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You are here: Home / flowers / Roses and My Girl

Roses and My Girl

May 24, 2015 at 9:16 am by Claudia

5-24 scoutina2

Just because.

She’s amazing, our girl. She has good days and not-so-good days, but she’s full of spunk and she makes us laugh. In a couple of weeks, she’ll be 16½ years old. We are so blessed by her presence in our lives.

Adorable, magical Scoutie.

My rose bushes are leafing out, slowly but surely. I was worried that the brutal winter did them in, but they’re coming back. I’ve been cutting dead canes here and there, but I’m also waiting to see where leaves develop before I do much more. Right now, there are a lot of bare branches – not the most attractive look – but mother nature seems to be doing her magic. Hurrah!

5-24 rose bud

My friend Martha sent me a rose bush last year in remembrance of my mom. It’s called Remember Me. We tucked it in next to the chicken wire fence and it rewarded us with a spectacular bloom.

Here we are, almost a year later, and look what I found! It’s already developed a bud. I can’t wait to see it bloom again. Thank you, Martha. Thank you for this wonderful remembrance of my mom.

Nothing all that exciting on the agenda for this Sunday. A little trip to the nursery for some plants for the Funky Patio. Some reading. Maybe a hike with Don? We’ll see.

Something happened that I find utterly despicable. It involves both the good and the bad of being online. Thank goodness for the blog reader who alerted my sister to the situation. It’s Meredith’s story to tell, so I will direct you to her post.

As you can imagine, I want to see scumbags like this pay for their actions.

Happy Sunday.

ClaudiaSignature140X93

 

Filed Under: flowers, garden, Meredith, Scout 35 Comments

Comments

  1. Regula says

    May 24, 2015 at 10:10 am

    Happy Sunday! :-)

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      May 24, 2015 at 10:22 am

      Thank you, Regula.

      Reply
  2. Barbara W. says

    May 24, 2015 at 10:19 am

    Your garden is looking lovely. I’ve been avidly following, if not commenting.
    I finally have a day off today to catch up with “online friends”.

    I wish I could send you some of the wild roses that grow here – they survive even the most extreme cold. I’m off to the greenhouse today too. I’d like to have a go at planting a “bee garden” for the summer – the bee count is awfully low these days. Our local greenhouse is brilliant at recommendations/tips for amateurs like me.

    I read Meredith’s post and was angry and dismayed by what happened. Angry, because a child and his family were being exploited. Dismayed, because there are legitimate fundraisers online. I hope Meredith doesn’t take down her blog – the world needs more gentle souls like her.

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      May 24, 2015 at 10:25 am

      We have wild roses here, as well. They’re all over the wilder parts of our property! I hope your weather is getting more spring-like Barbara!

      Meredith is planning to keep the blog going. Though, when something like this happens, it can’t help but be one’s first instinct.

      Reply
  3. Linda @ A La Carte says

    May 24, 2015 at 10:27 am

    Scout is looking so good! She is a true blessing. I read Meredith’s blog post and I am so angry and saddened by this. We as a community do have to stick together to defeat the bad guys.

    What a beautiful Rose toe remember you Mom by. I think I will get a chance to do a little gardening today. I’ve been spending lots of time with my Mom. She is still short of breath and tires so easily. Worries me of course.
    hugs,
    Linda

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      May 24, 2015 at 10:40 am

      Of course. I’m keeping your mom in my thoughts and prayers, Linda.

      Reply
  4. Amy at love made my home says

    May 24, 2015 at 10:56 am

    I read Meredith’s blog and we have got to know each other a little bit, but I was so appalled when I read what had happened. I have already told her what I think, I echo your sentiments!, but wanted to tell you that I feel the same. A good thing though too was done by the person alerting Meredith to this situation, so I hope that she and you can focus on the good and let the bad go. Easier said than done I realise! I have been reading your blog for a while, but was never brave enough to comment before! No idea why!! I love your blog and what you have to say. xx

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      May 24, 2015 at 11:01 am

      Well, thank you so much for leaving a comment, Amy. I so appreciate it!

      Both Meredith and I feel that the good outweighs the bad in this situation and that’s what Mer is holding onto. Thank heavens for the good people who reach out and help.

