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A View Into My Universe

The Heat is On!

Some of you will laugh and others will roll their eyes. It was in the high 80s yesterday and we were DYING. Older Daughter, the boys and I met a friend and her son at a local pool, stood in a long line of other sweaty people and ended up having to leave–because the pool was too full and there was no more room. So, we drove over to a splash park which was figuratively and literally cool; I could participate even without a bathing suit. However, the water jets were also like my sprinkler yesterday that shot me full face with water when I tried to move it. This time my back got drenched. Those jets were unpredictable! As I told my daughter’s friend though, “You don’t go around water and expect to stay dry.” As for the boys’ swimming lessons, I was dumbfounded. Since I was last there, Sharky is swimming, both on his back and front (under the water) with arms and legs; he’s diving for a ring on the bottom with some assistance from the instructor. He absolutely loves it! Obro, who has at times been reluctant, was ducking his face in the water and paddling with a kickboard. Their progress was astounding!

After their aquatic exercise, they were ravenous for dinner and their homemade blackberry-kiwi popsicles.

Obro was wearing a lot of his. šŸ™‚

My lawns are mowed and ready for the incoming rain.

While watering my plants, I noticed that my strange annual does have a flower of sorts. (still sort of ugly though)

My orange lily is beginning to bloom. Younger Daughter picked it out many years ago; it’s had some rough times under the rhododendron (still there, still dead) but has flourished the past two years.

Isn’t it going to be spectacular? Speaking of Younger Daughter, she’s feeling the stresses of moving. She had to pay her homeowner’s insurance (ouch) and has discovered that, in spite of assurances to the contrary, the owner took the washer and dryer. That wasn’t supposed to happen, but what does she do now? Like her late father, YD always believes the best of people and is much too trusting. How many times have I talked to her about this (un)fortunate quality? I’ve reinforced to her that, no matter your relationship with them or how nice they seem, real estate agents (and sellers) are salespeople and out mostly for themselves and their commission or what’s most advantageous for them. After being hurt and disappointed so many times, when will she learn? I’ve also pointed out to her that the real estate listing says that the house has a HEAT PUMP, but she was told it doesn’t. False advertising? Should I have been more involved in this house buying process? Too late now, eh?

Thankfully, I can walk off my own frustrations. Mostly.

Comments

14 responses to “The Heat is On!”

  1. Tonya Avatar

    I did a Google Image search of your “weird” plant: “This plant is identified as Portulaca oleracea, commonly known as common purslane, which is a succulent annual often found growing in sunny, dry areas. It features thick, paddle-shaped leaves that are green on top and sometimes maroon-tinted underneath, along with reddish succulent stems. The plant produces small, delicate flowers, which are typically yellow in this species, although ornamental varieties can have other colors. While often considered a weed in gardens, it is also edible and frequently used in salads or cooked into soups.”

    We actually got into the high 80s here yesterday! I was out and about and my car reported the outside temp at 88°! It felt ghastly! We are NOT used to that! Very different today.

    I guess you can try out a soup or salad with your plant! Lol

    1. Margaret Avatar

      Thanks for your research, T! I won’t be buying it again because I’m not thrilled with the leaves or the flowers. Oh, well! I’m going to edit my post because you are right. I now remember seeing 88 on my car when I was driving out to the kids’ place. 🄵

      1. Tonya Avatar

        Does your orange lily have a nice fragrance? You sure are in for a huge splash of color!

      2. Margaret Avatar

        OMG, I’ve never sniffed it. I don’t think it has much scent though, if any. The Stargazer perfumes the whole front yard. šŸ™‚

  2. Marie Avatar
    Marie

    Yesterday was warm. Did you end up at STAR Center? I admire your daughter in making her own healthy popsicles. Sorry YD was swindled.

    1. Margaret Avatar

      We tried for the Fircrest pool and ended up at Titlow. Tonya is right. It was actually high 80s. šŸ”„

  3. Doug M Avatar
    Doug M

    Margaret, you know I just love you but your mowed lawn pics crack me up! You have every right to be proud šŸ‘ That was wonderful to hear about your boys swimming skills, handsome pics. And I can’t help but admire YD for trying to be more independent. Sure am glad she has you in her corner still, though. šŸ™‚

    1. Margaret Avatar

      You won’t be seeing photos of my lawn much in the summertime, Doug! Although I need to keep the front lawn alive according to the HOA, I do let the backyard go. You will be ashamed! Sharky swims much better than I do.🐠

      1. Doug M Avatar
        Doug M

        I love all your pics, all of them! PS. The orange lily is just striking! ā˜ŗļø

    2. Margaret Avatar

      I love the orange one only behind the Stargazer. (Mid to end of July for that one)

  4. Susan Avatar
    Susan

    The ability to swim is a great skill. It sounds like the boys like the water, and they are making great progress with their ability to swim above and below water.
    Your orange lilies are beautiful, and they make a very nice display.
    Unfortunately, ethics today seem to be in decline. I hope YD writes a certified letter to the real estate agent listing the issues. False advertising and bait and switch are big no nos. YD needs to demand compensation for the missing washer, dryer and heat pump. Don’t let the agent and seller get away with this nonsense.

    1. Margaret Avatar

      I was very pleased and proud of their progress; as you know, we have a lot of water around here. People need to be confident yet not overly confident around it. I can’t wait until most of the lilies have bloomed; isn’t that going to be something? I get very excited about my flowers. Younger Daughter’s real estate guy missed the fact that the washer and dryer were gone on his walk through. YD didn’t have a key to the house until recently and notified him immediately. He’s working on getting them back since it was in the sale agreement that they stayed with the house. What a hassle!

  5. Jay Avatar
    Jay

    I think it’s great the boys swimming skills are progressing so well.
    It was in the 80s, so hot, and yet I kept reminding myself it’s going to be 20 degrees cooler today, and it is.

    1. Margaret Avatar

      It was low 70s here today and muggy, so not as comfortable as I had hoped. It didn’t hold me back from a walk though!

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