February 2009

The Treasure Flower

gazania.jpgThis is Gazania, or ‘Treasure Flower.’ Gazania is a South African perennial that looks similar to a daisy, but in bold, brilliant yellows, oranges, reds, pinks, cream and even a beautiful mauve and a burgundy color. It’s a plant that is perfect for window boxes or any hot, dry and sunny spot.

Gazania grows well in rock gardens or in hot, dry areas. Good soil gives best growth but the plant tolerates poor, sandy soil. Gazania requires less water than most annuals. Full sun is preferred and the flowers do not open on wet or cloudy days. Removing the old blossoms will increase the number of flowers produced.

This one was open on the patio this morning. Click the image above for the big picture.

A Red Rose in Mom’s Garden

moms-red-rose.jpgToday, we drove to Mom and Dad’s to deliver the pumpkin pie I baked yesterday. Dad really appreciated the pie.

As always, I brought my camera and took a lot of pictures in and around Mom’s garden and flowerbeds. In the front of the house, she has a rosebush that produces these pretty red roses. This one is new since last weekend.

Click on the thumbnail to see a larger image.

Dad’s Day at the Home Spa

Well, it wasn’t exactly a complete spa experience. I cut his hair and trimmed his eyebrows and my sister, Carol, attended to a couple of grooming chores. The real treat was the Pizza that I brought. Dad sure enjoyed that.

haircut

Winter Canyon from Lookout Studio

Here is one of the photos Verna took the morning we were at the Grand Canyon Village. This is looking northeast near Bright Angel Trail Head. The icicles are hanging from the famous Lookout Studio near Bright Angel Lodge.

Lookout Studio Icicles and Grand Canyon

I was at the dentist this morning and I told my hygienist to check out our blog for some pictures we took at Grand Canyon on our Winter Cruise. Then, I realized that this photo (one of the prettiest) wasn’t posted on this weblog. Better late than never.

Click on the image for the big picture.

Alert

When Bear goes out into the back yard, she sometimes sees or hears something that gets her attention. This is her ‘alerting’ on something . . .

Alert

Click to enlarge.