Photograph – Saturday Snapshot/October Butterfly

On By TimelessladyIn photograph9 Comments

““Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don’t matter at all, because once you are Real you can’t be ugly, except to people who don’t understand.”
― Margery Williams Bianco, The Velveteen Rabbit

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” ~ Proverb

“This saying first appeared in the 3rd century BC in Greek. It didn’t appear in its current form in print until the 19th century, but in the meantime there were various written forms that expressed much the same thought.” ~ The Phrase Finder

This post is part of Saturday Snapshot – October 20.

Place & Perspective – Negril Lighthouse/Rick’s Cafe/Carpe Diem

On By TimelessladyIn Perspective, Place24 Comments

The Negril Lighthouse was built in 1894. You will find a perfect view of this landmark in Jamaica from another landmark, Rick’s Cafe.

We arrived at Rick’s Cafe in minutes from the Samsara, a great hotel in between Rick’s Cafe and Seven Mile Beach, just in time to see a diver prepare to jump from the cliffs.

Ten second video of the jump.

My husband has jumped off the moderate sized cliffs the Samsara is built upon numerous times; I have not. I decided this was my year to jump. I contemplated the sea below, the height, and decided to seize the day and finally jump off the cliffs.

There I go, my hair makes me laugh, it looks as if it wants to stay behind and is yelling, “NO!”

My husband jumped with the underwater camera this year. Here’s a quick glimpse of what you see and hear when you jump in from the cliffs.

I’m glad I did seize the day, the next morning the sea was rough, churned up by Hurricane Michael’s path to the left of Jamaica. If I had waited I would have missed my chance.

“It is never too late to be what you might have been.” ~ George Eliot

This post is part of Skywatch Friday

Photo Challenge – Fore #2/Pitman Golf Club

On By TimelessladyIn photo challenges24 Comments

Today’s Weather Vane Wednesday post is once again a golf theme. The weather vane is quite large in comparison to the first golf vane post. You can find this nattily-dressed golfer atop the Pitman Golf Club in Pitman, New Jersey.

A little closer…

The photo is a bit blurry since I zoomed in from afar, but you can see by the weathered surface the weather vane has been there quite awhile. I like his jaunty cap.

Thanks so much to the 59 Club for two weeks of #weathervaneweds posts.

The 59 Club/Faith During Calm and Turbulent Times
…and…
The 59 Club/Dock Duty

The Photo Challenge: Each Wednesday, I post a photograph of a Weather Vane with a short description of where it can be found and any history connected to it. The main focus of the challenge is the photo of the Weather Vane and the location. The challenge can be Wordless if that is what you choose. If you would like others to see your post leave a link to your blog in the comment box. You can also tag the post #weathervaneweds. If you place a link to my post in your post you will create a pingback that will appear in the comment section. The challenge is open all week for comments and posts. Thanks so much for taking part in my challenge.

Many thanks to Cee, of Cee’s Photography, for including this challenge in her listing of WordPress Challenges. If you love challenges take a look at this page and while you are there check out some of Cee’s terrific posts. Thanks Cee!

This post is part of Skywatch Friday/September 11th Edition.

Problem-Solving – Tuesday Rerun/Cleaning Ugg Boots and Suede Shoes

On By TimelessladyIn Problem-Solving2 Comments

Here’s a remedy for cleaning stained suede. If you’re like me and forget about cleaning seude boots when flip-flop weather arrives this might be the perfect problem-solving post for you today.

Cleaning Salt Stains from Ugg Boots

My Ugg Boots were stained by salt last year. I don’t know why I waited a whole year to clean them off, I suppose it is the classic, out of sight, out of mind syndrome. Thankfully, I do know a good way of cleaning them by applying shaving cream and rubbing with a soft cloth. Below you can see my progress. As I write, the boot I treated is sitting beside a heater vent drying. If there is any residue still left I will repeat the steps.

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Dampen the entire boot so there is no line of demarcation when they dry. Apply the shaving cream and gently rub the soiled area with a soft cleaning cloth. Spread the shaving cream lightly around the entire boot with the cloth. No need for a heavy coat, just a light touch of the shaving cream will keep the color and texture of the boot uniform. Wipe the excess shaving cream away with a clean damp rag.

