Everything's Coming Up Roses

If you are easily bored by photos of roses, this post is probably not for you. Feel free to peace out, I won't judge you.

If, however, you enjoy a good bloom, you have come to the right place because I'm alllll about the rose bushes in my life right now.

I'll start with the wild rose that is currently growing with wild abandon in our backyard; this rose was the result of the hybrid roses that I planted several years ago dying off, and the grafted shoot taking over. This is known as graft union failure, which occurs more frequently than most people expect and can be quite disappointing. I know I was disappointed when the pastel blooms I anticipated were short-lived, and this monster took over.

This year, however, I have learned that I can train the long runners to go in whatever direction I want, so I have managed to create less of a chaotic mess and more of a trailing design that follows the porch without encroaching. I actually love it. In fact, I've been spending more time on the back porch, enjoying the sunshine and a good read while enjoying the fragrance from the blooms.

In the front yard, my hybrid roses have fared far better against graft union failure, with all but one of the bushes surviving. This year, they are all blooming like crazy, with larger blooms than I am accustomed to seeing. 

For example, my Miss All-American Beauty is throwing flowers roughly the size of my palm.

My Fragrant Plum roses are large and plentiful...

...and my Marilyn Monroe roses are ginormous. The Marilyn Monroe is a show-stopper, much like its namesake, and my favorite of all of my roses.

A couple of summers ago, I planted a pink rose next to the Marilyn Monroe; I cannot recall the name, but she is also a stunner.

The Copacabana next to her isn't too shabby, either.

I'm not well-versed in the care and feeding of roses, so I struggle with pruning and always worry that I will cut the bushes back too far, so they have all gotten a lot taller than Hugh finds pleasing. I am considering hiring a local professional to prune them back this fall, so they all have a better shape next summer.

I should also look into hiring someone for that purpose at Not So New Job, where the rosebushes are growing even more wild than my home bushes. Several of the bushes there have also fallen to graft union failure, and we will probably rip out the wild roses and replant with new bushes or another plant of some sort. Still, the remaining bushes throw some amazing blooms. 

Yesterday, I cut a bouquet for our back patio, and I discovered the blooms were covered in aphids, so I will need to deal with that as well. However, I love the vintage colors of the roses, and since they weren't going inside the house, I didn't worry too much about the bugs.

If you made it this far in this post, I have to assume that you don't hate roses. Also, if you are a rose expert and can share some advice about their care and feeding, I would gladly take it.

Friday Favorites, Girl's Weekend Edition

I arrived home from Scottsdale around midnight on Tuesday and immediately dove right back in to real life, which included sifting through the minor mistakes that were made in my absence (nothing but appreciation for Emily for tackling my duties, which have evolved past what they used to look like when she was responsible for doing them daily), as well as prepping for my hosting night for my Bunco group.

So, while this post is a little overdue, it aligns nicely with a Friday Favorites post, since time with my Girls is never anything less than a favorite.

Our time together started Friday morning, when I arrived at Jules' house just outside of Neighboring City; her mom (bless her heart) had volunteered to drop us off at the airport so we could avoid parking fees.

We checked our bags, which, by the way, did not take full advantage of our First Class tickets. Did you know that you can check two bags, weighing up to seventy pounds each? We did not, but we do now. Additionally, our First Class tickets were less expensive than an economy ticket, including bag fees. I find that so odd. Anyhoodle, I digress...

While we waited to board our flight, we indulged in the most expensive drinks we would consume all weekend ($32 for two mimosas. Airport bars are such a scam).

When we landed at Sky Harbor, we were greeted by Phoebe and Tee, who had landed mere minutes before us. Reese picked us up not long after, and we headed to our first activity, which was an appointment at a nail salon for pedicures.

Then we got checked into our suite at the Westin Kierland Villas. Our rooms had a golf course view, and we enjoyed the antics of the local wildlife, including rabbits, quail, and a sneaky roadrunner. We were less than impressed with the roadrunner when he managed to reduce a quail family from seven to five within the first day we were there, however. Also, baby quail are about the cutest thing, ever.

After pizza and snacks on the balcony, we got a good night's rest before heading out for a full day of fun. This is the only picture I posted on social media, and it immediately elicited a deluge of comments that included statements like "There goes trouble!' and "Watch out, Scottsdale". Our people know us well.

After doing a little light shopping, we hit Top Golf. Tee and I were the sole Top Golf virgins, so we didn't think we would do great. Tee also swore me away from the camera to avoid unflattering pictures of our lack of athletic ability. That was probably a good call.

Phoebe is the most experienced golfer out of the five of us, and she showed impressive form.

Tee showed impressive form in the Food and Beverage ordering portion of the program, though, and didn't mind having a photo of that accomplishment.

We ended that day with a third-place finish at trivia at the pool, where we were aggressively hit on by a very drunk guy named Brian who took great pride in telling us that he was "class of 2008". From which prison parole program he failed to mention. I would say "we still got it," but if the best we can attract is a drunken fool covered in prison tats, I'm not sure what it" is.

