Checking out photo quality with new blogger

Good Saturday morning Folks ~ I went out a few minutes ago to take more pics with my phone to see how they post here with new blogger format. One of my followers mentioned she went out to do her own experiment and the photos seems blurry to her also. She also read about others saying the quality of photos wasn't the same.

So, here goes. The first pic seems ok. I did notice on a couple of these photos that when I clicked on xtra large size, it fades out the picture, not GOOD at all, maybe blogger will change things the more feedback they get. Their photo format before put out very good quality photos. I guess time will tell.

These close-ups seem fine to me.

Got my Walmart order yesterday. A friend had blessed me with a gift card, and I am thankful for her generosity. Nice to have a stash of TP. I didn't realize that my brown rice was 2 5# pkgs, but that's ok, I won't have to buy it for awhile. ;-)

Ok, that's it from Plum Cottage. Have a great weekend.

FlowerLady

Not blogger, but the photographer

Well, after thinking about fuzzy photos and blaming blogger, I think it is the photographer that was the culprit. Forgot to switch from close-up to normal. At least that is what I think happened. I don't have any fresh pics from phone which is what I was using. Below is a pic of pink angelwing begonia flowers using the phone, close up mode and not fuzzy.

Wow, I just stumbled on something else. When you click on the photo, up pops a little window and if you click on the pencil/edit tool up pops another window with size choices. Yippee!

These next two photos were taken with my old Canon PowerShot A650, in macro mode and they are fine. This rose is the Florida Cracker Rose or Louis Philippe. Have had this rose since the early 80's. I need to root some cuttings of this rose.

Next photo is taken with the PowerShot and it is not fuzzy either, taken in normal mode.

I apologize Blogger, for blaming you for fuzzy pics.  I have to say, I think the new format is easy to use once you know how.

Ok folks, it's time for a nap. May you all have a wonderful weekend.

FlowerLady

You CAN do it!

Good morning folks ~ It is a new day, the sun is shining, there are clouds flitting by in a blue sky. I've already been out to the grocery store, home within an hour. Got what I needed, should last me another month. The perishables are put away, other stuff waiting to be dealt with, later. I had a bowl of cereal with fresh strawberries and some Greek yogurt and a glass of mixed juices, prune and FLA oj.

I wore my mask and gloves.  Always so good to get both of those off. Few shoppers, most wore masks. Follow the arrows on the isles and you're good.  I've got an order from Walmart which is supposed to be here today, time will tell. That order is for TP, brown rice, cereal, and dried beans.

I was a bit afraid getting ready to head out on the road this morning, but said a prayer with thankfulness and did it! You can to. I'm really a homebody, so being here doesn't bother me, it was the not being able to shop for myself at first, and then not being able to see physical family, church family and friends is the hard part. Being in isolation makes one a bit apprehensive about going out.

I am so thankful for my gardens, weeds, overgrowth and all. We've had LOTS of rain and things have only grown all the more. At least I'm not having to pay for watering. Here are some shots below.

I have to say that I think the photo quality has been diminished with the new blogger, the pics all seem fuzzy in my opinion. They used to be great quality. You CAN enlarge the pics, by selecting the photo and grabbing hold of the little boxes at corners or middle and pulling outwards or upwards/downwards.

Also, in comment moderating, when the comments show up, to the right are some symbols, and the last one is a checkmark, I think, and it says something like if this is not spam and you approve for this to be publish, that's the symbol you click on.  I did NOT want to have to get them in my email, get enough stuff there as it is.

So, things are doable in the new blogger, you just need to know what to do. I do hope the pics will be clearer once uploaded. I'll see after I publish this post.

I've been working on less procrastination and more doing around here, dusting, cleaning windows, folding and putting away clean laundry, keeping up with dishes, mowing, trimming, etc.

That's it for now. Let's remember that we CAN do things. We may have to learn new ways, and to step out in faith, and to be more thankful than ever, but we can DO it. Here are a few of my favorite verses from God's Word:

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Phil. 4:13 KJV

"For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs." Zephaniah 3:17

That's it for now, groceries need to be put away, dust bunnies done away with, etc. etc. May I do all 'heartily' as unto Jesus.

