Saturday, May 23, 2015

A LITTLE STAYCATION & GARDEN NEWS

 
Layla lying in the ivy
 
Saturday Night Live here.  I'm trying to get a post in before I get caught up in the television viewing.  Yes...television is a new medium for me.  For you newcomers, I'm hearing impaired--I have been wearing hearing aids forever, reading lips, following gestures and using closed captioned.  TV became one of the things I simply crossed off my list.  I mean I'm reading blogs and all sorts of things on my computer.  Then I'm reading my books and magazines.  And then I'm supposed to read the TV?  Talk about a headache.  LOL!  Anywho, I managed to maneuver some chairs closer to the televisions in the living and family rooms so it's not such an eye strain to watch the darn thing and I've also learned how to work all of the zillion remotes we have.  Long story short-I've been having a gay old time.  Popcorn and everything.
 
 
 
Allium
 
 
With The Husband on on his camping/hiking trip  in Colorado, I have seen Gone Girl, Fifty Shades Of Gray, several Housewives episodes, and of course The Kardashians (just love reality--makes my life seem somewhat normal and I need that).  The first night The Husband was gone and I was feeling a little lonely, insecure and a bit jumpy at every noise I heard inside and outside the house, I happened upon a channel with The Holiday showing.  Oh, how I love that movie and to see in May?  Serendipity.  Nothing like a Rom-Com to make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.  And the icing on the cake?  Following this was Something's Got To Give.  I've never seen this so it was an exceptional double feature evening.
 
 
H
 
Herb garden flourishing
 
Last night I had every intention of getting caught up on some blogging and doing some reading in bed.  Then I started to fiddle with the remote and came upon HBO In Demand.  Before I knew it I was wrapped up in the movie Still Alice.  Oh, incredible.  Still haven't gotten it out of my head. 
 
The ultimate verdict?  Television is taking over my life.  Forgive me if I simply disappear for awhile as I catch up on years of deprivation.
 
 
 
Flower boxes on the bay window ledge
 
I've been planting flowers like a fiend while we've had warm weather and a break in the rain here in the upper Midwest.  This year when I was looking at annuals I took a big interest in Dianthus, the tall and short varieties.  The tall variety makes me think of wildflowers so I had some fun doing these boxes.  I love Nicotiana also...I'm getting away a bit from my usual petunias and impatiens.  
 
 
 
The front of my house
 
 I was actually going to have all of these shrubs pulled out.  They are over 25 years old and look overgrown for the most part.  In the winter---from November until mid May, they have no leaves
The company that was to do our new porch, sidewalk and driveway was going to pull them out with their Bobcat.  We ultimately decided to wait on the concrete work until mid June in light of all the stuff falling from the trees for the past few weeks.  In the meantime, the shrubs and plants took off and I've had a bit of a change of heart.  Yesterday I did my usual hedge trimming.  The first time in the spring is especially hard, every muscle is still aching, and then I had to do the backyard.  I definitely got my workout.   Then I dug out a sort of  'free form' border and planted some red geraniums.  They will bush out--they look a bit small now.  I hope this adds some interest.  What do you think?  And I'm going against a lot of my family's wishes and keeping my ivy.  So there!
 
 
 
The new black shoes (and I totally need a pedi)
 
In keeping with my promise (to myself), I made plenty of plans for while I'm on my little staycation and The Husband is on a real one.  Last night my sister in law, Karen, and I went out to dinner a few blocks away.  Lovely time of course.  As we were walking out of the restaurant there was a table with two women and a man and they called something out to me.  I turned and they were pointing down, "We love your shoes!".   Well, I nearly tripped.  Karen and I sat outside on a bench while the valet went for the car and I gushed excessively over this. Poor Karen.  She was probably thinking, "This girl does not get out much."
 
 
 
First bloom on the clematis
 
So I'm faring well while The Husband is gone.  But the poor guy, my two sons, three brother in laws and several of their friends...it's been raining non-stop in Boulder.  As I've said, this is a camping/hiking trip.  No communication in those parts so I don't know what's going on.  According to my weather app, it's not just raining, they're having thunderstorms.  And the temps at night are in the 30's.  I really feel bad.  They've been preparing for months.  I hope it works out in some shape or way. 
 
