Friday, January 10, 2020

This and that

Hello Folks ~ Well, here we are 10 days into January. After several days of cold weather for us down here in s.e. FL, to day it has been gray, windy and warm high 70's. Some rain is expected tomorrow morning, then clearing skies and less wind. 

Earlier in December, the garlic vine was in bloom. I just love this vine and it blooms several times during the year. The leaves of plant when crushed smell like garlic.






I was able to get out to mow and weedwack the other day, takes me about an hour. I have 1/4 of an acre. Thanks for your kind comments about my work. Sometimes it all seems so overwhelming to me, but then I see the photos of flowers that I share here and I smile.

There is a small lawn out front by driveway at the entry also, but I didn't get a photo of that area.









*** Edited *** I forgot to add this picture below. Mowing and weedwacking the edges really makes a difference in how it all looks.



I live in a tropical jungle. Most people down here do NOT live like this. They live in housing communities or condos and have manicured lawns, everything neat and tidy, it all looks nice, but I'm afraid I'll never be like that unless I happen to move from here. This is what I have been blessed with and I am thankful, oh so thankful for it. The road out front went from 2 lanes to 5, and people zip right past. When people come here for the first time they are amazed that it is here, calling it 'old Florida'. ;-)

I bought another book after Christmas. It is for the mandala afghan I started. It is a beautiful book filled with detailed instructions of the stitches used. So much easier it will be than having to look online while crocheting. I can sit in one of my new chairs with book at my side and crochet to my heart's content. Well, until my hands say, ok that's enough for now.

Photos below are my book cover, and pics from inside. I have a long way to go, and it will be challenging.





Where the black mark is, is where I am at in this pattern.



This is my piece so far. I had done more, but made a mistake and had to rip it out. Having the book will be a huge help in teaching me to do this.


I did finish a lapghan last week. I've made this pattern several times, this is not all of the rows by any means, but it made a nice size for a lapghan with the yarn I was using. I had gotten a HUGE skein of size 3 yarn at Aldi and used some of that, plus some left over yarn from a baby blanket I had made. It was a joy to make. It is called a 'Sampler' afghan.



Oh yea, I raised the paintings over my two new chairs, yesterday. I've also been working in my bedroom with storage for yarn, decluttering, etc. The little foot stool, is also Queen Anne style, my dear husband bought it many, many years ago for $1 at a yard sale. I need to make a new cushion for it as it has lost it's puffiness. I have the two extra arm covers for the chairs that I might be able to use for a new cover. Time will tell.



Ok, that's it for now. My stomach is telling me it is time to eat supper. Tomorrow is a new day, may you all have a nice weekend and be thankful for your life, it is a gift from God.

24 comments:

GretchenJoanna said...

Your "Old Florida" style of homestead is the only thing I've seen of Florida that appeals to me! I'm glad you are still able to be there and keep up with the work. Your exotic plants always amaze me!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful, and perfect, crocheting! The book looks like it would be easy to follow with those photos. Your flowers are so nice and plentiful...yes you do live in a "jungle"...much more exciting to be able to see all your plants. I always feel my yard is equally as important to me as my house. Lots of love poured into yours. Andrea

Ruth Hiebert said...

I love the colors you have for that round afghan. I used to do quite a lot of crocheting, but by now my fingers would not be in agreement ,so I do other things to keep busy.

Ann said...

That garlic vine is really pretty.
You're off to a really good start on that mandala afghan. What a pretty pattern that is.

M.K. said...

FL, the afghan is absolutely stunning. I can't wait to see your progress on it! You've already made such a good start. What an amazing pattern! It makes me want to start a large knitting project. I cannot crochet large things like that anymore; my thumbs start killing me.

Your yard looks so cozy and welcoming -- as you say, "Old Florida." I know what that means, and I miss those old days when life was slower.

NanaDiana said...

What a wonderful post. There is something wonderful about "old Florida" to me. I love the looks of it. My ex-inlaw Grandmother lived in a similar place in Zephyrhills, FL and I loved going there...and she hung her sheets out in the FL sunshine and there was nothing in the world like it.
I hope you have a wonderful weekend, sweet Lorraine. xoDiana

Deb J. in Utah said...

Hello - another lovely blog post. Your home is just so homey and delightful. It makes me want to come over for a visit, and have you take me on a guided tour of your yard, pointing out all the beautiful flowers. Hugs from UT.

Melanie said...

I love seeing all the greenery and flowers on your property, especially while it is so cold and bleak here with bare branches and no green to be seen except for some pine trees.

That mandala afghan is gorgeous. I've never seen anything like it. You are very talented with your needlework.

Have a good weekend...we are under a winter storm warning here. It's raining right now which will turn to ice, then we're getting snow on top of it.

