Planting – Belling the Tomatoes

On By TimelessladyIn Planting11 Comments

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My tomatoes are beginning to set fruit and ripen. This is prime time for squirrels and other wildlife to begin taking a bite at random, ruining countless tomatoes over the course of the summer. My neighbor, a terrific gardener, told me the squirrels do this to quench their thirst when the weather becomes dry. I have a bird bath in the center of my Square Foot Gardens this year. Hopefully, the squirrels will use this rather than nibble at my beautiful tomatoes.

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In case this doesn’t satisfy them, I have “belled” the plants with large Christmas bells I set aside in December. I have red ones to mimic the red fruit, a few greens to resemble the unripe tomatoes. If biting into a hard piece of metal doesn’t deter the squirrels perhaps the “ting-a-ling-ling” will scare them away. Another solution I will try if all else fails will be a few pieces of fresh garlic pushed inside the bell.

I’ve tried this same idea with plain Christmas balls in the past and achieved a bit of success mixed with a portion of half-eaten casualties. I am hoping the addition of what I think might be a “scary” sound to a squirrel will work even better this year.

Quick Tip – Remove Tarnish From Silver

On By TimelessladyIn Quick TipLeave a comment

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The very tarnished pair of earrings in the picture above went from dingy and dark to sparkling and bright.

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It’s easy to remove the tarnish, all you need is aluminum foil, a teaspoon of salt, a teaspoon of baking soda, boiling water and a glass bowl.

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Boil your water, gently crumple foil to fit bottom of bowl. Lay silver on top of foil. If there is more than one piece make sure the pieces touch. Pour boiling water into bowl to cover silver pieces. Add baking soda and salt all at once. It will bubble and steam, there might be a momentary strange odor. The tarnish will bubble off of the silver.

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My earrings were heavily tarnished so I repeated the process. I also buffed off a few leftover specks of tarnish with white toothpaste.

This is an environmentally safe way to clean tarnish from silver. It is also a fun experiment for children to watch.

Pheathers – The Flicker

On By TimelessladyIn Pheathers13 Comments

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Photo Courtesy of: Flickr Photos and Shared through Creative Commons by Kenneth Cole Schneider

A bird exactly like the one in the photograph above visited my yard in the past week or two. I was thrilled when I first spotted him, and became even more enthralled when he whimsically jumped aboard my old-fashioned swing. He hopped around the yard a few minutes and then took to wing.

I immediately went to the computer and typed all his characteristic markings into Google. Larger sized bird, purple/black crescent on chest, spots, and a red stripe on head. I searched through images that came up and soon identified my “pheathered” visitor as a Flicker.

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I have had a large variety of birds in my yard this year. I think it is due in part to this new/old suet feeder my father gave to me. It is protected from marauding squirrels by an outer cage, and seems to have drawn many more woodpeckers, flickers and other nuthatch type birds to the yard.

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I have two small bird baths, but this large-sized bath in the back garden is a popular place. I can look out all through the day and see birds drinking and bathing. I’m having a good time bird-watching this summer.

Here’s an addition to this post that I am re-printing here from the comment section. Thanks James!

IDEA:

“I took a plastic birdbath & drilled 2 small holes in it….1 in the base, & 1 in the dish.

I then took 2 couplers*(I think that’s what they are called) & inserted them in the holes(there are nuts & washers on both ends to tighten against the plastic).

I then used a small rubber type hose, to run from the base to the dish…secured each end of the hose with a adjustable hose clamp.

On the base, I added a converter so that I could hook up a garden hose to the bird bath.

On the piece that protrudes from the dish, I found(at a garden store) nozzle that clamps onto that piece….

now in the summer, when the birds need it most, they have a constant “shower” in which to bathe….and I get the honor of watching them as they do..

footnote:
where the couplers go through the plastic, I added a clear silicone sealant to keep out the weather & to keep in the gravel that I added to the base for ballast weight.
With this extra weight in the bottom, the bird bath is not so apt to get blown over during storms.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This DIY project may seem complicated to some, but it really isn’t hard at all, and it doesn’t take a lot of time once you get everything you need. & it’s cheap too!
I had most of what I needed, so it didn’t cost much…I think I spent $4 or $5 on the whole thing…but like I said, I had most of what I needed already.

I’m thinking about $10 for everything but the bird bath….maybe less.

