Monday, March 24, 2008

A Walk Through The Garden With Bobby (a.k.a. T-R-O-U-B-L-E!)...

Bobby, get out of my damn garden! Okay, it's official, Bobby's trouble. He's a puppy, so can't help himself! He lives two houses to the north and spends most of his time in our yard since all the fences came down in the massivie storm that stole our tree a number of months ago. He loves me. I don't know why, but when he sees me he goes sort of nutty. He sees Rob, no big deal, but me...REALLY BIG DEAL! I love him to death. Perhaps that's why. The weather has been so beautiful here the past few days (75 degrees) and I really needed to work in the yard, but couldn't because Bobby was relentless. His fence is being replaced this week, so he's enjoying the last freedom he will probably ever know! And he's aware. So off to Aunt Suzie's!!! Good Lord! I got back from the park today after feeding the ferals, didn't see him and thought "PERFECT, I'll work in the garden!" Within a minute I was down on the ground being licked to death by a 30 lb puppy! Okay, gardening's out. I came inside for a change of clothes and Rob had the audacity to say, "Oh, how perfect, he'll enjoy gardening with you." What? Does anyone notice what the heck takes place in my life?!
~
Okay, off to take photos for my blog and water the back garden. Whoops, big mistake! I had Bobby wrapped around my legs the entire time or jumping into my face. (He's gotta stop that because I now have a split lip.) And then I turn on the sprinkler. Good God!!! He went crazy. He's an Australian Border Collie, so very smart and very busy! He thought he had to herd the water. The next thing I know he's soaking wet and still as wacky as ever! Then worse, he starts jumping on me. I have to go into the house for the second change of clothes. Okay, THAT'S IT! Knock it off.
~
I came back out fully dressed and clean and started to take photos, only to find myself saying, like always, "Honey, knock it off." No. The photo shoot didn't go so well because my assistant was a bit of a handful! He might need medication. Or hell, perhaps I do! Is there a doctor in the house? Maithri...? Baby Suzanne? Help!
~
Well, to make a long story short, I got through the photo shoot, but not without a 3rd change of clothes. My life.

My very first rose of the season. As most of you know, it's on the climber I was going to dig up and send sailing after last years fiasco with black spot. Apparently she's decided to redeem herself. Wow...just desserts. But I'm not holding my breath. I'm confident she'll go belly up in a month or so.
Betty Prior. The second rose to bloom. I haven't pruned anything in the back rose garden, so all the rose bushes are like 6-8 feet high!!! Swear to God! I feel as if I'm walking in the jungle of giants. It's too much fun and everything looks insanely beautiful and healthy. I don't think I'll ever prune again. I'm serious. We're all taught to prune like maniacs, but I didn't have time and the results are amazing. Betty Prior is about 6' x 6'. No joke. And the amount of buds. INSANE!!! Hundreds and hundreds.

Anticipation...

is making me wait...(Carly Simon) . Yup, I have aphids, but only a few. This is a very healthy garden and I don't worry about anything. Everyone needs to make a living...even aphids.

When we first bought this home I planted two crabapple trees in honor of my grandparents. They had the most stunningly beautiful home, and as you entered the yard there were two crabapple trees on either side of the pathway. One of my crabapples made it, the other did not and will have to be removed this year. I'm a very symetrical person, so being a-symetrical will take some getting used to.

Beautifully scented Freesia! Yummy!

A gorgeous, shade loving, lime colored Herchera. I love lime colored anything! Seriously.

Blurry. Yes, I know. Annual forget-me-nots. One of the most precious flowers in the world.

And again with Creeping Jenny (love that name).

A perennial variety of Forget-Me-Nots. Very low and compact. Also a different shade of blue. Vibrant. I planted six, but only one comes back every year.

A climbing Jasmine. I planted it 3 years ago and was suppposed to build a trellis. I did not. So it's mauled the Nandina shrub. The poor 7 foot shrub is bent to the ground. No joke. I'd take a photo, but would be too embarrassed to show you. It's rather pathetic. I'm going to wait till the blooms fade, then cut the vine back to the base, hang a trellis and start over. Seems like the only option.

Honey, can you get out of Aunt Suzie's garden?
Two varieties of Azalea with Creeping Jenny and weeds! Perfect combo!

I love you all and thanks for visiting my blog. Talk to you soon.
XO

141 comments:

Suzanne=p said...

What a sweet puppy! And I love your flowers. I don't think I could ever have a garden and surely not as wonderful as yours. Talk to you soon.
Bye,
Suzanne:]

Dawn Drover said...

What a beautiful garden!
You're thumb is definitely green :)

Suzanne said...

Little Suzanne,

Hi honey. Thanks for stopping by. Is Bobby the best?! He's such a little character. When the fence is done I'll be sad. It's fun to have him in our yard! T-Bone loves him to death and he loves T-Bone. They're the perfect combo. We've informed our neighbor, Bobby will have to come by each week for a play date! Seriously. I don't know what we'll do without him. Honestly, I can't get any gardening done with him, but can't imagine gardening without him. Isn't that interesting? We obviously love him here.

You will have a garden eventually. It will come to you when you least expect it! You'll see. It will surpass mine. It's a love that grows on you and then never relents. And that's a good thing because working with the earth and along side Mother Nature matters. It fills a void nothing else can. You'll see. You have a photo of sunflowers to represent who you are, so you aren't far away! Trust me honey...you're on your way!

I love you dear and hope you have a wonderful week at school. I'm so glad you and Helen relate. I just knew you would. Thanks for stopping by.

Much love,
A.S.! :)

Suzanne said...

Dawn,

Thank you. You look SO familiar. Floot? If not Floots, who?

In any event, thanks for gracing my blog. I'll stop by yours to see what you're up to. And honey, you know what? Just as Hilary Clinton said, "It takes a village..." my garden takes more than a thumb!!!

Thank you so much for stopping by. I really enjoyed your visit.

XO Suzanne

bindhiya said...

Dear Suze,

Hope you had a beautiful day!
you have a beautiful garden..
i'll be back in a minute...am talking to pappa online..
love and ((hugs))
bindi

Suzanne said...

Bindi!

Hi honey. Yes, I had a wonderful day. Most of it spent outside with you know who!!! He's too funny. I'll miss him so much when the fence is complete. He's become a member of our family and he's going to go away. I'm not prepared. You know me. I wish we could adopt him and he'd just be our dog!!! But I know that isn't possible. He loves me and I love him, but we have to deal with a fence, oh and that little thing called "My Neighbor Already Loves Him!" Yikes.

Take your time and talk to your Dad. I'll stick around and await your return because I'm checking in on so many other things. Love you sweetie!!!!! Don't hurry, okay. Take your time. LOVE YOU!!! XO

bindhiya said...

Dear Suze,
am back!
I talk to pappa for almost 40 minutes!
Oh What a beautiful garden..thanks for taking time to share those pictures...jasmine! i love them...late evening if you go near to them it smells being in heaven...we have different kind of jasmine back in home..
I love all of them flowers but jasmine got my heart :)
30lb trouble is so much fun to be around...and play dates are so good.. :)
Suze, Dawn is from my blog...she lives in Canada! She is a wonderful person to meet..
take care sweetie!
I'll talk to you soon..
Good night!
I ♥ you to the sky & ((hugs))
bindi

Skeeter said...

Hi suzanne,

Those rosebuds are very nice. Something wonderful will come from them! Can't wait to see 'em.

Unknown said...

Suze! Yipppeeee! I made it through the Easter weekend! Children running for 100 eggs! Loving every minute. But glad to be back home! Whew!
Glacier is happy too! Poor sweety! Thank god I found a pet sitter would stay at my house and hole up there and keep furface company!
Not only was it Easter it was my Dad's 65th! Love my daddy!
It is good to be here, I have missed you something awful! I see no sign of Bri...hmmmm, curious?!
LOVE YOUR GARDEN! Look at all that green, just lovely! And love your new friend! He is sweet. Come visit!
Love ya!
Robyn

Suzanne said...

Bindi!

Hi honey. Well, sorry about that. Life got a bit busy here and I had to attend to other things. It's now almost time to feed the kitties, but I'm trying to check in and type as fast as possible before the new day begins.

