Enjoying White Blossoms

Shasta-DaisiesWhen we woke to heavy rain this morning, I jumped out of bed and looked out the sliding glass door, into our back yard. The first thing I noticed was the patch of Shasta Daisies. They were luminous. The rain had highlighted the beautiful white petals. I’ve always loved brightly colored flowers, especially oranges and yellows, as seen in the  pots of marigolds dispersed throughout our yard, both front and back, but as I admired the daisies, I realized that recently I’ve shown a liking for white blossoms.

White-OrchidHere is the white orchid that sits next to our kitchen window. I just love it. So crisp and clean looking. The pale yellow adds just the right touch of warmth.

Night-JasmineThe day after I returned from New Zealand, I was seated at the kitchen table, writing in my journal, that is where you usually find me first thing in the morning. I looked up and suddenly noticed that our Night-Blooming Jasmine was covered in blossoms. The white against the dark green leaves was gorgeous. I grabbed my camera and took the above photo. Are you noticing a pattern here? My new appreciation for white flowers seems to have started before the morning rain highlighted the daisies.

 

water-on-tableI actually ran out into the rain, to take the photo of the Shasta Daisies, and on the way back in noticed this rain puddle on our glass outdoor table, so I took this photo before I ran in the house and dried off. It is still raining, as I write this. It is almost lunch time, and they tell us we will have intermittent rain until this evening. I will not complain, because in California we need the water so desperately, and it  makes me slow down a little and take notice of little Shasta Daisies and puddles.

A Fabulous Day

Red roses

Please forgive the whining in yesterday’s post. If you happened to read it, you know that we had just learned our cleaning lady was no longer going to be cleaning houses. After talking it over, we have decided not to replace her, which means we need a schedule. Yesterday I told you my number one rule, which is even more important now that Rachelle has retired.

Rule  number one is Never Leave a Room Untidy.  In other words, everything in its place. Today I added rule number two.  Do a walk through the house when you first get up, quickly tidying if necessary.  I really do believe there are elves that sneak around the house at night, dirtying dishes and moving items around. There always seems to be something to pick up in the morning. Please don’t think I’m fanatical, because I’m not.  Honestly, I just enjoy a tidy home. I feel so much more relaxed.

Today I followed my number one rule and it worked beautifully. I accomplished so much, including time in the garden where I found these gorgeous blossoms on our Don Juan climbing rose. I also potted more marigolds. It really was a fabulous day. I realize that most households do not have someone come in and help with cleaning. Truthfully I felt guilty at times. I used to clean the house and work outside of the home, so I am certainly able to do it again. Maybe this isn’t the place to talk about this, but I hope that what I do may help others looking for a way to keep their houses clean, tidy and organized. I hope we might learn together. Tomorrow, Rule Three.