§ Hold Your Horses EveryBuddy!!...

In my previous post I mentioned the Botanical Gardens and their gift shop...

..."I did good! Found a cute little trinket, was sorely tempted to buy it but didn't. I walked out, and called it a day.

....the saga continues another day tho. Stay tuned."

And most responded with comments such as a few I share here:

1. Good for you for not buying anything!! :)

2. Wow, good for you to make it out of the place with money in your pocket.

3. Good for you resisting a little trinket!

4. Good for you that you were able to hold off the temptation to buy. My resistance doesn't always prevail. :-)

And one actually is a kindred spirit!!----

5. Am I the only one who is sorry you didn't buy the pretty little trinket? It would have been a reminder of your lovely day.

As I said...the saga continues...

A few days after I attended the Plant Sale, I took a leisurely drive in the morning around the Ranch land outside the outskirts of the city. It was nice to get away from traffic and noise of city life! Peaceful, quiet. Now, to be honest here, for those previous days before the drive, I was kicking myself in the rear end for NOT buying the trinket!!! Seriously!!! When I told Bud about the cute item, he said to me: "Why didn't you buy it? It's probably gone now!" So, on the way back home, the gardens are NOT out of the way. I drive right past it to get home. When the car got close to the entrance, I swear the car veered off to the left turn lane all on its own, and I ended up at the shop's front door! After all, they don't call a vehicle "automatic" for nothing! Yippee...

It was still there. Of course, ol' Anni, the sucker that she is, purchased it with a membership discount [my pocket change magically jumped onto the sales counter]. My car winked at me as I exited! We were both delighted. Now, granted, it's NOT HUGE [fits in the palm of my hand!]. So no clutter, right? That's what it whispered to me when I got home, placed it on the table, and smiled to each other!!  It's cut crystal.

_ _ _ _

Thursday evening into Friday all day and early Saturday morning we had some heavy rain, and misty intervals with our weather. I stayed home and during the times of boredom, I got out my cellphone and opened my app for jigsaw puzzles. I did a couple over the two days of wet outside, dry inside...

Jigsawscapes Phone App
It's a free app
Hundreds to choose from and many categories!!

§ On a Saturday Afternoon...

A few days ago, it was warm, partly cloudy and the City's Botanical Gardens was having a plant sale. Free admittance for members and only $2 for non-members! The rose rotunda area was packed with people that beat me there. The area they had traffic diverted was slow going! Finally, after many slow advances and stops along the route, I finally found a place to park...clear yonder from the entrance gate. I had an ulterior motive for attending. Not only walking the rose garden and butterfly exhibits, but to walk the entire grounds that had pathways...to the covered gazebo and bird tower...to the lake and succulent gardens...etc. To see what birds were active at that time of day.

Along the stop and go traffic, with my cellphone handy, I took a few pictures of the homes we had to drive by. All I could think of while waiting to advance further in line, was pity for the residents of this subdivision with the traffic jams all day long - not appreciating this event at all!

A "teaser" of the Rose Cotillion...



Another favorite of mine; the geranium...

After spending a couple hours walking the perimeter, I started back toward the gift center. Sometimes it can be my downfall. But being that I've been spending hours during the week trying to downsize "junk" that is cluttering our home, I tried my best at will-power and keeping my debit card in my POCKET!! Along the way back to the gift shop I stopped to photograph a new small fountain [new from the last time I was there, anyway]. Being that the afternoon temps were climbing to reach 90 degrees, it was a refreshing sight amongst the shade of the trees!

I did good! Found a cute little trinket, was sorely tempted to buy it but didn't. I walked out, and called it a day.

....the saga continues another day tho. Stay tuned.

§ I Beg Your Pardon...I Promised You a Rose Garden!

Okay, so, for the last few posts I mentioned that my last trek around the Botanical Gardens ended at the Rose Cotillion.  I've been at the gardens each season, and at times, especially with the drought and extreme heat, they're not too pretty.   This time of year, and with all the nourishing rainfall the few weeks prior to me walking around the grounds were a god-send for the roses. They were all flourishing!!! With such a beautiful array of color and scents. And of course, I couldn't resist going over-board with the shutter button...

...and the fountain...

...and to continue showcasing my Trolls...

↓ My 14th Troll Share ↓

TROLL DOLL COLLECTION !!RARE!! Mermaid circa: early 90s

§ Botanical Gardens Seating and Sculptures....

Along the trails throughout the garden grounds, there are observation towers, stone paths meandering through the lush greenery, sculptures, wire topiary, sensory gardens for meditation, boardwalks taking you here, there...signage of South Texas history and culture, etc. Also seen in alcoves, shaded for some relief from the heat, or decorative to create more atmosphere in a particular area of the landscape are benches and tables...

Wire Topiary: [wire forms, moss and perennials] eventually. These two are a roadrunner and a butterfly - when completed for the season] they'll be covered in bloom!










The last stop was the Rose Cotiliion. I'll share that in following post!

...and to continue showcasing my Trolls...

↓ My 13th Troll Share ↓

TROLL DOLL COLLECTION KING OF THE Wild Frontier! circa: early 80s

§ Dutchman's Pipe

Y'all know how I search for heart shapes in nature [see top photo]. Well, the other day at the botanical gardens, I went inside the enclosed butterfly house. Right near the doorway, I spotted the green leaf; heart shape! I took a photo. And then upon closer inspection of the vine, I noticed the blossom.   Seriously, the size of the blossom astounded me...the size of a large dinner plate. Something I have never seen before, but was highly impressed with its peculiar look and stunning colors. I had no idea what it was. And when I completed my walk...last stop was the Rose Cotillion, I had planned on making an effort to ask about it at the center's gift shop [and explore the trinkets]. The volunteer working behind the desk was extremely busy with other patrons, so I opted to get home and search online. I find out it is called the Elegant Dutchman's Pipe! The little bit I read about them, they thrive only in 8-10 zones in USA. We are NINE. I'm wondering now if they sell the seeds after blooming is done. Will have to go back and find out. Or email them.