Thursday, April 2, 2009

An Adventure Deluxe!

Sunday afternoon my neighbor asked me to ride with her a few blocks to visit the house below. There was an "Estate Sale" there last week. Tyra (my neighbor) went and bought a few things but there were a few things left behind she wanted to check on. As you can tell, this house is in dire need of some TLC. The original owners passed away several years ago, after owning the home for 70+ years. The remaining relatives are not interested in fixing it up and I sure wish I could afford to buy it and bring it back to it's original charm. When we arrive the gates were locked and no one was home...but we saw some friendly neighbors next door on their porch. So they wouldn't think we meant any harm, we introduced ourselves to the sweetest little lady named Lucy. This is her yard below! Isn't' it great? She has freesia, snapdragons, begonias, roses, calla lily's, calendula, pansies, herbs, hydrangea, etc,etc. and the place smells like a florist. Lucy is 80 and has a bad hip but said if WE wanted to dig anything up, she would be glad to share. And share she did...we dug for hours (her back yard is even a bigger BloomFest!)
These are just two of the eight Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow bushes she gave us that I have planted in my yard. Both Tyra and I ended up with tons of plants and I sure hope I can keep them alive. Lucy told us HER secret to gardening....it's Osmocoat (Spelling??...a fertilizer I MUST go and purchase!)

Then...as if our new friendship and all the new plants weren't enough...I came home to this bag of anemone bulbs from another neighbor!......Did I mention I have the best neighbors EVER! Carson was very curious about the bulbs and wanted to know when we were going to plant them. He even offered to DIG the hole for me....what a SWEET helper, right?? LOL!
But the BEST find EVER was found in Lucy's driveway....she was just about to drag it out for BIG TRASH DAY! I've been looking for over a year for an old bicycle that I could use as Garden Art...and lo and behold...I found this one. She WOULD NOT take any money for it. And what a lucky day that was for me because the previously mentioned estate sale had a bike like this and they wanted $75 dollars! SCORE for me with the FREEBIE!!!
As we stood in the driveway and she told stories about the bike my heart was soaring. I couldn't believe our luck, meeting this SWEET lady, getting free plants and much needed advice for them AND a chippy, old bike! She really didn't quite understand why I wanted it but I told her I would be sure and take pictures once it got set up in my yard. She was worried that the paint was chipping and tried to brush it off but I said that made it perfect!
Call me crazy but I LOVE my new bicycle! The brand is "Texas Star"....How PERFECT is THAT!??!
PS: After visiting with Lucy for almost 3 hours, the caretakers of the house next door came by and we "shopped" a little over there too. I got, but did not take a picture of, a old black bowling ball. You'll have to check back and see what I do with that! It will end up in the yard too, but it will be re-purposed......Keep guessing...it's gonna be cool! AND Tyra got some really cool OLD terracotta pots that had a lot of aging on them. They came in handy as Lucy kept loading us down with plant and plants.

37 comments:

  1. That is such a neat story! I love how you made friends with the neighbor, and I can't believe she started giving you stuff. That's great!

    Can't wait to see what you did with the bike and the bowling ball.

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  2. I can just imagine your happiness and energy bubbling over ... what a day! Don't know if you follow Tootsie's blog, but she has an old bike like yours in her amazing garden. Looking forward to the big reveal ...

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  3. I love that house too! I can image going in and putting a lot of tender loving care into it.

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  4. This was such an enjoyable post to read. Occasionally through the years, I've met up with gracious neighbors who loaded me down with plants and gardening tips and treasures. The bicycle is priceless. I cannot wait to follow your progress. Good for you!

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  5. What sweet neighbors you have! And I love that bike. It will be so cool in your yard. I can't wait to see what you do with it!

    XOXO
    Jen

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  6. Oh wow Susan! What a sweet and generous lady Ms Lucy is! Her garden is beautiful! I love your bike and I have been hunting an old bowling ball for years! :o) I can't wait to see what you do with yours!
    Sincerely ~ Tricia Anne

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  7. Great story! I love visiting with new friends in unexpected places...

    http://www.patacakebabies.com/wordpress

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  8. How neat Susan! Wouldn't it be nice if everyone were that sweet? You'll have to go visit her again. I bet she'd love it.

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  9. What a sweet story and a memory you'll always have! I would love to know more about the fertilizer...so let us know what you find out. Nancy

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  10. The neighbor must have been thrilled to have you visit with her... and what a sweetie to share her flowers with you. Great story.