I'm so glad you were able to chat with your Dad after such a stressful week. I'm sure his voice is a comfort. Everything you've written to me about him indicates he's an amazing man and father. You're very lucky.

Jasmine. You and me both. The evening air is yummy when Jasmine is blooming. We have so many different varieties here and I know you do in India. When you finally settle into your forever home, you really must plant Confederate Jasmine (we've discussed it previously) near your porch or an open window. The scent in intoxicating. Ours will be blooming in about a month or so and I can hardly wait. I'll take photos for you.

Honey, how's the new place? Have you settled in? Are you okay? I worry you know. As I mentioned, Cecile has kept me informed, but it's nice to hear the news straight from your mouth. Is Serene managing okay? Please give me good times to email. We never seem to get it quite right!!! I'm going to try harder.

Yup, 30 lbs of trouble is a good thing! I'm going to miss him. He's so funny and a constant companion. I wish he was in our family, but he has a family who loves him already. Oh well.

You are welcome to walk in my garden any time. The roses are about to explode. Rob and I can't quite believe the number of buds. Thousands and thousands! I'll share photos.

I love you darling. I'm going to collect all my award, hopefully today if I can squeeze in the time. Have a wonderful day. I love you.

XO Suze
p.s. Our dear friend posted about on-line preditors/dating, etc. and basically scared the crap out of me. I didn't even comment on her blog because I was afraid one might be there and follow me back to mine! Honey, did something awful happen? Her post made me think alot. I trust everyone probably too much and Cecile pointed out I'm a bit naive. I'll have to be more careful. All the friends who visit my blog seem so sincere, but I guess one never knows until something awful happens. Please alert me if I've missed something because it's better to know, than not. You can always email the info. I love you. XO

Suzanne said...

Skeeter,

Hey you! Something wonderful is about to explode in the garden. Like I just told Bindi, there are thousands and thousands of buds. Rob and I were in the yard the other day, he looked at me, I looked at him and we just both started laughing. It's going to be insane!

Have a great week.

Love you,
Suze XO

Suzanne said...

Robyn,

Hi honey. Glad you suvived the weekend and happy 65th to Dad! Wow, you were lucky to get a pet sitter on a holiday weekend. Good for you! I bet furface missed you though. It's hard for animals to adjust to new situations ~~ stressful. Hope he and the kitties are fine.

I got laughing the other day when Baby Suzanne asked how many kitties we have and I told her I stopped counting at 6. She wrote back and said she couldn't imagine 6. I couldn't imagine 6 either...God that was a good round number! I remember when! Life.

Brian. I don't know what's going on. Perhaps he's ill or just no longer interested in blogging. I don't know. I do miss him terribly. If he is leaving, I hope he returns to give an explanation. ShutterSpy is considering closing her blog as well. You might want to stop by and give her your thoughts. I understand her reasoning, but indicated she has to keep in touch via email if that's the choice she makes. I told her to contact you or John Reynolds for my email. Please give it to her, okay.

T-Bone is snoring. I'll be back in a minute. Okay, back. He had his nose under his paw. That explains it. How's he supposed to breathe?

Well, the day is about to begin as soon as my feet hit the floor, so off I go. Have a beautiful Tuesday. I have a blogging friend who writes a special post every Thursday. It's called Thankful Thursday. She write about all the things she's thankful for. Every weeks is different and interesting. I'll hook you up. I think you'd enjoy her blog.

Love you sweetie. Hugs and kisses all around,
Me XO

Mervyn Gurdrock said...

Suzanne, thanks for all that sunshine and beauty. Beautiful flowers - I can almost smell then and they have brightened up my grey-sky day over here. Lovely.

But I do think it's unethical to medicate dogs.

Scaryl said...

Hello again. It's been a while since I commented but I've still been reading all your posts. :)

Your garden is absolutely gorgeous. :) Really, I envy you. Right now I would give anything to sit in that garden and maybe read a good book or just enjoy the beauty. Because if I look out of my bedroom window I see a snowstorm. The weather was actually quite nice a week ago and I'm confused about the sudden change.
I love your roses. In spring we have some snowdrops but well, now their all coverd with snow.
But it will get better soon. It has to! :D

Good luck :)

Ludmila M. said...

Dear Suze,
Thanks for your comment, and sorry being a little bit rude by saying that i wouldn't post in english, i got a bit disapointed coz you've disapeared from my blog..So many gorgeous flowers, i loved it,all of them..Ok, i'll try to keep visiting your page and the other's, like Savannah's,right?I'd make you a proposal:how about visitin' Brazil, it would be good, wouldn't it?!Think about it and tell me something..By the way, the flower called "Jasmine" it's almost my sister's name, which is "Yasmine", it's arabian, and it means exactly the flower, Jasmine..
Love ya,
XOXO Ludmila.

INNER VOICES said...

looks great! and now how to keep the dogs out? lemme know if you find a way. we have that trouble as well! do you do any veggies? or just non-edible plants?

Kookaburra said...

Hello Suzanne,
Your garden is beautiful. Do you mind if I make poster sized copies of the photos and place them on our living-room windows and make believe that your garden is our garden? We tried to keep our garden alive in compliance with the draconion water restrictions but the horrible drought has prevailed and our lovely garden has gone to to the great compost heap in the sky. Even the couch grass lawn has given up the fight. The only plants that have managed to survive are some geraniums and a few shasta daisies the poor roses are looking miserable. Surprisingly our camelias are still growing out in the full sun; they are about 35 years old.
____________________

You asked how to put a flower picture on your blog.

FIRST. Do the quiz to find your flower.

SECOND. Copy the description of the flower that you will find near the top of the page into the dialogue box for the flower but underneath the java script code.

THIRD. Go to your layout page and open a HTML/Jaca Script Page Element.

FOURTH. Then copy and paste the code and description of the flower into the HTML/Java Script Page Element on your blog. Then save it like you do with blog links and voila!- there you have it.

Cheers,
Mark.

Susan Bowden said...

Hey Aunt Suzie ... Tell Bobby I wish he lived closer. We could party together and stay out of the people's way. He's lucky to have such a beautiful yard to visit and a great friend who puts up with his antics! Sorry that will soon end with the upcoming fence .... Love, Hobie

Unknown said...

Here there gorgous lady!
Well, getting ready to plow back to work...aagghhh! Oh well! So doing laundry and packing lunch and other household chores! Just real quick tonight. Have a lot to do...I keep thinking of the white rabbit in Alice in wonderland...you know running around all crazy like.
I will try to chat with you tomorrow!
Many hugs,
Robyn

Gig said...

Suze,
Awesome pictures!! I loved the tour of your garden. What a great "neighbor" you have in Bobby.
I keep coming to visit so I won't forget what Spring flowers look like!LOL

Much love,
Gig

Jo said...

Your garden is absolutely exquisite. I could use a little summer today. Thank you!

floots said...

fantastic display
thank you
bobby looks like my kind of dog
i have a big rose hedge here (very common in this area) and it looks a lot like the open-bloomed one you show
it grows like a weed - putting up runners everywhere and i love it
enjoy that weather
it's bright here but still cold
cheers

Ruth Welter said...

Hi Suzanne, I stumbled across your blog this morning...I love your garden, roses and of course, the gorgeous painted roses you are creating. I share that interest with you..I'm an artist as well and I do enjoy painting roses.

CIELO said...

I'm so in love with your garden! I would love to feature it on my "garden of the month" section.... please say Yes!

Have a great day, sweety!

cielo

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Bobby looks adorable! And your garden is doing so well! We haven't started greening up yet here.
Penny

Leah said...

Hi, Suzanne. It is so nice to be back in your lovely garden, just taking in a little sunshine and a few deep breaths! It's been murder at my mother-in-law's, and I just got out and stopped by here as soon as I got internet access!

I laughed at the image of Bobby herding the water!

Now I must go post a long cathartic complaining post on my own blog. I swear I have PTSD from dealing with that woman...

xo

Gypsy Butterfly said...

Hello Suzanne, Wow! Your roses are beautiful and your puppy is adorable. I also love roses, many which are planted in my front landscape. I have many different kinds, including some that form hips during the autumn months. Maybe I'll try not pruning some of my climbers this season and see what happens. It sounds as if you have some stunning bushes from not pruning. You really have a lovely blog and your artwork is amazing!! Would you mind if I put your link on "My favorite blogs List?" Have a great evening!

