My Gardening Diary Part 1

         Welcome.  I hope your weekend has been Blessed.
              Today I am starting a new Sunday feature.
                           My Gardening Diary
                Sharing My Frugal Garden 
I've always enjoyed having a garden.  But I haven't had much opportunity the last few years.  This year I'm changing all that.
                                          
                                                                     Cyclamen
                                    (click on the name for a link to how to grow and information)
This is the first  plant I bought this year in January.  I had a $5.00 bill (I'd already spent the rest of a $20.00 at Hobby Lobby) and stopped at a nursery.  I wanted something pretty and pink for Valentines Day.  I was afraid it wouldn't last till Valentines.  I was so happy that it did.  It's a little spent in this photo I took yesterday but it was beautiful until this week!  The is my new favorite.  I had seen these lovely plants around Christmas time.  I didn't realize that they would last so long!

This isn't really a nice shot.  I realize but I wanted to share it and keep a record.  Do you notice it's sitting in dirt.  That is one of the negatives about living in an apartment.  I can't count how many times we've asked for them to replace the grass.  I've given up! 

Next I want to share a plant that's on my patio right now.  It's kind of a crazy story.  And a crazy plant.  
                       
                                                                       Poinsettia
This one was very frugal!  I got it out of the dumpster.  Actually it was beside the dumpster on a pile of trash.  There were two.  I only got one.  Wish I had gotten the other one.  I keep thinking it'll die.  I left it outside one day when it was really hot.  I have forgotten to water it and it still hangs on.  It outside now in the beating sun.  I think I need to move it!  
          
Here's another shot from a different angle.  If you look close you 
can a marigold peeking through.  And on the edge is one of the 
tomato plants.  This one is a Red Brandy Wine Heirloom I bought this one at the local feed store.  It produces a large tomato.  The Cowboy wanted some for hamburgers.

These plants are sitting in the vintage wagon that the Cowboy got off the curb.  He saw it during work one evening.  And thankfully it was still there when he got off!  Actually there were two.  He got them both!
I have two helpers.  Of course Daisy is always right where I am.
We've recruited our grandson to help with some of the planting to encourage him to eat veggies!
 


From this angle you can see the Marigolds.  Zuchinni which needs to be potted yet.  In the front is a pot with carrots.  The first planting did not sprout.  I planted a second planting  a week later with different seeds.
On the edge you can't see is one pot of lettuce that isn't doing real well.  


So far I have:

• 3 different varieties tomato plants
• 4 different varieties of onions
• 1 Zuchini plant
• 2 varieties of lettuce plants
• 1 Romaine lettuce from the kitchen I am rooting
• 2 plantings of carrot seeds
• 1 cucumber plant
• bush green bean seeds to plant
• Okra seeds to plant
• Corn seeds to plant

Need to get because I forgot some radish seeds and I'd like to start some seed potatoes if it's not too late.  Hopefully next week I can make it to a nursery to try and get some.  

So are you thinking that this is a long list for a patio garden?

I'm totally not sure about the corn or okra but we'll give it a try!

Did you see this review?

My Review is here.

I was blessed to receive this book to review. I really got a lot of tips.   

And I've gotten a lot of ideas and tips from Pinterest for container gardening.  Did you know you can grow potatoes in a laundry basket?   

                              Source

My plan is to plant vertical.  Of course I'm using containers.  

I have a plan in my head how I want the patio to look.  

All my pots will either be bright blue and silver.  This is my inspiration piece for the color scheme . . . 

I plan to paint the chair brown.  Eventually I want to recover the cushions with the same blue stripe.  This photo was taken last summer.  The chair is another 'freebie' from the dumpster. 

My cat loved this chair.  We got it shortly before moving into this apartment and it was so shabby the Cowboy wanted to take it back to the dumpster.  But since the cat loved it I convinced him to keep it! 

Here are my ideas for the pots . . .

 

                               Source                                                           Source

Since we decided to use the wagons there will be some red.  But 

right now I don't plan to add any other red.  But maybe I'll surprise myself!  

I have a lot of things on my wish list but I'll just share one here.

I'm looking for something like this for some of the pots.  

I plan to paint it blue . . .

            

                                                              Source

So if you have any experience container gardening please share your tips!   

Thanks for visiting.  Come by soon and see how the garden is growing!

                                   

Linking with Sunlit Sunday, Happy Homemaker Monday, The Art of Homemaking, Mosaic Monday, Inspire Me Monday, Tweek It Tuesday, Wow On Wednesday, Outdoor Wednesday,  Warm Heart Wednesday, Favorite Things on Thursday, Share Your Cup.