Love, hugs and prayers ~ FlowerLady

Got the answer

Ok, I did a search and found the answer as to where the write a new post button is. When you open up the post window, there is an orange circle with a plus sign on it in the lower right hand corner and you hit that and up pops a new window to write a post.

Now to see where unmoderated comments are. I'll keep you posted.

This is a sunset from the other evening.

That's it for now. FL

New Blogger problems

Hi Folks ~ Hope you are all doing well. It is hot and humid down here in s.e. FL. I am so thankful for air-conditioning.

We've had LOTS of rain, day after day, although I was able to get out and mow the other morning, and then yesterday morning and this morning I've gotten laundry washed and hung out to dry. I got laundry in yesterday before it rained, hopefully today I'll be able to do the same.

Blogger has sent a msg saying we will have to start using the 'new blogger' by the end of June. So I finally decided to try it and so far it is a real pain.  I can't see where the button is to write up a new post. I happened to have this post in draft form so am able to write here.

Also, I don't know where un-moderated comments are now. So, if anyone has left a comment and it's not showing in blog post, it's because I've not found it to be able to publish it.  Of course, maybe no one has left a comment because I've not put up a new post.  I'll see what happens after I publish this one.

I finished an embroidered heart, nice and calming to work on. Here it is in the beginning.

  Here it is finished.

Some people have been having trouble uploading photos, so I'll see if these are posted or not. I remember not like new set-up the last time they made a change and it took awhile to learn, then it became easy. Maybe they don't have all of the bugs worked out yet.

I've been playing with a 'free' photo editing program that my dear husband installed for me in 2011, GIMP. Have had fun making photos of flowers into looking like oil paintings.

Ok, that's it for now. Wear a mask, wash your hands, pray, be thankful, let others know you love them, find the beauty in each day, try to let go of all stress. Know that God loves you and that He is with us through all of this, working all things out.

For those who have lost loved ones, lost jobs, are having relationship issues, depression, I am sorry and am praying for the whole world at this time, that includes you, even though I don't know you.  I pray that you will sense His loving presence and help.

Love, hugs and prayers ~ FlowerLady

I have...

Good morning Folks ~ before I get started with 'doing' things, I wanted to say that I have much to be thankful for. Your prayers, words of encouragement along with listening to 'The Blessing' and other uplifting music on you-tube, reading scripture, devotionals and other bits and pieces, has lifted my spirits. Jesus is my strength when I am weak, and I certainly have my weak moments. So many in this country and around the world are going through so much hardship right now, that my moments of weariness and depression seem very petty in the overall scheme of things. May God have mercy on us all.

Beaches are now open, more stores are opening and there is 50% capacity happening at restaurants. Traffic has picked back up on the roads as workers are now going back to work. I'm not planning on going out again until maybe next week when I'll need to go to the grocery store again, wearing my mask and gloves.

We've had some much needed rain, which of course makes my tropical jungle cottage garden grow all the more. Will share next some of the blooms happening around Plum Cottage.

 This amaryllis surprised me as I did not plant this in this location. I did pull up a bunch of bulbs from a pot and a little one must have fell in this space, gotten buried a bit and then decided to grace me with it glorious presence.  This is in my 'secret garden' space.

Next, are the blooms of this wonderful hibiscus with it's huge deep red blooms. I bought this last year I think, or the year before.

Here is a sweet little rose with a wonderful 'rose' scent. It is 'International Herald Tribune'.

Below is 'Don Juan' climbing rose, which is blessing me with lots of blooms. Wonderful rose scent as well.

Here is a huge aloe, it is beautiful in it's form and in the coloring. Great for putting on skin as it has healing properties.

Here are two leaf hearts found recently.

Last but not least by any means, is my sweet little Miss Tork. This time she is sleeping in the laundry basket on top of clean laundry waiting for me to stop procrastinating and fold and put it away. I also need to find the right spot for this wonderful old painting bought many, many years ago.

Ok, that's it for now. I need to get up and get 'doing', part of my 'being' present in the moments I am blessed with.

