A PROMISE

Yesterday I made a promise to myself. If the storm brings no rain to my garden, then I will start removing the bluebonnets. They were starting to fade and no longer looking their best. I knew I couldn't wait until they set seed. Pretty as they are and the wonderful fragrance that they bring when en masse, I just can't let them grow in here any more.

So, when no rain came, true to my promise, I began pulling. It was refreshing to be out there with clear air and blue skies. A change from those sticky, humid mornings.

I removed most of the bluebonnets, much to the relief of the plants growing beneath and, at 10:30 am left for the day. Who could imagine that pulling out so many plants would make me feel a whole lot better about my garden. It did. I feel as though I have gained back control. I can see the rocks again!

It was such a pretty evening that I couldn't resist getting out with the camera.

Now I just have to decide whether to let this pokeweed to continue growing.

AM I CRAZY OR WHAT?

Today, after our walk, we went to Whole Foods for our usual taco breakfast/lunch. In the fish department, what did I see but a poor ladybug. Poor thing probably came in with the flowers. It's going home with me. What to put it in? Ah! I have the two paper plates (clean) and the 3 lidded salsa cups and a fork and spoon that I am carrying in a bag, from our lunch ( recycler extraordinaire). I scooped up the ladybug into the bag for the  ride home. Having ascertained that it was not the dreaded Asian lady beetle, I set it free in the garden. I haven't seen an aphid in the garden all summer so I hope it is getting ready to hibernate.

Another sign of madness in a gardener is allowing a poke weed to grow in the garden. I am fascinated by the flowers and berries and the mocking bird adores them. He has already set up winter camp here. I always wonder if it is the same bird year after. He sleeps in the Lady Banks' rose and flies out with a screech when we have visitors who leave late, in the dark. He is on a good thing with all the chile pequin, yaupon and those delicious poke weed berries. Crazy lady, but someone loves me!