Author: Timelesslady

Married with children and grandchildren. Reader, writer, painter - maybe a bit of an artist. Gardener... Led by the Spirit.

Planting – Heavenly Blue Morning Glory

On By TimelessladyIn Planting15 Comments

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The 2015 seed displays are in place in many garden centers and box stores. The first packet I purchased was Heavenly Blue Morning Glory. I love morning glories; I have grown them every year for as long as I have gardened.

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Photograph courtesy of Flicker and Charles Lam

I plant dozens of morning glory seeds around my front porch. Each year they start off great, develop oodles of buds, and DO burst into bloom, but…they also draw Golden Tortoise Beetles that decimate the leaves, turning all the foliage into shreds. I use only natural pesticides, and since this pest dines on the underside of the hundreds of leaves, it is impossible to handpick them.

Some people think the golden tortoise beetle so beautiful; they don’t mind the bug eating their plants. That might be fine if my main morning glory display was in the back yard, but the vines twine around my front porch. This year, I don’t want to cultivate the swiss cheese effect again. Instead, I’ve decided to grow my beautiful Heavenly Blue Morning Glories in the house this year, and allow them to twine themselves around my sunniest window frames.

The first step in growing morning glories is to soak the seeds in water for 24 hours. The next day, drain the water away. You will notice their hard shell has split and they are double in size.

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I prepared the plastic pots for planting by placing a coffee filter in the bottom to keep the dirt from spilling out.

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In the bottom 3/4 of the pot place regular potting soil, for the top 1/4 use seed starting soil. This technique gives the seed a good medium for starting, but also provides more nourishment when the roots extend into the soil. This enables the seeds to grow for several weeks without the need to repot several times.

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When the seeds are sown cover them with a plastic bag. The bag acts as a small greenhouse. Place the pots near a heating vent or on the top of your fridge. I will update the progress of mine as they grow.

Photograph – My Living Dolls

On By TimelessladyIn Photo Challenge at Wordpress7 Comments

In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “Express Yourself.”

WISDOM FOR THE AGES:
“Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers.”
~Proverbs 17:6

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My first “babies” with one of my “living dolls.”

 

Wheeeeeee!!!!!!!!

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Produce – Belgian Endive

On By TimelessladyIn Produce9 Comments

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When I shop in my local grocery store or farmer’s market, I often notice interesting produce I haven’t bought, or, to my knowledge, experienced. I am committed to changing my shopping and eating habits. My goal is to sample every strange and exotic fruit and vegetable I can find for sale in the coming year.

I started my quest with Belgian Endives. I’m pretty sure that at one time or another, in a restaurant or someone’s home, I have probably eaten a Belgian Endive, but I am also sure I have never purchased one. I remedied the situation this week and bought one.

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I “Googled” Belgian endive and found plenty of information on the vegetable. One of my favorite articles was the Top Ten Ways to Use a Belgian Endive. I chose the easy way out with the endive and cut it into strips to add to my turkey and arugula sandwich. I also tasted it alone and unadorned, and found it has a delicious appeal. I will definitely be buying more Belgian endive in the future.

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People – HCPT / The Pilgrimage Trust

On By TimelessladyIn People2 Comments

“Lourdes has been a place for pilgrimage since 1858. Today over five million people per year visit the town. HCPT founder Dr Michael Strode first visited in 1951 and saw the potential to organise a pilgrimage for disabled children at the school where he was working.

HCPT itself was founded in 1956 and now helps 1,000 disabled and disadvantaged children and young people visit every Easter, and hundreds of disabled and disadvantaged people of all ages to enjoy a week at Hosanna House near the town each Summer.”

Yesterday I posted a video of “Rise and Shine” being sung by those taking part in an HCPT Pilgrimage to Lourdes. Prior to finding this video I had never heard of this wonderful charity. The group in the video is based in the UK. You can find out more at HCPT Vision and Mission of HCPT.

Praise – Sing, Sing, and Sing It Again!

On By TimelessladyIn PraiseLeave a comment

“O Lord our God, the majesty and glory of your name fills all the earth and overflows the heavens. You have taught the little children to praise you perfectly. May their example shame and silence your enemies!” ~ Psalm 8:1-2

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Photo courtesy of Wallyir on Morgue File.