Love, hugs and prayers ~ FlowerLady

The Blessing

Good morning Folks ~ well, this morning I woke up feeling weary and a bit depressed. This isolation from others is starting to get to me. I am missing the camaraderie, the hugs. It's been two weeks today since I ventured forth to the grocery store and I don't plan on going out this week. 

 The past few days, I've been watching different church groups, different nationalities, singing the song 'The Blessing' by  Steven Furtick, Chris Brown, Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes. This morning I saw some new versions of this uplifting song taken from scripture and have been blessed once again. The two versions that got to me today are below. 

The first one is sung in their native tongue, Dutch. God speaks to all of us no matter what our nationality is, and uses us all to share His love and tender mercies.

The next one is by kids. Here is quote from their version on you tube. 

"Recorded in 5 days during 'lockdown' in May 2020, and featuring children from the UK, USA, NZ, AUS, SA  and many other nations , 'The Blessing (Kids)' unites the voices of children to sing these powerful words of scripture over friends, family, cities and our world."


Out of the mouth of babes we are blessed.

 Here is the scripture that this song was inspired by.

 The Lord bless you
    and keep you;
 
the Lord make his face shine on you
    and be gracious to you;

the Lord turn his face toward you
    and give you peace.

 Numbers 6:24-26

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Here are the lyrics to the song.

 The Lord bless you
And keep you
Make His face shine upon you
And be gracious to you
The Lord turn His
Face toward you
And give you peace

Amen

May His favor be upon you
And a thousand generations
And your family
And your children
And their children
And their children

May His presence go before you
And behind you
And beside you
All around you
And within you
He is with you
He is with you

In the morning
In the evening
In your coming
And your going
In your weeping
And rejoicing
He is for you
He is for you

He is for you

-----------------

Here are more versions and I'm sure there are others and more being produced. A blessing for the whole world.

"A gift from the Churches of Hawai‘i, The Hawai‘i Blessing was recorded during the first week of May 2020 by worship leaders from 25 churches across all 6 major islands of Hawai‘i. During this time of sheltering-in-place, isolation and uncertainty about the future, we could all use a blessing and a sense of togetherness. In Hawai‘i, we call that ‘ohana - family. "

------

The Blessing South Africa

"During the April 2020 lockdown people from across South Africa united to sing a blessing over our nation. The heart of this is to bless you - to give you hope and peace! Sing this in your homes, proclaim it over your family, your community, your city, your province - over our nation and our continent Africa! Share this with your friends, make it your own - sing it in your language "

------

"Zimbabwean musicians heeded the call to unite and come together as the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Although physically we have been forced apart due to social distancing, we hope this performance serves as a message of peace and blessing upon your lives as we power through these challenging times - together.

Be blessed and inspired."

------

The above is by the writers of this song.

------

The Blessing (Symphonic Version) - Passion City Church

------

The Blessing & Way Maker | Eastside Worship | Live From Anaheim, CA

------

I will end with the video above. Jesus is the way maker and He is always working.

Love, hugs and prayers,

FlowerLady

 

 

 

 

Encouragement in song

Good morning Friends ~ We are into a new week, may we all be blessed and encouraged. May we all be a blessing and encourage others. These two beautiful songs came my way yesterday, via you-tube.

Psalm 91 by Victory Boyd

 His Eye is on the Sparrow by Victory Boyd

God bless you and keep you ~ FlowerLady

Something to bring a smile

A dear friend, sent me this link and it is good for some lightness in this pandemic situation. Enjoy! 

Song for today and every day

Good morning Friends ~ It is another gray and breezy day, we are supposed to get some much needed rain, which will be nice for all growing things. 

I wanted to share a tender, loving song that came through a devotional this morning.  It really touched my heart.

May you find the beauty, peace and joy of life today and be thankful. God is the Giver of our lives. 

Be blessed in Jesus' name, Amen. 

