Meadowsweet

The Garden at Porcupine Hollow

2010-04-12T17:30:00.000-07:00

The garden (I use the term very loosely) at Porcupine Hollow is really a blank canvas. That is a quaint way of saying there is no garden there. What it is is a former pasture that nature is slowly reclaiming. Nature, with a little help from the former owners in the form of 3000 trees that were planted about 15-20 yrs ago is slowly changing the face of the abandoned fields. The land is now home to rabbits, squirrels, deer and porcupines....one particularly obnoxious porky has set up housekeeping in the pole barn and has aquired a taste for black rubber hoses, but that is a whole other story.
Gardenwise there is one patch of spring flowers by the side of the laneway and that is it. Everything else is courtesy of Mother Nature. The challenge I suppose is to naturalize all the plantings with lots of native woodland plants and hopefully a few of my favourites that the deer won't find to their liking.

Here they are...one patch.

But a prettier grouping isn't to be found in these parts.

And to think they have bloomed here all these years without anyone around to marvel at their beauty.

Short and Sweet

2010-04-11T09:54:00.000-07:00

Last spring I completely missed the delicate but fleeting show performed by these spring beauties. I'm not even sure how it happened but last year I completely forgot to go looking for my Bloodroot until it was too late. I vowed that wouldn't happen again and now I have their digital images saved forever.

Sanguinaria canadensis

The original plant was given to me by a gardening friend who has since moved away. I am reminded of her friendship and generosity every spring when I look to see if the Bloodroot is up. Valerie was a heart friend and kindred spirit always willing to make holes in her garden just so she could share a shovel full of this plant or that.

This is one plant I must transplant down to Porcupine Hollow. (One of many that will make the move with me)

The garden at Porcupine Hollow will be a new garden filled with old friends.

What a difference a day makes.

2010-04-08T10:40:00.000-07:00

A walk-around inspection of my garden revealed these emerging rhubarb leaves.

The very next day revealed this.

I always judge the arrival of spring by rhubarb sightings.

It's a ritual I inherited from my Dad. He would always announce that spring was really here because his rhubarb was up. I hate to disturb my patch but this year I must take a clump of rhubarb root down to Porcupine Hollow. Hopefully the deer won't decide to make a salad of spring greens of it.

A walking tour of my front garden revealed these wee treasures.

I planted these along the sunny banked side of the driveway. The warm location gives everything planted here a headstart.

A cheery sight and I'm glad I snapped a picture since they didn't last long.

Until the next garden tour....have a great day!

Easter Weekend Quack Grass Round-up

2010-04-06T10:32:00.000-07:00

It has certainly been a while since my last posting. I have missed my little blog and the time I have had to play on the computer has been used to read and catch up with all the bloggers I love to follow. It's time to get a move on and let you know I haven't been completely idle all this while.
About the third week of March or thereabouts I started some seeds indoors. I planted leeks and onions first, followed shortly behind with an assortment of hot peppers.

Being the thrifty/green gardener that I am, I saved, rinsed out and cut down all the Timmy coffee cups we used at a work related seminar. Turns out they make pretty good seedling pots.

Because the weather was spectacular over the weekend I decided there was no better time than the present to declare war on the quack grass that has plagued my veg garden these past few years. So I tackled this. (see photo above)

Friday afternoon had it looking pretty much like this.

And Finally.....

I transformed it into this.

Using just a few favourite tools and a powerful determination to be rid of the dreaded grass roots if only for a a few weeks I kept at it for 2 full days.

Of course I have no feeling in my fingers and every muscle from the shoulders down is protesting my over zealous assault on all perenial weeds....but man it's a great feeling to be back in the dirt again!

A Happy Birthday Girl

2010-01-30T04:45:00.000-08:00

Sierra is living proof that you never get too old for a pirate ship birthday cake and a "Birthday Girl" button.

Okay everybody...CHEESE!

Can you believe I didn't even notice the mirror frame behind Mike's head when I snapped this one. It looks as if he has horns. (or angel wings...hahaha)

Kait and Garmin

Garm is growing like a weed. He is a snuggly boy in the evening when I'm watching TV. Puppyhood passes so quickly, so we are trying to take lots of pics and enjoy him while he is still a little fluff ball.

