What's Happenin'!

Outside my window: As it continues to warm up, more and more things are blooming. Butch has big plans for the pots on the patio and around the pool. I'm happy about this as he doesn't usually get so involved with the garden. 

I've had friends over this past week digging up ferns. If you're local and want some---come get 'em! They are ostrich ferns---disease resistant, drought tolerant and can take sun or shade. If I were to guess, I'd say each mother plant puts out 10 babies a year. You have to put them in early so they have a chance to get established for the hot weather hits.

I took a little time yesterday to check out the rhododendrons. They look beautiful, but in reality, there are only a few blooms. We had a late frost that may have affected them this year.

I am thinking: About all I plan to accomplish this week. I have to admit, being home so much has really been fun for me. I've never gotten bored. 

I am thankful for: The Apple Store!! I am lost without my computer. I relied on my iPhone for calendar info and email, but I don't like using my phone for anything much beyond that. Actually, my phone is just my phone---and my music maker, game player, and camera. I guess I rely on it more than I realized. 

From the kitchen: I haven't cooked in months. I didn't feel like I missed cooking until I made a few family favorites. Oh yeah, I missed roasts, pasta,  and potatoes. When my sister was here last week, I made a recipe I hadn't made in years. I'll share it soon.

I am hoping: To get the closet in my scrapbook room cleaned out this week---but it's a daunting job. I better remember to take some before and after photos.

I am reading: I can't believe I'm going to say this. But reading has taken a bit of a back seat the past couple of weeks as I've been in "frenzied cleaning" mode. Plus, it's easy to put a book aside that isn't exactly pulling you in. I'm reading Dead Wake by Eric Larson for my book club. It's about the sinking of the Lusitania. I do like his personal accounts, but he goes a little too far with the detail to the point that it becomes redundant. 

I'm watching: I have been watching/listening to a lot this week while working. My new favorite---The Paradise. Sandy sent it to me when I was recuperating. It's is such good show about a store around the turn of the century in ---wait for it---England! That probably comes as no surprise. The store is called The Paradise. I looked it up---it's a fictional place. The series is based on a book. Sadly, it' looks like it's been cancelled after just two seasons. Still, my friends will enjoy it on our next scrapbook trip to the farm.

And now---Grey's Anatomy! OhMyGosh!!! I'm still in shock. It's a good thing Butch was off fishing with his brother because I was sobbing so hard---as if someone had died! Oh wait, someone DID die!! How could they do that! I was depressed for two days. Man, I loved McDreamy! I'm thinking the show is on it's last legs now.

I am busy creating: I've been pretty productive this week. I will be sharing layouts later.

I'm bummed: I can't think of a single thing I'm bummed about! That's a good thing!

I am hearing: country music on the new Sonos sound system completely controlled by my iPhone. Awesome! There will be no more running from the pool to the house to adjust the volume or type of music. It's all on the phone app.

Around the house: Just gearing up for a very busy May. I'll be cooking for Butch's poker group, heading to the beach for a week with my posse, a family wedding in St. Louis---and then there's Mitchell's high school graduation in Charlotte followed by Victoria's 8th grade graduation. All fun!

In other news: Stephanie was "awarded" a very nice, all-expense paid trip to a fancy resort in Puerta Vallarta. It was a last-minute type of thing, but she was able to clear her schedule. She and Nicky left on Thursday and will be home tonight. 

I guess that's a good enough "catch up" for now!