Fall Wreath

The weather guy told us this morning to expect a Tropicas Storm or Hurricane in the next week or so.  Not sure where it's going?
 One more month of Hurricane Season for us... oh boy!  It's been a busy season, to say the least.


For the past few days, like all out there, my mind has turned to Fall and getting my decorations out of storage.  
I went to the stores yesterday wanting to buy a wreath for the front door.. but they were all in the $40.00 range and I just did not want to spend that much money.. so I went digging in my storage box and pulled out all the bent, folded and crushed floral from the years gone by...
I need a new wreath and thought to make one out of what I have.  
I did look in Michaels and they wanted $7.99 for a simple styro circle and again,, that is too much money so I went into my good ol' store room and took out a sheet of styro that I saved from something?  Traced a circle and cut out my own.

 

Cutting styro with a kitchen steak knife is messy so I took it out to the deck.

I then wrapped the styro wreath  with some floral tape and it worked perfectly!

After cutting the wires of all the Fall floral I found in a bag I then put a dab of hot glue on the end then put in the styro in what I thought would be a nice design.

It's working!  I added a bow of Raffia to complete the little wreath. 

My little Door Hanging turned out perfect!

It's October and although our weather is turning.   No need to wait to put out my little wreath because it will he hot well into December, here in Central Western Florida, with Tropical Storms coming and going well into November... I need Fall now!

It's up on the door and looking pretty good,  if you don't mind my saying so!
And it cost me nothing!

I do know one thing,  "It's lifting my spirits" and that is what it's all about!


I'm linking this post to


Outdoor Fall Decor

Anything Autumn @ Jenny Matlocks 

Under $100.00 link Party 

I should or should not do, what?

It's September today and it had me thinking of "How Fast Time is Moving"

Then I ran into the following article.. Put a smile on my face as I thought of how I'm feeling about life and how I have been thinking of.... my looks, my clothes,, my words...

Each year I look into my closet or think about the things I do and say then wonder, Should I be saying or doing the things I did when I was younger? 

Should I grow old Gracefully? (does that mean look like my grandma did?)  Or just continue if it feels good?  Hell, I still wear my shorts because I like them and it's HOT here!

The September issue of the AARP Bulletin tells people over 50 to stop tolerating arrogance, don't say the word "panties" and never, under any circumstance, wear low-rise jeans.
Here is a full list of things AARP says people over 50 should and should not do: 

Words to ax...
- Panties
- Smashed, overserved, or hammered.
- Sick!
- Whatever
- I'm like ... We mean "I said" or "I say." So we should say it.
- Totes. Unless you mean that clever little umbrella.
- Hot. Except when referring to the weather or habaneros.
- Kick it 

Things never to do again...
- Jell-O shots
- Karaoke after Jell-O shots or any other time.
- Crowd surfing to the mosh pit.
- Drinking champagne from your son's girlfriend's shoe. Drinking champagne from your own shoe.
- Visible tats, no matter what (or who) you escaped, no matter who or what you discovered.
- Collecting owls made of shells, frogs made of ceramic or lawn gnomes made of anything. 

What not to wear...
-Miniskirts, minishorts, anything that's been deliberately diminished or ripped.
- Low-rise pants that showcase low-rise anatomy.
- Super-tight skinny jeans, even if you are both.
- T-shirts that say "Sexy Grandma," "Vote for Ozzy" or "I Am the Man from Nantucket."
- Purses with dogs on them. Purses with dogs in them.
- Gold chains with your name on them. Gold chains. Chains. 

People to no longer tolerate...
- Those who don't know you when you're down and out but just love you when you're "back."
- People who learned all they ever needed to know in high school-and are still living it.
- Gossips
- Arrogant doctors, educators, waiters, TV commentators, athletes, authors, legislators, coaches or anyone who lets a little influence go to their head.
- Space invaders. Those who stand too close, consuming space, energy, oxygen and time. 

