Best/Worse & What did I learn today..visit with friends!

Mary-I hear you about the bosses "feedback". I learned at a job long ago that when you are trying to give constructive criticism that you need to sandwich negatives with positives. Sure wish more employers learned that as well. Sure makes it easier to take and makes the person doing the telling less anxious about have to do the criticizing.

Betty-try the lily forum. I know there is a specific kind of bug that likes lilies and I think a special treatment as well. BTW, I am curious, what program did you get on the puter?? Glad to hear that Ann is able to participate with your ladies. I think it will be excellent for her to have something to take her mind off things for even a little while.

Tubby-glad to hear you had a good time:)

We got married 2 weeks after 9/11 in vegas and flew from Phoenix. We had to arrive 3 hrs. early to the airport. A bunch of peeps canceled their plans to come, and I couldn't really blame them, but I tell you it was truly the safest time to fly. You waited for about 1.5 hrs to check in and they had dogs sniffing every single bag that was checked and randomly opened some as well as ones the doge hinted too. I put all my undies in my carry-on since I didn't want them all out for the public to see if my bag got checked-LOL. Then another 1.5 hrs to go through security. I have noticed since then that some airports are more stringent on flying then others. Makes me wonder if they don't have like surprise checks and how in the world some pass it.

Betty-your Weigela is pretty!! I have the Wine and Roses variety (the one with the really dark leaves) and I planted Creeping Jenny under it-such a pretty combo with the dark leaves, hot pink flowers and chartreuse leaves underneath!!! Plus the area around it is very sandy and nothing but weeds, so I wanted a plant that would take over in no time-and boy is the Jenny not disappointing-LOL

Morning, been QUITE the morning so far, tripped on the kittie going off the deck, broke my glasses in 1/2, got to the office started to work and couldn't see anything! So off to the drug store and purchased glasses that hopefully will do me until I go get new ones..drats...at least I didn't break an arm or a leg..

Here's the link for the lilly critters

http://plantlilies.com/growlilies/101-beetlecard.html

Will have to go digging as per their instructions...said the know when you are comming, lay on their back in the ground and you just can't see them..that did happen, went to rid a plant of 3 of them, yikes, don't like touching them, they fell from the plants, thought oh well, they are red, easy to find, no could do, guess they are smarter than I...lol

Susan, Judy's got deer, you've got rabbits and I've got these bugs, all part of gardening right...think it says you can use rose powder or spray so will check my gardening supplies..got to do something..don't think they attack any other plant but they do go dormant over winter and come back full force...so keep an eye out..

Tubby, am sure your grandaughter was overwhelmed to see that you took such a long trip in order to be there for her graduation...any photo's you can share? Did Shirley do all the driving?

Mary, keep hearing about the oil spill and all those birds/fish etc. and my heart goes out to you all...
Saw an article in a local paper this morning and thought I'd share...

Girlfriend Wisdom - Grow Where You Are Planted

Have you ever heard the saying, "Wherever you are, is where you are?" Sometimes we forget that the present moment, the present life situation needs our full attention. We are thinking about our tomorrows when "things" will be better! When we finish a big project, or acquire something that we are working so hard to achieve.

What about today? What about the opportunities in the present moment? Some say that times are hard, we have to move out of our current situations; goals are good, seeking a better future is great.

For this season of time, we are here, right where we are. Deepen your roots, stay in peace, nurture what you see in front of you. Be the best, right where you are! Develop your gifts and talents. New seeds will grow and blossoms will bloom. Get the weeds out of the Garden of your Mind. Don't let them steal your joy. Make room for creative growth. Take walks and lift your face to the sun. You will feel stronger with each step.

This morning I hear that the gentleman who created the game Scrabble did so during hard times. How about the news story of the unemployed gentleman who loved bowling. He became a new professional bowler- recently won more money than he would have earned allhis life at his old job? He is working at what he love to do. A creative gift found and developed due to 'hard times'.

