This 'n That

"Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer's day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time."

- John Lubbock

You may recall that we were hit with a hailstorm two weeks ago. I'm happy to report that my tomato plants have thankfully recovered (though only in part) from this assault. You can see some of the damage on the branches above - needless to say, I had to remove a lot of leaves - and flowers along with them. 

Looks like I'll be harvesting only half a dozen or so tomatoes now from this 'Big Boy' plant -- it was positively laden with flowers prior to our storm. I'm thankful to get something at least for all my efforts!

My zucchini plants are also rebounding and have sent out all new leaves and blooms...

I happened to spot this creature while watering the other day. He was quite well camouflaged against the wooden post he'd perched himself on. I think he's really beautiful, but have no idea what he is... any ideas?

I also watched this fly for a few minutes the other day. I was hiding in my vines hoping to snap a decent pic of the cutest tiny brown birds that spend a lot of time arguing amongst themselves in my strawberry plants - no luck so far, but then I noticed Mr. Fly who hadn't moved in quite some time. Notice the water droplet he's 'holding' :) Expand this pic for a closer look.

Seeing as it's (already) July 31st, I thought I'd announce this month's recipient of the 'Whoo Loves Ya Baby!' award. Congratulations to turquoisemoon from 'Daily Om'! This wonderful blog is, in her own words, the "Daily life of a dreamer, a doer, an old hippie, girlfriend, astrologer, adventurer, artist, traveler, worker, sister, mother, chocoholic, grandmother, animal lover. This is where I'll whine, laugh, complain, grow, nag, share, brag, and anything else I may come up with." When you have a chance, head on over and show her some love :)

Extreme Downsizing

The Small (aka Tiny) House Movement is getting huge!

A word of warning: this is going to be a big post... thankfully now that I'm down to posting only once a week, you have the luxury of returning again throughout the week if you don't have the time to look at everything the first time.

I have been fascinated by people who live in smaller spaces, either by necessity or choice, for quite some time now. Last April (almost to the day) I profiled a woman who lived in a very tiny Manhattan apartment. I was totally transfixed by the cuteness - and challenges - of her lifestyle. Last Thursday I happened to stumble across this interesting article in the Huffington Post, and then when a good friend forwarded me a very cool page she'd found in Bing Images, I figured it must be time for another look!

The past number of years have seen houses get progressively larger and larger, with the average new home somewhere in the mid-2,000 square foot range. Tiny homes are generally anywhere from 90 to 400 square feet! There are a multitude of reasons why people are choosing smaller homes; some are attracted to the mobile lifestyle, since many are built on trailer beds, while others like the idea of owning a home, but without the mortgage payments and upkeep of a traditional house. Some are drawn to the physical and philosophical freedom fewer possessions afford; these are the people who most intrigue me. Below are three videos that I hope you can find the time to watch over the next week. I think the tiny house movement has the makings for a great reality tv-series (even though I generally despise this genre).

When you have the time, this ten-minute profile is worth watching.
Fascinating to say the least.

The Japanese are renowned for maximizing space, while still retaining beauty.

Given it's size constraints, this house is astounding.

You will be amazed by what is packed into the wall to his left!

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Also, it's time to announce our latest contest winners! Along my side-bar is this month's recipient of the Whoo Loves Ya Baby! award. Congratulations to Diane from Always Crave Cute "A Blog About Crafting, Cute Things and More..."!! Cute doesn't begin the describe Diane's blog - adorable, darling and precious are a few of the words I'd use to describe the things Diane shares with us. If you haven't already, I encourage you to stop by and perhaps become a new follower - you'll probably need to visit the dentist after a few visits, she's so darn sweet, but it'll have been worth it :)

As well, the winner of the March caption contest is Martha from Plowing Through Life! She has earned the coveted (lol!) spot along my sidebar for April and a little surprise winging her way via Canada Post. Thanks for your rocking line Martha and thanks to everyone who participated - all your submissions were great, but alas there can only be one winner. Check out the April Caption Contest page (under my header) for this month's quip-provoking pic :)

Have a great day and try to find some time to visit your local thrift store this week.
Who knows, you might find an original Picasso print for $14, like this guy! 

It's March!

In a few short hours it'll be March, this year sure is flying by!

Did you know that March 1st is Peanut Butter Lover's Day?

JJ Hubby sent me this funny pic last week - perfect timing I'd say :)

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Congratulations to Sulky Kitten, the very worthy March recipient of the Whoo Loves Ya Baby award!

(She has a bit of a thing for Tom Cruise...!)

"PURRS AND SCRATCHES FROM A LAZY-ASS DOMESTIC KITTEN...."

If you haven't visited Sulky before, you need to! Her catty comments and mewsings
on life and pop-culture never fail to amuse, delight - and sometimes even shock me!

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Also, Congratulations to Annie from Annie's Adventures for her winning line in February's caption contest!! Annie has a (coveted, lol) place of honour along my sidebar for the month, as well as a permanent place in my Hall of Fame, which you will find under the March Caption Contest page. You'll also find the newest cat pic there... you have all month now to come up with that killer line! Thanks to everyone for their participation this month - I truly appreciated & enjoyed all of your entries :)
Annie, please forward me your mailing info here and I will have your prize off to you.
And when you have a chance, pop by Annie's Adventures and learn a bit of what life's like...
Down Under!

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I Do, That's Whoo!

I've been getting so spoiled lately with all the awards that are being passed around, that I thought it would be fun to come up with an award of my own. Martha also has the same idea which she expressed in her comments to Friday's post - I guess it is true: great minds do think alike :) 

The Whoo Loves Ya Baby! award:

~ recognizes one fantastic blogger each month 

~ comes with no 'rules' 

~ does not need to be posted on the recipient's blog (unless they so choose)  

~ but, will be posted along my sidebar with a link back to the honouree's blog for that month.

This month's recipient is Francie, who's blog, A North End Journal, is an entertaining and often 

thought-provoking read. I love discovering new blogs and only recently stumbled across Francie;

now I find myself eagerly anticipating her next post. 

She also has a hilarious Valentine's Day contest running right now,

the 2nd Annual Magic Pig Wand Contest, that there's still time to get in on.

Did you know that Magic Pig Wands take all the calories out of chocolate?!! 

Mr. Cool