Lathrop 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.

I do not know the name of these 3 trees in the pine family......they certainly are unique.

Some more native Florida plants....

Pictured is a Coral Honeysuckle growing on a trellis at the building entry.

Beautiful potted plants adorned the entrance of the building.

My next stop on the tour was in Longwood, on Myrtle Lake Hills Road. Jeff and Debbie Dix describe their yard as "modern Florida cracker". They have created a sustainable garden requiring minimal water, fertilizer and pesticides....and it is just gorgeous.

If you are wondering, there is no high maintenance grass. What you are seeing is a huge use of Asiatic Jasmine....low maintenance and low watering......not to mention no grass to cut regularly. This makes life just grand, everything is green, lush and just beautiful!

Every angle of this garden was just terrific!

Asiatic Jasmine and Bromiliads....nothing exotic, but look how gorgeous.

More Asiatic Jasmine and Bird of Paradise.

Iron plants with Asiatic Jasmine.

The path to the pool and spa.

Very inviting, isn't it?

Talk about "Curb Appeal", I know a Real Estate term, I couldn't resist that.......just more Asiatic Jasmine on the curb.

Check out the planting on the little island surrounded by the driveway....more Asiatic Jasmine.

Another view with Fern growing under the tree.

Although there were nine homes included on this tour, I personally only made it to six of them. I guess it proved what I have been told for years.......I talk too much. I just ran out of time.

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:

The home of Tabitha and Steve Miller on Morgan Street in Winter Springs is described as a large property featuring a tropically-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.

The home of Sue Tarum on Cayuga Drive in Winter Springs 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.

Rick and Mindy Geer on Olean Court also in Winter Springs, 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.

Who are the Seminole County Master Gardeners?

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.

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.

Additional sponsors of the Garden Walk......Sunniland, Wild Birds Unlimited, "The Original" Do-it-yourself Pest Control, Inc.- Fern Park, Fl. and South Seminole Farm and Nursery. Thanks to you all for assisting to make this event possible.

It has been a slow recovery....

2010-04-30T17:41:00.031-04:00

But we are slowly making progress after a bitter cold winter here in Central Florida. Garden ornament.....I salvaged this "planter" out of my daughter's home being totally renovated in Pt. Saint Lucie, Florida. It certainly adds "my touch" to the landscape. Actually most visitors to my garden hardly notice it until I point it out to them.

This is a "baby" from my Giant Kalanchoe Gastonis Bonnieri, Donkey Ears, that I photographed extensively and posted about, probobly until I bored my readers silly. The poor mother plant is gone...a victim perhaps of the glorious bloom it produced and then followed by the freezing weather. And yes during the cold days and nights she was moved into my lanai and covered. It just got too cold. But this little baby protected by other plants did make it. Hopefully by fall it will be ready to bloom for me. I did give away several other babies.

I have pots of assorted flowering plants scattered around to add color and interest.

And I have added a small water feature to my garden, because I just love the plants that can grow in it. But once again the cold weather made victim of several of my flowering water plants. The "lettuce" plants survived and I recently added Papyrus, or "Little Tut" as it is commonly known. The Papyrus is a native of the Nile River, and are the plants the Egyptians used to make the first paper.

The addition of flowering annuals add accent and draw the butterflies and birds.

I have several large Stag Horn Ferns which did fairly well. Several of the fronds were burned from the cold, but new ones are filling in quickly.

I do not have a name for this vine that I purchased last season, but this is the first bloom which I imagine will attract butterflies, at minimum.

My Bird of Paradise is doing well under the canopy of the large trees, and was not at all affected by by the Florida freeze.

Several varieties of Bromeliads did well, I just need to remove the burnt leaves and separate the clusters.

Shrubs are starting to produce their flowers adding more color.

Some more flowers added for color.

Moving out to the front yard, my big brown spot recently the topic of another post is filling in quickly. I am real pleased with the Asiatic Jasmine. My front beds have everything filling in and looking better finally.

My Crinum Lillys which looked like wilted spinach after the cold are coming back beautifully. As noted in a previous post, I have moved them 3 times from different homes here in Central Florida and do really "baby" them.

Since they are in pots, the Red Bird Cacto Cardenal was moved inside my covered lanai during the freeze and did still end up dropping every one of its red color showy leaves, but they are just starting to come back now. I will be patient and it will be worth it.

The little sign displayed reads: A garden of friends is always in bloom!

Ah, now to my "new" favorite plants......My edible landscape, growing in 2 raised beds, using the square foot gardening method. Seen here in the rear is Kale and up front is Zucchini. Other plants I am growing include: beans, several varieties of tomatoes, cucumber, eggplant, green & red peppers as well as hot pepper, squash, broccoli, cabbage, several varieties of lettuce and carrots.

Cherry Tomatoes are abundant on this plant with the first ones ready to pick in the next day or so.

Here are 2 Spaghetti Squash seedlings just emerged from seed. I think that the tomato crop will be very abundant from what I see now. I have about 5 different varieties. I also grow herbs which I love to have for cooking. Once you cook with freshly picked herbs you will never be happy with dried or even the "fresh herbs" you purchase in the grocery store. I am currently growing Basil,Chives, Dill, Ginger, Lavender, Marjoram, Mint, Oregano, Parsley, Rosemary, Sage, Tarragon and Thyme....I think that's it. I even love the scent of the herbs when I water them...........which is what I think I need to do now, since it did not rain.

Keep Gardening.......

Make every inch of your property beautiful, productive and delicious!!!!

The new Breakfast of Champions.....

2010-04-24T08:53:00.005-04:00

Breakfast....the most important meal of the day!

We have all heard the old saying that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but do you know why? Obviously, food is fuel and energy for our bodies and without it we spend the day stumbling around in a fog and fighting off a headache and a bad attitude. Breakfast is literally just that, breaking the fast that your body is in from the night before.

Some people consider a cup of coffee and or a cigarette their breakfast....not good. While others must have something to eat immediately upon waking up and stumble into the kitchen to get that bowl of cereal before doing anything else, you know who you are! Remember, "Wheaties the breakfast of champions"? We did believe this for so long, because that is what the manufacturer told us.

I have never been a "breakfast person", in fact in the morning I do not just sit down to have something to eat. I have my morning ritual of tasks that must be completed. So several years ago, I got in the habit of grabbing my banana and eating on the run. I really did not know just how good for me this little breakfast ritual was. Now, I will say that I don't mind on occasion sitting down to a big breakfast, or omelet stuffed with all kinds of good veggies....however this would not be a typical start of the day for me.

So back to why breakfast is the most important meal of the day. The consumption of an early morning snack increases the metabolic rate (how fast you burn calories) and kick starts your body into gear, telling it what to expect the rest of the day. If breakfast isn't eaten, your body doesn't process your next meal as quickly and tries to hold onto those nutrients. Since it didn't get any morning fuel, it tries to hold onto the afternoon meal as long as possible — instead of burning it right away.

Studies have shown that weight loss can be more difficult and weight gain more prevalent in folks who opt out on the morning meal. Those who skip breakfast have a tendency to consume more food than usual the next chance they get to grab a bite to eat and also have a higher tendency to snack on high-calorie foods to keep hunger at bay until then.

Just last week I received an "email forward", you know what I mean, we all get hundreds of them weekly. This one however laid out the benefits of the banana. I was so impressed that I wanted to share this information here. (source of this article not available)

A good banana tip: Never, put your banana in the refrigerator!!!

This is interesting. After reading this, you'll never look at a banana in the same way again.. Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber.

A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy. Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes. But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.

Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

PMS: Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood. Anemia : High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

Brain Power: 200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school ( England ) were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

Constipation: High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

Hangovers: One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.

Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief. Morning Sickness: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness Mosquito bites: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation. Nerves:

Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system. Overweight and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and chips... Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady..

Ulcers: The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

Temperature control: Many other cultures see bananas as a "cooling" fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand , for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan..

Smoking &Tobacco Use: Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance.. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack. Strokes: According to research in The New England Journal of Medicine, eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%! Warts:

Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape! So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around. So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, "A banana a day keeps the doctor away!"

In my kitchen, my bananas are a staple. I always make sure that I do not run out of several things from the grocery store.....dog food, coffee, toilet paper and my bananas. Anyone entering my home will always find my bunch of bananas sitting on my counter.

A banana a day keeps the doctor away!

Bananas, the breakfast of champions!

The show that never ends.....

2010-04-13T10:31:00.016-04:00

Hard Rock Casino in Tampa, Florida......here we come! March 31, 2010 some of the residents of Savannah Court & Savannah Cove, a senior living community located just off of I-4 in Orange County on Maitland Boulevard in Maitland, Florida, were taken on a day trip to the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. As a volunteer, I attended as a chaperon.

The bus ready to load with happy and excited residents.

Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, we have arrived, are you ready for us?

Does Miss Y look ready to get at those slots?

On the bus anxiously waiting to hit the casino for a day of fun.

This was actually the 2nd trip to the casino so it was highly anticipated.

Cameras are not permitted in the "gambling areas".....oh well, my mistake!

Believe it or not we finished the day with a couple of winners. Mr. R at the slots with some of our ladies.

"Welcome Back My Friends To The Show That Never Ends"

- Emerson Lake & Palmer

The words on the sign as you arrive....and it truly is the show that never ends. Looking for a great place to observe people, this would be the place. Want to learn to play blackjack just for fun? A lady that I met while at the casino provided me the following free website on Blackjack strategy. http://www.hitorstand.net/

On a serious note, April 19-25 is National Volunteer Week, to celebrate ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Do you do any volunteering? What can you do to make a difference?

Make a difference by leaving things a little better then you found them. A kind word or gesture goes a long way and often costs only a few minutes of your time. Whenever it feels like you have nothing to offer, remember that even the smallest favor can affect someones life in ways you could never anticipate.

By doing a kind gesture or helping another person.....you actually help yourself!

The Big Brown Spot.....

2010-04-04T12:54:00.019-04:00

Several weeks ago I received a letter in my mail from the property management company of my Homeowners Association asking me if I was aware of the "big Brown Spot" on my front lawn. Interesting question.....like I would miss this!!! After noticing several varieties of weeds, sedge and crabgrass with the possibility of Cinch bugs, I decided to spray the entire area to eliminate everything before my entire front yard was wiped out. It is just amazing how healthy, invasive and fast growing all the weeds become. Due to the uncommon cold winter, this big brown spot was left as is much longer then I would like it to.

I decided to not replace with St. Augustine or any other type grass which is a water guzzler and go with Florida Friendly plants that would easily adapt to the Central Florida climate.....extreme heat & humidity and that would survive sub-freezing temperature as we had this past winter.

Here you see a single row of Loropetalum in the rear. I usually start with small specimens as they are easier to plant and less expensive.

Despite the fact that it is written in the homeowners docs that sod must be replaced with sod, Florida Statute has changed due to the water shortage...... which is good news for homeowners.

State of Florida Statute makes it unlawful for any municipality to prohibit "property owners from implementing Xeriscape or Florida-friendly landscape, as defined in s. 373.185

(1) on his or her land

(2) "Xeriscape" or "Florida-friendly landscape" means quality landscapes that conserve water and protect the environment and are adaptable to local conditions and which are drought tolerant

(3) Local government ordinance may not prohibit any property owner from implementing Xeriscape or Florida-friendly landscape on his or her land." As I was working this area for planting, I dug up this "little guy" almost 2 inches tall. I suppose back about 10 years ago when my sod was installed some little child's treasure got buried and became unofficially my "Yard Man". So as I completed my planting I put him right back where he came from and he will remain my "Yard Man" till eternity.

A mature Loropetalum in my yard produces an abundance of vibrant pink fringy flowers in the Spring, sporadically during Summer and again in the fall. Some people shave them boxy like a hedge....I prefer to allow them to grow natural.

This shows a "pot bound plant". The roots of this plant need to be loosened and broken open before planting creating a happy environment for the new plant.

For contrast in height and look, I planted a row of "recycled" plants next from my own yard that had multiplied. I am currently at a loss as to the name of this plant, but they are hardy and produce a pretty blue ball shaped flower.

Drought & disease free as well as freeze tolerant Walters Viburnum, "world class", were placed next in a triangle arrangement.

Close up view of this showy, flowering native plant that will produce small clusters of flowers in winter and early spring.

Here I took a break and went to take a rest and cool off at the pool at my local YMCA, the J. Douglas Williams Family Center, in Longwood Florida.

I believe there may even be a lounge with my name on it......yes there it is, look closely.

Asiatic Jasmine plants in front. 54 little plants in total will creep together providing a dense green carpet of greenery and a great replacement for the space once occupied by a St. Augustine Lawn. Done finally, no more big brown spot.....It has been replaced with an easy maintenance Florida Friendly landscape.

Right Plant.......Right Place.......Get Planting!!

It's all about the kids....

2010-03-30T05:28:00.021-04:00

The Student Museum and Center for Social Studies

"Teaching the Future by Touching the Past"

301 W. 7th Street, Sanford, Florida 32771 This Student Museum is an excellent and rare example of Florida's turn-of-the century school architecture. In 1984 the building was placed in the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior in recognition of its history and architectural significance to the state of Florida and the nation. The 1902 Romanesque revival style brick building is dominated by a massive three story bell and features decorative corbelling and recessed Romanesque arched entryways.
The Student Museum offers Seminole County (Florida) students a unique learning opportunity in the oldest school in continuous use in Seminole County and the second oldest school in continuous use in the state of Florida.

The Student Museum is visited by approximately 6,500 elementary students per school year who are educated about Florida history in a hands on learning environment.
The museum features a classroom as it existed in 1902. A pioneer room with a 3/4 size log cabin, and offers teachers instructional liaison in planning activities to support their curriculum.. The potential impact of this facility is that each fourth grade student in the Seminole County, Florida, Public Schools, including special needs students as well as private and home school students can participate in this program.
Visitors will see and experience a Timicuan Village, a geography lab, artifacts and displays and photographs and learn history of the local surrounding neighborhoods.
The student Museum exists to conserve, preserve, study, interpret, assemble and exhibit materials of educational and cultural value for students.

Welcome to our garden - 10 years and growing

The first garden was established in 1998 by one Master Gardener wanting to demonstrate Pioneer Gardening to students visiting the Student Museum. Since then, many Seminole County Master Gardeners have joined the effort, creating unique gardens, each exhibiting the varieties of plants that grow successfully in Seminole County, Florida.

So, aha.....here lies my involvement in the wonderful project.....as a Seminole County Master Gardener. The different areas in the garden demonstrated include: shade, Rose, Herb, Succulent, Wild Flower, Sub-Tropical, Natives, Butterfly, Arbor, Asian and my area: the Pioneer Garden also referred to as the "Three Sisters Garden".

Celebrate the Three Sisters: Corn, Beans and Squash
by guest author Alice Formiga

According to Iroquois legend, corn, beans, and squash are three inseparable sisters who only grow and thrive together. This tradition of interplanting corn, beans and squash in the same mounds, widespread among Native American farming societies, is a sophisticated, sustainable system that provided long-term soil fertility and a healthy diet to generations. Growing a Three Sisters garden is a wonderful way to feel more connected to the history of this land, regardless of our ancestry.

Corn, beans and squash were among the first important crops domesticated by ancient Mesoamerican societies. Corn was the primary crop, providing more calories or energy per acre than any other. According to Three Sisters legends corn must grow in community with other crops rather than on its own - it needs the beneficial company and aide of its companions.

The Iroquois believe corn, beans and squash are precious gifts from the Great Spirit, each watched over by one of three sisters spirits, called the De-o-ha-ko, or Our Sustainers". The planting season is marked by ceremonies to honor them, and a festival commemorates the first harvest of green corn on the cob. By retelling the stories and performing annual rituals, Native Americans passed down the knowledge of growing, using and preserving the Three Sisters through generations.

The Iroquois believe corn, beans and squash are precious gifts from the Great Spirit, each watched over by one of three sisters spirits, called the De-o-ha-ko, or Our Sustainers". The planting season is marked by ceremonies to honor them, and a festival commemorates the first harvest of green corn on the cob. By retelling the stories and performing annual rituals, Native Americans passed down the knowledge of growing, using and preserving the Three Sisters through generations.

Corn provides a natural pole for bean vines to climb. Beans fix nitrogen on their roots, improving the overall fertility of the plot by providing nitrogen to the following years corn. Bean vines also help stabilize the corn plants, making them less vulnerable to blowing over in the wind. Shallow-rooted squash vines become a living mulch, shading emerging weeds and preventing soil moisture from evaporating, thereby improving the overall crops chances of survival in dry years. Spiny squash plants also help discourage predators from approaching the corn and beans. The large amount of crop residue from this planting combination can be incorporated back into the mound at the end of the season, to build up the organic matter in the soil and improve its structure.

Corn, beans and squash also complement each other nutritionally. Corn provides carbohydrates, the dried beans are rich in protein, balancing the lack of necessary amino acids found in corn. Finally, squash yields both vitamins from the fruit and healthful, delicious oil from the seeds.
Native Americans kept this system in practice for centuries without the modern conceptual vocabulary we use today, i.e. soil nitrogen, vitamins, etc. They often look for signs in their environment that indicate the right soil temperature and weather for planting corn, i.e. when the Canada geese return or the dogwood leaves reach the size of a squirrels ear. You may wish to record such signs as you observe in your garden and neighborhood so that, depending on how well you judged the timing, you can watch for them again next season!

Early European settlers would certainly never have survived without the gift of the Three Sisters from the Native Americans, the story behind our Thanksgiving celebration. Celebrating the importance of these gifts, not only to the Pilgrims but also to civilizations around the globe that readily adopted these New World crops, adds meaning to modern garden practices
Success with a Three Sisters garden involves careful attention to timing, seed spacing, and varieties. In many areas, if you simply plant all three in the same hole at the same time, the result will be a snarl of vines in which the corn gets overwhelmed!
The philosophy of the Student Museum is captured in these words:

Tell me and I forget.

Show me and I remember.

Involve me and I understand.

Flour + Sugar + Eggs + Bananas + Chopped Walnuts = ?????

2010-02-19T21:25:00.016-05:00

It is almost this easy........What do you get when you combine all these ingredients besides really good eating? I cannot take the credit for this recipe. It is from the Woman's Day Encyclopedia of Cookery,
Vol. 1, page 139. That's the page with all the "love" splotches on it, do you see them? I referred to them in my last post.

