Wednesday, December 22, 2021

The First Day of Winter

Caspersen Beach


Yesterday was the first day of winter, but you would never know it here in Venice, Florida. I spent the day in the garden, then took a walk on the beach, and had dinner in my lanai. If you are bothered by seasonal affective disorder or just feel more energized with lots of sun, you would not believe the difference it makes having sunshine virtually 365 days a year. 

And I forgot to mention that my HVAC company delivered a gorgeous box of Christmas cookies yesterday - the owner's wife has her own catering business.

I bought and planted this beautiful shrub/small tree from the garden shop at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates a year ago and it is already 6 feet tall and covered with dozens of these gorgeous blooms. It is called the Tropical Hydrangea or Pink Ball Tree and the botanical name is Dombeya Wallichii. Its blooms last for over a month and it smells like frosted cake.


Dombeya Wallichii

I am thrilled that the temps will be hovering around 80 degrees while my daughter is here visiting. We'll be able to spend lots of time outdoors. They are bringing their mini schnauzer Millie, so we will have a house full of pups.



 

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13 comments:

  1. Vickie H.December 22, 2021 at 10:08 AM

    It all sounds so glorious but especially the special time you will get to enjoy with your daughter and her S.O. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Beth. You are a blessing to so many of us in so many ways.

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    1. Beth ConnollyDecember 23, 2021 at 8:17 AM

      Thank you so much. Merry Christmas to you and yours.

      Delete
  2. AnonymousDecember 22, 2021 at 11:29 AM

    I have never seen that plant! Is it bush-like or more of a tree?
    —Shanna

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  3. SusanDecember 22, 2021 at 1:25 PM

    What a gorgeous tree! It is predicted to be 81 degrees on Christmas Day here in Dallas.

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  4. Pam HowardDecember 22, 2021 at 3:34 PM

    Merry Christmas

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  5. AnonymousDecember 22, 2021 at 8:47 PM

    It is not 80F in Rehoboth, but it is the beach and fully decorated. We'd like to have snow, or at least snowflakes, but not this year.
    Merry Christmas Beth. It's been a blue and white Chinoiserie year and you have contributed to a fun filled adventure. If I bring in another vase or pair of shoes with vases on them, I'll have to buy a bigger house. Enjoy the family as I will enjoy mine.

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    1. Beth ConnollyDecember 23, 2021 at 8:14 AM

      Rehoboth is great at Christmas. Merry Christmas to you and yours.

      Delete
  6. Debbi BenedictDecember 22, 2021 at 11:45 PM

    We bought a historic house in Michigan and moved there this fall. Thankfully, we kept our Florida house and will be snowbirds after 40 years in Florida! I have been freezing since we moved to Michigan. I can't wait until we get back to Nokomis on Jan. 10th and stay until May!

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    1. Beth ConnollyDecember 23, 2021 at 8:11 AM

      Wow! I grew up in Chicago and wild horses couldn't drag me back for the winters. Who is taking care of the garden? Merry Christmas!

      Delete
    2. Debbi BenedictDecember 23, 2021 at 12:52 PM

      It pretty much takes care of itself. We will need to do some trimming, but that is about it. A good mulch will take care of weeds well.

      Delete

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