As for my resolutions....ack...I have been faithful to many of them. I have fallen off the wagon on the "cooking from scratch" front. I just seem too tired by the end of the day or something. Anyway, that is one to work on. No excuses today though as it is Saturday and I'm home all day. A good opportunity to experiment with a new recipe and since it is a balmy -23 degrees here I think a pot of homemade soup might be the order of the day.

I have been better about leaving work for my time off but I could improve a little there too. As for getting out for more exercise...well...I try to take a page from Cesars book but hey get real...he lives in Calif. for Pete's Sake!!!! I would be taking merry treks every day too if I didn't have to contend with "wind chill/frost bite" warnings. It was -29 here yesterday and I was just lucky that the truck groaned to a start yesterday morning! But happily we are starting to notice the days are getting longer...it's no longer pitch black dark at 5pm but rather dusk.

Goodbye January...coldest of the months!!

Out With the Old and In With the New ~ My Promises for Change

2009-12-31T05:09:00.000-08:00

a new year approaches

not unlike the last I think

one day fading into night and into day again

4:45 alarm shrieks on the bedside table

6:00 bleary eyed lock fumbling

multi-task no time for lunch for this one woman complaint dept.

6:00 home at last and so it goes one day fading into night

a new year approaches

different than the last

as one day fades into night so do opportunities come and go

risk

take a chance

go out on a limb

find the courage to make it different

So there you have my lament for the year past and my resolution for 2010. Resolutions are hard things to uphold nevermind lay down...but maybe a gridwork of thoughts would be better. After all is said and done if I don't have any aspirations for 2010 then it might just be a cc of 2009 and I will see it come to a close with these same regrets. So here goes...my frame to build a year on....

1. Start a hooked rug. Stop procrastinating and saying I don't have enough time...set aside the time and do it.

2. Place a seed order and start my own seedlings indoors instead of finding myself in the middle of May kicking my fanny that I didn't do it yet again.

3. Finish reading Nikon D60 for Dummies and really experiment with photography in the way I want to.

4. Read all the books I bought in 2009.

5. Enroll Garmin in Puppy School.

6. Do a little weeding every day. It can actually be a relaxing and enjoyable activity if I keep on top of it.

7. Join the local photography club.

8. Bake more. (from scratch)

9. Stop being critical of others...when I find myself going down that road grab my rug hook or start weeding.

10. (This is the key to all of the above.) I vow, with this blog as my witness to stop going the extra mile at work. I am on salary...my hours are split shift 6-10:30 and 2-5:30....working 6am 'til 5:30pm only serves to make me bitter and unproductive at home. Points 1-9 will never transpire if I continue to work crazy hours...no one appreciates it anyway...it is just a job not a career...I am 50 and not getting any younger...I must take care of me because no one else will.

So there you have it...my poem, my rant, my to-do list. OK 2010 lets Gitt-er-done!

Garmin

2009-12-28T10:04:00.000-08:00

It is official....my name is Garmin.

Even if my mom thought it was too soon to get another lab I dazzled her with my good looks and puppy charm and well...what more can I say. I am "The Cuteness".

Meet The New Addition

2009-12-26T15:09:00.000-08:00

I am going to show off my Christmas present.

Santa brought a wee Labrador puppy on Christmas morning.

His momma is a Yellow and his poppa is a Chocolate.

His name is Garmin and he's just 6 wks old.

Really a bit too young...but his mother stopped feeding the puppies at 5 wks and my husband had already picked him out...so home he came. He spent the week with friends so he was a surprise for me on Christmas morning. I had no idea my Santa was bringing me a pup and the moment I saw him was both happy and sad. He will never replace my Hunter but he will weave his way into the fabric of Porcupine Hollow and be a play mate for Willow.

Willow has accepted him and is letting him nap on her bed. She is such a good girl.

Garmin is hubby's choice for a name....I like Ruger and the girls are undecided.

For now he's "the pup"....

