Kaseys Korner

Halloween 2010 wrap up

It was a perfect Halloween in many ways and a disaster in others.  Nothing life altering as far as the latter, just minor inconveniences.  Like my sewing machine broke (yikes) before I ever even started sewing my daughter's cupcake costume.  I've never "rigged" anything before in my life ~ don't ask me why not, now that I've done it ~ it was actually pretty easy!  But I still like the security of knowing an outfit is not going to fall apart!  Anyway, forced to find an alternative, I resorted to a combination of handstitching, stapling, pinning, velcroing, etc., fretting the entire time about the durability of what I was creating.  I shouldn't have bothered.  Once the costume was finished, my daughter REFUSED to wear it.  She ended up trick or treating in her Hawaiian girl outfit from two years ago.  Someone has to appreciate what I labored over, so guess what?  Yep, I picked you!  Here's the cupcake costume, propped on my dining room table:

Please tell me it's not totally ridiculous or something at least encouraging so I feel like I didn't completely waste my time!  I'm wondering if I should bother storing it for next year ~ what are the chances it might get worn then???  I definitely think we should go a little less elaborate ~ that way I don't have so much time/labor invested if it doesn't work out...

Then, there were the Jack O'Lanterns.  I think I omitted to tell you a theme was planned (we're big on those around here) ~ Cat and Mouse.  You saw the "Mouse O'Lantern" but the "Cat O'Lantern" never really quite worked out.  It ended up looking more like a mouse:

or maybe a cross between the two?!!  I think by the time I finished the costume, I was in a desperate rush?  We really should learn not to procrastinate...  I don't even think darkness gave it more cat-like qualities:

No themes next year, no fancy costumes either.  We're going to keep it simple, go with the flow then there will be nothing to stress about, right?!!

Enough of that, let's get to the perfect part of the night ~ besides having a great time (once the creative part of the holiday was behind us) the weather couldn't have been more perfect.  That's three years in a row we've had a snowless Halloween ~ definitely worth mentioning if you live in Colorado!  Wonder how long we can keep that roll going??!!  Hope your holiday was good too.

 

Stanley Hotel

For all my friends, neighbors and family who have been aghast that I've lived in Colorado for 14 years and never once ventured into the Rocky Mountains ~ take a deep breath and exhale.   I've cleared that hurdle with a drive to Estes Park (I know ~ not that far, but it still counts!)   My destination was the Stanley Hotel ~ a world class, luxurious hotel made famous by the Steven King movie "The Shining."  I had a few flashbacks to certain scenes while I was there ~ although I did not go past the infamous Room 217. 

The exterior of the hotel is a pristine white, capped off by a brick red roof ~ I think I read "Georgian" style architecture:

Here's a slightly different angle which shows more accurately how large it is:

For those of you who like a little history, the hotel was built as a summer resort catering to the rich and famous by Freelan O. Steamer (of Stanley Steamer fame).  It was first opened in 1909.  There are unparalleled views of the Rocky Mountains from the front veranda which I, unfortunately, did not take one photo of.  The hotel entrance is at the rear, which is where we parked and entered, hoping to have lunch outside on the patio:

However, as you can see, it was not being used that day.  The weather was blustery, overcast and coolish (in the 60's) so we proceeded indoors where we wanted to tour anyway.  Anyone who loves historical homes would certainly appreciate the craftsmanship inside.  The woodwork was spectacular and everything gleaming.  Below, the piano (that is said to be haunted by Freelan's wife ~ I guess she still plays it from time to time):

We went thru the (empty) Billards room ~ entrance behind the piano, the music room (which also apparently is the location for ghostly parties) and this room which I've already forgotten the name of:

After lunch, we hit the veranda:

where I missed taking the mountain shot but got the already winterized pool:

So now, I say to all of you who have prodded, pushed and harassed me, it WAS worth seeing but will I go back often?  Only if someone drops a beach and an ocean up there. 