SPREAD THE MESSAGE OF GOD’S GREATNESS ALL AROUND THE WORLD!

There are days in life when we are blessed by stumbling upon something great and inspiring. This Youtube video was an unexpected blessing for me yesterday. Please take a moment to watch, sing along, and PRAISE!

“As long as we live there is never enough singing.” ~ Martin Luther

Planting – Small Seeds/Coleus & Others

On By TimelessladyIn Planting5 Comments

It’s that time of year again…my coleus seeds need to be planted now if they are to reach a decent size by the end of April. Below you will find a re-blogged post on how I plant small seeds. It may seem tedious, but it keeps the small plantlets separate and drastically cuts back on damping-off disease.

I have collected seeds from my coleus plants for well over ten years. Each year I plant the offspring of the previous year, the seedlings grow, are cross-pollinated by the bees, and new seeds are harvested in the late Autumn. I start my coleus very early, the seeds are small, quick to sprout, but slow to grow. I don’t sow them thickly into the flats. Seedlings sown too close together tend to get damping-off disease.

I found these great lidded containers made by Solo this year. They are the perfect coleus incubator/flat.

I sow the seeds sparingly using the sharpened point of a pencil. I dip the pencil point into water and touch it to one seed. The dampness grabs hold of the seed. I touch the seed to the wet seed starter mix in the flat, and the seed adheres to the wet soil. I repeat this process between sixty and seventy times per flat.

I use wire garbage bag ties, marked in segments with magic marker, to guide me in the placement of the seeds.

After I sow a row of seeds I remove the wire guide so I don’t double plant a row.

The next step is a gentle spray of water to seal the seeds to the wet soil.

I cover the flat with the lid. It is gratifying to observe it instantly steam up with warmth and humidity.

I place the planted flat of coleus seed on top of my refrigerator or near, but not on, a heating vent. I’ll update the progress as the seeds sprout and grow.

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Phavorite – Turn – AMC series

On By TimelessladyIn PhavoritesLeave a comment

In April of 2014, I watched the début of the AMC series “Turn.” The series is based on real-life spies during the Revolutionary War. The show quickly became a favorite, and I didn’t miss an episode. I hoped the series had been renewed, and was delighted to find out season 2 will begin in the Spring of this year. If you enjoy watching historical movies and television, be sure to watch “Turn.”

There is time beforehand to view clips of the series, read up on what is coming in season 2, and make yourself familiar with the characters. On Demand often replays a series in the few weeks before a new season begins. I’ve included several links below that will give you a good look at the show before you decide to watch or purchase season one. Season one is available at Amazon.com/Turn

AMC series: TURN
Video Clips of AMC series: TURN

Photo – Serenity x Infinity

On By TimelessladyIn Photo Challenge at Wordpress20 Comments

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SERENITY

Sunrises and Sunsets in Runaway Bay, Jamaica…Serenity times infinity.

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The fisherman, in hopes of beating the heat of the day, fish early for schools of Sprat feeding in the waters. Jamaican Sprat Fishing The fisherman make no noise, barely any splashing, as they lower their nets into the water to capture the small gleaming fish.

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Shine on Jamaican Sun! One of my favorite destinations.

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Do you see the bird basking in the sun atop the nearest umbrella? He resembles a wood-carving, but he is real.

Photograph & Praise – Serenity through Song

On By TimelessladyIn Photo Challenge at Wordpress, Praise4 Comments

Sunset – West Beach, Block Island, RI


Serenity

 

“Praise the Lord. How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him!” ~ Psalm 147:2 (NIV)

This post so exactly fit the Serenity challenge for this week’s WordPress Photo Challenge, I was compelled to edit and enter it also.

I have been singing more. My daily to-do list has a smiley face with a big O in place of the smile, a reminder to me to sing, sing, sing.

I don’t want to let one day go by without singing praises to God. In the past year I have been reading a Psalm a day. They are filled with verses about music and song. In these days of ever-quickening changes the songs I sing give each day stability and remembrance of the awesome and mighty nature of the Lord God.

