The Garden Lady

The Garden Lady - Old Thoughts 2005 Image of Bleeding Hearts

December 31, 2005 -Hilda's Birthday...

On Dec. 30, our good friend - and I am so honored to call her that -turned 90.

Now, most people are not as active as Hilda when they are 60, let alone 90. Here are a few pictures, and more to come when we have our group party for her, and a photo of the newspaper article. She also made the TV news, what a great day for our special friend! Pictures of Hilda are here.

December 30, 2005 -Victorian Stroll...

After the Christmas rush, Mary Frances and I decided to take a break and go get some pictures. There hasnt been any snow to speak of, so we went to Round Lake Village, a beautiful place about 20 minutes from home. With an interesting history (link to the villages' site is on the photo page) Round Lake is unique - and the perfect photo op. Come on and enjoy, village pictures are up.

December 26, 2005 -Family Pix...

Got some Christmas highlights up! This page is especially for Debby, who we missed! Deb, you can see that not a lot has changed but that we missed you, John and Alex!

For everyone else, here is a peek into a very busy 32 hours or so. Happy New Year to all! Check out the Family Christmas pictures.

December 25, 2005 -Merry Christmas...

Hope you had a wonderful Christmas, we did! Time spent on Christmas Eve at my nephews, then "Midnight Mass" at 9PM, and Christmas afternoon at my sisters. Add in side trips to friends and neighbors, it has been very active.

We're finally home now and recuperating from very busy days. I'm sorting thru my pictures now to catch up and share some of the highlights with you. For now, you can see Habitat Volunteers' Christmas gathering and Church decorating pictures. More of the holiday itself to come.

Merry Christmas.

December 19, 2005 -A Card For You...

Before it gets too much later, my Christmas Card to all is ready. Peace!

December 18, 2005 -Stockade Christmas...

Things are moving along, some latest pictures from the Stockade district are up, and more from our trip to Stockbridge (and the Red Lion Inn) and a Habitat Christmas gathering should be following soon.

The manger is up, the tree finally sort of up, and I have the wreath on the door. WhooHoo. Enjoy...

December 11, 2005 -Open House Pictures...

Finally, pictures from the Artisans Open House are up. Enjoy! Now, I STILL need to decorate. Sigh.....

December 9, 2005 -Christmas in the Air...

Today, I had gone out to get some snow pictures, and on the way, I got sidetracked. Big surprise, I know. The wreaths and trees I saw as I passed by a local nursery were just too lovely to pass by. I stopped, went in, asked permission to take my pictures and was graciously allowed to do just that. Take a look at what I found at Faddegon's Nursery. You'll love it! Their link is on the picture page.

December 4, 2005 - Looking like Christmas...

It's the end of a busy weekend, one of my friends had an Artisan's Open House, which I participated in, there was a lot going on around here, and we had some snow. Not a lot, but snow.

Pictures from the Open House are over at Webshots and I do have a couple of snow pictures, but I'll wait to get more, then update my snow page. I dont have much decorating done yet - it's been THAT busy, but I will. As soon as I get around to it!

November 27, 2005 - Back to Christman...

Today, there was no snow or rain, the wind wasnt blowing, and I decided to go to Christman Sanctuary to get my thoughts in order. I took along the camera, the place was lovely, the waters were not yet all frozen, and the snow was still fairly pristine. We're due for rain and warmer temps, so I wanted to get out while the snow would brighten up the woods. Sanctuary pictures are now here.

November 26, 2005 - Rest in Peace...

Quicker than we expected, Aunt Mary passed away apparently in her sleep overnight.

My cousin called this morning, it appears it was peaceful which is a relief after the pain she had been in. It's nice to know our last words on Thanksgiving Day were "I love you". Now she's reunited with her long-gone loved ones. Rest in peace Aunt Mary, I'll miss you. Her picture is here

November 25, 2005 - Thanksgiving Snow...

A quick entry, we did have a good Thanksgiving Dinner. I could be very puffed up and say "Of course...I made it" But, it was good. No one got sick, so I guesss it was a success.

We did have some snow, the first serious looking snow of the season. It's still out there, a lot blew around, but we're now due for warm weather again so it sould go. It WAS inpressive while it was happening, however. Thanksgiving snow pictures are up.

November 24, 2005 - Aunt Mary...

