On the Porch
Onisha Ellis
I think we are settled back into mountain life after our time in Florida. We’ve restocked our freezer and refrigerator and are ready to enjoy fall. The mornings have been chilly, upper 40s to 50. In the past I would layer my clothes, grab two blankets and enjoy coffee and quiet time on the porch. But this year, I am lazy, so I have my coffee and quiet time inside, then enjoy my second cup on the porch.
It’s been almost two weeks since we put out our hummingbird feeders and we haven’t spied even one. Yesterday I took the feeder down, cleaned and stored it for next year. I am always sad when they migrate south.
When we were in Florida I bought four yellow mum plants that we on sale at Aldi. Last week we visited with friends in South Carolina. After a delicious lunch the ladies left the men home to guard the comfy leather recliners while we ladies visited “the flower man.” He has a name, but I can’t ever remember it. He has several greenhouses in his yard and sells beautiful flowering plants. I chose a flat of darling pansies in several colors. I love how they bloom all winter and I can enjoy their cheerful color over our security camera. I was surprised to see that he was also selling snapdragons. I thought they were only spring and summer flowers. The flower man explained that snapdragons will bloom two or three seasons. I had to get some!
Tuesday my husband planted two of the mums in a large pot that sits on our front walkway. Wednesday he planted one of the mums in a container with snapdragons on each side. I am excited to watch them grow and bloom. In the spring I hope to fill the container with snapdragons.
When we returned from Florida I was delighted to find my geraniums were not only living but thriving. We still have one more mum to put into a pot. I haven’t decided if I will pot it with other flowers or leave it on its own.
When we went down to Florida, we took two of my hanging baskets that don’t tolerate cold, to winter at my daughter’s house. This is the same type of plant, dipladenia, but it was too large to take to Florida at that time. It is so beautiful and I’m glad I get to enjoy its pink and white flowers for a while longer.
The cost of gas has limited our adventures but we hope to take a short drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway soon to enjoy the Fall color. We are thankful to be able to spend time in these beautiful mountains.
Someone is speaking at the end of the video, not sure who. It is a very popular area. One can walk behind the falls.
After my retirement, I decided to re-learn the canning and preserving skills I learned from my mother but hadn’t practiced for twenty years. I titled the blog Old Things R New to chronicle my experience. Since then I have been blessed to have six other bloggers join me, DiVoran Lites, Bill Lites, Judy Wills, Louise Gibson, Janet Perez Eckles and Melody Hendrix
In addition to blogging, I work as the publicist/marketer/ amateur editor and general “mom Friday” for my author daughter, Rebekah Lyn. I also manage her website, Rebekah Lyn Books
My 2022 goal is continue to use my love of photographs and words to be an encourager on social media.
Old Things R New 