Garden Retreat

Today the sun is shining, grass is green and the world looks cleaner and brighter.  Last night some summer thunder storms gracefully deposited several inches of desperately needed rain, and my garden welcomed the gentle drops of  the life saving liquid.  Late summer is often the peak for backyard beauty, but my garden shows a burst of flowers in the spring.  Now it is August and it's special to walk the garden and see the buds on azaleas and other perennials for next year's bloom.  My garden is my temporary vacation spot,  it's the perfect place to escape the busyness of the day.  Watching the cumulus clouds go by,  and smelling the freshly cut grass helps to describe my garden---RELAXING.

It's always an enjoyable experience to enjoy the soothing effect of the garden ponds. A number of years ago one pond was sufficient, but as the koi  grew larger it became necessary to add an additional pond. The new pond holds 1,200 gallons of water and there are times I wish it was a swimming pool.

The morning glory is an early riser and it certainly is a welcome sight in the morning.

Vibrant is the word to describe the red hibiscus.  The plant was a gift, and I appreciate it blooming until the fall.  Sometimes there are eight to ten blooms at one time and it is very special because it has a tree-like appearance.

This lilac plant has had many years of graceful blooms.  In the spring the yard becomes fragrant with the scent of the delicate flowers. 

 

Rhododendron blooms were plentiful this year. The new buds indicate next years beauty will be equal.

The double daylily added a bright orange to the landscape.

A spiderweb is a special addition to the garden.  It's silky threads becomes a resting place for the spider and a trap for small prey.  With a little mist a rainbow appeared adding to the wonder of the creation of such a masterpiece.

The colorful iris added a special touch and received a stop and look moment.

 

 

 

The garden tour is almost complete but before we leave the elegant rose captures our attention.  Gardens take considerable work, adding a touch of happiness to our lives.

 

           

Roadside Flower Show

Wind, water, humans and animals all contribute to the roadside flower show.  Remember when the temptation was too great when you came upon a dandelion ready to send its parachute seeds into the wind.  You had to take a deep breath and have a hearty blow, sending the seeds to new places.  Although roadside flowers are not precisely placed as you would in a garden, they become a random pattern flowering in fields, roadsides, vacant lots and even cracks in the sidewalk. Where ever they grow they have a beauty all their own.

Yellow milkwort suggests an orange clover head.  It grows in the Pine barren's wet sandy soil, and is quite colorful.

American Indians made a poultice from the roots for wounds, sores, and burns.  They used the fuzz from the female flowerhead to stop chafing in babies.  We often see the cattail in floral displays.

Queen Anne's lace has a dainty flat topped cluster of tiny white flowers.  They grow to be 12-18 inches and roadsides are plentiful with this delicate flowers.

The day-lily with its bright orange flower can easily be transplanted in your garden.  I wish they lasted all summer season for they add foliage and flower to the land- scape.

Prickly-Pear Cactus is the only widespread eastern cactus, having a flower often with a reddish center.  The tuffs of bristles will never let you forget the prickly-pear if touched by fingers or toes.

A little touch of blue from the sky must have given these flowers their color.  I was tempted to pick some, but I refrained because to disturb them would not have been the best thing to do.

This was a sight to behold.  The field was an array of golden yellow.  It was certainly a picture perfect sight.  The Black-eyed Susan is a native American wild flower, although sometimes it is called yellow daisy and it happens to be the state flower of Maryland.

The American Indians made a medicinal tea from the roots of the daisy to treat worms and colds, and as a wash for sores and snakebites.  Juice from the root was used to treat earache.  Let's forget about the snakebites, but perhaps there is something to be said for these early American remedies. 

These Indian Pipes made a short visit to my garden.  They like shady areas, and the flower is white or pink but turns blackish later.  They don't grow very tall and the few in my garden were about 6-7 inches tall.  I have been searching for more, but have yet to find any.

These star like flowers were clustered together like little stars.  Most of the flowers had five petals except the lonely little one in the foreground.  Wonderful, we have seen some orange, yellow, white, blue and brown roadside flowers.  My next venture will be to find the pinks, reds and purples.

