Beauty from an overgrown subtropical cottage garden

Greetings from Plum Cottage,

Well, the problem with uploading photos to Blogger was fixed by switching to a different browser. It is so nice to have that issue taken care of.

Down here in s.e. FL, I have been getting hints of fall coming. My dear husband used to laugh when in August I would get these hints and say to him "Fall is coming." We still had the hot and steamy weather of September to get through, and sometimes into October.

I have lots of blooms to share and hope you enjoy the 'eye candy'. I am surprised sometimes when walking around my overgrown/weedy garden spaces and come upon a recently opened flower. Always a delight. We need to look up, down and all around, taking in the sights, scents and sounds. 

White scented Bauhinia ~ white orchid tree 

with what I think is a 'skipper' butterfly

Below is a sweetly scented rose 'Angel Face'.

PInk Monandra Bauhinia

Not sure which red rose this is, possibly 'Oklahoma'.

Red Salvia - spreads easily by seeds

'Spicy Jatropha' zebra longwings love this.

Hibiscus schizopetalus ~ skeleton or fringed hibiscus

Another unknown rose. Names fade away on tags. This might be 'Double Delight'.

Hibiscus 'Diva'

'Incense' passion flower

'Tiger Eye' flowering maple Abutilon 

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God saw all that he had made, 

and it was very good.

(Genesis 1:31)

Do not be anxious.

Consider the lilies of the field, 

how they grow: 

they neither toil nor spin; 

and yet 

I say to you

that even Solomon

in all his glory

was not arrayed like one of these.

~~~~~~

Cast all your anxiety on Jesus 

because He cares for you.

(1 Peter 5:7)

Do not worry about tomorrow, 

for tomorrow will worry about its own things. 

Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

(Matthew 6)

~~~~~~

Thanks for visiting. 

Count your blessings and be thankful.

Kindness matters

so

Be kind.

Love & prayers,

FlowerLady

Truth is Forever and Will Not Be Silenced

Hello Friends,

It is with a heavy and saddened heart that I write this post. It is also written with hope and prayer for this nation to turn to God. 

This past Wednesday the world lost a speaker for God's Biblical truths. A young man who wanted to lead this country's youth into a better way of life, trusting God. He was only 31 years old. He was loved by so many around the world, young and old alike. He was also hated by many, some of those haters celebrated his death. That is so hard to fathom. So many haters against what is right, lovers of what is wrong.

Charlie Kirk debated his beliefs with grace and dignity at campuses around the US. He welcomed questions and then spoke truth according to God. Some hearts were changed, others were not.

I've watched a lot of videos and podcasts over the last couple of days that have touched my heart deeply. There have also been some wonderful, heart felt tribute songs written. Charlie will not be forgotten and his mission will be taken up by thousands around the world. It is already happening with all of the vigils. Hearts and lives are being changed by the love of Jesus, our Great God, who gave His life so that man would be saved and have life eternally with Him. Repent and believe for this free gift.

Erika, his lovely wife, gave a calm speech about Charlie and his mission. God was her strength as she spoke to the world. He is continually with her and will never leave her side. May God comfort and bless her and her two little ones. May God also continue to bless the Turning Point ministry.

Charlie is with Jesus, His wonderful Creator and Savior, King of the Universe. We will see Charlie one of these days and all of us will praise Jesus for all that He has done for His Chosen, those who believe in Him. Evil will be done away with forever!!!

~~~~~~

As Christians, we are heartbroken, and we deal with anger in our hearts over this horrible thing that has happened, yet, we have not resorted to any kind of violence. In the Bible we read in Romans 12:17-19. 

"Repay no one evil for evil.

 

Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 

If it is possible, as much as depends on you,

 

live peaceably with all men.

 

Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, 

but rather give place to wrath;

 

for it is written,

 

“Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord."  

~~~~~~

Fear is another thing we are having to deal with because of this situation. The thought that crosses our minds is, could any of us be next? Especially those who really speak out for truth. I have heard of several who often receive death threats. We are already a nation dealing with fear &  anxiety, especially since 2020. This whole thing though, has brought out a resolve to not give in or give up. To keep on speaking the truth, loving and helping others as best we can. Sharing the gospel of Jesus.

In Isaiah 41:10 we read:

"Do not fear, for I am with you;

Do not be afraid, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you, I will also help you,

I will also uphold you with My righteous right hand.’

~~~~~~

! John 4:3-4 says:

"Every spirit 

that does not confess Jesus 

is not from God;

 

this is the spirit of the antichrist,

 

which you have heard is coming,

 

and now it is already in the world.

 

You are from God, little children,

 

and have overcome them;

 

because greater is He who is in you

 

than he who is in the world."

