We made the Naughty List!

Uh Oh!! Well, maybe not the naughty list, but definitely the stinky list!! Our boy Sam decided that my neck heat wrap would make a swell toy to de-stuff this morning and little did I know that not only did he do a great job killing the neck wrap, but decided to have a little snack! Guess what the wrap was filled with?
Flax seeds. And if you didn't know, a little flax seed will go a long way to get the plumbing going.
So much that in the midst of play tonight, Sam was romping and playing and then suddenly made a pit stop right under the Christmas tree!
NOT was I was hoping for for Christmas!
On the bright side, his coat will be extra shiny for Santa this year!
They were relaxing on the couch this morning when I went to take a shower...you can see the poor heat wrap on the coffee table, just waiting for it's doomed future.
We have also learned that our sweet boy is a bit of a clepto! He likes to steal random things from pretty much where ever. So far, he's taken some socks, a towel out of the laundry room, my hubby's phone and he really likes to steal the remote controls (such a guy!). This is the bowl that we use to defrost their dinner. Lucky for us, there was nothing in it when he decided it looked better in the living room.
And I mentioned in an earlier post that he really likes toys! This has become a typical day in our household. the stuffie carnage is always an adventure to clean up. Funny though, he has his "woobies" that he won't destroy, namely his teddy bear and frog that were with him his first night home as well as a stuffed tiger and monkey. Everything else is pretty much fair game!

I guess we are going to have to hope Santa still thinks Sam is on the nice list! (translation, we are hoping for no more flax seed surprises tonight!)
All I can say is thank goodness for pumpkin!

Garden Helper and Toy Pig

Sam continues to come out of shell, every day being a new adventure! One of the biggest changes we have seen in the past week is his discovery of TOYS! Oh my goodness, he LOVES toys! We have quite a collection since Tasha is a big fan, although she has her favorites and pretty much sticks to those. Not Sam. He loves all toys and it has become a daily ritual to pull just about every toy out of the basket and play with each one for about 5 minutes before going back and picking out a new one. Now if I can just teach him to put them back. As I type, he has pulled out about 4 or 5 now and leaves them laying about here and there. I think the first time he discovered the squeakers, he squeaked non stop for at least 10 minutes. Tasha was looking at me the whole time with a desperate look of "make him stop!"

They continue to get to know each other and Tasha is becoming more comfortable with him, even when he is testing her patience.

The other big discoveries this week are the joys of digging (Oh boy, spring gardening is going to be interesting). He only digs when I am, but wow, he can do some serious damage in a hurry. Good thing he listens when I tell him to stop. We missed the shot, but when he emerged from his hole, his snout and eyebrows were covered in dirt, it was super cute, even if he was being a bit naughty.

He has learned that he likes the furniture and that it makes a super comfy place to sleep. the couch is a new favorite in addition to Sadie's chair. That is bittersweet for us as we still miss Sadie so much, but as our dogs do, we try and live in the moment. We know Sadie would have shared her chair, so must we.


He did really well with the family over Thanksgiving and while he still felt more secure in his kennel with the crowd, he did eventually come out and mingle with the crowd.
We were highly amused that Tasha, who has never been kenneled, has become curious about this place that Sam hangs out and as of late, deposits his latest favorite toys. When he was off doing something else, we caught her checking out his digs ( and his toy stash).
And of course, we still hide her favorite toy from him when she is not playing with it.

Firsts and Bonding

We are on day five now with our sweet Sammy boy and he continues to blossom. He is really starting to relax now and realizing he is home.
While the shelter gave our boy a bath before he came to us, he still smelled like shelter. The rescue coordinator that brought him to us warned it may take a few baths to get past that unique odor. We brought out the big guns, well, not really, just our usual fair and who wouldn't want maximum huggability?
The ol pro went first and showed Sam the ropes...
"see Sam, this isn't too bad, AND we get cheese!"
Cheese was indeed helpful, as was having a second set of hands. Sam doesn't like water we learned and we played a game of slippery rodeo dog. He escaped out of the bath in about 30 seconds, but we did get him back in and clean. He learned that the actual bathing part isn't so bad, just a nice good smelling massage. We really tried to make it a pawsitive experience for him and I definitely think the cheese helped. Once toweled off, things got even better, as he got to give peanut butter a go in his kong. He REALLY likes peanut butter.

Once we all had some time to recover from baths, we went on our evening stroll to the park. We are still waiting for Tasha and Sam to actually play, but they are really starting to bond. Keeping close to one another on walks.

While we were out, we saw that the neighborhood longhorns were out. Tasha is absolutely fascinated by them and was even bold enough earlier this week (our last solo walk before Sam arrived) to sniff noses with all three. She thought she would introduce Sam to her buddies, but he wasn't so sure about them.
Tasha has a love of "stalking" the bushes and Sam has been quick to copy her. Watching them do this in tandem is absolutely precious.

It brings such joy to my heart to see that the sad, broken spirited eyes that met mine for the first time not even a week ago, have softened to contentment and security.

Emerging

Like the little caterpillar coming out of it's cocoon, our Sammy boy is starting to blossom into a sweet and curious boy. It's been 48 hours since he came home to us and I am already finding so much joy in getting to know him. He is a quick learn and is already falling into the routine of our home. He does love meal times...poor guy is very skinny right now..he is a submissive dog and living in a shelter environment with, I am guessing, group feedings, he had to eat fast in hopes of getting a full meal. It makes my heart so sad. He is really enjoying his chicken, I just hope one day in the future, he won't feel the need to eat as quickly as possible.
Shortly after I went to bed last night, the hubby came and got me up so that I could see that our boy had found a bone and had taken it back to his crate to brush his teeth. It warms my heart that he is starting to feel like part of the family, that he can take a toy (which I don't think he knows much about them) and not feel threatened. It is especially endearing to me because my soul dog, Buddha, used to do the very same thing every night. It was what lulled me to sleep.
I was pleased this morning to see him coming out of his crate more and exploring. He is a smart boy and already knows that the utility room is where the frig is that has their food. It was the first place in the house that he felt comfortable wandering to. He likes to go there a lot. My husband mentioned we may have to rename it the "noms" room! He also has figured out that he can get on the counter and in the kitchen sink...he is learning quickly that that is a no no with a snap and a "no." I don't think I have ever had a dog that catches on so quickly. It's neat. Of course we also realized we may be changing our door knobs soon if he figures out how to open the doors. He has a nose like our beagle used to have and can sniff out anything remotely tasty.
He is getting comfortable investigating the backyard and likes his walks, although I will be so happy when he doesn't cower when I get the leash. I know it will take time for him to realize that he is home forever.
Tasha is warming up to him slowly. It's been a lot of change for her recently and I know she is still grieving Sadie, as we all are..but Sam is a great distraction. He has been a complete gentleman with her, giving her the space she needs to accept him. There was a "drive my" nose sniffing this morning and they did some exploring in closer proximity in the yard today.
They always do well on walks together and she let him "lean" into her today as they walked. Sweet quirk, he likes to be very close to me or Tasha when we walk.
More to come soon. Here are a few shots of today's adventures.

Healing the Heart and Saving a Life

The last several weeks have been quiet as we have all been learning to adjust to life without our sweet Sadie. Tasha took it really hard, as they were best friends, and Tasha has never been without a pack. For the last few weeks, when she sat in the living room, she would watch the front door and wait for her best friend to return. It's been hard. All of our hearts have been broken.
We knew we needed to find a companion for our lil girl and it has been a good distraction from the grief. We have poured through petfinder looking for a glimmer of who might be the right dog for our family. We've been to adopt and pets and one rescue brought several dogs to us for Tasha to take for a "test drive." She's pretty picky about the canine company she keeps, so the right temperament has been important.
So, Sunday night, we met him....the new addition that was meant to be in our pack. His story is that he was found wandering on a country road in the middle of nowhere and has lived the last year and a half at a shelter. He's about 3-4 years old and is way too skinny....but his eyes are soulful and his spirit gentle and submissive. Once we met him and got Tasha's paw of approval, we could not get him home fast enough.
Finally last night, our boy came home. Overwhelmed, scared and already worn out from getting shots and a bath before he was brought to us. We had his crate waiting for him, which was a blessing as it seems that it was familiar and comfortable with the added bonus of being inside, something we learned he has most likely never experienced. We had to coax him in from the backyard when we took him out to potty but once he figured out that he got to stay inside, it's hard to get him outside. He slept hard his first night...a lot to take in. We just can't wait to show him the life of a dog in our home. Tasha is still not actively engaging him, but doesn't mind him either ( a big thing for her). We look forward to all of the new adventures and for a while, my garden blog may be more of a dog blog..but I can't think of a better forget me not.
Welcome home Sam!!