What can I say?  I'm not a "mountain girl," but the Stanley Hotel is truly INCREDIBLE.

crazee days

I can't believe what a whirlwind the last few days have been.  On Saturday I found out my dearest neighbors husband had passed away.  He was 85 years old and lived an incredible life but it still seems like it was too soon.  When I think about the cycle of life, I think about how much my own garden has taught me  ~ watching the birth/death/rebirth sequence occur over and over again right before my eyes.  It's comforting and yet harsh at the same time.    A tangible reality check that nothing lasts forever yet life always goes on.  Still, when someone you know passes, it gives you pause.  Makes you think about their life, your life, what's important, what's missing, what's left to do, etc.  I was doing that last night ~ yes, I know, deep, huh?  But reflection is good and necessary and often the kick needed to get in gear and do something (before it's too late) that's on our own lists.   The trick is to act on it before complacency lulls us in again...  I hope I can do that.

I also thought about how photography, like life, is often a "one shot" deal ~ maybe you only get one chance to capture a Monarch on Eupatorium maculatum 'Gateway' (Joe Pye):

or maybe you notice how quickly time passes because only "yesterday" you were planting pumpkin seeds and today they have reached maturation ~ how did that happen?

 

Summer, the season of "life," is winding down.  I dread it as many of you know all too well.  The signs are irrefutable tho ~ the birds have started harvesting gorging themselves on berry-laden Viburnums:

and today ~ the start of another school year. *sigh* 

No way to stop it. 

Any of it. 

Must learn to move gracefully with it....

two years today

I bravely made my blog public then held my breath to see if anyone would find it in cyberspace.  A few of you did and thrill me still each time you leave a comment.  This morning, in honor of the two years behind the "screen," I thought I would give you a little insight into why I run my blog the way I do.  In hopes you'll stick with me, I am providing photos taken at our nearby Butterfly Pavilion to brighten the day and possibly lessen the boredom.  :-)

I post often, 269 posts to be exact (this past year).  Quite a few less than the 355 posts from the first year but that's okay.  It's good, even healthy to slack off sometimes, right?  Why so much you might ask?  I have a Mother who lives far away.  Clear as crystal now, right?  If I don't post, she thinks something is wrong.  Just kidding (but barely).   

There's another reason I'm so chatty, a more serious reason actually.  Like many other people I have aspirations of writing a book.  No, not garden related, fiction.  Blogging daily (or often) is a good way to improve writing skills and get in the habit of writing.  So in that way, I'm selfish.

I've also learned, thru the process of reading blogs, that I must have ADD.  It isn't something I was ever cognizant of having before (while in school).  I'm thinking it must be an adaptation to our fast-paced, get-it-instantly society?  All I know is if a blog is too "wordy" I have difficulty following/concentrating.  Therefore, in my own blog, I try to counteract that by breaking up the post with as many photos as possible.  aahhhh, now you get it, right?!

While I like to learn (and have learned a LOT) from other blogs, blogging is primarily entertainment for me.  Like most people in life, I've endured quite a few challenges ~ some of which remain on going ~ because of them, my blog (and my garden) are my retreats.  My sanctuaries of respite.  Someplace that is never too serious, never to heavy but rather more uplifting & upbeat.  Gardening is my hobby, my stress relief, etc., (and now so is blogging), neither are things I'm prepared to beat myself up about ~ I have a day job for that. 

 

Along with maintaining my blog, I try to read as many other blogs as I have time.  Some days that's quite a few, other days zero.  If I find your blog interesting, I'll leave a comment and come back.  If I've commented three times and get zero response, I move on (unless the blog is ROCK STAR quality, then I just abandon commenting and only read!).  I did not understand this interpersonal nature when I first started blogging.  I naively thought the blog was only about me.  Now that I understand (and relationships have developed), I promise to do my best to uphold my end of our friendship.

