Florida gardeners webpage

It has been ages since I've posted any entries on this blog . . . I've been busy reorganizing my life, taking care of a nasty computer virus that took me over a month to conquer and way too much to go into again as everything has been covered in my other blogs . . .

My latest project is updating my personal website, DonitaWorld.com, which is mainly devoted to gardening and soap operas . . . much more coming soon.

In the meantime . . . I have updated my Florida gardening webpage . . . click here to go there.

Have all of my Florida gardening buddies thawed out by now?

My paradise is a bit crispy, but better than I expected. We were supposed to get down to the 20's in Tampa, but it didn't happen in my area. This Florida girl is still bundled up in many layers of clothing as my bones have not thawed out sufficiently :) I absolutely HATE cold weather . . .

With the economy as it is and my internet endeavors taking a huge financial hit, my unsuccessful attempts at joining the real world with a "real job" haven't worked out . . . well, I'm looking at all areas of my life that need cutting back.

One of them is food that I can grow myself and I intend on at least clearing out a section of my paradise and devote it to growing tomatoes, peppers and herbs to start off with . . . even if I have to grow them in containers . . . that works better for me anyway!

I've begun a series on my food blog, Gina's Italian Kitchen, on saving money on groceries, including recipes for cheap meals. There have been times in my life where I have gone through some serious financial struggles, I know how to adapt and still eat well.

You can really save money when you grow your own herbs and veggies . . . especially from seed . . . I'll start a series on growing your own food.

Collectors of Disney memorabilia

Click on the 1st Disneyana Convention
Mickey Mouse Christmas Ornament to go to my eBay store . . .
I've just begun listing my collection of collectible Disney stuff.

There are hundreds of items in my collection that I am ready to let go of . . .
I've been collecting this stuff since Disney World first opened!

Where did the summer go?

It didn't hit me until today that summer is over. Labor Day crept up on me like all the other holidays and special events that have come and go.

Since my husband passed away, I've found it difficult for anything to seem normal. Even my biggest passion, gardening in my Paradise, has been a dreaded reminder of my happy past. But you know, circumstances don't go away if you ignore them, and untended gardens turn to jungles. My biggest promise to myself has been to get my Paradise back to where I can enjoy it again. Summer marked its beginning which never really started. My Paradise was not to be the jumping off point to my new "normal". An overwhelming task that needs professional help . . . and lots of money!

All is not lost though . . . it seems like this summer has marked my way back to "normal" in many different positive ways. My other blogs have chronicled these incremental changes that have brought me to this place in life that feels like the beginning of many new changes.

I just wanted to check in and let everyone know I'm still around, but have not been very active in the garden and have not gotten out to enjoy the Florida sunshine like I will be doing very soon. I've spent most of the summer getting my online stores going again and getting myself ready to get back into the "real world" and getting another job. I haven't worked since April and I miss getting out . . . it is time!

Don't most hermits hibernate during the winter?

:) Happy Labor Day!