 
- Create a boundary in life. Then take down a wall.
- Write long handwritten letters to your grandchildren, even the ones who aren't born yet.
- Put your wedding photos in an album before your 25th anniversary. Finish the baby book before the kid's 25th birthday.
- Start telling the truth, every day.
- Stand up for what you believe, and do so with dignity.
- Dance outside at night in a foreign land. (this is mine)
- Be able to retire but say, "The hell with it, I'm going strong." 

I'm like most of you, My mind is so young (still)... I'm happy and busy and just not wanting to think "Old" just yet... so I'll continue to do as I have been...

I have given up one thing... Those "Low Rise Jeans"... I'm just tired of pulling them up!

One more thing...... my hair!  When I hit 55 I read that "Older women should cut their hair"... we will look better... so after debating this I did (had a lot to do with the heat here in Florida and pre-menapause) Went and got myself a cute short hair cut!  I'm now wanting to grow it back.. but it's so funny looking in the, In between stage...?

As for Jello-Shots, I gave them up years ago!

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Why would they do this to me?

 I stepped out my front door this morning,  this is what I saw.

 A beautiful lonely  dresser, tossed out for the "Trash man".  The poor thing had to endure the rain storm we had last night!  

It was calling my name!
Save me, save me from the Trash!

A neighbor is moving and left this for the trash man tomorrow. 

I crossed the street to take a look ... not bad!

It is a good sturdy dresser, but the neighbor,  who left yesterday, did not put the drawers out with it?

Now why would they do this to me?
Why would anyone put such a nice piece out in the trash without the drawers?  I bet they left the clothing in each drawer and just carried them out to the  moving truck..

After inspecting this nice frame of a dresser I had so many different thoughts going through my mind... hmmm?  Maybe I could take away the sliders and turn it into a nice shelf with baskets? 

Paint it white and distress it?  So many ideas.

Do I really need this?  Where would I put it?

I walked around it for a bit and then a neighbor came out asking "What was I doing and why was I taking photos of it?" 
But then they all know me here on the block... I'm always bringing home something in my car.  My trunk has signs of my over stuffing it with all sorts of "junk"... they just laugh!

"No Sandy"  "Turn around and go home"... leave it in the trash!

It hurt me to not take it home!   

I found myself looking out the front window, still trying to think of how to  rescue and restore  this really nice wood dresser. 

No!   close the blinds and stop looking out!

Why on earth would this neighbor

NOT PUT THE DRAWERS OUT WITH IT?

As I said, the trash man does not come until tomorrow morning.
Knowing me, I'll be dreaming about this dresser out there, in the dark rainy night!  Just waiting for the trash man to haul it away!

I may still go out there and bring it home.. 

to be continued... Maybe?

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.I'm linking up to Jennys @ Alphabet Thursday

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"Women are Angels"

Women are angels and when someone breaks our wing we simply continue to fly ...

"On a Broomstick"

 

We are flexible like that.

Have a great week!

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The Vase

 I'm a very simple person when it comes to decorating.  I know so many people go for the fancy or elaborate way of design but I like clean and also things with meaning to me.

A simple terracotta pot with Ivy on the guest room wall.

 I received a bouquet of Roses a few years ago and needed to save them. I hung them upside down on a string and let them dry... then put them in a simple glass jar in a basket.  The little bear family is very special to me. After my mom died my family gave me this as a memory of her grandchildren sitting on grandmas lap.

 On the staircase landing, a simple large pot with dried sticks.

 I love Tulips and had to put a bunch in a simple urn beside a stitched memory sampler from my sister.

 There is something I love about blue bottles... simple flowers tucked into a few.

 This little coffee cup is my most prized possession.  It was sitting on my moms night stand, half full with her morning coffee when I came home from work,  to find she had passed away during the day.

 This wonderful fountain was a gift from my sweet Niece Mothie.. it was ment to be put in my garden but I thought better of letting the weather destroy it... It sits next to my stairs with a bit of Ivy.

 Another memento, a vase that was given to me by Mr N's mom.  She will be celebrating her 100th birthday this November.