Skeeter

Skeeter is a toy rat terrier who has become a dominate part of my world.  Presently she has been experiencing visual problems and her opthtalmologist, Dr. James Clinton from Medford, New Jersey has diagnosed her eye problem as corneal erosion.  She is also far sighted and I have become her seeing eye person.

I like having Skeet by my side because she is a true companion and friend.  I know she doesn't like me to leave her, but upon my return I know a little tail will wag , ears will go back and a happy doggie dance will occur with a repeated welcome bark. 

My little girl always looks forward to a treat any size shape or form.

She can be very entertaining, understanding basic commands is easy for Skeeter.

Skeeter came to us four years ago, although she is approximately nine to ten years of age.  She always loved her toys especially ones with squeakers inside.  Now because of her eyes she is unable to focus for fetching or catching .

Well it's bedtime for us and yes, she does sleep with me and I wouldn't have it any other way, because we are a team.  

              This past summer we lost  an outside pet named Rufus.  He, too, always welcomed a gentle touch, and kind words.  We had seventeen years of faithful friendship and he will always be missed.

THE RAINBOW BRIDGE

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once mor  ae into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

  

Bird's- eye View

Recently I visited the Taj Mahal Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey.  The Taj is a mega casino and hotel and it provides a great entrance to the boardwalk.  After having an enjoyable lunch it was inevitable the penny machines were calling; displaying novelty games that any gambling patron would have difficulty resisting.  Needless to say, the "luck of the Irish" was not with me that day, so I ventured high above the boardwalk where a secret area lets you observe the sights of the boardwalk, ocean, birds and vacationers.  As I took the following photographs I felt content with my "bird's-eye view," equal to the pigeons and seagulls flying above.

Walking, strolling, call it what you like, this was a beautiful late afternoon to enjoy.

For some individuals the famous rolling chairs provided the easy going transportation.

Mr. Sandman leaning against the railing was desperately trying to remove the sand between his toes, not an easy task because the sand is like Velcro to the body.  One thing for sure I hope he didn't put his shoes on until every granular was left behind.

Love was in the air.  It was pleasant seeing couples holding hands as they enjoyed the early evening.

At the end of Steel Pier there is a landing--take off pad for the helicopter.  The ride takes you for a view of the island, beach, ocean, casino facades, shops and activity on and off the beach.

 I assume this lady sees something of interest.  Is it a bird, plane, or something faster than a speeding bullet, or more powerful than a locomotive, or could it just be SUPERMAN?



A ' Derecho'

Egg Harbor City, New Jersey is a small community located in Atlantic County in the southern part of the State.  As of the 2010 United States Census, the population was 4243.  The town has been under renovation for a number of years and many changes are presently taking place.  The tree lined streets on the most part have nicely manicured homes and yards and one senses there are many characteristics of a Norman Rockwell painting.  Unfortunately this community like many others in the area on June 30th 2012 experienced a thunderstorm system call a "derecho".  According to a meterorologist a derecho storm fuels itself, for it is a group of thunderstorms causing high winds, rain and hail.  Winds can gust more than 80 miles per hour lasting about 30 minutes. During this time a great amount of damage took place causing a massive clean-up effort needed.

This tree was in derecho's path. The family was  trying their best to get limbs away from their property and their neighbors.

We often are made aware of damage caused by severe storms as we watch TV.  This car and many others parked along the tree lined streets became victims to the storm.

Mother Nature had no mercy as it came through with a vengance.  The family was trying to clean-up the best they could, but it certainly was going to take heavy equipment to remove the large size tree trunk and limbs.

The City has a lovely park, called Lincoln Park.  It is a place where people can sit and relax under age old trees.  This one will never rise again and will be missed by many of the local residents.

Damaged homes also brought a feeling of sadness, knowing that no one should have to experience such devastation.

 

The root system indicates the massive size of the tree. As I observed the fallen trees they all appeared to be facing the same direction.  Rain, snow, wind or blow can not stop Mother Nature's choice of weather systems.  We must appreciate the gift of a clear blue sky, bright sunshine and lack of a 'derecho.'

