October 17, 2011

High Plains Haboob!

I know I haven't posted anything since early spring, but frankly, with this summer's drought there hasn't been much to post except for dead grass and a thermometer that went up to 112 one day.  No tomatoes, no peppers.  I did get some peaches.

Anyhow...

I was sitting on the couch at about 5:30 this evening, and all of the sudden I noticed it started to look strange all over, and I thought, "Man, that's a weird color coming from outside."

So I walked to the door and saw a massive dust storm.  I rushed the dogs into the house and grabbed my camera.  Happily, as I cracked the back door open to take these pictures my cat ran outside and stood proudly on the patio.  I threw her back in the house, and I swear she looked like I'd hurt her feelings or insulted her.

I guess t-sips would like it here because the whole town was burnt orange!

Minutes after the initial blast.

This is the first picture I attempted to take.  The flash was set to "automatic," and it was so dark outside that it went off.  As a result, all you can see are dirt flecks flying past the camera.

The aftermath on my passion vine.

I just got done vaccuuming out my truck.  I'd left the windows cracked after a trip to the store today, and there was so much dirt inside that I would not have been able to get in there tomorrow and still look presentable by the time I got to work.  I am not known amongst friends and family for keeping the cleanest truck, but this was more dirt than even I could handle.

Guess I'll spend the rest of the evening trying to scrape up dirt from inside the house.

Here is a picture that shows the scope of this thing better than my orange pictures of the back yard, and hopefully I'll be able to update this post with some of the video they've been showing up here.  It's unbelievable.

UPDATE:  Here is a video I found on You Tube.

March 18, 2011

Shiner Black Lager White Roses

My college roommate Sonya got married this past weekend.  The wedding was beautiful

After the reception, our friend Jennifer dismantled one of the table toppers and decorated our suite at the Ant Street Inn with pretty little flower arrangements displayed in coffee cups and other various and sundries. 

What a fun surprise!!


Sonya, I'm so glas you and Michael slrp tigit!!

March 16, 2011

The Garden Workout

Today I traded in my regular workout for yard work and burned 275 calories - not bad!  Here's the workout and a tour around the yard.

1. Prune the honeysuckle

'Gold Flame' honeysuckle before...

...and after!  My mom and dad gave me this iron topiary for my birthday a few years back.

It has a finial on top that will be hidden soon.  Here is what it will look like in a few months!

2. Mulch the landscape
If you're a cheapskate like me, use the free mulch from the city!

3. Cut back the Pampas Grass
What a chore, but it's worth it!  Here are the three clumps with the big pile of mess in the back.  Last year I chopped up the leftover grass and used it in the compost bin.

4. Play with the dogs!!
Sam-dog does his part.  He busted his ACL about six weeks back, so he mostly lays around and watches now.  He's getting around okay as long as he takes it easy, poor sweet guy!

Hudman has adjusted to the city life after moving out here from the farm about a year ago.  She has this big tractor tire to lie next to, so it's like she still has part of the farm with her.

Bullet - The Top Dog will be 12 on April 29th!

Get with it, it's that time of year!!

Debbi, I'll see you tomorrow for the Perfect Mellow Thursday!!

Love, Em

March 14, 2011

Spring is... (Charlie Sheen voice) SPRINGING!


Last year this tree produced the world's best peach like a freakin' rock star from Mars!



The spirea are starting to leaf out as well.  In a few weeks they're going to bloom like high priest Vatican assassin warlocks with flowers shooting from their fingertips - EPIC!

Vanhoutte spirea

Bridal Wreath spirea is a little further behind.

January 7, 2011