Cuttings

It's such a gloomy, rainy day.  I'm really tired of this, but I guess the adage That summer doesn't begin until July 4th is proving to be right this year.

My friend, Cynthia, grows amazing flowers and sells stems to the florists in Bellingham on Mondays.  What she has left over, she brings to me.  This first photo is the latest that I re-arranged today.

Just a sweet little one to tuck in corners.

I really like this one.  Cape fuchsia and other unusual fuchsias.

 This one is special only that it is in a cream bottle that my late husband found in 1975 while fishing near Silvana, Wa.

 And my last.  My sweet peas are just getting started.  I have them growing everywhere, so I will have a constant supply in the house.  I love the fragrant scent.

So, on the health end of things, I am still struggling along.  The biggest change I had to face was giving up coffee.  I love my coffee.  It's a morning ritual.  It's like a candy bar for me since I like it with cream and sweetener.  So, the medical consultants on HHA have recommended Dark Roasted Dandelion Root tea.

I can't say it fits the bill, but it works psychologically.  No cream, that is coconut milk.

Other than that, I'm doing quite well on the protocol.  This week I am on a 6 hour eating window which means I can only eat between 11am and 5pm.  It's not bad.  I find I can only eat two meals, and then I have to fit in my bone broth.  Next week I am on a 4 hour window, and that is followed with a 5 day partial fast.  They say the big results are shown with that fast.  I would really like to get some energy and stop the pain, but that will come.

Fall is in the Air

It looks as if the time for cut flowers in the house is drawing to a close.  We waited so long for summer to arrive, while the rest of the U.S. was suffering from extreme heat.  We had about 5 weeks of warm weather, and now you can feel the crispness of the air.  My apples are all dropping off the trees before they ripen, all shriveled and dry.  And, today it was a bit breezy and I noticed the leaves everywhere.  Trouble is, they aren't turning color, they are just drying up and falling.  Strange year it's been, that's for sure.

Here is my bouquet in the living room, and the first picture is the one in the bathroom.  Since my house is small, the corner of the tub has become my favorite place to have flowers.

Then, this last one is in the bedroom.

Now I am going to pick a WHOLE bunch of Sweet Peas to infuse the house with their lovely odor. We are about the only ones around who still have sweet peas in such profusion.  If you don't cut them, they go to seed.

I was just informed by the Market Site Manager that I will be outside tomorrow and need to bring my canopy.  Sales are better out there, but it's so much more work.  Good thing "T" will be here this weekend to lend me a hand.

You know, I have totally lost my desire to quilt.  I was going through one HUGE box I have full of fabrics, and wondering why I had them?  I guess it has alot to do with how much work I have to do around here now, just maintaining the place.  Maybe when winter arrives, my thoughts will change.  But, I just might be selling off my stash.  Stay tuned!!!.

New Cria and Furniture

It's been over a year since I've been able to share one of these with you!  This is Phabian.  He was born last Friday while I was gone.  The new owners are ecstatic.  Even though I have sold all my alpacas, 16 of them are still here while the owners build fences and everything else involved in having livestock.  They come over every day and care for them, and I've acquired some wonderful new friends.  They are also the amazing MICE that have done such wondrous things for me.

This is my old living room, before new windows or paint.

Last week, I wandered into a furniture store to waste time while I was waiting for an appointment.  I found, much to my delight, the couch that goes with my crazy, asymetrical chair.  It was on sale for half price, so how could I refuse?

But wait!  There's more!  Act now and you can get two for the same great price!  Yes, it's a sectional.

Hard to get the entire room, but you get the idea.  Yesterday, when returning from being at the Market all day, I had totally forgotten about my new furniture.  When I opened the door and walked in, it was such a delight!!!  I feel like Cleopatra.

My friend C has been gardening in my field this summer, and this is what I get to look out on.  It's been a rough year, with flowers not coming on until mid to late July.  Now it is September and they are at their peak, yet starting to droop in the hot weather.

I need to get ready for church, and then this afternoon will have to unpack the car from the Market.  Guess what I forgot to take yesterday?  Fiber to spin!!  You always forget at least one thing, but that takes the cake for me.  So, I had to knit a hat.