The Pringle Plan: January 2017

Monday, January 30, 2017

January Gardening

Rhododendron and Liriope

I can see this rhododendron from my back window. It stays green year round. As anyone from the northern states knows, you have to have some evergreens in your garden to survive winter. They give you that piece of spring to hold onto, and something to look forward to. The liriope have purple spikes that change to seed pods during the late fall and winter months. but the leaves stay green.

One of my favorite things to do in January, is to pour over all the gardening catalogs that arrive. I place post it flags on all the pages that scream out, "Plant me!!!" Then slowly over a period of weeks I begin the narrowing down process. What areas of my garden really need some filling in? What would combine well with what I already have? Which plants are truly deer proof? Do I need more color, or more greenery? Do I need some winter interest, or some traditional fall color? In the end I want it all, but the next question is what can I comfortably afford?

Redbud and dogwood trees anchor this island

We've been in our current home for 11 years now. When we first moved in the yard was nothing but lawn. During the winter months I got out the graph paper, planned, and dreamed. Each year since then, we've added planter areas, walking paths, trees, shrubs, and assorted herbs, annuals, perennials, and vegetables. This photo shows the trees in their 2nd and 3rd years, and shrubs at 1 or 2 years. What does it look like now? Well you'll have to wait until I take some more photos this spring to find out - stay tuned!

My goal has always been to have all the landscaping done by the year I turn 60. That way it will just be easy maintenance from that point on. This year I'm focused on filling in some empty spots in the shade garden, fenced flower garden, and in the hot dry front sidewalk planter area. I'll also transplant a few baby hostas from a fenced area to an unsheltered area. I think they will finally be mature enough to handle some deer damage.

Potentilla Happy Face Pink Paradise

My favorite catalog is Bluestone Perennials. I've had great luck with almost all the plants I've ordered through them. The plants arrive healthy and strong, and continue to thrive once planted. No, I don't have any association with this company. I'm just a happy customer and want to share a good resource with you. I've planted the

potentilla and baptisia in the sunny, hot, and dry area of the front garden. Both have proved to be easy and maintenance free, so I'm adding more this year.

Baptisia Australis

Hosta Old Glory

I'm going to try this hosta in my shade gardens. I need some green to liven up the burgundy foliage of the chocolate coral bells (heucherra).

Phlox Laura

This phlox, which seems to have been named after me (LOL!), will go in a fenced flower garden area. It's known to attract birds, butterflies, and hummingbirds. My fear is that it will also attract deer, hence the location of a fenced garden. The fenced garden started out as a vegetable garden, but in recent years I started changing it over to flowers. At this point in my life, I enjoy them more than maintaining a veggie garden. Fortunately, we have a wonderful organic farm stand nearby where I can buy all the fresh veggies I want.

Let me know what you are planning and share your recommendations. I'd love to hear from my readers!

Laura S. Pringle is the author of The Pringle Plan, a series of educational guides.

See books by Laura S. Pringle on Amazon

Monday, January 23, 2017

Unity

The United States White House, Washington, D.C. (www.history.com)

Let's celebrate unity, "For United We Stand, divided we fall."

Despite my vote for Hillary Clinton for President, I was pleased to see the crowds in Washington on Friday, for President Trump's Inauguration. I watched from home - all day and night. For me, it was not about who was elected, it was the fact that we all had the opportunity to vote. It was about the peaceful transition of power that is a strong, unifying tradition of our democracy. It was about the graciousness of politicians with divergent ideologies listening respectfully to a speech many did not agree with. It was about recognizing that no one human being can ever be perfect in the eyes of every citizen. It was about understanding that my political party doesn't have all the answers any more than yours does, and sometimes (for the sake of maintaining our democracy) you have to accept that you have to give another's point of view their chance to be heard and lead.

President Donald Trump greets Hillary Clinton at the Inaugural Luncheon in the U.S. Capitol January 20, 2017, in Washington, D.C. - Us Weekly

My favorite moments of the inauguration were: seeing all the former presidents and first ladies arrive; the hand shake between Clinton and Trump; and when President Trump asked everyone to stand while he thanked Hillary Clinton for attending. The applause for her, during the luncheon at the Capital, was recognition of how hard it must have been for her - knowing she had won the popular vote and, in the minds of many, should have been the one taking the oath of office that day.

PBS time lapse video of People arriving to witness the peaceful transfer of power

Saturday also found me glued to the TV all day. Again, unity was the theme. The Women's March on Washington, brought together people from all over the country. The need to speak out and demonstrate their concerns was so great, that marches occurred not just in Washington, but across the country and around the world. Did this undermine our democracy? No. These marches were a demonstration of our democracy - the right to assemble, and the right to free speech. These women were from cities and towns; low incomes and high; black, white, Hispanic, Native American and Asian; gay and straight; Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and Atheist; democrat and republican; and from ancestries that span the globe. They did not come alone. They boarded buses and came together, and they brought their families - including husbands, brothers, and fathers.. Their differences did not matter. They came together in unity to make their concerns heard. They are worried about men who think they have a right to a woman's body, and about governments who think they have a right to regulate a woman's body. They know the history of women's abuse and suffering, and they want to make sure we go forward, not backwards. These women want equal pay for equal work; healthcare for themselves and their families; the right to marry their partners regardless of gender; the right to be treated fairly and with dignity regardless of their country of origin; and they know that Marches such as this have the ability to create change.

