Writer's Workshop - Ten Reasons I'm Glad It's Fall

Ten Reasons I'm Glad It's Fall...

1.  We can walk outside and not break out into an immediate sweat!
2.  The cooler weather is much easier on my succulent collection.
3.  Volleyball games at school...love watching my daughter play!
4.  Lunchtime walks are stress relievers and not stress inducers; we'll actually venture out.
5.  Away go the shorts, out come the sweatpants!
6.  Comfort food; chicken and dumplings, chili and lots of hot chocolate.
7.  Hunting season...just us girls for the weekends for plenty of girl time!
8.  The changing color of leaves; we don't get that much of that here, but I enjoy the pictures!
9.  Christmas is coming!
10.  All the good fall shows are back on with new episodes. 

These are in no particular order.  I actually had to think about this one because I don't have just one favorite season...there are things I like and dislike about all of them. 

If you'd like to join in, follow the link at the top of the post and pick a prompt!

Have a great night!
Mandy

Mothers and Blogs

Several months ago, my mother created herself a blog.  You might be thinking, "wahoo, big deal, " what you might not know is that my mother is brilliant...just not so much with her computer! I live right at 900 miles away and have been the "chosen one" to walk/talk her through most of her adventures on this computer.  This wasn't a big deal until my dad bought her a Mac. 

This morning she successfully posted and then deleted said post along with her entire blog.  Never one to give up easily, she created another one and got not one, but two posts on there today! She took a stab at Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop from last week as well...who cares that she didn't get it up until today! Before I go further, let me say this...my mother is my best friend.  That said, she really can try this girl's patience! I think she got more flustered than I did, but we got the story linked!   Check out her blog here at babybuttsandlittletoessucculents, she's done a great job with it and knowing my mother like I do, she's going to perfect it until it shines!

Tomorrow, we'll work on putting some pictures on her blog...one thing at a time!  Oh, and Daddy, if you happen to read this...if I'm going to be able to properly assist your lovely wife, I'll be needing a Mac! 

My Mother and My Two Favorite Girls

It's a good thing that I set Hawaii Five-O to record tonight!  Have a wonderful night everyone!

Mandy

What To Record?

Tonight I was faced with a new dilemma.  We were watching Mike and Molly (not sure if this is a keeper yet) on CBS and I realized the Hawaii Five-O was coming on, but Castle's season premier is tonight as well. No biggie I thought, we'll just record Castle and watch Hawaii Five-O.  The only problem, I was already set to record Castle and Chase (another new one that sounded appealing)...bummer!  I'm usually quite content with my dual DVR from Dish that records two shows at once, but tonight I needed to record three. What to do!  After much debate, I cancelled the Chase recording and watch Hawaii Five-O; maybe I can catch reruns of Chase in the off season or hopefully they'll reset the days and I can get them all!  After tonight, Hawaii Five-O is going to be a must see for Monday nights or whatever night it lands on...very cool show! 

Not a question of recording is tomorrow night's season premier of The Biggest Loser!!  We've been waiting very patiently for this show to come back on and wouldn't you know it...that's volleyball practice night!

Have a great week!
Mandy

Cactus Monday

Happy Cactus Monday! I almost forgot it was Monday; that could be a good thing.  It's late, but here is my contribution for today...I think it's a sedum of some sort and until recently I didn't pay it much attention.  I just realized what a lovely shade of orange it is, and can't seem to get enough of looking at it now!  These pictures don't do it justice, so you'll just have to trust me...it's gorgeous!! 

To join in on Cactus Monday, stop by Teri's Painted Daisies and link in.  Have a great week!

Succulents that Need Identified

Does anyone know what these little guys are called?  A neighbor down the street gave them to me, and I'm not having any luck finding out what they are.

This one looks kind of like a Christmas Cactus, only it's not. I'm told that this one gets spectacular blooms, but that they only bloom at night and just for one night.  Amy had one, but it succumbed to the last hard freeze we had.  We're both looking forward to it growing so that I can start another for her. 

This one looks prickly, but it's not...just pointy. :)

I think I'm going to put them in a basket together...I like the contrast of smooth and spiky together.  If they  don't work together, I'll just pluck them and put them in their own pots. 

