Dallas Rose bed

I just got back from a week in Dallas helping my Son and Daughter-in-law at their optometry practice. I finally got the pictures of the rose bed we planted in May. As you can see, it is more of a Lantana bed than roses, but the roses will eventually take over. The silver bush in the front is a sage. The edible, cooking kind. The "garden" is also a haven for a new crop of cotton tail rabbits I tried to take a picture of the one that stays around, but it was very camera shy. I had a great week, but had to get back to begin a full week of work at the pharmacy.

Vegetable family

This is a collection of dolls dating back to the sixties. My Mother brought them back from Sicily when she and my Dad returned from a three year assignment for Humble/Exxon. As she told us two elderly sisters made these "vegetable/fruit" dolls and sold them in a market place. Very unique and a real treasure to display.

101 and still active, Happy Birthday

Meet my Dad, "Watty" Watkins. As of today he is celebrating is 101 birthday. Just think of all the history he has lived through. Two world wars, 19 Presidents, the depression, 37 years with Humble/Exxon and traveled all over the world. He built a refinery in Augusta, Sicily, for Exxon, went on a Safari in Africa, and did carpenter and cabinet work for many people for many years. He loves to fish and hunt and still gets excited over the prospect of doing either one. He gardens and cans produce. We all have the recipe for Paw Paws Pickles. We are blessed with his stories of the past, his carving and jewlery talent and his great love of life. He is a great Dad, Grandfather, Greatgrandfather and Great Great grandfather. Happy Birthday, my Father, my mentor and my Friend.

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Caldwell County Pink "Found" rose

This is called a "found" rose as it was probably discovered on an abandonded farm, in a cementery, or old home place. This
variety was found in Caldwell County Texas, hence its name. It is labeled an antique rose and is really very pretty in early spring and most of the summer. I am rooting two cuttings for Granddaughter, Lianna.
Where this was found is from the same area that her Grandfather was born.
There are many more "found roses" and most are shrub like with multiple blosoms. History lesson over for the day

Rain out

Well , I promised a picture of the "new garden" in Dallas, but the trip there to attend the Texas State Sporting Clays tournament was a rain out for husband and I. We got there after 5 hours of driving, saw two foot of water over the course, heard news reports of more rain and just turned around and came back home. As a result no pictures taken. As things turned out the next day was dry, but 100 degrees and humid in Dallas, so home and air conditioning were a better choice for us. Maybe next year. Pictures in the near future, I hope.

New "Garden"

Well, here I am in Dallas and I have helped make a rose garden with my Son and Daughter-in-law. Red roses and a border of yellow lantana in the back yard. In the front yard under two trees we planted red, white and purple verbena. A great day for several reasons, one of which was just to spend time with the two of them and I got to tour a huge nursery. For me a delight and always an inspiration as to what to plant next pay check. I am probably close to running out of yard space and/ or my husbands patience. Pictures to follow soon.

Now I could give you the technical names but to say the least they are long. The orange is called parodia schwebsiana, so I will just called it sunshine cactus. Every day there is a new blossom on one of my many cactus. All are in pots, so I can move them around to enjoy the blossoms from the kitchen window. Sharing the pictures is fun and with hope that someone else will like to start a cactus garden. Low maintenance, little water, and good sunlight is all that is required. Just ENJOY!

Rain out

Last weekend was the Relay for Life and we are proud to say our group generated the most pledges and donations for the Cancer Society. The biggest problem was 4 inches of rain in two hours. The Relay started Friday at 6 pm and by 10pm was called to a soaked halt. It was to have lasted until 8 am Saturday . My daughter and I got to walk with our group, see the cancer survivors parade (oh so many), and see the hundreds of luminaries ready for lighting. Each luminary was in memory or in honor of a cancer victim. The rain ruined displays,made a muddy parking lot, soaked everyone brave enought to stay past 8, but did not soak the spirits of all those there to fight for a cure for cancer.
This is our T-shirt. The relay is over for this year but not the fight!

A blessed Easter to All

Our church alter will be covered with Easter lilies this Sunday to celebrate the Risen Christ. This bed in my yard, is my reminder of his triumph over death and the begining of new life for all that believe.

John 3:17 reads: For God sent not his son into the world to condemn the world ; but that the world through him might be saved.

Roses, roses

After two weeks of trimming, weeding, fertilizing , planting a few new roses, and wearing the knees out of my favorite jeans, my work is temporarily done. All 160 roses are budding out and I am delighted. The irisis, amarillis and snapdragons are blooming also. I love spring! The much needed rain came yesterday, so all is good in the Taylor made garden.

On April 24th and 25th I will be walking in the Relay for Life event. This is for the American Cancer Society and I am proud to say our Baytown Relay has earned the distinction of being one of the largest money makers in Texas.
This is very important to me as my Mother died of Cancer 27 years ago. Our daughter, Ann is a survivor of breast cancer.We walk to hopefully provide the funds to find a cure.We all have been touched in some way by cancer, so when the occasion arrives in your area, please donate.
This is Lady Banks and is a thornless rose. Always a bouquet of sunshine in the spring.

Another Spring Bloom

A bulb was sent to me two years ago from Florida and this is what it has multiplied into. A reminder of a lovely granddaughter that I hope to see very soon.

Spring in Texas

The bluebonnets are beginning to bloom and it is a sure sign that spring is just around the corner. These are in my back yard. The highways and pastures in East Texas will soon be a canvas of blue.

For thou art my rock and my fortress:therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me.

my heiritage

This is my 100 year old Dad at his 100th Birthday, July 15, 2008 with Great Granddaughter Lianna. He is the one that has passed on to me the genes to be a gardener. He was raised on a Rice farm in Louisiana and to this day still loves the process of growing , tilling and tending a garden. I evidently inheirited this, as I love the same process. So much of history to pass on to his family. He has lived through 19 president, the depression, four wars, and 37 years years of work at Humble (Exxon) and so much more. I am so blessed that I have him to encourage me, teach me and love me and my family.