~~~~~~

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear,

 

but of power

 

and of love 

and of a sound mind."

(2 Timothy 1:7)

~~~~~~

Let us remember, 

"The Lord is close 

to the brokenhearted

and saves those 

who are crushed in spirit."

(2 Timothy1:7)

~~~~~~~

"Blessed be the God and Father 

of our Lord Jesus Christ,

 

the Father of mercies 

and God of all comfort, 

who comforts us in all our affliction 

so that we will be able to comfort those 

who are in any affliction 

with the comfort with which 

we ourselves are comforted by God. 

For just as the sufferings of Christ 

are ours in abundance,

 

so also our comfort is abundant

 

through Christ."

(2 Corinthians 1:3-5)

~~~~~~

"Be on the alert, 

stand firm in the faith,

 

act like men, be strong."

(1 Corinthians 16:13)

~~~~~~

Jesus said, 

"Love your enemies 

pray for those who persecute you"

(Matthew 5:44)

~~~~~~

"I urge that

 

requests, prayers, intercession,

 

and thanksgiving

 

be made in behalf of all people,

 

for kings and all who are in authority,

 

so that we may lead

 

a tranquil and quiet life

 

in all godliness and dignity."

(1Timothy 2:1-2)

~~~~~~

We are all sinners saved by God's grace and tender mercies, when we turn to Him.

~~~~~~

Let us pray for and encourage one another. Let us help others when and where we can.

Let us move forward, one day, one step at a time, trusting in God and His plan.

~~~~~~

Finally, brothers and sisters,

 

whatever is true,

 

whatever is honorable,

 

whatever is right,

 

whatever is pure,

 

whatever is lovely,

 

whatever is commendable,

 

if there is any excellence and

 

if anything worthy of praise,

 

think about these things.

(Philippians 4:8)

~~~~~~

Love and prayers,

FlowerLady

Testing ~ using a different browser

Able to upload photos again ;-) ~ Well, one photo.

Good afternoon Friends, well, I don't know what has happened, other than not getting in my computer for a few days, but, I'm now able to upload pics again. Thanks for tips from folks, I did a couple of things but don't know what has cleared up the problem. I am thankful though. Hopefully, it was just a temporary glitch. 

 

*** Spoke to soon, I got one picture uploaded, tried to post a couple more pictures and the same thing is happening. Sheesh. I have a young friend who is a computer geek who is going to come over and see what can be done about this. 

 

This is just a quickie post.

 

 

 

The flower above is an alamanda.  I'm not sure of the variety. I'm googling and it looks like it could be Chocolate Swirl. Was given a cutting many years ago. It is growing on a little DIY arbor that goes into my clothesline area. I'll post more pictures when I can. ;-)

 It's been horribly hot down here, although not as bad as some people are having it. I try to get out early to work outside and still sweat buckets. I drink electrolytes and take breaks, then hibernate the rest of the day. 1-2 hours is all I can handle. I just checked out weather. It is 5:05 pm and it is 92 with real feel being 101. Yikes!!!

That's it for now. Enjoy each day you are blessed with. Be thankful and let others know you care about them. 

Thanks for visiting,

FlowerLady 

Help !!!!!

Hi Friends ~ I am getting totally frustrated as I can't get pictures uploaded in blogger.

Is anyone else having this issue? I've spent hours trying to figure this out.

Many moons ago I used Windows Live Writer, then Open Live Writer. Today I tried to download Open Live Writer and Blogger has blocked the app so I cannot use that program.

I don't know what to do. There seems to be no real answers with Google. I have cleared my cache and cookies as suggested. 

Posting pictures is a big part of my blog, rather boring posts without them. ;-) 

That's it from Plum Cottage today. It was very hot and sweat  was pouring as I worked outside this morning for two hours. I do take breaks and drink electrolytes. Temp was around 90 and real feel temp 95. Tomorrow is another day.

It's time to think about supper and to bring in the laundry from the clothesline.

Thanks for any help that you have with this situation.

FlowerLady 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sweet Almond bush in my tropical, overgrown, cottage gardens ;-)

Greetings from Plum Cottage, 

 

It's been quite awhile since I've posted, sorry about that. Life is still going on here in spite of heat advisories, some stress and depression. God is good and is my strength and comfort. He blesses me with glorious blooms, friends who love, encourage and offer their help when needed. I really have much to be thankful for and hope to be posting more regularly.

 

Below is a video that recently came my way via you-tube feed.

 

It is based on the Bible verse found in Isaiah 46:4

 

Even to your old age
I will be the same,
And even to your graying years 
I will bear you!
I have done it, 
And I will carry you;
And I will bear you 
And I will deliver you.

Isaiah 46:4

 

 

 ~~~~~~

 

Yesterday morning right before I woke up, I dreamed I saw a plant loaded with blooms. I woke up happy from that and thankful for this new day.