Lean on Me

2009-12-12T07:06:00.000-08:00

It has been very quiet around here without Hunter. I haven't been feeling up to blogging or taking pictures since losing my sweet boy. Poor Willow is very clingy and confused...I don't know if dogs grieve but I'm sure that she is.
Wee Remington tried his best to entice her into a game of tag around the kitchen table the other night...but to no avail.

Sometimes a dog just needs an ear to listen, a shoulder to lean on and a toasty woodstove to curl up beside.

It's all good.

Told ya I should be a therapy dog!

Therapy work is rewarding....but sooooo very draining.

I have to work today....but tomorrow we will head out to Porcupine Hollow on our snowshoes and honour Hunter by doing what we all loved so much and take a long trek through the woods taking pics in the snow and chasing squirrels and anything else that may cross our path.

Hunter

A silly moment when he let my grown kids dress him up.

I am thankful that he owned me for 10 yrs. That he only knew one home. That he left this world with Willow and his girls by his side.

SUNDAY STILLS: FUR/FINS/FEATHERS

2009-11-15T14:38:00.000-08:00

The challenge this week is about capturing fins, fur and feathers. Pretty tough for those of us without aquariums and crystal clear fish ponds. I was going to haul a frozen salmon out of the freezer for my "fin" portion but came up with another idea last minute.....so here we go...

Red-breasted Nuthatch

This little guy doesn't know what to make of the dame with the camera...he was skittish but his peanut craving finally got the better of him.

Chickadee enjoying the seed pie.

A whole fish just for me?

Hey...wait a minute...that's not a real fish.

That's better...but I had to rely on summertime photos to meet the requirements.

Two of my girls doing what they do best...out fishing their father.

For more great photos check out http://www.sundaystills.wordpress.com/

SUNDAY STILLS: CURRENCY

2009-11-08T07:28:00.000-08:00

LEST WE FORGET

On November 11 Canadians wear poppies and gather at war memorials across Canada to pay tribute to those who died in War.

At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the time the Armistice of WWI was signed in 1918, we observe two minutes of silence to remember.

Our $10 bill is dedicated to those who served and who are currently serving our country.

The Sunday Stills Currency Challenge couldn't have come on a better week!

In addition to the $10 I also happened to have a Remembrance Day 25 cent piece in my wallet. (and to think I woke up this morning thinking I would have to forego this weeks challenge because I couldn't come up with anything better than dumping my purse onto the kitchen table and taking shots of coins and lint.)

I will leave you with the words of one of Canada's most famous sons...Doctor, Soldier, Poet...John McCrae.

IN FLANDERS FIELDS

by John McCrae 1915

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow

Loved and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

For more Sunday Stills please visit http://www.sundaystills.wordpress.com/

Sempervivum spp.

2009-11-04T18:57:00.000-08:00

To me, nothing in the garden is quite as quaint and old fashioned as a clump of Hens and Chicks. Maybe it's because I get all sentimental (or just plain old mental) when I look at them. You see my Nanny had them at her house and I can still remember exactly where they were and I can still see them in my head just like it was yesterday. Nanny was my Dad's mother, and she had a large rectangular shaped flower garden where all sorts of interesting things grew, the strangest of all being a Jack-in-the-Pulpit.

Hens and Chicks in my front garden that are showing a tinge of red after a couple of heavy frosts.

This Plain Jane variety is the one I remember best.

Another childhood memory that comes to mind when I look at these plants, is of driving out to the country to my grandparents farm with my mom and a couple of her sisters.

They were on their own memory journeys. They all recalled Grandma had Hens and Chicks growing on a rock near the farmhouse and they were determined to go back and see if they were still there.

I don't know whether they found what they were looking for or not, but the name Sempervivum means 'live forever' so maybe they are still there...somewhere.

Just One More Fall Foliage Post....Maybe

2009-11-01T08:57:00.000-08:00

Photography credit for these shots goes to my husband who knows I'm obsessed about taking pics of fall leaves. How sweet is that? He took these about 2 weeks ago. This is the countryside near Peterborough Ontario, very close to our friends farm.

