Anyhow, years and almost 1,000 blog posts later, (I kid you not!) I still love this space for sharing of stories, funnies, good times and bad, garden tips, recipes, pet and livestock issues, your stories, our collective opinions on current events, new friend making, the list goes on and on.
Now and then I hesitate to post what I'm thinking or how I'm feeling about a certain thing that might be controversial. At first I didn't want to offend anyone if my view came from a different angle. I didn't want to share negatives because jeez, we see enough of that all the time, don't we? But, blowing sunshine and light out into this space all the time just didn't feel real, wasn't really all of me, and so I've ventured into the controversial now and then and you've waded in with me, respectfully. I love that about this space. And you are all part of the reason it's such a joy for me to contribute to it. Because you contribute too.
Maggy had this to say in an e-mail to me this morning...
" Thanks for the thought-provoking posts and keeping your blog 'real' .. it's what brings me back, time after time."
Maggy, If I manage to make just a handful of the people who stop by here to read my drivel feel the same way? Well, I'm the happiest girl in town.
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I want to share a portion of an opinion I read on friend Mandy's FB wall regarding the Zimmerm*n Mart*n case.
"It's disgusting how everyone is trying to turn the Ge*rge Zimmerm*n thing into a race or gun issue. Neither one of these people is a hero, and we shouldn't think to have them be the focal point of any firearms or race discussion. Don't let the actions of two people of questionable morals you don't even know turn you against one another. "
Tragedy, it was, indeed. Neither the young man or the overzealous neighborhood watch guy deserve what they have now... death, and a life altered horribly by poor judgement forever. But what she said above? I couldn't agree with her more.
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Rolling Stone Magazine just lost another reader. I am horrified by their choice of cover, as are many many others. Walgreens and CVS have vowed not to sell the current issues on their stands, BRAVO. Boston Mayor Menino sent this response to Rolling Stone...
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So, what have we learned this year in the garden? Apparently, Tomatoes, cucumbers and Squash absolutely LOVE the tropical heat, humidity and rain fall we've had in the month of July. Holy cow, the plants and vegetables are HUGE.
Frasier is not a small dog. These are HUGE yellow squash plants.
Here ya go... Karen at 7:30 am, no makeup, no shower yet,
still covered in sawdust from mucking stalls and coop chores,
No air brushed wrinkles or freckles,
no dark circle removal.
How's that for keeping it real :-)
Notice those tomato plants are as high as my shoulder!
It's a jungle, I'm telling ya.
One more thing to share this morning...
I'm pimping my garden shed just a little.
I found this old metal rack at an antique junk shop
and glass bottles in other antique junk shops.
I bought that old stool for the potting shed for $20... I think I shoulda haggled more..
and can I brag for a minute about these Lady Elsie May roses?
My iphone does not do the color justice.. they are a beautiful peachy magenta rose
that requires no attention what so ever.
Connie of Hartwood Roses let me know that roses are not as fussy as we think they are..
and she was so right.
Well that's all the rambling I'll subject you to today.
It's going to reach 100 and the humidity is swimmable,
I wish I were kidding.
Stay cool, folks, and thanks for stopping by.
What a jungle your garden has become. While I'd love to have such beautiful produce growing, I could not take that kind of humidity. So I will just enjoy photos of yours. Next year we want to plant more but we'll have to figure out a wind break because the heat wave and hot wind that we had really took a toll. My rose bushes are very very sad.
ReplyDeleteKaren I read your blog daily because you keep it real. I think respectful disagreement is healthy for all concerned. It helps open our minds and educate us all. I couldn't agree with you more about the Rolling Stone cover. It was intended for the sole purpose of profit. To profit from such horror is reprehensible. Good journalism is one thing, but to glamorize a terrorist for the "young readers" the editor claims to target is irresponsible. HE is responsible for his own actions. He is NOT a victim of a failed system. That is the message young people need to learn. Perhaps all the proceeds from the sales of the rag should go to the REAL victims of this tragedy.
