Thursday, November 28, 2013

Getting Ready

It was the day before Thanksgiving, and I had been to the supermarket (a few times) and begun the cooking tasks that could be done ahead.

The "fancy" dishes were washed,


 I assembled a relish tray,

rolls were made,


 and so were cookies.




 The table was set for four, me and my hubby, my son, and my mom.



Our menu included:

Turkey
Sweet Potato Casserole
Corn Casserole
Relish Tray
Homemade rolls
Pecan Pie
Cut out sugar cookies


And afterwards, somebody needed a nap!

I hope you enjoyed your day too; good food, good company, and a good rest.
Happy Thanksgiving!


Wednesday, November 27, 2013

It's a good time for tea

It's the day before Thanksgiving, and I've baked some cut out cookies, begun cooking the turkey, made rolls, and put together a relish tray. It's 10:30 and time for a break. Time for tea!

 I'll be using this lovely teacup which I found at a garage sale last summer. There are no markings on it.

 Roses grace the inside of the cup as well.

 In my cup this morning: Stash chocolate mint oolong tea

 Teapot shaped cut out sugar cookies


I want to wish my friends here in the U.S. a blessed Thanksgiving, and everyone a blessed day and holiday season.

Linking to Tea Time Tuesday and Friends Sharing Tea


Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Late fall gardening thoughts

Late fall is a time for gardeners to take a good look at the garden, and make plans for the coming year.

 This photo was taken in November 2012. I love the curvature of the flagstone path as it courses through the cottage garden.

The garden has been cleaned up, although some plant materials remain for our feathered friends to feast on over the winter.






I spent approximately 30 hours raking and applying pine needles for mulch. It has a lovely yellow color to it now, which will change to orangish/brown over time. By this time next year, that mulch will have, for the most part, broken down and become a part of the soil. The two photos above were taken in the fall of 2010, the first year we used pine straw mulch. I'm not able to get a good picture of the mulch now, as there is a little snow cover there. Trust me though - it looks good - and it's free for the raking!

Also a part of my fall gardening is cleaning my tools. I use WD40 and clean off the spades, shovels, hoes, etc.

An ongoing garden "task" would be my planning for next year. I've been inspired by other gardeners, plus I've researched and I've made decisions on new plants, moving plants, removing plants, etc. Sometimes I think I just don't have enough space!  But we all must work with what we have...and try to get the best possible results.




Memories of a summer garden...
                                                ...I can't wait for next spring!




Tuesday, November 19, 2013

It's Time for the Notecard Party Again!

Today I'm participating in Vee's notecard party at A Haven for Vee.

It's a really fun party - consider being a part of it, or at least visiting!

The theme of my notecards is New York City. Enjoy!


Times Square - what a fun place!


 Ballet students


Beautiful at night


Tributes for the victims of 9/11 on Lady Liberty at the World Trade Center museum

To see my original post about my trip to New York City, click here. (There's ALOT more to see!)

And to enjoy all the notecards at Vee's, click here.



Wednesday, November 13, 2013

A year in the garden


WINTER AT SUNSPLASH GARDENS:





 Little baby Josey in the snow

 Aloha Snowgirl (in a neighbor's yard)


SPRING ARRIVES AT SUNSPLASH:






















IT SNOWED IN MAY!






SUMMER COMES TO THE GARDENS:






















FALL REIGNS IN IOWA:














It's been a beautiful year in the gardens. Soon, the seasonal cycle begins again. (I CAN wait...no rush for winter weather in my mind!)

Hugs,

Beth

Linking to HOMEHome and Garden ThursdayFertilizer Friday


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