June is ending, summer is here

 Lapidary and the garden

Happy Monday all. heat wave and summer is here in ROC  As a lapidary it is almost impossible to slice or slab any rocks because of this heat.  On the other hand, good part is I can cut cabochons because that equipment is inside in my basement. 

 

This is a snowflake obsidian cabs.  Obsidian is a volcanic natural glass  there are several varieties of it that I have as rough and cabochons.   

 

The heat might be stressing the plants though we are keeping them well watered.   We use recycled rubber soaker hoses to water the vegetables and most of the pants in our gardens.  They conserve moisture by placing the water where it is needed at the roots of the plants,  none is wasted as with sprinklers.  As in the past years of drought, the soaker hoses allow us a harvest and not having to remove dead plants. Fingers crossed this short term heat wave and dry does not turn into an all season event for the summer. 

 

This is yellow turquoise that I cut and set in sterling silver. I love the play of colors on the stone and the final design to show off the shape of the cabochon.   

 

 

Black Lives Still Matter

 

 

Free the People ROC is the group in Rochester, NY.  FB page  Free the People ROC

I invite everyone to stand up, listen to others, be kind and to support our sisters and brothers.  

#bekind

#blacklivesmatter 

#stopasianhate

#standup

#listen

 

 

 

 

 

  

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This is a natural Aquamarine from a mine in New Hampshire.  I did not cut this beauty but the fact is is a USA gem made me purchase several cabs in a few different gemstones from the mine owner.  

http://bit.ly/Panda_aqua

Welcome to Summer 2021

Summer is here in my Rochester, NY garden.  My berries are ripening and my tomatoes look fantastic.Always happy for the new harvest in the garden.  Homemade stir fry was dinner with the fresh snow peas from the garden. Tonight will be Enchiladas with the cilantro.  Plan to make some strawberry rhubarb sauce this week. 

The annual changes feel different this year.  With the pandemic restrictions lifted here in NY and the events beginning time seems to be speeding up.  I was excited and scared to have my Johnson & Johnson vaccine the first week of April.  Yes I am One and Done.  As a woman and small business owner, I felt it was a necessary step for me and my family. 

 

I had decided to not do live events for this spring or summer season. When I made this decision, the
restrictions were much tighter and the crowds were severely limited.  Fall & Winter events are up in the air right now.  My focus is on my family and my health first and foremost. 

This is a small Indigo tomato which we hope to enjoy next month.  it will be a blue tomato and they are delicious.  

This morning we had a new guest in the yard, as I enjoyed my morning tea.  The latest of the bunnies has come out ot hiding and spent several minutes dashing around the backyard.  Happy to see the little guy &  no he did not stay still long enough for a photo. 

 

Black Lives Matter

Free the People ROC is the group in Rochester, NY.  FB page  Free the People ROC

 

 I invite everyone to stand up, listen to others, be kind and be ready to support our sisters and brothers. 

#bekind

#blacklivesmatter 

#stopasianhate

#standup

#listen

 

 

The garden

About  two weeks ago, while I was laying mulch, I found this nest on the ground.  I forgot there are several types of birds that nest on the ground. When I found it there were eggs in it so I stopped where I was and walked away form the bed.  Over the next few days it appeared the nest had been abandoned. the eggs are gone and this is the empty nest.  The size is about 3 inches across and tall.  Any idea what type of bird made this? 

 

 

 

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Why shop small?  For every $100 you spend at a local business,  $68 stay in the community.

Father's Day Weekend

My father 

June has been a difficult month for me over the years. The anniversary of  my father passing away and Father's Day made it this way.  Melancholy about him not being here physically to share my life.  A plethora of things I would love to be able to sit down and talk to him about:  when I need his wisdom and advise, share my success, tell my good news to, & some many things.....  Family is precious, Count your blessings to still have your father in your life. 

 

 

 Here is a fantastic quote from Steve Irwin's daughter, Bindi Irwin 

"Dad is and always will be my living breathing superhero"

I am not saying I am sad for the whole month but it was really difficult to see the joy of friends when I was younger around Father's Day.  Yes I have fabulous memories and a few photos of him to cherish.  After his diagnosis with Cancer, he made sure to hug each of his children every day and tell us he loved us.  As I have written on this blog, many of my virtues and my strong character traits come from his fantastic example. My father led by example.  What I would give to have day with him now!?!?!    

 Black Live Matter

 

I know my father would support me in standing up for others.  His family emigrated to the US and he was first generation of his family born in the US. 