The third one is a Silver Squill I think...scientific name Ledebouria socialis.  She gave me this one too, and I'm pretty sure I found this one online yesterday for the name, but correct me if I'm wrong.

Thanks for your help! 
Mandy

Pitcher Plants and a ZigZag Cactus!

This has really been a very cool weekend for me in regards to my plants.  First we had the Hoya Kerrii treat and then Saturday, I was forced to make a detur due to a "Plant Sale" sign. Yes, my car made a very quick turn that my girls are still talking about!  This guy was having a plant sale at his house, he has a nursery of sorts in his back yard and I really wanted to take a look at his greenhouse.  While we were back there, I mentioned I had a succulent addiction and he offered to show his to me.  Ok, so most of what he had, I have (imagine that), but what I didn't have was this funky looking cactus they called a Ric-Rac or ZigZag Cactus.  He snipped a piece off and handed it to me!!  Then, he had something that looks like my Chandelier Plant or Magic Tower, only it was huge...he plucked two out of the ground for me as well.  I cut the ZigZag Cactus up to make several cuttings in a pot and the other one's in there as well.  It's been raining, so I haven't been able to really make them at home yet, but they're cozy for now.

I did buy my mother a 'Torch' Bougainvillea.  Go figure, he just cuts them off and sticks them in the dirt and they root...mine have yet to be that cooperative!  But for $5.00 I was excited to get her something that I've really enjoyed. 

I was uber excited Friday evening...I went to check on my Pitcher Plants and one of them has baby pitchers growing!!  I've got some brown pitchers, but I googled it and I guess it happens.  Check them out...

Now I have to go find some meal worms to put in them...I read this online today, it's supposed to give them nutrients or something so they don't turn brown and close up. 

Mandy

I Heart My 'Sweetheart' Hoya!

I know I'm loved, but today God reminded me that I'm His favorite! I realize that all His kids are His favorites, but for a brief moment...it was just me! 

A few weeks ago, a coworker sent me a picture of a plant she had got at the flea market and the lady called it a 'Queen of Hearts' succulent.  I couldn't find anything on line by that name, and that perturbed me...the hunt was on! Last night I finally found what I was looking for and it was called a Hoya Kerrii 'Sweetheart' Hoya.  This is the same thing that Amy saw a few weeks ago at Rainbow Gardens, but didn't pick it up.  Fast forward to today.  I stopped by Rainbow Gardens to get a hanging basket and a Patchouli Plant for my mother.  My dad's coming in for a quick trip this weekend, so I wanted to send one home for her.  I also found us another Goldfish Plant as well since ours aren't doing so well.  I get to the check out and the cashier asks if it's a Goldfish Plant.  I reply that it is and that I'm hoping not to kill this one.  After a little discussion, I mentioned that now I was after the 'Sweetheart' Hoya and she replies that she has one at home.  Abbreviated conversation...

Me:  "You're kidding!  Where'd you find it at?"

Cashier:  "You know, it's really not doing that well for me, do you live near bye?  I can bring it back after lunch and I'll give it to you."

Me:  "I live around the corner, and I'd love it!  Are you sure though, they're a gem!"

Cashier:  "Sure, I saw a customer come through with it and I had to have it, but it's not doing much for me.  It's not dead, but I'd much rather someone have it that can work with it."

Me:  "Wow!  I'll come back at 3.!"

How cool is that!  Just last night I realize what it is, resisted the temptation to order one off of eBay and God just gives me one today!! 

We talked about one of my other favorites, the Kalanchoe 'Donkey Ears', and I figured she's a succulent lover as well.  When I went back, I asked her if she had the Mother of Millions and she's never even seen it.  I'm going to take her some babies this weekend...I still can't believe she just gave it to me!!

Hoya Kerrii 'Sweetheart' Hoya

Hoya Kerrii 'Sweetheart' Hoya

The best part is that I was able to pull out a section to pot for my dad to take home to my mother! 

The girls are feeling much better...this is looking to be a wonderful weekend!  We'll just get to spend a few hours with my dad, but we're going to enjoy every minute of it.  He'll be happy that I only have three plants for him to take home unlike my mother's car load she came home with in July!