*the couplers I speak of are hollow threaded tubes with a washer & a nut on both ends. these are made of steel, brass, or stainless steel.

stainless steel…….most expensive type, but the best quality
steel………………….moderately priced but cheapest quality
brass…………………cheapest cost but 2nd best quality “

Problem-Solving – Waiting for Perfect Conditions

On By TimelessladyIn Problem-Solving2 Comments

“If you wait for perfect conditions,
you will never get anything done.”
Ecclesiastes 11:4

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I’ve read this verse in Ecclesiastes many times, but do I follow it’s perfect advice? Well, I’m sorry to say…not usually. And do I get anything done? Well yes, the things that matter, but do I reach for my dreams? Hmmm…sorry to say, sometimes yes, but more often than not I postpone them for fear conditions are just not right.

The cover of the scrapbook in the photo above was created by gluing squares of discarded watercolor paper to the front. Each piece is from a painting that I rejected after deciding it was just not good enough. I thought, and still think, that the effect of the squares is quite pretty. So pretty in fact that after years of having the book ready for scrapping bits and pieces of prose and art it still stands empty. I don’t want to risk messing it up.

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I did have one or two pages inside devoted to my art, but I deemed them unworthy and pulled them out. WHAT am I waiting for? I am determined to start gluing and drawing and writing inside the pages of this book…this week…perhaps today!

Phlowers – Garden Lilies

On By TimelessladyIn Phlowers, Quirkiness4 Comments

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Lilies are blooming in the garden this week. I’m pleased with several of the new varieties I planted this year. I had quite a laugh over the lily in the photograph above. This flower grows near one of my bird baths. Within the petals I spotted a mulberry, left there by a resourceful bird as he bathed. I guess he was also a bit forgetful and flew away after his bath without the prize.

Here are a few of the garden lilies in bloom.

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Project – Fourth of July Windsock for Kids

On By TimelessladyIn Projects2 Comments

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The Fourth of July is a week away. Today is the perfect opportunity to create a patriotic windsock.

Start with a coffee can, or substitute any other round and sturdy structure that can be spray-painted and decorated. Tear away any paper or outside covering. You need to add two holes on either side of the bottom about 3/4 of an inch down. This is not easy, and is definitely a job for the adult supervising the project. I tried punching a hole with a screwdriver first, and found it hard to break through the sides. The hole it created was also too big. A sharp, large-sized nail worked much better for me. A few taps and it punctured the side of the can and left a nice-sized hole. I placed the coffee can on a rug while I hammered to keep it from sliding around.

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CRAFT TIP

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To give a tin can more substance when punching holes with a nail or other sharp object, fill can with water and freeze. The frozen water gives the can solidity and keep the sides from collapsing. One note, the freezing water will also cause the bottom of the can to rise up a bit. This can easily be flattened out with a hammer.

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The can needs to be painted before you begin the decorating. We used spray paint…quick, easy, and when done outdoors there is very little to clean up. The sides and top needed two coats of paint. We did not paint the inside of the can. Acrylics, brushed on with a foam brush, will work also, but since they take longer to dry the can should be painted the day before the decorative touches are added. Another idea to try if you have plenty of time is to decoupage paper onto the sides with ModPodge.

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We used red, white and blue foam stickers. All the boys needed to do was peel the backing off and place them against the can. It was fun watching them work at creating a masterpiece.

Dollar store satin ribbon was the perfect choice for the long strips that hang from the bottom of the can. You could also use strips of fabric, yarn or string, anything that is light enough to blow in the breeze without tangling. A quick grab glue would work well, or a thick tacky glue. We didn’t have a lot of time, so we used a glue gun for speed. Since my glue gun is the “hot” type I glued the strips inside the can.

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We found gluing the ribbons into the can opposite each other helped us correctly space out the pattern. When the glue was set we wound two red pipe cleaners together, threaded them through the holes and hung the windsock on an outdoor hook. FUN!

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Pots & Pans – Throwback Thursday/Patriotic Muffins

On By TimelessladyIn Pots and PansLeave a comment

It’s the perfect time of year to reblog one of my favorite recipes. Fresh fruit is plentiful, and happily, for the Fourth of July blueberries and luscious red strawberries can still be found. I baked a batch of these up last night, and amid my family’s, “yums,” and “ahs,” knew it was time to post the recipe again. Enjoy!

Years ago, many, many years ago, when I was a new bride, my cousin Norma hand-copied dozens of her favorite recipes and put them in a binder as a wedding gift. I have cooked up many of these recipes, but my all-time favorite remains her muffin recipe. It is a very basic recipe that makes about 18 muffins. I have added all kinds of fruits and without fail the muffins turn out. Once in a while, when I am feeling in the need of cooking even healthier, I will use half wheat flour in place of the white. These muffins are good for using the harder strawberries the supermarkets often sell at a great price. The berries soften and the flavor is intensified when they bake. I’ve included Norma’s recipe at the bottom of the post. Happy Baking!

