While it Snows

It's time to take down fall decorations and bring some Christmas to the house.

Still have to get a fresh wreath.

How could I forget. Yes we're having that weather event also that brought snow from Texas throughout the south and I think New England. My family posted lots of pictures from Georgia and Alabama of their rare snow event.

Bagged up 3 bags of fallen leaves just in time for the snow but left those in the flower beds.

Another few weeks and hyacinth bulbs in the basement will be ready.

Mantel done. Stockings another day. Now I'll read for a while.

What I'm read along with playing Candy Crush on Kindle Fire.

Stay warm, it's cold outside.

On The Porch And...

After getting out of bed this morning couldn't wait to go onto the porch to see if any my treat was eaten. What's the matter with the squirrels? I thought this would be a feast for them. Lets see what happens. I may put half in the yard. Those squirrels know what to do. I've spotted the ones out front with sweet potatoes and other scavenged food running up the tree. They don't like corn!

She couldn't wait to get onto the porch while I hung garland around the door and planted bulbs. I bet the squirrels know bulbs are in the flower bed. Mulch will be all over the ground tomorrow as they try to get around the chicken wire. 

It's 50 degrees today on the porch.

Thought my hydrangea was dead. Some of the blooms are done but I watered it and when I rotated the plant, I saw a new bloom.

Yes the foil wrapper should be removed but I keep it on the insulation helps on an unheated porch. I just have to be careful not to over water and have the roots wet or they'll rot. I don't over water them it's almost winter.

The kolanche are really pretty.

Beautiful but not scented.

Martha Washington pelargonium on the floor. I was going to throw it out but it's hard to find in the nursery. If I do it's only a small pot for a large price. I'll eventually trim and clean her up by spring.

Small pot of salvaged pansies. Most of them outside didn't do well this fall.

Time to check the hyacinths. I'll check the one in the basement another day.

It's doing nicely and making lots of roots.

Now this is a problem. No room to grow. I'll have to change the container.

It's growing nicely, still firm, no mold, and not smelly.

The vase is too tall for the box. I'll make it fit and it'll have to do.

Still have to plant these in the window boxes maybe, my parent's grave, and in some pots for the steps outdoors, and some for the porch in spring.

Gerbera daisy stands up to the cold. We've have frost and 20 degree nights but everything on the porch has been living thus far without heat including my Thanksgiving cactus and impatiens although they stopped blooming. I may bring them inside and hang them in the window for winter blooms.

Inside getting warm.

Amaryllis Marilyn started getting taller this weekend. Maybe I will have blooms by Christmas.

Have to find a place for her out of reach from the cat. The berries are poisonous for animals. My Callie came to sniff it and was told to stop.

Her favorite spot, the bathtub drinking water. I have to turn the water on for her every day. Like she doesn't have 2 water bowls. There's something about that dripping water.

My sister insulted her on Thanksgiving and said she should be on the fat cat show. She doesn't like my sister, Lol. Till next time.

First Day Decorating

Every year I think of attending a wreath making class. Can't imagine spending 75.00's for a class and you can buy a wreath for less than a small fraction of the cost. Maybe socialization and meeting people should be my focus instead of worrying about the cost but I'm a frugal person and can buy a lot of plants and gardening supplies for the cost of a class. Years ago my sister and I did attended a free wreath making class in the neighborhood. All the supplies were included and it was fun. Having greens and berries in my own garden to make my own wreath would be even nicer.

I love the berries on the evergreen but don't know it's name or if the white beads are considered berries.

From the dollar store to add to my wreath.

Simple but pretty. Didn't add a bow yet. Smells wonderful.

Pine garland for around the door will be hung tomorrow or one day next week. Trying to decided how to secure it so it doesn't fall down like it does every year.

Glad to see fir trees were available again this year.

It could use more red berries. A string of fresh cranberries would be nice but the squirrels or raccoons would tear up the container. I left them a nice treat by the tree next to my house. The cobs of corn from the corn stalks taken down today. Can't wait to get up tomorrow and see if they've found their treat. The pumpkins will be another treat when they get soft.

The white Boo Pumpkins were pretty but I don't think I'll get them next fall. The white coloration turns to a creamy yellowish color over time that I don't like. The skin also seems thinner and they may rot sooner than orange pumpkins.

Met with a nice surprise after work yesterday with the smell of paper whites that started opening.

I'll start some more soon.