Pamela Phipps

While inside a new client’s home this week, I noticed that telltale “beeping” noise that usually is a result of battery failure in an alarm.  So I asked her about it.  Had she checked out that nearby ceiling smoke alarm in the foyer?  It had been checked and actually was hard-wired.  I thought maybe there was a battery backup.  She said no. 

I took a few minutes to listen, allowing for echo effects.  She had been prepared to call in the electrician to resolve the problem.  So she didn’t mind a little help from me.

Crouching by a sidetable, looking underneath, seeing nothing, I asked her to open the drawer.  Inside was a carbon monoxide detector mechanism.  The culprit was found!  Her niece had been searching for that sound all winter while housesitting.  Batteries removed, beeping thwarted. 

I think she was a little impressed with my persistence and solving her issue.  While probably saving her a nice chunk of change, I think I brought a little more peace to her day.  And that’s what I like to do.

Here’s a reminder as you weed and edit your gardens.

See how similar these two plants appear?  I almost dug out both of them until I became more aware!

The plant on the left and below IS a weed.  The upper plant is NOT.  The upright twigs from last year’s growth was the clue.  And nearby were two similar plants.  A group of three.  Whew!  So be careful and pay attention.  Because sometimes in the garden (and in life) what you think is a weed—is not.

While out browsing today, I came across these poppies.  They’re labeled pink, but they are more like salmon.   They shouted encouragement.  So I’m going to call them Cheerleaders!

Rah, rah, dis, boom, ba!  Let’s get going!!

Just with some luck, my amaryllis have staggered blooming times.

Can’t beat this on a grey April day.