It is what it is: May 2009

I finally did settle into a workout routine and have increased treadmill levels and weight on a few of the cybex machines. The treadmill now carries me 2.48 miles and burns 311 calories in 40 minutes. Gradually I've increased weights on the cybex machines. My total workout takes just less than two hours. For Mother's Day I got a core ball and LOVE it for doing crunches! MUCH better than doing them the old-fashioned way on the floor! I'll have flat abs before you know it!!!! I've lost 7 lbs since January, so I feel pretty good. Mostly I can see a difference in strength and endurance. I could've never done all that yardwork if I had not been working out. By the time my birthday rolls around in October, I'd like to celebrate a body with more stamina, strength and less pounds!

Been busy in the yard! That's why blogs have been few and far between. Planted a new tree in the back. Lorapetulum beside the lattice covering the AC unit. Transplanted several crape myrtles. Planted zinnias in the front flower bed. Marigolds along the side flower bed. Purple lantana in a couple of spots. Bordered the front and side flower beds with limestone edging. Potted some interesting things on the back patio. Been having fun and still have more ideas to ponder and then carryout! Rocking chairs gonna havee to be painted white (do not like them yellow!). Swing and frame also will be painted white. Gotta find a topper for the singer sewing stand. Would like to find a wrought iron planter to fit on top of it. Did find a white Barcelona planter box to order for the patio.

The azalea has now finished blooming, but this was how it looked at it's peak back in April.

This crape myrtle was growing out from the middle of one of the indian hawthornes in the front. When I pulled it up, it still had a few roots. So far it looks like it will make it!

This one was growing very close to the house in the same spot where crape myrtle shoots appaear every year. I think the main root is growing under the foundation! I moved to a corner of the backyard.

If you look closely you can see the small crape myrtle that I transplanted from the front flower bed. Came up volunteer! Hopefully it will become a nice size to shade the swing.

The lorepetulum will grow into a nice shrub and will bring lots of color to the back.

Big tree! It's a maple, and we still have to get a strap and twine to anchor it better.

Purple lantana on the corner of the side flower bed.

The zinnias on the porch and all along the front are just beautiful, popping with color!

New garden flag

Front flower bed with the new garden flag and hose caddy

Front corner flower bed - gardenia in the background has been blooming but flowers were scarce when I took this shot.

Putting down the limestone edging really was not difficult at all. After years of weed-eating, a natural flat surface had already been created.

Purple lanatana should spread out, and I hope it will behave like a perennial and come back next year.

Marigolds in the side flower bed are small right now, but the colors are vibrant!

The confederate jasmine on the trellis's produced more flowers this spring than last year. The fragrance is wonderful!

I'm hoping the marigolds get a bit taller in the side flower bed.

I guess you would call this topsy-turvy pots. Been spying them at the Canton Flea Marker for a couple of years and finally decided I had to have it! You wouldn't believe what a simple concept it is! It's just a pole with "wings" on the bottom. Put the "winged" end of the pole in the bottom pot. Fill the pot with dirt and a plant. So you have this pole sticking up. String the next pot onto the pole through the hole in the bottom and let it rest on it's side. Fill with dirt and a plant. Continue doing the same with smaller pots the length of the pole until it is covered completely. I love the illusion!