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| The Neptune Rose |
Happy April, everyone! I opened the drapes this morning to be greeted by the sight of my Neptune rose in bloom! On March 31, it was still a bud and just a day later, it was in bloom! It does look more mauve than pink, now! It has a very light spicy fragrance, but, my sense of smell isn't the best; I wouldn't be surprised if the fragrance is stronger than I can detect. This rose plant was a gift from my gardener friend M to me for my birthday, last year.
March ended on a very happy note for me as I was able to pay a visit to the temple with my daughter. I had called the monks, earlier in the afternoon, to ask if the monks would be available if we visited around 6:00 p.m. and was assured that they would be. We were the only ones at the temple and the monks held a small service for us and chanted blessings. Afterwards, they tied the blessed thread that was made from the different colored threads we had donated, last year. I took the opportunity to donate a book on Buddhism that my mother had bought for me to the temple as it is an English translation of an important Buddhist text and I thought it might be useful for the monks. I also made a monetary donation in memory of my late father, whose birthday was at the end of March. It has been a while since I last went to the temple, so, I felt very happy that I was able to do so.
Today, April 1, I made my usual milkrice for brunch and picked fresh flowers from the garden to offer at the altar. Then, I brought in a package that had arrived for my friend R, brought in the emptied trash cans, and, replied to blog comments.
In the afternoon, I took my daughter to her appointment with the physical therapist. We almost met with an accident as I made the left turn into the parking lot! I had to cross three lanes of traffic to turn into the parking lot, mid-block, and here was a lot of traffic waiting for the light to change. Two lanes of cars gave me space to turn, but, another vehicle came up at a speed on the third lane and didn't slow down. It would have crashed into my car had I not been extremely cautious when crossing that third lane. I was just starting to go into the third lane and was able to brake very quickly! This is why I always say a prayer when I get into the car to drive anywhere!
Daughter's appointment went very well. The PT is pleased with her progress and has given her advanced exercises to do. Daughter had taken some time off from work to attend the PT appointment and after we got back, she went back to work.
Later, we had a cup of tea and watched the news and a video.
Today, on the first day of April, I am grateful for:
- The start of a new month; it always feels like a new beginning to me
- A lovely, sunny day after several cloudy, overcast days
- The Neptune rose flowering for the first time
- Daughter's PT appointment went well and her foot is improving
- We had a safe drive to the clinic and back
Today's joyful activities included admiring the new rose, chatting on the phone with friend R, and spending time with my daughter.
Plans for tomorrow include tending to the garden with M. I sent him a picture of the rose, but, he'll be able to see it in person tomorrow.
How was your first day of April? Did you do an April Fool's Day prank on anyone?
No sign of roses yet, but some lively scarlet tulips emerged this week.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure your tulips look lovely, Angela. I planted some tulip bulbs one year, but, I didn't dig up the bulbs to refrigerate over winter and they don't rebloom the next year without that chilling, in my area. And I didn't want to spend the money to buy new bulbs every year.
DeleteThat rose is so perfect it almost doesn't look real. And such an interesting color! Your daughter has really had a time with her foot. I'm glad she is seeing progress.
ReplyDeleteThank you, June. It is an unusual color, isn't it? Yes, my daughter's foot is certainly taking a long time to heal, but, it is getting better and we are counting the blessings - she doesn't require surgery, she is able to walk a little bit, etc.
DeleteThat is such a pretty coloured rose and I would love to smell the fragrance! Thank goodness you were super cautious about making that left turn. Some drivers seem to think that they are in a race. I am more aware these days that light changes can mean trouble, if drivers arrive close to the intersection at speed and just carry on regardless of what else is happening there.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Bushlady; yes, it is a very pretty color and the rose is beautiful. Yes, I am a very cautious driver, especially when it comes to left turns and light changes!
DeleteWhat a beautiful rose!
ReplyDeleteIt's so lovely that you were able to get out and visit the temple. That must have been really nice.
It's lovely, isn't it? First time I'm growing this rose.
DeleteThe visit to the temple was very nice. It was something I needed to do and I am glad that I was able to do so.
I'm so pleased that you were able to enjoy a visit to the temple. It must have felt very special for you.
ReplyDeleteAnd thank goodness you exercised caution when you were driving to your daughter's appointment. It only take a moment for something to happen. Xx
Thank you, Jules. I did enjoy my visit to the temple. I felt replenished. Yes, it takes only a split second for an accident to happen, doesn't it? People seem to be rushing to make it before the light changes; everyone is in such a hurry to get to where they are going!
DeleteI have never seen a Neptune rose, but it sure is gorgeous! I'm so glad you were able to make it to the temple. Taking care of our spiritual side is so important. I am so thankful you and your daughter were spared from that accident! How scary! I am also glad to hear she is progressing nicely in her therapy.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mandy. This is my first Neptune rose, too. I do like the color. I was so glad I could go to the temple. I need to make more of an effort to do so, this summer. Thank you; that near miss when turning into the parking lot was scary! Yes, she's doing well with her PT.
DeleteI'm glad your rose likes its new home enough to bloom prettily for you! Also glad you were able to avert a nasty car accident. You did well. It doesn't matter how good a driver one is if others are reckless. I always feel uneasy visiting G, as she lives up a narrow, windy lane, on a hill. Some of the bends are completely blind, and yet some drivers shoot along at speed. If something came at you head-on, you would have very little time to react, and no space to get out of the way. I always breathe a sigh of relief when I turn off that road!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lady Ella. The new rose is in a planter so can be moved to a sunnier or shadier spot as needed. I hope it continues to do well.
DeleteYes, driving seems to be a bit hazardous to ones health! I hope you continue to have safe drives to G's and back! I don't like driving on windy roads.
Oh my - I can picture exactly the traffic situation you describe. I have a similar scenario on a turn I often make for the road that goes to our housing development (although my traffic oncoming is only a 2-lane road, not as large as yours.) Still, it can be tricky. Thank goodness you reacted quickly.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely rose. I remember when M gave you that and I was wondering what the color would be. Time passes, spring is here and now we have a bloom on your birthday bush.
I'm glad your daughter's foot/ankle? is improving.
Thank you, Debra. Yes, it would have been a rather nasty accident if I hadn't stopped! That driver didn't even slow down!
DeleteIt is a lovely rose, isn't it? This is the time for the roses to flower - I've more red roses in the front garden and buds ready to open in the back garden.
Yes, my daughter's foot is much better, now; thank you. :)