I suppose after I wrote about this banana bread, and then woke up to these three really fine speckled bananas, meaning they were too ripe for my liking to eat, sitting on my kitchen counter, I just knew what I had to do.....get out my old cook book and bake myself a treat.

Yes, it is as good as I remembered. I wish you could all just help yourself to a piece. If you are local, I would be happy to share some with you. I like it just as is with my cup of coffee or tea, however many others like to put cream cheese on it.

To make it possible for you to make your own, here is the recipe. Over the years I have shared it with many others, so I only have to cut and paste it here.

BANANA-NUT BREAD

(Woman’s Day Encyclopedia of Cookery)

½ CUP COOKING OIL
1 CUP SUGAR
2 EGGS BEATEN
4 RIPE MASHED BANANAS (or 3 large)
2 CUPS FLOUR
1 TSP. BAKING SODA
½ TSP. BAKING POWDER
½ TSP. SALT
3 TBLS. MILK
½ TSP. VANILLA EXTRACT
½ CUP CHOPPED WALNUTS

Beat oil and sugar together. Add eggs and banana pulp and beat well. Add sifted dry ingredients, milk and vanilla. Mix well and stir in nuts. Pour into greased and floured loaf pan

(9 x 5 x 3 inches) at 350 for about 1 hour. Cool well and store overnight before cutting**. Makes one loaf. Good with cream cheese.

**I think this is to drive the family crazy. Or Maybe it is just bad luck to cut it sooner!

The 24 hour delay before slicing is really in the recipe. My family always thought that I just

said it was necessary to wait to torment them. It most definitely is worth the wait.

Try it and let me know what you think.

When two passions collide.......

2010-02-17T19:54:00.013-05:00

My journey through books has taken me to some incredible places.

For a long time now I have considered myself to be a Bookaholic! How do I describe what a Bookaholic is. Someone who has a strong passion for and desire to read all the time or someone who has a strange fetish for books. Or possibly someone who keeps buying books to add to a stack of unread books. I probably fall somewhere between the two. I love having books around me, visiting book stores and libraries. I love how books look, feel and even smell.

I have no more room for books on my shelves, but I keep buying new ones. I am a Bookaholic. But in my own defense, it's a fairly inexpensive, fairly harmless obsession.
My most recent book category obsession has been every gardening book I could get my hands on, especially since completeing the Master Gardener classes. I find myself to especially gravitate towards anything that has to do with Florida gardening as well as edible gardening.
Another "hot" book category on my list is the "new" cook books. Now I have shelves and shelves of cook books, going back several decades to the "Woman's Day Encyclopedia of Cookery". This 12 volume set was available in the grocery store one volume at a time as they were released, I think monthly. I still have several favorite recipes within those pages. I have made the Banana nut bread so often, that when you open to that page, it looks as if someone "sloppy" used it as a place mat to eat dinner on. It certainly has its splatters of food stains obviously indicating this to be a favorite recipe.

My latest collection of cook books are geared towards eating "whole" and healthy, completely eliminating all processed foods from the diet. You've heard the drill..... when in the grocery store, shop only around the perimeter, eat healthier and live to be 100 years old!

Finally, the inpiration for this post! As I was walking through Borders today just passing through, you know the drill, from the parking lot to the mall to return an item in one of the stores, I was just casually looking around the gardening section which this time of the year is now center aisle. I was just browsing as I often do, minding my own business, and I find this book. Could it be.....the actual collision of my two passions. This new book that takes you from the seed packets to the canning jars, was written by four women who have only ever met on Twitter. They pooled their knowledge of gardening and cooking and in 60 days pulled together this remarkably complete book - from pest control to preserving.

They used their own social networks - blogs, tweets and Face book pages - to gather the best information from others and now, presumably, they will be able to sell the book to their combined 50,000 tweets, followers and friends!

As I peeked through the pages, I knew I had to add this wonderful book to my stacks......I mean book collection. When I got home I went online and ordered it on amazon. Now I wait for it's arrival. So while I wait, I think and write about my wonderful journey with my books.

I proudly call myself a Bookaholic.

So many books, so little time.......

From the Garden...

2010-02-07T18:57:00.013-05:00

And into the pot......

What a reward to reap the benefits from your garden. You know just how really fresh your produce is, no chemicals, no preservatives, you don't have to make a trip to the store, no long lines to wait on and the price it right! After the freeze we experienced in Central Florida several weeks ago, several of my vegtable plants were lost to the cold nights. However the cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and collards as well as several of the herbs are cold weather plants and survived like troopers. Maybe............ I wonder if "George", my Gargoyle garden guard had anything to do with it?
My first cabbage picked. I meant to weigh it but got excited and cooked it without thinking first. When steaming briefly, it turned a really vibrant color of green resembling the green that comes in a box of Crayola Crayons, remember that color? When we purchase veggies like cabbage, there is no way to really know just how long it has been since it was picked!

I know, before you say, cabbage....... ugh and stinky often, let me share with you what I prepared with it. I made my recipe of Stuffed Cabbage, in a tomato based sweet & sour gravy. I made it with a ground beef and rice stuffing, however the ground beef can be substituted by ground Turkey or Chicken or even a "meat substitute crumbles" for those choosing to not eat meat at all, or just attempting to cut back.

I recently became familiar with Bulgur which is a whole grain that can be found in specialty stores selling bulk foods. I believe this would be another good substitute for the meat also. If you are not familiar with Bulgar you are in for a treat if you try it. Bulgur is kernels of steamed, dried and crushed wheat, has a nutty taste and chewy texture. You don't really have to "cook" the grain, just let it soak in boiling water so it softens and expands. It is indeed healthy and hearty in addition to tasty. Stuffed Cabbage with Sweet and Sour gravy.....February 7, 2010.

(Interested in the recipe, just ask.)

An Incredible Journey....

2010-02-07T16:50:00.015-05:00

Giant kalanchoe Gastoris Bonnieri, or Donkey Ears....... When I first found this plant in Mount Dora, it was love at first sight. It was the perfect new member for my space in my yard that I refer to as my "funny farm". This plant certainly is unique looking as it was, but I had no idea of what to expect from it until I had the opportunity to research it. I quickly discovered that folks who appreciate succulent plants drool over owning a Donkey Ears of their own, the original Kalanchoe Gastonis bonnieri is said to originate from Madagascar.This succulent seems to be every one's favorite for its unique leaves, the way new baby plants form, for the big and bold flower stems, for the blooms, and for the hummingbirds which love the flowers.

This plant quickly became one of my favorites as it seemed to change almost on a daily basis.

First, lets look at the leaves. They're light green / gray-white when young/new. As Donkey Ears grow, the leaves become more prominent and bold in size. The "ears" can become 12+ inches long and a deeper green with more prominent "mule" spots...thus the common name....Donkey Ears.
Baby plants begin to form at the leaf tips which you can root automatically and make new separate plants, which I have done. Sometimes the baby plants just fall off and you can re-plant elsewhere or into pots. Otherwise, you can remove baby plants at some reasonable size and re-pot or plant.

At about a year old , the mother plant Donkey Ears suddenly sends up a shoot that can easily grow to 2-feet tall. At the tip of the shoot, flower buds begin to form. From the time that I realized that this new growth was not additional leaves it took about three months for the bloom to fully develope and open.

This plant seemed to grow taller and taller each day. I needed to stand on a chair to continue taking photos of it.

In flower, I see this plant as a Major show off plant. The flower opened about 4 weeks before we experienced the "Florida Freeze". I moved my prize under cover on my patio next to the house and also covered it for additional protection. But alas, it is not frost tolerant and it did get too cold on those bitter last few evenings. I did get a chance to start several babies that have been sent off to their new homes to start all over. They do not look their best but I am sure they will recover.

Below is a photo of my Donkey Ears this morning, February 7, 2010. Traces of the bloom are still there. The huge majestic leaves are shriveled and brown and ready to fall off. I am not quickening this process as I can now see new leaves breaking out off the stalk kind of where the old leaves are attached. I will wait to see what happens naturally. Every day is a new surprise!

Poor little thing....this has been a total metamorphosis of this plant. Kind of like raising kids........

It has gone through the good, the bad and the ugly! With more to come.

What is more incredible then the gifts that nature shares with us each day?

Habitat for Humanity.....Orlando

2010-01-29T21:07:00.020-05:00

"If you haven't any charity in your heart, you have the worst kind of heart trouble." -Bob Hope

Who will build it? If you think for one minute that Exit Real Estate Realtors only sell homes, think again......they are also building homes! On January 28, 2010 we participated in the first of several scheduled "construction days" on this Habitat for Humanity project.
"Habitat Orlando's First Multifamily Community Habitat Orlando is in the midst of constructing its most ambitious home building effort to date: Stag Horn Villas, an $8 million, 58-town home community. The community has been blessed with several generous sponsors that are making construction possible. Not only is this Habitat’s first multifamily development, it is also the most green and energy-efficient. Currently, 16 families have moved into the three completed buildings; the fourth building is currently under construction."
Since 2004, EXIT Realty Corp. International has been the proud Corporate Sponsor of ten home builds for Habitat for Humanity. Currently Exit Realty Corp. is involved with the Orlando project and several of Exit's Realtors actually had the wonderful opportunity for "hands on involvement".

