Saturday, October 1, 2016

1 October 2016

 

Happy October everyone ~ What happened to September? By the end of this month, we are predicted to have low temps in the high 60’s.  That will be WONDERFUL! The past few winters we’ve not had much chilly weather at all.

Right now, eyes are watching Hurricane Matthew. I am praying he’ll keep heading northward, or maybe even falls apart when he crosses Cuba or that he just heads on out to sea. The storm is a category 4 right now with winds of around 140 mph. They are predicting that the storm will go northward and skirt the US, but who knows, God knows and time will tell.  We are predicted to get rain and wind.

The other day around 5 pm-ish I was looking out the scullery window into the secret garden and what do I see flitting around the hamelia paten flowers, a hummingbird. Yay!  My first for this season and I hope to get some photos this year.

I finally was able to get out and mow the grass again the other morning. Before I headed out, I noticed the sun shining through the east stained glass window in the living room onto my little hanging sign across the room. Dear Gina sent me this in a box of sweet gifts right after my DH left this planet for his heavenly abode.

09-30-sign

Today was a gray day all day with a few sprinkles. The sun came out a little while, but is now back behind the clouds. I took some photos, selectively, of course. Smile

The first three photos are of a wonderful alamanda, grown from a cutting given to me a couple of years ago from a man who did antique restoration where I worked. He had this growing in his gardens and gave me several cuttings, only one rooted. I am very happy with this. The colors are just lovely, from unfurling bud, to fading out aging flower.

10-01-alamanda-bud

10-01-alamanda2

10-01-alamanda

Next is Candlestick Cassia, which the sulphur butterflies love.

10-01-candlestick-cassia

Mexican Petunia

10-01-mex-pet

Philippine Violet

10-01-philippine-violet

Spanish Needles which certain butterflies also love. Normal people call this a ‘weed’. DH did NOT like this plant because it spreads easily by the needlelike seed pods that stick to you. The plants are hard to pull up if the soil is dry too. I pull some and leave some for the butterflies.

10-01-spanish-needles

A ground orchid bloom. This orchid grows in dirt.

10-01-grnd-orchid

This is the Vanda orchid, ‘Miss Joaquim’. These just grow and grow all over, wherever I throw them. Litterally, I break off a section with the roots and just throw them in a new location.

10-01-vanda-miss-joachuim

10-01-vanda-miss-joachuim2

The first two roses are ‘Louis Philippe’ or the ‘Florida Cracker’ rose. I need to make cuttings of this one to root. My original plant is long gone.

10-01-louis-philippe

10-01-louis-phillipe2

This one I don’t remember the name of.

10-01-not-surejpg

Part of the secret garden. The little orange flowers in the background is where the hummingbird was flitting around.

10-01-sec-gard

I had a fun afternoon and evening on Thursday. First, my sis-in-law Sue picked me up and we went apt. looking. She and my bro-in-law Todd are selling their house, wanting to move closer to where he works, which will also be closer to me. Smile They will rent before buying again, so that they can check out the area first.

Then we met Todd at work and headed back south toward my end of the area. Sue asked where was the great Thai restaurant I’ve told them about. I told them, and that’s were we went for dinner. Oh my gosh, I have never been disappointed with this place. My friends, Nanci and John have taken me there several times. I tried some crab/avocado sushi, oh my, what a treat. I did not think I would like sushi. Then we had stuffed egg rolls and some dumplings too. On my first piece of sushi, I had a thin slice of ginger, then a dab of Wasabi. All well and good. The second piece of sushi I had a tad more Wasabi and when that exploded in my mouth I thought I was going to DIE. That totally freaked me out, and I will never eat that again. Sheesh! Sue and I both had curry, delicious, and I forget what Todd had, a noodle dish that he really liked. We all took home our little containers for another meal, for me it will be another two meals.

Oh yea, Sue and I split dessert. It’s a good thing, because it was three good sized scoops of ‘coconut’ ice cream with whipped cream and some chocolate sauce drizzled across the top. Delicious.  We both love that ice cream and have only had it at Thai restaurants. I’ve looked for it in the grocery store, but haven’t found it.

We laughed, talked and I cried a little too. It was a great time spent together. I learned how to ‘talk to text’ on my phone. They think I am cute with my phone which I am still learning to use. They are 10 years younger than me and have had their phones a long time. I’ve just had mine a year. They got some free entertainment with me.

Well, that’s it from Plum Cottage. I have been enjoying reading and seeing posts about fall weather, gardens and decorations inside and out.  Florida, especially where I live, does not see many seasonal changes. Not like you all. My gardens do not go to sleep either, in fact, they are at their nicest at this time of year, right on until next summer. Summers down here are brutal and I’m not sorry to see this one ending.

Take care and count your blessings.

Be loving, forgiving and encouraging.

FlowerLady

22 comments:

Rebecca said...

It's turned quite cool here. I checked my journal and saw that we turned the furnace on for the first time last year on Oct. 3, so I guess this is pretty "normal"... We didn't turn it on, though I was tempted to just take the chill off.

We've done chores around the house, tackling a few of the cleaning jobs I have been putting off. It felt good to get them done.

Then we treated ourselves to a meal at Cracker Barrel to celebrate the 46th anniversary of our engagement.

Your flowers are beautiful! I like the photos with the drops of rain on them. Is this when your hummingbirds usually show up???

