jh Good Morning

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Remembering Some Of Those Who Added So Much To My Life

Growing up as an Air Force brat had it's benefits. I loved living so many wonderful places. I met so many wonderful people and now wish I could find some of them. Some added so much to my life and I never really got to tell them "Thank you.". I know I will probably not find any of them this way. But, while I was in Japan I met a girl who was born in the same hospital as I was - on the same day. That gives me hope.




There was the dentist and also a disk jockey in Lincoln, Nebraska in the summer before my senior year that got me into the right high school for me. Because I lived in base housing, I had the choice of two schools. Now, there were three public high schools at the time and the only one that was not included was the one I had been going to. My senior year was somewhat restricted as I could not stay after school for any activities, but it was my best year.



The band director there is another person I owe a lot to for making it a very special year. He found a piece of music with a glockenspiel solo in it for one of the programs we did. I was the glockenspiel player. Of course, I was sick the night of the performance and could not be there. The idea that I could have done it is still special. I did not have a whole lot of pluses in my high school career.



At First United Methodist Church in Lincoln there was a very special lady. She was the Director of Christian Education. I don't remember much other than I thought she was very special. She inspired me to want to go into church work with children. I have never done it as an occupation but I have had such a good time as a volunteer in many venues with children.



Now, there was a lady named Shirley who sold records at one of the dime stores in downtown Lincoln. I seldom got there but she was so special. We had a good time as I was choosing and purchasing records. That same d.j. that I mentioned earlier shopped for records there, too. You see he and I never met. He and Shirley had both told me a lot about himself and his family. At the time he had one daughter. When he moved to New Mexico I lost track of him. His talking me into which high school to go to was one of the most important decisions I made at that time in my life. Shirley said one time I went in that I probably walked right past him as he left. I missed him by minutes.



Oh, and there was his tech. Ralph was fun to talk to and I learned so much about radio from him. My senior theme was on Ohm's Law because of him. I wanted that license. I never got it but sure did study for it for awhile.



These are just a few of them. I could go on and on.



This has taught me how important it is to treat each person that comes into my life as best I can. You never know who might consider you so important many years from now.

© Copyright 2006 Mary Ann Chidlow (UN: merian at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.

Mary Ann Chidlow has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

posted by Mary Ann Chidlow at 9:22 PM | 0 comments

DXing as a teenager.

One day, while turning my radio dial, I found stations I was not familiar with. I realized they were from other cities and I was hooked.




I was in Lincoln, Nebraska in the days when it was easy to get stations from all over the North American continent.



Now, the stations in the United States were not allowed to be over 50,000 watts. There was, however, that monster in Del Rio, Texas that was 500,000 watts. Their transmitter was in Mexico. I never listened to it but often wondered what they covered up from the United States. They took up a lot of space on the dial.



My favorites were KIOA in Des Moines, Iowa, KOMA in Oklahoma City, and KCMO in Kansas City, Missouri. They are now all on FM and KCMO has a web presence. I listen to it in Florida on my computer. They play the music I listened to way back when and it is a lot of fun. (Added later: KOMA and KIOA are also streaming on the web now.)



My DX report from KIOA was addressed to Nancy but I did not care. It had the right last name and street address. I have been called worse. All the d.j.'s signed the program schedule and I still have and treasure it.



I knew my radio dial and could find stations in the dark. One night, I was turning it and found a station that wsa not supposed to be there so I stopped to listen. When I heard it was WLCY (the station was in Tampa at the time) I was reduced to tears. I was so homesick for Tampa and this was such a neat gift. For four early mornings I got them loud and clear. When I wrote and asked for a dx card they said it was impossible and refused to send me one. I was crushed. Many, many years later I found that it could indeed be possible. (I knew that. I heard them.)



KDKA was the first radio station in the United States. I listened to them. They are in Pittsburgh.



I listened to Canada and all over the United States. Lincoln was an optimum area for such a pursuit. When we moved back to Tampa (which I was happy about) I tried dxing and still had some success but nothing like in Lincoln.



There are d.j's and engineers that I wonder about. Occasionally, I will come upon their names and what they are doing now. Oh, how I could tell them what a joy they brought to me then on the radio.



I keep saying I am going to pull out my dial radio and try it now. And, I wonder what will happen on the FM. It cannot be near as much fun. But, then I might be surprised.

posted by Mary Ann Chidlow at 9:18 PM | 0 comments

Haikus and Lanturns

1. Cherry Blossoms (Sakura)




Cherry blossoms bloom.

Look! What a wonderful sight.

Good for sight and smell.