Mandy

Baby Cucumbers and a Pesky Raccoon!

The guinea girls are going to be so excited...we have TWO baby cucumbers on our plant!  Last week they looked like this...

And yesterday, they look like this...

A close up of the biggest one...

The girls are going to love it!  The bell peppers are flowering, so maybe I'll have something to share on those next week.  The bell peppers are their favorites by far, yellow or red...they love them!

Miss Hedgie

Snowflake

Now to the pesky raccoon you were probably wondering about.  Last night we were in the backyard discussing the flower bed us and our neighbor friends are going to be doing this weekend and Amy spotted a raccoon on our neighbor's roof.  These are the neighbors with the 15 cats, and they have I think 8 bowls of cat food on the back porch at any given time.  My husband mows their yard and keeps us updated on the number of bowls in case you're wondering how I'd know something like that.  Anyways, Amy spots this raccoon and I rush to get my camera.  Finally, I got some shots of it...the whole time hoping he didn't jump off the roof and attack me! Yes, I have a very vivid imagination, but seriously if you were that close to a raccoon you might think the same thing. 

Crazy little thing, only he's really not that little!  And this people is why you should not have 15 cats and 8 feed bowls out!! 

Happy Friday!!

Mandy

Cupcakes and Murder

Just finished another fun mystery today while I was stuck on the couch.  This is the first one I've read by Jenn McKinlay, and it's the first in her A Cupcake Bakery Series called Sprinke with Murder.  Loved it! 

Two long time friends own and work together in a bakery that caters to nothing but cupcakes...yummy!  When one of their friend's fiance ends up dead, Mel becomes the first choice for the suspect.  It doesn't take the friends long to take matters into their own hands to find the killer.  This was an enjoyably entertaining read, and I'm looking forward to the next one coming out!

Mandy

Mommy's Caretaker

Despite the fact that no invitation was offered, my head was taken hostage by a nasty virus this weekend.  I thought it was just allergies, but nooo...I'm now trying to keep my lungs where they belong!  Bob got home from golfing yesterday and asked what the diagnosis was.  After hearing that I just had a viral infection, he put the girls to work in the kitchen doing dishes and told everyone that they were all going to work together to take care of mommy.  I think I've been spoiled...since I had my tonsils taken out a year and a half ago, I haven't been sick with the exception of the occasional migrane and allergy gone wild. 

While I was laying on the couch, Daughter #2 offered to bring me an ice pop.  Bob must have told her that they would be really great for Mommy's throat, so several times yesterday afternoon I'd look up to a purple ice pop with Daughter #2 grinning at me.  Anytime I cough or move much, she's at my side asking if I need anything. Today, she took over and decided the pantry needed to be cleaned out.  A number of expired items went in the trash, and she was quite proud of herself. 

Daughter #1 helped out laundry...without being asked mind you, love it! So while I do not like having the ick, I'm so blessed to have two girls with helper hearts. 

Looking forward to feeling better!
Mandy

Cactus Monday

Propeller Plant

Happy Cactus Monday...waiting patiently for this little guy to bloom!  Cactus Monday is hosted by Teri at Teri's Painted Daisies.

Have a great week!
Mandy

Book Catch Up

I don't know why I don't just talk about a book after I finish it, but I don't.  I might be missing one, but I think I just have three to share with you today from the past couple of weeks.  I did start The Zoo Keeper's Wife, but couldn't get into it...maybe that's the missing one!  I normally enjoy reading books that highlight the survivors and people that risked their lives to save others during the Holocaust.  This book read more like just give me the facts; please and only the facts"...it didn't grab me, so I finally put it down and moved on.  I've heard it's a really good book, so if you enjoy this type of book, you might give it a try.  If you read it, please feel free to scold me for not finishing and I might try it again!

What I have finished though were fun reads!  First, I read Shadows of Lancaster County by Mindy Starns Clark...loved it!!!  She's one of my favorite Christian mystery/suspense authors, and this one didn't disappoint!  The story intertwines with the Amish, and of course that grabbed me right away. Throw in mysterious jewls, DNA research and gene therapy and you're off on a fast paced raced to the end.  Family secrets and past tragedies can't help but give way to God's amazing mercy and grace in this book full of suspense and intrigue. 