How much do you need to know about construction to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity? I'm not a carpenter, plumber or painter. I don't know that I have an occupation or hobby that makes me a good fit for Habitat for Humanity. That's why I was amazed to find myself and my peers from the office using power saws and crawling on scaffolding on our first Habitat project. You don't have to be an expert. You just have to listen when they teach you. They won't ask you to do anything you can't handle. If for some reason they do, just tell them you're not prepared to do it.

Habitat for Humanity can be an amazing hands-on service project, but make sure you know what you're getting into.

To have a satisfying, productive and fun time with this organization, be prepared for manual labor. This seems like a no-brainer, but this can be quite a wake up call for inactive people.

Most people expect that if they volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, they'll be building a house. They're most often imagining the framing process -- hammering the home's wood skeleton together. Sometimes, that's what you're doing. But the home building process is much more than just that, and all under the supervision of an experienced Construction Crew. Some of the tasks
done by volunteers can be: the framing of a house, siding , window framing, cutting boards, moving dirt, painting or whatever else needs to get done, etc.

Once complete, the 3.9-acre neighborhood will provide affordable homes for 58 local families. Located on Stag Horn Drive and Silver Star Road, the community will feature 10 buildings, each of which will include four to eight town homes surrounded by green spaces and play areas. The model home is now open for viewing thanks to the help of Schmidt Design, IKEA and several other generous donors who contributed time, services and products, Stag Horn Villas is slated for completion in spring 2012.

When volunteering, dress for manual labor. Your clothes should be comfortable, layered, and ready to get dirty and stained.

As Realtors, we know, there are few things more meaningful than helping a person get a home. And because the families that are chosen to live in Habitat homes have to contribute their own time in the form of "sweat equity" (which I think is at least 400 hours), you often get to work side-by-side with the family/people who will directly benefit from your labor.

It's also the type of job that when you leave for the day, you can look and say "I did that." And whether "that" is bathroom tile, insulation or seeing a future home owner's smile, it's very satisfying.

( complete photo album available for viewing on my face book page)

"I wanted to select a charity that was close to Real Estate

and where you could see it helping people".
-Steve Morris

Founder & CEO

EXIT Realty Corp. International

Why Edible Landscapes....

2010-01-21T12:39:00.012-05:00

Gardeners are turning landscapes over to edible planting for a variety of reasons.....feeding the family and stocking the freezer or pantry are just a few of the dollar-saving reasons for planting an edible landscape. Many gardeners also grow food for the fun of it. There is plenty of wholesome fresh air and exercise in tilling the soil and tending the crops. Planting a garden and managing plants can keep you outdoors just about every day of the year.

A four foot x six foot raised bed is my first attempt at an edible garden! Using the "Square foot gardening " method allows planting many more plants in a small area that is extremely accessible and easy to manage. This photo above was taken just several weeks prior to the 2010 "Florida Freeze".

Knowing the cold weather was on the way, I picked the lettuce that was ready for harvest. I will admit that there is a very personal pride from producing food. That evening I enjoyed a wonderful salad, which I did photograph to share, but cannot locate.

We would all love our produce supply to look like this photo below, wouldn't we? This photo was taken several months ago during my visit to a week-end farmer's market near Port Saint Lucie Florida. Now this is what I call produce, don't you agree! And the breads that they sell there is certainly worthy another story.

Our local news here in Central Florida just this afternoon did a story about how the recent "Florida Freeze" will effect all of us around the country....where it hurts, in our wallets!

Florida farmers produce “nearly all our nation’s domestically produced fresh fruits and vegetables during the winter,” according to a statement released by the state’s agricultural commissioner, Charles H. Bronson. “There is much at stake, both for our state’s farmers and for consumers all across the United States who count on Florida to provide them with fresh domestic produce in the winter.”

The simple truth is since Florida supplies such a large part of the vegetable/produce and citrus fruits during the Winter months, we can all look for a substantial increases in prices very shortly!

If you have ever thought about trying your hand at growing your own produce....this is the time to do it. Perhaps, starting with growing a pot of herbs to dramatically add to the flavor of your family meals. Even the White House has added an edible garden!

Since growing produce has become the "in-thing" to do in our current economy, don't think for one moment that it will not increase desirability of your property if you are considering putting your home on the market. People will see the potential of your property and feel the ease in continuing what you have started.

Perhaps an edible garden in your back yard will become the new "curb appeal", in the Real Estate arena.

Freezing cold weather everywhere....

2010-01-11T15:47:00.029-05:00

Warning, It's not going to be pretty......

This morning on Live With Regis & Kelly, Kelly said "maybe it's not getting colder, maybe we are just all getting wimpier"! Eveyone all around the country are talking about the extreme cold. Pretty much the entire country has experienced extreme cold temperatures this last week. Here in my hometown near Orlando, Florida for the 4th straight night we have seen sub-freezing weather. Historically, this has only happened twice before.

Interesting fact, prior to the holiday season as part of the "decorations" one home in my neighborhood actually had the grass spray painted to appear as though it had snowed.

I say, be careful what you wish for!

Around Central Florida, folks have covered up their landscaping with blankets and sheets. Something that is never done up north. But with Central Florida being a "normally" sub-tropical climate, we plant some things, that cannot tolerate these temperatures.

Despite the frigid temperatures, two days ago, my Grand Crinum Lillies still made an imposing presence in my landscape. What a difference a day makes, the bitter cold last evening changed all that.

Sadly, this morning I discovered them to look like wilted spinach when it is in the frying pan getting sauteed. Hopefully they will quickly recover their attractiveness in the Spring.

Additional victims of Frosty Florida.

There really is no way to protect the entire landscape. I hope that most of the landscape plants will recover.

I told you it wasn't going to be pretty. Tonight the temperatures are expected to go down to the mid twenties again, however not quite as cold as last evening. This will make 11 nights in a row under 38 degrees and 4 nights of freezing temperatures. Remember this is Central Florida, home of the famous mouse, where many folks visit for the sunshine and warm weather.

Whatever part of the country you live in, you may be thinking you have it much colder, and that is fact. This Florida frost will however take it's toll on many of us. It is already projected that the cost of Citrus will increase by at least 30% to us all. It is too soon to judge the damage and effect/cost to the end user for additional crops damaged like cabbage being grown in Florida this time of the year.

Time will tell the permanent damage to some of these plants. Obviously this one did not fare well at all.......it is pretty sad.

Some plants protected by larger trees or adjacent to the houses just got burnt on the top leaves so far. They should do fine with some pruning once all danger of additional frost passes. With delayed pruning, if these frigid temperature happen again, the upper dead foliage will protect the lower unaffected foliage.

I am so glad that I did move my African Violets into the house about 1 1/2 weeks ago, knowing how fragile they are. They are temporarily residing in the bath tub.

For anyone who questions why I take the time to journal on line like this.....my photos and thoughts of better days in my garden are permanently here for my own enjoyment.

This sign sits on my counter in the bathroom.

Gardening a way of showing that you believe in tomorrow.

That sums it up, doesn't it?

I think for now with another very cold evening ahead, I will put a fire in my fireplace and pull out some of my Garden & Seed catalogs and plan my gardens for the Spring.

New Years Resolutions.....and one done!!

2010-01-09T17:01:00.024-05:00

How are your New Year's Resolutions going?

With January almost two weeks in, I am wondering how many of you have kept your New Year's resolutions" In the past I have done a so-so job of doing so, but this year I have made up my mind to set realistic goals and just get going on them.

I have always wanted my pantry to be in order, with everything labeled so I could easily find what I needed quickly....I will admit, I never did have this order in my pantry. When I first moved into my home, I just wanted to get things put away quickly into the empty pantry and things just got unpacked and put away and the door shut. Nothing really got organized as I would like. This year I have committed to doing the pantry clean-out and clean-up. I started by emptying everything out of the pantry and washing all the containers that I would use. Now this was a commitment, if you have not seen my pantry. You see, I always shop sales in the grocery store and shop like I will be stuck in for the "big storm". I will admit my grocery resources got completely out of hand. I probobly have enough pasta to last a lifetime. If there were a 12 step program for "grocery shopper over doers", I would be there. That would be my group! Emptying this closet was a task that took several days, now I didn't work on it 24/7, I did take some breaks from it....you know like to sleep & eat. Here we are almost half empty. They say a positive attitude would be to look at something as "half full", not in this instance, I am making headway and the pantry is now half empty. Stuff was stacked all over so that things could eventually get organized. Some more stuff. At one point, I was on the phone with my daughter as I was emptying and telling her what I was finding. I even surprised myself in a way as to how much I had. I know that she could not really envision what I was doing and finding, so I emailed her some of the photos. It was crazy, one of those moments that I guess you needed to be there. We laughed so hard till we cried, when she saw the photos. Carrie made a pretty funny comment to me. She said that with all that stuff in the pantry, as I empty it I may even find a lost boy friend in there! It was funny at the time anyway. One of those moments you had to be there.
This is how it looked before I started. Ugh!! Things no longer fit on the shelves, so I just stacked stuff on the floor. Here's another peek at my mess. Remember how when your babies were little, you never happened to notice how gross the high chair got? But when you went to visit a friend or relative it was always obvious how gross their babies high chair was! My pantry was like a high chair. I just accepted it as it was and never saw it's grossness. Until now.............. My first New Year's Resolution is done!! I keep opening the door and peeking in to see if it is real. Everything is labeled and organized and I actually know exactly what I have now. A huge box of food was set aside to bring to a homeless shelter. My next resolution if you haven't guessed: stay away from the grocery stores, Publix, Winn-Dixie and Albertson's you will not be seeing me for awhile. And my next reslution then, to cook with and use up what I have.

