Let it grow!!

This is one of my favorite projects - an Ivy Topiary. I love the way it looks as though it has been growing a long time and that I have a really green thumb! Actually, this picture was made the same day I put it together.

Here's how to create your own: You need four things - a pot with potting soil, a hanging basket of ivy, 6 or 8 garden stakes or straight twigs, and a piece of twine or wire to wrap around the top of the stakes.

First loosen the ivy from it's container and set the plant, roots down (well, you never know...) into the potting soil so the top of the soil of the ivy is just a hair above the top rim of the container.

Then take the stakes or twigs and insert them into the soil around the perimeter of the pot. Push them in so they are firmly embedded into the soil. Try to have the tops of the stakes at the same height.

Now gather the tops to form a "teepee" frame and use the twine or wire to secure the tops together. If they are a little uneven it doesn't matter. Tie or wrap them securely.

Finally, pull up some of the ivy "tendrils" and wind them around and up the stakes. Do this around the pot, choosing the longest pieces but rmaking sure that there are plenty still draped over the edge. If there is excess when you get to the top, just let them hang naturally.

So now you have a topiary that can grace your own front porch! Have fun!

The Good Life

Here I go....again! My first attempt at blogging kind of fenced me in. I am passionate about all things food, but realized that I am just as passionate about the pot it is cooked in and the plate it is served on and the fork it is eaten with...the table cloth...the flowers....the invitation used to bring others together to share in the eating...the paper used for the invitation...the font..........get the picture? All of it. Life in a lovely way. So to find a name to encompass all of these......everything that could be found in ....The Good Life. Sorry for the lack of originality, but it is spot on as far as meaning. I could have said...The Floofy Life, or some other descriptive designation but sometimes life can be lovely without being "floofy." Or maybe Life My Way, but sometimes I want my life someone else's way. Life isn't always a party. Sometimes it is quiet and monochromatic. Sometimes peanut butter, sometimes pesto. Sometimes divine, sometimes drive-thru. But let's face it...sometimes a chili-cheeseburger plate with 'half and half' (onion rings and fries!) IS divine. So there. Just relax!



I am currently at the beach with my mother and sisters and grandaughter -- a real family gathering. I am all for the 'alone, meditative time' but nothing can replace the joy of friends and family. I even love the things I don't love - because it's "us" and our "us-ness" is comforting in it's recurrance year after year. Tonight we ate at Calabash - the little town just over the NC line that is composed of almost nothing but seafood restaurants. The one we go to was built in the 50s and was where I had my first date with my husband of many years. It's right by the docks where the fishing and shrimp boats come in and we always walk down and look at the catch - they have the shelters where they cut up and filet the fish in front of you. Not a dressy event at all - it's just the way it's done and you happen to be up close and personal.

So - next some foodie things. Probably after I am back home. We are going to have a good summer. I have a brand new daughter-in-law and am going to enjoy watching her and my son settle into their "oneness." My daughter has a little reprieve from her nursing classes, and her daughter is in the throes of summer delight. My husband is looking forward to his own break from school, and I will enjoy them all!