      Reply
  5. Nancy in PA says

    May 24, 2015 at 11:16 am

    Claudia, one of your sister’s readers suggested that she could watermark her photos. Maybe you could show her how to do that?

    I suppose a watermark could be photoshopped out of an image (do you know it that’s possible?), but it might help discourage image-theft.

    It amazes me that some people have no problem with making a living out of scams.

    On a positive note, I LOVE the way Scout is looking at you with such hope and expectation. I think I see your face reflected in her eyes.

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      May 24, 2015 at 11:37 am

      We’ve already discussed watermarking but the only way to discourage theft completely (and I don’t think it even does that) is to watermark directly across the image – in this case, Little Buddy’s face. And anything can be photoshopped out of a photo. But it’s definitely something to consider. I’ll leave it up to her.

      Scoutie is a cutie-patootie, that’s for sure!

      Reply
  6. Donnamae says

    May 24, 2015 at 11:19 am

    Lovely pic of Scout! I read Meredith’s post…there are no words…despicable, appalling , are the only printable ones I could come up with. We all need to help each other…thank goodness for that reader of hers! So…what are you going to pick up at the nursery? It’s raining here…but we need it…nice gentle rain. Enjoy your day with Don and Dame Scout! ;)

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      May 24, 2015 at 11:39 am

      Those were the exact same words I used, Donnamae. Unbelievable.

      I want some lantana, if possible, because it’s so bright and cheery. And a taller plant for the galvanized bucket/planter.

      Reply
      • Donnamae says

        May 24, 2015 at 11:44 am

        I planted a pot of lantana on our deck…..so cheery! ;)

        Reply
  7. Trudy Mintun says

    May 24, 2015 at 11:34 am

    I am so glad for you that your roses have come back. Nature has way of taking care of things in the way we least expect it.
    I read Meredith’s blog before I came to yours. The chances of ever finding this slug are nil, but if he/she/they were to be found flogging come to my mind.
    It’s funny, but even though I have never met Dame Scout I sure do love that dog. I imagine you will be having a party for her birthday.

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      May 24, 2015 at 11:38 am

      Flogging definitely comes to mind. And a stint in the stocks, as well!

      Reply
  8. Chris K in Wisconsin says

    May 24, 2015 at 11:58 am

    How terrible for some idiot to exploit that sweet little guy! I have seen SO MUCH about that gofundme idea lately. I wondered exactly how legit it is. We have all read about people in communities using things like cancer to have fundraisers, and then people find out that person never had cancer. This seems like it would be even more dangerous because it is strictly on-line with little to no accountability required in any way, shape or form. Wasn’t there one not too long ago (not sure which “contribute to me” site it was on) where some guy asked for money so he could make potato salad?? And he received thousands of dollars. Seriously. I guess people really do have a lot of disposable income which they can use in any way….. but some of this would make good fodder for a Theater of the Absurd work.
    I am so happy that Meredith will continue to blog. I don’t know how to knit or crochet, but I am inspired anyway by her amazing creations. It is fun to follow her blog,,,,,,not to mention the commitment which they, as a family, have made to little Buddy. Such a wonderful story.

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      May 24, 2015 at 1:20 pm

      I’ve seen a lot about GoFundMe lately, too. To their credit, they took down the site, but my heavens. It makes you question all everything.

      Reply
  9. Judy Clark says

    May 24, 2015 at 1:03 pm

    Such a cute photo of precious Scout! Your roses are going to be beautiful. I am so upset that someon e took advantage of Mere like that. So sad.

    Judy

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      May 24, 2015 at 1:20 pm

      Me too.

      Reply
  10. Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces says

    May 24, 2015 at 1:48 pm

    SO sorry to hear about the situation your sister had…and grateful to that alert reader. It IS despicable. It’s why, unfortunately, I have never shared my grandchildren on my blog. Any photo can be grabbed, altered, etc…someone even stole my profile photo and used it as their Pinterest profile pic (really?). An alert reader notified me, too. There are bad people out there…thank goodness for the good ones.
    The rose bush was such a thoughtful gift and such a wonderful reminder of your mother. Scoutie’s sweet face just makes me smile…wish I could pet her…give her one for me. xo

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      May 25, 2015 at 8:34 am

      The good people will win out, every time! We have to stick together.