Now, wasn't that easy?
What are your resolutions? If you're trying to pay down your credit cards, quit smoking, get a new job, find a mate, or shed some excess poundage, abandoning New Year's resolutions won't get you off the hook you will still have these issues until you decide to take action.

But by setting more realistic goals for yourself and not limiting yourself to a once-a-year, do-or-die, all-out assault on that mountain of debt, those flabby thighs, or the hideous wallpaper you keep meaning to replace, you may find that the finish line isn't so far away after all.

In thinking about my New Year's Resolutions, I did a little research. Popular New Year's Resolutions Americans commonly make every January are:
· Lose weight
· Manage debt/save money
· Get a better job
· Get fit
· Eat right
· Get a better education
· Drink less alcohol
· Quit smoking
· Reduce stress overall and/or at work
· Take a trip
· Volunteer to help others

I could not find cited the sources for these popular New Year's resolutions, nor any statistics on how often they are broken.

A little history on the tradition of New Year's Resolutions seems to date back to the first century B.C., although the event had a more religious significance back then. Janus, the Roman God of Beginnings, was considered the ruler over the past and the future and was often visited by believers who wanted to entrust their future hopes to him. The name Janus is also the origin of the word January, which eventually became the traditional time for resolutions. Some modern religions have close connections to the idea of resolutions as well. For example, Yom Kippur, a Jewish holiday, is a time to reflect about the year gone by and analyze mistakes and wrongdoings in the hope of improving them in the year to come.

Will you keep your new years resolution? Don't let your motto become "In One Year, Out the Other". Tackling goals one at a time makes sense and might lead to success. I'm going to give it a try! Want to join me?

P.S. as a Realtor, I suppose that I should add here that having organized and neat closets makes them appear more spacious and will add value to your home if you are attempting to "sell" in just the same way that excellent "curb appeal" does.

2009...Was it good for you?

2009-12-31T19:51:00.006-05:00

2009: Was it good to you, or is it good riddance? I think that it's a little of both for me, and I'm honestly looking forward to Twenty-Ten.

Thinking of the Christmas season that just passed, it doesn't really matter what religion you are, it doesn't matter what you believe, or if you believe, it just matters that all things are possible! With the possibility of all things, there remains some kind of hope.

So, Happy Holidays to Everybody! Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy Hanukkah, Happy December birthday, whatever you are into, Happy Whatever it Is. God Bless America and God Bless the World! So I guess it really is all about Dickens, Tiny Tim, you all know who I'm talking about, not the singer, but the character from Dickens in A Christmas Carol, and he ends it by saying "God Bless Us, Everyone!"

Here's to hope for the coming year. Here's to stopping the bickering over the small stuff and focusing on the big challenges that we all face. Here's to equality for ALL. Here's to making and spending time with those we love and care about.

Please have a happy and safe New Year, my friends.

Not a creature was stirring.....

2009-12-25T15:33:00.020-05:00

Welcome to my Central Florida garden.......photos taken December 2009 The temperature is about 70 degrees and raining off and on. Who would believe it is Christmas day. Certainly not you folks dealing with freezing temperatures, snow and travel delays at the airport due to the weather problems.
The last several days I have taken several photos out in my garden. This is the time of the year that those of us who reside in Central Florida can brag & rub it in about our great climate.

The birds & even the butterflies love to stop in and visit the watering hole.

They have to have choices of places to hang out.
This plant I purchased at the farmer's market in Port Saint Lucie just because I liked it. I don't even know what it is called, but it is looking great.

My very small little water feature.

My African Violets on my patio are loving this cooler weather and flowering abundantly.

The double purple trumpet is one of my favorite flowers. At the center-lower side of the photo you can see a "seed pod" forming. I have collected several to start new plants with.

Some holiday decorations sit among my plants. This Santa relaxes among some Orchids.

Another bird feeder amongst the plants. Red Bird, Cacto Cardenal just behind it.

Finally the flower! I have been watching and photographing this very interesting plant....Kalanchoe Gastonis Bonnieri (donkey ears) for about 8 weeks since the formation of the first bud. This interesting plant has certainly proven itself to be a fun conversation piece in my yard. In another post, I will show through my photos the transformation to what it is today.....very fascinating.

An angel sits besides some variegated leaf Bromeliads.

Christmas Cactus, totally ignored most of the year are always a surprise when they burst into a beautiful flower right in time for the seasonal holiday. This one was buried on my patio where the squirrels could not get at them.

Just a closer view.

This Bromeliad was given to me by another Seminole County Master Gardener, and is obviously happy where I planted it in my yard.

One never can predict the surprises they come across in my yard!

I hope I did not bore you with my photos. I also hope the display of the wonders of mother nature will inspire others to go out in the yard. The pleasures and surprises are endless.

What ever holiday you choose to celebrate this holiday season.......I wish you the best.

And a happy, healthy and safe New Year to all!

Managing Holiday Stress......

2009-12-01T16:55:00.010-05:00

The holidays are here and 'tis the season to be merry'! Well, merry until the reality of all the the shopping, decorating, entertaining, cookies, eggnog and hors d'oeuvres hit! The weekend after Thanksgiving, my autumn wreaths were packed away and replaced by my Santa wreaths. A sign that the holidays are officially here. This year I will not be pressured to do more outdoor decorating than I want to. My simple front door wreaths shown here can convey a sense of celebration.

Don't take me wrong, I love the holidays, all of them. I love the decorations and am known for going beyond the normal with it, I love to get out the trees, I love the sparkle and glitter of it all and even the crowds in the malls. As you can see, I sort of blend the holidays, Hanukkah and Christmas......after all to me, they both represent family, friends, goodwill, peace and hope.

This year, I have decided to keep things simple. I will again put up my little kitchen tree, which several years ago was just that, the kitchen tree, then there was the formal living room tree, the fun family room tree, etc. I will decorate my mantle and put out some additional decorations....but this will be my year to keep things simple and manage typical holiday stress.

I am almost done with my gift shopping. I willl watch lots of the sappy holiday movies that are run pretty much 24/7, you know the ones that all have a predictable happy ending. I will experience more goodwill through my volunteering as time allows, and I will prioritize my time for what's important.

I will have more time to relax as well as take care of my garden. My vegetables in my square foot raised bed garden have more then tripled in size since they were first planted several weeks ago. This is my first attempt at raising vegetables for myself. As a Seminole County Master Gardener, I have worked on the Three Sisters Demonstration Garden at the Sanford Museum.

Here I am on Thanksgiving day cutting my red leaf lettuce to add to the salad. There really is nothing as good as fresh produce.

This photo of my Giant Kalanchoe Gastonis Bonnieri, Donkey Ears, was taken on Thanksgiving day. It has been getting ready to bloom for about 4 weeks now. I have been taking photos every several days to document this wonder of nature. It appears that perhaps I will get the gift of full bloom in conjunction with the "wonders of the season".

I have decided that this holiday season I will set realistic expectations, develop creative ideas, initiate new traditions and activities, and overcome the holiday blues. Won't you join me to add sparkle and glitter to the holidays....whichever you believe in........creating new traditions that will bring memories for years to come.

My goal is to add a little peace and quiet to my holiday celebrations and make room for meaningful time with loved ones. How about you?

A LOT TO BE THANKFUL FOR....

2009-11-24T09:36:00.009-05:00

When I was a kid, Thanksgiving was one of my favorite holidays. But I think Thanksgiving should be one of every kid's favorite holidays, other than maybe Halloween. Unfortunately, as so often happens in today's society, people forget the true meaning of Thanksgiving and the story behind the holiday. When thinking of this holiday meant for giving thanks, unfortunately many folks traditionally think of Thanksgiving week-end with "Black Friday" which is the beginning of the traditional holiday shopping season. Please don't fall into that trap.

With Thanksgiving drawing near I am reminded how very blessed I am. I enjoy family, friends, my volunteer activities, my business and the many warm relationships I have formed through these activities. I hope you'll take a moment and reflect on the blessings in your own life. One of my favorite things about Thanksgiving is getting together with family and friends, and when that is not possible, reminiscing of the past Thanksgivings when I could.

When we count our many blessings;

It isn't hard to see

that life's most valued treasures

are the treasures that are free.

For it isn't what we own or buy

that signifies our wealth.

It's the special gifts that have no price

our family, friends and health.

Happy Thanksgiving to you ....

Adult Sandbox????? Want to play?

2009-11-15T16:38:00.009-05:00

My weekend project in the works.....
For some time now I have been contemplating doing a "raised bed garden". My problem was not how to do it, but how to make it happen, as I do not have the proper tools to build it nor the vehicle to get the necessary stuff home. Well that problem was worked out! Home Depot in Lake Mary, Florida was kind enough to offer to cut the pressure treated wood, drill the holes in it as necessary and put it together for me. All I needed to do was come up with a way to transport it home. My "full-service Mortgage Broker" and friend, Mickey from Thomas Mortgage, came to the rescue and offered to be my "Man with a truck". So, my bottomless box is ready for the next step. Materials needed: pressure treated boards 1-12 footer & 1-8 footer & a box of 3 inch screws for outdoors & this type of wood. Voila a 6 foot x 4 foot garden bed waiting to be filled. The moles in my yard actually did me a favor. Their underground tunnels made the ground really soft & it was easy to pull out & rake up all the grass in the area......so no chemicals were needed to eliminate the grass.....and I could proceed. I blended a mixture of peat moss, perlite, potting soil and compost to fill the bed and to ensure a pest-free planting site to begin. The raised bed provides a neat garden- and an easy way to organize the garden. I will follow the Square-foot gardening technique thereby utilizing all available space. Rows are eliminated and each square foot of garden bears a harvest from 1 or more plants to maximize production. Because of my late start this season, I have started with planting transplants ready for the garden. They are 4-6 inches tall and have already grown several sets of true leaves.