 Again, Tulips  

They are the perfect orange color and until I find another simple flower of this color, they will stay there.

 

A blue glass juice pitcher that belonged to my mom.

Simple things make me smile.

I'm linking up this post to.. 

Funky Junk's .

things as vases

Tatertots and Jello's
weekend wrap up party

2805 @
Potpourri Friday

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The Winds of Irene

As "Hurricane Irene" started it's howling way up the coast of Florida we got some of her winds and rain.
During the night she breezed past Florida, she sent the best winds and some rain into my area and thankfully, 

Irene did not want to mess with Florida...

She did blow down my one Banana trees with fruit, not yet ready for harvesting.

 

The only thing I could do was chop the remaining stock down.

I have a butcher knife saved from my catering days and it's so useful in the garden.  Banana trees are just a "whack" and down they come.

The stump will dry and fade away, only to have a new baby come up in it's place.

I do have another banana tree flowering.  From this point of blooming I estimate December for it to be ready to pick it's wonderful fruit.  Just in time for my annual gifts of "Banana Bread" to the neighbors for Christmas.

Although this bunch of bananas are not yet ready for picking I read that if you put the bunch in a dark room for at least two weeks it should ripen without any problem.  This bunch was estimated to be picked at the end of September so it has a few weeks.....

Right now it's in my store room just sitting there.. I will tie a rope to it and hang it today.  Then wait for the first sign of yellow.

One good thing came out of Irene,  we this past few days have a nice breeze and the temps have dropped to give us a bit of a break in the hot steamy weather, we have been having for the past two months. We down here sit and wait all during Hurricane Season for the next one.. I did notice there are two  lined up like ducks out in the Atlantic.. Oh, that is for another day to think about...

I'm truly sorry for anyone who was hurt or lost property during Irene's rampage up the coast. Sending all the good vibes I can muster for everyone involved.

I'm joining 

Tuesdays Garden Party

Outdoor Wednesday 

WoW us Wednesday 

Fertilizer Friday 

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Pushing Fall

I am a Pumpkin Pie lover and although I do make these special pies several times during the year... I so love the luscious texture of a good Pumpkin Pie.

Am I pushing Fall... yes!

It's been so hot here for several months and soon August will turn into September!  I'm so ready for it!

I went into my closet and took out a few of my beautiful "Orange" Fall decorations.  There sitting on the counter in my dining room waiting for me to get busy decorating... but, am I a bit too early?

After putting the pumpkin and all the ingredients into the mixer, the aroma really brought back memories of the Fall.

Rolling out the pie crust and it's sticky, flour smelling texture was a rush!

Then I poured the mixture into the pie crust... I was hooked!

At the last minute I took the tiny bit of pie crust dough and made the familiar pumpkin head..

Then the baking filled my home with that aroma.. the one only a Pumpkin Pie with it's wonderful spices could do to fill our senses.  

Cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves.

It was not easy for me to let my pie cool... After the day was over I slipped downstairs and cut a piece.. took it up with me, then had the first fork full.  Call me a glutton but I had two slices... with whipped topping!
Fall is almost here... bring out the Orange colors,,, the Fall Leaves and all the trimmings.

"I'm So Ready"

I'm linking up to

Inspiration Friday

Trendy Treehouse 

Count Down To Autumn

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You know he loves you....

When he brings something like this home....

For no reason!

(((sigh)))

I'm sorry to say, "It's not mine"

My son gave it to his wife.

Tiffany 1837™ interlocking circles ring in  18k gold.

The couple  just transferred with the USCG to Sector Juneau.

They are "Silly in love"

Nice, very nice!

I'm joining Jenny @

Alphabet Thursday

and to Savvy Southern Style @

Wow us Wednesday

and 504 Main @

Tickled Pink...

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Our Celebrity

We have a celebrity living here in Clearwater.

At the "Marine Aquarium"

"Winter" the bottle nose dolphin who lost her tail in an accident at the tender age of three months.

