The Stragglers

This shaggy little group of plants was ushered in from the garden before the frost got them.

 African violet at the left is used to a comfortable summer tucked away in the shade  before coming  indoors to settle in under the grow lights, but no more. I am giving away the three-tier unit and going for simple and simpler.

Next in line is the amaryllis that I have been nurturing since last Christmas. They are finicky things but I'm hoping this guy will tire of the naked- bulb look and burst forth with new leaves.

I bought the fuchsia on sale just before the supermarket nursery closed for the season. I  found an old  macrame hanger for it and hung it on the front porch, then left it to get rained on. Except this was the season of no-rain. There are a couple of buds in sight so we'll just see what time in the kitchen can do.

Last is the clump of garlic chives I dug up and stuffed into the pot. So far so good. I mean, if you're going to make an omelet in the middle of winter, you want nice fresh chives to add to it , right?

Keep this in mind fellas--simple and simpler and try not to feel the pressure.

Ready, set---start.

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Lunch Bunch

This should be a shameful secret but just between us--I'm a junk-food junkie. Love the stuff.

At lunch time, I drive to my favorite spots--first to Burger King for the burger and then on to Wendy's where they have the best value for the diet coke.

I park at Wendy's, pull out and spread over my lap and the gearshift  a garbage bag to catch the sesame seeds and goopy dressing in the burger.

Then out comes the veggie burger and my book, propped in front of the steering wheel

I was trying to be discreet when I took this shot but around me are several lone munchers, some reading while they eat, some who listen to the radio, read and chew. I'm in the latter category.

I'm breaking myself of the meat- burger- everyday habit, hence the veggie burger.

Often I bring a sandwich from home and just buy the diet coke. Not just any diet coke . It has to be in a waxed cup, lots of crushed ice in the bottom and a nice straw.

Heaven.

be Careful What You Wish For

I found these geraniums on my front porch the other day and I'm happy to have them.

Lately I've mentioned to a lot of people that it's such a waste to toss geraniums at the end of the season when they can be stored and re-planted in the spring.

I'd rather not mention those senior moments (come to think of it I've had them most of my life) but I have no idea where these came from.

I'm glad someone was listening but who do I thank?

Over the years I've kept to the same quick-and-dirty storage method and it works quite well; brush away as much dirt as I can, then stuff the plants into a plastic bag and store them in an a cool, dark place.

Cool is hard to provide. My garage isn't insulated and things freeze into Popsicles out there so that leaves the basement.

I have an empty plastic bin ( a miracle in itself but I'm really trying to thin out) and they are now stashed in the bin  at floor level behind the box of birthday decorations..

In the spring when I'm just itching for the snow to melt, I'll retrieve them.
I  pull off the dried leaves, make sure the stalks has some green in them and pot in  lightweight soil.

Finding a sunny window ledge is always a difficult process  and  the best window is beside my desk.
By the time all the pots are strategically placed, I have a six inch square all to myself to pay bills and do things like, you know--carry on with life.

But first, there is a pesky winter to get through. and someone to thank, but who?