 

Posting often forces me to use my camera more (never a hardship) which in turn has made me a better photographer.  A side benefit, I never expected.  Looking for something to photograph each day sharpens your powers of observation as well.

I know there will be lulls and upturns, (mood swings even??) but I intend to keep blogging as long as it makes me happy and the benefits outweigh the costs!  I thank you all for the time you give me when you click "Kasey's Korner" and read my posts.  Those are valuable minutes in every way and very much appreciated. 

Whew, that was longer than I intended.  See what happens?  The blog gets me carried away!  Perhaps now you better understand the methods behind my madness!!!

Creating photo displays

Yesterday morning I got up and discovered one of my kitchen cabinet hinges had broken during the night ~  the cabinet door was hanging by the bottom hinge.  It's the second time that's happened to one of my cabinet doors in this house.  Something I've never experienced in any other home.  Strangeness. 

Anyway, after taking my daughter to school, I headed to Lowes for replacement hinges and saw so much spring yumminess I could hardly focus on the purpose of my visit.  Bulbs in boxes for forcing (cool bulbs too like Scillia, Dahlias, Callas, etc.), awesome garden lanterns that I've never noticed them carrying before, bazillions of orchids and of course tons of seeds and all the starting stuff that goes along with them.  In a way I was glad my hinge broke ~ I hadn't planned a visit but now I'll be back to browse again. 

 

Scillia peruviana from Spring '09

After securing the hinge and rehanging my cabinet door, I got back to work on my latest project ~ a wall of photos.  I see tons of AMAZING photos on the blogs I read and I always wonder what the photographer does with them.  What do you do with your photos??  Something I've been wanting to do forever is frame and hang my favorites.  Finally, I'm doing it!! 

 

For this particular area, I'm using color photographs so I have to keep a consistent palette in mind but I am thinking I might replicate the idea with florals in black & white elsewhere.  What do you think?  Do you do this in your home?  What happens to all your beautiful photographs?  I'd love to hear.

from Hawaii with love

Butterball, our Lhasa Apso, must have known something was up yesterday morning ~ I kept finding him hanging over the arm of my office chair ~ gazing intently out the window. 

If I called him, he would look at me, but wouldn't budge from his "window on the world" position:

Until the Fed-Ex lady showed up, that is.  Then he came alive and so did I!  After just writing about orchids yesterday, I'm feeling beyond spoiled by my new package:

Could it really be "a Live Orchid Plant??"  Oh my.  Yes it could.  Nestled securely inside the box, flown all the way from Hawaii, (Bob's Tropical's) was a Slipper "Paph" Orchid:

How wonderful is that?  As you can see, the bud is a solid dark, rich, burgundy color.  What you can't see is there's another bud coming up amongst the foliage as well.  WOW.  How lucky can one girl get?  The tropical card enclosed:

had this message:

I so more than like it,  I LOVE it!  You're the BEST brother ever.  Thank you ten million times over Thomas.  What an amazing & thoughtful surprise.  I will be enjoying this one for many years to come.

 

Gardening by Letter

On the 4th, I promised you a look at my "Gardening by Letter" loot but unfortunately I was so busy meeting a deadline on the 5th that I didn't have time to do a proper post.  I decided to wait another day when I could do the contents of my package "justice!"  It was quite a package too ~ wait till you see.  You'll all wish you had signed up for Anna's project.  I hardly expected anything so lavish.  I always knew gardeners were generous people but you all really kicked it up some notches. 

There were books on assembling scarecrows (the pressure is on for this Fall!), seeds, coffee, cookies, and even slipper socks (see that little scrap of pink at the right edge of the photo?)

 

Beautiful handmade cards (which you know I appreciate), a lavender sachet that smells absolutely divine, a friend ornament, napkins, and the list goes on....

Fabulous needlepoint gifts (these are a labor of love & time ~ thank you), gorgeous soap ~ too beautiful to ever use, more napkins and lovely cards with the nicest messages written inside.  Still, I'm not done!  What did I ever do to deserve all this?

