Mar
27th
So Mom is here, and SO ARE WE! We’re in Tampa for the next 3 weeks – with a trip to Jordan in between – and we hope to be home in mid-June for (basically) good.
I rode today and realized horses are something I just need. I am happier when I can regularly be around them. More pictures from the barn I found in Pinellas Park when I come back in June. The only thing(s) that would make this barn better is if I could have Max and Sterling there.
Speaking of horses, here’s one of two little Korean horses Mom found (on a trip to visit me!) in Seoul. We had them refinished because they were so pitted and damaged.
Love the horses. (There are two, actually. This is just one.)
Despise the wallpaper.
Can’t have everything. \
Mom always starts avocado seeds. I had a four-foot plant I had to give to my neighbor, Sandra, when we left Germany (I rue the day) – and everytime I’m in a house for more than 6 months, she starts more. I might actually have a chance for a tree in Tampa.
I love the red toothpicks!
…and here’s our Cheju Man – from the island off the southern tip of Korea. I think he’s great! I got a multi-colored one for Mom and Dad and a miniature, leaning one for Arms. They’re good luck.
Might as well be by the Pool, then.
Cool little “found object” Mom unearthed from our yard while we were gone. I have no idea what it is, but I like it.
The “num-num” stone (this one we found in France) is filled.
So you know, Num-Num stones are an invention from the most unique grandmother of all grandmothers – my dad’s mom, Peggy Craig. She had a whole bunch of these circling her porch in Massachusetts, and always filled them with leftovers for the birds and squirrels.
Anyway, a “num-num” stone is any big stone with a natural (or manmade – but the rule is, YOU can’t have made it!) depression that is suitable for goodies for the little varmints who might frequent your yard…
I know you wanted to know all that.
…Asparagus Fern in my one pot from Grandmother Peggy’s porch. (The same porch that held all those beautiful Num-Num stones!)
…and here’s my favorite subject – the pup. (He was diagnosed with Rocky Mtn Spotted Fever the other day, for Heaven’s Sake!)
Love that puppy. Love you guys, too.
New blog coming soon! Mid-April! 
March 29th, 2009 at 14:07
dear holly, so glad you are home! it was actually Orton Clark who coined the phrase “num num stone”. he was an elegant old gentleman who lived next to us on college street with his wife margaret. he was a great gardener and he had made the original stone by grinding another into it every day for years. he would take jamie and me through his garden and give us seed or nuts to put in the stone. when he died, after margaret had, mother went over and scooped up the stone as the house was being sold. we moved shortly after that to south east street. that original num num stone now feeds new hampshire squirrels. we only shoot the flying squirrels and red ones that try to live in our roof. they are a great target when they are hunkered over that stone…….love, aunt sara
March 29th, 2009 at 17:52
You’re back, you’re back! I LOVE these posts. Who even KNEW you could start avocado seeds. I’m so glad you got to ride and it feels like you’re “real” again to have you posting fresh stuff! Hooray!