Happy Labor Day

 

The unofficial end to summer, 

this 3 day weekend celebrates the social and economic achievements of 

American workers and the Labor Movement.

Originated in the late 19th century it became a federal holiday in 1894.

Wise Words on Sunday

 

Saturday Critters #611

 The Mute Swans at Lake of the Lilies will be migrating soon, 

flying off to where-ever they go to spend the winter.

I always enjoy seeing them at the lake, and miss them while they are gone.

Mute Swans are thought to be very intelligent, capable of remembering people and places throughout their lives...they remember people who have treated them well and those that have treated them poorly.

They mate for life and there have been times when I felt like they remembered me.

I visited Lake of the Lilies on Thursday to see the Swans.

The entrance is maintained by the Point Pleasant Beautification Committee.

They were strolling about, not afraid to show off their wings.

I stayed with them for some time....

Trying to capture an image of two swans making the perfect heart.

I was getting closer, but I never actually got the photograph I was hoping for.

 I think they were trying, unfortunately, we all fell short!

These were the best I could get, still time well spent with the beautiful Mute Swans.

I love their story and felt the affection between these two!

Sharing today's images with Eileen at 

Viewing Nature With Eileen 

for Saturdays Critters

Georgian Court University

On my critter post last week, I mentioned that we visited Georgian Court University.

Only a 15 minute drive from home, I have heard and read that the university has gorgeous gardens, 

breathtaking architecture, luxurious grounds and statues. 

Camera in hand, it was a beautiful day, we were off for a fun adventure.

The campus is beautiful, pristinely kept, but we did not see any colorful plants or gardens!

- The Mansion -

There is a formal Garden in front of the mansion in the spring.

 - A map of the campus -

- Apollo Fountain -

- Italian Gardens -

- Italian Gardens -

Sunken Gardens - Lions Crossing

Lots of lovely trees and statues, the grounds were beautiful.

It was a cool afternoon and I am glad we went. 

I would like to take a trip back it the spring, to see the colorful gardens.

Another Round Of Golf

 We play a lot of Mini-Golf or Putt-Putt as we like to call it, it is our favorite game during the summer.

We found a new course in Pier Village in Long Branch

Pier Putt

Only 9 holes, all on one level...this was perfect for me.

Beach themed with sea creatures, cupcakes, lollipops, ice cream and burgers!

This was a nice, easy going, fun course, good thing we had a blast, I don't like losing! 

Caring For My Indoor Garden

 Do you have a Christmas Cactus in your indoor garden?

I have been seeing a lot of videos on social media lately about caring for a Christmas Cactus....

I was not caring for mine properly.

~ now is the time to wake your plant up ~

1. Provide bright, indirect sunlight - keep your plant in a bright spot, 

it should not be sitting in direct sunlight.

2. Keep at room temperature, 65 - 75 degrees. 

3. Cooler temperatures at night.

4. Late summer, snap off tips that are not full and plump.

5. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy. 

6. Water evenly, but allow it to dry up before watering, fertilize occasionally.

    7. During the fall and winter, it should be watered less.   

      

This is how mine looked when I started, shabby and sparse.

                       Adhering to the tips, I snapped off all the ends that were not full and plump...

            

I soaked the ball in water for a few minutes and sprayed the leaves with water.

I fertilized it and will keep a close eye on it.

Fingers crossed.

There are three types of this plant,

Christmas Cactus, Thanksgiving Cactus and an Easter Cactus, I didn't know that.

Back in it's spot by the window, at least it looks healthy.

My herbs were not doing well, so I revamped this pot with succulents for now.

My Orchid has no buds but it does have 3 healthy leaves.

The Cyclamen has 2 flowers but the leaves are doing poorly.

I cleaned it up and fertilized it.

This is my favorite plant in my favorite handmade pot.

This is a Flaming Katy Kalanchoe.

I am thinking about purchasing one large plant/tree.

I am seeing ones that have a watering cup built into the pot,

and you only have to fill it once per month.