A letter to my Sadie love

My Precious one,
Oh how I love you...there is just nothing in the world like the bond between a girl and her dog. I remember so vividly how we met. I was driving back to work from lunch and there you were, trotting along the service road of a highway nearby. I remember stopping and offering you a lift and while you weren't very fond of doors at the time, you let me help you in. It was a good thing my next client was a dog lover or I might have had more explaining to do regarding our furry friend that tagged along for his massage. You were so skinny but so sweet....I just had to take you home. I was sad that I had to leave you out in the backyard all alone right after finding you, but I had to go back to work and I knew my husband would check on you. Of course he did way more than that, he sat with you for hours until I arrived home and we could give you a proper introduction to our pack. Those hours you two spent together created such a special life time bond...you were always a daddy's girl. You fit in like you had always been there and oh how I loved watching you learn to be a dog. I remember being startled and pleasantly surprised when you barked for the first time. After that, you were a natural.
You were such a quirky dog, in a sweet and endearing sort of way. I don't think there will ever be a time when I sneeze at home that I don't look for you to come running to me to make it stop. I will miss how you carried your poor deflated soccer ball around in your mouth, whining as you searched the house for the perfect place to hide the "baby." I don't know that I've ever seen another dog try to roll up a hill of grass just to reach the perfect spot on their back, but you did.
My time with you here is this world will never be enough, and yet the wear of the years on your body is now more evident than I care to admit. God blessed me and my family with an amazing gift in your devoted and oh so precious life and I am grateful for every minute I've had with you.
My precious, precious girl, you have made my journey in this world so much richer than I could have ever dreamed and my heart will never again be totally complete until we meet again.
I love you Sadie girl.

Sadie
Jan 10, 2000 - Oct 28, 2011

A Fall Stroll

Fall is almost in the air, which means it's time for pumpkins and mums! One of the combos I always enjoy. I had a straw bale that I never used in the spring and decided before it went to the compost pile, it would make a great addition to my front fall display!


My pink knockouts have certainly been happy with some of the recent rains and cooler weather. The wild morning glories add a nice touch to the backdrop I think.

Here's a plant that has risen from the dead that I was happy to see. Not quite enough shade for my holly ferns here, so I will be giving them a new home in the spring.
This is another contribution from my friend and I have absolutely no idea what it is. It's a great fall bloomer though. I was about to give up on any blooms and then they exploded. However, I didn't realize the plant got so big, so relocation will happen for this guy too.
This little fella got eaten by the datmansia this summer, but the dat has collapsed from getting so big, it was just in time to enjoy the sweet little flowers that mexican mint marigold has to share.


I absolutely love mums! I was sad to loose several plants to the drought this year, but thankfully this one got enough shade to keep it from burning up. I love the daisy like look of these and they just pop in the afternoon shade.

Here is the first series purchase of my new found obsession, roses. I got Belinda's Dream in the ground last week and she hasn't even been phased by the change in scenery. I love, love, love the blooms. I can't wait to see how she grows.
I couldn't resist taking this shot of my sweet girl. She couldn't resist the newly dug bed and a perfect new place to plop. She's been feeling really puny this week but still enjoys the cool ground in the evenings. Hopefully she will be back to her old self soon. In the meantime, I am glad that the garden can bring her some comfort.
I love the wild morning glories, but boy they can eat other plants. I debated pulling it off the sedum, but again I like the mix of the blooms.

Datmansia

A great shot of my Datmansia blooming like crazy in the middle of the heat and drought. I got it at a plant swap in May and it was not so big! I absolutely love this plant.

Where have I been?

Well, it was a busy and great summer and I plan on catching up soon, but in the meantime, I thought I would take you on a stroll and see what is blooming in my backyard this evening.
This is about the time last year when I started my gardens, so it's very rewarding to see what has blossomed this past year!

This bed took off way faster than I anticipated. I didn't realize how much the lady in red would like her new home. You can see the blue plumbago peaking out with a volunteer marigold..what a striking look. I think marigolds will be planted with the plumbago in it's new home next year.

This shot is a real "ahhhh" moment for me. When I started designing these beds, I took into account the views from different angels, but wasn't sure if I was on track. When I went to put away the swim toys for the season, I glanced over and this is what I saw. I just can't wait to start adding the next phase!
Here is my unexpected palm tree. I went hunting for some old garden roses and stumbled upon this guy in the process. I've been keeping my eyes open for this mediterranean palm all summer with no luck and then I found this guy. Pretty good price too. This bed will be going out farther, but that was enough grass to dig out for now. It will be easier when it's dormant.