Have A Good Day

                             


                       Wishing you Blessings of a good day. 
                                                I'm off to church.  
                       I'll be posting a Sunlit Sunday post this evening.  

Critter Saturday--Dogs and People

Sharing a little different Saturday post.  Saw this on FB . . . 

Have a good weekend.  Give your dog a hug! linking with Camera Critters, Eileens Critters

I Love My Stand Mixer Part One

I have a Cobalt Blue Kitchen Aide! Do you have a stand mixer?

It really is Blue but it does look black in this photo.   And I love it
But . . . 

I do love a clean counter.  It doesn't happen often though LOL. 

My sweet little workhorse stays on the counter all through the holidays.  And then it gets moved to sit in my laundry room. 
Because that's the only space I have.  

Now if I had a fancy smancy kitchen this might be her home . . . 

I've always wanted one of these!  Is this not cool!

It's not really so much about the way the mixer looks it's more about space and storage for me. 

But if I did something like this I might be more inclined to leave her out . . .
    
                                   Source These are available on Etsy
Love the black and the pink.  Not sure the Cowboy would go for the pink though!

                                                         Source another Etsy shop
This ones cute too!  I keep leaning toward the florals!

I just had to share this one . . . 

                                             Source
This one was a DIY project.  Check it out!  

I'm thinking I might go that route.  This was a cool idea.  I just love all the vintage Pyrex.  I wish I had some!  I'd want to leave it out too!  

        So where does your stand mixer live?

Thanks for visiting part one I Love My Stand Mixer.  Part two
coming soon!
                             
                           Linking to a few parties this week . . .
The Art of Homemaking, Inspiration Monday,Creative Mondays, Busy Monday, Inspire Me Monday,
Metamorphis Monday, Show and Share Party, Tuesdays At Our House, Tweak It Tuesday,Inspire Me Tuesday, Rose of Inspiration, Tips and Tricks Linky Party, Wake Up Wednesday, Wow Us Wednesday,
Dream, Create Linky Party, The Homemaking Party on Thursday, Share Your Cup, Home and Garden Party, Katherine's Favorite Things, Home Sweet Home Friday at The Charm Of Home, Simple and Sweet Fridays at Rooted in Thyme ,Feathered Nest Friday  Sundays at Home, Happiness Is Homemade.

Friday Hunt

Joining Teresa for Friday Hunt.  A topic driven party.  
And for this week . . .

Flower . . . 

Just a few flowers.  But I thought this was really fun and worthy of sharing!  
.
Letter K

Carolyn Keene is a pseudonym for the author of the Nancy Drew Mysteries and also the Dana Girls Mystery Series.  These were written by several authors. 

Click here to visit The Nancy Drew History Site

Weeks Favorite

Click Here to read the Super Silly Post

Have a Fabulous Friday Folks

Layered-Cookbook Review

                                                         
Oh my goodness! Turn the oven on! Are you seein' what I'm seein'.  
How about a peek at the authors blog . . . 

                                          Source
Click on the source for a direct link with the recipe!

       This one is on the blog too with a tutorial.  
Here is the very talented author . . . 

Here's what the author says about the book . . .
The book, Layered: Baking, Building, and Styling Spectacular Cakes, is all about - you guessed it, CAKES!  Layer cakes, to be exact.  I've packed 288 pages full of my all-time favorite recipes, tips and tricks from my years making cakes, and some crafty tutorials so you can make bakery-style cakes at home!  From the classics like Red Velvet and Boston Cream Pie to more whimsical and adventurous flavors like Strawberry Confetti, Mango Coconut Cream, and Red Wine Blackberry, there is a recipe for every occasion.  I've added some helpful step-by-step photos as well as a stylish, full-page image (or two) for EACH cake.  

I don't know where I've been but this talented young lady has been published in magazines since 2008.  Here's the link to the press page with all the articles. 

And another author said . . . 

“Layered is a book that will have a permanent spot in my kitchen. From the stunning imagery to the decadent recipes, Tessa has created a must-have book for all bakers and cake lovers! She’s an amazing stylist and her recipes are flawless!”

— Courtney Whitmore, author of Frostings & Pizzazzerie.com

There is some bad news though . . . 

The book doesn't come out till April 19th.  

             Oh man, go and turn off the oven for now.  
But the good news is  its available for pre-order at Amazon  
Abrams, Barnes and Noble, Indiebound, Books-A-Million and
Indigo

So I'm thinking the perfect Mothers Day gift.  I know my mother would love this cookbook.  And my daughter even though she rarely cooks or bakes she's like me she dreams of finding the time. 

