Riley isn’t happy with me ….

Posted on June 27, 2008 by Donalyn

In yesterday’s post, you will remember I listed some of the things that I consider essential to a well rounded, happy and contented life. This morning, Riley would not speak to me at all.He refused to play with any of his toys.He was clearly upset about something. Finally, I was able to coax out of him the reason for his dismay.
Riley: I was looking on your blog yesterday and you listed a lot of things that you really like, but there was nothing about me at all.
dlyn: Good grief – it wasn’t a definitive itemization of everything that makes a happy life. In fact, it is probably the beginning of a sort of series of posts concerning things I enjoy. I am sure you will show up on there very soon.
Riley: That doesn’t sound very encouraging. How soon? People on your blog really really like me you know.dlyn: Okay, Okay! I promise that you will have a starring role in my very next happy life post!
Riley: Now, that sounds like great blogging – I will be watching for it. Very soon!

I never should have let him on the internet!

Posted in interviews, riley | 22 Comments

Six Suggestions for a Happy Life*

Posted on June 26, 2008 by Donalyn

*Or – I have a lot of stray photos and nothing else to post about today.
1. Puppies and babies go together really well.2. It’s good to have something to look forward to – like zuchinni.3. Never go on a trip without your Smarties.4. A glass of wine on the porch before dinner is a very good thing. Even if the hay still needs to be mowed.5. Marry a man who likes to garden, so you can enjoy food like this. 6. End the day looking at this.

Posted in me, photos | 20 Comments

Another Wild Wednesday

Posted on June 25, 2008 by Donalyn

Well. not all that wild actually. Since Larry’s Dad had to retire a bit abruptly, we find ourselves with a big hayfield that needs mowing. A lot of neighbors will be happy to do it for us in exchange for part of the hay. but the weather is not cooperating and they are behind on making their own hay, so they haven’t had time to get to ours. So there it sits – maturing past it’s prime and blowing all kinds of undesirable seeds into our our yard and gardens. But, I am a “make lemonade when handed lemons” kind of gal, so I keep going over and taking photos of all the different “stuff” in there.

This is alfalfa [I had to ask Larry – I’ve lived on a farm for the last 25 years and still don’t know these things. I get allergic, smelling hay*]. I love all the blues and purples in there.You could take 500 pics of bumblebees on clover if you wanted to. Not that I did that, but if you wanted to, you certainly could.Or you could find some real pretty clover without a bumblebee on it. [despite the pink in it, Larry assures me this is called “white clover”]Neither of us knows what this is – some weed no doubt, but it looks lovely in the late day light.And the whole field is just swarming with these little guys – “Least Skipper” butterflies. They are very photogenic and hold still nicely to have their picture taken.Even though it is a beautiful sight with the sun shining on it while we are sitting on the porch with a glass of wine every evening, I hope we can get someone to come and cut it pretty soon, because it is becoming more unsightly by the day and I have had just about enough lemonade, thankyouverymuch. Have a great Wednesday!

*name that TV show

Posted in photos, Wordless Wednesday | Tagged | 14 Comments

I’m no expert…

Posted on June 24, 2008 by Donalyn

Over the last couple months, when I post photos of things growing in my yard and gardens, I often have questions about gardening in the comments.I am not a professional by any means. I have worked at a friend’s plant nursery for 12 years and I’ve been gardening for about 20 years. I read a lot about plants and growing them and I have made enough mistakes to provide a lifetime of learning. I am not sure how this will turn out, but I am willing to try to answer any gardening questions that you leave in the comments. If I don’t know the answer, I will try to find it, or direct you to a place where you can get more information.As Clint Eastwood once sort of said, a gardener has to know their limitations, and I certainly know mine. I am in Upstate NY – zone 5 in plant hardiness, so if you have a question about growing succulents in Arizona or cannas in Florida, I am not your girl. I also don’t know much of anything about roses. And I have a feeling that the questions asked might highlight some other areas of ignorance which I will will be happy to share with all of you.

So – ask away and we will see if I know as much as I think I do, or if I will slink off into a corner in ignominious defeat. I bet you just can’t wait to find out which it will be!

Posted in garden, photos | Tagged | 9 Comments

New kid on the block

Posted on June 23, 2008 by Donalyn

There is nothing more fun for a gardener than the first blooms on a new plant. And to have them on a plant that you didn’t even order, but ended up with anyway is even better. Last spring I ordered a “Ville deLyon” Clematis from Bluestone Perennials, one of my favorite mail order plant sources. It was on sale for half price so I was happy with getting a bargain. When my order came, instead it contained Clematis “Venosa Violacea”. I called the nice people at Bluestone and they promptly shipped out the right plant and told me to keep and enjoy the wrong plant. This was a real bonus since “Venosa Violacea” wasn’t on sale and costs more even at regular price.Last summer, I went down to Ellyn and Jason’s to take care of Mark while Ellyn had Anna and ran out of time so I didn’t get everything planted. Larry put in the two clematis for me, carefully following my instructions because you have to plant clematis just so for them to do well.Clearly, he did a great job. I think this is my new favorite!

Posted in photos | Tagged | 11 Comments