2. Good Morning



Ohio Gazaimasu

"Good Morning" in Japanese

Oh, what memories.



The spelling may be wrong. I am supposed to be moving so everything that I could pack, I did. That "u" in everyday language was dropped when I lived in Japan many years ago so it fits. You very often here them say just "Ohio", now.



3. Flower Arrangeing



One, three, five or more-

Just make it an odd number..

A Japanese arrangement.



Of course, this is not all there is to it. It is what I remember of it, though.



4. My first Lanturne. Let's see if I can make it look like a lantern.

,,,.....Bright

.......Lantern

...Lights up sky

..Beautiful Scene

.........Peace

As soon as I can learn how to center a poem on here I will get rid of the dots. Right now, it holds the lines in place.



5. Bonsai



What a little tree

That is what a bonsai is

It is beautiful

posted by Mary Ann Chidlow at 9:15 PM | 0 comments

Games Japanese Children Taught Me

These memories are so old but so precious. I can just remember little bits of this and that.




Before I get into the games let me share with you one that is still so clear. Also, about the story teller.



Michiko's father was a doctor in the little blue hospital across the way from where I lived. She would often come with him when he came to work. A song that I would often sing was "Bibbity, Bobbity Boo" and thought nothing of it. One day she let me know she did not like it. I could not figure out why until one day it dawned on me. She was hearing "michi ka boola" in the song. I suppose she thought I was singing about her and she did not know what I was saying. I never sang it again around her.



There was a story teller who came around from time to time. He had a box that cards slid in and out of. It was loaded with the cards in order for the story. As he told it, he would pull the pictures out. I loved it when he came. I had to try to guess the stories from the pictures.



He also brought candy which I was not allowed to have. We had particular things that we needed to avoid. We had a few restaurants we could go to. More on that in another article.



They taught me rock, paper, scissors. I had never played it before and I never figured out what it was at the time. I just guessed at what to do. I suppose I won some but I don't remember.



We also played shuttle cock with very ornate paddles around New Year's. I still have mine safely packed away.



Now, my favorite was a jump rope came. They did not twirl the rope - just swung it back and forth. I learned when to jump in and out and learned the Japanese words to the song that went with it. Oh how my memory has changed the words over 53 years. I have been able to figure out that most of it was the days of the week so I can relearn it properly. I wish I could find someone who knows it.



There were other games but they are not remembered. If they come back to me I will add to this. I have some resources that might remind me. My favorite is a children's magazine that was published in Englsh about Japanese children. I have four of them. They are packed away, but one day I will get to them.



I don't know where this will go with the next installment. It will happen in the next few days.





© Copyright 2006 Mary Ann Chidlow (UN: merian at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.

Mary Ann Chidlow has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

posted by Mary Ann Chidlow at 12:24 PM | 0 comments

Let's Get There First

In 1953 my Dad was a pilot in the Air Force and that is how we got to go to Japan to live for two years and four days.




He was sent first and we followed six months later.



We had been staying with my Grandmother during that time and took the train from Tampa, Florida to Oakland, California. There we were to board an army ship to cross the Pacific.



We boarded the Sultan and were on our way. I remember little bits about the voyage.



I remember walking in the ship one day and being caught off gaurd by a wave and ending up running across a rather large room to keep from falling. It was not a controlled run.



In that same room, I won $2 playing Bingo. That was a lot of money then.



I remember I was the only one in our "state room" who did not get seasick. I suspect my brother heard about that from me a lot.



We got to Yokohama one day late.



We were one of four ships looking for the crew of a plane that went down. We were the ones who picked them up. They all walked across the deck after being lifted from the raft they were on.



That's about it as far as memories of the ship and voyage.



Oh, I remember standing on the deck in life vest as they lowered the life boats part way in a drill.



When we got to Yokohama Daddy met us and had corsages for both my Mother and me.



He took us to 2 Minami Sensiku which would be our home for the next six months.



I remember the house as being big. Mother says it was not that big. We had a living/dining room, a long hall leading to first the maid's room and then the kitchen on the first floor.



On the second floor were my bedroom, my brother's bedroom and two "tatami rooms". We called them that because the floors were covered with Tatami mats. We took off our shoes to go in them. They had a wooden balcony all the way around the outside of them. We were not allowed to get on that balcony.



There was a stone balcony off of one of the rooms. (I don't remember which room). My brother and I had our own private snow in the winter.



Our bathroom was not wood which was a good thing. There will be more about that later.



Imagine a 10 year old American girl with several Japanese girls of probably about the same age. I did not speak Japanese and they did not speak English. But, we had a good time. I will share my memories of them.