Everyone seems to have an Aunt Mary. I do, and she's the only aunt I have left - everyone else on dad and mom's side are all gone. I got a telephone call from my cousin, her only child, that the cancers that she fought so valiantly for 25 years are winning the battle.

Of everyone I have ever known, her spirit and determination have always been amazing to me. She's quite a woman. And, it looks like we wont have her around a whole lot longer. I spoke with her tonight on the phone - her speech slurred from heavy-duty pain meds, but the mind still sharp. And, in my mind, she's still invincible. So, now we prepare for the inevitable - hospice has been called in and at least she's more comfortable. My cousin said she ate well at Thanksgiving dinner, and it's a good sign, that she was able to enjoy this holiday.

I'm probably rambling, just looking for a way to tell the world that this wonderful woman exists, if only for a little more time. God bless you, Aunt Mary - and take you gently home. You've earned it.

November 19, 2005 - Thanksgiving...

Took a little time before I get really busy to make a Thanksgiving Card for all of you.

The turkey is already starting to thaw in the refrigerator, I have everything I need for the dinner and the house is just about ready. We're expecting cold weather so the oven running will make things nice and warm. Wednesday, I'll make the pies and...oh my, I have to get whipping cream.

If I dont post between now and then, have a wonderful holiday!

November 19, 2005 - Reprieve...

This weekend, the weather has been cool and sunny. Perfect for doing a little more work getting the yard ready for winter. The final cleanup in the garden is done, I leave a lot of my dead perennials to feed the birds as long as they didnt have any disease problems. They also make a more interesting view than flat nothingness. I also cleaned the vinyl arbor by the garage door... it gets dirty from muddy pawprints left by the squirrels.

So, the fountain and one birdbath are in the basement, one birdbath was moved and "winterized" with a heater, and things are relatively done. Now on to getting the house ready for the holidays, baking, cooking, and everything else. But first, a cup of tea!

November 12, 2005 - Back to Real Life...

Just got back from 48 hours in complete silence! The retreat started out with some rain and a few flurries mixed in, and changed to clear and sun by the time I left. The hermitage was small but cozy, and I got a great deal of thinking, writing (and some resting) done. Retreat notes are up, and hopefully in the next couple of days some pictures as well.

Now, it's back to the normal sounds of life. It was a wonderful break!

Note: Retreat pictures are up.

November 8, 2005 - Ready to roll...

Getting ready to go off on retreat. In a teeny cabin in the woods - big surprise (grin). Part of what I do is take pictures, and now that things are getting kind of barren, I wondered what I would focus on.

Well, the weather forecast calls for some snow showers. So, maybe there WILL be some great shots after all! That could be good, because the landscape right now just isnt that interesting. Oh well.. there's always vignette shots of doorways and such! But a little snow could be a nice touch.

And, if there's not much snow, I'll be writing. No loss either way!

November 6, 2005 - The Game Goes On...

Most people in the neighborhood spent the whole weekend (gorgeous weather) raking the leaves that finally started dropping in earnest. THEN - tonight, the wind, hail, thunder, lightning and rain shows up. It's a constant game here in the Great Northeast, like shoveling or snowblowing your place only to have the plow come by 5 minutes later!

But, it was a good weekend, with a big dinner get-together on Saturday night with friends, and some work inside as well. Not a lot for pictures until the snow comes but I'll keep my eyes open.

October 31, 2005 - Halloween...

Not a bad night for the kids to be out, its pretty mild, and no rain. The air is thick with the smell of shaving creme, no kidding. They're starting earlier and earlier every year.

I did get out today for some pictures, but the trees are just not like they should be. We havent had even a mild frost yet so aside from a few singular specimens, the colors are muted. In many places, the leaves have just plain dropped. Maybe I'll put a couple of the pictures up, but believe me, they're nothing to write home about color wise *grin*

October 25, 2005 - New Fall Pictures...

It's been a rainy October, and plain unusual all around. But, I did manage to get some shots in here to refresh the old pages. Right now, we're feeling the remnants of Hurricane Wilma, some places have had snow up north, and the leaves are being stripped off the trees at a fast rate. However, new pictures can be seen here.

October 21, 2005 - Return to Still Point...

Yesterday was a bright and crisp fall day, so I finally got back to Still Point Retreat Center . I've been meaning to get back since I was there in January, and finally got around to it.