Suzanne said...

Gorgeous Cielo!

Yes, yes, yes. Of course yes.

Love you sweetie and thanks for always dropping by.

XO

Suzanne said...

Lydia,

Thanks for gracing my blog. When I saw you I just knew we were so perfect for one another I started to laugh!

Rose hips. I've learned to love them. If you do nothing to your roses in the fall they will typically form hips. I leave them for the birds and other little creatures, but I've also read about how valuable they are to humans because of the Vit-C. I'd like to figure out what to do with them this fall to benefit me as well! You can make jam.

Pruning climbers. That isn't a good thing. Did you know you aren't really supposed to prune climbers? So many rose loves aren't aware of that. You should give you climbers at least 5-7 years to find themselves, then prune very, very sparingly. If you need any advice, just let me know! :) I'm loaded.

I was too busy blogging to prune the roses in the back garden this year and much to my dismay I'm about to get an absolute windfall! I only have a few climbers, but lots of English Roses (David Austin), some Romantica, Modern Rose and some Old Roses and I swear to God, the amount of buds and the beautiful growth is electrifying! I don't even fertilize! I just have really great soil because I mulch every year with leaves. (Leaf mold is the greatest mulch.) I'm so looking forward to this year in the garden. It's a new experiment and very exciting. Without blogging, I wouldn't have been so lazy. I'd like to thank the Blogging Academy for my anticipated success!

Of course you can link and I will too. I'd love my friends to meet you. Thank you again for stopping by. Please return often and I'll do the same.

XO

Suzanne said...

Leah!

Welcome home honey! Back to the land of the living. You post yourself to death. I believe in anything cathartic. Oh, and your brother (Brian) is MIA. Perhaps you can slide you're beautiful self on over to his blog and bring him back to reality. We miss him terribly, but nothing we say seems to matter. You've always been a positive influence and the voice of reason, so maybe...just maybe, he'll come back to us if you speak. Thanks honey.

This is my first day without Bobby. I'm going through withdrawl. The boy is insane about water (the garden, kitty food, peanuts, ground cover, etc.). If I hadn't seen it, I wouldn't believe it. He's just plain nutty! I wish he was our dog. His fence was completed yesterday and ours starts Monday. He brought so much joy to our lives every single day and now he's back in his own yard. Yuck. When he and T-Bone were in the yard 2 days ago, Rob's grey tee shirt ended up missing. He's been looking for it ever sense. We received a call from Betty Ann today and learned it on her deck! That little rascal stole it! Yup, he's a character.

Love you dear. So glad to have you back and know that you survived another trial by fire. I'll visit soon. I'm just trying to catch up with my own blog!

Oh, there's a great link, Free Rice. It's a vocabulary game. You'll love it. I just tried it last night and got to 1,700 before missing a word. You'll probably be on it for days and feed all of Africa. I hate to encourage you, but what the hell.

Love you,
Suze XO

Suzanne said...

Penny! I thought you'd abandoned me. I'm glad you didn't. I photographed soup in your honor today before you showed up on my blog! I hope to post it in the next day or so. It's too simple to make and I'm sure you will love it. So happy to have you back. You're blog is gorgeous as always!

Much love,
Suze XO

Suzanne said...

Hi Ruth,

I'm glad you "stumbled" here. Watch out for the bricks off the back patio, they aren't set in sand and can be a hazzard. That might really hurt.

I'm trying to play catchup with my blog, but will visit as soon as I'm done being "wordy." And yes, it's true, I am!!!

Please come back often and thank you for gracing my blog. We'll chat soon. :)

XO

Suzanne said...

Floots, Floots, Floots...

I have no idea why saying it three times matters, but it does. I always exhale when you show up. Why do you think that is?

Your hedge is an "Old Rose," and that's why it sends up runners and multiplies. Unfortunately, Betty Prior is not, but looks like a good old rose! I love her and know I'd love your hedge because it would remind me of my great grandmother's hedge (not that you're that old!).

Bobby. As I just told my other dear friend, this is the first day without him. His fence is complete. How can he not be our dog? He's so wacky perfect for us! And he must be hungry without all the kitty food. Sometimes life is so imperfect. You and I would make great neighbors. We'd share all the animals! And probably shampoo.

Love you dear,
Suze XO

Maithri said...

Hey there Beautiful,

What an amazingly beautiful garden you have!!

Dont you love a rosebud...such promise... such potential...

And Bobby is the coolest... Gotta love an Aussie. ;)

He'd get along well with my Nala shes a Maltese/Shitzu/jack russel cross... a bundle of energy...

Thanks for bein you, for lightin up the world,

My love to you and the family,

M

Suzanne said...

D.M.A.M.

I agree, it isn't proper to medicate an animal. I was joking.

Hi honey!!! So glad you're here sober and wearing something. Okay, joking about that too. I don't know what gets into me, but your blog makes me wacky. And your friend is going to really test my patience. I can see me actually wringing his/her neck and enjoying it. No joke.

Thanks for stopping by. I always enjoy your visit.

XO

Suzanne said...

Gig,

Hi honey!!! You must be so heavy with all the money I.V. stuffed in your apron. How did you make it here without a great deal of effort? Oh, that's right, some NASCAR driver delivered you at my doorstep. Will they never relent? When are they going to start making the establishment a success. They have to drink more...or something. Beer, beer, beer. That is the answer!

Love you!!!
XO

Suzanne said...

Josie! Exquisite. I love that word and think it's perfect. I'm sending you sunshine and a lot of exquisite. See you soon!

XO

Suzanne said...

Kart,

Well you little rascal. I thought you were gone forever, but you're a "lurker!" Good for you!

I keep smelling yellow mustard. I was just eating cheese and crackers with yellow mustard and one malfuntioned and before I new it a clump of cheese was on the floor and mustard all over my shirt. I thought I'd addressed the problem, but I'm smelling mustard, which indicates it's somewhere on my body! I'll be back in a minute. Okay, gave myself the once over and I don't have mustard on me. However, I come back to my computer and smell it, which indicates it's somewhere on my shirt! I'll be back in a minute. I'm changing my shirt.

Okay, I changed everthing and I'm wearing a night gown. Problem solve. Apparently mustard was some where!!! But now I'm free and clear! Who knew mustard could be so elusive? It's yellow!

Honey, you are always welcome in my garden. It's wonderful to have you here. Don't hesitate to stop by for a bit of relaxation. Lots of people do. I never mind!

Love you dear!
XO

Suzanne said...

Lud,

You're killin' me! Oh honey, we haven't abandoned you, we just all have too much on our plate. Inhale, exhale. We're all still here. If you stop writing in English I swear to God I'm coming to Brazil! Dreams do come true!

XO

Suzanne said...

I.V.

Hi honey. It's so good to see you alive and actually speaking. God we missed you.

It's so funny because I was going to ask you about the same thing. I love tomatoes. I couldn't live without them. Seriously. If I was asked about the most important thing in my life, I'd have to say tomatoes! No, I'm not kidding. I could live without a whole lotta stuff, but not tomatoes. I stopped growing everything and just grow cherry tomatoes, like Sweet 100's. I'm pretty simple. I know what I like and don't waste a lot of time. That's the beauty of aging. You get to the point. I would love a delicious large tomato for tomato, lettuce and mayo sandwiches, but I'll be honest. I suck at growing veggies. You'd think that someone who has beautiful flower gardens would also have a beautiful veggie garden. That is not true. I suck at veggies. Why? I haven't a clue, but apparently, as my sister said "...that is just pathetic." I agree. Okay, so I grow one mean cherry tomato, and that's it.

Love you sweetie and I'm so glad you're okay.

XO

Suzanne said...

Hi Mark,

Thanks for the instructions. I'll use them. And thanks also for the appreciation. You and Jo are always welcome to use any photo you love. I'm so sorry your garden is dying. I can't imagine that sort of pain. We haven't gotten enough rain this year, so it's absolutely a concern. CA is known for wildfires, so I suspect the summer won't be kind. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I'll hope for you and you hope for us.