Homeward bound.

Looks like uninhabited wilderness as far as the eye can see.

...is that a house in a clearing???

Land o'lakes.

Shelter Valley Farms straight ahead.

(aka cows, cows and more cows)

I hope you have enjoyed the colours from a slightly different perspective than I am able to offer you from the ground up.

Cheers

Jackie

Jack-o-lantern

2009-10-31T20:03:00.000-07:00

The black cat with it's back arched and the full moon behind makes for a scary jack-o-lantern. Hope everyone had a safe and happy Hallowe'en.

MACRO MONDAY

2009-10-26T06:02:00.000-07:00

I missed out on Sunday Stills this week...so I will post a combo macro Monday/Fall Foliage shot.

If you want to see the pretty colours now you have to look down. Our trees are all but bare now...with the exception of the oak tree in our front yard which turns brown and hangs on to it's leaves until the snow finally knocks them off.

Maple leaves resting on a mossy log.

Last Birch Standing.

Go to http://www.sundaystills.wordpress.com/ to see some great photo shots.

Olde Well

2009-10-20T17:54:00.000-07:00

"If gardeners will forget a little phrase, 'watering the plants' and think of 'watering the earth' under the plants, keeping up it's moisture content and gauging it's need, the garden will get on very well."

Henry Beston, Herbs and the Earth, 1935

While out on my walk the other day, I took a photo of the old well on the property. I thought it looked especially pretty with the freshly fallen leaves floating on the surface.

SUNDAY STILLS: LETTER "C"

2009-10-18T06:02:00.000-07:00

The challenge today is the Letter C.

I decided to represent the letter C with photos of Comfort.
(Mostly due to the fact that I left my picture taking to the last minute and then I could only think of Campbell #2 daughters cat...and well that wasn't enough....)

Remmington, my daughters 8 wk old Pug finds comfort wrapped in blanket on a chilly fall afternoon.

Campbell knows that true comfort means snoozing on the dog bed.

Comfort is homemade Potato Soup and Scones hot from the oven served with my own wine.

Comfort is Pumpkin pie for dessert.

Comfort is an evening spent in your Flannel PJ's and woolly slippers.

For more Sunday Stills please visit http://www.sundaystills.wordpress.com/

BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

2009-10-17T06:03:00.000-07:00

It sure has been one chilly week. Heavy frost every night...Ottawa weather reported nightime temps of -3 but we are about 25 kms away out in the country so it's always colder here. Our thermometer outside the kitchen window was registering -5 every morning this week. I made a valiant attempt to keep my beautiful fushia alive...but even hanging it inside the garage every night couldn't save it from the "end". Yes folks...it is a hanging mass of dark blackened leaves...sad to say but true.
I spent the week cleaning up the garden...still more to do on that front...but I have made a good start. I like cleaning it up and putting it to bed. Lots of time to think about what plant is invading where it shouldn't...what is doing poorly and needs to be moved about and a good time to plan and dream for next spring.

I left the wheelbarrow upright in the yard...it rained...then froze...so after knocking the ice out of it I loaded up. As you can tell by the photo...I use the "lazy mans load" method. Proud of myself for not upsetting it on the way to the compost pile out back.

I always have help in the garden. In this shot Willow is inspecting the powdery mildew problem on the phlox. Hunter is just showing us his "good side".

Okay, okay....one proper pose for our adoring public....then can you throw the tennis ball?
Next on my to do list....get those bulbs in while I can still get a shovel in the ground!!

THE BEGINNING OF A DREARY WEEK

2009-10-13T20:09:00.000-07:00

Thanksgiving weekend here in Eastern Ontario was just about as perfect weatherwise as one could ever wish for. We were blessed with sunny skies for the most part and the clouds when they did appear were light and fluffy. Just a perfect weekend to go on a ramble and that is exactly what I did.

Initially the hounds like to bound ahead breaking trail.

However, before long they tire of that job and decide that stick chewing will be the order of the day.

(You will note that we have a severe stick shortage on the property and in order to conserve the few remaining sticks that are there, we ask that all dogs share one stick.)