I did visit with her about two years ago and was thrilled to watch this little lady swim without problem. Such an amazing job her trainers and her surrogate mom Panama, have done to help her get along without her tail.

Well, now that her movie has been made, right here at the aquarium and will be coming to a theater soon  in September, I thought of seeing her one more time.  

It's not every day I get to see a "Movie Star"

her story

Winter found herself wrapped tightly in a crab trap line, unable to escape. As a result of her entanglement, she lost her entire tail along with 3 vertebrae in her spine.  Winter found a permanent home at the Aquarium and with the collaborative efforts of her trainers, veterinarians, and a leading prosthetic team, received a one-of-a-kind prosthetic tail unlike anything the world has ever seen. At the time of my visit Winter was a  bit agitated and I was not able to get her photo wearing her new Tail. She was moved the night before into her new home in the aquarium, a brand new pool built just for her and her surrogate mom.

I was able to capture the photo below from the downstairs windows of the large pool.

I read this rather nice story while in the gift shop of the aquarium and thought I'd share it with you.

Winter enjoyed a special encounter with Army veteran Brian Brennan, who was seriously injured in Afghanistan, during Operation Enduring Freedom, when an IED exploded under his humvee. He miraculously survived and returned home a double amputee. Winter and Brian have a lot in common as they both survived life-threatening injuries, in spite of the odds. And just like Winter, Brian’s compelling life story has become an inspiration to others. Today, they helped each other. “I was very inspired by meeting Winter,” Brennan said. “She is missing a fin and I lost both legs—we are a lot alike.”

Winter  has a prosthetic tail but both of my visits to the aquarium, she did not have it on, so I couldn't get a photo. 

Keep your eye out for "A Dolphin Tale" 

staring,  Morgan Freeman, Ashley Judd, and Harry Connick Jr. 

 Should be out in September.


 I'm linking to "Centsational Girl" @
Favorite thing in My Town

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What is this Plant?

Do you know the proper name for this Flowering plant?

Three years ago I took a  cutting from a friends yard. The plant stood tall and had such pretty floral stems, reaching to the sky.

What is this, I asked her?  She had no idea.  She was given a cutting from another friend and said, "It grew like a weed but was so  pretty".  
She was right.  Each year since it just grew taller and I've had to prune it to keep it from getting too big.

Over the past year I took cuttings and planted them in different areas of my yard. They grew roots in a matter of weeks both in the ground and in water.   The plant grew as tall as me... and the flowers start to bloom around the end of July and last well into January.
Once nice thing the Butterfly's and Humming Birds love this plant.

Yesterday I stood as silent as possible while I watched three Humming Birds enjoy the tiny bell shaped flowers. I'm sorry to say I could not get a good photo of these little birds, they  move too fast for my camera.

After searching through photos of plants and flowers I just could not find the name of this plant.  Hopefully one of my blogger friends can help me with this?  
I've shared cutting with a few of my neighbors and also sent cuttings to my daughter in Guam.. she said "They just get bigger Mom, all my neighbors ask me where did you get them?"  They have one garden center on the island  and everyone has the exact plants  growing in each yard... so my daughter feels a bit special having something different.

If anyone knows the name of this beautiful plant, please leave a comment.. in fact, if you would like, I'll send on a cutting or two as a big thank you!

I live in zone 9-10 so I don't think those in the north can grow this?

It's time to get out in the yard and clean up a bit... Fall will be here soon and all the rain we have had has given the weeds energy to flourish!

Maybe this week I'll get out there?

"Happy Gardening"
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p.s.  I'm happy to say a new blogger friend, Susan from Simply Susan
Told me this plant is called "Firespike"
Susan is a Florida gardener and I think she can teach me a thing or two about gardening in this state. 
If you need gardening info check out her lovely gardening blog.
Thank you Susan!!  

I'm linking to

It's a Blooming Tuesday 


Tuesdays Garden Party 


Outdoor Wednesday 

Summer Loving Link Party 

Cottage Flora Thursdays 

Fertilizer Friday 

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