If I am anxious or troubled, I sing, and the load seems lighter. When Jesus and his disciples finished his last supper here on earth they sang songs of praise together. (Hallel Psalms) Even knowing what lay ahead for him, Jesus praised the Father. In all I do I want to lift a song of praise to his name every day.

“When they had sung a hymn they went out to the Mount of Olives.” Matthew 26:30 (NIV)

This post was originally posted October 30, 2011.

Plants – Meyer Lemon Sprouts

On By TimelessladyIn Plants9 Comments

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A few weeks ago I was blogging on finding and using Meyer Lemons. I mentioned that I was going to save some seeds to sprout and grow.

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I followed through on my goal and planted eighteen or more Meyer Lemon seeds in a tray of regular potting soil. I covered the tray with a lid and placed the container near a heating vent. Within a few weeks six of the seeds sprouted. Success! I know in the cool temperatures of a winter house they will grow slowly, but hey, they are growing…step one toward growing a Meyer Lemon tree complete.

Updates will follow in the coming weeks.

Plants & Phavorites – Welcome Minerva

On By TimelessladyIn Phavorites, Plants4 Comments

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Minerva, the Amaryllis bulb I purchased in November, finally grew and bloomed.

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In November, I blogged about finding the bulb dressed up in a pretty gauzy bag.

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Minerva has lived up to her packaging and beautiful name. She is a medium-sized Amaryllis with gorgeous stripes running the length of her petals. Minerva was worth the two months it took her to grow and blossom.

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I grew three Amaryllis plants this year and hope to bring them back into bloom next December. I found information on how to do this at the United States National Arboretum website: How to bring an Amaryllis back into bloom.

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The United States National Arboretum is a great site to browse. I’m hoping to visit there within the next year or two.

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My Orange Sovereign Amaryllis unexpectedly formed seed pods. I checked a few sites to see if an Amaryllis is Self-Pollinating, but found the answer was no. Somehow, either by a gnat or other insect, or by moving the plant from room to room, the amaryllis was pollinated. I found some good information to follow on Youtube from the Amaryllis Man on how to grow the seed. We’ll see if I have any luck growing one of these beauties start to finish.

Plants & Quick Tip – Save or Toss? Poinsettia Plant

On By TimelessladyIn Plants, quick save2 Comments

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My Christmas Poinsettia is still looking rather fine. The plant is large with several blooming flowers, or more correctly said, “Bracts.”

It’s time to decide whether I keep the plant and try to bring it back into bloom or toss it. Need I say, I have never heard of any home gardener who has managed to coax one of these beauties to rebloom? If a reader has ever had success with bringing a poinsettia back into flowering stage, please tell us how in the comment section, and I will add it to this post.

According to Bachman’s Garden Care here are some tips to keep your poinsettia in bloom as long as possible:

“Keep the plant in your sunniest window
Keep the soil barely moist/don’t allow it to become soggy
Feed with a good fertilizer every two weeks.”

If you decide to keep the plant, rather than tossing when the colorful bracts fall away from the plant, follow these tips:

“Cut plant back to 3 – 5 inches.
Repot in a slightly larger container.
Place outdoors in 6-8 hours of light daily.
Fertilize weekly.”

For information on how to bring your Poinsettia plant back into bloom visit Bachman’s Garden Care

Pots & Pans – Bobby Flay’s Soup

On By TimelessladyIn Pots and Pans3 Comments

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In the January issue of Food Network Magazine you will find a terrific recipe for Bobby Flay’s Spanish Chorizo, Kale and Cranberry Bean Soup.

I cooked up a batch of this soup last week and it was delicious and hearty. I did make some changes though. I used leftover sparkling cider in place of the wine. I also substituted chicken cutlets, marinated for several hours in a strong vinegar, olive oil and spice solution, in place of the chorizo. After I baked the chicken and cut it into small cubes, I added it to the soup for a minute or two before serving. Next time I will use boneless thighs, the breast meat became a bit dry.