I was surprised to find that most of the maples had lost their leaves already. A few birch were still putting on a golden display.

Even the small hound enjoyed romping in the leaves. Well...for a few minutes anyway....he spent most of the outing wrapped in a blanket while being carried by #1 daughter.

A very pleasant ramble it was indeed and I am so happy that we decided to go since today the weather has turned and we awoke to heavy gray skies and rain, rain, rain.

Take time to enjoy the simple things for you never know what lies ahead.

MACRO MONDAY

2009-10-12T10:05:00.000-07:00

The sunny day we had here yesterday was perfect for drying out the milkweed pods. Today they are splitting open and the seeds are taking flight in the breeze.

This lone seed has gotten tangled in the seedheads of some Goldenrod.

Yes....these are growing in my garden...I leave them because every good butterfly garden should have some Milkweed and I really do like their flowers.

(The Goldenrod however, is in the field next door where it will be much loved by the flocks of Goldfinches that will be here soon.)

For more Macro Monday shots visit http://www.sundaystills.typepad.com/

SUNDAY STILLS: Photoshop Challenge

2009-10-10T21:16:00.000-07:00

I don't have a fancy photoeditor...I just used a couple of the free photoediting sites available online.

This is one of my favourite photographs. Our old rail fence

with a light dusting of snow. Above I have had a little fun with it and below is the original.

And now the photo turned pencil sketch.

Now experimenting with a Polaroid look.

For more photo-editing check out http://www.sundaystills.wordpress.com/

MACRO MONDAY

2009-10-05T15:34:00.000-07:00

Marguerite Daisy

...I think I may still have 2 or 3 stalwart plants giving it their all before Jack Frost prevails

SUNDAY STILLS: HAPPINESS IS....

2009-10-04T19:39:00.000-07:00

Happiness is...being miles from civilization, no electricity, no phone, just the sound of the wind through pineneedles.

Happiness is...being up north and fishing with your family.

Happiness is...a Sunday afternoon spent snowshoeing with your husband and dogs.

Happiness is...being silly.

Happiness is...a warm afternoon and a fishing pole.

Happiness is....sharing a moment with an old friend.

Go to http://www.sundaystills.wordpress.com/ for more "Happiness Is..." photography.

SERENDIPITOUS Viburnum triloba

2009-10-03T05:18:00.000-07:00

This has been an average week. Mundane in most every respect....rain at some point nearly every day....cloud cover most of the day....freakin' cold at night...(I've had to bring my hanging fushia into the garage for safe keeping)...and just to rub me the wrong way my job has me down to my last nerve.

So the last thing I expected to cheer my crusty menopausal heart was the discovery of a highbush cranberry that has just magically appeared in my yard in all it's red berried glory.

How could I have missed an approximately 12 foot tall shrub/tree? I dunno.

Ya see...first my dishwasher went on the fritz...so I'm at the kitchen sink doing dishes the old fashioned way (insert grumbling sound here). While staring into the abyss (insert gazing out over the back yard here) I see an orange cat out by the garden shed. "Hmmmm, that must be the cat daughter #2 was talking about." But, this cat is limping quite badly. I'd better go see if it's OK. (At this point I grab a pack of kitty tenders, and still wearing hideous yellow rubber gloves, shove feet into crocs and head to the garden shed.) My attempts to get near said cat fail miserably. Probably for the best because kitty won't be the only one limping if hubby comes home from 3 wks away and we have another pet in the house. (Happens every time he leaves town...I can't explain)

Anyway, kitty makes a quick escape into the bushes behind the shed. (Doesn't seem to be limping now....I leave the kitty tenders beside the riding mower) When I look up something red catches my eye....upon further investigation I discover the High Bush Cranberry that I swear wasn't there before!

In fact, I was going to buy a few last spring at the Ferguson Forestry Centre, because I've always fancied them and I didn't have one.

I make a note to myself to get a picture of this miracle shrub right after I finish up the dishes.

Within the hour the sky clears briefly and I have a very short window of opportunity to get a picture...remember it has been raining non-stop most of the week.