 

A little while later I went outside and lo and behold, there was one of my 'Sweet Almond' bushes in bloom, filling the air with it's wonderful scent. I had pruned it recently and was now blessed with all of those sweet little blooms. I don't remember where I bought this.

 

My 'tropical cottage gardens' are somewhat overgrown so I will just show you the blooms, not the overgrowth. ;-)

 

 "The sweet almond bush, scientifically known as Aloysia virgata, is a popular ornamental shrub in Florida. It is native to South America and is appreciated for its fragrant white flowers and ability to attract pollinators. It has a sweet almond-like fragrance." Google search.

 

Awhile back a you tube video popped up in my feed, Christian blues. Just what I needed. My dear husband and I were/are lovers of blues music. Hubby played the electric guitar so this little cottage would rock. I miss that. When I hear certain guitar music/riffs I can just hear/see him playing here n our living room. Great memories.

 

We/I like a lot of different kinds of music. The blues are not for everyone. You can skip on down to the end of post for something more mellow. ;-)  I watch on TV with Roku and turn the volume up.

 

Here are some great Christian blues compilations from you tube. There are a lot more. 

 

 

 

 

I'll end this post with a song that was played at church recently. It touched many hearts and tears were shed. The message had been on having joy in all circumstances. 

 

We've all been through rough times, valleys. We will go through more, but, Jesus has promised to be with us through every circumstance. He is our strength when we are weak, He is our Comforter. 

 

When we see Him, we will understand all of the whys and thank Him for bringing us through all of life's ups and downs. We are in His tender care, both now and forever.

 

Well, blue skies and hillsides feel so far away
And I wrote in my notebook that I've seen better days
Than the ones as of late
I can't bear that weight

The rain won't stop pouring out my window pane
And I haven't left my bedroom in 76 days
I wish something would change
'Cause I'm losing faith

So I brought it up in a desperate prayer
Lord, why are you keeping me here?
Then He said to me, "Child, I'm planting seeds
I'm a good God and I have a good plan
So trust that I'm holding a watering can
And someday you'll see that flowers grow in the valley"

So whatever the reason, I'm barely getting by
I'll trust it's a season knowing that you're by my side
Every step of the way
And I'll be okay

'Cause I brought it up in a desperate prayer
Lord, why are you keeping me here?
Then He said to me, "Child, I'm planting seeds
I'm a good God and I have a good plan
So trust that I'm holding a watering can
And someday you'll see that flowers grow in the valley"


When I'm on the mountain and looking down below
I'll see a valley of flowers that needed time to grow
And I'll thank you for the rain
The hurt and days of pain

And I'll bring it up in a grateful prayer
Thank you, Jesus, for keeping me there
You know just what I need and you've planted seeds
'Cause you're a good God with a real good plan
And you hold my world in a watering can
So I can have peace 'cause flowers grow in the valley."

(my underlining) 