My thanks, once again, to Srs. Helen, Anne and Nicole for allowing me to wander around with my camera. I'm already planning to spend a couple of days there in the somewhat near future. Pictures can be seen here, and also at my site at Webshots..you can get there from the sidebar on the left!

October 18, 2005 - Everyone loves a Party...

Sunday night, I went to a fund-raiser at the Dominican Retreat and Conference Center . The name? More than Just Desserts. And, my oh my, it was all of that. Pictures of course are up!

October 15, 2005 - Nothing stays the same...

Its windy out tonight, after over a week of rain. And this gardenlady is about to kick back for a little, and get some rest tonight.

Fall reminds us that nothing stays the same. Things grow and flourish and die, but grow again. In all of life, we work to hold onto the same hope, the same promise. As Winter edges nearer, may you always find your place - for in the litter of the dying leaves, new life waits in secret for it's time. May you always have 'enough'.

October 14, 2005 - Changes...

Gardenlady is going through a few changes. Hopefully, the site is working. A little reorganizing, and hopefully some postings that are more up to date. It's raining, and a good time to be straightening things anyway.

I'll have some new pictures up soon, thanks for your patience in the interim.

September 30, 2005 - Sunday Drive...

On an overcast Sunday, 2 of my friends and I decided to go looking for SOME signs of fall. We ended up driving to Indian Ladder Farms, along with a million other people, and then to Helderledge, a wonderful place to buy plants for your garden.

It's been a while since I posted, things have been kind of busy, but I have been out as much as possible. The day was a lot of fun, fall IS here, even if the trees dont say so. The pictures from our trip are here

September 3, 2005 - Pyramid Life Center...

I had the wonderful opportunity to spend a couple of days at Pyramid Life Center early this week.

I dont know that there is any place more spectacular than our Adirondack Mountains, and to be able to spend a couple of days here was like a dream come true. Every kind of ecosystem from forest to lake to swamp to waterfall area was here, a breathtaking display of the work of the Creator. Check out their page, some of my pictures are here and the rest are at the Webshots page, link from the sidebar or from the picture page itself.

August 26, 2005 - A Walk in the Inner City...

Today, a friend, Mary Frances, and I went to Albany to get some pictures of vacant buildings for a photo competition we are thinking of entering. It was a fairly hot day, and a lot of people were outside probably trying to keep a little bit cool, as we took picture after picture.

Some of my pictures are over at Webshots (see sidebar for link) and some are here . Come on along...

August 16, 2005 - Summer Picnics...

It wouldn't be summer without picnics, and this past weekend we attended two. On Saturday night, a usual group of us "Saturday Night Regulars" went to a friend's home and combined a picnic with a birthday celebration, and Sunday afternoon, a group of people that hubby worked with had a picnic and invited us to come along. He enjoyed seeing his former co-workers again (once he remembered their names!). There were many pictures, so, I refer you to my Webshots albums. You will find Picnic at Frank and Diane's here and Medicaid Picnic at Linda's here.

August 5, 2005 - New place in town...

Looking for a great new place to eat? We were, and found the Water's Edge Lighthouse Restaurant . Check it out! Great, great place.

August 3, 2005 - Vacation in Ithaca...

We finally got away for a couple of days to explore some new territory. On Sunday, July 31, we packed the car, grabbed our boots, and went on a trip to Ithaca, NY.

Some pictures are spread out over 3 pages, and more are at the Webshots page (see sidebar or Ithaca page). If you love gorges and waterfalls, truly, Ithaca IS "Gorges".

July 21, 2005 - Just Stuff...

Its been pretty hot and humid here and the weeds are running rampant. I cant complain that the plants arent doing well, they are abounding, and all the rain has kept them watered.

I'm hoping in the next couple of days to get some updated garden pictures on site soon. At any rate, some pictures are there, and new ones will replace them.

In the meantime, stay cool!

July 15, 2005 - More photo ops

Signed up today with Webshots, another place for pictures and online photo storage. You can check out the pages from the sidebar, under the "New" category These are some pictures you see or have seen at Gardenlady, plus some new ones as well. I hope you enjoy them!

July 14, 2005 - It's Raining..it's pouring...

It is almost 6 PM, and we are finishing up the "Storm du Jour". For almost two weeks, we have been stuck in an extreme moisture pattern with many torrential downpours thunder, lightning, wind...