Later that evening, we indulged in facials that included sheet masks. If you think Tee had a problem with pictures from Top Golf, you can only imagine her adamant instructions against images of us in those masks. Again, it was a good call. Still, the image of Jules, in particular, in her face mask is something that the five of us will continue to laugh about for the remainder of our (obviously lifelong) friendship, despite the lack of photographic evidence (in the interest of full disclosure, that photo does exist, we just won't be sharing).

We also played a rousing game of "New Phone, Who Dis?" while wearing the masks and drinking adult beverages. It is a night that will be revisited in tearful laughter the next time we gather, I guarantee.

Sunday morning, we enjoyed a fantastic breakfast, cooked by Tee and Phoebe, before jumping on the shuttle to the pool at the sister resort, where we had a cabana reserved.

The day was not as sunny as one would hope to find in Arizona in June, but that didn't stop us from having a good time. At one point in the day, lightning closed the pool and we were forced to seek shelter at the bar on the golf course for an hour, but we were able to return o the pool for one lap around the lazy river and a rousing game of "Taco, Cat, Goat, Cheese, Pizza", which was a hoot since what the cabana lacked in sunshine it more than made up for in alcohol. Also, I suck at "Taco, Cat, Goat, Cheese, Pizza" and don't know how anyone could enjoy that game. Obviously, the Girls would disagree, since they collectively kicked my ass. Bitches.

Sadly, Sunday evening, Tee and Phoebe took their leave of us, each having to return to work on Monday.

Reese, Jules, and I spent Monday exploring Old Town Scottsdale and the outlet stores, where I purchased a new Coach wallet. My current Coach wallet was purchased at that same outlet eleven years previously, when The Girls and I were last in Scottsdale together. That speaks volumes about the quality of Coach products and the longevity of our friendship.

Since the weather had finally gotten the memo about it being June in Arizona, we were able to end the day poolside before hopping into a Waymo for a trip to possibly the best Mexican restaurant I have eaten at in years.

Waymo is a driverless car company that currently operates in several states in the western United States. It was a trip, and I mean that literally and figuratively. If you get a chance to try the experience, I highly recommend it; while it was futuristic and weird, it also felt oddly safe and exciting. It was also cheaper than taking an Uber and there was no need to make small talk with a driver.

Carlsbad Tavern was cute and featured delicious food as well as the best blood orange margarita that I have ever tasted.

The tomatillo salsa was ridiculously good.

Tuesday, before our evening flight, Reese took us to Queen Creek Olive Mill, where we sampled gourmet olive oils, balsamic vinegars, and dipping seasonings. We also had lunch in the courtyard; I had an Italian salad and the fresh cream of mushroom soup, and was in heaven.

Reese and Jules topped lunch off with gelato, but I was so stuffed, I had no room left.

Then, far too soon, it was time to head to the airport for our flight. I'm glad we booked the latest flight out, because it gave us so much extra time to spend together, and I didn't mind getting home late one little bit.

It was a great long weekend and one that has energized me, which I had been in desperate need of. I'll head back into the fray at Not So New Job on Monday, but I'll feel a lot more prepared for it, thanks to my Girls.

Always a favorite.

Friday Favorites, May Edition

Since it's the end of May, and I can only manage to publish a Favorites post once a month, here it is! I'm headed to Scottsdale later today for Girl's Weekend, which is my favorite thing of all, but there have been a few other things worth mentioning for the month.

First, Kristi gave me a baby from the spider plant in her office. When the new roots were finally long enough to transplant, I planted it in this vintage milk glass vase (candy dish? Compote? Who knows?), and I love how it turned out.

Secondly, I recently purchased this automatic can opener at Marshalls, and I adore it. It's small, so it takes up hardly any room in my utensil drawer, and it works like a charm, with absolutely no effort on my part.

Thirdly, last night, Kristi and I attended a book fair hosted by the small independent bookstore in Hooterville. They chose to hold the fair at a recently renovated potato cellar, now a thriving co-op of food vendors, featuring a fantastic bar. I love it when historic buildings are repurposed, and this particular renovation was impressive. The variety of vendors is also noteworthy.

Kristi and I chose dinner from Layered, a pop-up that specializes in dishes that are, well, layered. I had the southwestern quesadilla, layered with chicken, cheese, corn salsa, onion jam, and grilled corn, and it did not disappoint. Kristi had a pot roast sandwich, layered with meats and cheeses (hence the name), and she enjoyed half of it before having to call it quits and request a box.

The book fair itself was so much fun! I loved book fairs as a child and was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed one as a grown-up.

The bookstore hosts the Boozy Book Fair quarterly, and I am already looking forward to the next one.

And, that's it for today! I'm driving to Neighboring City to meet Jules for our flight to Phoenix (which has already been delayed by almost an hour, definitely not a favorite). We have pedicures scheduled for later this evening, shopping on the agenda for tomorrow, a cabana booked for Sunday, and five women desperately in need of some quality time.

FAVORITE!

What's Up Wednesday, May 2025 Edition

 

Happy almost June! May went by so quickly because I have been so overwhelmed at Not So New Job; we are still down two full-time employees, and picking up the slack has been time-consuming and stressful. Happily, I filled one of the positions, and our new advocate started yesterday, so things should begin to improve. I really hope so, because I would like for June to be a lot less anxiety-riddled.

