A Fabulous Day at Disneyland

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Underwater-1Yesterday was a fabulous day at Disneyland with our youngest daughter and grandson. I took the above photo with my cell phone while we were on the submarine ride. The weather was perfect, in the low 80s with a cool breeze. We arrived early and stayed until almost closing time. We went on quite a few rides, including Indiana Jones, and Splash Mountain. One of my favorites is Peter Pan. I know it’s not Space Mountain, but I really do love it. I find the twinkling lights that surround you while floating over the tiny villages so charming, that I’d happily ride it several times if it wasn’t for the long line of people who also love the ride. Below our grandson patiently waits for his turn to climb aboard one of the flying ships to Never Never Land.

chrley-waitingOne of the most exciting parts of the day, was when our boy was one of the children chosen to take part in the Star Wars Jedi training camp. Just hearing the Star Wars theme playing and seeing the Storm Troopers and Darth Vader gave us chills .Below you see our young Jedi battling with Darth Maul. It was all so very exciting and made it even more fun. It really was a very special day.

char-and-darth-mal

Bring Your Garden Inside

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red-roses-1This morning when I was outside watering my plants and enjoying the beautiful flowers, I asked myself why I don’t cut more flowers and bring them inside where we can enjoy them all day long. I’m always careful to deadhead my plants to encourage more blooms, but why not cut the flowers while they are still beautiful. This way we would have a garden both indoors and out. I took my own advice and above are some of the roses I brought inside today. These are now sitting in our living room on the glass coffee table looking beautiful. Below is a rose from a different bush. This one adorns our kitchen table. Both bouquets are a little past their peak, but the color is lovely and each gives off a wonderful fragrance. Both varieties add something special to the room where they are displayed.

rose-2This may be one of my better ideas. Tomorrow I’ll be outside in the garden looking for more flowers to bring inside. I’ve a feeling that I may be in need of more vases, even if they are empty mason, or spaghetti sauce jars, which make unique containers for displaying cut flowers.

Garden Calendar

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MarigoldsJuly is nearly half over, so I decided I should be taking a look at my copy of The Twelve Month Gardener’s Journal. I have the West Coast version. Under July I read that I should deadhead annuals and perennials to encourage flowering. With that in mind, I went about the yard with my pruning shears in hand. Above you can see some of the marigolds that brighten up the yard. I love marigolds. They’re so bright and cheery. Our hummingbird garden is doing well, and I recently added another plant to my collection.  Below you see two photos of Mystic Spires Blue salvia. I was told that once you start collecting salvia it becomes addicting and it’s true, mainly because they’re available in so many beautiful colors.Mystic-Blue-SalviaMystic-Blue-Salvia-2
bougainvillea
Our Bougainvillea is doing very well this year. This plant was purchased in May of 1977, when I returned to California. This was the first plant I bought, because to me Bougainvillea means California. The plant remained in its original pot until we moved into our new home in November of 77. We first planted it in the front of the house, but it did not do very well there. Later we moved it to the backyard, where it has thrived until this very day. It is the first thing we see each morning when we look out into the garden. I don’t know the life span of a bougainvillea but I do hope we can enjoy its beauty for many more years to come.

The Coyotes Are Back!

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fisihed-seal-beachThis morning I took this photo from Mom’s front porch. She looks out onto a lovely green-belt. A great view and a the perfect place for walking. Two years ago coyotes moved in and became a major threat to dogs, cats, and rabbits in the neighborhood. About six months ago, they suddenly disappeared. The community began to relax and the dog walkers began to leave their canes, walking sticks, and whistles at home. The local rabbit population began to expand once more, and it looked like all were safe for the time being, or so they hoped, then last week, one of Mom’s neighbors called to tell her she’d spotted a coyote on her morning walk.

P1020987 coyote-1This morning during breakfast, Mom spotted a coyote across the green looking for breakfast. I ran for my camera,but the above photos  where all I could take before he turned a corner and disappeared. It looks to me like the time has come again,  to pick up those walking sticks and whistles.