So far I have planted: Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Eggplant, Red leaf lettuce, Peppers, Parsley and Basil, with lots of room still for many more varieties of edible harvest.

As I do with most things, I over calculated the fill that I purchased and most likely have enough peat moss & perlite to fill raised garden bed # 2.....which may be my next project in the Spring.

On another note, in my back yard this week I experienced something which could have been really dangerous if I was outside when it happened. Actually I was at home in the house with all the doors and windows closed and heard and literally "felt" a crash. I looked out the front window but saw nothing. So I didn't think about it anymore until I went out in my back yard. This massive, about 20 foot long tree branch broke off and fell from my Oak tree. If I were outside at the time and got hit, it would not have been pretty. Something else to be thankful for this upcoming Thanksgiving.

Now I just have to figure out how to get it cut up and removed from my yard. Again, I never have the proper tools.

I really don't know what made this happen, the tree shows no signs of being stressed, rotten or dying. At the time this happened it was sunny out, no rain or lightning and no memorable winds. I guess the moral of this story is to always be careful of what might fall from the sky.

Watch for updates as my garden grows!

It's about the kids....

2009-10-31T19:17:00.022-04:00

I am talking about Halloween.....and it's about kids of all ages.

On Halloween afternoon, I dressed up my 3 Bichons in their costumes and visited Savannah Cove and Savannah Court in Maitland, Florida, an assisted living/nursing home facility. Andy, Niko and Charlie were the hit of the party and took turns on every bodies laps. They are cute especially dressed as a Pumpkin, Peter Pan, and the Devil..... Charlie of coarse. Two of my dogs were adopted from Small Paws Rescue, a rescue group for the Bichon Frise which I volunteer with. Check out the site, there are currently over 200 sweet Bichons up for adoption all over the country.

My boys know who to "kiss up to". Isn't it great that Halloween still brings out the kid in some of the senior residents? They had lots of fun dressing up.

Charlie the devil sitting on Pauline's lap. This is my mom who just turned 94 years old on Oct. 8th.

Everyone wanted me to get in a photo with my 3 boys........right, like that was going to be easy. I am the bumble bee in the center.

The residents just loved the dogs and asked so many questions about them.

Peter Pan and the Indian Bride.

Niko is a little ham.......

Sorry I have my day upside down! Afternoon 1st and now the morning.

In the morning it was off to the "Y" to work out....yes in costume......kids of all ages. This is some of the Zumba Girls.

The kids were allowed to dress up in costume too!

Giselle and Anna, 2 of the instructors for Zumba at the Central Florida YMCA.

Count Dracula in the rear, front row Luciane, Saturday morning instructor at the Longwood "Y", Joyce S. and me the Bee.

More of my Halloween photos are posted on my face book page....

Donkey Ears, Life Plant

2009-10-26T18:05:00.006-04:00

Donkey Ears, new resident on the funny farm....Look what's happening in my garden July 2009. This was the headline to my post when I acquired this odd plant this past July.

Just look how it has grown since. (Giant Kalanchoe Gastonis Bonnieri) A really different looking plant was a recent find out in Mount Dora, Florida. Note the babies grow on the tips of the leaves. This plant was a perfect addition to my collection of "funny looking " plants....or out of the ordinary. When I researched this plant after I brought it home, I learned how interesting it really is. It forms a spike out of the center for the flower which is a beautiful-large bunch of bell-like flowers that attract Hummingbirds. I am looking forward to see this plant flower.

As promised this plant over the last few months has sent up a shoot almost 2 foot high. Because of its unique leaves, big flower stems, and its way of welcoming many hummingbirds, make Kalanchoe donkey ear top the lists of many succulent lovers. Young leaves of Kalanchoe donkey ear are light green or greenish white in color and become bigger with prominent mule spots as the plant grows. The leaves are shaped like a Donkey’s ear, thus it is commonly known as Donkey Ears. Kalanchoe donkey ear can reach a height of about 2 feet tall when it blooms producing showy drooping flowers with red and yellow colors.

Last week I started to notice that the new growth, had a different look. These are not additional leaves. My Donkey Ears plant is getting ready to burst into flower.

Look at those buds....getting ready to bloom into a major show-off plant. Now that it is budding and about to bloom, I continually walk past it when I'm outside in the yard just to see if the flowers have opened, I am like an expective mother!

Stay tuned in for more to follow....................

Fall arrives to Florida....with a big welcome!

2009-10-20T13:51:00.020-04:00

The temperature here in Central Florida today is a high of 72 degrees with blue skies and a humidity level at 47........and much welcomed.

This is the reason we live here in Florida. But we must learn to appreciate this wonderful weather knowing that it can change at any time. We just finished up I hope, a very long, very dry, very hot and unbearable humid summer. So this morning, I hung my fall wreaths on my front door indicating the arrival of fall.

These photos demonstrate the "fall" images that I remember as fall arrived in New York and Georgia where I lived, in years before moving in Florida. I do really miss those incredible pieces of art done by famous artist......Mother Nature!

As I pull out my pumpkins, scarecrows and other obvious fall decorations from their cartons in the garage.....no basements, I can remember all the wonderful and the obvious signs of the season.

• Red, orange, and yellow leaves out there on the ground. • A rake to rake the leaves into piles.

• Piles of leaves in the yard to jump in. • Acorns hiding in the grass. • Pumpkins ready to become jack-o-lanterns. • Trees with bare branches and no leaves left on them. • Candy corn at the grocery store. • Lots of apples at the market to buy. Frost on the window when I got up in the morning. • Squirrels collecting nuts and acorns to store for winter..........followed by the arrival of winter, the holidays and snow.

Change is Happening! Seasonal change is happening in lots of different ways all across the globe. Think about what clues in your home town tell you that a new season is approaching? Look, smell, feel, and listen carefully.

I remember well being bundled in a hooded sweatshirt and clutching a steaming mug of coffee, or hot chocolate. Fall is definitely here - dreary and chilly or crisp and sunny, it doesn't matter - I am in love with this time of year.

I think I will just grab a book, a beverage and sit on my porch and enjoy it. For you Northerners struggling with the cold, rain, dark skies, snow and slush.......can you see yourself here?

Oh what a day........

2009-10-15T17:25:00.010-04:00

Where were you 15 years ago on October 15th? Do you think you are seeing double? My girls.....my brides..... Denise and Carrie.

Back in 1994 when Carrie told me she and Brian were going to get married, I suggested to Denise that if she & John were planning to do the same in the same time period to please consider a double wedding........and a double wedding we had.

October 15, 1994, two brides, two grooms.......and three families brought together for the 1st time, the night they were wed.
"The most precious possession that ever comes to a man in this world is a woman!"

Happy 15th. Anniversary.....

Denise & John and Carrie & Brian.

For better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health.....and through everything else!

top row: Zachary, William, Scott and David; bottom row: Ariana and Nikalas

The production since that day.

(Grandchildren: the reward for not killing your kids!)

Congratulations......job well done! Always remember the romance......and the Fairy Tale will always continue.

Happy Anniversary.....15 years

What's curb appeal got to do with it?

2009-09-09T15:24:00.020-04:00

As a Realtor and Master Gardener, I am very aware of the effect a homes "curb appeal" can add to the home value. Take a look........ This is now, 2009, with paver stones, new landscape, fountain etc., added to home.
This home is currently on the market for sale, see additional information below.

This is then, 1998, before changes were made, same photographer, different camera....before digital! A picture is worth a thousand words, don't you agree?

At some point, we have all driven by or visited a house that just grabbed our attention the moment we saw it. I’m not talking about the look of the house itself. I’m referring to the overall good feeling or karma you experienced as you took in the view. You can give “curb appeal” credit for that.

Curb Appeal is just what the name implies.... The appeal of a house and landscape as you view it from the street or curb. It has nothing to do with the size or grandeur of the house. Instead, it relates to the sense of balance and harmony of the landscaping with the house. It’s often a personal experience, sometimes difficult to put into words. Many times what gives a house curb appeal are the collective subtleties throughout the landscape. But here are some specifics to help you zero in on making your own landscape more curb appealing.

Scale.... When plants and trees are of an appropriate size to the house, they are “in scale”. They are neither too large nor small. They fit with the overall structure. Trees and shrubs don’t overpower the house, yet at the same time, you don’t have to strain to notice them.

Balance.... I refer to balance in a landscape as visual weight. You don’t have to have a mirror, symmetrical image of the right side plantings with the left, although in a formal landscape this is often the case. For most homes, an informal landscape is more appropriate and inviting from the street. Yet, symmetry can still be achieved in an informal way by placing trees and shrubs or even flowers so that generally what’s on one side mimics the other, through size, form, layers, texture and color.

