Catching Up

Well I really missed a Bloom Day this time, first one ever! My body has been waging war with me lately though, and this time I just couldn't power through it. But things are going better now, so I'm back to catch up with garden stuff. First off, here's what was blooming at my place on November Bloom Day...

...despite cold temps, the window box above was blooming away, and more appropriately these fall-blooming crocus were at it too, despite having to fight through the weeds and grass.......this lantana is protected on the porch, but I was still amazed at the bloom (sorry so blurry, it was windy when I took this).
Of course the houseplants enjoy warmth indoors, so they were blooming also, like this african violet...

...and this begonia, still blooming since October Bloom Day!
This dianthus was still blooming on November 15th, right out in the open, despite the cold...
...and ironically bacopa was blooming almost better than it did in the summer warmth!


Back indoors, here's one for the "almost" catagory-lipstick vine.
And here's "Bloody Cranesbill", living up to its name. I grew this baby from seed, which is exciting for me because I hadn't enjoyed much success with seeds until Kim introduced me to winter-sowing, now I'm hooked!



And in the spirit of starting plants by seed, I collected these poppy seeds from a friends' garden...


...and bought some from this place I found on the internet, "Tradewinds Fruit". They have a large selection, give you a reasonable amount of seeds for very reasonable prices, and my order shipped lightning fast! No ideas regarding germination sucess yet, but I feel optimistic.

I got my first 2009 garden catalog too! I've ordered from these folks in the past with good results, and it's exciting to have a new catalog to look at so I can daydream about next season.

Water plants won't need replacing next year, because I managed to bring them in before they froze to death, along with the fish. I may still get a lilypad though, I kinda missed having one this year. I got in a little bit of planting earlier this month before I got sick. These irises were freebies from my friends, so I made a row of them for now, and I can move them after I see what colors I have. Doesn't the one farthest to the right resemble Mr. Hankey? Heh, well it is that time of year!

And it's also the time of year for a more stark and naked landscape...

....and clouds that look like they may harbor snow...

...and frosty grasses for my morning drive...

....as well as a frozen riverbed by the house...

...and frozen annuals, bidding farewell. I don't mind the change of seasons though, it's kind of nice to have a break in the gardening action. Gives me a chance to reflect on the past season, plan for the next, and enjoy some peaceful snowy scenes. And even though my health hasn't been as good as I'd like, I have optimism for the future because I need to....

...and optimism for our country because of this man and his optimism. "Yes we can"?

Indeed sir, I believe you can, and will! So Happy way-too-late Bloom Day and Thanksgiving folks!

Chillax 101

Has someone (likely well under the age of 20) told you recently to "Chillax", and you wondered what they were talking about? Or maybe you're pretty sure that you understand the meaning, but you wonder "Why are young people still making up words? Does this mean that "groovy", "boss" or "bitchin' " might return?" Allow my friend Bentley.......and his pal Gizmo, explain and demonstrate the essence of "Chillax". Yes, "chillax" is the combination of the words "chill" and "relax". And as you can see, these two are certainly built for comfort and relaxation. But it's not that simple: true chillax requires real dedication, and the proper attitude.........and just for the record, this is not chillax..........but this is more like it!Bentleys' particular affinity for chillax lies in his ability to use anything for a pillow...
....including the food bowls...

....me.....

.....my fancy "kleenex".........anything (wish he'd learn to use that appliance!).......my mail, atop my purse.......cardboard, anywhere, is a favorite........again, atop my tote bag from work.......anyplace his chin can rest, Bentley can chillax.As for Gizmo, either the right position or location can help him chillax....
....and reee-lax....
....to the point of snoring!

Pretty much any location inspires his process.........from the logical....

....to the opportunistic.

With Bentley, chillax is about flexibility-not just with pillows, but body positioning....
.....from the usual kitty-is-napping pose....
....to what my son calls "Praise Jesus" kitty.... .....and this "I'm ready for my closeup"....

...and even the "lion sleeping in a tree" position.

Chillax isn't just a sleeping attitude, but a way to spend time, relaxing and reflecting....

...even lying in wait for a curious playmate to discover your location...

...or not.

Chillax is more than a new buzz word....
.....even more than an attitude........it's a lesson we can all learn from our kittycat friends.And even though dozing in front of the TV can help you relax....

.....even get you in the "zone".......true "chillax" is best enjoyed when you snuggle up next to a friend.......wherever you can.......and just enjoy a cozy moment in time.Submitted to Friday Ark.