Fingers crossed! Anyhoodle, on to this month's edition of What's Up Wednesday, courtesy of Sheaffer and Shay.

What I've Been Eating

I've had some truly delicious meals this month! While I don't consider donuts to be an actual meal, the Mennonite donuts that we had at this season's edition of Pickin at the Pea were a good substitute.

We ate at an authentic German restaurant earlier this month, and I enjoyed the appetizer sampler that we shared, along with the pickled beets on the salad. My main entree wasn't typical German fare, but the Chicken Cordon Bleu hit the spot.

I also had the Back and Bleu burger at a local brewery. I don't eat hamburgers very often, but slather one in bacon and blue cheese and I'm all over it.

It's also charcuterie season! Kristi and I kicked it off this weekend.

And, finally, I had a croque madame for Sunday brunch this past weekend. It was so rich, I couldn't finish it.

What I'm Loving

I spied this painting at Pickin at the Pea and was immediately smitten.

It looks great over the fireplace.

I mentioned earlier that it is charcuterie season, which means that it is Porch Night season; Kristi introduced me to a new friend of hers, and I hosted them on the porch for the official kick-off. Cheers to that!

What I'm Reminiscing About

I planted the garden last week. To say I missed this sweet face would be a vast understatement of my feelings.

Not having him following me around the raised beds is going to take a lot of getting used to, but I'm eternally grateful for the memories of our years in the garden. Every time I pluck a tomato from the vine, I'll remember how much he loved them.

What I've Been Up To

I've mentioned Pickin at the Pea several times in this post. This season's show had a Kentucky Derby theme, which was fun. Mom and Kristi accompanied me to the sale and we each left with some treasures.

Hugh was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame as the Official of the Year, so we all headed to Colorado Springs for the induction ceremony.

Mom flew Queen B in as a surprise for Hugh, and he was so excited to see her. We spent the weekend shopping, dining out, and visiting with family members who also attended the ceremony, including my mom, Oscar, Emily, and aunts Connie and Laurie, as well as uncles Gale and Greg.

What I've Been Working On

I've been teaching myself to do ribbon embroidery, which I am finding a bit more challenging than regular embroidery. I have one project that is 99% complete; I just need to mount and frame it.

I planted my flowers in my grandpa's old wheelbarrow and in the wicker planter that sits on the porch.

And I planted the garden, as I mentioned earlier.

What I'm Dreading

I am so tired of dreading things at Not So New Job, and have done a lot of work on my attitude when it comes to the things that stress me there, but, I would be less than truthful if I said I wasn't dreading the possibility that our upcoming golf tournament won't be as successful as prior tournaments. Things just aren't aligning as well as they usually do. And I'm tired, y'all. I'm just tired.

What I'm Excited About

I'm taking next week off, which naturally excites me, despite the gnawing sense of guilt I have about leaving my staff to handle the workload alone. But, see above: I am tired.

What I'm Watching

Mom and I attended A Walk in the Woods at the community theater; it was the final play of this year's season, and we are already looking forward to purchasing our tickets for next season.  

Otherwise, I haven't really watched much of anything; I have barely turned the television on when I am home, and I haven't really missed it.

What I'm Reading

I have finished the first two books in The Compelling Fates Saga, and now I am eagerly anticipating the third book, which is set to be released in August. The fantasy genre is an excellent escape from the stress that my work life throws at me, and I'm not ashamed to admit it. These books are jokingly referred to as "romantacy" online, but who doesn't love a little romance mixed in with their fantasy? Also, the spice is nice. Just sayin'. 

What I'm Listening To

I finally broke down and downloaded the Audible app, so I've been listening to books that I've already read. It's great background noise for when I'm cleaning or embroidering, and I've caught things on the Audible platform that I may have glossed over when reading.

What I'm Wearing

The weather has finally become consistently warm enough to abandon dressing in layers, so I am embracing it. I also pulled out my white jeans from winter storage, which makes me happier than it probably should, but it was a long winter, and I'm delighted to wear lighter colors and fabrics.

What I'm Doing This Weekend

Two words: Girl's Weekend!

Friday, I will meet Jules at the airport in Neighboring City, where we will board a first-class flight bound for Phoenix. At roughly the same time, Tee and Phoebe will be boarding a flight in the City of Our Alma Mater, set to arrive in Arizona at exactly the same time our flight is scheduled to arrive; we didn't even plan it that way, it was just a serendipitous turn of events. Reece will pick us all up and we will head to the resort, where we will spend the next four days reliving our youth. I am so ready for this trip that I cannot even put it into words.

What I'm Looking Forward To Next Month

I am looking forward to the official start of summer. I'm hopeful that we'll get a chance to spend more time on the lake and that we'll get to go camping at least once. 

Favorite Purchase This Month

This is somewhat silly, but I'm delighted with the automatic can opener I picked up at Marshalls. It works like a charm; all I have to do is position it on the can and push a button. Easy-peasy.