PBS highlights of the 2017 Women's March

In 1987, gay rights demonstrators came to Washington to raise awareness of the AIDS epidemic. They unfurled a massive quilt, each square representing loved ones who had died from Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. Although this disease has not yet been eradicated, progress in the areas of discrimination, prevention and treatment have been made.

1987 Unveiling of the AIDs Quilt from YesterGay TV

For many years, people from all over the country descended on Washington, D.C. to protest the Vietnam War. Beginning as a small group of protesters in the 1960's, the anti-war movement continued to unite and grow as the number of killed and wounded American soldiers rose. Eventually, President Nixon was persuaded to end the war in 1973.

1967 Vietnam War Protest - from Iconic

The Civil Rights movement was not just one event. Over time, black Americans organized and united in their quest to eliminate discrimination and segregation. The famous 1963 speech, I Have A Dream, delivered by Martin Luther King, Jr. occurred during the Civil Rights March on Washington. One year later, President Johnson signed The Civil Rights Act of 1964.

1963 Civil Rights march - from History Flix

It's hard to imagine, but women have not always had the right to vote. Fortunately, early feminist organizers were willing to work hard to change this. Women united against the denial of basic freedoms. While the 14th Amendment extended citizenship to former slaves, it did not include women. The 15th Amendment extended the right to vote to former slaves, however it did not include women. Not until 1920 was the 19th amendment ratified, giving women the right to vote. It happened as a result of women organizing and uniting for a common cause. Does violence occur at these marches? Sometimes, but not by protesters. The suffragettes who marched in the 1913 Women's Suffrage parade were spat on and attacked. The violence is caused by rioters and those who would silence the voices of peaceful protesters. Fortunately, the world takes notice, and changes are made.

1913 Women's Suffrage Parade on Wahington - From the National Women's History Museum

The point of today's post? I am grateful for unity. I am grateful for the many who came before me, willing to do the hard work of organizing for change, and sometimes risking personal harm in the process. I am grateful I live in a democracy. I am grateful for the right to vote. I am grateful for the peaceful transition of power. I am grateful for laws that don't permit harm of my body. I am grateful I currently have health insurance. I am grateful my friends are able to legally marry. I am grateful for advances in medicine. I am grateful for laws preventing discrimination and segregation. I am grateful for the many caring and compassionate people who are able to look past differences and unite for a common cause - improving the lives of all.

I am grateful, are you?

Laura S. Pringle is the author of The Pringle Plan, a series of educational guides.

See books by Laura S. Pringle on Amazon

Monday, January 16, 2017

Hula

The Art of Hula at Hawaii's Merrie Monarch
Festival

When your hobbies are reading, and writing, And you're retired, And it's winter in Connecticut, it can be hard to be remember to get up and move from time to time. Aching joints and the accompanying stiffness are the enemy! So, I've put some real effort into devising some motivating exercise strategies. On a bright green index card, I created 3 columns: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. In each column I listed a choice of exercises: shoulders, core, lower body, stretch, walk, carpal tunnel, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, garden, or Ping Pong. At the top, I wrote "Choose a 15 minute exercise after each meal." Then I propped the card up in front of my place mat, so I wouldn't miss it. You know what I chose? I chose to ignore it!

Then I moved the card to my computer area, so I would see the reminder to exercise before I started typing. Know what happened? Yep, buried it behind all the art exhibit postcards I forget to look at. But then last year, I over extended my thoracic nerve bundle - from tilting my head down while reading. Very painful. So, once I healed, I was determined to get serious again.

I bought a bouncy ball, to use while I'm working at my computer, to strengthen my core. I use it, alternating with my chair, but I've discovered I can slouch on the bouncy ball as easy as I can in the chair. Next, I bought a dual timer. I set the top timer for 30 minutes, get up, walk around the house, look out a few windows, stretch a bit, make a cup of tea, and back to work for another 30 minutes. The bottom timer I set for 2 hours, at which time I try to choose an exercise from a set of exercise cards I made a while back. The idea was to be sure I had variety and didn't get bored. It worked for a while, but .....

Then I resorted to the strenuous effort of moving furniture around so I could fit my treadmill near a window with a view of the woods. I decided I would do 15 minutes on the treadmill after dinner. I'm a little inconsistent on that one, but improving. Unfortunately, that doesn't address the tendency to stiffen during the day.

