Hot Pink Stargazer Lillies And Gazania Photos!

My stargazer lilies have finally bloomed! They're an eye catching pink, with green star centers! We've had a record low July so far here in Pennsylvania! My flowers are finally perking up! We had a 4 inch deficit of rain, and now catching up with all the rain we've had. We are expecting rain everyday for the next week !



I picked up a six pack of Gazanias for only $1.50 at a nursery near my home! They remind me a lot of daisies! Gazanias do well in dry conditions! Plus they caught my eye, because they were in dire need of planting! I loved the color of the one above!

Mid summer is a good time to buy annuals, and perennials at a bargain price. I needed some flowers to fill in an empty area! I planted a total of 66 flowers this year!




Last week my pool turned green! I mentioned the cooler than nomal July we're having! The nights have gone down in the 50's, and days only in the 70's. Great for those who like Spring and Fall like weather, but I like it hot for swimming! The lack of people in the pool, and stagnant water has left our pool to collect algae! The chlorine has also dissipated really fast. We've since cleared it up! It's very expensive to keep up a swimming pool, all the pool chemicals have skyrocked in price!

I've had my Ester Williams pool for 15 years now, and I love it! My husband and I like to do laps back and forth, the main reason we chose an oval pool! We have a deep end where you can jump in and get wet, 6ft! Today is really humid, but the water is cool from the cold nights!

I've been keeping busy painting my house since the past weather has been ideal for painting! We've only one big wall left to do! How is your summer going so far!

Tiger Ranch Owner Linda Bruno Pleads Guilty! Update 7-13-09!

See Updated Post Oct 5, 2009 Below!

As jury selection was to begin July 13, 2009, Linda Bruno plead guilty to 12 counts of animal cruelty, along with 2 counts of veterinary record forging!

Judge Jill Rango refused Bruno's motion to have charges dismissed, stating search warrants from ASPCA were illegal! Instead Judge Rango ordered Linda Bruno to pay $200.000 to ASPCA for providing ongoing care to hundreds of cats seized in the Tiger Ranch raid on March 13, 2008.

Linda Bruno could face up to 24 years in prison for all the charges, which they say is doubtful. She may however be forced to face some jail time in her October sentencing!

I was totally surprised at the outcome of this highly emotional trial. Expecting Linda Bruno to put up a huge fight,as she had in the past! Today Linda Bruno seemed somber and defeated.

Somehow I don't see Linda Bruno having $200.000, and if she had maybe none of this would have happened.

I agree with many others that feral cats are really the root of the problem! I see ferals everywhere, especially here in the country! We have a few right here in my neck of the woods, one a very cute black and white tabby. I can't get near him, to even try to tame him. They're too wild to give a home to! Ones down the road just gave birth to sick kittens, and the cycle just continues on, because they keep multiplying! Folks just keep dropping them off, here in the country if they decide on a whim they don't want them.

All of us animal lovers have to stand by and watch them suffer! Alot of folks just don't see or understand the real world of ferals, and dropped off cats.

I'm sad to see Linda Bruno got caught up in all this, possibly taking on more than she could physically do, and getting in over her head!

One person can't save the world, but many can certainly make a difference!

We now wait to see, what the sentencing will be for Linda Bruno in October 2009! I'll be watching!

New Updated Post Tiger Ranch Linda Bruno Jailed Today ~ Sentencing Delayed ~
Update Oct 5, 2009!!!

Read my other Tiger Ranch Posts

Keystone Lake Pennsylvania Photos! Mike Reese Responds to PA Park Closings!

I shot some awesome photos on our fishing visit to Keystone Lake Pennsylvania in Derry township last weekend! My favorite the first one above of my husband fishing on the lake, as the sun sets after a brief summer rain! I often ponder if Heaven is right here on earth with us! Absolutely breathtaking! Click on any photo to see enlarged!




Upon our arrival at Keystone Lake dark clouds started rolling in, and let loose a cool light rain spreading on the surface of the lake! Beautiful green trees and grass light up the stunning countryside setting, as pictured in the photo above!



Almost as soon as the rain came the sun streaks peaked out again! A double rainbow appeared in the sky, pictured here between the trees. This is two of three rainbows, I witnessed this week. The other rainbow came on Tuesday while walking my sister's dog, and sadly I didn't have my camera! In fact we've had much cloudy and rainy weather since we returned from our VA vacation in the beginning of the month!




The last shot of an incredible sunset on Keystone lake. You only need to look and beauty is all around us, just waiting to be taken in! I'm always ready and willing to capture it! The fleeting moment is now, and I'm here on this earth for a reason!

Keystone park surrounds the lake with many hiking trails, cabins, campgrounds, and even a beach! Non gas powered boating is also allowed on the lake! People come from everywhere to enjoy the serenity of Keystone park and lake! We visit beautiful Keystone lake a few times a year!

On another note in response to my email sent on a previous post, Heads Up Pennsylvanians ~ Bill 850 To Close 35 Pennslvania State Parks, I received an email from State Representative Mike Reese, about the Pennsylvania park closings! Mike Reese was the only one to respond back! I was very concerned about Laurel Mountain Park, and Keystone Park! Here is Mike Reese's email response:

Dear Jo,

Thank you for contacting me regarding the closure of approximately 35 State Parks including Linn Run State Park This is a difficult process that needs to be addressed. I want to keep the park open and it will stay open. I would like to explain to you what this means. The park will not be gated shut; the public will still be able to access and enjoy the beauty of the parks. However, there will be a reduction in services such as garbage pickup. In these rough economic times, cuts are needed in order to not raise taxes.

If you should have any additional concerns on this issue, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Mike Reese
State Representative
59th Legislative District

I thank Mr. Reese for getting back to me, and explaining the situation. I'm concerned in these tough times we won't have free places to visit and enjoy! I encourage everyone to write their state representative to keep our parks alive. I don't think Keystone is on the list, and I've yet to see the list!

You bet I'll be watching, I love all our parks here in Pennsylvania! I hate to see our state parks not being maintained! I hope they never gate them shut! Can you imagine the beauty we'd be missing?

Nature is a major significant palette of my artistry!


Related Posts:

Heads Up Pennsylvanians ~ Bill 850 To Close 35 Pennsylvania State Parks!!
Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail Excursion 2008
Post Gazette ~ Cutbacks put some state parks on shaky ground.
Ligonier Living ~ I'm stunned