      Reply
  11. Betsy says

    May 24, 2015 at 5:24 pm

    Sweet picture of Scout. As you probably know, I found your blog some time ago through Meredith’s blog. She is such a sweetheart and so giving to all around her that it makes me quite upset to see someone taking advantage of her sweet little guy and the family. I’m so glad she was able to talk to you and decide to continue on. We can’t let the bad guys win, the world is back enough, we need all the sweet photos we can get!
    Blessings,
    Betsy

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      May 25, 2015 at 8:34 am

      You’re absolutely right, Betsy!

      Reply
  12. Debbie in Oregon says

    May 24, 2015 at 6:58 pm

    That’s the reason I, unfortunately, avoid giving to those kind of sites – unless I know the person/situation personally. What a horrible person to use Little Buddy … it makes me feel sick! THANKFULLY Meredith was contacted by someone.

    On a lighter note, your Scout is a beautiful girl!

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      May 25, 2015 at 8:33 am

      The woman who contacted Mer was an angel!

      Reply
  13. Debby Messner says

    May 24, 2015 at 8:06 pm

    Meredith’s post came up right before yours. I cried when I read it. Of course, I’m rebounding from loosing our fur baby yesterday She was only 10 1/2. For a little dog that’s only 65.
    I can’t believe what people will do. Wondering, if there is a way she can find this person.
    Way to go Scout.
    Hugs

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      May 25, 2015 at 8:32 am

      Oh, Debby, I’m so sorry for your loss. Sending you love and hugs. It’s so hard to lose a beloved pet. Another friend of mine lost her dog yesterday.

      Reply
  14. kathy boyer says

    May 24, 2015 at 10:48 pm

    Bless you sis and Lil buddy. Glad it was nipped in the bud.
    LOVE your roses. I cannot wait for mine to begin to bloom
    Someone said to bury a banana peel in the dirt beside the roses and they’ll fertilize it well.
    have you heard of this? I did it…waiting to see (In addition to Miracle gro_)

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      May 25, 2015 at 8:31 am

      I’ve never heard of that! But let me know if it works, because I’ll definitely do it!

      Reply
  15. Pat says

    May 25, 2015 at 2:20 am

    Scout is such a precious baby! I know she completes your family… the roses are beautiful too.
    Our roses were FULL of blooms a few weeks back…they’ve sort of died back a little…but have some buds all over and will no doubt bloom again from all the rain we’ve had!
    take care…

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      May 25, 2015 at 8:31 am

      I think the blooms here are going to take a while! Everything is delayed this year.

      Reply
  16. missy george says

    May 25, 2015 at 12:14 pm

    Going to check out Merediths blog…Happy to see Scoutie is hanging in there..Happy for you..

    Reply
  17. Wendy TC says

    May 25, 2015 at 5:07 pm

    A beautiful post with Scout and the roses, but I’m dismayed at the reality that there are low lifes out there who will exploit the good. I really believe in cosmic karma…balance will be restored as your sister learns, and grows from this incident, and the perps will have a just punishment.

    Reply
  18. Melanie says

    May 25, 2015 at 11:30 pm

    I went to Meredith’s site and read the story. How horrifying and disgusting that someone would do that. So glad that it was nipped in the bud right away.

    Reply
  19. Martha says

    May 26, 2015 at 3:06 pm

    Oh, Claudia, I’m so sorry to hear what Meredith is going through! There are some truly despicable people in the world–thank heavens we have just as many wonderful people to balance things out! I was out of town over the weekend, so just had the chance to catch up on your blog. So happy to see your rose buds! Fingers crossed that your back will settle down…xxoo, Martha

    Reply
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I live in a little cottage in the country with my husband. It's a sweet place, sheltered by old trees and surrounded by gardens. The inside is full of the things we love. I love to write, I love my camera, I love creating, I love gardening. My decorating style is eclectic; full of vintage and a bit of whimsy.

I've worked in the theater for more years than I can count. I'm currently a voice, speech, dialect and text coach freelancing on Broadway, off Broadway, and in regional theater.

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