So that was my "serendipity" moment of the week.

High Bush Cranberry Jelly

2 cups berries

3 Cups water

2/3 cup sugar for each cup of juice

1. Simmer berries and water for 10 minutes to start the juice extraction then let boil rapidly from 3 to 5 minutes.

2. Strain through a jelly bag. (layers of cheesecloth)

3. Measure strained juice.

4. Add 2/3 cup sugar for each cup of juice.

5. Bring juice and sugar toa boil, stirring constantly, then boil rapidly until liquid will sheet from the side of a spoon (not drip off in separate drops)

6. Pour into sterilized jelly jars and seal.

This recipe is from Northern Cookbook, c1979.

I haven't tried it but I just may now that I know where to find some berries.

Take Time to Enjoy the Simple Things

MACRO MONDAY

2009-09-28T10:06:00.000-07:00

Wild Grapes

These grapes are growing wild on our rail fence.

SUNDAY STILLS: SIGNS OF FALL

2009-09-27T05:23:00.000-07:00

http://www.sundaystills.wordpress.com/

My species Clematis...the flowers are never spectacular but in early fall the seed heads look like the little dancers from the Disney movie Fantasia.

These photos were all shot earlier in the week. Of course yesterday dawned sunny and crisp and the leaves have changed remarkably since last Tuesday when I was out and about...but of course yesterday I was working so driving about taking photos was out of the question.

The leaves on my species Clematis are turning and I thought this one was a most wonderful red.

This wild apple tree is growing in the ditch just down the road a piece.

The apples sure don't look very appetizing...but I'm sure the deer will enjoy them just the same.

A view down the road showing the maples just beginning to turn.

We had a good frost night before last and that always does wonders to speed things along.

Thanks for stopping by.

Cheers!

EYE EYE Captain

2009-09-22T17:58:00.000-07:00

"I can always tell which is the front end of a horse, but beyond that, my art is not above the ordinary."

~Mark Twain~

My thanks go out to Foreman for posing by the water trough in a "just right" position even as the flies threatened to carry both of us away.

Be sure to take time out today to enjoy the simple things...flies not included.

Cheers

Jackie

Almost Ready to Put the Garden to Bed.

2009-09-16T16:24:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures from my late summer garden. I'm always amazed by the transition the Hydrangea takes when it goes from white to green then perfectly brown like whole wheat toast. This one is Annabelle.

It's plain and simple...easy to grow...just my kind of plant really.

This Lavatera seeded itself from last years plants. I was pleased to see them come back and they managed to tuck themselves into all the right places, filling gaps and bare spots.

A few Concord grapes that look better than

they taste. Can you say "pucker up"?

This is the tail end of my pink Phlox that I love so much and will sorely miss until next summer rolls around again.

I cheat and let the New England Asters fill in the garden out at the end of the laneway. Who am I kidding...I let them be wherever they seed themselves. Is it really laziness on my part or rather taking advantage of what natures gives us? I vote for the latter.

This photo isn't my best....it was such a breezy afternoon that the flowers just wouldn't stay still long enough for me to focus. (That's my story and I'm sticking to it..hahaha) The breeze and perhaps the glass of wine I was enjoying while strolling around the yard may have contributed to the slightly fuzzy picture.

At any rate....I'm trying to squeeze every last summery moment out of September before the killing frost comes as it surely will soon.

I hope you have the chance to enjoy the simple pleasures in your backyard before they disappear for another year.

Cheers from Meadowsweet

It Must Be Tea-Time Somewhere

2009-09-13T18:53:00.000-07:00

"Strange how a teacup can represent at the same time the comforts of solitude and the pleasures of company." ~Unkown~

This lovely blue willow teacup is part of an early tea set...probably early 1800's...unfortunately it isn't complete and it has a few chips. I say..."Oh well"....it means that this set had a life. Someone drank their tea from this cup during good times and probably bad. How many secrets could this cup tell if it could talk?

The cup itself is on the small side and the saucer is deep. You don't suppose it's owner poured the tea from the cup into the saucer and then drank from the saucer do you? I've been told that my great-grandmother drank her tea that way.