Our cellar seems to perpetually have water in it, and street flooding happens quite frequently. Today, the force of the water was such that it blew the manhole covers off of the storm sewers. The streets look like lakes. The upside of this all is that I dont seem to need to water the garden.

The heat and humidity has been around since the beginning of June, and even the e-reports of local weather are starting to show snarky comments from the weather people. Anyone want to build an ark?

July 10, 2005 - Fireworks

Last night, we headed down to the river for a fireworks display. Our original fireworks were cancelled due to the enormous storms we had the afternoon and evening that the original show was scheduled. So, we got to see a second, although somewhat smaller show during Canalfest, a 2 day local celebration. Pictures of the event are up.

I should soon have a new Plotterkill page up as well.

July 5, 2005 - Where we went

What could be better than spending Independence Day looking out over a beautiful garden, listening to birds and a waterfall into a small pond, and cooking out? We went to my sister's and did just that. Of course, I just HAVE to share with you how her garden grows. They have worked so hard since they moved there 6 years ago and it shows. Check out the garden pictures and enjoy the view.

July 1, 2005 - Building an ark

The weather folks were right. They SAID we would get "severe storms" and we did.

We have had a lot of heat and humidity since the beginning of June, and maybe it all broke tonight. I sure hope so, there was enough rain, wind, thunder and lightning. I have water in the basement, the streets were flooded, parts of Mohawk Avenue were without power AND, worst of all, the fireworks were cancelled! Serious bummer.

June 19, 2005 - The Party's Over

With a few passing showers, the annual Gardens and Gazebos Tour sponsored by Soroptimists International of Schenectady County was held on June 18, 2005. And, after some extra work and excitement preparing to show off my little garden, things went off well.

Many lovely gardens once again on the tour, my only regret is not being able to have seen them all this year. What I DID see however was breathtaking. Check out what I was able to compile. Tour Pictures are here.

June 14, 2005 - Just about set...

Some of the final cultivating is being done, weeding is always in progress, and it's only a few days until the garden tour on Saturday. I'll be going Friday to see the other entrants' gardens, and attending a reception on Friday night. Hopefully, I'll get some more event pictures up next week. Wish me luck... Garden pictures are here.

June 12, 2005 - Finally Falls Pictures

It's been busy around the Gardenlady household, getting ready for the Gardens and Gazebos Tour, but I finally got around to posting a page from a trip to Barberville Falls. Nice high waterfalls, not a difficult hike, check them out! Pictures are here.

June 12, 2005 - Through the years...

In preparing for the Gardens and Gazebos tour, which the Gardenlady garden is a featured garden, I looked through some old pictures of the house and yard 18 years ago, and added recent pictures. We have lived here 20 years, and the progress has been slow but steady. Check out some of the changes from then to now.

May 26, 2005 - Back to Lisha Kill

If you wait, lately, for the rain to stop before you take a hike, you'll wait a very long time. So, I packed my rain gear and camera and went back to Lisha Kill to get some late spring pictures. The day was dark and occasionally rainy, but it brought the colors out even more. Come on along on a walk... Lisha Kill pictures are here.

May 17, 2005 - City Walk

I took a walking tour of the Stockade section in Schenectady yesterday. A lovely section, rich in history and full of visual delights and surprises. Come on and walk with me. Pictures are here.

May 6, 2005 - Hiking Retreat

Took my yearly retreat earlier this year, now I've hit all seasons.
Staying at the Windmill, I took off during the day and visited a few local spots, and of course took pictures. Since pictures of the Windmill are already on my pages (see sidebar) they are not included in these pages. However, the areas I visited and the sights I saw are here. It IS a beautiful world, and spring is resurrection, isnt it!

May 5, 2005 - Happy Anniversary OP Sisters!

Nothing like a party.

Sunday, May 1 was the 125th Anniversary Celebration for the Congregation of St. Catherine de'Ricci, Dominican Sisters of Elkins Park, PA. The Sisters at the Dominican Retreat and Conference Center in Niskayuna NY are a part of this Congregation.

There was a Mass at 4 PM which unfortunately I missed due to a prior commitment, but I made it there for the reception which followed at 6 - naturally.

