jh Good Morning: August 2005

Wednesday, August 31, 2005

I Just Heard - New Orleans Dome

My heart is just jumping with joy right now. I need to tell someone.

I know it is still beyond terrible but to me this is a bright spot in the terror and dismay of the situation.

I just heard on the news that they are moving the people who are in the New Orleans Dome to the Houston Dome. Other than golf, I know nothing about sports. I don't know the names of the domes.

It is getting them out of New Orleans. I don't know what else is available in Houston but Joel Osteen's church is there. It is the largest in congregation in this country - maybe, in physical plant now, too. I don't know. The largest Methodist Church is in Houston. I don't know what else. But, I feel these people are being moved to a great place for support in all ways.

As I am sitting here thinking about it, the kids can hopefully get back into school or maybe be "home schooled" right there some where in the dome.

It will be dry. Maybe, people can find employment.

I am just waiting to see what happens.

And, we can all do something. If you can't volunteer or donate money you can pray. It is going to take all of us to get these people back on their feet.

Just think, it could have been us.

posted by Mary Ann Chidlow at 8:05 AM | 0 comments

Saturday, August 27, 2005

Mishap In The Park.

I did not mention it in the last post. I just did not think it would amount to anything. Was I wrong!

By Tuesday, I knew I had probably broken a couple of ribs. I took a really hard fall while we were hiking the trails at the park. Watch those roots! I knew I needed to. I got right back up and knew I would be sore the next day and thought nothing more of it. Then, came Tuesday.

I could not get comfortable let alone move with any degree of agility. I was sore. Sitting and reclining were both torture. Standing up hurt but was better. But, one can stand only so long - especially under the circumstances.

Everyday since then I have felt better and better. Until today, I have not tried to do anything. I feel like breathing and moving today. Now, just don't overdo it!

posted by Mary Ann Chidlow at 6:29 AM | 0 comments

Sunday, August 21, 2005

Hillsborough River State Park



Today my son and grandchildren and I went and spent about four hours at the park.

My major reason for picking the park was to take lots of pictures that I can use in websites. I use a digital camera and took three disks full. I did do several 15 second clips, also.

There are small rapids and lots of wild life. And, of course, lots of beautiful sights of the river and surrounding greenery.

We took lunch. It was nothing fancy. We had sandwiches and chips. We wanted to get out on the trails.

posted by Mary Ann Chidlow at 6:11 PM | 0 comments

Saturday, August 20, 2005

Sunshine and Flowers


I hope all of you can look out and see flowers and green bushes and grass. What a wonderful way to start the day.

For those who cannot, maybe you can share my thoughts and conjure a picture up in your mind.

I picked three hibiscus this morning. We have had to much rain for the bushes to be producing many blooms. They do not like their "feet" (roots) to stay wet. I have six large bushes. Two of them are triple reds, two are double pink, one is a single salmon and the last hooded salmon. They are so pretty picked and put inside.

I look out my front door and see peace lillies, rain lillies, impatiens, crotons and other plants whose names escape me.

The rain lillies have a simple somewhat bell shape and are a light lavender. They are my favorite. They bloom within the next few days after a rain and can pop up anywhere. They multiply easily and one never knows how some get where they are found. I just dig them up and move them to where they are supposed to be. If they already have a bloom it does not affect it.

The peace lillies are blooming. Their single white petal cupping a yellow stamin are very elegant. The plants divide easily for replanting. Before you know it, it is time to divide them again. That is the kind of plant I like. I like lots of flowers.

What can you say about impatiens. They are prolific, they can get big and they take little care. I let mine get big and they are just covered with blooms. They are taking over in one place. I really need to cut them back but doubt I will.

I wish I could send you a bouquet to brighten your day.

UPDATE February 27, 2007

I have learned these are called Cranberry Hibiscus.

The leaves are edible and really quite good. They have kind of a fruity, tangy taste. I am going to have to have a garden of the bushes to have enough leaves. You can also make salads and tea out of them. I have not tried the latter two, yet.

posted by Mary Ann Chidlow at 5:45 AM | 0 comments