Tomorrow Emily is having a brunch for the ladies, some of us who were left behind as the guys went on their trip.  And Monday is a barbeque at my daughter in law's mom's home, Peggy.  Not sure.  We have a short week and then we are on our way to Door County, Wisconsin for a three day break. 
 
The lakehouse situation is still at a sort of standstill,  The Husband is going up Tuesday to see if we can get things moving.  I so wish we could go together at least for a day.  I want to work on my garden.  Remember that we planted that huge perennial garden last August?  It must be full of weeds.  And I landscaped the front of the house.  I can't imagine what it looks like now.  I missed the wisteria blooming.  Seriously, you want to know what's holding us back from going there for a whole day?  No bathroom!  The water is shut off.--the floors are a disaster.   Do you know how terrible it feels to knock on my neighbor Susie's door to ask to use her bathroom several times a day?  Once the crew starts to work on the house they will have a port-a-pottie.  Oh joy.  Makes me feel so fortunate.  And the newspaper articles?  Well I still write my columns and submit them.  Just never see them.  I feel too embarrassed to ask the editor to send me a copy.  Silly, I know.  The Husband will bring home the most recent issue on Tuesday and hopefully we'll get there again soon to see the one I just wrote last week.
 
Sorry if I went on too long.  So much happening.  Now I'm off to see what's on TV!  Have a wonderful holiday and say a prayer for all of those brave veterans.  I'll be back soon.
 
Jane x

50 comments:

Jenny S. said...

You are such a busy lady. I recently moved my living room around for similiar reason. Loving it!I'm with you..keep the ivy. Have a good weekend.

Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe said...

Despite the weather, I am sure your husband and the guys are having a fun adventure and they will have lots of stories to share when they get home.

I loved Gone Girl with all its twists and turns. I like watching movies on cold, cloudy days, but when the sun is out, so am I.

I think your front garden looks very nice. I hate pulling out bushes, as I get used to a look and am not sure I will be pleased with something new. However, I do wish some would die on their own so the decision is made for me.

Laura said...

Hi Jane-
I enjoyed reading about all of your plans.Everything you described sounds like the right kind of busy to me.
You are having your own adventures while your husband is away. Woohoo!

Have a wonderful weekend,
Laura

I love your garden!

awal.ny said...

Thank you for visiting, I knew you would be one of the first to notice I popped back in. I understand the TV thing, I sometimes have to have it so loud it clears the room. We spent our winter inside watching movies. As for the gardens, well, I have this terrible weed that is taking over and I wish I had the energy to fight it. One bed at a time is the best I can do. Thank you so much for caring. Alaina

Primitive Stars said...

Always enjoy my visits with you Jane. You are doing so much, busy gal. Love the flowers, looks so pretty the colours together. Love the shoes, enjoy your time while Hubby is away.Blessings Francine.

Rita C at Panoply said...

Jane, I've followed you more than a year and didn't know you are hearing impaired. I think your landscape looks beautiful and yes, those geraniums will fill out nicely (poor hedges, they're working especially hard to show you they're still beautiful!). It's probably best you don't even go to the lake house - with all the work that's probably just in the perennials, you'd drive yourself to the brink trying to get it in shape. Just think about writing this year off for the yard, and maybe clean it up in fall for next year. With a great pair of shoes, you can do anything! ;)

Stacey said...

Good Job Jane! Finding your own little happy while hubby is away. Somehow it had escaped my mind that you are hard of hearing. My dad is too and I know it's quite a challenge. Dad always uses closed captioning on the TV. Between my husband being legally blind and my dad being practically deaf...it can be interesting around here sometimes.

I know the lakehouse situation must be torture to you. Really, if you work on the flower beds it might be for nothing right now. When they start working and bringing in machinery and trailers it will make a mess. Your perennials will be ok.