Curves.....As you face the house, what’s more inviting, a dead straight walkway leading from the house out to the road or sidewalk, or one that has a gentle curve? For most homes, the latter is more inviting. The same goes for bed lines. In a formal landscape, straight lines are the norm rather than the exception. But curb-appealing homes most often are characterized by soft eye pleasing curved walks and beds. They seem to say, stroll on up here, have a seat and stay a while; you’re welcome here. Conversely, (to me anyway), straight lines say, hurry up, get your business done and move on. Now I realize that seems a bit harsh, and it is an over generalization but it makes my point.

Odd Numbers.... When planting beds, especially when using shrubs or trees, think in terms of odd numbered quantities. From a design standpoint, our eye tends to be more comfortable with odd numbers of plants such as 1,3,5…9,etc. In most home landscapes, a more informal, asymmetrical look and feel is appropriate. Odd numbered plantings help to accomplish this. The exception would be a formal landscape design when you are deliberately trying to achieve symmetry in which case, even numbers and mirror images work best.

Color.... One of the easiest ways to help create curb appeal is by choosing plant colors that compliment the house, without being distracting. In fact, in a house with curb appeal, the landscape plants blend together seamlessly with the house color scheme. Don’t place much weight on flower color. That is fleeting. Instead choose plants for their foliage color, and remember to consider their fall display.

Layers....On the theme of casual balance, layers mimic nature and nature is the best case of curb appeal on a grand scale. Layers abound, from ground covers up to the tallest trees, up to seven layers total. Don’t feel like you must include every layer in your curb appealing landscape but its not hard to do and the variety will make such a positive difference.

Variety....Speaking of variety, landscapes that are pleasing to the eye do so by mixing it up. Having said that, you can easily overdo it. Just like with loud colors, too many plant types can be confusing and distracting to the eye. A few groupings of different plants, trees and shrubs, provide enough change without overdoing it.

If you’re ready to add some personality and charm to your front yard start by asking yourself, what’s not working in the current landscape? Then apply the concepts above and you’re on your way to having your own curb appealing landscape.

Unique & unrivaled home in a Park-Like setting, located on a street lined with majestic oaks, just off Lake Monroe. Special features include: Lushly landscaped Koi Pond, a spectacular fountain, a full size Tennis Court & Jr. Olympic size pool. As you enter the GRAND FOYER of this home with it's dramatic circular staircase, you will know this home was meant for gracious living and entertaining. A true keepsake of yesteryear! Additional features of this home include: 2 fireplaces, a 2nd floor balcony (New Orleans style) across the front of the home, 2 staircases, Professional landscaping, huge closets and lots of storage throughout the home, a built in basketball hoop, a breath taking Koi pond visible from the family room.....even a laundry shoot. Not counted in the square footage of home or under Central AC is a potential in-law/guest apartment on the 1st floor with separate entrance. This area looks out to the pool, and an "out building" used as a pump house for pool equipment. During the Cuban missile Crisis this structure was built as a bomb shelter. With a little TLC is can be converted into a pool dressing room or even a Wine Cellar. Additional Florida room (28 ft. X 11 ft.) boasts a view of Lake Monroe from its picture window. A Spanish look tile roof tops off this out of the ordinary property. Located less then one mile from the Sanford, Florida Airport and Seminole Town Center Mall.

For additional information on this 6 bed/5 full bath/2 half bath home contact Maxine.

ANY PET LOVERS WHO CAN PROVIDE A NEW HOME FOR TWO LABS?

2009-09-01T15:35:00.003-04:00

Hey Guys, Please share with anyone you feel could help these two...they are beautiful! Just look at those faces...I I received this information as an email today & thought that it can't hurt to post it here on my Blog & Facebook. Even if you can’t take these dogs, please pass along to everyone in your email list & maybe they will find a home.

Subject: Seeking Home for 2 Family Dogs- Two gorgeous labs trained. If you can not help, please forward this information to anyone who you think might be open to opening up their home & hearts to Coco & Cookie.

We are moving overseas in just 2 weeks. Unfortunately, I have still not been able to find a good home for Cookie and Coco . We ' re not able to take our beloved doggies with us and I ' ve been desperately trying to find a home for both of them ' together ' . They were raised together and pine without each other. The Lab rescue have already said that they would probably separate them, so this is my last resort. Recently I tried to take Coco out in my car alone and she TOTALLY refused to even get into the car without Cookie......!!!! She absolutely pulled back on her haunches until Cookie was by her side. Both doggies are in great health, have been spayed and have ID chips implanted under the skin. Cookie turned 3 December 10th and Coco turned 3 April 1st. Cookie is my mellow-yellow, and just loves her tummy rubbed. Coco is adorably funny and lives for her "ball." She also loves the water...... Cookie loves lots of attention. Both doggies are loyal and love to walk. They have been raised with my 3 kids running around all over the place, and have survived Sammy ' s constant hugging and love of ' dress-up ' , so they are fantastic family dogs.. This is by far one of the most difficult decisions I have ever had to make, but under the circumstances I have no choice. Please, please forward these pics to all your friends. I want to find a great home for these fabulous doggies. They are just adorable and it ' s heartbreaking to let them go. In a perfect world, I hope that we could find someone local, they are currently in the Orlando area, so that we can still keep in touch and visit them. I pray that someone, somewhere can help us keep Cookie and Coco together, and love them just as much as we do. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. kjmorris74@yahoo.com.

If you have any questions or think that you are able to open your home & your heart by providing a new home to Coco & Cookie please contact Katherine @ kjmorris74@yahoo.com or Maxine @multidogsmom@hotmail.com. .

A hidden jem in my own backyard.....The Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens....

2009-08-17T15:19:00.046-04:00

Winter Park Florida......

and it's best kept secret - Classic Art in a classical setting

Several weeks ago, the Seminole County Master Gardeners were invited to attend the Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens. One of our members is a volunteer working on maintaining the gardens and arranged this wonderful treat for us. Most of us have never attended this incredible Museum & Garden or even heard of it. It is mind boggling how many of us are guilty of not knowing and experiencing all the wonderful things that are practically in our own back yards.

Throughout the buildings and grounds, dozens of sculptures, paintings and drawings-each with a story to tell-convey the Czech-American sculptor's talent and whimsical imagination.

This three acre property on Lake Osceola, The Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens is listed on the National Register of Historic Places to see.

They say, a picture is worth a thousand words, so I will share these photos that I took the day we visited. Despite the fact that the temperature as well as the humidity were up in the very uncomfortable high 90's, this visit was a true joy that will long be remembered. Despite the fact that myself & the others in the visiting group are all Master Gardeners......we all left with the thought, "I want to go home and tear up my garden & start over". Is this known as too much inspiration or perhaps just over stimulated?

The Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens was founded in 1961 by Albin Polasek in order to share his art, or in his words, his "children", with the world. Albin Polasek"s legacy was the gift of his home, his art and his gardens to the citizens of Central Florida and the world. It offers the perfect location for volunteers seeking to actively participate in cultural and community service in a beautiful, historic setting.

Our tour guide, Rudy was an incredible wealth of knowledge on the history of the property and the gardens....and had such patience to put up with our group. I know we all learned something that day and some of us were fortunate to leave with our own cutting of some of these glorious plants from the garden. Many thanks to Barry, Seminole County Master Gardener-class of 2009 and Rudy for your hospitality and the invitation extended to the Seminole County Master Gardeners to spend a morning with you. Thank you, Thank you!

If you look carefully at this photo towards the upper center, the "white stuff" is not snow or icicles.....this is a Cotton Tree. Each ball of cotton has it's black seeds scattered within it. I will plant mine and see if I can get it to grow.

Walk-ways within the gardens.

Sculptures in various mediums are scattered through out the property as if they "just grew there". Now that's a thought.

The property overlooks Lake Osceola......and offers a positively serene and perfect view.

"Eternal Moment".......Albin Polasek

Some more beautiful plants. The wonders of nature!

Thee beautiful gardens offer a perfect and natural setting to display Polasek's art.

Another perfect view of the lake & gardens.

The Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens is a 501(C) public charity, non-profit organization.

Another photo of the cotton tree.

Although a little difficult to tell in the photo, this grand old tree is the display piece for various Bromeliads & Orchards which are secured with wire to the tree until they take root and continue to grow naturally on the tree. Many Bromeliads & some Orchards are air plants and do not need soil to grow.

A "dead" tree stump has been utilized to display a Bromeliad......another creative idea.

Some more beautiful display of flowers.

Notice the bananas on the vine.

Several ponds were incorporated into the gardens.

On our tour we even spotted this unusual insect. It blended perfectly with the leaves of the plant it peacefully rested upon, until we captured it to get a better look.

Mr. Leaf Bug is almost the size of a coffee cup. I am sure he was thrilled with being moved from his plant for this.

Whether you live or visit in or near Central Florida.....put this wonderful gem on your agenda to visit. And always explore what is in your own back yard. Sometimes the best things are right under our finger tips and we tend to neglect them.

Who is on the duck? Re-cycle and re-use.........

2009-07-31T14:23:00.010-04:00

Large plush toys....what becomes of them.....when your kids get to old to play with them? Or when your teen-age daughter is no longer dating the guy that gave her an entire plush zoo!