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Tempting Tip: Always slice a muffin vertically rather than horizontally. That way you get a bit of the muffin top in every bite. Delish! These muffins taste even better when lightly toasted and buttered.

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Norma’s Muffins (I think I have shared these in a previous post but the recipe is worth repeating)

3 Cups flour ( you can substitute half wheat flour, makes a heartier tasting muffin)

1 Cup sugar

4 tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

2 beaten eggs

1 Cup milk ( can be 2%)

1/2 Cup salad oil

Mix all ingredients together. Do not over-mix. (causes toughness) The batter will be a bit lumpy. Bake at 400 degrees for twenty minutes. Makes about 18 muffins. The recipe can also easily be halved or doubled.

Plant & Problem-Solving – Campanula punctata

On By TimelessladyIn Plants, Problem-Solving2 Comments

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I’m a little embarrassed to admit an error I have made for several years. My mistake? Cutting down and actually trying to root out the beautiful plant in the photograph above. The reason: I forgot I planted it, and the look of the foliage reminded me of a rampant weed that invades my garden. So of course, I worked hard each Spring to eradicate the intruder from my flower bed.

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This year the foliage returned, lusher and more determined than in past years. Because the extra-snowy winter we experienced had killed off many of my bushes and perennials, I decided the glowing foliage really wasn’t bad in appearance, and perhaps the green would be a good foil for the mandevilla plant I was growing in a pot nearby. Imagine my surprise when small buds began to form. I decided they were going to open into the insignificant flowers of a weed. Within a few days the buds became more interesting, opening a week or two ago into beautiful purple-flecked bells.

Oh my, I’m in love with this plant. I researched the flower image on the Internet and identified it as Campanula punctata, commonly known as a bellflower. Campanula punctata can be a bit invasive, but is also graceful, beautiful, and as my cutting revealed…very persistent in growth. Once again, I’m reminded to write every plant name and location down, and keep a permanent record of all my garden plantings.

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Here’s a bit more information on this lovely plant: Campanula Punctata

Pleasures & Plants – Volunteers 2014

On By TimelessladyIn Plants, Pleasures4 Comments

In blog posts of past years you will find me praising the season’s “volunteer” plants. Volunteer plants are those whose seeds have slumbered in the earth through the winter. These seeds spring to life when the temperatures become warm. Volunteer plants are one of the top reasons I don’t mulch my flower beds. Besides being filled with unwanted chemicals and dyes, a heavy layer of mulch smothers any hope of volunteer sprouts seeing the sun.

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When I spotted the pink trumpet of this petunia growing in the crack of my front sidewalk I was astounded. How had the small plantlet survived the tromping feet of my grandchildren, the mailman, myself and my husband, and other visitors who come to my front door? I knew I had to try and save the petunia. It was definitely living on “borrowed time.” Sooner or later the sole of a shoe would smash it’s tender blossoms and leaves into the unyielding surface of the concrete.

I knew that pulling the petunia from the scant dirt between the sidewalk blocks would be doom. The roots that it had so steadfastly sent into the soil would be torn away and the plant would wilt and die within an hour. What was the solution? Perhaps I could loosen it a bit with a plastic knife, and then gently tug until I could pull it away from the confines of the concrete.

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Happily, for both of us, the knife worked. The plant loosened its grip, I tugged, it left its first home. The small petunia is now planted in a bare spot in my front garden. After the passing of several days, it is still alive and thriving in the hot summer sun of June.

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I have dozens of volunteer plants springing up in my gardens. At times I let them grow where they have begun, but often I dig the sprouts up and move them to bare spots. Happy Gardening!

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Check out this terrific article on the Mother Earth News Website: Volunteer Plants: A Garden Bonus

Planting & Pleasure – Anticipation

On By TimelessladyIn Planting, Pleasures4 Comments

I grow the type of garden kind people would label a “tapestry” garden. Acquaintances who are blind to the charms of my flower beds might call it a tad “unruly.” Those who are hard-hearted garden snobs would snort and pronounce my gardening endeavors as being in serious disarray, not well-planned or color-coordinated.

Perhaps all of the above are correct, except for the accusation my gardens are not well-planned. They are very well-planned indeed. You see, I LOVE not knowing exactly what color most of my annual flowers will be when they burst into bloom. Case in point, the zinnia in the photographs below. As the tips of the petals emerged, the joy and anticipation that filled me was intense. In a few days I knew I would see the color of the zinnia. I love a surprise! I wasn’t disappointed when the zinnia bloomed. What a gorgeous shade of pink. I’m thrilled for I have several weeks to enjoy watching annuals and wildflowers burst into bloom. Oh my…I could shout aloud a “Hallelujah!” for the joy of it. Happy Gardening!

