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!