Enjoy your beautiful weather. We are seriously getting too much rain here in Dallas. We went from extreme drought to rivers and lakes out of the banks. Weird.

Kim said...

I did not know that you were hearing impaired, Jane. I have a teeny tiny bit of hearing loss in one ear and so I speak a little louder (although sometimes that my just be my Italian heritage) and I need the tv a bit louder. I am glad that you were able to find some joy on your staycation! I'm not a huge tv fan, but there are some really good movies out there and every now again it's fun to just veg and watch!!

Simply LKJ said...

You have been a busy bee! Glad you are enjoying some "me" time while the hubby is away. Sounds like the perfect ways to pass the time.

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad you are having fun while hubby is away, I was thniking of you, I knew you were a bit nervous.
I so sorry that your hearing is so bad, but wow, to catch up on tv is wonderful, to be able to enjoy it again, there are so many great shows and I would be lost without tv, mostly I listen but I love tv.
your gardens look wonderful, so lush and full!
Those are mighty fine shoes, very nice!!! Layla looks so innocent and sweet in the ivy,

Susie said...

Blondie, How great that you did enjoy watching some wonderful movies. I think you will be glad when the shrubs are gone...to me they keep moisture on our foundations and that is not good for any house. I love those shoes too girl. It must have been nice to know the men liked them too. :):) Nice little Layla was outside. My husband "family" fishing trip was before mother's day. They had good weather and caught lots of fish. I would love a solo fishing trip myself. I have turned into the house watcher while he takes fishing and golf trips...totally sucks . I told him I was thinking of joining a travel club....he is the one that took a part time job"for something to do" really. LOL So I am not getting any younger, things I want to see and do. Blessings, xoxo,Susie
p.s. thanks for listening to me whine. LOL

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Sounds like you are keeping busy with the hubster gone!

Barbara F. said...

Oh, Jane, I was wondering about the camping trip to Colorado. The rain has been so terrible there. Hopefully they are keeping as dry as they can. I love reality tv and watch all the Housewives franchises and, of course,the family everyone loves to hate, the Kardashians. It is my guilty pleasure. I know there are worse things to love. lol. I am glad you are keeping busy while the Hubs is away. I also never knew about your hearing. Seems like you have handled it extremely well. Hoping you get to go to the lake and things are improving.

RURAL said...

Hey Jane, great idea to have the chairs closer, and yes TV world is wonderful...do you watch Outlander? Next you will become a netflix and hula kind of girl.

I love your yard, the ivy will be evergreen all year round, and the geraniums will grow...the little border in front is delight.

Life is about change...and hopefully you can get the cottage up and running soon so you will get to enjoy life in it this summer. Think of it as camping, indoors with outdoor plumbing...adventurous. I know...

Jen

{oc cottage} said...

awesome shoes there!!! ;}

m ^..^

20 North Ora said...

Hi Jane - sounds like you have been having a pretty good time by yourself!! LOL Your front yard looks so pretty. Hopefully, the guys are having as much fun as they can with the weather.

Judy

Marigene said...

I love those mini vaca when the hubby is gone...mine left for Phoenix today. I can get so much done when he is out of my hair, no stopping to fix meals, etc. Now if it would just stop raining...save some for July and August when it is bone dry. I looked out by the front door and everything is so overgrown it will take the rest of the summer to tame it down.
Love your new shoes.
Enjoy the rest of the holiday weekend, Jane!

Kit said...

Oh you crack me up and make me smile. Enjoy your TV. I have been enjoying the show Sherlock. Have a great time on your Staycation. :) Kit

Beth said...

Hi Jane, I think the front of your house looks nice, and so do your window boxes. Hope you will enjoy your trip to Door County - it's a magical place!
Hugs, Beth

Row homes and Cobblestones said...