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Photographs – Welcome Summer/A Bird’s Eye View

On By TimelessladyIn PhotographsLeave a comment

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Welcome Summer! I love this view from the bridge that crosses from Corson’s Inlet State Park to Strathmere, New Jersey.

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Pots & Pans & Plants – Crockpots and the Joy of an Herb Garden

On By TimelessladyIn Plants, Pots and Pans11 Comments

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Over the years I have grown herbs, both culinary and medicinal. I use my fresh herbs constantly. During the last few winters I have been able to purchase organic herb plants in the produce section of my local grocery store. I now use fresh herbs year-round.

In the summer I am often busy and need to make a quick meal that will not heat up the house. To cook a delicious and super-easy dinner, I place four turkey legs and a dozen small red potatoes into my crockpot. I add about a cup of water to these ingredients. As the turkey cooks juices will mix with the water and create a delicious broth for gravy. Salt, pepper, a touch of garlic powder, and some wedges of onion complete the meal. Cook on low for 7-8 hours, or at high for 5-6 hours. The house will smell like Thanksgiving even if it’s summertime. An added bonus for me is heaping the top of my food with freshly-picked herbs. The herbs in this photo are: chervil, oregano and thyme. (Sage & parsley are great additions too.) The smell is intoxicating. Happy Cooking!

⭐ This crockpot meal will feed four adults. It is easily halved for two people. The amount of water added should stay the same.

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Plantings – Fruit and Vegetable Seeds/Pineapple

On By TimelessladyIn Planting4 Comments

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My older grandsons love planting different seeds and plants with me. I thought as a goal this summer we would try growing a seed, tuber or sprout from every fruit and vegetable we eat. A good fruit to start with is a pineapple. I bought a large and succulent beauty this week, on sale for $1.99 at the local grocery store.

For tips I went to Pinterest first and discovered a wealth of information. You can check out the many “pins” on pineapple planting here: Pinterest Search on Pineapple Planting

I found there are two ways to plant a pineapple top…directly in soil, and by soaking in water. Here are links to both ways:

Growing Pineapple Top in Water
Planting a Pineapple Top in Soil

We will attempt to plant in dirt first. This involves cutting off the bottom of the pineapple (eating the yummy fruit afterwards as baked pineapple casserole,) soaking in a bit of water, finally placing the stem end in potting soil.

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I cut the top off and let the fruit dry for a day or two. The next step was to soak the dried out bottom in water. When I checked the progress a day or two later the fruity portion still left on the stem promptly fell off.

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I soaked the bottom of the stem in water for a few more days.

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When the time came to plant the stem my grandsons helped me remove more of the bottom leaves. PSHEW! There was a bit of a rancid odor when these leaves broke away. I think a bit of decay might have set in while the stem soaked in water. Perhaps I should have shortened the soaking time.

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Denuded of bottom leaves, the stem had a promising look.

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Now for the fun part, planting the stem in the potting soil. We used a big pot. The pineapple will grow very large and bushy. I want plenty of weight on the bottom to keep the plant from tipping over.

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We were pleased with the finished appearance of the potted pineapple. Even without new growth it is an interesting plant. Updates to follow on the progress of our experiment.

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Prose – Chosen by a Horse by Susan Richards

On By TimelessladyIn ProseLeave a comment

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I loved this memoir written by Susan Richards telling the story of her rescue horse Lay Me Down. A terrific book.

People – Oswald Chambers

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Excerpts from the June 14th devotional in Still Higher for His Highest:

“The prayer of the feeblest saint on earth who lives in the Spirit and keeps right with God is a terror to Satan. The very powers of darkness are paralysed by prayer…”

“No wonder Satan tries to keep our minds fussy in active work till we cannot think in prayer.”

“The philosophy of prayer is that prayer is the work.”

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I have read devotionals written by Oswald Chambers for a few decades now. Chambers was born, the son of a Baptist minister, in Aberdeen, Scotland in 1874. He originally trained at London’s Royal Academy of Art, but felt called into the ministry. His life story is told in the book, Oswald Chambers: Abandoned to God. He died in November of 1917. His books are still in print all over the world. My favorites: My Utmost for His Highest and Still Higher for his Highest.

Here is a link to the bio on the official website: Oswald Chambers Bio