Fortunately, my Hawaiian friend, Lorna, likes to post hula videos on Facebook. The dancers look so graceful and serene, and the movements seem so gentle. I started looking for easy beginner videos on my own, and found that when my 2 hour timer went off, it was easy to stand in front of my computer, and dance along! I even found this winter hula - perfect on a snowy day!

Winter Wonderland Hula - Halau Hula 'o Hokulani

How to Hula Dance

So, am I any good at hula? No. It doesn't matter, I'm not planning a performance. I'm just enjoying the sunny locale, the Hawaiian music, and the gentle sway. Here are a few more videos - Just For Fun!

Traditional Dancing Hawaiian Islands Kuhio Beach Hula Dancing Show, Hawaii

Hula Dance on Waikiki Beach

Laura S. Pringle is the author of The Pringle Plan, a series of educational guides.

See books by Laura S. Pringle on Amazon

Monday, January 9, 2017

Gratitude

Niantic Bay Sunrise

We experienced two snowstorms this weekend that reminded me it's been a while since I wrote in my gratitude journal. I like snow, but that's not what has me feeling grateful. I'm grateful for my neighbors. We have neighbors on each side that keep our sidewalks clear of snow. My husband has multiple sclerosis, and I have bad shoulders. Shoveling snow is no longer in our skill set! I've never asked my neighbors to clear the sidewalks, they just do it. A third neighbor came over and raked the snow from our solar panels - again without being asked! I am extremely grateful for my wonderful neighbors, and know I don't say it enough, but they still show up, visit with us year round, teach us new things, and offer their help. Many people enjoy living out in the country - away from people. Not me. I love the safe feeling of living among kind people, and the opportunity to socialize at leisure, sharing our lives however hectic or sedate they may be.

You must be wondering what this has to do with the sunrise photo above. Well like I said, I realized I haven't written in my gratitude journal for a while, so I pulled it out and reviewed what I've written in the past. Many of the same things kept coming up, beautiful sunrises, beautiful sunsets, my husband, my cat, family, good health, nutritious food, nature, the changing of the seasons, beautiful gardens, a nice cup of tea, music, soup on a cold wintry day, hot cocoa on a cold snowy day, and always chocolate!

Thanks for clearing our sidewalk and solar panels Ron, Bernie and Tim!

Thank you Gary for spending the past 40 years with me through good times and bad, in sickness and in health.

Thank you Autumn for keeping us on schedule, making sure we do our chores, and get some exercise; and thank you for being a great office assistant and companion.

Thank you to all the birds who eat the bugs in our garden, stay in our birdhouses, and visit us on our deck. We enjoy your colorful beauty and, with a sense of awe, admire your ability to fly.

Thank you tea for keeping me warm, calm and patient.

Thank you chocolate for reducing stress, and being the healthiest comfort food around.

Thank you sunsets for ending the day with a warm glow, signaling the time to stop, relax, and enjoy the beauty of our shared world.

Laura S. Pringle is the author of The Pringle Plan, a series of educational guides.

See books by Laura S. Pringle on Amazon

Monday, January 2, 2017

2017 Rose Parade

Flag Twirlers

The 128th Rose Parade presented by Honda begins at 8:00AM on MONDAY, January 2, 2017. It aired on HGTV @ 11:00 am Eastern Standard Time - Commercial Free!

I look forward to the Rose Parade every New Year's Day. It's my favorite parade, because as a New Englander, I love seeing all the flower covered floats in the middle of winter. This year, the parade is a day late due to the "Never on a Sunday" tradition that dates back to 1893. Worried about upsetting the horses tethered outside local Pasadena, California churches, organizers decided it would be better to have the parade on a Monday. The first Rose Parade was held in 1890. Pasadena's Valley Hunt Club understood that people just like me would be drawn to the mild climate with its abundance of floral displays. They first had games and then decided to have a parade of carriages decorated with blooming flowers. It was a great way to advertise California's beauty.

Rose Parade 1891

Ever since, it has been a rule that all floats must be covered in natural materials. Float volunteers must cover all surfaces of the floats with plants, seeds, bark, flowers, nuts, fruit, vegetables, and even seaweed. Nothing artificial is permitted. A tremendous amount of work, creativity and craftsmanship goes into the floats, taking up to 80,000 hours from 935 members each year. They take great pride in their sustainability practices, requiring recycling, energy efficiency and water conservation.

Nancy O'Dell, Egypt Sherrod, and Josh Temple are this year's HGTV Hosts. They'll tell us all about the unique features of each float, where the marching bands are from, and the history and traditions of the equestrian units. The parade travels along a 5 1/2 mile route of Colorado Boulevard, in beautiful Pasadena, CA.

This year's parade theme is Echoes of Success

"Echoes of Success," is The 2017 Pasadena Tournament of Roses theme. It's a celebration of the people, institutions and organizations that help in the success of others. Through their selfless contributions and inspirational gifts we all benefit, and strive to develop our own characters.

Here are some of my favorite floats: