Soy Candles

My good friend Connie at Ash Lane Farm asked about making soy candles, I will share it even though it is not really about gardening. They are fun to make and are not difficult at all. You need a Pyrex (4 cup) dish to melt the wax in the microwave. You let the wax cool to about 120-130 degrees and then add the fragrance oil, about 1-3 ounces per two cups of melted soy wax, stirring for about 3 minutes before pouring into a container. I pour mine into canning jars that I put a wick in, there are little stickies that are used to stick the wick to the bottom of the container. I am lucky that one of the biggest suppliers is in New Hampton, IA which is only about 40 miles from me and 2 miles from where my parents live so I get up that way often. http://www.enchanted-lites.com/ and I also buy supplies from http://www.lonestarcandlesupply.com/?gclid=CIH-mZHem40CFSCTWAod81M57A You can also find lots of information on this web site. They burn longer and much cleaner as someone mentioned.

Zinnias

Another hot and humid day here in Iowa. I have been on a mini vacation since the 4Th but now reality sets in and it is back to work tomorrow.

This AM I got up early, walked the dogs as I start every day, then before it got really hot I picked raspberries, this is the 4Th picking and they are still coming on strong. After watering everything, I spent the rest of the day inside making soy candles. I share the candles with my coworkers and friends. Today I made Creme Brule, Nag Champa and Peony. They are fun to make and really not difficult, another use for one of Iowa's major crops.

My zinnias are starting to bloom along with my bright light cosmos.

Bloomin Sunday

Here are some recent bloomers in my garden.

Heat Wave, Lantana, Blue Sky

It is a good day to stay inside, I spent over an hour early this morning watering everything that the hose could reach. When I was finished, the dogs and the cat were all laying in front of the door as if to say, hurry up and let us in. I took a few pictures for the Sunday Blooms. I liked the way these turned out. Nothing is prettier than blue sky. The last photo is marigolds, the others are Lantana, I am sure people in the south will wonder why I grow Lantana at all as I have heard it is weed like in the south. I grow it as a pot plant because it will not survive Iowa's winters.

First Sunny of the Summer

My first sunflower bloom of the season is starting to open up. Sunflowers are such happy flowers!

Sedum Bloom

Thought this little sedum bloom looked like a star so will post in it honor of the stars and stripes.

The Clintons were in town today so we went to see them, it was fun but HOT HOT standing in the sun.

Red, White and Blue

Have a wonderful and safe 4th of July everyone!