Love you both,
XO

Suzanne said...

Hobie!!!

Hi Honey!!! It's always so nice to have you here. Oh, you would love being in the yard with T-Bone and Bobby. I believe that would be "Dog Heaven!" Bobby's fence went up completely yesterday, so he isn't here today. We're missing him terribly. I think he's our dog honey! But he isn't, is he? I think he's probably as sad as we are. Have any advice? You're so smart, you always have an answer. Honey, how's he going to survive without kitty food?

It's funny you know so much and help all of us who struggle with the answer. I love you dear.

Aunt Suzie XO

Suzanne said...

Robyn,

Hey gorgeous yourself. How are you doing? You've been rather quiet lately, so I'm a bit worried. Are you okay?

I wish you weren't going back to work. I wish you could plant yourself right here, but I know reality. How are your legs. We're all worried about that you know. Going back to work isn't going to cause you harm. Is it? If it does, I'll drive to Elk Grove and put on a big scene. If I do you can claim work related stres. For a full week!

I love you,
Suze XO

Suzanne said...

Maithri,

Hi honey. It's always nice when you arrive. And thanks for calling me beautiful. My heart sort of swells!

Bobby. Isn't he terrific. This was our fist day without him and I'll admit I'm pretty sad. He's such a great companion, despite his flaws (my split lip!). I'm going to go to the neighbor's in the next few days and ask if he can come for play dates. Every week! I wish he was in our family rather than up the street. And yes, he's a Aussie. That explains the water thing! He's so nutty and funny. Your dog sounds similar. What a mix! I can just see T-Bone, Bobby and your dog romping in the yard. What fun.

Rose buds. The potential. I love them. It's funny how every year the anticipation never gets old. You'd think it would, but it doesn't because every year is different. That's what I love about gardening.

I hope you're having a good week and not working to exhaustion. I think about you so often and know that what you do matters, and you inspire me to make a bit more effort.

I love you beautiful.

XO

Gypsy Butterfly said...

Thank you Suzzanne, I'll add you to my blog roll now. I also wanted to thank you for all The helpful advise on climbers, pruning and mulching the soil with leaf mold every year. I will do that. I never knew climbers shouldn't be pruned and I have two of them. Roses are also my favorite flowers, even though I grow many of them, I haven't really mastered the art of growing them, So I'm excited we met. I can get your expertice advise. I feed my roses every three weeks during the growing season, because our soil here is nothing to write home about. I also fight black spot and aphids something terrible during the mid summer. I am so happy to have become friends with you and I will visit your blog often. I also anwered you on mine. It would be so neat if you bought a home here in rochester. How cool! we could also be friend in person. Have a wonderful day!

Cece said...

Gosh, I will be here all day trying to get caught up with everyone. That's the problem with just missing one day, and when you miss several like I just did, you fall way behind. I'm not sure I will ever get caught back up with everyone. There is just so many of you guys and more interesting people keep popping up every day! Suze, the garden is beautiful. I will putting a post up within the next day or two or three or seven once I get my photos uploaded, get caught up with everyone and find some time to rest up from fishing. Talk to you soon, and I"m still waiting for the address so that I can mail you your copy of the book.

Suzanne said...

Cecile ~ Oh Jeasus, forgot to email. I'm a horrible emailer. You know that. I have to go feed the feral, but will be back soon and I swear it's the first thing I'll do. IT'S SO GOOD TO HAVE YOU BACK. WE'VE MISSED YOU TERRIBLY!!!!! I hope the fish got lucky. ;)

XO

Suzanne=p said...

Good Morning!
It is snowing here again. And I was crazy enough to think it was spring. Have a good day.
Bye,
Suzanne:]

Suzanne said...

Suzanne,

Snow. I can't imagine. Stay warm.

XO

Suzanne said...

Lydia,

I'm so glad we met too!

You have to deal with something we don't out here, Japanese Beetles. Yikes. Did you know they begin life as the fat white grubs you find in the soil? You can inoculate the soil with an organic substance, but if you have a large yard it can be expensive. When they show up each year my poor sister basically gives up on the roses until the next year. Boy can they make a mess of the garden.

Aphids are pretty easy to deal with. You can simply knock them off with water from the hose. They'll climb back up, but just hose them off again. If your plants are really healthy aphids shouldn't be much of a problems. Also, if you have lots of birds and lady bugs in the yard they won't be a problem at all.

I've only had to deal with blackspot on the big climbing rose that was here when we bought the house. Last year. after the first bloom, it lost almost all it's leaves and looked horrible the rest of the year. I was going to dig it out this spring, but it's starting to bloom right now, so I'll wait to see what happens. I do get rust on some of the roses through. Do you? That stuff's nutty. You can prevent it by not watering overhead and also by making sure the area around each rose bush is neat, tidy and free of old leaves with rust on them. Sounds brilliant, but who has the time?! I have too many roses to worry about such things. :)

Leaf mold is what you get when leaves compost. It's the best compost in the world. If you add leaves to your garden every fall you won't believe how beautiful your soil will be, or how little fertilizer you need to use. You're supposed to chop the big leaves up with the the lawn mower then add them as mulch, but sometimes I don't because I run out of time, however, little leaves can go directly on the garden. Add a nice thick layer every fall and you'll be surprised by the results.

Well my dear, it's late and I've gotta get to bed soon. Have a wonderful day. We'll chat again soon. I hope you have a terrific gardening season!

XO

P.S. I do think Rochester would be great.

krystyna said...

Hi Suzanne!
I love your beautiful garden. All photos are amazing! The crabapple trees are spectacular.
And Bobby is so happy. He looks very friendly.
Have a healthy, happy and lovely weekend!
Big hugs!

CIELO said...

Good evening, beautiful!..... I looked everywhere for an email, but found none... so, please pretty please contact me about featuring your lovely garden on my "garden of the month"... here is my email:

cielosky47@yahoo.com

Love ya!

Cielo

Shutterspy said...

I love your garden and I want to cuddle Bobby! :-D

Gypsy Butterfly said...

Hello Suzanne, Thank you for all the wonderful tips on my roses. I try to attract ladybugs in both my veggie and flower gardens. They eat many of the annoying pests that won't bug off. I haven't experienced rust on my roses, but Japanese beatles have been trouble to me in the past. I have to make sure to use leaf mold in all my beds this fall. thanks again. have a wonderful day!

bindhiya said...

Dear Suze,
Hope you having a wonderful day!

I got a bit busy still it is going on...but I like to be busy...so that is fine with me ... :)
My Pappa will talk to me around 10.00 pm to 11.00 Monday thru Friday if he is in his office..he will be in office an hour early just to talk to me....Yes, my pappa is like my best friend I can talk to him anything and everything...he was like that to all of us... that is the only reason i got the courage to ask Pappa.. "can I marry someone I love" :))
You know rest...

...busy with so many things.. i have to do medical, then try to complete my school here..so much going on...I hate hate going to clinics and Dr. I saw a Dr. only for my pregnancy...in my lifetime i never been to Dr. so much...now this medical just killing me...i don't have immunization records so they want me to take all kind of shots yikes...

Please collect all of your awards...still you have "best friends" from me and Krystyna.. so you can put that two times...Cielo send you "you made my day" too..
you have to check for anything more you got.. :)

Krystyna talking about people dating online...we don't have anyone bad here.. all of our friends are real...and we are not up to dating so don't be scared.. :)
talk to you soon..
Love to you, Rob and all the little ones...
((hugs))
bindi

Shara said...

Hello dear Suzanne,
Your garden looks wonderful. I will have to settle for pots on my balcony. I home from Italy and feeling low. The beauty that is Europe was overwhelming and has completely taken my heart. I'm going back as soon as school is done to take a slower walk through. Some blooming but early for the area I visited. Anyway, I'm happy to connect with my blogger friends again and will take a hint for you to plant a few flowers in pots to help me through Spring.
Love to you,
Shara

kylie said...

hey you,
i saw your comment at mark's place then i came over to say that i do visit but with all your gorgeous pics it takes forever for the page to load and as it loads the little "comments" clicky thing (oh yeah, i just remembered, it's called a LINK) keeps moving and i keep missing it !!
mark has been here, so he doesnt deserve the telling off, just me.
also, you dont post so often so it's not so imperative that we get over here.
right, now i've finished making excuses i need to comment on the post only i can't remember it and now i'm on the comments page and i'll have to load the post again
AAAARGH
it's not the internet service that sux, by the way...it's that brat child of mine.
Bobby is adorable and Taffy is a different breed but has the same manic working dog nature. today he was herding the mower. hmmm
so i know what it's like. the taffster is 11 this year and he's still doing it, so dont think mr bobby is gonna cut it out anytime soon. what would we do without them?
the roses are beautiful (and everything else)
hope your split lip is all better and you're enjoying your gardening
love
k

Unknown said...

