Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Mockingbird Hill Cottage

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Heartened

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T-minus two days and counting. I leave early Friday morning for the trek into the city and then out to JFK for the flight to Chicago. There’s much to do before then, so after I post this, I’m going to make a few lists.

I treated myself to a pre-birthday present.

A signed print of one of Mary Engelbreit’s illustrations. She’s been offering these this year in honor of her 40th Anniversary as a licensed illustrator/artist. It deserves better light than is in this photo but what can you do? It’s been rather dark around here lately.

And you know, of course, that I am indeed Queen of the Cupcakes.

I’ll frame it when I get back. It’s a large print, so where to hang it will be an issue, but I’m thinking in my office or bedroom. Thank you, Mary!

My pilea is showing new growth at it’s base. I know there’s a way to propagate these shoots and I’ll have to research that further…when I get back. Right now, I’m trying to figure out which plants will be fine while I’m away and which might need some extra care. Since we’re in cold winter temps now, most plants need less water as they go dormant, so I think I can squeak through two weeks away and all will be well. We’ll see. As someone who has benignly neglected houseplants in the past – even during their growing cycle – I think I’m probably worrying about them too much. The heat will be turned down, so it shouldn’t get too dry in here. Some I’ll water just before I leave, others I’ll leave alone. Wish us luck!

I am so heartened by the election results yesterday. I stayed up too late watching election coverage and I’m paying for it today but I was so happy, I couldn’t help it! Diversity, tolerance, health care, gun control – all were factors in the results. A repudiation of hate, intolerance and racism. Bravo!

Happy Wednesday.

More Light at the End of the Day, Please

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A quick reminder: some of you are still attempting to comment via the email version of posts. I am unable to respond to you via those emails. So please, if you have a comment, come to blog and comment on the actual post.

Okay. I mowed and mowed and mowed yesterday. Since it’s going to rain today, it had to be done. But it left me feeling tuckered out by the end of the day. Maybe that’s the last mowing job for the year?

I don’t like the time change. Never have. The whole ‘gaining an extra hour’ thing has never impressed me. I still wake up when I wake up. I know it gives those who have to be somewhere this morning a little extra time, or in the case of someone like my husband who has five show weekend, an opportunity to catch a few more minutes of sleep. But when it gets dark way too early tonight, I’ll be cursing the whole thing.

This is the split-leaf philodendron that I nabbed at Terrain. I’ve repotted it, but I have some concern about the roots, which were completely coiled around the soil in the original pot. I’m wondering if it needs an even bigger pot. Like I said yesterday, I’ve never seen something so completely root bound. Maybe they’ll relax and sort themselves out.

I love the glossy quality of the leaves.

This pot is also from Terrain.

And the succulent called String of Pearls. Because who could resist?

I have been casually mentioning houseplants to Don to prepare him for the decided increase in green things he will see when he gets back home. Thankfully, Don likes plants (especially if I’m the one watering them!)

Checking in on the rescue dieffenbachia:

It’s looking better all the time.

Clearly, I’m transitioning from the outside to the inside. The last morning glory bloomed two days ago. Sigh. But I have nothing to complain about. It kept blooming into November and that’s the first time that has happened. I am grateful. So, ever the nurturer, I’m concentrating on my houseplants now as I prepare to say goodbye to my porch plants later in the week.

I’m having breakfast with Rick and Doug this morning. (Rick loves to eat out.) And then I’m trotting off to get my hair trimmed and, boy, does it need it!

Happy Sunday.

Here and There and Dinner With Friends

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I was gone for several hours yesterday running some errands. A stop at my favorite Natural Foods store (oh boy, the bakery had made Whoopies – confection that transports me to the heavens) and Home Goods, which is right next door, where I bought a shower curtain liner and  new glass measuring cup and yet another Rae Dunn mug that says Patience.

Because I need that reminder on a daily basis.

Then I stopped at B & N where I purchased the newest Michael Connelly, which will be saved for my trip to Chicago. And then I went to a local greenhouse to buy some pots and a plant for Rick and Doug. Since they eventually plan to have an apartment in NYC and they might be gone for periods of time, I bought them a sansevieria, which is virtually fail-safe. Found a lovely glazed pot in a color that works with their decor and the plant was plopped inside.

I came back and repotted the rubber plant (early morning picture below.)

It now has much more room. It can’t stay here on the stool because Don uses it when he’s sitting on the sofa, but for now, it works. That’s my overwintering geranium down there on the floor.

There were so many plants there. I was in ‘covet’ mode. I did buy this peperomia because – you guessed it – I had one in the seventies. I’ve always loved the peperomia’s textured leaves.

The latest grouping on the French bistro table – which may be my favorite surface in this house. In fact, it is  my favorite surface in this house.

After a flurry of straightening up because I had a feeling Rick and Doug would come inside to see Stella, I was ready for a dinner out with my friends. Sure enough, they wanted see our new baby. They were mightily impressed by her look and her features. Oh Stella, everyone loves you.

We had dinner at a local Thai restaurant and laughed like crazy and it was lovely. I’m so glad they’re here. I still can’t quite believe that this isn’t a visit. They actually live 5 minutes away!

I got a little card in the mail yesterday from my husband saying how much he missed me. That made me smile.

Today, I get to recycle! (That means go to the dump.) And I might run a few more errands. I need new jeans – always something that fills me with dread.

I might put that off until next week.

Happy Friday.

Lambs Like to Party

Lambs Like to Party

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