ReplyDeleteHot and humid here too Karen. I don't have the garden you have -- but the tomatoes are lovin' it. :)
ReplyDeleteYou're hotter than we are in Florida! And I wish I had my basket to come and pick veggies from your garden. You look like my best friend and I'm proud of you! Sweet Southern hugs, Diane
ReplyDeleteYou look great! enjoy reading your posts on all subjects.
ReplyDeleteI was going to write something thought-provoking, but I just don't have the energy.
ReplyDeleteWe all do keep coming back!
I always enjoy your ramblings! Your garden and you are both beautiful!
ReplyDeletexo Kat
I do not have a blog of my own, but I do have an extensive list of blogs that I read. This Old House 2 is one of a handful that I look forward to reading each day because of the realness and the way you speak your mind. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and a lot more people should respect that. Keep on keeping it real Karen!
ReplyDeleteThat is one mischievous grin there buckeroo. I like it... and your garden makes me green with envy mixed with the big red zit I birthed at the tip of my nose this morning.....keepin it real here too :D
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work...in the stalls, the barn, the garden, the shed and the blog!...:)JP
ReplyDeleteLove your blog girl. At least you find things to talk about. My brain goes blank when I try to figure out something to post. Keep it up. I love this post. A little of everything. Wonderful!
ReplyDeleteHey Rose, love when you venture to the cloudy side, as well as those days it is bright and sunny at this old house.
ReplyDeleteThe rolling stone thing? I could not believe it. What people will do to try to make money.
Your place looks awesome, how nice to have food right out your door that you grew, doesnt get any better than that.
And your photo, the real you is awesome.
I think you look very cute!
ReplyDeleteDon't know how in the world you guys do what you, but it's wonderful that you're able to.
The garden looks great!
As I sit here reading, eating coffee ice cream, I'm keeping it real also! :)
I love you for being real, Karen sweetie. If you weren't, I would have dumped you long ago. Life is too short to hang out with folks who pretend.
ReplyDeleteVacationing in the SW for the past week has given me a whole new appreciation for dry heat vs. humid heat. 116 in Vegas was uncomfortable, but not as miserable as what I woke up to this first morning of first day back home in Virginia. Ample rain here, too, has fueled weed growth that is without precedent ... the roses look pretty happy, too. (If it was mine, I would make the bed beside your shed a bit deeper. This is how I deal with happy plants outgrowing their space, rather than trying to restrain the growth of the plant. You're welcome.)
I don't comment much but I want you to know I enjoy your blog very much.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful post today Karen I really look forward to reading your posts each day-love dee x
ReplyDeleteAwesome blog post today. And that my dear is why I keep on coming back!
ReplyDeletelove ya Karen.
ReplyDeleteKaren don't change anything be who you are. I do not get offended we all have our views....we can agree to disagree to express your views on these life issues we are facing well....it's good.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness love your farm. I can not believe the pics of your crops...amazing. Your talent is amazing. Thanks for your blog, I so enjoy visiting. Blessings Karen from acapecodnest
you ARE real....and you do keep it real. those of us who love you, love you for being you. so girl, just keep dong what you do !!!!
ReplyDeleteps...love the no make-up all naturalness in YOU !!
Your garden looks amazing! Do you have a farm stand? Do any of the local restaurants buy from you? I'll bet your veggies are delicious!
ReplyDeleteI'm a new reader and I LOVE this post from start to finish!
ReplyDeleteI said it before and I'm sure I'll say it again, I covet your home/farm/animals it's soooo pretty and peaceful and away from neighbors ;-)
ReplyDeleteDon't you just love old bottles? I live in my grandparents home and many years ago it was sort of a farm, and they used to just bury stuff they wanted to get rid of, like old bottles. We've found lots of them.
This has been a great year for gardening in Minnesota also.