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The boot on the right was previously treated. You can see the slightest bit of salt stain around arch of the boot, but all in all, unless someone was looking for the problem area, I don’t think it is very noticeable. Give this money saving tip a try. It certainly is a better choice than spending $15.00 or more to have your boots professionally cleaned.

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Place – In the Clouds

On By TimelessladyIn Place2 Comments

Winging our way home. Hopefully, the clouds will resemble these beauties I photographed on our flight down and not the remains of Hurricane Michael.

Perspective – Bits and Pieces

On By TimelessladyIn Perspective14 Comments

Jamaica beachcombing finds: urchins, sea glass, small pebbles and shells. There are amazing coral pieces also, but I am not sure if there are regulations against taking them out of the country.

I consider looking for bits and pieces some of the happiest moments of my life. God is so good to me!

Photo Challenge – Jamaica

On By TimelessladyIn photo challenges8 Comments


I am soon on my way home from Jamaica…unfortunately, I have found no weather vane to photograph. I also can only do rudimentary editing so I won’t be able to link back to last week’s participants until next Wednesday. Instead of a vane I’m showing a little weather as Hurricane Michael brushing by to the west of Jamaica stirs up the sky a bit. Weather Vane Wednesday will resume next week.

The Photo Challenge: Each Wednesday, I post a photograph of a Weather Vane with a short description of where it can be found and any history connected to it. The main focus of the challenge is the photo of the Weather Vane and the location. The challenge can be Wordless if that is what you choose. If you would like others to see your post leave a link to your blog in the comment box. You can also tag the post #weathervaneweds. If you place a link to my post in your post you will create a pingback that will appear in the comment section. The challenge is open all week for comments and posts. Thanks so much for taking part in my challenge.

Many thanks to Cee, of Cee’s Photography, for including this challenge in her listing of WordPress Challenges. If you love challenges take a look at this page and while you are there check out some of Cee’s terrific posts. Thanks Cee!

Plants & Perspective – Cuttings

On By TimelessladyIn Perspective, Plants9 Comments

In August I took about three dozen cuttings of plants I liked. Oh my! They all took to rooting in water and soil and I soon had them growing under lights in the basement. My success surprised me even though I have rooted cuttings for years. The small plants quickly became another demand of my time.

Where are the plants now? You might cringe and ask ‘why,’ when I tell you they are in the compost heap. I am getting wiser. I am cutting back on things that tie up my time and energy. Do I really need to carry over so many plants? I live in an area with many garden nurseries. My flowering perennials grow larger every year. I don’t really need as many plants as I did in the past.

I’ve decided I must cut away successful endeavors that might kill me. Sounds funny, but those of you with too many projects going on know exactly what I mean. Growing older for me means less really does give me more…and by that I mean TIME. By the way, I also have a glorious compost heap to use next year. Hooray!

Perspective – Playing with God

On By TimelessladyIn Perspective6 Comments

We walked atop old telephone poles laid flat as parking lot barriers, balancing, waving our arms when we wavered, laughing at each other as we struggled to keep from falling off. We were pretending we were explorers walking a high, narrow bridge between two mountains. He is six, I am sixty. He is my grandson, I am his grandmother.

He had just told me he has nightmares. A scary guy from a video game called Freddy is in his dream. I told him I would pray he has good dreams. We both began talking about our ‘exploring’ game and what fun we were having playing together when he said, “Nanny, I want to play with God.”

My heart soared. Whenever one of my children or grandchildren has acknowledged the personhood of God I know they have a belief in God. My grandson’s remark, that he wanted to play with God was, to me, a precious example of seeking God.

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” ~ Hebrews 11:6

In the evening, after the day spent with family, I remembered my promise and prayed that Dominic would have a good dream, and that God would play with him in his dream. I am so grateful that God gives me these moments with my beloved grandchildren to reinforce my faith in Him and in the coming Eternal Life we will all share together. All praise to our Glorious Father in Heaven. Amen.

“Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” ~ Matthew 19:14

Projects – October Reruns/A Bit of This and That

On By TimelessladyIn Projects6 Comments

I’ve blogged for years and some of the projects I’ve had fun making and sharing get lost in the archives. Here’s a rerun of reruns!

I came across this terrific display of Jack-O-Lanterns a few years ago and it will remain imprinted on my mind as one of the most creative Halloween decorations I’ve ever seen. If I ever have the time, money and help of many hands perhaps I will try to duplicate it.

Jack O Lantern Choir

I love Jack O’ Lanterns. This big pumpkin devouring a smaller pumpkin was fun to carve and display.

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Several years ago after seeing an idea on how to make Oyster Jack O’ Lantern ornaments on Pinterest, I created several. They have held up for years and today I will be decorating my Norfolk Island Pine tree with these adorable pumpkins.

jack o lantern tree

You can find full directions here:
Jack O’ Lantern Tree Part I
Jack O Lantern Tree Part II

jack o lantern tree 2

These playful glasses were certainly a hit with my grandchildren and trick-or-treaters who came to our door.

My experience and the link to Martha Stewart’s directions for the glasses can be found at Martha’s Halloween Glasses

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Finally, although I didn’t make this snarky sign based on the Wizard of Oz, I love the quote. I only wish I could keep a straight face long enough to use it when someone “bugs” me, but I know I would dissolve into laughter before I could get out two words. Enjoy the season, and remember, “I have flying monkeys, don’t make me use them.” Teeheehee!

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Phlowers – Marigolds

On By TimelessladyIn Phlowers10 Comments

At this time of year, I often walk around my gardens with pencil and tablet to record what I’ve liked, or even more important, make note of what I don’t want to repeat.

To add a bit of Autumn color to my flowered-out front garden, I transplanted a few bunches of marigolds that were growing in an over-crowded area in the backyard. The marigolds have shallow roots and were easy to move. I thought ahead and chose an overcast day with rain in the forecast to dig them out and replant. The cooler temperatures and rainy weather have helped them adapt to the front gardens. I’ve enjoyed their russet burst of color so much, next year I’m planning to plant a patch of this variety in an out of the way place, expressly for transplanting to the front gardens in Autumn.

My garden keeps me young and full of dreams for each season.

“Garden as though you will live forever.” ~ William Kent

Perspective & Plant – Do What You Do and Do It Well

On By TimelessladyIn Perspective, Plants4 Comments

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

In February 2016, I posted about these amazing anthurium hanging baskets I photographed in the Longwood Gardens Conservatory. When I visited the gift shop on my way out, I found single plants for sale at an amazing price and took one home with me. I’ve grown the anthurium in a terracotta pot as a floor plant since then, and although it has done well, it has never wanted to stand upright. After propping it up for years, I decided to let it do what it seemed to be destined to do well and planted it in a hanging basket.

““Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” ~ Dr. Seuss

The anthurium always looked interesting in its floor pot, but as a hanging basket plant it is unique and will never look common. A good lesson for me to follow too: Always be who I am, and not what others think I should be!

““Remember always that you not only have the right to be an individual, you have an obligation to be one.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

Photo Challenge – Weather Vane Wednesday/With a Little Help From My Friends

On By TimelessladyIn photo challenges7 Comments

Make new friends,
but keep the old.
One is silver,
the other is gold.”
~ Girl Scout Campfire Song

One of our cousins from Reno, NV, visited last week and brought along a good friend. It was great to meet Jaye; I feel like I have a new friend in her. I had the pleasure of showing them a few of my favorite places, and along with my father, we drove around the Delaware Bay area and had lunch in Fortescue with hundreds of birds for company.

They also visited Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Amish Country while they were here and found this amazing weather vane for me. I’m sharing the photo for this week’s Weather Vane Wednesday. Thanks Myrna and Jaye, I had so much fun on our long drive around the Bay.

Thank you to The 59 Club for their CRABBY weather vane linked to last week’s challenge.