Have I mentioned seeds?  I received so many seeds there is no excuse to not have the most glorious garden come summer.  It's extra special that many are collected from your own gardens and are ones I've actually drooled over in pictures from your blogs!  I love the idea of turning your own photos into cards like the card on the left ~ done by Shutterfly.  Cool idea!  I even got a CD!  Besides being generous, gardeners are multi-talented!  I can't wait to take a listen.

Fancy butterfly stickers, more seeds (in my favorite, fabulous color ~ pink!  Yay!) postcards and photo cards.  Everything was just wonderful.  Thank you to every one who participated and extra special thanks to Anna, who organized the project.  Seriously, I was blown away by the contents (and large size of the package) when it arrived.  I've gone thru the envelopes time and time again, marveling at all the treasures inside them.  I'm trying so hard to keep everything together that came together so I can go around and personally thank you on your blogs.  I hope I haven't mixed anything up.

In case you don't know about the Gardening by Letter project, it was organized early last spring by Anna, of FlowerGardenGirl blog fame (who has now most ambitiously created a new phenomenal site called Decorate a Garden).  I believe there were 11 (or 12?) participants.  Each participant was assigned a month.  We mailed Anna cards for each month and she so graciously took on the task of mailing out the cards to that months recipient.  It was a big job for her to keep us all on task and tackle the shipping.  The project is finishing up now ~ Anna's turn is this month then it's officially wrapped up.  I have to say, it was a most delightful experience and introduced me to some new blogs I wasn't familiar with yet.  If you click on the "Gardening by Letter" category on my blog sidebar, you can see each of my contributions (except for Anna's which I haven't posted yet).

Now do you see why I couldn't post yesterday when I was pressed for time? 

a slow comeback

I first want to say thank you to everyone for the well wishes & messages you sent my daughter.  They are so uplifting and comforting to read.  I think it's going to be a slow road back to "normal" but after one week at home I'm feeling more confident that we'll get there.  The biggest thing seems to be exhaustion at this point.  It's been a long time since she's napped twice a day so I hover and get nothing done!  If only I'd had a crystal ball in June, I wouldn't have ordered all those bulbs.  and then there's the garden ~ it's waiting patiently for me to put it to "bed."  It will happen, just at a different pace this year.  Remember that snow photo I showed you two posts ago??  The next morning (same day my daughter was admitted to the hospital) it looked like this outside my kitchen window:

Does that look like a fall scene to you??  Well, maybe ~ because there's still green foliage on the rose bushes BUT not anymore.  We set a new record low that night ~ 16 degrees.  Whew.  Pretty frigid, right?  As you can imagine everything is brown as a result.  So many trees and shrubs never even changed color ~ they went straight to brown (from green).  I've never seen that happen before.  Also, my poor fish ~ I didn't have a chance to "winterize" the pond or get the stock tank heater installed.  All the water plants froze which makes me wonder if they'll come back next year or not??

I did manage to get outside last week long enough to trim back the foliage and sink the pots to the bottom of the pond.  (I'm trying to be optimistic that they'll pull thru the freeze because they were expensive!)  I also cleaned out the water hyacinths and decaying oak leaves.  The heater still needs to be connected and I need to construct a screen to keep out the remaining oak leaves.  Another reason I needed that crystal ball I guess ~ maybe this wasn't the year to learn about ponds??  If I weren't so distracted, I know I'd be putting more effort into figuring out what I really need to do to keep the pond going over the winter.  Oh well.  That's a curve ball of life, isn't it?  I was also worried that I was holding up the "Gardening by Letter" project I signed up for ~ organized by Anna (flowergardengirl blog).  Our cards are usually due to her by the 20th of each month.  I missed that date but had fun making up for it one cold afternoon.  I thought you might like to see the results (hopefully that's okay to share?):

You probably remember the fall wheelbarrow arrangement??  Good thing I took pictures right after I fixed it because the only spot of color left now is the pumpkin (which is a bit mushy).  Here are a few close-ups of the card just for fun:

and one more with the cute butterfly button:

 

Some of the supplies are older (like the button) but it's fun to pull them out and breathe new life in them.  I enjoyed myself so much that day that I even created a special packet for the hollyhock seeds I'm sending along with the card:

I hope Ann likes the color pink?!