Girlfriend Wisdom:

Grow where you are planted. Look for the joy and opportunities in your current situation. Be the best at what you have been called to do today. The best Mom, Dad, Listener, Friend, Daughter, Son, Sister, Brother, Neighbor, Boss and Worker. You fill in the rest....

Joy in Your Day..Jody Houghton

Stacey going to check my others, not sure I have the Wine and Roses..I've about 14 of them, don't tell me a forgot one ..lol.. when you were visiting did you get to meet Ann? I've got the movies set aside, got to tell you, I'll really have to pack properly to fit everything inside my car..

As for picking up Crissy, I might have to leave the evening before just to guarantee I'll be on time...with the 2 Summits taking place with all the world leaders, including yours, I can't imagine a wait at the border to go across to USA, think it will be coming from USA the 24th where the hang-up will be, just incase I've got to be prepared..also thought leaving the 23rd after work and staying at mom's in the city then leave at 5 in hopes that will be me there in plenty of time...if no hold ups, can always do some shopping.

Betty are you going to park in the parking lot and come inside the airport, or drive around in the circle until I come outside?

It's not a big airport Crissy, so I'll be inside waiting..you'll just have to provide me with all the details again..what flight, what arrival gate etc.
Nope, won't leave you stranded....actually I'm going to make some type of arrangement should, God forbid, something happen to me on my way...think I have your cel from when we got together in Memphis but will get it again, still lots of time..I am though making notes of what is needed...

Betty-I don't think I met Ann, but not sure to be honest with ya-it was kind of a whirlwind adventure;) And thanks for the movies;)

Here is the Wine and Roses-this pic is from 3 yrs ago, so no creeping Jenny yet-I am such a dork I forgot to take a pic when the flowers were blooming to show it off-dunce cap in corner waiting for me-LOL

Today I need to do the laundry, the parts of the bathrooms I can do (no tub or mirror-DH needs to do them til after the birth) and I think I am going to paint a chinese pagoda birdhouse. I have been trying to come up with something for Joyce for a hostess gift and am coming up blank. Maybe one of the birdfeeders everyone likes....hmmmm

Here is one of the feeders...

Good Morning, Good Morning!

Cheering loud, TODAY is the last day for running, woohoo and yippeee, sing a song, Schools out for Summer!
LOL, now just summer programs. Jacob joined wrestling camp...Breenie looking for a job, Julia going to go to Summer class, I think.

Been working in the yard in between rains, starting to look good. Today is raining again so indoor work needs to be done.
I think Saturday is our 25th Party!! lol, on Calender it says make no plans for today, don't ask ?'s...We are really curious to whats up.
We haven't been asked to go anywhere, so i think it's here, which means I am cleaning like crazy today.

OH, yummy...I am learning to grill! Yesterday made pork chops and it was deelicious, very simple recipe, marinade for 6-8 hrs!!

Waiving Hiya Barb!

Mary, I hope your day is better. I too wish some bosses knew the right way to "advise" people on what they need to work on.

Susan, So sweet...Glad you have an angel! Always good to see you.

Tubby, Congratulations on grand daughter. I am glad you got to go to Wisconsin.

Betty, How wonderful Kyles bike run went so well! Looked like you all had a great day. Bummer the weather wasn't so great, but I am glad the turnout was good. He should be very proud of himself, lol I am sure you are very proud too.

I hope Ann has a great time in the painting group...

Yikes sorry to hear your lilies are getting eaten up...
Steve's home today, so lots of shopping. We are going to menards, told him i want to make stepping stones so i need the cement stuff, will pour them tomorrow...But we need 10 bags of mulch some stones then i can complete the little room.

This picture is a little blurry, but you get the idea. Betty, Lia, Debbie, remember this space, full of weeds, tree limbs, fire wood...just awful!!
Well tadah! I cleared it all out. This is where my leaf stones will go across. At long last, this area is taking shape to what I have had in mind for all the years we've lived here! Around the tree is to be hostas and ferns, maybe a few daisies. Also along the deck and shrubs will be the same along with some annuals...oh and the bird bath has been moved too, I want to get that painted, it's a trash to treasure project!