 

 I am glad we have a federal holiday for Juneteeth.  Is is a step in the right direction.  Please read this to learn more from Professor Price

Juneteenth

 

Garden

First Snow Pea harvest is always a celebration.because the growing season has arrived.  The greens: kale, collards, mustard & lettuces are doing well.  Need to plant some radish seeds.  One crop that did not make it was the parsnips.  Glad to have a great supply in the fall at the Rochester Public Market. The tomatoes and tomatillos are full of blooms and have started to produce fruits.  (pics soon)  Harvested several heads of leaf lettuce this week.

This beauty on the left is a new clematis vine for the trellis.  The variety is  Rouge Cardinal. Hoping for it to be happy here.  We have several clematis which were here when we moved in.  The prior homeowners we active gardeners and discovering what we had was fun the first few years we were here.  Happy to remove some holly which were taking over the front yard.

Surprised and excited to have this old hybrid tea rose spring back this year.  The rabbit we have in our garden decided to start eating this toward the end of winter.  I pruned off the damage and am keeping the plant well watered this summer.  It will be protected this year with a wire cage to prevent further damage

 

The summer solstice is technically next week.  On Sunday night Summer begins.  There are many celebrations for the solstice.  Google it for one in your area.  I will greet the beginning of summer with joy this year for the family I have and the time I have with them. 

 

 

 

 

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Why shop small?  For every $100 you spend at a local business,  $68 stay in the community.

. 

June is here and almost summer

 June is here and it is almost summer.  Summer begins unofficially Memorial Day weekend & official on the summer equinox, 6.20.21.

June is pride month in most of the US.  Here in Rochester, NY it is in July.  I believe in Equality, Diversity and Respect for all people. 

Being an artist I feel things in a different way than many do.  Many artists are empathic by nature which helps us create.  My empathy helps me identify with much of my environment. 

LOVE WINS!

Happy to have the warmer weather back in Rochester this past week. Our veggies are happy and we had the first harvest of full sized Kale last week.  The tatsoi mustard have been fantastic so far this year.  I have enjoyed them in salads and omelets regularly.  

Almost all the veggies are planted.  The cucumbers and bush beans are last to be transplanted. feels great to be finishing with the planting. 

 

Happy Iris trying to be closer to the fun on the left..  These are alongside my pool in the backyard.  The railing has weathered naturally because we like the gray color. 

 

 

Happy to have been given some bearded iris last year which have survived the winter and are looking stunning right now.  I will transplant to a better location for next year. We ran out of space in my beds last summer.  Always want room around plants when they are transplanted to allow for settling in and establishing into the new home. 

Now the hard part to choose where they go to live in a flower bed for their new home.  Likely will be group with another color to the beauty of the twi colors in the blooms for next year. 

Black Lives Matter

Free the People ROC is the group in Rochester, NY.  FB page  Free the People ROC

 I invite everyone to stand up, listen to others, be kind and be ready to support our sisters and brothers. 

#bekind

#blacklivesmatter 

#stopasianhate

#standup

#listen

 

Buy Local from the Maker

My shop:  Panda Wear Website
Facebook:  PandaWire Facebook
Twitter:  Panda Wear Gems  
Instagram: Instagram

Why shop small?  For every $100 you spend at a local business,  $68 stay in the community.

Black Lives Matter George Floyd

Today is the anniversary of George Floyd's  murder by police.  My local PBS station has several programs
they are broadcasting to educate the public.  We need to change the corrupt racist system we have in this country.  It will not be a quick fix but we need to defund the police and fund community programs to help those whom need it. We all need to step up and help create a new system.    As an ally I try to speak up often. 

Regular readers of my blog will see me as a woman business owner,  feminist and more recently an activist. 

I joined a group before the March on Washington 1.21.17. Women's March. Please take time to read their mission and principles. 

Women's March

 #blacklivesmatter

#speakup 

 

#DefundThePolice

#DefendBlackLife

As I learned that day 4 years ago, one person can make a difference.  I was humbled by being there. 

 

 

Free the People ROC is the group in Rochester, NY.  FB page  Free the People ROC

I invite everyone to stand up, listen to others, be kind and be ready to support our sisters and brothers.  

#bekind

#blacklivesmatter 

#stopasianhate

#standup

#listen

 

 

Buy local from the Maker

My shop:  Panda Wear Website
Facebook:  PandaWire Facebook
Twitter:  Panda Wear Gems  
Instagram: Instagram

Why shop small?  For every $100 you spend at a local business,  $68 stay in the community.

 

I have earrings and pendants with 50% of the each sale going to Free the People ROC and Woman's March.  

