Monday, July 9, 2018

Hibiscus and Barn Treasures

Hello.. thanks for stopping by.  I repotted my beloved Hibiscus last year and the pot was quite big, then I gritted my teeth and pruned the tree as it had gotten leggy and unattractive.  It's taken a whole year off from blooming to pay me back.  LOL!  But this weekend I finally got one flower.  They only bloom for one day, then close up.  But that one day.. it's worth all the wait.  :-)


The stamen is so pretty on these flowers.


Over the weekend I stripped off the 4th of July tablecloth and put on a fresh cloth.  I used a long lighter to melt the bottom of the candles and put them back in the candlesticks.  They seem to love to fall out.  And the vintage glass "chicken on a nest" is a gift my sister Denise brought when she came for the 4th of July.  :-)


I have a little collection of these and this one will join the flock.


Kristi has been cleaning out the barn.  I was down there helping to figure out what to keep and what to throw in the dumpster she had delivered.  It looks so much better now.  I was able to walk down to the end and snap a photo of the old 1927 Chevy we have back in there.  LOL!


Dayle got this years ago with the idea of getting it all fixed up.  But.. well.. you know how that goes.


Kristi found this box of my old letters.  I brought in a bag of them and have started reading each and every one.  I am then disposing of them as I guess sometimes you just have to let go of things.  I am saving special ones.


The first one I pulled out to read was this one from my friend Shirley.  She had called to say hello and my mother told her I'd moved to Hawaii after graduating from high school.  I snapped a photo of her letter and texted it to her and she got a huge kick out of it.  :-)  I didn't fuzz out the addresses because neither of us still live there.  


Then I found this treasure - a letter from my beloved grandpa, my dad's dad.  I thought I'd share it with you as it's precious.  You can get a better view of it if you click on it.  This was written after grandma passed away.


He finishes on the back of the paper.   


The boys spent the weekend whizzing around the pasture on these quads.  They had a friend here and they took turns.  Dayle watched them for hours.  What a good grandpa.  Note Kristi's little orchard she and Travis planted?  She even has a few apples and pears on those little trees.


I want to thank the readers who left a comment on my 4th of July post.  :-)  I guess I wore people out with a long post and they didn't have the energy to leave a comment.. LOL!!  I got a new swim bag as my old one was a bit rusty and one pocket was ripped.  This one is hot pink!  Dayle gets my old one now.  I'm off to swim today.  Have a good week.
((hugs)), Teresa :-) 

22 comments:

  1. I miss having hibiscus but after two of them died, I just didn't buy anymore. They just can't survive our summer heat. Amazing that you still have those letters. My mom gave me letters that my dad wrote to her when he was in Vietnam. I also still have letters that were from my ex-husband when he was in the Navy. Sure takes a lot of time to read through them and decide what to keep and what to let go of. Wouldn't it be great if you could fix up that old Ford and have it in the 4th of July parade some year. Have a good week.

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    1. Tammy.. my hibiscus lives in the house.. mightn't you be able to grow one near a window like I do? It's worth a try! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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  2. What a treasure your Grandpa's letter is! I agree with Tammy that Dayle should fix up the '27 Ford and drive it in the July 4th parade - that would be fun! Your hibiscus is gorgeous. We had one for a few years, but have not seen signs of it this year.

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  3. So much to talk about in this post but THE CANDLES! I LOVE THE CANDLES!

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    1. I got the candles from Cath Kidston in England, but sadly they were only available for a short time, so I don't burn them often, just keep them in the candlesticks to enjoy. :-)

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  4. Precious letters...I unpacked some I had received too and let some go. So much fun to see the results of Kristi's treasure hunt, and your pretty candles, and your pretty flower, and the boys buzzing around. :-) xx

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  5. What a treat to be able to read all those old letters and remember those days

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  6. What a sweet letter from your Grandpa. I hope you kept that one.

    I have a glass chicken similar to yours, except mine is brownish glass. It belonged to my mom and I don't quite remember how it became mine. I'm guessing she didn't want it anymore.

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    1. Yes, I am keeping my grandpa's letter. It is a treasure. :-)

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  7. Old letters are a treasure. Why doesn't Dale get a new bag too?

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    1. Dayle is happy with hand-me-downs. He's on the frugal side. :-)

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  8. Beautiful flower! I used to eat them raw during my child hood. There are many medicinal benefits in this flower.
    Love the colorful candles having dots all around!
    Old is Gold. Beautiful jeep and memorable letter!

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  9. Oh still going through your posts Teresa and love em all xoxoxo

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  10. Beautiful hibiscus! What a sweet letter from your dear grandpa....such a treasure. Loved seeing the Chevy too. The dotty candles look very pretty there....I do the same thing to stop them falling out! Have a happy week Teresa xox

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  11. Your hibiscus is superb Teresa but those letters are just joyful. How sad that we no longer send many letters now that we have modern tech at our finger tips. I am sure you treasure reading those moments from the past. I am just catching up on my blogging as we had Bear to stay and have been out walking lots! Hugs xxx

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  12. What a stunning hibiscus !! You really do have a green thumb Teresa - wish I could just keep plants alive. I loved reading the letter to you from your grandpa. What a beautiful memory and treasure to keep. xox

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  13. I'm new to your blog and really enjoying seeing your part of Oregon. Plus, your property is beautiful. Do you grandchildren live with you? I love that you're swimming. How far do you drive to the pool? I'm thinking of joining a gym that has a pool but it's @ 25 minutes away. Not sure I want to do that. anyway, love your pictures!

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  14. I'd love to hear more about how you care for your hibiscus. Mine spends the summer outside and then comes back in for the winter. It finally bloomed this year with 3 whole flowers. Actually I think it wishes it lived in Hawaii! In this era of email, a "real" letter is certainly a treasure, especially one from your grandpa! Glad you are keeping it.

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  15. The letter from your grandfather is so special, Teresa! I hope it stays in the family for future generations. You have so many interesting treasures. I like the milk glass candy chicken dish. My Mama collected milk glass and she sure would have loved this one. It's always nice to see what's blooming your way. The hibiscus is lovely. My two are blooming their hearts out, but I do need to make sure I water them this evening as it's so hot today in my neck of the woods. Have a wonderful evening. ♥

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  16. Hi Teresa! I haven’t even had time to read any blog post for the last two weeks or so. So, I missed your Fourth of July post. I love this one though. Especially the letter from your grandpa. I actually had tears in my eyes as I read it. How precious and what sweet memories. I hope you’re having a lovely day my friend. Blessings, Betsy

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  17. That is quite a car! I agree it does need to be fixed up. What a great way to dash around town!

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  18. Hi Teresa. I read your July 4th post from beg to end and I know I commented but possibly didn't tap publish ? Grrrrr
    The Hibiscus is so beautiful. I have never tried to grow one.
    Love the candles and chicken dish.
    What fun your grandchildren have on your farm.
    That old Chevy is fabulous - you must get it fixed up lol
    Most of all I loved the letter from your Grandpa. Hope you enjoyed your swim. Anne x

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