    Di
    The Blue Ridge Gal

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  11. What a sweet little lady. I can't wait to see what you do with your bike and the bowling ball.

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  12. Susan
    How cool is that! you hit the jackpot, I love that old bike and all the beautiful plants. How lovely. Cindy

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  13. Hi sweetie!

    Looks like ya'll hit "pay dirt". LOL (no pun intended)

    Maybe we will see each other tomorrow at the fields! First stop for me is Marburger Farms and then back to Warrenton.

    If we don't meet up...best of luck and have fun!!! xo...deb

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  14. What a sweet lady to share her plants. I do agree that osmocote is the best fertilizer there is. It is my secret weapon. I do like Miracle grow, too! And I always start with Miracle grow potting soil. I'll be doing a post on my method later. That house does have a lot of charm. I hope someone saves it! Hugs, Terrie

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  15. How great! I got so excited just reading about your adventure and fun! The bike is so cool, and can't get any better than free! laurie

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  16. What a great time you had -- there is nothing like free things! But then gardeners, always like to share their plants!

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  17. wow! I want to live in your neighbourhood! you lucky girls! can't wait to see your yard with the bicycle and the bowling ball.. heheheh

    have a good day!

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  18. I love the whole story, the plants, the bike, the funky house, the extra shopping opportunity. How great! xo Joan

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  19. Sounds like a grand adventure--how fun! I'm going to guess that the bowling ball is going to turn into a gazing ball...

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  20. Hi Susan! Oh, what a great time you must have had and what a sweet lady to be so generous! Her little house and yard is so pretty! It's good to be back and catch up with you! Have a lovely weekend.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  21. I can't wait to see what you do with the bike and the bowling ball. (inquiring minds) LOL* I think Carson might be some help when it comes to digging and planting, but I have a feeling Riley just won't care too much. *GRIN* Love em both*! _Ashley ~

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  22. WOW!! What a great day for you!
    Sounds like alot of fun!!

    Happy Easter!

    Monica

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  23. Wow! Some great finds. The flowers in the garden were just gorgeous. Thanks for sharing the secret to their beauty. Will have to buy some of that for sure!

    Have a great week!
    Debi

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  24. What a great post. I really enjoyed reading it. It made me think of my mawmaw, she would give plants to anyone who wanted a little snip. Can't wait to see your bike fixed in the yard. That was really a great deal on your bike. LOVE FREE..

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  25. Hey Susan;

    Stop by and enter my spring giveaway!

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  26. What a great story! Lucy's yard is amazing, and how sweet that she wanted to share some of it with strangers! She sounds like a cutie. BTW, my mother swears by Osmocote. She's used it for years.


    Thanks for your sweet comment of encouragement. I needed it!

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  27. What a great post. It just made me smile all over picturing Miss Lucy!
    Even though the bike is a Texas Star(how cool is that?) I think you should name her Lucy. I'd sure like to know more about the shrub she gave you. I don't think I've ever heard of it but it sounds pretty darn groovy. Thanks for the giggle!
    Debbie

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  28. thanks for sharing that story with us..i have my late sis-in-laws bowling ball in my garden..can't wait to see how you use that one! if you get the chance, come over for a visit...
    http://campagnemaison-jacque.blogspot.com/

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  29. How cool is that?? I can't wait to see your re-purposing and love that Carson wanted to help dig. My boys aren't diggers but they sure are nosy when I attempt any home projects. lol ;)

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  30. Hi Susan,
    Thanks for stopping by and for your kind comment. I shall add you to my blog friends.

    LeAnn:)

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  31. Great finds...from the new friend ...to the plants...and the wonderful old bike!

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  32. Thanks for stopping by. I love the bike but it need a wicker basket with flowers in it. Too sweet.

    from Roberta Anne

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  33. I love talking and sharing with people that way! What a nice afternoon that was! Hmmmm...is that bowling ball going to be planter somehow??! Can't wait to see it's final form!

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  34. Susan, what a great little story!!! Love your new bicycle. How fun to have met Lucy!!!! :) and how cute is her house!!!

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  35. I love the bike story and it looks just like the one I had when I was about 6...lets see oh my 47 years ago..no I didn't say that..
    the neat thing was my oldest son learned how to ride that same bike...
    I love your blog and glad I came across it..

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  36. I too, have been searching for a year for an old bike that I can put a basket on the front with flowers in it. Haven't been able to find one. Lucky you!!!

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