My Dear Bougainvillea

A few years ago, I found Barbara Karst Bougainvillea on clearance. A gallon sized bucket, which had been $25, was now $3. Why? I don't know. It was dead. Or dying. I just think the stock was changing at Wal-Mart. It was still hot out here, but Halloween decorations and school supplies were taking over.

I bought 7. I know. It seems extreme. But with the size of my yard, either you go big...or you just go home. So I planted them. In the backyard. On the west fence. I thought it would add to my "tropical" vision. I wanted my backyard to have an "exotic" feel to it.



Vibrant pink flowers were taking over. These plants grew so well! Taking over the fence. Even my neighbor commented on how pretty the looked. I was so happy! These plants were amazing climbers. And added a bit of "privacy" to my backyard. A total bonus!



I also picked up an orange variety. I have no clue what it's "real name" is. But it was gorgeous. More of a peach color. And I planted next to the gate, leading to my backyard. It grew nicely. Not overtaking the space. But adding a nice "pop" of color.

Well, around here, most people landscape with more "tropical" plants. It's more common to see palm trees, than it is to see pine trees. And we're more than cool with that. Until we get snow.

That would be 2 years in a row. Lots of snow! My backyard had almost 2 feet of snow in it! That was February. When our temperatures loomed under 0*F. We were not happy. Not me. Not my town. Not the surrounding area.

So many plants and trees died. Costing this city, and our neighboring city way too much money. HUGE palm trees, are now having to be replaced. As for me, my dear plants have died. I have little hope for their return.

A bit dramatic? I think not! Any and all tropical plants that I had, are pretty much dead. I've been diligently watering. But I'm almost 100% sure they are not coming back. It's a sad situation really. Last summer, they were so pretty!

But I will not let that get me down. No sir! I will keep my eyes open. Looking for another good deal. Hoping that I can find a few bougainvilleas. Maybe some hydrangeas. Anything to add to my yard. It's going to be a long process to figure out what survived our tough winter, and what didn't. ♫

Shorts.

These are everyone's summer essentials. Shorts. Me, I haven't worn shorts, in public, for over 9 years! Yes, I'm 27 years old. I'm anywhere between a size 3-7 depending on what's going on. And I don't wear shorts. Did I mention...I live in the desert southwest. Here, it's easily over 100 degrees for almost 60 days a year!

Why don't I wear shorts? Um, I'm not really sure. Maybe because my legs are white as sin. Yes, I know, wearing shorts would help. But when you go from white to red to white, it's horrible! I've never been tan in my life! And then, my legs. I'm just not crazy about them. Sure, I workout a lot. I've got some cute muscular calves. But my thighs. Ugh! I've never liked them. Not when I was 16 years old and a cheerleader. With little to no body fat. Not now at 27 with a trainer that kicks my butt!

So there you go. Me and my evil enemy...shorts. I do wear pj shorts to sleep in. I really enjoy my old cheerleading shorts for working out at home. Never at the gym! But not even in my own yard, do I feel comfortable enough to wear shorts. It's something that I need to get over ASAP. You know, being that it was a cool 101 degrees yesterday. Oh, and the temperature is on the rise again! ♫