Drying Hydrangeas the "Easy" Way

Timing is everything. 

In this part of the South, (North Alabama) late July and on into the fall is the best time to dry hydrangeas. 

Start by clipping the blooms with approximately 12 inch stems.  Strip all leaves from stems.  Gather and enjoy in a vase filled with water.

Notice that these blooms take on a pink hue as they mature.  This is another sign that they will dry well when this happens.

By the time the water is gone from the vase, (about a week) the flowers will feel dry to the touch.

These are the dried blooms.

They will hold their color for about one year!  Aren't they lovely?

 Linking to:  Met Monday & Outdoor Wednesday

"I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately....."

I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.
Henry David Thoreau


Our oldest son's farm feeds your soul.  The beauty of the outdoors in all its' splendor with each changing season.  Never the same, the quiet is a wonderful gift.



How many colors of green?






Midas!



View from porch...



Been fishing together 40+ years.



Midas, Marian, and Fisher...



Getting ready  to go fishin' at the lake.



Does that shirt say "Who Dat?"



Path around the lake....



Auburn and Alabama playing at the same time.



Lookin' out the screen door.






It is well, it is well with my soul....

This was first published on my  blog, BCP.....My Life 2/25/2012

In loving memory of Midas

I love this picture!

Our oldest son, Steve...with Midas.  Such a sweet dog!
I love this picture!

I was soooo hot!

All of us have issues we deal with in different ways.......I get soooo
hot I cannot stand it!  It is so frustrating to put on makeup and have it slide off my face before I get out of the house.  It is worse in the summertime but in the winter as well.  Ok, a little background so you will understand this funny little story:

I had a Drs. appointment recently.  As I waited to see the Doctor, I was sweating profusely (mostly on my scalp).  I went in the ladies room to get some paper towels for my face.  Nothing but a blower and some toilet tissue to be found.  There was one roll that had only  a small amount left.  Dear Lord forgive me, I helped myself to that roll, blotted my face with the tissue several times, and tucked the rest in my purse.  I needed it!

I was so hot!  The appointment went well.  As I glanced in the car mirror as I was leaving, this is what I saw:

Just too funny not to share.....I can only imagine what the Doctor wrote on my chart!  Have mercy!

Three Days A Week...

After two Total Knee Replacements, Arthritis, and Fibromyalgia, this place has become a part of my life.  Three days a week, for one hour each day, this is a ritual for me.  Water Arobics (I use that description loosely.) helps without causing pain.

The Wellness Center

This is where we change, shower,
and talk!  I have met so many new friends and it has become a social event for me.  The hour goes by so quickly if you are talking with a friend.

Many folks use a noodle, I choose one of these flotation belts.

This is my bag for all my stuff.

I have never stepped on this device !  It is available.

This was a rare morning when no one was in the water.

                                                                           

There are two pools.  The one on the right is reserved for Physical Therapy.  The left is where we exercise and talk.

Showering, dressing, and talking...

The comfort of the warm water, along with being able to move for an hour without pain is great.  Having friends to talk with is another benefit.

Welcome to a part of my world you didn't know about...

          Thanks for coming by.....

photos with iPhone