Hope the rest of your weekend is peaceful and you aren't affected negatively by the storm. :)

Jane said...

Hoping that you will be safe, Rainey. Glad you had the opportunity to get out and have some fun!

Hugs
Jane

Nancy J said...

I hopped to Jane, and so enjoyed her words. Lovely flowers, your Vanda Orchid, stunning, looks like bad weather is moving northwards, and I hope with all my heart you stay safe. And your closing words, they fill my heart with joy. I read your words and leave so refreshed in heart,mind and soul. Hugs from down in NZ.

Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow said...

I have been thinking of you reading about "matthew" and I hope that this storm will not affect you! : )

Sallysmom said...

So glad to hear about your visit with Sue and Todd. Your DH would be so happy to know you spend time with them

Deborah Montgomery said...

I would miss the seasons changing, but you do have the compensation of some beautiful flowers year round. They are lovely! And aren't the hummingbirds a treat to watch? We have them all spring and summer, but they are heading south now. I think I probably saw the last one on Wednesday here at our feeder in Michigan.
I do pray you will be spared any hurricane issues. Blessings, Deborah

Carol- Beads and Birds said...

80 degree days are gone in Northern Indiana and the 60s and 70s have moved in. I am bracing for the cold weather and bought a couple of pairs of jeans to replace my summer shorts. I hate that!!! My summer uniform is tank top, shorts and flip flops and I wear them as long as I can stand to, lol. Your flowers are so lovely. I love them ALL!!
xx, Carol

SimplySingleSenior said...

Your gardens are so nice. Love your garden decor as well as your flowers.

Janneke said...

I'm really touched by the faded colour of the Allemanda. I thought there were only bright pink ones..... Your orchids make me almost jealous, they are growing and blooming so vigorous, we can only dream of in our climate.
Nice to learn that you had such a great day out on Thursday and actually I have to admit I have my smartphone only for three months.......and not very old, but yes 69.
Regards, Janneke

Ruth Hiebert said...

I do hope that storm misses you.I love all your flowers.I can't even imagine growing Orchids that easily. They are gorgeous.Have a wonderful week and may God bless you richly.

Joy Junktion said...

I haven't seen the news today so I'm not sure what Matthew is doing, hoping he has calmed and heading NE. Your garden flowers are gorgeous, as always. We had rain all day today - Heavenly!! My garden has enjoyed the wet day. I just planted hibiscus and Mexican petunias last week so they are soaking in all this rain! Have a beautiful week! Blessings Cindy xo

Susan said...

Hi Lorraine, I can hardly wait for the cooler weather right around the corner, but I do hope that hurricane does not come our way. Rain would be nice but not strong wind. Your orchid is beautiful! I cant believe your Philippine orchid is blooming already. It usually won't bloom for another couple of months up my way. Your Thai dinner sounded good. I love that coconut ice cream, too. Tastes very fresh. Glad you enjoyed your time with family.

Buttons Thoughts said...

Wasabi can certainly give you a jolt :) Your garden is beautiful. Time with family is wonderful. Do't worry HUGS B

Debbie - Mountain Mama said...

I'll be enjoying your gardens all fall/winter long while mine are a fond memory, Lorraine!

Janice said...

Hi Lorraine! That's my favorite allamanda - such a soft color. Your orchids are looking lovely also.

I'm also Keeping my fingers crossed that the storm passes us by. We've had quite a bit of rain lately and I am thankful for that.

Take care. _Janice

Kim said...

Your flowers are gorgeous and I hop that the storm passes you by...

Melanie said...

I'm glad that you're experiencing some cooler weather. You have the brutal summers; I have the brutal winters! I love seeing your flowers as a lot of them are unfamiliar to me. It amazes me that orchids grow all over like that. I can't even keep the ones in pots here alive, lol.

Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie said...

Your flowers are stunning - I can't get enough of them! I can't even imagine having orchids growing in my garden, never mind just breaking off a piece and planting them in the ground! I love your secret garden with the beautiful statue, too. I truly hope that awful hurricane just passes you by. I will be sending prayers your way.....So nice that your Brother and Sis-in-law are moving closer to you! I am happy to hear that. I have never had sushi, but I have tasted wasabi and yes, it is powerful stuff! It brings tears to the eyes! Glad you are getting some cooler weather, too. Now you can watch the rest of us freeze...Lol! It's already almost cool enough to crank up the woodstove here. Sending hugs and I'll be thinking of you in the next few days as the storm approaches. Stay safe. Hugs xo Karen

Anonymous said...

Lovely blooms in your garden, Rainey. . . and I adore the little "I'm in the Garden" sign.

We continue to have daily (nightly) thunderstorms, which I love. But I'm hoping like everybody else that Matthew behaves himself and leaves FL the heck alone!

Have a great week ~

eli

Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow said...

I love that candlestick cassia...have never seen one before!

Anne Payne said...

Your secret garden is lovely!!! Such gorgeous blossoms and blooms. I don't know where you live in SE FL but my sister lives in Stuart and grows Orchids like crazy too. She has some that just grow on tree branches. I love visiting her in paradise! Thanks for sharing a glimpse of your day. Sounds like you had a lot of fun at the Thai restaurant. Have a blessed week!

Cheryl said...

Good to read about happy time spent with your sister- and brother-in-law (well, except for your unhappy encounter with the wasabi ~ yikes!), and so nice to hear that they are moving closer to you!

Praying you will fare well as the storm passes!