I also cooked the beans and kale separately to cut the cooking time for the other vegetables down a bit. When everything was cooked through I combined the ingredients in a big pot. Scrumptious!

Photo – Snowfall Shadows

On By TimelessladyIn Photo Challenge at Wordpress6 Comments

“Low-light photography can be difficult to get right, but sometimes the absence of light can make for a compelling, dramatic photograph. Experimenting with shadows can be a fun and rewarding way to push yourself to try something new with your camera and your surroundings, and look beyond the obvious shot.”

Shadowed: A WordPress Photo Challenge

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“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1

Snowfall…tranquil…hushed, an enduring remembrance of serenity for those who have stood with upturned face, encountering the caress of a snowflake’s kiss. The blanket of a gentle snowfall muffles even the loudest shouts of children sledding down a hill. The cold, though ever-present, is easily forgotten as you crumple into the soft embrace of a snow angel. The white shadows of snowfall convey a moment of peace to even the most anxious of souls.

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“How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! And the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings.” Psalm 36:7

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In the cold or the warmth, in the sunlight or shadow, may the love of God embrace you with a sense of His peace this Sabbath Day.

Projects & Phun – “Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!”

On By TimelessladyIn Phun, Projects16 Comments

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Snow is pretty, but when you are two years old it often keeps you housebound. Tiny hands and feet, button noses, can’t tolerate the frigid air for long. What’s a babe to do?

Our area was caught up in the recent 2000 mile swathe of snow. We only received a light coating, but it was enough to keep the younger grandchildren and me indoors. I wanted to try snow painting: food coloring in squeeze bottles for creating pictures in the snow, but knew the little ones were too young. I decided the next course of action was to bring the snow indoors.

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I gathered some watercolor paper and put a roll of painter’s tape on the back to secure it in a shallow storage lid. I placed the trays outdoors hoping the clouds would open up and — ‘Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let it Snow!’

While the tray was collecting the snow, I mixed up some Wilton brand food coloring: red, blue and yellow. Store these in the fridge. This will keep the food coloring solution cold and let the fun last longer.

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The babes napped as the snow flurried down, in a few hours the trays had accumulated enough to begin painting! I brought them inside and put bibs on the babes; the food coloring is concentrated and can stain clothing. Let’s Paint!

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The babes quickly picked up how to hold the squeeze bottles upside down. They had a great time and became really exuberant with their dipping and swirling of the paint bottles.

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When we were finished I whisked the finished snow paintings into the garage to allow the snow to slowly melt and deposit the food coloring on the watercolor paper underneath.

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A few hours later I scooped off the colorful snow, let the excess water run-off into the sink, and left the paintings in the trays to dry overnight.

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The paintings turned out great! I can’t wait to show them to the babes tomorrow. Happy Snow Painting!

Cross posted in Whatja’ Doing?

Quick Tip – Potted Plants Dressed Up

On By TimelessladyIn Quick Tip6 Comments

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My African Violets (Saintpaulia) are beginning to flower. After spending the summer vacationing on the screened-in porch, they are rewarding me for the outdoor sojourn with many buds and blooms.

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When blossoms cover the crown of the plant, I bring them into the living room to show off a bit. Since I grow the violets in ordinary plastic pots, I like to dress them up for their time in the spotlight by placing the plain pot in a fancy container.

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One of the problems I often run into is the outer container is a bit too deep for the plastic pot. I don’t want to run the risk of breaking the brittle leaf stems against the upper edge of the pot so I try to find a way to raise the bottom of the pot an inch or two.

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I’ve found the quickest, least expensive and easiest solution is to grab the roll of aluminum foil and crumble up an insert to fit in the bottom of the pot.

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Voila’! The inner pot is now at the perfect level.

Purpose – Amazon Smile

On By TimelessladyIn PurposeLeave a comment

No, Amazon Smile does not indicate a LARGER than life grin. Amazon Smile is a charitable program available through Amazon.com that contributes 5% of your purchase price to a favorite charity. I am mentioning it as a blog post because most people don’t seem to know about his terrific opportunity to give through your purchases at Amazon.com.

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If you shop through Amazon.com, please take a moment to check out Amazon Smiles.