Dewena said...

The colors in your lapghan are so pretty! And that's a new word for me but it makes sense. Your chairs are so pretty, such a sweet corner of your room. With all your gardening and crocheting it's no wonder your hands sometimes hurt. I've been interested in a hand massage contraption I've been seeing on FaceBook. Both my husband and I could sure use it if it's all they claim.

Nancy J said...

Everything is so beautiful, and like you, we cannot imagine living in a unit, a retirement village, and although we do have neighbours a lot closer than for the last 18 years and more, I appreciate their closeness and friendship. Your crochet, truly amazing, and a lovely project.

crafty cat corner said...

Your mandala is lovely Lorraine, I wondered how you were getting on with it. I have made several now and haved moved on to embroidery for a bit. I'm a bit of a butterfly crafter and flit about from one thing to another but seeing that wonderful large afgan makes me want to get out the hooks again, lol
See what I mean?
Trouble is, I worry about time now and not having enough to make all the things I keep seeing.
Your garden is beautiful, just as nature intended, I love it.
Briony
x

Susie said...

I loved seeing the flowers. I would not like to smell garlic leaves, but wow the flowers are very pretty. Love the needle works too. Blessings, xoxo, Susie

Anne Payne said...

I was thinking as I was looking at your photos that you live in a 'secret garden'!!! I love it! I know it's a ton of work for you though. I'm thankful you are able to enjoy the fruits of your labor, and that you share it with us. :-)

My jaw dropped when I saw your afghan. I have never been able to crochet or knit like that. Your lapghan is gorgeous!

Kim said...

I love your little jungle oasis. It's like a secret garden. Far more intriguing than manicured lawns (which are also nice in a different way). That afghan project looks so fun. Lots of challenges and accomplishments to look forward to. Your sample afghan is gorgeous. Can't wait to see how your current one turns out. Take care, Lorraine!

ellen b. said...

Love the garlic vine flowers. So pretty. Everything looks so lush at your place even though it's winter. We have over 6 inches of snow on the ground right now. How nice to be able to create things with your hands and yarn...
Happy Sunday to you.

Lynn and Precious said...

I don't envy your hard work, Lorraine, but I do envy your lovely Florida
yard. The pictures are worth a 1000 words. I especially enjoyed seeing
the window with the colored glass and stain glass. I would not enjoy
that over manicured look so many places have now. Our yard is 1/2 acre
and full of trees and shrubs for the birds, squirrels and deer. Would not
have it any other way.

56steps said...

You work so hard to keep up with your beautiful yard and your efforts are rewarded with the beauty around you.

I'm a knitter and crocheter too and really love seeing everything you are making.
It's a wonderful hobby isn't it?

Take care,
Debra

Sandra said...

Rainey, the garden is LUSH and beautiful; so is the afghan. The thought of a diagonal block overwhelmes me...can't imagine! The two chairs are cozy and I've got ottomans or hassocks at a lot of my chairs; it just helps my back to have my legs raised a bit.
Hope you're Sunday was blessed; we had a wonderful Sunday School and church service.
Love and prayers, Sandra at Thistle Cove Farm

Thelma said...

Your garlic plant is so pretty. I'd love to smell it. Your yard is lovely. A lot of nice vines and plants.

A Joyful Cottage said...

I prefer your "Old Florida" property, Lorraine. It's homey and charming. The garlic vine is amazing. Oh, those gorgeous flowers! Your crochet work is beautiful. I love the colors and pattern of the lapghan. I like the lived in look of your footstool, but understand you'd like to freshen it up. You keep active and creative, and that's a good thing! Happy New Year, my friend! Hugs, Nancy

The Wykeham Observer said...

The yard is looking good. I like your "new" chairs. The room looks very cozy. Hope you have a Happy New Year and blessings for your home and garden. Phil

Unknown said...

You are so talented, Lorraine!! You should start an Etsy shop online to make extra $$$

Junkchiccottage said...

Hi Lorraine,
I love what you are making. So pretty. I am like you and cannot do the condo crowd. I love my little house that is the size of a two bedroom condo but with a yard and garage. I love having a yard in the summer months for my flowers and being outside. Terry has his garage now to enjoy his wood working. We do not need anymore and we can do what we want and not have to be under rules. I love that your flowers grow wild and enjoy your pretty yard.
xoxo
Kris

Red Rose Alley said...

It's always nice to see bits of your home, Lorraine. Home is so special to me, and it's where we can rest and lay our heads for awhile. You have crocheted many nice things. I've always thought it was such a talent to sew and crochet and knit. My mom was a great seamstress, and she made many of my clothes growing up. Your paintings look so charming over the chairs.

~Sheri