I think I will make mine Earl Grey Green and drink from a mug.

A Stoll Through The Herb Garden

2009-09-12T04:37:00.000-07:00

This plot is supposed to represent "Early American Herbs" (as you can see by the small sign) however I couldn't see too much growing there and was unable to identify what was there with any degree of certainty. Perhaps we were just visiting at the wrong time of year.

This plot was much more lush although I have to admit I really couldn't identify too much. Feel free to throw in your 2 cents worth if you see anything you recognize.

After our self-guided tour we stopped to rest and rejuvinate at this lovely main street cafe. They sold every imaginable flavour combination....I had a large/ carmel/vanilla/whipped creamie/truly decadent/bazillion calorie coffee.

B.L. went crazy and ordered some sort of Snickerdoodle Mocha Chi Latte Piece de Resistance.
(please excuse me for not adding the accents where they belong...not sure how to do it on this keyboard.)

We enjoyed the late morning sunshine here at the streetside tables.
(Did a little people watching too...really...who doesn't do that...come on....admit it.)

The Medicinal Herb plot appeared to have a copious amount of mint and a jumble of other herbacous plants that again had me sorely vexed.

And, lastly, the Biblical Herbs....I was able to identify the Lady's Mantle growing here.
If I went again I would be sure to take a pocket field guide along.

"Coffee. Garden. Coffee. Does a morning need anything else? "

~Betsy Canas Garmon~

http://www.wildthymecreative.com/

Never being one to conform...I set this post up as Garden, Coffee, Garden... but it's still a wonderful way to spend some leisure time.
I hope you enjoyed your tour through the Arboretum with me.
Cheers
Jackie

Friday Verse

2009-09-11T07:53:00.000-07:00

When You Are Old

When you are old and grey and full of sleep,
And nodding by the fire, take down this book,
And slowly read, and dream of the soft look
Your eyes had once, and of their shadows deep;

How many loved your moments of glad grace,
And loved your beauty with love false or true,
But one man loved the pilgrim soul in you,
And loved the sorrows of your changing face;

And bending down beside the glowing bars,
Murmur, a little sadly, how Love fled
And paced upon the mountains overhead
And hid his face amid a crowd of stars.

-- William Butler Yeats

I hope you all enjoy this fine day.
Jackie

More Photos from Ellicottville NY

2009-09-05T05:29:00.000-07:00

"This day like all other days has left few traces

Old father time Wings us speedily on to eternity."

DIARY OF MATILDA BOWERS EBY, 1 JUNE 1863

Here are some of the photos I snapped when BettyLou and I took the self-guided tour of the Ellicottville Arboretum. The photo above is looking toward the Herb gardens.
It was an excellent way to spend a morning...strolling along the well maintained paths through the various gardens and enjoying the interesting selection tree and shrub plantings. I'm sure it would be glorious in late May through June when the trees would be in bloom. Late August is never a great time for garden tours since most flowers are either finished or are starting to look tired, nevertheless we enjoyed the day immensely.
Wouldn't this be a lovely setting for an early June wedding?

Here we are at the centre of the herb garden.

The pathway circles round this charming pond, where catch and release fishing is allowed. I have no idea what kind of fish one might catch but it made a pretty picture and that's what I was interested in.
A pleasant walk on sunny day that I would definitely recommend if you ever find yourself in the vicinity.
Until next time....Cheers!
Jackie

Ellicottville, NY

2009-08-31T18:00:00.001-07:00

Carl and I recently spent a week in the charming village of Ellicottville NY. He took part in the IBO World Championship of Archery which was held at the Holiday Valley ski resort and I relaxed, read, walked, shopped for antiques and just generally lazed about for the week. As in years past when Carl has been partaking in the archery challenge we have arranged to share accomodation with friends of ours from Whitney Ontario. We rented a condo on the ski hill which made it fairly convenient for the men folk to enjoy their passion and it was a short walking distance to the village for BettyLou and I to enjoy our passion which consists of hanging out and drinking special coffees.
Here are some of the pictures I took while we strolled through town. I thought the house(above) was just as cute as can be. The homes in the village are truly beautiful. Everyone takes pride in their wee corner of this world and it sure shows. Beautiful gardens, colourful homes and manicured lawns line every street.

