Looking for Signs of Spring

Bushes and Peonies Still Buried Under Snow

Hi Guys,

The dogs and I just got back from a long walk around our neighborhood. It is almost 60 degrees, and we were out looking for signs of spring.

We found a lot of snow left on the corners where it had been piled high.

We walked past the house with the most beautiful little perennial and annual garden, but nothing was coming up.

Barn House

We walked over to the new house that looks like a barn. We watched its progress last fall. It is now finished, and a family is living in it.

Then we walked down Kendall Rd. but didn't find any signs of spring...nothing.

We turned the corner and saw another big pile of snow.

Vine Brook

We walked by Vine Brook which has turned into a beautiful little brook.

Succulent Plant

We walked by the house on the corner whose whole front yard is a perennial garden. There were Irises and Day Lilies coming up. There was one Succulent plant in a beautiful orange.

We walked up to our house and saw our Day Lilies coming up along the fence and in the back yard.

Day Lilies

Our Poppies are also coming up and the neighbor's Witch Hazel is in full bloom.

It felt good to get out in the sun, and the dogs thoroughly enjoyed it.

Poppies

Witch Hazel

I will keep you up-to-date on how a neighborhood recovers from 79 inches of snow.

That's my tip for today.

b

Barb's Decorating Tips

Basement Workout Room

Hydrangeas and Peonies

Hi Guys,

It's been a while since I last talked to you. I hope you are all well and excited for spring to begin next week.

We had a whopping 79 inches of snow in Boston this winter. At times it was hard to get out and about.

My husband and I took this opportunity to create a workout room in the basement. We have muscle building weight equipment as well as two stationary bikes.

Workout Equipement

My husband mounted a flat screen TV above the fireplace mantle so we can workout with the Wii or just watch our favorite shows while riding one of the bikes.

TV and Wii Center

You will notice the flowers in the fireplace. Well, it is not a real fireplace. It is just a big empty black hole in the wall. I made a flower arrangements of peonies and hydrangeas to put in the fireplace's empty space.

In the winter I will put candles in there.

I love my workout area and use it everyday. Think about a spot in your home, maybe an unused bedroom, or your own basement, where you can put at least one piece of workout equipment. I found out just how important it is to get into a regular exercise routine. It not only keeps your body in shape, but also helps with depression, arthritis, osteoporosis, and many other physical and mental ailments. Regular exercise just makes you feel better about yourself.

That's my tip for today.

b

Flower Arrangements

Cymbidium Orchids

Ficus Tree in Family Room

Green Cymbidium Orchids

Hi Guys,

We just got another foot of snow last night. That makes 60 inches since the first of the year. It seems to be melting fast, however, and I have a four foot icicle hanging right in front of me.

Paper Whites in the Bedroom

I found a way to fight the winter doldrums. I fill my house with plants and flowers. Some are real and some are faux.

Mantle with Cymbidium Orchids

Palm Plant and Rose Arrangement

Red Tulips in Guest Room

Hydrangeas and Cymbidium Orchids

Grasses and Magnolias

Irises

Since Orchids bloom all year round and Tulips can be found in your local grocery store, it's easy to create spring any time of the year. If you're not good at arranging flowers, just buy a bouquet at the grocery store. It is already arranged for you. Beautiful Rose arrangements are also plentiful with Valentine's Day just around the corner.

Peonies and Greens

Tulips in the Bedroom

White Cymbidium Orchid

I've taken some pictures of my flower arrangements. Can you tell the real ones from the fake ones?

That's my tip for today.

b

Orange Cymbidium Orchids

Maine Coast

The Beautiful Seasons in My Neighborhood

Miss Yvonna Grace & Mister Zippy