FlowerLady

Cultivating Peace, right where I am

Good morning Folks ~ Hope you are all doing well and that your hearts are leaning toward thankfulness in all things. Each day is a gift. It is so easy to get caught up in fear and anxiety, IF we listen to/watch too much negative info. I have found that when I go outside, even just for a few minutes, I relax, I breathe deeper, my heart becomes filled with joy and peace.  Yes, there are tons of things I could be doing out there, but for the moment, I just want to 'be' not 'doing'.

Yesterday I felt more at peace and more energized to live and that was such a blessing. I don't know 'why' but it stayed with me all day.

I've been a tad stressed about getting a new phone as mine is having issues. It is 4 1/2 years old. It's an LG VS985 4G LTE. I have enjoyed it, especially the camera, but the battery keeps getting the life sucked right out of it, especially when zooming. I want one with great camera capabilities, and believe I've found the one I want to get, BUT, it is expensive. I can make payments, which would be nicer than forking over the lump sum. Right now with all of this isolation, I won't be going to the store to delve into getting and setting up a new phone just yet. So, I am learning patience. The phone I'm interested in is the iPhone 11. I've watched quite a few videos, read reviews and this looks to be the one for me.  It also is great for video making, so I may try my hand at that. I am praying and waiting for this to all work out, if it is meant to be.

Yesterday I visited a lovely blog I've just started following, 'It's a Beautiful Life' by Brenda. In her post yesterday she mentioned and showed a book she is reading, 'Placemaker: Cultivating Places of Comfort, Beauty, and Peace'  by Christie Purifoy.  I googled and found it several places, but the best price was at christianbookbag.com  

Here is some info about the book.

" In Placemaker, Christie Purifoy invites us to notice our soul's desire for beauty, our need to create and to be created again and again. As she reflects on the joys and sorrows of two decades as a placemaker and her recent years living in and restoring a Pennsylvania farmhouse, Christie shows us that we are all gardeners. No matter our vocation, we spend much of our lives tending, keeping, and caring. In each act of creation, we reflect the image of God. In each moment of making beauty, we realize that beauty is a mystery to receive."

"In Placemaker, Christie Purifoy has given the world a deeply beautiful and profound work of art. Encircled here are stories of loss, and grief, hope, and resurrection, that though rooted in both natural history and Christie’s own history, make room for us and  manage to transcend the earthly world. Here we are reminded that Placemaking is a vocational invitation from God for all of us—regardless of where we live or how we make our way in the world." ~ Kris Camealy,

"Christie’s words are lyrical beauty, an ode to place and peace. This book is a gentle call to all, no matter where God has us, to make place and cultivate hope." ~ Hannah Queen

Then I saw this other book by her and ordered it also. 

Here is info about this book.

“This is not a book. This is a sanctuary. Step inside and breathe again.”–Jennifer Dukes Lee

“When it comes to finding God in ordinary places, no one does it better than Christie Purifoy. Somehow her personal journey to find home turned into a spiritually informative pilgrimage for my own soul.”–Emily P. Freeman

“An astonishing, rhythmic work of unmatched artistry. There is no doubt: this book is a must-read for the lover of the quiet, contemplative, and beautiful.”–Seth Haines

These two books just seemed so right for me at this time of isolation. Prices were very good and I am looking forward to being inspired, encouraged and blessed by them.

Well, that's it from Plum Cottage, my stomach is saying it is time for some breakfast.

May you all have a lovely, peace filled day ~ FlowerLady

 




 

I did it!

Hello Folks ~ Hope you are all doing well. It is another beautiful, sunshiny day here in s.e. FL. 

This morning I got up around 5:15, I needed to tweak my mask before heading out to the grocery store. I took a stiff twistie that I'd gotten off some veggie at the grocery store awhile back, cut it in half then, folded over the top of mask and stitched the center area down, slid the twistie in, sewed the ends a bit to keep it from coming out. 

I left here around 7:15 and was home about an hour later. Seniors could shop between 7-8 and that was really nice. Mostly store personnel in the store and it was so nice to say a muffled hello, and God bless you to them and a couple of fellow customers. It did feel good getting back home, and I was glad to have had that little adventure. 

