Isn’t she awesome? Inpired by all that talent, I’ve found myself spending time at the keyboard and dreaming about buying melodyne from musicians friend. I’ve heard that it can make anyone sound good. I’d certainly make a great test case.

We’re watching The Voice for the first time this year and thoroughly enjoying it. It is helping to ease those end-of-idol blues.

This isn’t a litter box? (24)

Green eyes? Definitely.
Green thumb? Not really. (48)

Where had Tom gone this time?
That gadabout should be home mowing the lawn. (74)

How low can you go?

Use the photo as inspiration for a story of 140 characters OR 140 words.Click For Details

Photo for Sunday, May 19th

Word of the Week:gadabout

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Dad’s Agenda
Help kids make breakfast, watch them play, have dinner at his Mom’s house. He’s no chauvinist!(138)

Mom’s Agenda
Clean kitchen, retrieve naked kids from front lawn, apologize to neighbors and help his mother cook a big meal. Liberation? What’s that? (138)

I know a few people, who actually enjoy shopping in crowded stores and fighting over the last sale item in their size.  That's never been my style.  Even before disabilities made it difficult to navigate store aisles and dressing rooms, I found shopping excursions frustrating.  When the internet brought us the freedom of online shopping, I was ready to jump on board. I don't need to worry about store hours. I simply shop from the comfort of home at a time that's convenient for me. Not all online stores are created equal, however. I've relied on Sears stores for years and know I can trust their quality.  Now their website gives me the best of both in-store and online shopping. Since online inventory isn't limited by store size,  I'm far more likely to find the items I love in my size and color choice.  There are times, however, when I need an item more quickly.  Sears has thought of everything.  I can order online and schedule a pickup at our local Sears store.  They are so commited to serving shoppers promptly that you'll receive a $5 in-store coupon, if your order isn't ready in five minutes or less.  Now that's truly the best of both worlds!

A word of caution.  Sears has so many lovely items that you may find it difficult to make a choice.  For starters, a huge selection of designer brands that you won't find in-store are waiting for you at Sears.com.  From Ray Ban to Michael Kors, Steve Madden to  Vince Camuto, and Dewalt Tools to Nike, Tony Burch and lots more, Sears online has the designer brand names you love as well as your favorite Sears in-store brands.  You don't need to search through dozens of sites.  Sears has then all.  

I think this Michael Kors dress would be perfect for my daughter.  Most of the time she's wearing jeans and tees like any typical college student.  There are times, however, when events call for something a bit more dressy and I think this would make a perfect summer event dress.  I'm thinking of getting it for her as an end of semester present.  I'm so proud of her A average and I think her efforts deserve a special reward.  

You'll want to check the newest arrivals at Sears.com frequently.  Sears is committed to making sure that every customer finds what she is looking for and that means they are constantly adding new items in a wide variety of colors and sizes.

Sears online is far more than a fabulous array of clothes.  They carry everything from furniture to power tools.  I couldn't possibly list everything here, so you'll need to check it out for yourself.  Why not begin with their featured marketplace offers?   

Whatever you're looking for, you'll find it quickly.  I really needed some new towels and within a minute of typing towels in their handy search bar, I found these beautiful Kassatex Eko Luxe bath towels.  That soft green is just waht I've been looking for and so springlike and fresh that it could set the birds to twittering. Once you try Sears.com, I bet you'll be twittering too.  You'll want to Tweet your friends and family, so they can enjoy all the wonderful selections and convenience of shopping Sears online.  It's too good not to share.

How low can you go?

Use the photo as inspiration for a story of 140 characters OR 140 words.Click For Details

Word of the Week:agenda

Click on picture for larger image.

Paul couldn’t believe his eyes. So much junk coalesced into one tiny space, but not a single cracker. (103)

Polly wanted the cigars. Smoke? No way. These premium cigars were made from chocolate. She wasn’t sure why kids called them Tootsie Rolls.
(138)

He felt very clever as he hid behind a pinwheel to catch the thieving parrots. Not so clever, when a breeze spun it into his eye. (130)

I’ve heard the phrase, but I never really heard a parrot say it. Until now.

How low can you go?

Use the photo as inspiration for a story of 140 characters OR 140 words.Click For Details

Photo for Sunday, May 5th

Word of the Week:coalesce

Click on picture for larger image.