Jane,
Hope the guys remembered to bring clothes to layer, yikes dips into the 30's at night and rain!!!
Jane your staycation sounds like fun. I did not realize you have hearing difficulty. My John went last week to a specialist and he's going to get a hearing aid.
Gone Girl in a word was FABULOUS a movie with twists and turns I loved.
Allium are such an amazing flower and your Clemiatis looks like this season will be a beautiful color profusion of blooms.
Be Happy, Be well...
xoxo,
Vera

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Jane, Sounds like you are so enjoying some TV viewing and that is so special. I love taking staycations too now and then. Hope your hubby enjoys his vacation and the weather is not too cold late night and mornings.
Your flowers are gorgeous. Your flower boxes are so pretty. LOVE your shoes.

Thank you for stopping by and your sweet visit. Wishing you a nice holiday weekend.
Happy Memorial Day!
Hugs and Blessings, CM

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

Glad to hear that you are keeping your self busy. Your garden looks really good. Love your new shoes and they look great.
How is Milo? I hope that he is coming along well and has that neck thing off.
So glad that you are enjoying TV. I would be lost without it. Sorry that the Lake House is coming along faster for you. I know that you are anxious to get up there and see all your lovely plants that you planted last August.
Have a wonderful BBQ and your DIL's mom house.
Hope the guys are still having fun even in the bad weather.
Take care my friend.
Mary

Junkchiccottage said...

Hi Jane,
Everything looks beautiful. Hope despite the bad weather in Colorado the boys are all having a great time. Have a great rest of the holiday week end.
Kris

Theresa said...

You made me giggle:) I have ivy too and although it takes over, I don't have the heart to take it out! I love watching TV and it is pretty much always on, whether we are watching or not! It sounds like you are keeping busy while the Hubby is out of town, I hope he has had a good time even with the rain! Your lake house will be all pretty and new before you know it, the trouble will be a distant memory:) Sending HUGS and prayers your way dear friend!

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

I just love a day when I can catch up on movies on television, Jane. How was Gone Girl? I am reading the book now and seem to remember somebody telling me the movie is nothing like the book. I have really gotten into the book and did see the movie is coming up on some channel in the very near future. I'm wondering if I should try to catch it.

We've had some great weather here, too. Although, tomorrow think it changes to muggy and possible thunderstorms. I took some pictures of some of my plants today because some of them are just thriving and filling out.

Hope you get to go up to the lake house soon!

Diane Mars said...

Jane, I too will have a staycation very soon Wednesday Hubby leaves for a week and I have plans.. your front looks good I think you did a great job! Imagine getting hooked to T.V. watching I think you will get sick of it sooner then you think we are cord cutters here no cable T.V. so we watch very few things on TV. Hope you enjoy the rest of your staycation! Hugs, Diane

Sonia said...

Hi Jane,
Well I love your shrub border in the front of your house with the ivy growing on the wall. I love mature shrubs and even though mine all full grown and some people would pull them out ...I like that woodsy full grown look so I would keep them. Your flower boxes are so pretty! Love the colors you put together. Glad you are having some fun movie nights.

Bluebird49 said...

Hi Sweetpea! Sounds like you are enjoying having the remote! It IS a joy, isn't it! You're going to have to look into something that will enable you to hear the TV through headphones even when it is almost turned down to mute. There must be such things---and you have a LOT of catching up to do!

I love those shoes, too--it's great to get validation from strangers, though isn't it!

I can't advise you on shrubs, honey. I'm not an outdoor girl--I wish I were.
I hope all the men aare safe and sound and that you had a good time Sunday with Emily and the girls and that the Monday get together will be wonderful.
And then...well..the Lake House. It will work itself out, my dear. I know it will take time, but I know our husband will get things started. The bathroom thing, though--that would be a very draining experience. I wish I had the answer.
Have a good week, Jane!I love the way you can just manage when your hubby is away--some women just can't seem to manage... ;)
xxx Trudy

Doreen@foxdenrd said...

I'm baaaaaccckkkkk!

Ok, so it sounds like hubby and his friends didn't pick the best time to get outta Dodge. Bummer. My guess is you're having a much better time than they are!

I like the ivy. I'd keep it too, even though you need to be careful it doesn't creep into places it shouldn't.