 

 

 

 

Water in the Garden for the Artist

Artists I know

This month has taken me to support some of my artist friends in Auburn, NY.  It feels great to be able to get out and spend time with others now that I am vaccinated.  Not it is not perfect but it is safer than the alternative at this time.  How do you spend a day off?  My most recent trip was Sunday, 5.16 to listen to Karen Farris 1st play, Surface Tension.  It was well written and took us on a journey to how she sees the world.  It will help many gain some perspective on what we can do to fix the problems we have right now.

The area of Auburn & Seneca Falls is a great section of the finger lakes and women's' history.  It has become a regular place for me to visit.  

Here is the writer after the reading asking for feedback of the audience.  It was great to gain more perspective and clarity on a few of the scenes for me.  I truly enjoyed the performance and wish the delay on the thruway had not made me 15 minutes late  From the discussion after the play,it was obvious it set the tone for the first act. It was easy for me to follow even missing the few minutes.at the start. One villainous character resonated with me.  Business Women who reminded me of some terrible people I have met and their only goal - making money at any cost!

I can hardly wait to see it in it's entirety with costumes, scenery and effects.  It will be an amazing production.  Big congratulations to my friend Karen on this play. Hats of to her being able to write during the pandemic and compose such fantastic piece.  Highly recommend Surface Tension., keep your eye out for the debut of the play.    

Earlier this month, on First Friday, 5.7.21 I was able to attend the event at Artistic Impression.  My fiend Sandra Shutter has open a retail boutique with a friend of hers.  It is a beautiful space and showcases her artist style very well.  The pic here does not du justice to the beauty of her creations in the space.  

Here she is with anther supporter discussing one of her creations.  She is a wonderful lady and proud to know her.  Fb page of shop

Artistic Impressions

The Veggie Garden

 

 

Well our normally extra wet spring garden arrived later than usual. This is usually an early spring
occurrence for us, but this year it arrived as May began.   When over wet soil is worked, it compacts and hurts the plants around it.  Very dense soil is difficult for the roots to spread out in.  Vigorous and strong roots are vital for strong plants.  Luck for me it did dry out so I am able to transplant my cilantro, celery, and a few other veggies onto the garden. the radishes & lettuce a few years ago. 

Black Lives Matter

Free the People ROC is the group in Rochester, NY.  FB page  Free the People ROC

I invite everyone to stand up, listen to others, be kind and be ready to support our sisters and brothers.  

#bekind

#blacklivesmatter 

#stopasianhate

#standup

#listen

Buy local from the Maker

My shop:  Panda Wear Website
Facebook:  PandaWire Facebook
Twitter:  Panda Wear Gems  
Instagram: Instagram

Why shop small?  For every $100 you spend at a local business,  $68 stay in the community.

Lilacs in Bloom

Happy to say my man is scheduled for his second Fauci ouchie today.  Sight delay because of the J & J delivery issues   He was originally scheduled for the J & J vaccine.   He decided to not wait & set up his appointments for another vaccine.  

Mother's Day has always been a different holiday for me.  It started out because of the way I was brought up.  My household was not the "normal " two loving kind parents I saw at my friends homes.  It was my reality.  I lost my father as a teenager and that has shaped my life.  For years I honored his mother on Mothers Day.  

She was an amazing women.  You may read more here:  Grandma

The Lilac Festival started this past weekend.  It was nice to see so many people enjoying the first outdoor festal of the season here.  I plan to visit Highland Park this week to smell the lilacs.  So happy to be able  to enjoy the fragrance of them.  For most of my life I needed allergy medicine 12 months of the year. . In 2014 I had a knee reconstruction which made me rethink how I was living.  I radically changed my life for the better.  One of the benefits was no longer needed allergy meds and the stupor of being on them. No this is not about taking other pills or special powders to strengthen my body.  organic healthy for is what I use.

Black Lives Matter

Free the People ROC is the group in Rochester, NY.  FB page  Free the People ROC

I invite everyone to stand up, listen to others, be kind and be ready to support our sisters and brouthers.  

#bekind

#blacklivesmatter 

#stopasianhate

#standup

#listen

Buy Local from the Maker

My shop:  Panda Wear Website
Facebook:  PandaWire Facebook
Twitter:  Panda Wear Gems  
Instagram: Instagram

Why shop small?  For every $100 you spend at a local business,  $68 stay in the community.

One of my commissions to raise funds for Women Build.  Please reach out if you want a pair of these.  a few are ready to ship.   

Hello May 2021

Black Lives Matter

Free the People ROC is the group in Rochester, NY.  FB page  Free the People ROC

I invite everyone to stand up, listen to others, be kind and be ready to support our sisters and brothers.  