Lyrics: Samantha Ebert

 

~~~~~~

Thank you for visiting. May God bless you and keep you.

 

FlowerLady 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Two Orchids from the Miami Orchid show and other bits

Good Saturday afternoon ~ I thought I'd finish up the Miami Orchid show posts with the two orchids I got from the show. One Sarah bought for me and the other I bought myself. Orchids are 'expensive'.

Sarah and I walked around looking at all of the booths. Some I could tell were way out of my financial league and we passed them by. Near the rear of the show there were some orchids that were less expensive, but NOT less beautiful. The rare, more exotic ones seemed to be up front, fancier booths, etc.

We came across a dainty orchid that was very fragrant. The spray was full of tiny orchid blooms. They had the two samples that we saw, they weren't for sale, they were just so that you would know what the non-blooming plants would look like. They had a couple small pots left of this orchid and the price was $45. Yikes!  We both couldn't get over the scent of this orchid. The lady said she would let it go for $40 as it was the last day of show. Sarah told the lady 'I'll take it, I'm buying this for her. I wanted to buy her an orchid and when she saw and smelled this one, her face just lit up." So, I looked over the pots left and the one I picked has two flower spikes. 

Not knowing anything at all about this orchid, after getting home I did some research and it is a wonderful one to have, easy to grow. It's called 'Sharry Baby ~ Sweet Fragrance'. There are a few different SB orchids. All of the descriptions say the blooms smell like chocolate, but I didn't think so at all. I'll have to wait to see what mine smell like when they open and let you know then.

Here is a link for this orchid. Sharry Baby Sweet Fragrance

It is their photo that I'm sharing here.

The scent really is amazing. Some have said that the scent can fill a room, that the scent may be too much for some people. 

I will most likely have mine outside with other orchids that I got cheap or were given to me.

 

Next link is for photo below: orquideasnantli.com

 I can hardly wait for mine to bloom. 

To me, it seems like it has grown since bringing it home 6 days ago.

'Sharry Baby Sweet Fragrance' is on the left and her 2 spikes have definitely grown.

Below is the orchid I bought. It was $25 and was marked down to $18. I don't know what type it is, Phaleonopsis? It did not have a tag, and the gentleman selling it was swamped with people and by himself.  Had I more available funds, I'm sure I would have been tempted to buy more. People were walking out with carts, bags and arms loaded with orchid plants.

I am a novice with orchids. They are a joy to behold. I have some that just bloom like weeds in my overgrown gardens, they are really easy. I've been watching you tube videos on growing orchids and some of mine outside need to be repotted and better taken care of.

Sweet Sarah has volunteered to help me in my gardens. She has been around gardens and butterflies, watching them grow from chrysalis into butterflies since she was a little girl. She grows and sells micro-greens at a huge local green market on Saturday mornings. She is also a pickleball coach.

Last Saturday she texted me a photo of a plant she saw at the market and asked me if I knew what it was. I told her no.  She said it was called a Chinese lantern. I googled and found it sending her the info. Well, lo and behold when she pulled up to pick me up for the orchid show she had this in her car. She said when she had seen it she said to herself this would look good at Rainey's.

It's also known as a flowering maple. 

There is plenty to do around here and now that I've had cataract surgery done on both eyes I look forward to getting things taken care of. Hopefully before summer's heat and humidity get here.

That's all for this post, I wanted to finish up about the Miami Orchid show. Someone asked if I got any orchids there. ;-) Plus share my Chinese Lantern. Sarah also treated me to lunch at a place I'd never heard of, Burgerfi, where we had a burger and fries. I also had a rootbeer. We were tired, hungry and happy from our adventure, it was a late lunch, I brought home half of burger and fries for another meal. We have a lot in common, even with a 50 year age difference. Thank you dear Sarah for a wonderful outing and for my plants.

~~~~~~

Thanks for visiting. 

FlowerLady

Orchid Show part 3

Good morning Folks ~ low when I got up this morning 44 and real feel was 38. The sun is shining brightly in a big blue sky, first time since last Sunday when Sarah and I went to the orchid show.

Now, here's the final post of beautiful orchids from this show.

Well, as Bugs Bunny used to say, 

"The bea, the bea, the bea, 

 that's all folks."

~~~~~~

Enjoy your weekend.

FlowerLady

 

Orchid Show part 2

Good morning ~ this morning is colder than yesterday, it was 49 real feel 41 @ 8 this morning, tomorrow it is to be colder. I finally had to get out my old radiant heater which we found dumped roadside probably between 40-45 years ago. It heats up this little space nicely. It has 10 numbers and we've always used it no higher than 4. I am thankful for it. It's not pretty, but it works and it was free.

 Now for some more orchid  'eye-candy'. Enjoy.

 

As I was editing the next photo my heart was moved almost to tears while listening to a you tube video of Ennio Morricone's symphonies from cinema. The song La Califfa started playing as I was editing. It has to do with perseverance. My God helps me to persevere, as does His lovely creation. This video is filled with lovely instrumental music. My dear husband and I loved Ennio's music in the spaghetti westerns we saw in the early 70's while living in Spain, while he was in the US Navy. I think our favorite was 'The Good, The Bad and The Ugly'.

This one makes looks like it's made of velvet.

That's it for now. I need a break from editing/working on this post. 

I need to get up and 'do something' physical, instead of sitting in this chair. 

Neck aches, right hand aches & something else aches from sitting too long. ;-)

~~~~~~

Enjoy your day/night wherever you are and remember God loves you.

FlowerLady