The fine print....I was offered this book through NetGalley for my honest review.  Unfortunately I was not able to open the document on my phone or my Kindle.

This post is also linked at the following linky parties. (Click on each one for a direct link)
The Art Of Homemaking, Create with Joy, The Simple Woman's Day Book, Happy Homemaker,
Share Your Cup.,The Book Nook at Create with Joy

Thankful Thursday

I've been a little awol lately.  Not writing as many posts.  
I thought I share what I've been up to.
I am indeed Thankful for many things like . . . 
                        
                                                                  Source
I thought this photo was just too cute.  It's from an article on saving for a rainy day.   I didn't read it.  Just borrowed the pic.

I like pigs. Do you?  

Anyway I'm not saving for a rainy day right now.  I am thankful that I did have to go out into the rain today . . . 
 
Nope not me.  I don't have a cute yellow rain coat.  Or adorable red bag or red boots.  I did have red boots once.  Back in the day.  
Waaaaay back in the day.  Like in the '70's.  I might have been this cute then.  But that was a looooong time ago. 

These days I were the new Skeechers and my feet still hurt.  
And they'll be hurting a lot more in the weeks to come.  

I am going back to Preschool.

  I wish I could be the sweet little kids without a care in the world.  But I'll be the teacher instead. 

I'm thankful for the job.  I'm thankful for the income.  So I can fill that little pink pig.  

And I'm really thankful that I'll probably be teaching PreK 4. 

 That's 4 year olds turning 5.  Hopefully alot less physical than 18 months to 2 1/2.

I'm thankful to have a job.  I'm grateful that God opened doors and lead me where he wants me to be.

It's not exactly what I was leaning toward.  I wanted anything other than Pre-school.  But when God opens doors I march through. 

So I'm building up strength and determination.  And stocking up on the tylenol.  And I'm trudging through.

And once I have a few bucks in that little pig I'll get me and Daisy new boots . . .

                                                  Source

I'll try really hard not to be awol.  I think I'll actually do better because I'll be on a schedule. 

I work better with schedules.  Do you?  

Good Fences

I actually got to do a little walking around the area the other day.
Last week was beautiful.  We welcomed Spring. 
                                       


We have quite a few parks and walking trails right by our cottage home.  I looked for the ducks here.  Many years ago we relocated our pet duck.  I'm sure he's no longer her but I looked anyway.


No ducks but a few geese taking a break from thier travels.

The trails wind through the edge of neighborhoods.
And a golf course.



There are some nice benches along the way.  Us older folks enjoy them!

There are lots of sculptures in the park.

I've never seen this on a trail.  There are several mirrors.  It's an interesting place to find a fence or two to share with Tex.

Have you found any interesting fences?  Go over to Tex's to see a few!

Linking with Good Fences and Outdoor Wednesday

Super Silly Then And Now . . .

It is a cool and rainy day here in North Texas.  Not what you think of Spring for sure.
Storms are predicted for the rest of the week.   We are thankful for the rain!
Since I couldn't share the post I planned (photos of my garden)  I thought I share something fun to brighten your day.
It brightened mine to take these . . .

My grandson was acting super silly in this  old clown costume.  I had to take a pic.  Although none are very good my daughter and I are both distracted she is doing my nails.
This is the perfect thing to wear Now today in case we end up with 'high water'!

      
Our daughter had hosted a pumpkin carving party for his little friends.
It was just as hard then to get a good shot.  Look at the legs of the clown costume.  Dragging the floor.
Another then shot . . .


And Now more super silly . . .


I love the look on my daughters face.  And don't you just love the head band.  I tried one on but I just
couldn't pull off the look.

Sometimes he's agreeable to standing still for a shot.  Most times not.

Let's end with a happier face though . . .

He can smile.  Looks like a different kid!  I took this last Wednesday when were planting a few veggies.
Carrots, green beans and cucumbers because he will eat them.  Tomatoes and squash to try and encourage
and some lettuce too!

So on a rainy day when you can't get good shots of the veggie's check out your archives for super silly photo's!

Do you have any super silly photo's to share?

Linking with Jenny at Warm Heart Wednesday.

                                            Have a Super Silly Day!

Thin Ice--Book Review

                                                               

After losing her parents in a car accident and her sister to a house fire, Christy Reed has been mired in grief. Life is finally starting to feel normal again when an envelope arrives in the mail--addressed in her sister's handwriting. And the note inside claims she is still alive.

FBI Special Agent Lance McGregor, a former Delta Force operator, is assigned to reopen the case, but he's coming up with more questions than answers. If Ginny Reed is still alive--who is the woman buried in her grave? Where is Ginny? And is Christy a pawn in a twisted cat-and-mouse game--or the target of a sinister plot? As he digs deeper, one thing becomes clear: whoever is behind the bizarre ruse has a deadly agenda.

