MEMORIAL DAY

Memorial Day started as an event to honor Union soldiers, who had died during the American Civil War. It was inspired by the way people in the Southern states honored their dead. After World War I, it was extended to include all men and women, who died in any war or military action.

Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day. The current name for this day did not come into use until after World War II. Decoration Day and then Memorial Day used to be held on May 30, regardless of the day of the week, on which it fell. In 1968, the Uniform Holidays Bill was passed as part of a move to use federal holidays to create three-day weekends. This meant that that, from 1971, Memorial Day holiday has been officially observed on the last Monday in May. However, it took a longer period for all American states to recognize the new date.

Today, Memorial Day marks the unofficial beginning of the summer season in the United States. Memorial Day Weekend is a three-day holiday that is typified by the first family picnics and barbecues of the year. The Indianapolis 500 Mile Race takes place on the Sunday before Memorial Day. And many schools with traditional calendars start their summer vacations right after the holiday. 


Memorial Day is still a time to remember those who have passed on, whether in war or otherwise. It also is a time for families to get together for ball games, swimming, and other early summer activities.

So as we celebrate with our family and friends today, let us not forget those who died protecting our freedoms.

 

MEMORIAL DAY HISTORY

The last Monday of May is when the United States celebrates Memorial Day.  It is a time to remember those who have died serving our country.  My family and I are immigrants.  I came to the United States when I was only seven years old.  It was not until I was much older that I understood and appreciated the

 freedoms that this country has given me and so many others.  

I would like to thank all of the military servicemen and women who have given the ultimate price - their lives.

This country owes them a huge debt of gratitude.  We may not agree with some of the actions,

but it is because of their commitment to serve and protect this nation

is that we have the freedom to express our opinion.

Follow the link below to learn more about Memorial Day.

Memorial Day History

PATRIOTIC STAR COASTERS TUTORIAL

Because of my son's wedding two weeks ago, I have not been able to do much sewing.  So instead I've browsed the internet to find interesting ideas for sewing, gardening, or anything that would peak my interest.  

Well, I found one that I really liked and I am going to plan to do.  The instructions are simple and easy to follow.  And who does not like simple and easy instructions?  So follow the link below to the blog and enjoy!

PATRIOTIC STAR COASTERS TUTORIAL

**********************************************************************

Below is our family picture at my son's wedding.  We are so blessed to have Amber

as part of our family.  She is great!

My husband Jorge, Amber, David, me and my youngest son Chris

BAT HOUSE LOCATION PLANS

 

 Now many of you think, like I did, that bats are no good.  But they really have gotten a

bad reputation.  On the contrary, they are very useful creatures, especially in your garden.

The following link is to an article on how you can attract bats to your garden.

Bat House Location

IRISES

One of my favorite flowers is the iris.  I had never realized how easy they are to grow.

There are hundreds of varieties of this easy to grow perennial flower. Regular Irises come in several colors. The Bearded Iris are very popular. Regular Irises make great cut flowers, with their tall, sturdy stalks. Dwarf varieties grow much smaller, less than eight inches tall. They are good in flower beds and around rock gardens. 

 Irises are grown from both seed and root separation. The roots, or Rhizomes, are easily separated and replanted. The Rhizome looks like a long, thin potato with roots underneath. When transplanting, separate the Rhizome. Make sure to have some root and a leaf or two in each section. Plant the Rhizomes near the surface with the roots below. Space them a foot or so apart . They will fill in the spaces quickly. 

If you want a low maintenance, easy to grow flower, you have come to the right plant. Irises like full sun, but tolerate partial shade well. Their only demand is well draining soil to avoid root rot. The soil does not need to be the richest in your yard. Nor, does it demand heavy fertilizer feeding.Mulching around the plants will help to keep out the weeds. Once established, you will need to water them only in the driest part of the year. Fertilize occasionally. Do not apply heavy doses of Nitrogen.When planting, make sure to put it in a spot where it can grow and thrive for years. It will spread quickly and will need to be thinned or divided regularly. To divide them, simply pull up some of the Rhizomes. The remaining plants will reward you with healthier plants and bigger blooms. As for what to do with the Rhizomes you have culled from your garden....give them to friends!

Being a hardy plant, Irises are not often bothered by insects. They can suffer from occasional root borers.

Irises seldom are affected by disease. The most common problem is root rot, which is caused by poorly draining soils. In preparing beds, make sure soil is light and well draining. Raise the soil level if need be. Also add sand, and compost if you have clay soil. 

The following pictures are of the iris flowers that I have in my garden.

I plan to plant more this year.

This one is very special to me because it came out of my neighbor's yard after she passed away.

 

This one I got from Daniel Webster's home when Jorge and I were in New Hampshire.

HOW TO MAKE STEPPING STONES

When I've been at my local garden center, I see that they have beautiful stepping stones

for sale.  My problem is that I don't want to pay the price for it.

Well, my search on the internet has been successful and I found how 

I can make my own stepping stones.  

Here's the link for your step by step instructions.

STEPPING STONES

SPROCKET PILLOWS

As I search the web for ideas, I love finding new ideas for making things.

Well, without fail I found a neat tutorial for making pillows. 

Here's the link:

Sprocket Pillows

MOTHER'S DAY GIFT IDEAS PART 2

I'm sharing with you other ideas for homemade gifts for your mom.

Fruity Flower Bouquet

 

 Instructions

Photo Place Card

 
 Instructions



Handstamped Photo Mat

Instructions