I am trying to find out if the house is still there or what is there now.



I will write part 2 in the next few days.

© Copyright 2006 Mary Ann Chidlow (UN: merian at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.

Mary Ann Chidlow has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

posted by Mary Ann Chidlow at 12:21 PM | 0 comments

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Des Moines, Iowa

This trip came together all of a sudden and quickly. It has been such fun.




The Blank Park Zoo is entertaining, interesting and a learning experience.



I was interested in it as they have Burchell Zebra and had never seen one let alone know they existed. They have large and narrow black stripes. This is the fourth type of zebra I have come across.



Their Bongo exhibit is the best one I have seen yet for taking pictures. I spent a lot of time there and took lots of pictures. Just as soon as I get home I will post them - either, in this article or in my picture section.



I am staying at the Fort Des Moines Hotel. I like to stay in older hotels and this is a very nice one.



I started in a suite and had four days in it. It was nice to have lots of room to spread out in and have a microwave. I did move to a smaller room but still have a refrigerator at no extra charge. It is small but serves the purpose.



I am typing this article from one of the computers in the lobby for the guests. It has allowed me to keep up with my email.



This city has a Sky Walk and it is really very interesting. I have walked through some of it to get a sandwich and collect information on the city. It is like a city in itself. There are lofts for rent and sale up there. There is an area called The Hub which has many fast food places to eat. There are better restaurants, banks and a movie theater. I am still exploring it. If I find anything really exciting, I will let you know. Since I first wrote this, I have found out that it is the second largest Sky Walk in the United States.



The Sky Walk is on my list of places I would like to live. If I lived and worked within the Sky Walk, I could avoid the snow, ice and cold weather. And, during the summer, much of it is air-conditioned.



There are walking clubs that make use of the Sky Walk.. I will be finding out more about them if I move here.



There is a river walk along the Des Moines River. I have not gotten there. It will probably have to wait for another visit.



Des Moines has a plethora of cultural groups and events. They all sound interesting.



If you are looking for something different, you might want to check Des Moines out. I am really sold on it.



TEN MONTHS LATER



I am sitting in front of my computer listening to KIOA in Des Moines and looking at pictures of the city on the KCCI cams located at



http://www.kcci.com/wxcam/555369/detail.html



There are four cams listed. Only three are working right now, but, I get quite a view of the city. This morning I was on the phone with them because I could not place what the downtown cam was pointing at. I love it when I know the location. Sometimes, with some research I can figure it out.



I have been told I can use their cam shots as long as I do not sell them. I will be putting some of my favorites either in this article or in my photo albums. I, first, need to learn how. I just have to make sure I give them credit, which I will gladly do.



I am going back for a visit in June and then moving the following April. I can hardly wait.



NOVEMBER 24, 2008



I am a resident of Des Moines. I got my apartment 5 weeks ago. I came back to Tampa 4 days later to get some of my belongings so I could begin living there. I have now shipped them up there. I will still do the major move in April. However, now I can more than exist in the apartment.



I am going back up this weekend. It will be such fun to unpack the boxes and know that I am putting my things away where I want to live. I am on the SkyWalk as I hoped to be. I have lots of windows on two sides and can see the city. I am downtown and close to everything.



I have a dream come true from when I was a teenager. Never give up on your dreams.



March 29, 2009



I am going back to Florida for the major move shortly. I can hardly wait to get all my things up here so that I will not feel like I am living in two locations.



Des Moines is my choice. I have no doubts about it.



I am right across the street from an art museum. It is a satellite location of the main Des Moines Art Museum. They have opening nights for members and such at the smaller one, too. I can get to it by SkyWalk or just walk across the street. The weather is the governing factor there.



I have been so busy. I don't know where the time has gone. Des Moines is not boring. I still have a very long list of things I have not seen, joined or participated in , yet.



There is an area called the East Village that I really want to go experience. It has lots of shops including a tea shop. Guess what I am interested in. LOL There are a lot of restaurants in the Village, too. It is quite close so will be an easy walk.



They have extended the SkyWalk even further. It appears that it will be forever a work in progress. That is fine with me. I love to walk.



I still have not gotten to any performances. That is my own fault. They have been there. I just have to pick and choose about everything.



I am sold on Des Moines. I am glad I am here. The weather can be frightful. However, I can just look at it from the SkyWalk and be nice and warm. I, also, saw the New Year's Eve fireworks from the SkyWalk.



