Random 5 Friday, wow, this week went fast. That seems to be the story of my life lately.
1. It’s been almost two months since I’ve seen our new granddaughter (and her siblings). That needs to be remedied. Soon.
2. Thankful for ceiling fans (all fans, really), libraries, shopping malls, restaurants, etc. We need to replace our heating and a/c system. I’ve considered joining the robin.
3. I mentioned a vitex tree in a previous post. Some weren’t familiar with it, so here is a picture of ours:

The low sucker branches need to be pruned once the threat of rain passes. Here is a picture of the Vitex at our local garden center that made us want one:

4. The petals on the Black-eyed susan are beginning to unfurl.
5. I saw the cutest planter of assorted succulents at the garden center. Realizing I already have the perfect planter, I’m going to buy some.
That’s it for Random 5 Friday. If you’re in the U.S., have a safe and happy 4th of July (Independence Day celebration). See you next week!
i SO want a vitex tree (or 9!) a blogger friend sent me seeds last year and not a one germinated for me! *sigh*
LikeLike
Nine! You have a lot of space, Theresa, nine would be good. Maybe you need to get a small tree that is already growing, that’s what we did. Since they wouldn’t sell us the BIG one…
LikeLike
p.s. they’re calling for 106 here today. i LOVE a/c and ceiling fans! let the a/c and electricity hold on, please!
LikeLike
We’ve only been in the 90s, thankfully.
LikeLike
This is so strange: Marshall was just mentioning the vitex shrub/tree in his yard the other day. Although I’ve seen them, I didn’t know the name!
LikeLike
I had never paid much attention, the ones I’ve seen along the road reminded me in size of the crepe myrtles, Dianna. Then we saw the big one at McDonald’s garden center.
LikeLike
Cute robin! Love that vitex tree. It’s 104 degrees right now….and we just finished mowing my mom’s yard. Suicide!
LikeLike
I feel for you! It’s only been in the 90s here, and I don’t feel much like moving, let alone mowing.
LikeLike
I have seen many photos online of the vitex but didn’t know the name of it…gorgeous!
LikeLike
I hope ours turns out like the one at the garden center, Susan. 🙂
LikeLike
Wow! You must be melting over there. that is some temperature! although I cannot say we have sumer here, we are not uncomfortable. Have are great weekend. Margaret
LikeLike
It sounds like time for us to pay you a visit, Margaret! At least until our heat wave passes. 🙂 Enjoy your weekend!
LikeLike
I thought we were having it rough with 102 temps for the last three days. Geez, I’m so thankful it’s not 106!
Cute wee robin. Looks like he’s having a ball.
LikeLike
Anything over 100 is too much, Elizabeth. 😉
LikeLike
We had a cool down today but up till now I would have considered joining the robin too!
LikeLike
Hopefully the cool down is headed our way, too, Pix. We do have t-storms in the forecast for the next few days, which we will welcome–as long as they behave themselves! Enjoy your weekend!
LikeLike
I’ve been taking Vitex every day for several years but I had no idea what the tree looked like. It’s gorgeous!
LikeLike
I wasn’t aware of it having medicinal properties, Trisha, I’ll have to check into that. Thanks!
LikeLike
That tree is gorgeous! Love your ramblings too…… 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks, Dor. 🙂 On all counts. Have a blessed weekend!
LikeLike
You need a grandchild fix! I really like succulents – their texture and shape are wonderful in a planter. Keep cool!
LikeLike
I sure do, Barb. We usually try to visit once a month, so this feels much too long. I like that succulents prefer dry soil, and are low maintenance. I’m sticking close to the fan! 🙂
LikeLike
oh that tree is fantastic! I wonder if the flowers smell good and what it looks like in the autumn. I’m sure it wouldn’t last up here in new england. It does look like a lovely spot to picnic under though.
LikeLike
I shall have to sniff the flowers and get back to you, Kara. It blooms in spring, then sporadically through summer and fall. It is an evergreen, and found in zones 6-10. It does look like the perfect picnic spot, now that you mention it!
LikeLike
That vitex is beautiful! Great picture of the robin… Happy July 4th!
LikeLike
I hope our tree turns out so well, Meg. Robins know how to cool down on a hot day.
LikeLike
Wow — that tree makes a statement for sure. Love the purple blooms. Enjoy your weekend, Patti!
LikeLike
And I love what it has to say, Nancy. 😉 We had a great weekend, hope you did, too.
LikeLike
The vitex is stately and colorful, Patti. I love the last photo.
blessings ~ maxi
LikeLike
The yellow flowers are starting to open, Maxi. Blessings to you.
LikeLike
The Vitex tree is very beautiful and unique. The robin looks cool enough flapping its wings in the water. It made a lovely photo for us to enjoy.
Our home thermometer reads 116 degrees! Whew! HOT! I’ve been told the winters are wonderful. I lke the cactus plants here. They are spectacular. Very tall!
LikeLike
I’m glad you got to stop by to see the Vitex, Carol Ann. It is a beauty. You must be in the area I keep hearing about on the news, record high temps. You have a whole new landscape and area to explore, and someone to see it with. So happy for you. Blessings!
LikeLike
The action shot of the robin splashing in the birdbath is wonderful.
LikeLike
Thanks, Sheryl. There are a few birds that I know to grab the camera when they visit–always good for a show.
LikeLike
I really like the Vitex tree. Pretty blooms. Happy 4th of July!
LikeLike
Thanks, Eileen. It really is pretty, and the butterflies love it! Happy 4th!
LikeLike
I was treated to 118-degree weather last weekend, so I am also thankful for AC and fans! This post may be random, but it does have a strong nature theme through it. Organized randomness?
LikeLike
It’s a good thing you got waterlogged on your trip east, it may have kept you from dehydration, Janna. Organized randomness. I like that!
LikeLike