#bekind

#blacklivesmatter 

#stopasianhate

#standup

#listen

I keep this here as a reminder.  We need to support our fellow Americans and listen to them.  They should not have to deal with all the racism and hate aimed at them.   We can fix our society.  

Love wins.! 

Kindness matters!

 

Garden Vegetables

 Waiting for my snow peas to emerge from the dirt and become vines.  The greens are doing well.  they survived n the ground through the cold snaps we have had this spring,   even the 2 inches of snow that covered them.  We should be able to plant tomatoes, peppers, & tomatillos by the middle of the month.  need to transplant some lettuce and start new lettuce.  The lettuce is planted about every 3 weeks.  

The waterfall of my pond at right is a beautiful sound to listen to. Waterlilies are growing and should show flowers by the end of the month.

Buy Local from the Maker

My shop:  Panda Wear Website
Facebook:  PandaWire Facebook
Twitter:  Panda Wear Gems  
Instagram: Instagram

 

Why shop small?  For every $100 you spend at a local business,  $68 stay in the community.

 

 

Joy in my Spring Garden

Backyard Garden

The joy of the wildlife in the gardens this week was felt deeply by me. We had the privilege of seeing the cottontails courting so that means baby bunnies or kits as they are called.  The snow last week did not stop my greens from persevering.  they are all ding well and I should have some small leaves to harvest end of this week or early next week.  I was able to be outside within 10 feet of this one while she was eating for a whole and then she decided to come closer to me.  Maybe she wanted to be featured on the blog this week.

This beautiful wooly bear caterpillar was very active in the garden this week.  Sunning herself on this rock and moving around quickly to find the right spot to spend time.  She will become an Isabella Tiger Moth.  Hardy to many cold climates they are frequently seen in the fall in my gardens. Not sure what they prefer to eat that I seem to have,: do like to have them in the yard.  Please not not to pick them up, the hairs on them may cause reaction on your skin.  sometimes they are in the veggie garden.  planted the snow peas this past weekend.  One of my favorite things is to eat the fresh ones right out o the garden.

What is a garden without flowers you ask?  two of my easy to grow perennials in the garden.  Forget me nots, Myosotis or scorpion grass & primrose, Primula vulgaris.  they are  greeting me & the warm sunshine in the backyard flower bed in the early morning.  Fantastic way to start the day is a walk thru the yard and smell the flowers with a hot mug of green tea.  Spent time laying some cedar mulch into s few of the flower beds to prevent weeds taking over the areas. This is easiest to do in early spring before the weed seeds germinate.

Black Lives Matter

Free the People ROC is the group in Rochester, NY.  FB page  Free the People ROC

I invite everyone to stand up, listen to others, be kind and be ready to support our sisters and brouthers.  

#bekind

#blacklivesmatter 

#stopasianhate

#standup

#listen

 

Buy Local from the Maker

My shop:  Panda Wear Website
Facebook:  PandaWire Facebook
Twitter:  Panda Wear Gems  
Instagram: Instagram

 

Why shop small?  For every $100 you spend at a local business,  $68 stay in the community.

This is my "diet" cupcake necklace.  Why not focus on what we want in a fun way?  great gift for the Mom who loves these or making them.  

Women Build 2021

 We are happy for some rain for my flowers and vegetables for the spring season. we are below normal for rainfall.  newest transplant to the veggie garden is the broccoli yesterday.  Kale, collards and mustard doing well. had my second large harvest of about a quart of small tatsoi mustard as shown here full size. 

the flowers and perennials seems to be doing well this year.  We had several rabbits overwinter in my yard so we were not sure what spring would look like.  My blue fescue seem to be happy for the trim on their dead leaves by the bunnies.  

Working on some new pieces and a few commissions this month.  Hope to be able to showcase a new line for summer.  my copper pieces we well received.  Working on some for the Women Build project as part of my team, Calico Hammers.    this brooch was a special fundraising piece for Women Build several years ago.  For the rest of the month only they are available is Sterling and copper for $49   Perfect Mother's Day gift.  Please mention this promotion Limited Edition Mom Brooch when ordering your brooch. 

My Page for the Women Build 2021

Kim Habitat Women Build

Black Lives Matter

Free the People ROC is the group in my area.

 FB page  Free the People ROC

I invite everyone to stand up, listen to others, be kind and speak up.  

#bekind

#blacklivesmatter 

#stopasianhate

#standup

#speakup

#listen

Buy Local from the Maker

 
My shop:  Panda Wear Website
Facebook:  PandaWire Facebook
Twitter:  Panda Wear Gems  
Instagram: Instagram

 

Why shop small?  For every $100 you spend at a local business,  $68 stay in the community.