You picked some great movies, and now you need to look into how you can watch TV with some kind if device that won't interfere with everyone else's eardrums. No reason you can't continue to enjoy it in this day and age.

(We're getting ready to pull out soon and I may drive home. YIKES!!)

XXX

Doreen@foxdenrd said...

I'm baaaaaccckkkkk!

Ok, so it sounds like hubby and his friends didn't pick the best time to get outta Dodge. Bummer. My guess is you're having a much better time than they are!

I like the ivy. I'd keep it too, even though you need to be careful it doesn't creep into places it shouldn't.

You picked some great movies, and now you need to look into how you can watch TV with some kind if device that won't interfere with everyone else's eardrums. No reason you can't continue to enjoy it in this day and age.

(We're getting ready to pull out soon and I may drive home. YIKES!!)

XXX

Unknown said...

I always enjoy a staycation alone. It's fun to not feel like I have to cook! I know you love cooking, but I've had enough!! I worked outside the home for so many years, coming home and cooking a full course meal every evening.....burned out I guess. When I'm alone, it's cereal, salads, and low calorie frozen entrees! :) The husband wants a meat and vegetables, so I take advantage of the no cook situation.

Your yard looks really good to me. I don't have flowers in the yard, again, the husband doesn't want anything in the way when he mows. I have quite the collection on my screened porch though, so I do get to enjoy planting and tending them.

Hope you enjoy the rest of your alone time. Oh...cute shoes!!

Lisa @ Texas Decor said...

I'm so happy you re-discovered tv! I'm totally addicted. I watch so many shows and I love when an old favorite like "The Holiday" or "Something's Gotta Give" comes on. Such good ones! I find myself pausing it just to gaze at all the pretty gardens and rooms. :) Your garden looks lovely and I adore those shoes!!!

Poppy said...

Jane,

I loved catching up with you; you always have so many interesting things to say, and this post was no exception.

Glad you are getting into your great TV programmes and movies; they really can be such wonderful company when one is alone. I've missed my movies, and need to probably go on a movie marathon to catch up!

Your shoes are super stylish and look lovely on you. What a compliment to have complete strangers comment on them!

Kudos for all your elbow grease in the garden, it's looking very pretty. I am awaiting the arrival of my precious pink peonies...in person, after 30 years! My brother-in-law's should be making their diva debut, soon! I've been daydreaming about their sweet scent for years!

Hope all is well with your husband and his gang, and that they didn't get drenched.

Take care and have an amazing week!

xo
Poppy

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Fun to get caught up here Jane! Love your shoes and your windowboxes too. Both are just gorgeous!
I love your stories about getting caught up with shows. I have done something similar when Dan is gone working so much or with a guy trip.
So my friend, I am really looking forward to next weekend. This was a very blah Memorial Day weekend for us.
Big Hugs friend,
Cindy
p.s. sure hope Al is having a good time with that weather.

Stonecropsister said...

Hi Jane,
I love the curve you have in your front garden bed, and the colour from the geranium is so pretty. I still have flowers in their garden centre containers that I have yet to plant. Gotta get on that!
I too love reality shows, my older daughter got me hooked a long time on ago on the Hills, and now I am an avid housewives fan. I loved Still Alice as well.
It's funny you've mentioned that you have been distracted by TV. I've been totally doing other stuff, and there seems to be a few of us that have posted less recently. But I'm enjoying writing again now, I guess I feel it creates some discipline for me, and I feel like it is better time spent than another episode of Bar Rescue!! xx Nancy

Scribbler said...

I just saved your Greek salad dip, and I can't wait to try this. Does it keep or is it a must eat fresh thing?

I enjoyed catching up with your blog. Had a good laugh about the chalk lines of your husband on the floor!

Linda said...

Hi Jane...
I had no idea about your hearing loss...
You sound like you are having fun while the old boy is away!
Watching some sexy movies too! Good for you!
Gardening is odd this Spring....no annuals here at home...
Did a few baskets at the cottage.....
Hope hubby gets some better weather!
Enjoy your week...
Cheers!
Linda :o)
ps.....hope to get out to your lake house, to check out your gardens😏

Kathleen Grace said...