The SkyWalk is monitored at all times. That was proven last night. I was out walking after midnight. (Don't drink a coke late at night. LOL) I got to a door that I had never seen closed before. While I was standing there trying to decide if I wanted to see if it would open or not, a guard came rushing up. He said he just wanted to make sure I was okay. I told him why I was standing there and he said they closed that part at midnight. I guess I had never been there that late before. However, now I know for sure it is being monitored closely. I had not realized it was so late. I went home.



If I ever decide I don't like Des Moines (won't happen) y'all will be the first to know. Now will I ever quit talking like a Southerner. LOL



I will be exploring and revisiting other areas in the midwest. I will let y'all know what I think of them. But, I will always come home to Des Moines.

© Copyright 2007 Mary Ann Chidlow (UN: merian at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.

Mary Ann Chidlow has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

posted by Mary Ann Chidlow at 9:41 PM | 0 comments

Tuesday, January 08, 2008

Des Moines, Iowa

Last August I decided I was going to go see what Des Moines, Iowa is all about. I had wanted to do it since I was in high school. Further education, family, career, and all else that comes with life made me forget that dream.

When my favorite radio station, KIOA, went online shortly before that and I found it, it reminded me of that want. I had been checking their website and waiting for them to start streaming. I had even emailed them and told them I would come protest or stage a sit-in or something if they were not online by last June. If I am remembering right, they were streaming about two months prior to that. LOL

I took a bus as I had not traveled in a very long time and wanted to see the scenery. I remembered that on an airplane you usually see the tops of clouds. I knew what they looked like. LOL

Anyway, I stayed at the Hotel Fort Des Moines. I wanted an older hotel and it was beautiful. I first was in a suite and then a room. I loved them both.

I went to the Des Moines Zoo. I looked at it all. However, my goal was the Burchell Zebra. I had never seen one - we have Greby and Grant varieties here - so that was fun. I took lots of pictures.

I also hoped they had a better exhibit to take pictures of Bongos. I was not let down. I got lots of wonderful pictures of them.

I wanted to go to the River Walk. I could not do it. That is for next time. I really was not feeling real well and seemed to slow way down.

However, I wandered around downtown quite a bit. They have a Sky Walk and it is wonderful. It is the second largest in the United States and I could get everything from the stores connected to it. And, they had a wonderful food court. It was all fast food but for the occasion, it was fine.

I did eat take out from the Raccoon River Pub about four or five times. Their food is really good. The first time I went I wanted an almost plain roast beef sandwich and they put it together for me. I really was not ready to eat anything rich, yet. After that, I ate from the menu and loved it. I wish I could go back today.

Des Moines is rich in art and culture. I don't think I could ever get tired of being there. If you want to belong to a little theater group, you have so many choices. When I get back I am going to take a good look at all of them.

I did not really get to look at the museums. I am looking forward to that the next time I get back.

I hope to be going back in June for two weeks again. Then, I am planning to move there the next April or just as soon as it gets warm there after that.

posted by Mary Ann Chidlow at 10:33 AM | 0 comments

Monday, January 07, 2008

Where Has The Time Gone

I have not added to this in about two years. I have a lot I can add to this and will gradually.

I still have not moved but have a new destination. I have lots more to add to this in another post. I have a moving date and it will happen if I cannot get there before then.

I finally traveled for the first time in years last August. I will share that, too. It was quite a trip and I am glad I did it.

Fluffy is gone. That has been difficult to deal with. I will share that.

For now, I am still in the little trailer out in the middle of nowhere - at least, to this person who does not drive. I am spending a lot of time reading and writing and organizing and throwing out stuff. I need to pare way down before I move.

I am beginning to enjoy cooking again. I am getting some noew cookbooks against my better judgement. I will have to move them and they are heavy. Ah, I will enjoy them, though.

I will add more to this - probably tomorrow.

posted by Mary Ann Chidlow at 6:19 PM | 0 comments

Monday, March 20, 2006

Computer Problems

I have been having continuing computer problems. I think I need a new mouse but cannot get any where to get one. I cannot order one as I may be moving at any time. It cannot be soon enough for me.

I am working this computer with the keyboard only - I cannot find a any way to get the mouse to work. It worked for just a few seconds the other day, but then quit again.

Adding to it all, I have been sick with whatever that is that is going around this area. I am really ready for it all to end. LOL

I want to start adding again so if I can get this on the blog, I will start adding to all of them again. I just don't want to write a lot and then not be able to get it on.

Well, let's see what happens.

posted by Mary Ann Chidlow at 9:47 AM | 0 comments

Wednesday, February 08, 2006

I'm Moving

Life has been so busy. I am sorry I have not been able to get here.