Suze!
Yes...I am know done with work for three days but damnit! if my legs didn't swell up a bit...! I gotta get a couch and some arm chairs in here (house). All our old furniture went up with Jim to Monterey, so he could have a place to sit!
But it has been 8months and still I am sitting on camp chairs! Geesh! But I have been so picky on what I am looking for. But, I gotta get somethings in here. I realized. That all day when I work I sit for something like 10 hours and then I come home, walk the dog for about 1hr to 1 1/2 and then sit and watch some news. I never really kick up my feet!

How many times do you kick up your feet? I mean when You are sitting on the couch aren't you feet up, or pulled up underneath you,etc. See what I mean!

well just wanted to say hello and love ya! I will be back to post!
Take care sweety.
Hugs,
Robyn

MARIA said...

Good luck to you!

Kookaburra said...

Hello Suzanne,
Well it's finally April and I have a fresh lot of internet download from my I.S.P.
I just wanted to say that I visit you almost every day to see how you're going. I'm at work right now so I'll have to get cracking..
Best wishes to you and Rob,
Cheers & beers,
Mark.

Anonymous said...

OMG! Are those beautiful flowers really in your garden??? I would LOVE to have a garden like that!!! Beautiful!!!

You are an amazing artist!!! And so many people comment on your blog!!! WOW!!!

I didn't know we were practically neighbors! How cool is that? Thanks for stopping by my blog. I'm glad we "met" through inner voices and have some of the same circle of blog friends. I'm gonna add you to my blog roll.

Have a great rest of your day!!!

Skeeter said...

Your roses are so pretty that I had to write a quick blossom themed post in my blog. Love your garden. Thanks for sharing it!

Suzanne=p said...

Happy Tuesday! I am up so late because I am on spring break. Can you say P-A-R-T-Y? Have a great week and I hope you get your doggy play dates in soon.
Bye,
Suzanne:]
p.s. have you seen helen's new layout? it is so cool!

krystyna said...

Have a happy, beautiful day, Suzanne, as your beautiful flowers are!

INNER VOICES said...

yo... *looks around for something to do... gets dog to chase tail for hours and hours... heh heh.*

Cece said...

Well, I gave you an award today. I hope it makes you happy. Because you are like a ray of sunshine for all of us. Have a great day!

Ludmila M. said...

Dear Suze,
So nice to see your comment and bind´s too..Sorry about being a little bit rude cause i´ve said i wouldn´t post in english anymore, i´ll promise you all i´ll keep practising!Soo, you still didn´t answer my idea about visiting Brazil?What do you think??
XOXO

Suzanne said...

Krystyna,

Bobby is a gem and the garden is looking pretty terrific. Only one craptree left unfortunately. The other went bell up. I'm going to take it out in the the next week or so. Very sad.

Your blog is always such a wonderful place to visit. I learn more than I can absorb!

Love you dear,
Suze XO

Suzanne said...

Hi darling Cielo,

I emailed. Haven't heard from you yet. Yes, I would love to be a garden of the month, but just remember, my garden is SO imperfect!!! No, I'm not joking.

XO

Suzanne said...

Shutterspy,

Okay, to cuddle Bobby you have to actually move to CA! You ready for that? I haven't seen him in two days and miss him terribly. He is such a sweet, funny dog. He's also a rascal.

Glad you love the garden. It's a special place. I haven't been as attentive as I should be, but it blesses me just the same. Stop by any time.

I visited your blog today to look at the new pics. Wow. Honey, you just get better and better. I was telling John (because I visited him after visiting you) that the two of you kill me with tree photos. Seriously. Him, the whole tree, you, up close. I've been trying to select a new tree for the yard over the past week and having difficulty. After visiting your blog, then John's I started to cry! I'm all better now, but it was hard seeing beautiful trees. You know me by now. It's hard to love trees and lose one and then have to replace it with something so tiny. Life is so unpredictable.

Love you sweetie,
XO

Suzanne said...

Hi Lydia!

You're garden sounds wonderful despite all the problems that plague most of us. Just keep improving your soil and your plants will grow big and healthy. The answer is in the soil. And yes, leaves are the answer. It's funny because all the neighbor's gardeners know to bring the leaves to us in the fall until we run out of room! My garden looks like it does because of leaves. One older Mexican gardener gave me a big smile and hug and said "...you know the secret!" He obviously did too.

It's been such a joy meeting you. I feel as if you're my long lost twin. Great. just what I need, another sister! I already have five. ;)

XO

Suzanne said...

Bindi,

Hi baby. You always make me smile. I'm sorry things are so hectic for you right now, but everything will settle down and you'll be fine. I'm so grateful you have this online community because you know we all love and support you ~ no matter what.

Doctors. Honey, just go with the flow. You have to get everything done in order to become a citizen, so just relax and enjoy the ride. In the process you may learn there's actually something wrong that needs addressing! If not, good for you.

Your dad seems like such a lovely father and friend. You're lucky. When ever I'm on Maithri's blog I think of all the kids who have so little, and most who don't even have a parent. It's eye opening.

I love you Bindi. You're right, we would have found one another no matter what. I love you with all my heart.

XO

Suzanne said...

I wrote to you, but somehow it was all deleted. Thank you Blogger. Thank you very, very much.

Welcome home honey. I have so much to say, but just said it, so I'm worn out! I'll write again tomorrow! But before I go, I'm glad you're going back. Your photos are so beautiful and I can see why you need to return. You know the architecture kills me, and then there's everything else. Good Lord it's too beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing your trip with all of us. And also your life. We all love you dearly.

XO ;)

Suzanne said...

Kylie,

A split lip takes a long time to heal. Bobby kicked my butt with that one! I love him to death however. I haven't seen him in a few days and I'm in withdrawal. If Taffy's still doing what he's doing at his age and Bobby's just a baby, God help us all!!!

I realized it's April today. You're back and better than ever! Right? I'm commin' over to your blog! I think it's time to inform your son he does not own the computer!

I love you so much. You're such a wonderful friend. Thanks for always gracing my blog.

XO

Suzanne said...

Okay, I'm going to stop for tonight because this is bordering on the insane. I wrote to 'The Queen' and it didn't post. I wrote to Kylie and Robyn and realize they didn't post. Now I'm really p*****. All that effort for absolutely nothing. When I click "Publish your comment," it indicates it posted, but later I find out it didn't post at all. I will not waste one more minute on stupid. I have no way of knowing tonight what posts or dosen't, so I'll give it my best try tomorrow and hope for something. This is just stupid. I wonder if this will post?!

Gig said...

*arms crossed and stomping feet, while whining for new post*

Suze,
Just couldn't resist being bad, cuz I love to see a new post, but I know you have lots of work to do in your garden. I look forward to more beautiful pictures.

I am going back to sleep now, so please excuse any typos, spelling errors etc.
chat later,
love you,
Gig

Shutterspy said...

Thank you so much for your comments on my photos!

It means a lot because if I don't get comments, I feel a bit like I've failed lol

And, according to my hit counters, 12-14 different people visited Shutterspy yesterday!

I feel even more motivated to continue :-D

Thanks again :-D

Suzanne said...

Robyn,

Hi sweetie. I wrote to you earlier in the evening, but my comment didn't post. I'm going to make this short just incase the same thing happens.

You need to put your legs up. I'm worried about you. I understand the furniture situation because we have to buy new stuff too and can't decide what to get. If I could I'd buy everything from Rachel Ashwell's Shabby Chic shop in L.A., but I'm not made of money, so that's out. I also fear I'd never get off the sofa!!! No really...NEVER!!! Gig would have to have my assistant by then and I'd need some really handsome dude to peel my grapes.

