Almost Spring

We were hit with lots of snow and frigid temperatures like a large part of the United States 3 weeks ago. Not only snow, but inches of ice on top. Because it's been so cold, the snow has not melted. Only small amounts when the sun is out. Supposedly next week we may be out of this deep freeze and travel and getting out of the house will be easier. Thankful for grocery delivery. Haven't drove my car since the storm and didn't care. It's nice to be retired and not have to worry about getting to work and home with this weather. This has been our coldest winter in years. A real winter.

My Chinese Evergreen is still alive. Living the longest and healthiest of any I've ever owned. It does lose some lower leaves but it putting out many new leaves on top. Wish I figured out before I killed so many that in my home it requires additional light.

Hyacinths didn't do well this year. I forced 15 bulbs and only 1 looked like a hyacinth should. These 2 not so much and they don't smell as sweet and fragrant. Another blogger I follow that forces hyacinths every year said only a few of her bulbs out of 200 forced did well. Maybe it wasn't a good growing season harvested. This year I'm going to order from the company I usually do. Last year they sold out before I got my order in.

Time to start some seeds. I purchased them in the Fall.

Used Jiffy Seed Starting Mix. I like to add hot water first to get the soil moist before sowing seeds.

Finished another puzzle and have started a larger one. It's been harder and is taking longer to finish.

 

Forced 10 paper whites and haven't had 1 bloom. I may remove them and put them in soil and see how that does. They only ones that have leaves are below but does not have blooms.

Liatris now dry from a bouquet. I wonder if the seeds from it would germinate? May not be worth the effort. All the liatris I've seen is grown from bulbs.

I lost one plant but didn't dig it up in the hopes that it will regrow. Would like to buy another pot and have one large pot of it now that I know how to actually keep it alive.

The current puzzle is called Grandma's Garden. This one came from the second hand store. I hope all the pieces are here.

A large salad for lunch. I've been eating like I'm on vacation since I retired. Have to start making better choices. It was delicious. Ate it all except for one fork full. Can't wait for summer vegetables. Store bought tomatoes don't taste good in winter as they're out of season here.

Sowed about 10 trays. Many have germinated except the ones still on the heat mat.

I was painting my living room ceiling and crown molding on my last post. Got tired of all the plastic covering everything and the mess so I've taken a break. I painted half on the room. Hope to start on the other half next week. I needed to start my seeds and spring will soon be here and I'll be gardening outdoors. Won't be painting then although I still have my dining room and kitchen to do. Retired now and there's plenty of time.

While it Snows

The current state of my living room. Since retiring in September I've been trying to work on a list of projects that need to be done in the house that I can do. Used to love painting. Maybe it's not as fun to do ceilings. It's been about 20 years since my ceilings have been painted and it was time. I've done all the painting inside my house since I've lived here.  There are some small plaster repairs to do before I finish and apply the final coat of paint. It may take a while because I can't seem to find the motivation/energy. I now have all the time I want but don't know if it's age or my health, probably both contributing to wanting to just sit and relax. After working 45 years what should I expect. Maybe I haven't given myself time to just rest? 

It's time to start seeds but I can't do it until I finish the living room because the area in my dining room where I start seeds is clutter with items moved there while I paint. This should motivate me to keep going on my project. I still have all the trim around the doors, book case, fire place mantel, and stairs to do. I've done most of the crow molding in the ceiling. The molding around baseboards can be done with things put back in place. Maybe I'll feel better then when my living room is back in order. The kitchen ceiling is next to be done but it's a much smaller area. Finally I'll do the dining room ceiling which should take some time. I hope to finish painting the living area so by spring I can return to decluttering and going through things to give to the thrift store. I did well with one room right after retirement and want to start the second room. 

People asked what I'm going to do now that I'm retired? I have a huge list of things mainly in the house. I think they're different types of people. Those like me who feel their home is a important place to them and like it a certain way, and those that like a home just to rest their head and prefer to travel. I do plan to take a trip in the future but that's not my priority. I also don't feel safe traveling at this time with all the conflict going on in the world. Hopefully I can get my painting done before spring because gardening will be my priority and enjoying the outdoors and beautiful weather. The Philadelphia Flower Show opens February 28th and I'm looking forward to it. Going to buy a pass so I can go back as many times as I want to until it closes. Also looking forward to Mothers Day at Longwood Gardens. I have to get off the sofa below and get started. We are having our second snow storm in 2 days. I shoved this morning and put down salt. Hopefully I won't need to go back and shovel again. The snow is supposed to stop and it'll rain. The rain should wash the snow away. Maybe tomorrow I can get out of the house to enjoy the flowers at the plant nursery. Hope you're enjoying your weekend.

Hyacinth smells wonderful. Going to bring up more from the basement.

A bad decision made on a cold night sitting in bed. My car was in the shop being repair. It was hit while parked on my street. I couldn't get to the garden center so I ordered on line. My daughter would have taken me. She takes me any where I don't want to drive. Not having my car was my excuse. Two plants delivered with damage from the cold although a heat pack was in the box. I hoped the company would wait to ship it until a little better weather but they came. Notified the company and sent these pictures of the damage. Hopefully the plants will be replaced or I'll be reimbursed. I've ordered from this company before without problems. They have beautiful plants.

Completed last night. Puzzles that a gardener would choose. Before breaking it apart and putting it back in the box, I took time to look at all the small details in the greenhouse. I'll do this puzzle again maybe next year and look for how it can be glued down and framed. Going to order more puzzles hopefully I can find a sale because puzzles can be pricey.

New Years Eve

Forced paper whites today.

The ground was frozen today in the yard so this was my next option. I bought this pot for a hydrangea. When they finish blooming in the spring I'll move the container to the yard for it. I still have a few bulbs to plant but will wait mid week when temperatures are expected to be in the 40's and I can plant the rest in my window box.

Just have to give them a good watering.

First puzzle for 2026. It's harder than the last one and taking longer than I expected. Enjoying the challenge.

Seedlings will soon be on the plant shelf.

I've had many Chinese Evergreens. Supposedly low light plants but in my house this is the first one I've managed to keep alive. Plant light daily.

Will put these in a jar and save until next Christmas. Will also work on getting better looking dried orange slices. I have a whole year.

Not fully emerged, but it already smells wonderful.

Have a blessed, safe, healthy, and prosperous new year,