Tuesday, January 20, 2015

What Do You Say?


Rose pods at Thoughts in ProgressDo you ever have times when you have a thousand-and-one (well maybe a dozen or so) things to say, but can’t seem to get anything out?

That’s kind of the way I feel. I can think of all sorts of things I want to share, say and ask, but when I get the opportunity my brain goes blank. So today’s post will be a jumble of things … you know a little of this, a little of that and making no sense whatsoever.

First, let me ask you something. See the photo above? Can anyone tell me what the pods are called and what (if anything) they are good for? The pods are growing on an old running rose bush. You would think that with all the books I have that I’d have one on roses, but I don’t.

With all the crazy weather we’ve been having I’m surprised to see new growth and leaves on the roses already. I have to stop and remind myself that it’s the time of year for things to start budding here in North Georgia.

Yellow Flowers Jan 19 2015 at Thoughts in ProgressAn example of this is these cute little yellow flowers that are already blooming and the buttercups that are beginning to poke their heads through the leaves. Buttercups always amaze me that they can even bloom with snow on them. Hopefully they won’t have to do that this year.

Buttercups on Jan 19 2015 at Thoughts in ProgressI’m sorry I haven’t been around blogdom a lot lately. We’re busy outside cutting trees during the day and at night I’m trying to play catch-up on things I need to do inside. Some of the trees we’ve cut were crowding out the garden area, some were dead and dangerous, and some were just cut for firewood. We still have a few more that need to be cut that are crowding out flowers. The cleaning up of the branches is the worst part to me. A few of the trees are full of small branches and those have to be piled up to be burned later.

As we cut the trees I find myself imaging all sorts of things that could be made out of the wood. I’ve got several large slices of an oak put aside that I want to make clocks out of. There’s another section of a tree I think would make a beautiful table. Have you ever tried your hand at woodwork? What items have you or would you make?

I have several intriguing books to share with you later this week. In addition, author Julie Hyzy will be visiting on Friday and will be offering a giveaway of her new release, ALL THE PRESIDENT’S MENUS.

A brief word about a report on the news this weekend. What are your thoughts on the measles outbreak at Disney World? Doesn’t it sound like something you’d read in a Michael Crichton novel? It’s a scary issue, but at the same time the mystery lover in me can’t help but think of all sorts of intriguing stories that could be developed from the situation. What do you think?

Well, I think I’ve run on far too long. I’ll close now by sharing a photo I took this weekend of a beautiful winter sky. Thanks for stopping by. Hope you’re having a good day. What’s your week like? Is the winter a busy time for you? Does it seem like January is speeding by too quickly?
Winter Sky Jan 2015 at Thoughts in Progress

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18 comments:

  1. It does sound like a Crichton novel.
    I made a Popsicle house when I was a kid. Just kidding - I've done some trim work and even built a deck. Not a natural though. Tim the Tool Man I'm not.

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    1. Alex, I can remember making things with Popsicle sticks. Building a deck sounds like you do have talent. Remembering how the Tool Man's projects usually turned out, it's a good thing you're not like him.

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  2. The rose hips make nice tea. We had 27 trees removed - mostly pine that have shallow roots and might have fallen on the house in a storm, but some oak which we kept for firewood. I have no equipment to make anything else from the wood, but admire those craftsmen who do.

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    1. Gram, I'll be sure to check the internet for rose hip tea. It sounds good. I know what you mean about the equipment needed to make things out of wood. It takes a lot so if I make anything it will be small items that need very little equipment.

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  3. Mason - Those are really lovely 'photos. And although I'm no expert on how to make rose hips tea, I know it's good. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

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    1. Margot, thank you for the kind words about my photos (blush). I use to take photos of just about everything, but have gotten out of the habit. I'm looking forward to finding out more about the rose hips tea.

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  4. Rose hip syrup used to be a children's drink in England (it's a cordial added to water). I believe it's high in vitamin C.
    We had wonderful weather yesterday for the middle of January - 69 degrees. I mowed, and trimmed and saw a few daffodils sprouting.
    Ann

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    1. Ann, the rose hip syrup sounds interesting. Something high in vitamin C and good is a good thing. Your weather yesterday sounds wonderful. We were in the low 60s but the wind blew all day long making it feel colder. Today we're suppose to reach 69 and just my luck I have to go grocery shopping.

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  5. I totally understand your situation. I have so many projects to work on but I've been struggling because of personal issues. My dog is at the vet today having surgery because they found a large tumor in her mouth. We waiting to see if she comes out of surgery okay and if the tumor is benign or malignant. Hard to concentrate on writing...
    PS. I don't know much about gardening so I can't help you with the pods. Seems like CIT knows though.

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    1. Clarissa, I'm so sorry to hear about your dog. I do hope everything goes well and she's okay. I'll be sending positive healing thoughts and prayers your way. Please let us know how she does. Our fur babies are special.

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  6. Love that sky.
    Rose hips are very high in Vitamin C - and there are recipes around to cook with them as well as make tea. My chicken self hasn't tried it though.
    Good luck with your projects. I need (badly) to start a few.

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    1. Elephant's Child, the sky photo is a favorite of mine. Since I learned what the pods were earlier this morning, I have glanced at a few sites about them and have been amazed. It says they are higher in Vitamin C than oranges. BTW, I'd be happy to share my many projects with you. :)

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  7. That's hard work! You must be pooped out by the time the evening rolls around.

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    1. Holly, it definitely is hard work. I've got sore muscles that I didn't even know were muscles.

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  8. I've been remiss in posting too, for a similar reason: So much to say, and where to begin? Good things are happening, and I will be posting soon, but meanwhile I walk around muttering to myself things I'd like to post while attending to other writing that can't be put off.

    On another note, I am never quite sure what a buttercup looks like. When your buttercups are in full blossom mode I hope you will post pictures of them.

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I'd love to hear your thoughts on today's post. Thanks for dropping by.