Ice Storm Then Snow Storm

Ice on bamboo is usually a disaster, but for some reason the bamboo just bent over. It could have been because we didn't get the high winds expected. Sadly for TN and MS, they got the storm we were supposed to get, catastrophic is what they were saying. We really lucked out. I was sure we would have trees come down.

From the side, looks like a giant frozen green wave.
 

First storm was a few inches of sleet and frozen rain, not good for the snowstorm that was yet to come. I hate this stuff from my Atlanta days where I would be working on a deposition, storm hits, then trying to get home. Ice is the worst! Big surprise, we never lost power. I had plenty of firewood and supplies ready just in case. 

The next week we have the snow storm, about 8 inches of fluffy, dry beautiful snow. That would have been fine if the ice wasn't underneath. A few days were brutally cold. I hope this is the last of it, I'm ready to start my seedlings for spring. My perfect temperature is 55-65 degrees with a light breeze and sun lol. Lately I've been looking at tiny houses on Amelia Island. Wouldn't hurt to be a snow bird!

The chows loved it, they would not come in. 

                        It sure makes for pretty photos!

The Gift That Keeps on Giving!

A Christmas gift from my aunt that last six months with a variety of bulbs arriving each month. The amaryllis bulbs were the hardest to sustain and I managed to save one that should bloom this Christmas.
 

I tried to photograph each month, but am sure I missed a few as there were some muscari that I do not see in the photos, but I at least have an idea of what is to bloom at the farmhouse next spring.

As much as I love receiving bulbs as a gift, it sure was a lot of work. This space had to be cleared of mondo grass, then I added manure and humus to the soil and bone meal for the bulbs.

Planting took a good day to complete, they are all in but I think I may have planted hyacinths too shallow as I already see leaves and dumped some more dirt on top of them.

Not much left in the garden, the last of the zinnias.

A forsythia was in bloom much to my surprise!

Last of the roses.  We were supposed to have a freeze/frost last week, but it never happened. The temps next week are low, so this may be the last of everything, even my beloved basil.

Drying hydrangeas are always as pretty as the first blooms.

Power Washing

While Bob recovers from surgery, I have been spending my time power washing the front porch of the farmhouse. Initially bought the washer to do the ceiling to get the chipped paint off to prep for painting, but started on the floor and couldn't believe the difference!

    Over 100 years of dirt and 100 degree days, perfect time to get wet. This is a messy job, but well worth the effort. We still have a lot to do at the main house, but once Bob is stronger he can do that.
 

Love the light scrubbed wood look, trying to decide if I should oil it or leave it alone.

Since my washer isn't professional grade, it takes off some of the chipped paint, but I will still have to scrap and sand. What a shame they painted the ceiling, the old pine wood up there is beautiful and it would have saved a lot of time and money.  Got to paint it Haint Blue, it's tradition in the South!

This beautiful butterfly/moth was trying to hide on the front door, but I spotted him!

Haint Blue

 https://www.instagram.com/reel/DL-NyaJOstB/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Spring is Here

  First come the azaleas. No frost, pruning and feeding are paying off!
 

  

                                             Bridal Wreath Spirea

   Then come the roses.  The Butterfly Rose is the first to bloom, the others are loaded with buds and ready to burst. One of the reasons I go to Roses Unlimited each year is to buy the Mill's rose food, which is so hard to find. I was told about it decades ago on a rose tour in Atlanta, a rose grower's secret!

     First bud to open on the Iceberg

   Found while pruning.

My beds are all planted, seedlings are sprouting. At the other end my lettuce is coming in thick. I think this is going to be a good year for my plants, I got a head start and had a plan!

Christmas Decor & Luncheon

 

First fire in the new fireplace.  Love my found andirons!  I was happy at how well it worked and how warm it made the living room. Being such a small fireplace, I didn't think it would perform so well. Smaller than the smallest standard fireplace and why I had to hire a mason to build it, but sure glad I did!

            Red cardinals on the white tree spurred the cardinal theme.

   A throw Bob had found on a trip.

Table set for a luncheon. The girls from our small post office were coming on their lunch break.

                     Nancy and Dawn.

Tried a new chocolate chip recipe with cornflakes and marshmallows.  These sandwich bags were perfect since the cookies were large.  They were a hit!

Christmas comes and goes too fast.