Finally, I am moving back into the city. When I moved out here in the country, I needed the quiet. Now, I need to be able to get to all kinds of places again. It will happen within the month. Then, I should be able to have fun with my blogs again. I have not been able to give them the time I wanted.

posted by Mary Ann Chidlow at 5:42 AM | 0 comments

Thursday, October 06, 2005

Beginning Scrapbooking

Oh, my goodness. I am having such fun and really don't have much of a clue as to what I am doing - yet. I will figure it out.

This project has come about because my pictures and postcards are both such a mess. I am working on two scrapbooks at one time. It will take more than one for each collection.

Right now, I am sorting zoo animal pictures. Most of them are sorted by animal but some of the pictures are not that good. They were taken while on a moving truck and I've got lots of just half an animal.

Yesterday, I put together four pages of greater kudu. I had forgotten how special they were to me until I started looking at the pictures. It brought back so many memories.

Today, I was going to do giraffes but ended up doing lots of other things instead - including going to the post office to collect a box with yet another scrapbook and supplies to get it started.

Some where along this journey, I must do something with the pictures and post cards that I got while I lived in Japan so many years ago.

Oh, so much to do. LOL

I hope your day has been or goes well.

posted by Mary Ann Chidlow at 7:10 PM | 0 comments

Wednesday, September 28, 2005

Flowers and More Flowers


This is a work in progress.

I know that in the winter I look forward to next spring when I will have flowers again. I am taking pictures of flowers around here so that I can have them to look at when it gets cold. Yes, it gets cold even here in Florida. We often freeze for a few days. I start thinking about Australia about then. (When it is winter in the United Stares in is summer in Australia.)

So, keep an eye out here for summer pictures when you don't think it will ever get warm again.

posted by Mary Ann Chidlow at 6:34 PM | 0 comments

Saturday, September 17, 2005

FYI

If you enjoy looking at websites, go look at Internet For The Homebound It is not a medical site. It is short descriptions of web sites and the link both in the article and on the links list.

There will be an exhaustive list of fun sites to see when I am through with it. Come to think of it, I will never be through with it. I try to give them lots of different types of things to while away the time. When you want to travel,look at magazines online or who knows what else go check it out.

posted by Mary Ann Chidlow at 10:27 AM | 0 comments

Tuesday, September 13, 2005

Memories - Pappas Restaurant-Greek Salad Recipe

The morning news program that I listen to as I go about morning chores stopped me in my tracks this morning.

Pappas in Tarpon Springs is closing and being turned into something else. Somehow, what wss not important to me.

Now, it had been sold several years ago but maintained the Pappas name and same atmosphere. The last time I was there was under those circumstances. The landy at the cash register saw me looking at the pictures of Mama and Papa and we had a wonderful chat about old times.

You see, when I was a little girl my granddaddy was a CPA and did the books for Pappas. Every time we came back to Tampa for a visit we went to Tarpon Springs to eat and shop there. Mama had a gift shop there and oh what fun it was.

As I remember, my favorite was the Greek Salad. I remember the square of feta cheese on the top with the shrimp and olive on top of it. I saved the shrimp for after the salad was gone. LOL

This morning I quickly went looking for the Pappas site and saved it and the salad recipe. Here is the recipe if you would like to look at it. This link opens to the salad but there are also other recipes. And, there are links to other parts of the site.

Have fun if you like Greek food. If you have never tasted it, try it. It is so good.

posted by Mary Ann Chidlow at 7:47 AM | 0 comments

Sunday, September 04, 2005

At The Beach




Yesterday I could not post as I left early and came back late.

I had not been on a beach in several years. It was wonderful.

We did not go in the water because of the red tide. However, you can have fun just wading in the surf and looking for shells.

My son started finding sand dollars. He taught me how to make sure they were not alive. He won't take anything live and I am so thrilled about that. I don't like to but never knew how to tell. I had never found a whole sand dollar - just pieces.

When I started looking for them, I found three. He had about a dozen. I had one cruble in my hand. That let the doves out. Did you know there are pieces inside the sand dollar that look like doves? I had forgotten.

We also found other shells but I already had lots of them at home.

On the way to the beach David showed us some porpoises jumping in the bay. I did not know we had porpoises. I had been led to believe that all we had were Bottle-nosed dolphins.

It was a fun day and I am going back by Wednesday. It would be fun if I could find someone to keep the cats so I could stay until Saturday. Let me go see if I can find someone. LOL

posted by Mary Ann Chidlow at 9:18 AM | 0 comments

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