My 3 boys love Mr. Duck who they took home from a visit with my grand children. I put Mr. Duck in the washer & dryer when he gets dirty........like magic he comes out like brand new. It's just to bad it's not that easy to pop Niko, Andy and Charlie in the washer & dryer when they get dirty! If you have some large plush just sitting around your home taking up space, why not think about who you know with pets who might enjoy them or research local rescue groups or shelters who are always looking for donations of blankets & pillows for their rescues.

Niko, Andy and Charlie.......we do not just lay around all the time.

Good Night!!!!!

Donkey Ears, new resident on the funny farm.....Look what's happening in my garden, July 2009.

2009-07-27T19:46:00.028-04:00

Donkey Ears (Giant Kalanchoe Gastonis Bonnieri) A really different looking plant was a recent find out in Mount Dora, Florida. Note the babies grow on the tips of the leaves. This plant was a perfect addition to my collection of "funny looking " plants....or out of the ordinary. When I researched this plant after I brought it home, I learned how interesting it really is. It forms a spike out of the center for the flower which is a beautiful-large bunch of bell-like flowers that attract Hummingbirds. I am looking forward to see this plant flower.

Who would have known this past weekend when I found this little wrought iron "thing" at a garage sale, for 50 cents, that it would become home for 4
of my Bromeliads.

Bromeliad Flower

Desert Rose, (Adenium Obesum) after the harsh Florida winter frost, I thought for sure this plant was gone. I just cut it back and here are the results.

I never remember the name of this spectacular plant. These are the pups from my plants at my first Florida home that I have moved with me. I most definitely baby these plants and have several in the front and rear landscape of my home.

Starburst or Shooting Star (Clerodendrum)

This plant was about 15 foot high with 6" leaves or longer-top deep green and bottom dark purple. A beautiful plant in itself.....but the flower is a spectacular starburst of white and rose color. Much of this plant was lost this past winter, however after I cut it back it did eventually come back.....it also started to send up an outburst of suckers and shoots, some as far as 15 foot away. I have learned that this is typical for this plant following a severe pruning.

Mother of Thousands ( Kalanchoe daigremontiana)

This plant derives its name from the tiny plantlets all along each leaf. These tiny plantlets give the plant a unique look; as they mature, they fall off and start new plants automatically. It is a succulent so it doesn't need a lot of water.

Pencil Plant (Euphorbia fiherenensis)

The tips of this odd shaped and looking plant turn orange & pink in full sun.

Pineapple plant (Ananas Comosus)
If you happen to have a pineapple on hand to eat take a few minutes and grow your own plant from the discarded top. Although the pineapple plant is a Bromeliad, it is not an air plant and does require a soil bed.

Angel's Trumpet (Datura Metel)

Giant blooms and jazzy seed pods with the look and scent to the tropics. Even the stems are purple. Marvelously fragrant and exotic in both color and size, this flower looks like something from a hot-house instead of an easy-to-grow, sun loving tropical you can start from seed, which is what I did! This summer blooming show off is a scene stealer.

Red Bird (Cacto Cardenal)

This plant has a bamboo type stem that when in the sun fills up with showy variegated leaves. Just a little different looking.

Staghorn Fern

The fronds of this unusual looking plant resemble an antler. the amazing thing about these ferns is that they feed on their own composted frond material.

When I was attending my Master Gardener classes, it was stated several times that if we learned the "scientific" name for even a single plant that we would really impress others. Although I took the time to look up the scientific names, I doubt if I will remember any of them, let alone pronounce & spell them. I just like growing my plants and watching them thrive. Nature is a wonder!

Potluck-What Can I Bring????

2009-07-17T09:04:00.006-04:00

Invited to a potluck? It is always an issue deciding what to bring. How many times have you arrived placing your "beautiful" dish on the table only to discover this potluck turned out to be a "potato salad cook-off"?

I have prepared "Bean There, Yum That Salad", from the Hungry Girl newsletter for my last potluck. It was simple to prepare, very colorful as you can see in the photo and also very yummy.

Where it called for a can of red kidney beans and a can of garbanzo beans, (chickpeas) I used dried beans soaking them overnight....very easy & really economical! Beans are a serious power-food. They are packed with protein, fiber and other nutrients. They also taste FANTASTIC......Eat your beans, people!

It’s a healthier form of a three bean salad because it uses less oil in the dressing and a few less beans. The best thing about the dressing is that it is made mostly from fresh squeezed orange juice! When you dig into this salad, you’ll absolutely love the citrus flavor on your beans and veggies.

Ingredients for salad:
1 15 ounce can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 15 ounce can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1 inch segments
2 cups bite-sized broccoli florets
1 red or yellow pepper, sliced into 1 inch segments
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
3 tbsp chopped parsley (or basil works well)
Ingredients for dressing:
2 oranges
1/4 cup seasoned rice vinegar
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp chopped garlic
salt and pepper to taste

Step 1: Bring large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. While you wait for that water to boil, fill a large bowl with cold water and ice, then set aside.

Step 2: Add green beans and broccoli to the boiling water, and cook for 5 minutes until tender. Drain water from the pot and then transfer the vegetables to the ice water quickly!

Step 3: To make the dressing, squeeze the juice from the oranges into a medium bowl. Remove any seeds. Add all the other ingredients and mix well. Set aside.

Step 4: Drain ice and water from the large bowl. Add kidney beans, garbanzo beans, bell pepper, onion, and parsley (or basil) to the veggies. Coat with the dressing and coat well.

You should let the bean salad marinate in the fridge for at least an hour before you eat it. It’s so much tastier and crisper when it’s cold.
Good news—the recipe makes 10 servings with each one having only 125 calories each!

Enjoy this great summer salad!

Is it acceptable to go Topless to the park?

2009-07-11T14:47:00.006-04:00

Is a topless park similar to a topless beach? Did my headline get your attention?

Is it acceptable to go topless to the park when you are 5 years old?

I have often remembered having to wear my older brothers swim suit and also seeing several photos of myself in this hand-me down bathing suit. I remember my Mom saying it was no big deal, there was nothing wrong with it. I am not so sure that I agree!

Now I have no problem whatsoever with sharing clothing, or hand me-down clothing. In today's current economy it is something that more of us should in fact consider. However.....there is a fine line here, I was a little girl with no say in this. The decision was made for me.

Strange thing to ponder, but I wonder had I been the oldest child, would my Mom put my hand-me down girls bathing suit on my brother? And how would he feel about that situation?

In looking at this photo, what I had no recollection of is the shoes....they are pretty horrible also. I bet I know where they came from! They are not exactly "Mary Janes" now are they? I never thought about the shoes before, but perhaps they are the reason why when it comes to shoes today........I can never have enough?

Life is a journey......

2009-07-07T20:44:00.007-04:00

And the events of the last few days proves that none of us know how many tomorrows we have.
Michael Jackson.......1958-2009
Ed Sullivan greets The Jackson 5 during their guest appearance on 'The Ed Sullivan Show' on Dec. 14, 1969.

There isn't much that hasn't been written or said about Michael Jackson in the last few days. It certainly was not my intent to add to this flood of discussion. But as I was driving home this evening and listening to the radio and his music, I couldn't help but think about him and the first time I saw him and the Jackson 5 during their guest appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show, on the RCA Victor TV in my home. This is the way I will remember Michael Jackson.

I listened to part of the Memorial Service this afternoon and thought about the fact that Life is a story and none of us know how many chapters our story will be. I realized how important it is to embrace those we love every single opportunity we have.....and let them know we love them and how much they mean to us.

Chocolate + banana = AWESOME

2009-07-05T09:31:00.009-04:00

Go Bananas!

I cannot take credit for this Chocolate-Banana Smoothie.It comes straight from the pages of the New York Times Best Seller Hungry Girl 200 Under 200. It is very YUMMY, Enjoy!

To me, it tasted similiar to a Wendy's Frosty, was satisfying, delicious and filling at only 164 calories. I eliminated the no-calorie sweetener packet, and found it to be sweet and tasty as it was. Be aware that the hot cocoa mix does contain an artificial sweetener that many of us choose not to use.

Ingredients:
1 packet Swiss Miss Sensible Sweets diet hot cocoa mix1 small ripe banana, sliced and frozen
2 tsp. fat-free non-dairy powdered creamer (like Coffee-mate Fat Free Original)
1 tsp. mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 no-calorie sweetener packet (like Splenda or Truvia)
1 cup crushed ice or 5 to 8 ice cubes

Directions:
In a tall glass, combine cocoa mix, powdered creamer, chocolate chips, and sweetener. Add 1/4 cup very hot water and stir until ingredients have dissolved. Add 1/2 cup cold water and stir.Transfer contents of the glass to a blender. Add frozen banana slices and ice. Blend at medium speed until completely mixed. Pour into your glass and enjoy!

MAKES 1 SERVING
Serving Size: entire smoothie -Calories: 164 Fat: 1.5g Sodium: 160mg Carbs: 35.5g Fiber: 3.75g Sugars: 18g Protein: 3g POINTS® value 3*

Good Parenting.....

2009-07-01T15:03:00.020-04:00

The momma bird is sitting on her nest protecting her babies from the possible rain storm coming. The poppa bird is usually close by sitting up on the nearby fence watching and usually singing. My little visiting family have gotten so used to me peeking into the nest and taking photos.......they probably expect me to be there to record when the babies take their first flight.

I still have not figured out the type of bird this is but I am working on it. I have taken a book out of the library on birds of Florida.

If you missed my last post when I discovered my surprise back yard guests, you can visit them here.