I love you honey. Feel better soon.

XO

Suzanne said...

Hi Maria!

Thanks for visiting. Its always wonderful to see you. I'll stop by when I have a few minutes. Until then, take good care of yourself and we'll chat soon.

XO

Suzanne said...

Mark!!!

Hi to you and yours. I'm glad it's April and you can finally start chatting again. I'm glad you visit every day. Me too. I don't always leave a message, but I look!

How are you doing rain wise? I haven't watched news lately so not up on current events. We had the driest March in recorded history. That's sort of scary. I was just reading an article in 'The Herb Companion' about drought-proofing your landscape with beautiful herbs. It was great and really useful. I'm going to water differently in an effort to conserve. Believe it or not, we don't pay for water in this part of Sacramento, so can use as much as we want. I know, pathetic. I want to change the gardens to a drip irrigation system when I can afford to. For the time being I'm going to buy a soaker hose to use in various gardens in an effort to conserve.

Do me a favor and tell Jo she might love Spanish Lavender. Here it blooms year round and infact I was going to cut it back just to give it a break, but the bees love it, so I'll wait a bit longer. My happiest plant is in the driest part of the garden! It needs water initially to put down healthy roots, but after that, hardly any. And the color is beautiful. Unfortunately it's the only lavender that doesn't have a scent, but it makes up for by being beautiful.


Hope you're all having a wonderful week. I Love you! I'll stop by soon.
XO

p.s. Helen's new blog design is absolutely gorgeous!

Suzanne said...

Random Chick,

It's so good to have you here and I'm glad you enjoyed your visit. It's a fun place to be with lots of wonderful friends. Come back often and sit in the garden. I have a very Zen place reserved for you!

Thanks too for the kind words about my art. However, I fear I won't be able to call myself an artist if I don't start painting something soon. I've been a slacker the past few months.

It's so good to have you here and I'm glad we met too. Let's raise our bottled mountain spring water and say "Cheers to a long and happy friendship...neighbor!"

XOXOXOXO!

Suzanne said...

Hi Skeeter!

I saw your post and love it. You are so lucky to have that little bird nest! Last year we had bluejays in the garden and I couldn't find the nest until little blue eggshells showed up on the lawn. I looked up and there it was, in the pyracanthus shrub. Those little smarties!!! Putting a nest in all those thorns! I saved the shells and was planning to frame them, but unfortunately put them on a shelf in the closet. Rob came along and set T-Bone's Buddy Biscuts on them. End of story for my beautiful little egg shells. Lesson: don't buy Buddy Biscuts.

The daffodils are gorgeous. I'm so happy Spring has finally arrived at your house. I do believe that means no more bad weather. Right!? ;)

By the way, what color is your climber? Hope you're having a terrific week. I'll stop by and leave a comment soon. I'm trying to respond to all my comments before starting a new post. Wish me luck!

Love ya,
Suze

Suzanne said...

Suzanne,

Happy Spring Break! When you say P-A-R-T-Y, I hope you don't mean it literally young lady. If you do, just remember if you kill too many brain cells you'll never be a doctor! Or you'll be a really bad doctor!

I've been missing Bobby so much the past few days. Our new fence is going up so everything's changing. I'm going to visit him in a few days to see if he can come play.

Love you dear. Hope you're having a terrific week.

XO Auntie Suzanne

Suzanne said...

Oh Suzanne, yes, I saw Helen's new format. It's absolutely gorgeous! Don't you love it?

XO

Suzanne said...

Krystyna,

Thank you my dear. You too.

Lots of love. XO

Suzanne said...

Inner Voices,

Leave the dog alone. And besides, he's too interested in his tennis ball to worry about his tail! How about helping out with planting some veggies?! I'm only planting zucchini and tomatoes this year. I bought 4 zucchini plants (yes, I know, insane) and 3 tomatoes, but realize I have no place to put them!!! Seriously. The roses are all so huge because I didn't prune that there isn't any room. I've been looking at the wee little plants the past few days and trying to figure out what to do. :) I actually considered returning them. Help!

Love ya, XO

Suzanne said...

Cecele,

Okay, it's official, I'm coming there and I'm going to give you the biggest hug ever! I love you my dear. Thank you so much for the award and for the kind words. Friends like you make this blogging thing worth the effort. Honestly.

I love you sweetie ~ have a wonderful Wednesday.
XO

Suzanne said...

Hi Lud!

You're so silly. See what happens when you threaten to stop writing in English!!!

Honey, I can't fly to Brazil right now because I have too many responsibilities here and you know I've also refused to fly the past 4 years because of that horrible sinus infection I got the last time I flew. I'm serious when I say "I'M NOT FLYING!!!" Really. That's a long flight too, I'd be dead on arrival! So when are you coming to America?

Love you sweetie. I'll stop by soon. Hope you're having a wonderful week. Keep smiling.

Much love,
Suze

Suzanne said...

Gig,

You actually have to sleep? How dare you.

Uncross your arms, stop tappin' your foot and snap out of it lady. Unlike Brian, I have bloggin' to do. I can't be postin' all the time if I'm running helter skelter writin' and answerin' comments. I am not a machine!!!! And thanks to you, without an assitant, I'm sinkin' honey. Speaking of which, I need a little pick me up, can you get me a nice hot latte from the cafe sweetie? Oh, and please, no Inner Voices Chaser...I'll just take it plain.

Love you to death! We'll talk soon. Hope you're having a great week. I promise to post soon! :)

XO!

Suzanne said...

Shutterspy,

See! Things are looking up! You're very welcome, but to be perfectly honest, visiting your blog isn't a chore, it's an absolute joy. You're photos are so beautiful. By the way have you seen John's current post. Wow.

I should get a counter. It would certainly be interesting to see how many hits I get a day.

Well my dear, it's time to start my day. The gang isn't up yet, which surprises me, but they will be, so I'm off to get a head start!

Have a wonderful day.
Love you,
Suze XO

Suzanne said...

I RESPONDED TO EVERY COMMENT!!! I'M GOING TO GIVE MYSELF A HUG AND AN "A" FOR AMAZING. NOW I CAN WRITE A NEW POST. HAVE A HAPPY DAY ALL.

XO :)

Kaneischa Johnson said...

Suzanne! I have loved your little notes on my blog, thanks for stopping by! I have been so busy the last few months it has been difficult to blog about anything more than something goofy I see while I am driving...but it was some sweet relief to see your comments :) We will catch up someday!

OH! and if I had a place to keep him, I would want a pup JUST like Bobby :)

Have a super one...here's to 2008!

~KJ

***HEY! and don't poke fun at my music taste! HAHA! I am an old soul at heart...and nothing is better than a little love, peace, and soooouuuul-train!!

Cece said...

OK, I am reopening the Cafe. I have named it, The Wild Onion Cafe.

Gig said...

Suze,
I left you a note at CSI, and now I am going back to the "Wild Onion".

Only 6 more comments to 100, so I have *uncrossed arms and am skipping while waiting
for the 100th comment*

See you over at the Wild Onion

XO, Gig

bindhiya said...

Dear Suze,
I am here after I left a comment for you at wild cafe :)
I will be waiting there for you sweetie.. bring all of them little ones..my baby going to love them..

♥ & ((hugs))
bindi

ps i like this word verification 'onmeyncc'

Suzanne said...

KJ

You little rascal. Thought I'd lost you forever. Glad you're just busy! Your little posts made me laugh, so of course I had to comment. Eventually you'll have a normal life and then things will get really wacky! Your photo is gorgeous as always (don't ever change that thing!), your blog funny and you, well, you're just precious. Love you dear and hope everything is progressing as it should. I'm waiting for a new president. You too probably. Unfortunately we aren't waiting for the same one, but at least we're friends! ;) Good luck with school. I'm thinking about you. I know how challenging it is at times.

UCLA's in the Final Four, but hubby says, "Don't get all cocky...all the teams are good." Hummmmmmmmmm, I honestly though only UCLA was good. Go figure!

Love ya honey,
Suze XO

Suzanne said...

