Friday, August 13, 2010

Pink Roses for Pink Saturday...with a warning!

This morning Hubby and I we were pruning the pink China Doll roses and I saved some of the casualties for the dining room table. I got the start from my mother who got them from one of her sisters...She was never too crazy about them because they have so many sharp little thorns, but we tolerate them because they are such good bloomers even in the Texas August heat and because the deer usually pass them up. (Which explains why I have any blooms at all.)

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While we were working, we paused to admire our "pet" spider...if the truth be told, spiders are my "Room 101", but this one type is just so striking that I can't help but spare them my usual spider reaction. I was first introduced to the Golden Orb Weaver Spider when Mother called me out to her patio one morning to watch as she pitched a grasshopper into a giant spider web in the Rose of Sharon bush.  I freaked a bit, but the spider was so quick as it wrapped its prey in a cocoon-like web that I couldn't help but watch. I think, even if you're squeamish about the species, you'll admit that this one is really pretty.

IMG_1019   OK, I'm a little too scared to get really close or to hold the camera really still..

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You can see the zig-zag pattern that is typical of their web. I tried to throw it a small grasshopper I had caught to demonstrate Ms. Spider's weaving ability, but I dropped it short of the web...Hubby says I would scream like a little girl if Ms Spider got very close...probably. After all, they eat their mates... But I do love watching from a safe distance. Guess I had better close this post with something pretty and pink to help settle your nerves.  IMG_1024

There, that's better...for your weekly dose of pink, head over to Beverly's house at How Sweet the Sound  http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/

She might be sharing roses today, but she usually leaves out the scary stuff.  Thanks for dropping by...enjoy the rest of your weekend. Come back next week and I promise no more spiders.  LaVerne

5 comments:

Unknown said...

Love the ivy jug the pink beauties are in! Love roses, interesting fella there ...

Have a wonderful summer weekend!
TTFN ~ Hugs, Marydon

Abramyan Avenue said...

Love your post. I just lost my yellow rose bush to the heat here in San Antonio. And I see little spiders on/in my roses. I'm always tempted to kill them but my daughter always stops me and tells me they keep other insects away from my roses!! And looking at your spider it seems to look like the one we found in my daughters restroom...it was huge.. about the size of a half dollar. It was a wolf spider. We researched it and it says they are not poisonous but if bitten try not to move at all and seek help immediately! Nice!! But I love your pink roses..they are beautiful! Happy PS!! (sorry for my rambling)
-April

Anonymous said...

OMG. . . a Pink Saturday First. . . a real, live spidey!! eeeeeeeeeeek!! :)

I am realllllly spooked my those creatures. . . even Charlotte gives me the creeps, however, my gr. girl had a Charlotte's Web Birthday Party this year. SHE has taught me to be a bit more tolerant. Now YOU have reinforced that! Sadly, my brain tells me that spiders are mostly great little critters. . . my reactions, however, are no so thoughtful.

Anyway, HPS to YOU........I loved your roses!! L, Dana

Lisa Phillippi llelsik@aol.com said...

pretty roses...yicky spider! It's amazing that anything survives this heat!

Rebecca said...

Wish we had some roses and flowers that would take the extreme heat we're getting-all my plants are dying! Yours look wonderful! Happy PS!



Limping Deer and the Twins

Limping Deer and the Twins
They are still spotted at this time.

Show and Tell Sunday June 15

Flea Market Finds...sounds like my whole house and yard...

Milk Glass Collection

Milk Glass Collection
Who knew that a 25 cent flea market find would unleash such a collecting frenzy? I never pay more than a dollar unless it's a really nice piece. They are great grouped with a single daisy in each.

These used to be inexpensive florist vases in the 50's and 60's. Everyone's Grandmother had bunches.

Mexicana Dishes

Mexicana Dishes
My sister found these for me at Bussy's Flea Market in San Antonio, Texas. I had seen pictures in her Fiesta reference book. Mexicana was also made by Homer Laughlin in the 30's. I had been looking for several years without ever finding even a single piece when she found the set...with a promise to hold it for us, she came running to find me and I bought the entire set...60+ pieces for $50.

Mexicana

Mexicana
I've added to the set over the years, but the price and experience will never match that first amazing find.

Vintage Kitchen Hutch

Vintage Kitchen Hutch
When my hubby found this hutch it was Pepto pink and I was not 100% sure about it. But with a new red back and fresh white paint and refurbished hardware, it became one of my favorite pieces.

Nancy made me save the vine

Nancy made me save the vine
The vine and flowers painted on the inside were in such bad shape that I was ready to remove it all. Nancy -My Crafty Little Page convinced me to keep it and after some touch-up work, I'm glad I listened to her. My husband restores vintage Cushman motorscooters and he tries to make everything "mint" condition again. The Shabby Chic movement came along just in time to keep me from making some terrible mistakes.