Well it sounds like you are having a better time than the guys, they are probably holed up in some cute lodge, it should be quite the adventure story when they get home ;)
I love the shrubs and I adore ivy. I think your shrubs are beautiful. I sometimes think we miss the charm of our homes just because we live there all the time and take things for granted. I know I am always a bit amazed when guests comment that they love something about my home when all I can see are the flaws. All that to say, I wouldn't rip out those bushes or the ivy, I love it!
If you love hummingbirds you will be glad you planted the nicotiana, they love it! I try to have some in my garden most years and it is always covered in the little guys.

Susan EvelynAndRose said...

Jane, sounds like you're enjoying your staycation - I love your shoes, too! Just don't get TOO hooked on TV - it could eat away up too much of your time, and you've got too many talents to enjoy. :) The gardening you did on the side of your house looks great and I pray you can get to your beloved lakehouse soon. xoxo

Town and Country Gals said...

Jane,
I'm with you on the TV thing! I love it! Somethings Gotta Give and the Holiday are 2 of my favorite movies of all time, I watch them every time they come on! If you get a chance to catch the movie, The Family Stone, I think you'd like it. It's an old movie set at Christmas with Diane Keaton and Sarah Jessica Parker, funny and moving. I watch whenever it's on also. Glad you're having fun catching up while the hubby is away. Your flowers and shrubs are gorgeous. Shoes, very stylish and to have it validated by strangers, what more could you ask for!!
Hope everything gets normalized out at the lake and you get there soon!
Rebecca

Sarah said...

Garden looks lovely. You've been busy. Go treat yourself to a mani / pedi. '-)
You deserve it!

Nancy's Notes said...

What a busy and fun filled staycation! I love the red geraniums tucked in with your green shrubs, looks great! I'm always chuckling or smiling when I read your posts, you are just too cute! Great movies and am happy you are catching up. I had no idea about your hearing loss! Okay, your shoes are adorable, look at you, getting stranger comments, you know you are stylin!I hope you do get up to the lake, your neighbor won't mind the potty drop ins! Take her a pie or a plant!
Enjoy your week~
Nancy

Barb said...

Hi Jane,

Love the flowers, as always. There is something so nurturing about flowers and so life-giving.

I don't watch television, on the whole, so I know very little about it. I am a reader and I write daily in a journal so that takes up most of my free time.

Enjoy your sweet time. I love your blog, Janie!

Barb xo

Kelly said...

I didn't realize that you were hearing impaired! If you mentioned it before, then I either missed that or forgot it. It must seem nice to finally be able to watch some shows! My husband would love to be on that trip with your husband. He loves Colorado and anything to do with camping and hiking. He would be fishing there for sure! Sounds like you're getting along well without them for a bit.

The Charm of Home said...

Jane I had no idea you were hearing impaired either. I am glad you have discovered some favorite shows on TV. Have you ever discovered Netflix. I binge on favorite shows and watch almost a whole season in a few days with no commercials! Some shows I wait for them to get on Netflix so I don't have to watch commercials! LOL Your flowers look really pretty! Have a great week.
Sherry

Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow / Sacred Eclectic said...

I am smiling at you enjoying your TV time after a hard day working in the yard! :)

Enna said...

I'm really enjoying your blog, having just found it recently. As for reading your own articles it might be worth seeing if they print it online? Some quite small town newspapers do an online version.

Melanie said...

Sounds like you've been enjoying your own little staycation! I think the bushes in front of your house look nice, especially with the flowers in front of them. Your window box full of flowers looks lovely, too. How is Milo?

Cheryl @ TFD said...

Hi Jane, hope you had a good staycation and that your hubby had better weather move in so he could enjoy his vacation, too! I don't watch much tv, but a good movie to just lose myself in sounds really good right now! Take care.

Traci said...

Sometimes you just need TV in your life. I love watching The Kardashians. I'm just enthralled with their lives. I'm very interested in how gazillionaires live!! It drives Dean crazy. The yard looks really pretty!