These are a recent contribution from my gardening friend Carrie. She has been very instrumental in getting my gardens a great start. I think every time I come home from her place, I have a carload full. Not to mention, she has some amazing gardens. Such inspiration.
This is my one potato vine that I planted in what is really a very small garden space. Just between the decking and the deck. It's the monster that ate the deck, and the grill, and the sidewalk. I have given this guy quite a few haircuts this year. Definitely a repeat for next year, but I think I will add some pink muhly in the middle. What a nice contrast of textures that will be!
This is a cultiver that will definitely bring a smile to your face. One of the joys of getting the gardens started this year is that the girls now how new places to nest and adventure.
This is a another shot of my little girl garden. The knockouts on the left were a gift from one of my clients. The Lady in Red salvia and the Henry Dahlberg are from my friend Carrie, the ladybanks came with the house, the iris are from my mother and grandmother's gardens (both gone, so extra special), and I bought the catmint, mexican sage and lantana with birthday money.
More to come soon! Happy Fall!

What's blooming and a little whine

With all of this heat and drought, I am pleased that I still have some plants that are thriving despite the extremes. Unfortunately, the weeds seem to be holding up marvelously as well. There are are a few hours in the evening when I can go out and tackle some of them if only my hands would cooperate. A recent new challenge of rheumatoid arthritis has slowed me down considerably and it's darn right annoying. I will adapt as I refuse to stop the work and the hobbies that I love so dearly, but the learning curve, well, I am still learning. From what I have read, I have it easy compared to some, and I have been fortunate that most of the time it's very managable, I certainly count my blessings. I guess I will just have to learn to coexist a little more with the weeds than I care to.

"The garden reconciles human art and wild nature, hard work and deep pleasure, spiritual practice and the material world. It is a magical place because it is not divided. The many divisions and polarizations that terrorize a disenchanted world find peaceful accord among mossy rock walls, rough stone paths, and trimmed bushes. Maybe a garden sometimes seems fragile, for all its earth and labor, because it achieves such an extraordinary delicate balance of nature and human life, naturalness and artificiality. It has its own liminality, its point of balance between great extremes."

Thomas Moore

Love love love this canna!
Coreopsis, a donation from the plant swap in SpringMy herb bed with zinnias

Lantana, can't remember which one. I know some people think they are boring, but I love how they attract butterflies and bloom all summer!
My desert willow's first year. It's not even batting an eye at this weather!
One of the best bits to come with the house, landscaping wise. These huge esperanza's just keep getting bigger and bigger and are blooming like crazy.

Contributions from a fellow gardener

I had the great pleasure of meeting a very generous and neat lady when I posted on a gardening forum last fall in search of turks cap seeds. I was anxious to start my garden and was disappointed that my turks cap I had taken from my last garden didn't make the move. Little did I know that she would be so instrumental in helping me start to create my own garden paradise. I went for turks cap seeds and came home with a car load full of plant starts for my garden! Not to mention I got the bonus of getting to enjoy her beautiful gardens, a true inspiration!
Between the crazy winter we had and the drought and extreme heat this year, not all of them are making it, but alot of them are and I thought I would share the wonderful plants that she has passed on to me. I look forward to the day when my plants are more established and I can pay it forward.


Tropical sage and blue mist flower (uh hum, among the ever present hackberry trees)


Cannas for my tropical look! Can't wait for these to start reproducing!


Crinums which will go in their new home this fall, along with a vitex that a client gave me.
The Fairy Rose which has started climbing the pergola already. There were two, one on either column but the grrrrr, lawn guys weed wacked it down to dead. I was not happy about that.

Henry Duelburg (think I spelled that right) or black and blue salvia, absolutely love this one!
Bouncing Bet or soapwort, a particularly sentimental plant for me because it was in my mother's garden. I was crushed when I discovered it didn't survive the move because the cutting was from my mother's garden. However, I am so very pleased that I got it from a fellow gardener and not a nursery, somehow that keeps the specialness alive.
The amazing and gorgeous Brugmansia. I think this is one of my favorites. I can't believe how big it's gotten just since May. I kept waiting for it to bloom all at one time ( has done that once already) so I can take a picture, but of course I am always on the way out the door on those days and by the time I get home, the show is over. Either way, I adore this plant.
There was at least one bloom this morning.
More of the Tropical Sage, do love this plant and southern wood ferns in my one pseudo shady area.
Of course as I am wrapping up this post it occurs to me that I didn't take a picture of the turks cap that started it all. I will include it in future posts as it's not looking very happy right now anyways, but it's hanging on and that's the important part.