 

 

 

Steel Pier Visit

Steel Pier in Atlantic City, New Jersey was once referred to as the Showplace of the Nation.  Today as you enter the Pier's walkway you are greeted by a red carpet.  We must remember there was the Steel Pier of yesteryear and Steel Pier of today.  The one thought we must focus on; regardless of age and numerous changes the Pier continues to entertain both young and old.  All the screams and laughter are usually happy sounds and memories are being made.

This towering ferris wheel promotes the Pier with an outstanding view of the boardwalk, beach and ocean.  It's a pleasant ride offering may participants a glimpse of an amusement ride dating back to the late 1800's.

Upon entering the Pier nostalgia took over as I walked the incline.  This was suddenly reminiscent of the many good times the original Pier offered; a full day of entertainment for under a $1.00.

Many games of chance lined the walkway.  These tigers could be won if you were able to shoot a star directly in the center.  Consider the star was not very big. Not many tigers went out of the caged area. Perhaps that is why they call it chance.

An individual certainly must have a desire and a strong stomach to partake this ride.  It was difficult to photograph, since they were up, down, to the right, to the left, but the best was when riders were upside down.  Faces showed different emotions as they made their exit and some very choice words were used.

Colors seemed to be everywhere.  The colors were pleasantly overwhelming.  Reds, greens, yellows and a gorgeous blue sky highlighted with white billowy clouds made it perfect for photography. 

This family did quite well with prizes.  I observed the children had difficulty choosing the best prize.

The water game was waiting for some takers. 

When all the excitement of the Pier is over, this is what might relax all the muscles or get the sand out from between your toes.  Never the less, it was a day of fun and that's what memories are made of. 

Jersey Blues

Blueberry time has come to New Jersey and farmers are looking forward to a bountiful 2012 crop.  This year's crop is two weeks earlier than normal due to the mild winter.  The fresh fruit can be found in markets and roadside stands.  Personally I like to eat the berries right off the bush.  That is not one by one, but by the handful.  The versatile fruit becomes tasty in pies, muffins, and a variety of cakes, smoothies, and the list can go on.  The Department of Agriculture has rated blueberries as having the highest antioxidants activity of forty fruits and vegetables.  They are low in calories and contain small amounts of Vitamin C, A, E.  Traditionally blueberries have been a part of the food culture of Native Americans for many years and it is recommended berries be eaten weekly.

Bushes must be pruned in the winter to remove old plant growth.  Please notice these pruners are not your small hand held.  Farmers often refer to these tools as "lopers."

These young men were gracious to let me photograph them.  It was a mild February day and heavy apparel was not necessary.  These fellows would continue the pruning if the temperature was very cold and snow was on the ground.  Please notice the reddish color of the bushes.  Looking across a field during winter months is quite a view.

Hand picking is always the best way to harvest these delicate berries, but sometimes it is necessary to use a harvester that can gather the crop quickly.  Some lucky farmer will put this machine in operation this summer.

This front view of the harvester shows the rotating finger like spikes that will remove the berries from the bushes.

A field of blossoms is quite a beautiful sight.  The bee is doing his job for each polinated blossom will produce berries.

The blossoms remind me of little bells.  It is now mid-June and the blossoms are gone and the berries are well under way to be picked.  There are different varieties of blueberries.  Years in the past the size of berries ranged from a small pea to a nickel.  Now through research berry size can range from nickels to quarters.

This cluster of almost ripe berries will soon be ready for eating.  Here's hoping they will be added to your menu perhaps for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or just a healthy snack.  Enjoy!

                                      Heaven Blueberry Crunch

3 cups of blueberries                                            1 can crushed pineapple (save the juice)
1 box yellow cake mix (pudding recipe)                  1 cup of sugar
1 stick of melted butter                                         crushed nuts (optional)

Grease 9x13 baking pan.  Spread pineapple in bottom of pan.  Mix washed berries with 3/4 cup of sugar.  Spread berries over pineapple.  Pour cake mix over berries.  Sprinkle rest of sugar over top of cake mix.  Drizzle melted butter and juice evenly over all.  Bake 375, for 40 minutes or until golden brown.  Can be served with whipped cream, ice cream or just plain.