KJ,

Almost forgot. Yes, Bobby is the greatest dog. I wish with all my heart he was our dog, but he's not. One day you will have a Bobby!

Also, music. Thank God you're an old soul. I would never make fun of old soul music. As teens my sisters and I watch Soul Train. That is too funny! We lived it baby!

Love you. XO

Suzanne said...

Cecile,

Holy crapper!!! I love it. It's beautiful. Everything I anticipated and expected. Thank you so much for just doing it. I, and everyone else will be forever grateful. What do you need me to do honey? I'm there.

Much, much love,
Me

Suzanne said...

You know what's so funny Gig, I didn't even notice. Now I want to reach 100 too. I can facilitate that you know. I just have to type! I'll type my response and see if we get there. If not, I'll just keep typing into the wind! New goal. Reach 100 and type a new post!

Can you believe the new place honey? It's beautiful. We'll never skip a beat. Never. It's going to be the place you imagined if you can kick the sauce!!! I've noticed you've already been dippin'. Knock it off. Okay, I'm unlocking the locker.

Love you,
Xo

Suzanne said...

Bindi,

How appropriate. You're my 100th comment! Gig wanted me to get to 100, so here I am and here you are. I love how you call it the "Wild Cafe!" I'm sure that's what it will become. You know us!

Have a beautiful Thursday.

Love you,
Me

Gig said...

Whahoo!!! I knew you would do it, am glad I was still awake. Sorry about the 'dippin, but remember I gave up 'dippin for lent, am just playing catch up,Lol.

I think the new place will be great, Cece did an awesome job.
Take a bow, Cecile.

I am off to dreamland for a few hrs.

see you later today,
love, gig

Suzanne=p said...

Auntie Suzanne,
I simply have to laugh because everytime I scroll through the comments, I get caught up when I see my name. Then I realize that whoever it may be, is not talking to me, they are talking to you. Everytime, I swear! This sorta reminds me of being in a crowed resturant and hearing your name and turning to see who is talking. CRAZY is what I must be! Talk to you later!
Bye,
Suzanne:]
p.s. did you see Bindi's videos of Serene? I loved seeing her doing what she does and not knowing that she was on camera. Hearing Bindi's voice was good for me, too.

Suzanne said...

Gig,

Okay, I'll forgive the dippin'. For Lent. Other than that, knock it off!

The new place is going to be wonderful. I agree. Cecile came though for all of us and I'm forever grateful. I'm laughing because I'm thinkin of all the fun we're going to have. That place is going to be insane!

Love you honey. Get a good nights sleep. You're going to need it!

XO

Suzanne said...

Hi baby. I know. Every time I talk to you I think I'm talking to me! It's so odd knowing someone with the same name.

Our landscape contracter just finished putting up the fence today. He's a terrific guy and as he was leaving and talking to my hubby, I arrived home from the park after feeding the ferals. I went over to thank him. He said "I don't think I ever caught your name." I told him Suzanne and he replied "My wife's name is Suzanne." He asked if I had nick names and what they were...Suzie, Suzy, Aunt Suzie, Auntie Suzie, Sue, etc. and we both laughed when the name Susan was mentioned because God forbid a woman named Suzanne would ever agree to be called Susan!!! To pedestrian! What a great conversation.

Suzanne=p said...

You know, I still can't even believe that you accept any thing other than Suzanne! Until I was about 10, anytime anyone called me something other than Suzanne I would correct them. I feel a little bad about it now but it isn't my name. "That's not my name. My name is Suzanne" is how I would respond. haha I just laugh thinking about it now.

Another funny fact, my great aunt's name is Susan so I find it funny that you were like Susan, to pedestrian. I don't mind. Talk to you later.
Bye,
Suzanne:]

Leah said...

Suzanne, not only did you make it to 100, you made it to 106!!!

See you at the Wild Onion--

Leah

bindhiya said...

Good Morning Sweetie,
Hope this is not too late..
We were out walking and just back to home..
I will be checking on the cafe..
♥ & ((hugs))
bindi

Suzanne said...

Hi Suzanne,

Well I'll tell you something funny. I was always called Suzy or Sue by my family, but when I left home for college I insisted I be called Suzanne. My family basically laughed and didn't cooperate!!! They weren't suddenly going to start calling me Suzanne. Of course in college, at work, in daily life my name was/is Suzanne, but to my family I'm still Sue or Suzy! Oh, also to my high school friends, I'm always Sue. You clearly identified with your name at an early age, but I didn't grow into it until I was older and realized how beautiful it was.

Love you sweetie! Honey, look how many comments I have?! It's insane, I have to write a new post.

XO Auntie Suzanne

Suzanne said...

Leah,

I know. Can you believe it? It's just because I haven't posted anything new. I have to do that today if possible. But It's a busy day, so I'm not sure I'll get to it.

I read your reply to my comment on your post. Thanks. It was beautiful and very much appreciated. I'll write when I have a minute or two. I thought your post was remarkably honest and the comments genuinely kind and supportive. It's funny what happens when you put yourself out there.

Love you dear and I'll see you at the Wild Onion. (Do you love that name, or what!!!??? Cecile outdid herself.)

XO!

Suzanne said...

Bindi,

Hi sweetie. I'd already left by the time you wrote. Sorry about that. And also, I'm rarely on the computer in the morning. I try to check on things in the early afternoon, but can't always promise that either. And even when I'm on the computer I'm doing a zillion other things at the same time. Right now I have to go water some plants that are still in containers and get the family room organized for a feral kittie I rescued yesterday to have spay. She's about to come here to recouperate for a week or so and I'm looking forward to it. She's a gem and I love her very much. Her name is Sofia and she's Ireland's mom. Today, unfortunately, is the 12 week anniversary since losing Ireland. Not a day passes I don't think of him. How can things sometimes go so wrong honey? If I had just done one thing differently. One thing.

I love you dear and hope you're having a wonderful day. Hugs to Serene.

XO

Ludmila M. said...

Dear friend,
Sorry if i hadn´t post for these last few days, i´ve been a little bit busy, and it´s dificult to type at this keyboard,from my mother´s computer, cause the other is fixing, don´t know how to say this in english..But i´ll promise you next week i´ll make a nice post to you and the others, deal?
XOXO
Have a nice weekend too!

Ludmila M. said...

I´ve got some envy bout all these nice comments, gosh, it´s 110 comments!one day i´ll get close to this score,by the way, plane ticket to America´s to expensive honey and i´m still not workin´,just doing that charity job,givin´History classes..
XOXO

Futuristics said...

NICE Blog :)

Mella said...

Your dog is so beautiful.

Sometimes I think that the buds of a plant are even prettier than the flower because they hold the anticipation of a beautiful flower coming out. Something like that anyway.

Leah said...

I'm Comment # 115!!! Suzanne, I agonized over who versus whomever when I wrote it--because "whoever" looked wrong to me, but I can never remember the rule! But it's whoever for a subject (he) and whomever for a direct object (him), so you're correct!!! I got schooled, baby!!!


xoxo

Leah

bindhiya said...

Dear Suze,
Just stopping by to say good morning!
Have a beautiful day..
Sweetie, do a favor before answering the comments publish a new post then answer.. :)) don't forget to get all the awards... I have one more on the way for you...
Love you to the sky!
♥ & ((hugs))
bindi

Suzanne said...

Futuristics,

Thanks for visiting and thanks too for the kind comment. I went to your blog and just started laughing because of all the DNA info. I took BioChem and nearly died doing so. Without a doubt, the hardest class I have ever had - bar none!!! My eyes started to glaze over after your DNA and RNA post! I couldn't read further (too many bad memories of memorizing DNA codes). Yup, still laughing. Thank God for really, really smart people because honey, I'm not one!

XO

Suzanne said...

Bindi,

If I "publish" does that make me an author? Okay, I'll publish because I feel famous already and I'm not even a writer! Life is often too perfect! hg (Ohno wrote that with his butt). Please forgive him. He was just neutered and isn't quite himself yet, so can't compose a complete sentence. Perhaps tomorrow.

Love you dear and thanks as always for just being you.

XO

Suzanne said...

