So, here's the buzz!

I've put my knitting bag aside for a while and decided to try

something I've not done in many years, counted cross stitch.

We've been watching far too many TV series these

pandemic winter evenings and a couple were foreign with subtitles. 

No good when you're knitting though. . . . . . . eyes off the screen and

losing the plot becomes easy!

When I saw this cute bee on a honeycomb pin cushion in a magazine 

I wanted to give it a try.  I had plenty of embroidery floss, a small hoop,

needles etc. but did have to purchase some 11 count Aida cross stitch

fabric.

I enlarged the magazine photo to a size where I could see the 

stitches more clearly.

I admit that my eyesight is not what it was - distance no real problem

but close up work requires reading glasses. . . . . .and for this project,

 the purchase of a magnifier which really helps once one gets used

 to having it hanging around the neck.

Of course I can't work on this either if watching TV so doing a

 bit in the afternoons.

 

I'm following this photo, copied and enlarged, from a magazine.

Jasmin - October 25, 2020 - 24th Birthday

 Last year when at the fabric store with my granddaughter Jasmin, 

we found these beautiful machine embroidered panels.

She loved both the bee and the dragonfly so I returned next day alone, 

purchased them and arranged to have them made up into pillows for 

Jasmin's sofa. Was she ever surprised when a month later she opened

her birthday gifts!

I realize that this is a simplified version of the bee. . . . . . a starter

 for me, however after looking up 'cross stitched bees' online I've found

 so many beautiful stitchery patterns, and kits, much more advanced

 and detailed - such as the one below - which I may try later.

I've a long way to go yet but hopefully will share the finished bee later.

Do you cross stitch or embroider?

How about knit? 

I know some of you are fabulous with knitting needles and crochet hooks!

Leaving the September garden. . . . . . . . . . .

Just a few quick clipping and tidying chores, along with minimal pruning of the

 unruly jasmines on the front porch, and that's it for gardening around

 here. . . . . . well at least until the very end of the month. The grass was cut on

 Monday and, as the weather continues hot and dry, should not require any care

 until we return.

Twirling Clematis seed pods.

Bumble bees still feasting on the Pentas, white and pink.

Always sad to leave the garden no matter the season.

It should have much more of an Autumnal feel when we return.

Drying my hydrangeas the natural way. . . . .

My hydrangeas, though late blooming this year, are now ready for drying.

I was crying over them this summer when there was nary a flower.  

But then they surprised me with some late, good sized heads, and 

I've been waiting to cut them for the process which will give me some 

lovely muted color for inside the house during the winter months.

Yesterday there were still a few sleepy bees around. . . . but they didn't seem concerned when I starting cutting other blooms around them.

Drying naturally is so easy, no tricks required other than cutting at the right time. 

My hydrangeas are all blue - I think they are the best color for preserving as they 

change to many different shades, each one so beautiful.

Once the soft-to-touch, hydrated and flexible flowers begin to change both in color 

and texture on the plant, it's time to harvest. Here in the southeast this has been the 

perfect week prior to below freezing temperatures due tonight.

If you live in more northern climes you may have already cut your 

beautiful hydrangeas and have them dried and part of your decor by now.

What you will require:

Ready-to-harvest blooms

Garden Shears/Pruners

Fresh water

A tall heavy glass vase

Best time to cut flowers is late morning after any dew has evaporated.

Choose full well-shaped blooms.

Cut stems at an angle, 12-18 inches in length, and carefully remove all leaves.

Place in a clear container, heavy glass is best, filled halfway with fresh water.

All stems should be submerged several inches, and try not to have too many

heads crushed tightly together.  This bunch, harvested earlier in the week, seemed 

to gulp up the water almost immediately so I did replenish it.

Place your flowers in a cool dry area out of direct sun, but in a 

spot where you can enjoy them as they dry out.

The process should take a couple of weeks. Once the water 

has completely gone, your flowers should be ready to use for

winter, Christmas and decorative projects such as wreaths and table 

centerpieces - or just massed in a lovely container such as a basket.  

Some people spray them with hairspray when dry - I've never done that.  

The best way is to dry new ones each year so they don't have a chance to 

get dusty, faded, and start disintegrating all over your furniture.

Hope you have some lovely hydrangeas to dry and enjoy over the winter months.