This is a westward view of the main street, taken from ouside one of the cafes.

Here we have the Ellicottville Historical museum.

Orange Trumpet Vines were in bloom everywhere and I couldn't resist taking about a dozen pictures of them .....I won't bore you with all 12 shots, but these two are a couple of my favourite ones. I'm not sure if it will grow here or not but I think I'm going to try and find out. Our winters are probably a little too harsh, but if I could find some seeds I would love to try and see what happens.

The weather was fair and the company delightful....we even managed a day on the golf course although I am quite stilted at it. All in all a most enjoyable week ...good friends....good times. BettyLou and I took the self-guided tour of the Arboretum and I'll post those pictures next time.

Cheers

Jackie

Jackfrost is coming

2009-08-27T18:59:00.000-07:00

Fall is fast approaching. It was a chilly 5 degrees when we got up this morning and soon the leaves will be turning and jackfrost will get my flowers. This got me thinking that I should take a few pictures of some of my backyard roses before it's too late. Before I got to the roses however I got sidetracked by this crazy Virginia Creeper that has attached itself to the side of the deck and grows everywhere but where I want it to.

The birds planted this sunflower. Chickadees are such random gardeners. Who doesn't love the surprises that spring up when birds drop seeds? This dragon fly was sunning herself and didn't mind posing for a picture. Notice her shadow on the leaf.

Finally, now to the rose. I can't for the life of me remember the name of this one. It is a steady profusion of blooms from June until frost. The flowers are small but vibrant and they form large clusters that make quite a show. I love it because it is very vigorous and hardy enough to withstand our winters. Not being able to remember what rose that is is going to bug me all night now. Nevermind...it's been a long day and it's time for bed.

I hope you took time out to enjoy the simple things today.

Jackie

Long Weekend Getaway

2009-08-23T06:19:00.000-07:00

Earlier this month we travelled north to my dads camp. It is about a 10 hour trip from our house but worth every minute of it once we are there. No electricity, no phones, no roads and no crowds. I suppose it wouldn't be for everyone but it's heaven to me. I was 4 yrs old the first time my parents took me there. We took our girls as soon as they were old enough to walk across the portage by themselves and hopefully one day we will have grandchildren who will delight in the unspoiled beauty of "the camp".

A view down the river, early evening.

A beaver house on the side of a small lake.

Sometimes I just take pictures of rocks. I figured I'd show a softer side of camp life and take shots of beaver meadows and calm water just for a change of scene.

These are the memories that keep me going when the demands of work and chores seem overwhelming and there doesn't seem to be any light at the end of the tunnel.

Fill your memory bank with the things that bring you peace and make frequent withdrawls when the daily grind starts to get you down.

Simplify

Jackie

Roadside Beauty

2009-08-22T19:15:00.000-07:00

Daucus carota, wild carrot or Queen Anne's lace, whatever you wish to call it, this fine example was growing alongside the road. They grow in abundance here and to many are considered weeds. I have been a lazy gardener this summer and now they are in abundance in my garden too. So rather than berate this slothful gardener I will celebrate the beauty that has emerged untended.
I hope you have had time to enjoy some of life's simple pleasures today.

Country Life

2009-08-19T16:27:00.000-07:00

I thought I would start off with some photos I took earlier this summer. These weathered bluebird houses haven't been used in a while by the birds...but they do add a nice primitive look to the fenceline.

A view of the laneway...dappled light and so many different greens. The trees to the right are just plain old poplars but pretty enough I think. I especially like the way the wind sounds when it blows through their leaves

A view across the field to the neighbours house. Makes me wish I lived in a red house. I think people who live in red houses must have a lot of confidence in their decorating choices or maybe they only had red paint...who knows?

These are just a few of the simple things that make me happy. Like peeking through the pagewire fence and walking through the tall grass.

I hope you've made time to enjoy life's simple pleasures today.

Cheerio

Jackie