Leah,

I have whoever and whomever down pat, but I swear to God I can't, for the life of me, deal with some really simple word choices I won't even discuss here. Too embarrassing. vvvvvbnbbbbbb I didn't write that, Ohno did. I'M TRYING TO BE A PROFESSIONAL HERE!!! My kids don't listen. Basically, ever.

You know what felt really amazing? Helping you with something. What an honor. Okay, when you thank everyone mnnnnn (Ohno wrote that) upon completion of your dissertation, I want an honorable mention. Deal?

Love you dear and see you over at the Wild Onion.

XO

bindhiya said...

Dear Suze,
What I meant and what I say was different.. am sorry sweetie...
I was thinking about writing Ireland and then baby want to watch something ...
am sorry still you have no info about Ireland...but sure he will show up one day... the time you least expect.. he is somewhere around there.. don't worry he is fine..
know that i love you and thinking about you!
♥ & ((hugs))
bindi

Suzanne said...

Hey Bindi,

I went balistic at the Vets yesterday. We've always had the greatest vets and still do, but the front office at this vets leaves much to be desired. For some reason I couldn't take it another moment yesterday and just lit into the woman just because you can only take so much before you go crazy. I've dealt with being treated like crap for over a year and for some reason, I'd just had enough. I dropped almost $300 on a feral at a reduced rate and had to deal with her too and that was it. I was done. Cooked. Baked. You know me, I would never do anything to hurt anyone, but I'd just had it. I was done. Do I regret it? Yup. We love our vet and vet techs, and Rob is freaking out, but sometimes you have to do what you have to do. I can't go back you know, so I'm looking for a new vet. Life is life.

XO

bindhiya said...

Dear Suze,
Whatever happened is happened...don't think more about that...
even i will do the same when it comes to my dear ones..it happened several times..
I changed my baby's dr. 5 times already.. in two year five times...
almost all the time the receptionist is the problem..
don't worry..you will find a good vet soon..
Hope you had a beautiful day!
am going to nite nite...
Love you to the sky!
♥ & ((hugs))
bindi

pps. check my place.. you have award there..please take it.. love you

Gig said...

Suze,
Thanks for updates on Cece, I do appreciate it.

In your travels, stop be Gigsville, there is something there for you...hope you enjoy it.

So are you going for 200 comments now or what, sorry, I could not resist.lol

I agree with Bindi, there are more vets, you stand your ground, if you don't who will. I am proud of you for that.

love you, Gig

Suzanne said...

Bindi,

Thanks for your kind words about Ireland. I can feel him you know? I go around the neighborhood every day and look for him and I can feel him, but I can't find him.

And the vet. Dear Lord. Rob wasn't too happy when I came home and told him, but today he gave me a big hug and told me he was proud. I've been complaining about the treatment I get there for over a year, but it's different for him, the front office treats him beautifully (he's handsome and charming and they're all women! Go figure!). I try to imagine what I did to be treated so poorly and can't come up with a single thing. I go there, give them all the money they ask for, don't leave a mess, exit in a timely manner and am polite to others animals and clients. What did I do???!!!

They're at the end of a complete remodel, inside and out. The place is GORGEOUS...beautiful landscape, new gardens to sit and relax, stunning fountains, etc. (I feel like I'm back in Beverly Hills every time I go there.) Everyone who talks about it while waiting to see the vet says the same thing "I think I paid for this remodel singlehandedly!" I've said it myself and when I got angry the other day, I said to the woman at the front desk "I helped pay for all of this, I help pay your salary and yet you still treat me like crap." And I meant it!

I suppose I'll second guess myself forever because we love our vets and I'm fine once I get past the waiting room. Oh well, as with everything, you can't turn back the hands of time, nor take back words already spoken.

Love you dear, and thanks for your support.

XO

kylie said...

do you realise you havent done a new post in two weeks?

Suzanne said...

Kylie,

Well, I was going to just say "SHIT!" but that would offend you, so I'll just say "REALLY?!"

XO

P.S. I know, it's coming. I'm trying. Seriously!

Suzanne said...

Mella-Marie,

Hello my dear. Thanks for visiting. I see on your blog you want a dog. I hope you find yourself in a situationn soon that allows you to have one. Dogs, kitties, they're all a joy and there are so many in need of a good home. Thank you so much for visiting my blog and for your kind words. I've met so many wonderful people from the UK and glad you stopped by too. We'll chat soon.

XO

Inside our hands, outside our hearts said...

I am only beginning my garden. I love Ivy's that crawl everywhere. Perhaos I will cover my house so only the Ivy can be seen.

You, as usual show us lovely pictures of your nature and we are the lucky ones that get to watch it grow and you play inside it. What a wonderful way to make people smile.

Thank you,

T

kylie said...

S*** wouldnt offend me, well, the actual stuff might but not the word. there's only one swear word i wont tolerate. nup, wont even tell you what it is. not even the initial

Suzanne said...

Tara,

Thanks for your kind words. You're always so generous. I hope you get the ivy covered house. It wouldn't be hard you know. Just plant some ivy where you want it to grow then stand back! That stuff is crazy! Your house would be covered in a few years. You'll also need a chisel to remove it. Good luck!

XO

Suzanne said...

I can imagine what it is and I know I've used it. Whoops. I'll be more careful!

XO

okay, okay, okay, I'm going to post soon

bindhiya said...

Dear Suze,
I got that little x award fix for you!
take a peek at the new addition..
love you Sweetie..
I know you are online...so that new one is for you...
♥ & ((hugs))
bindi

Suzanne said...

Hi honey! I took a peek and I love that award. It's commin' on over! I posted some photos of me and my sisters. Take a look. You can't inlarge them, but you get the idea. As you love your brothers and sisters, I love mine. We don't always agree, but they're the best part of my life other than the animals.

Love you and thanks for always honoring me with awards. I'm sorry I don't collect them, but will start!

Love you.

bindhiya said...

Sweetie,
Thanks for sharing those beautiful memories with us! How sweet!
time flies...no??..
i remember everything like yesterday....climbing some good mango trees, cashew trees and getting into trouble.. (in my place girls are not supposed to climb trees :))

am sure you have so much sweet memories with your brothers and sisters too...that is so precious..
Thank you for sharing those photos with us...
I love you too...
am honored and blessed to know you!
♥ & ((hugs))
bindi

Kookaburra said...

G'day Suzanne,
Congratulations on getting 100+ comments.
Please visit my place . . . I have something for you.
Love to all,
Mark.

kylie said...

you haven't used that word in my presence. relax

Suzanne said...

I did...you don't remember. Oh...you're right, now I know what it is. You're way smarter than me so you would remember me using that word, so it isn't that word. It's THAT word. I would never use that word. NEVER! We're safe.

How ya doin' sweetie? Good I hope. I was just over on Leah's blog ramblin' about winning those damn socks. I think I stand a good chance if I don't mishit a tennis ball. Go by and check out my new winning strategy. It's a keeper. I'll see you for dinner next Sunday if everything goes as planned! If I end up playing you...duck because I'll show no mercy. Well...unless you're sick, injured or fake something stupid and pull a wool sock over my eyes. I know, I'm a classic softie. Well I guess you could also refuse my challenge if you're the winner. Hummmmmmmm. That wouldn't be any fun.

Huge XO!
Love you,
Suze

P.S. Hey hon, what happened to Peter? I'm no longer on his blog roll and he hasn't written. I asked him if I did something wrong, but haven't heard from him. If you know, please tell me so I'm not left in the dark. It's better to know than not.

Joyful Jo said...

Hi Suzanne,
I agree with you about the "what flower are you" quiz. I keep getting Calla Lilly too. I have done it twice and got the same flower again. How does it know it is the same person again?
love Jo.

Suzanne said...

Thanks Bindi. Love you to the moon!

XO

Suzanne said...

You're the best Mark. Thank you so much.

XO

Suzanne said...

Jo!!! You too? It's not my favorite flower in the whole world, but if that's what I am, that's what I am. And I don't think they remember you, I think there must be one question we answer in a particular way that indicates we're a calla lily, even if we lie about everything else!!!

Sweetie, thank you so much for my beautiful award. I was absolutely honored. I told Kylie I'm going to put it on a tee-shirt! Seriously!

Well, it's nice to know another calla lily. Hope work hasn't been to stressful or tiring.

Love you dear,
Suze ;)