April 26, 2005 - Spring Hiking

We took a hike today to Hannacroix Creek, just outside of Coeymans, NY, to check out another preserve featuring a waterfall. These are a particular favorite kind of place for me, and I had read about the preserve on line. Great day, even though it hailed on our luinch of graham crackers and cheese! Check out the Hannacroix Creek pictures here.

April 3, 2005 - Water, water everywhere...

Predictions this weekend were for an excessive amount of rain...thankfully, we were spared getting as much as was expected, but enough to cause flooding in areas along the Mohawk River.

I took my camera out in the later morning and late afternoon to catch a few pictures. It's the most we've seen in recent years, and we hope it's the last for a few...

March 31, 2005 - A Visit to Scotia UMC

Today, I had the priviledge of being able to take my camera into the Scotia United Methodist Church to get some pictures of their lovely sanctuary and stained glass windows. I had spoken with the Pastor, Rev. Janice McClary Rowell last week about the possibility of getting in for some pictures (I LOVE Churches particularly) and she was most gracious in replying quickly! Get ready to take an armchair tour of a beautiful small-town church. Pictures are here.

March 27, 2005 - Holy Week and Easter

This past week, I took pictures throughout the week of the decorations in the Church for Holy Week and Easter. It's always a solomn and beautiful time, and the decorating is just breathtaking. Come on in and join me... Holy Week pictures are here.

March 22, 2005 - Spring arrives - sort of

On Friday, March 18, I went to a Flower Show at Hudson Valley Community College. Though not as big and fancy as the ones in New York or Boston, it was a nice break from snow and ice. Lots of ideas, lots to look at, and vendors selling everything from garden supplies and enhancements to sweet treats and crafts. It was a good break in the routine. Now, I cant wait for the yard to be clear!

March 8, 2005 - Winter Break

On Friday, February 25, 4 of us piled back into the car and sought refuge from winters' cold and went back to Magic Wings. To go from snow and ice into tropical conditions was a wonderful reprieve - we enjoyed every minute of the day. With the stop at Yankee Candle as well, the day was a great break from the winter doldrums. Highlights of that trip back to Magic Wings are here.

February 21, 2005 - It's a Wrap! Habitat for Humanity

The two homes are finished, the second family is about to move in, and the Habitat project for Scotia Glenville comes to a close. The project has been part of many lives for the past 10 months, and it seems odd to be setting up the final page. It's been an awesome experience to see this project from ground clearing to the final day. To all who worked so hard on the project, to the families, all the best to you. It's been fun. See you in April.

February 6, 2005 - Hiking in Christman Sanctuary

Great weather the past few days has led to some winter walks to in Christman Sanctuary (among other places). Frozen waterfalls are absolutely beautiful, and I was able to sneak in behind the falls to take a peek at an ice room! The rest of the hike was good, strong cables had been installed to help one get through the narrow and treacherous spots.

January 27, 2005 - Snow Pictures

Hooray, I have enought new winter pictures to put up a new page (replacing pictures from last year - old news!) It's been cold and snowy which coated all of the dull brown landscape with a sparkling white (at least outside of the city) blanket. Next on the agenda is to get up a couple of cute cat pictures from a friend's home. But, for now, pull on your boots, grab your woolies and follow me.

January 26, 2005 - A Fizzled Blizzard

At least in my own area. We got about 11 inches of snow,, some wind, but nothing like they were predicting. East of us (much further east) they got hammered. But us? Just a little snowstorm. Then, last night we had another 5 inches or so. But, we're going to be plunged back into the deep freeze as an Alberta Clipper blows in.

So, for now, we have maybe a foot and a half on the ground or so. And, some new pictures will be up soon. As soon as I thaw out my fingers and toes from the cold we HAVE had.

January 18, 2005 - Wherever the road goes...

Monday, I had an unexpected photo op. at Still Point. Sometimes, wrong turns can lead to interesting outcomes! On a snowy day, here was a lovely place set back from the main road and the grounds were breathtaking. Come walk with me - Still Point pictures are here.

January 12, 2005 - Winter's Here.

After a relatively mild beginning, we got a couple of 4-6 inch snowfalls in less than a week. Now, it was time to get the camera and find a few pictures of the snow and the beauty. Nothing like a hike off-season in a State Park! No crowds, no noise. Just the sound of the river running, and the sight of pristine snowcover. Pictures from the State Park along Rt. 30 and the Sacandaga River are here

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