I know it did me good to get my mind off the serious situation my daughter has endured.  I also hope your fall garden has a lot more color in it then mine?  It was an abrupt end to the season for us.  Darn it.  In some ways it doesn't surprise me since we've had a strange weather year all the way around ~  why stop now, right?!!!  Here's hoping next season will be a little more "normal."

ray of sunshine

A quick update for all my friends and family (those that don't already know) and my blogging buddies as to my recent absence from the blog.  My only precious daughter (16 yrs old) came down with the H1N1 virus two weeks ago.  After three days of typical flu syndromes it seemed she was on the road to recovery and we could forget about the scare of contracting it.  Unfortunately, several days later, her fever returned and we ended up in the back of an ambulance, being transferred to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at our local Children's Hospital.  She spent a very long, excruciating week in critical care and I have to say I was scared to death at times that she might not pull thru.  Thank goodness, I can now tell you she is home, finishing her recovery in a familiar, comfortable environment. 

I've never been afraid of the flu before but I can say from here on out, I will have a healthy respect.  The complication of pneumonia is what really took her down.  The hospital was full to capacity while we were there, something they said doesn't generally happen until January and it was so sad to see so many very sick kids.  The Intensive Care Unit was eerily quiet despite every room occupied ~ most of the kids on ventilators.  I said a million prayers during that week and thank all of you who did too.  I am hopeful she will continue to improve each day and we won't have to go back.  The Brugmansia bloom above was waiting for me in the garage when we arrived home on Sunday.  (I put it there before we left to save it from the snow)  Maybe I'm reading too much into it, but it seemed symbolic ~ like a  ray of much needed sunshine....  

Sunday chores

Yesterday was a "bling" day.  Maybe because I spent 3 to 4 hours painting (can you believe there's anything left to be painted in my house??) I felt "entitled" to a little shopping spree?  Somehow I ended up with a LOT of sparkly baubles, I wish they were the real thing, but for now I'll make do with imitation.  ha.  Like there's any other choice.

oh yeah.  That's what I'm talking about.  I warned you I was a "girly girl" in the meme post.  I wore almost every piece to dinner last night except the necklace.  Talk about a sight.  I best quit while I'm ahead.  Today, I think I'll get back to chores, sans shopping.  It's safer, right?  and necessary since my bulb order (from John Scheepers) arrived last week.   I don't want to give any bulbs a chance to dry out as an excuse not to bloom next spring!  One thing that didn't arrive with my order are the new amaryllis bulbs I also purchased.  I try to add one or two to my collection each year.   In preparation for their arrival, I purchased this cool 4 piece pot set with tray:

I think it's going to work great for the bulbs.  I like that 4 bulbs can be grouped together yet the individual pots can be turned independently of each other.  I've planted bulbs together before and invariably one gets leaning too far one way and the others are not which makes it difficult (if not impossible) to keep them growing "straight."  This seems like a great solution and purchased for 50% off retail price.  Can't beat that.  The pots are part of my Sunday chores as well ~ re-potting my existing amaryllis bulbs ~ brought indoors before the frost last week.  The bulbs will receive "haircuts" then be planted in fresh potting soil before being stored in the dark.  It's that time of year.  Then I'll hope like crazy they stored enough energy to bloom again this winter.  I know most of them did because of the number of leaves they produced but one or two have me worried...

PS  I will not be planting bulbs in my new bling ~ just in case you were worried.  :-)