Next up was another in the A Booktown Mystery series by Lorna Barrett, Bookplate Special.  These are fun, clean mysteries; did I mention really enjoyable.  They're based in a touristy town that caters to book lovers...oh, if I could only find such a place!  Tricia Miles seems to always find herself right in the middle of the towns mishaps.  She's stubborn, inquisitive and sometimes a little too determined for her own good, but that never stops her from trying to "help" out the local sheriff's department in solving crimes. 

I just finished Sarah's Garden by Kelly Long.  This was the first book I've read by this author, and I can't wait for the next one to come out in the A Patch of Heaven series.  The book is set in the Amish setting...you get that I really enjoy these, right!  When I read the back and it described how Sarah loves her garden, I had to have it.  Throughout the book, God's overwhelming love is shown not only through how the Amish live in forgiving others, but also how He truly does give us the desires of our hearts when we love Him with all of ours.  Sarah found herself falling for an English veterinarian that moved into the house next store and him for her.  So, while the book was a bit predictable and the ending maybe a bit unrealistic, it was the perfectly easy, enjoyable read.  Really cool with this one too...my mother didn't have it already!! 

I'm always on the lookout for new Christian authors or otherwise clean fiction/mysteries, so if you have a favorite author, please share!

Happy reading!
Mandy

Labor Day Weekend Fun and New Blooms!

This weekend we went to the coast with our neighbors who are also really good friends of ours.  They have a travel trailer and a boat down at the coast, and once or twice a year we take the girls down with us for a fun filled weekend.  This trip was no exception.  Once we got the dog to the vet and the guinea girls loaded with enough dry food and hay for the extended time away, Amy and I were off with the girls to meet our guys. 

Saturday, we took the girls across the ferry to play in the water and sand for the day.  I don't really care for the beach, but I have to admit, this time was great!  It wasn't super hot and there was a breeze...Mandy was happy!

Ms. Amy actually got Daughter #1 to go out farther than she's ever gone before.  That might not sound like much, but this is my big chicken that we're talking about. She usually squeals if she thinks she sees a fish near her in the water!

They went further out, but I was in with them holding on to Daughter #2.  She had to get pretty good at jumping with the waves since she's a little shorter! She had a good time too, especially when she willingly let her sister bury her.

My favorite picture...I just love little feet!

Then came the fishing...the girls had a great time!  Daughter #1 teamed up with Mr. Kevin and Daughter #2 with her daddy.  Amy got stuck with me and did all the work, but let me bring them in.  My job is really to just get good pictures; it's self assigned, but something I'm good at.  I'm not too much for touching live bait or live fish for that matter!  I'd much prefer to take pictures and then cook whatever is caught.  Daughter #1 wasn't too happy when her daddy and Daughter #2 kept pulling them in, but she only tried to bail out on her partner a few times!  After all was said and done, we brought in 6 Black Drums!  This was a first for I think Bob and Kevin both, so that was kind of cool as well!

The Big Fishermen/Fishergirls...Daddy/Daughter #2 and Daughter #1/Mr. Kevin

We had wonder, relaxing weekend filled with fun, laughter and of course great food!  Amy and I are much alike in respect...food's never far from our thoughts! And that, is how the weekend ended...

We came home stuffed and sunburned, but happy. You know my husband was tired...he let me drive the whole way home and kept the griping to a minimum! 

Now to the blooms!!  I was checking the succulents and noticed that my Adromischus cristatus 'Key Lime Pie' was blooming!  Nothing too spectacular, but I was pleasanty pleased! 

Adromischus cristatus 'Key Lime Pie'

Looking forward to a great week!  
Mandy

Cactus Monday

I've been meaning to start participating in this for weeks, but somehow kept forgetting that it was Monday!  It almost happended again today, but I remembered!  A few weeks ago, Julie from A Succulent Life invited me to join in on Cactus Monday's hosted by Teri at Teri's Painted Daisies.  I don't draw, paint or do much in that area of creativity, but I do love to take pictures of my succulents!  So, here is my Labor Day offering for today's Cactus Monday.

Portulaca molokiniensis 'Maraca'

Have a great week!
Mandy