I learned to love container gardening, when my job relocated me from a country home with acres of gardening space to a condo with a small balcony.  The first time I priced containers, I almost gave up on the project.  Then I remembered that some wonderful containers didn't cost anything.  My favorite was an old cast iron kettle that my father  placed by his front steps and filled with a variety of flowers each summer..  

I found a number of interesting containers at a thrift store and even cut down an economy size laundry detergent bottle to create a free and colorful container.  I told my father about my balcony garden and the next time he came to visit, he brought me  a surprising gift.

At first I couldn't imagine how I would use this old  pail.  I thought its well worn exterior had  rustic charm, but was less certain about the small holes in the bottom and side.   My father explained that the holes in the bottom would provide drainage and suggested I plant seeds in the side holes as well as the top.  I did just that and was delighted with the results.  

If you like my bucket of blooms, here are the simple steps to create your own.

Prepare Your Container

Begin by choosing a bucket.  I love a country feel, but you can use anything from a new metal pail to a child's sand bucket.  If you plan on hanging your pail  (as opposed to setting it on a deck or ledge) be sure that the bucket's handle is strong enough tosupport the weight of your potting mix. I like to use Moisture Control Potting Mix, since it holds 33 percent more water and helps protect plants from overwatering – something that I'm prone to doing!  

If you're using a new bucket, be sure to add some holes for drainage and some on the sides for additional blooms.  A hand drill or just a hammer and nail will work for metal containers.  The holes don't need to be large, a quarter to a half-inch in diameter should be plenty.

If you are using a very deep bucket, you can reduce the weight of the bucket, by placing an empty plastic container into the bottom of the bucket before adding your soil.  It's not necessary to have an exact fit and allowing a little room around the side  allows for proper drainage.

Add Seeds and/or Plants

I used petunias in my pot, since they grow well with little work and the blooms come in a wide variety of colors.   If you live in a a climate with a short growing season, you can speed things up by purchasing seedlings or starting your own inside.    If you are purchasing, look for hearty plants.  You'll want to choose your favorite bloom colors and petunias come in a wide variety of colors and shades.  Don't be concerned if the seedlings don't have many blooms.  It is more important to choose healthy looking plants.  With proper care, your blooms will grow quickly and abundantly and will last all summer.

If you are using seedlings, be sure to leave room for them to grow.  If you are starting from seed, you'll find that a little goes a long way.  Petunia seeds are very tiny, but just a few can produce a lot of blooms.  You may need to thin (remove some of the seedlings to allow others to grow) as the plants get bigger.

For the sides, you can choose to add more petunias or perhaps some ivy or other greens.  Use the eraser end of a pencil to poke a very shallow hole into the soil.  Add your seeds and a tiny amount of soil to cover and gently tap with the eraser.  Caution!  Holes in metal pails can be quite sharp, so please don't use your fingers to do this.

Care and Feeding

Petunias love sunlight, so place them in a spot where they are sure to get several hours of sunlight every day.  Use Shake n' Feed Moisture Control All Purpose Plant Food to keep your plants well-nourished and blooming.    One more word about blooms.    Use your fingers to pinch off dead blooms from the plant.  This is known as deadheading and taking a minute to do this will reap a huge reward in new blossoms.

Miracle-Gro has created The Gro Project to encourage and inspire new gardeners, but you don't have to be a newbie to enjoy their gardening ideas.  The Toyrarium project is an easy and simple way to introduce your children or grandchildren to the pleasures of gardening.  There's a variety of great ideas, so be sure to check them out.  Don't miss Miracle-Gro on Pinterest for more inspiration and fun garden projects.  It's a wonderful gathering spot for gardeners of all skill levels.  Learn from others and share your own gardening tips and ideas.  Miracle-Gro also has a wonderful library of videos and articles available online.  Get helful tips on eliminating weeds and harmful insects, preparing your yard for spring and everything from container gardening to lawn and tree care.    

Happy gardening.  I hope you'll try some projects and share your results.

Squash that Bug! (16)

“Your tires need air. Your oil is low. Get a wash.”
He should tell Red to get off his back, but he was too yellow. (116)

Red always vied for top place. (30)