There was NO flour, and NO tp, napkins, or paper towels. I was able to get what I had in mind and it should last me a couple of weeks and more depending on what it is. I am so thankful for it all and that I was able to get out and do it myself.

Before I had gone out this morning, this verse came up in my devotions. What a blessing to read at this time.

 "The LORD is your keeper, the LORD is your shade at your right hand. The LORD shall preserve your going out & your coming in from this time forth, & even forevermore."

During this isolation time, I have ordered uplifting and encouraging books. The first 4 came yesterday, the next batch will come Friday and the final batch will be here near the end of the month maybe first of June. All three from different places. These should do me for awhile, I've got to watch my spending, only necessities for the near future.

Here are the ones that came yesterday. I've already read a bit of two of them, and both are very good.

Below are some birds and blooms. Neither have a care in the world, they just be who/what they are, spreading joy and beauty.

 

 This was taken out of the window over my sink. Always makes me smile to see them.

That's it for now. Tomorrow I hope to work on recipes, making and freezing, so that I won't have to think about what to fix for supper all of the time. I also want to make banana bread, had to wait to get some butter, which I did today. I also want to make strawberry bread. I've made it before and it is delicious!

May you all stay well and find the goodness and beauty to enjoy in each day we are blessed with. This is a time of reflection, of drawing closer to God our Creator and Savior and drawing closer to family and friends.

Love, hugs and prayers,

FlowerLady

Easy peasy face mask

Good morning from Plum Cottage ~ It is a sunshiny day, big blue sky, hardly any breeze and not too bad out temperature and humidity-wise. 

Had a great time 'zooming' with family yesterday. Lots of laughter, which is good medicine for all of us.

This morning I decided to make a couple of face masks as I want to go to the grocery store myself this week.  

Found a super easy peasy mask to make out of a T-shirt. No sewing.

Here are two pics of me this morning with 'bed-head' and tired looking, masks in place. They were so easy it's unbelievable and hardly took any time at all. The only thing I changed is making the ties to tie around my head, instead of behind my ears. I do have one of those stiff twisties from the grocery and think I'll quick sew-on, a short piece for over the nose, to bend and keep it in place, if you know what I mean.

May you all be safe and well. 

FlowerLady

May is here

Hello Folks it is hard to believe it is May already. It is day 53 of being isolated. One day slips into another.  The governor has said that my county and two others will be in isolation until the end of this month. 

This morning the scent of three 'unknown' red roses is filling my little space. Just wonderful and a joy to look at also. (excuse my dust, something I plan to work on today.)

Day before yesterday I went out to rake up 'again' all of the leaves in the driveway. I thought about mowing, but was pooped after raking and bagging. The full bags are out by the sidewalk to be picked up and will be turned into mulch by the county.

Looking north.

 Looking south, the bags are at the drive-thru gate waiting for me to take out to sidewalk.

 

After coming inside I noticed the sky was black to the north. Didn't see that while outside. We got a little rain here, then later in the day we had a T-storm roll in and dump more rain on us for about 15 minutes. Yesterday morning I was able to mow and am glad to have all of that done.

I have made stuffed shells, froze 2 meals worth, then I made a white bean, sausage, kale stew. Not sure what I'll do today. Would like to make a loaf of quick banana bread.

Stuffed shells served with a cucumber/tomato/onion/kalatma olive vinaigrette salad.

Now for some more flowery eye candy. 

'Carpet roses'

 

 

Frangipani

 

Unknown orchid

 

Queen's Wreath, I tied down the stems.

 

You can see the purple garlic vine flowers in the background. This arbor is a 'throw together' from things I had laying around. I cobbled it together October 2013.

Next, the secret garden, for roses and butterflies, is filling out. The birdbath is now filled again after the rain we've had.

Now for some hearts, one stuck to the glass door, the other is made of shell rock and was found in the driveway.

Ok, it is time for me to take care of making the inside of my little home happier and sweeter by washing dishes, vacuuming and dusting, maybe making a loaf of banana bread, and whatever else I might get done today.

Here are a couple of songs that have blessed my heart this week. May the be a blessing to you as well.

Love, hugs and prayers for all,

FlowerLady