When are you getting a dining room table?

It was a frequent question -- brought on mostly, I presume, by the fact that under the great chandelier in my dining room there was a dog bed. You know, for the Queen.

For months I didn't even look for a table... I've never had a "real" dining room table because I could never find dining room chairs that were comfortable enough for a long stay.

Then I decided okay, I guess I DO need a table... but gosh I loathe furniture shopping... I hit a consignment store by my house regularly for months (and came home with a sectional sofa, you may recall.) Um, mission FAIL.

Then against my better judgment I started looking a new tables at real furnitures stores (horrors!) and after about 8 furniture stores I threw in the towel. Ewww, ick -- mass production! Welcome to America. I was right the first time: I don't need a dining room table. Greta, don't get up.

But then on Saturday morning my neighbor texted me: "Am going to old home supply in fw, wanna go?" Spontaneous road trip with a neighbor to a place called "Old Home Supply"? I'm in.

And now, the burning question is answered:



Fab, no?

Round? Check.

Perfect size: Check (53" seemed too small, I wanted 72" but knew it would be too large, was looking for 60" -- it's 57; a decent compromise)

Minimal base? Check.

One of a kind? Check. (Edging is a WAGON WHEEL, forheavensake -- but on the other hand I DID buy it in Fort Worth)

Sort of rustic? Check. (I will probably sand it and seal it to avoid water rings...)

And to give credit where credit is due: http://www.oldhomesupplyhouse.com/

Please don't ask me about chairs.

Transformation - Claustrophobia?

Tuesday I took photos of caterpillars on my parsley. Wednesday morning I checked on them during my morning stroll through my garden. Mr. Upside Down Caterpillar was still upside down:



Wednesday late afternoon I went to check on his whereabouts and to my surprise, saw this!




Someone had a very busy day...

And a little background: When I mowed the front lawn Tuesday evening I nearly ran over this little guy! He was in line for my next swath of mowing when I spotted him. I scooped him up along with a fistful of grass and redeposited him onto the parsley. In retrospect he was probably crawling around, looking for a place to spin. Once set back where he started, one can only presume he was too exhausted to restart his journey and spun it right there! Sorry little guy! LOL And while I know a cocoon is natural, and that an amazing transformation is happening inside, I can. barely. stand. to look at the cocoon! Ohhh soooo .... enclosed. Breathe. I am not in the cocoon! I am out here, where the skies are wide and the air is free...

On a related topic, remember I was looking for a book that shows caterpillars and then the corresponding resulting butterfly? Yesterday I had the bright idea to call the local Texas Discovery Gardens at Fair Park, where they have a butterfly house to ask if they had any recommendations. (Actually the size of a house -- this huge walk through 2 story dome -- very cool.) They said they have a book like that in their gift shop, and it's used and recommended by their Master Gardeners. After a few email volleys back and forth, it appears I may start volunteering out there. Can you imagine? Spending a day with Master Gardeners in a butterfly house? I am beside myself. I may also be turning into a little old lady. Guess I'd better get a hat and some knee highs.

Neighbors Who Share

I've become acquainted with a couple who lives on my walking route. They lost a big tree to the snow this year and I absconded (with permission and with help) with some fire wood as a result. They have a great display of flowers in their front yard, and if you are nosey like me and peer over their side gate, you can see that their backyard is positively an oasis. Ray and Judy. They are the nicest people!

I was walking by a few weeks ago and Judy was out tending her flowers. I took the opportunity to ask her what some orange flowers were in her yard. (Orange flowers are hard to come by!) They look like wildflowers -- airy, random, and about 3-4 feet tall. Just beautiful! She didn't know the name, but she immediately produced a kleenex from her pocket and stooped over and picked up some seeds for me. Ray appeared from the sideyard and enthusiastically told me just to scatter them and keep them wet for a few days. I did, and the seeds sprouted immediately!

I told the story to a friend with whom I walk, and have already promised her seeds from my plants when they produce! (Nevermind that metal plant label in the photo; it's for another nearby plant...)

Hungry Caterpillars

I thought that the time for caterpillars this summer was passed and that we were full on butterflies now. I am wrong! I give you Exhibits A and B who are happily munching on my parsley plant:




The day before that I saw one on my fennel and one on the parsley, but I guess either there is a third one roaming around somewhere, or one of them determined that the munching was greener over with his buddy.

I've been searching for a book or poster that contains color photos of caterpillars, and the corresponding butterflies that they become, but alas -- does not seem to exist. So how does one know what become what?

Mojito, anyone?

Red remarked the other day that the mint and thyme in my driveway is filling in nicely. Naturally I felt compelled to share it with you...

Here's how it looked when it was new:




And here's what it looked like last evening, after a trim:



I have peppermint (the largest plants;) pennyroyal (the flat plants with little purple blossoms;) spearmint (with the variegated leaves;) thyme (whispy looking, about halfway down the drive) and in the very back where you can't really see, I have lemon balm. The lemon balm isn't really thriving... it may get replaced at some point. (No, Ms. Lemon Balm, I am not threatening you, it's just an observation!)

One little 4 year old neighbor girl and I take turns picking mint leaves for the other and eating them. She agrees, it tastes like toothpaste!

Whenever I pull into or back out of my driveway, the mint brushes the under carriage of my car and the most delicious mint aroma comes in through my air vents. It's my own personal aromatherapy sending me on my way or welcoming me home!