The Photo Challenge: Each Wednesday, I post a photograph of a Weather Vane with a short description of where it can be found and any history connected to it. The main focus of the challenge is the photo of the Weather Vane and the location. The challenge can be Wordless if that is what you choose. If you would like others to see your post leave a link to your blog in the comment box. You can also tag the post #weathervaneweds. If you place a link to my post in your post you will create a pingback that will appear in the comment section. The challenge is open all week for comments and posts. Thanks so much for taking part in my challenge.

Many thanks to Cee, of Cee’s Photography, for including this challenge in her listing of WordPress Challenges. If you love challenges take a look at this page and while you are there check out some of Cee’s terrific posts. Thanks Cee!

Problem-solving – Time to Cut the Snowflakes

On By TimelessladyIn Problem-Solving15 Comments

It’s time…time to cut the snowflakes. I started even earlier than normal this year; I want to have 100 ready to place on my windowpanes by December 1st. My problem is one of my fingers has become a trigger finger. According to the Mayo clinic…”Trigger finger is a condition in which one of your fingers gets stuck in a bent position. Your finger may bend or straighten with a snap — like a trigger being pulled and released.”

I have found the description to be true of my finger. I can still use my hand, but the finger will become stuck in a bent position without warning. Just like every other physical limitation in life you learn to adapt to what ails you. I’ve found that I need to pace myself where repetitive hand movement is concerned, so instead of cutting several snowflakes each day, I will cut one or two. It’s working for me so far.

Stretching the finger in the opposite direction seems to help me out. For some people the condition can be severe and surgical intervention might be needed.

Exercises for stretching a trigger finger. I have found the finger extensor stretch has worked well for me.

Here’s a Youtube video with easy to follow instructions for cutting paper snowflakes.

Perspective – Bittersweet

On By TimelessladyIn Perspective2 Comments

“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” ~ Albert Camus

Bittersweet vines grow in hedges and up the trunks of trees in our area. There is a native species of the plant, but it is being taken over by an invasive type that was brought into the country as an ornamental.

Bittersweet is also a perfect description of my emotions in October. Sweet are the birthdays and anniversaries of those I love, sweet are the painted faces of children when they ring my doorbell for goodies, sweet are the colorful leaves falling and gathering in heaps beneath my feet; Autumn is filled with so many joyful occasions and sights. Still, I sigh a bit and know the bitter too, for I dislike coats, hats, scarves and gloves, preferring instead to run into the garden on a whim without stopping to armor myself against the elements.

I think I need to have an Autumn motto, and will look to this terrific quote by Nathaniel Hawthorne for my inspiration.

“I cannot endure to waste anything as precious as autumn sunshine by staying in the house.
So I spend almost all the daylight hours in the open air.” ~ Nathaniel Hawthorne

Psalm & Peculiarities – Sky Surprises

On By TimelessladyIn Peculiarities11 Comments

“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.” ~ Psalm 19:1

The sky was full of God’s glory this morning; the moon visible against the brilliant blue of the heavens.

The geese noisily serenaded the morning as they flew toward the local lake.

The birds perched on the pines and added their songs.

An odd sound whooshed into the morning chorus. A hot air balloon moved across the sky, probably on its way to programs at Rowan University, only a mile or two from my home.

The balloon flew close enough to zoom in on the people in the basket.

God bless you on this Sabbath Day.

This post is part of Skywatch Friday.

Programs – Poldark and The Durrells of Corfu

On By TimelessladyIn Programs6 Comments

Two of my favorite programs have their season première on Masterpiece Theater Sunday night, September 30th. The ‘Durrells in Corfu’ at 8:00 and ‘Poldark’ following at 9:00.

I’ve also been reading the Corfu Trilogy by Gerald Durrell. The books are full of animals, anecdotes and just plain fun. I’ve finished the first book and am moving on to the second.

The Poldark series of novels are listed here with descriptions and in order: Poldark Novels by Winston Graham.

People – Happy Birthday

On By TimelessladyIn People18 Comments

Happy Birthday to someone dear to me. How did the years go by so quick? Who would have thought this silly song would ever literally apply to us?

How can you be sixty-four?

You still look like the boy I married forty+ years ago.