my garden is mixed up

I know that flowers are engineered these days to bloom at different times of the year but I expected this bloom in the summertime, not in the middle of autumn! 

We also have some lilies that are growing like it's spring and dahlias that have died down and are shooting up again! There are some green slender shoots coming up in remote parts of the yard garden that look like they will be gladiolus, too, but I have to wait and see what they do. And one azalea bush keeps putting out one or two blossoms so there is a bit of color on it all the time.

I have to say, my interest is quite piqued by this garden!

In other news, I have found that cows will NOT eat calendula flowers or parsley!! I sure wish I knew other flowers that they won't eat, but it seems that they will try anything once :)

People are amazing

A Boston Marathon runner gave out near the 26-mile mark. First one guy stopped to help, then another and another. The crowd exploded into the loudest cheer of the day when, walking then jogging, all 5 finished the race. There is still good in this world. Thank you, selfless runners!

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2014/04/21/runner-cant-make-it-to-the-boston-marathon-finish-line-so-others-carry-him-to-the-end/

it's feijoa time!

I am not really adventurous when it comes to trying different fruits so I'm pretty sure I would never have tried a feijoa--at least, not in Kansas. But here in NZ is a different story. All it took was for two kids and one adult to get excited about a sign on the side of the road for me to anticipate a new fruit for my taste buds. The anticipation in their voices along with animated faces and arms is all it took. I am so hooked on these wondrous little beauties. Click here for a very brief history of them. And then, next fall, try some! You just cut them open (I just cut the tops off) and dig the ugly but scrumptious taste out with a spoon.

Suspended Coffees

I really have no idea how I found the Suspended Coffees Facebook page, but I'm so glad I did.  It's full of great, heart-warming pay-it-forward stories that make my day. After 13 months, the FB page has over 260,000 followers and the owner opened a website today.

The page started out the brainchild of one guy who wanted to spread the word about this phenomenon that started in Europe--buying coffee for someone who can't afford to pay.

We entered a little coffeehouse with a friend of mine and gave our order. While we were approaching our table two people came in and went the counter. “Five coffees, please. Two of them for us and three suspended.” They paid for their order, took the two and left. I asked my friend: “What are those ‘suspended coffees?’” “Wait for it and you will see” he answered. Some more people entered. The next order was for seven coffees and it was made by three lawyers – three for them and four “suspended”. While I still wondered what’s the deal with those “suspended” coffees I enjoyed the summer weather and the beautiful view towards the square in front of the café. Suddenly a man dressed in shabby clothes who looked like a beggar came in through the door and kindly asked “Do you have a suspended coffee?” He got a coffee for free – no charge – he sat down and took a sip and a smile ran through his face. It’s simple – people pay in advance for a coffee meant for someone who cannot afford a warm beverage. The tradition with the suspended coffees started in Naples, but it has spread all over the world and in some places you can order not only a suspended coffee, but also a sandwich or a whole meal.

Here's the link to the new website. Suspended Coffees.  Why don't you pop over and check it out when you have a chance. After all, it's about more than the coffee.