I've read a few books by Ms.Hannon and really enjoyed them so I was glad to get the opportunity to read this new book.    

I had to however check out the synopsis from the publicist to make sure I hadn't already read it.  To me the cover was very familiar. I'm not really sure what book I was thinking of but this cover was really very familiar to me. 

This is the story of a young woman who's had tragedy after tragedy shatter her life over the last few years.
And then months later Christy receives a note claiming her sister is alive!
I was drawn into the story.  I begin to hope along with Christy that Ginny is alive and that there would be a happy ending.

The story line does take you through a cat and mouse game and a sinister plot.  It is a fast moving story with many twists and turns.

I love the authors writing style.  The way that she introduces the subject of 'Faith' is not overbearing and pushy.

I have really enjoyed this authors story's in the past and would recommend them to almost any age.
The romance story line is well written with no profanity or sexual scenes.

However I feel that this book took a turn away from the clean and wholesomeness normally associated with the genre.

While developing the character of the villain I felt that the bizarreness of his character was actually creepy and not the norm that I find for the genre.

While this book is part of a series and I look forward to the next installment and the story of brother Finn

I question the authors intentions in  long term writing for the genre.    For that reason I was 'let down'.
You might be interested to read the authors thoughts about the genre click here to visit her website.

This book I would not recommend for younger readers.  I really enjoyed it and adult readers would enjoy it as well.


This book is widely available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christian Book (dot)com and other retailers.

I have shared my review at each of the above retailers.  You can click on the bold for a direct link to purchase and read other reviews.

                            I was provided this book by Baker Publishing for my honest review.

Happy Homemaker Monday

I love to join Sandra each week and share my plans for the week.  I am truly a Happy Homemaker.     I love that job . . . 
                                              
The weather . . . 
Rain is predicted.  It's a little cloudy and dark looking but very still.
It was windy last night.  Thought the rain would hit but not a drop.
My weather app isn't working so not sure the temp. right now. 
65 lovely degrees 
Right now . . . 
Sitting at my computer. Drinking a glass of tea because I am out of Dr. Pepper.  

Thinking . . . 
It's hard to put into words.  I learned yesterday that a blogging friend passed away.  I was/am truly sad.  I was really sad because I didn't know.  I'm glad that another friend wrote a post.  Today I'm writing the prompts in Blue for Smiling Sally of Blue Monday.  I will really miss her and her weekly party. 

On My T.V.
I learned that Hallmark usually has movies on Saturdays so I recorded a couple.  We watched a couple episodes of Guy's Grocery Games yesterday and last night.  And we watched 
another cooking contest show that I don't know the name. It's the one where chefs mentor.  We've watched it a few times. It's coming close to the end. 

On The Menu . . . 
honestly haven't even thought about it.  It's a no budget this week
extra bills, and car problems so very little shopping.  Probably eatingly mostly out of pantry and freezer . . . 
Monday-- Pork Chops, Baked Potatoes and Green Beans
Tuesday-- Chicken Breasts no idea how or what I'll put with them.
possibly fried zuchini but I need cornmeal.
Wednesday-- Spahgetti
Thursday-- Salmon
Friday-- The Cowboy gets paid on Thursday maybe we'll go out to eat or pick up a steak

On My To Do List . . . 
1.We are planting a veggie garden.  Moving a stainless shelf from the garage to the patio for the garden.  I want to get a lot in so I'm having to go vertical.  
2. A little sewing.  Or alot if I can!
3. More cleaning.  More organizing.  More discarding.
4.  Dropping some things at resale today. 

Looking Forward To This Week . . . 
Our carrots sprouting!

Looking Around The House . . . 
A quiet morning.  I didn't wash dishes last night so I need to get that done. 

From The Camera . . . 

I shared this last week for Wordless Wednesday.  We took super boy with us to the garden center.  He actually planted the carrot seeds.  

On My Prayer List . . . 
Sally's family.

Bible Verse, Devotional . . .
can I borrow Sandra's?  I love this one . . . 
                         
        Joining Sandra at Happy Homemaker Monday.  Click here to visit and join. 
                               
                      Wishing You a Blessed Week
                            

Wordless Wednesday

Joining Wordless Wednesday . . . 
              
                           Add a caption _____________
                      

Linking with Wordless Wednesday,   Oh My Heartsie Girls Wordless Wednesday , Wordless Wednesday at Image-n-in,  Outdoor Wednesday, Warm Heart Wednesday , Wordless Wednesday at Create With Joy