Words cannot adequately convey the profound sorrow felt for all those affected by the flooding, devastation, upheaval, and loss of life over the past weekend and this week. Prayers go out to everyone suffering through these hardships.

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My week might seem inconsequential in comparison; nevertheless, the trivial matters remain for everyone.

what I’m watching

The summer the deck flooring was replaced, I wanted plant something colorful near the steps. That year being 2020 and all that went with that mess, plant selection in my area was very limited. I wanted perennials (lazy) and found a few orange coneflowers and something else (that didn’t survive that first year) that brightened up the steps. Orange is not a favorite color of mine but it was bright and what was available. The coneflowers expanded so I separated some of the root ball to plant in the front flower beds. Three of those transplants survived, one being huge!

The original plant is still blooming next to the deck but has changed from orange to a deep pinkish-purple. There are still a couple of orange blooms and even two white ones! Below left is the original and right the transplanted one. Is this a common phenomenon for coneflowers to change colors?

what I’m loving

Mr. Aitch and I power-washed the back deck several weeks ago…before it got so stinkin’ HOT. Our plan was to do the front porch the next day. Well, we finally got it cleaned on the “coolest” day of this past week.

Let me tell you, it was still hot! But the front porch is clean and we enjoy sitting out there in the evenings.

what I’m learning

I’m having a hard time accepting myself. My physical self. My body shape. I’ve gained a lot of weight in the past 20 years. And I just bought a new swim suit. Well, actually I bought four suits. One fits very nicely. The other three I’m sending back.

It was a rude awakening when I looked in the full-length mirror. I’m still recovering. My doctor told me that I should concentrate on eating healthy, staying hydrated, and getting exercise and not on the scales.

I’m learning but it’s a hard lesson.

what I’m working on

As I was closing the door to the deck from the outside, the door knob came off in my hand! That was exciting…not in a good way. The door frame/jamb swells in humid weather so we really have to tug on the door knob to close the door. Evidently I pulled too hard.

I took the entire knob off to figure out if it could be fixed. No clue but I did get it back to working order. I think we need to replace it.

Take care of yourself this week.