OMG, that is not the picture, lolol...

Here is the right picture, i hope.

And here is the new and improved sitting area. Jumanji's new room! Behind her in the back is going to be variagated Hosta and ferns...
The day lilies, never bloom, it's too dark, but i like the leaves so I left a little clump...This was overgrown with weeds! I yanked removed all the stone, put down black cloth and replaced and mulched it all in! So i hope now it will be an easier task to keep it clean.
On the ground, I am reviving my Little garden "cake"...I used to make them for gifts, haven't in years, so decided it was time.

Oh Betty, so sorry you fell, glad you didn't get broke! That could have been pretty bad.

Oh Stacey, What beautiful Roses!!!

Pretty, bird feeder too.

Look What i happen to catch a photo of!

I gotta go, time to go back to school, lol only 3 more times today and Im done...

Enjoy your day everyone.

Judy, both you Steve and the family sure have been on a upgrading binge both at the cottage and at home..yikes, no wonder I've not seen you on DG, are you always outside working?

Love the garden area, bet you'll spend many a day or evening sitting out there, the firepit isn't far off is it...Jumanji liking he's new home?

Doesn't it just give you a sense of accomplishment when you look at a before and an after photo? Judy you need a little pond..oh no, was just going to say that at Walmart they have a circle about 12" in size that is a solar pump, could see you dig a little area, insert something to hold water or purchace rubber pond liner and set the pump inside..know you also love the sounds of water but nope, wasn't at Walmart, was at my Canadian Tire store...

Was just this morning I was thinking of seeing where I could do another, my problem now are the trees,would have to make sure wherever I put one the solar could get enough sun...hmmmm just maybe I could do one in the DG Friendship garden that has been progressing beautifully...
each year I add to it..I should be getting more of the directional signs for the post done..I'm behind the times..

Stacey, that birdfeeder is way too pretty to put outside...love the weigeilia (?) lol you know, I almost think I have one or two that look similar, will go on a hunt tonight and see which I have..which days do you work this week Stacey?

How neat Judy..what is the plant/shrubs it's landed on?

Now Judy you'll never have free time with the family home..get them all working, you stay at cooking..can't believe it was just a few years ago that you did no cooking, I remember Steve coming home and cooking up a storm for us late in the evenings, now you are becoming a chef? Judy never too late to go to Chef school..enter a new profession...

I work tomorrow, Thurs and Sat. Have a Dr's appt on Fri....

Pretty things can be functional and go outside too can't they;)

Holy Moly Miss Judy!!! You have been one BUSY lady!! Everything looks great. Is Jumanji the pot person??

Yes they can Stacey, yes Jumanji is the pot person, I believe Liz and her hubby brought it to Judy when they visited...not so sure, but think Judy made a few as well..

Hope you get a good Dr.'s report...baby moving a lot? Isn't that a nice feeling?

Judy, is it tonight the Chicago BlackHawks are playing and could possibly take the cup?

I haven't felt anything so far. It will probably be another month or so B4 I feel movement. I am only at 20 weeks;)

My error, guess I'm trying to move your pregnancy along..lol..keep thinking you are closer than you are to your due date...

Sunny here today but the wind make it feel as though it's -10..yikes, was going to walk around the block but frozen we were so here we are back 1/2 hr. early..going to finish watching 'Lie to Me' as I fell asleep 1/2 way through it last night..

Betty I'm so glad you didn't break anything, that could have been really bad... My goodness I know what it's like tripping over cats, I have one we trip on all the time, why do they sit underfoot????

Tubby congrats to your GD! So glad you could make the trip!!

Stacey gorgeous feeder! Very cute!

Judy you've been working hard girl! Lookin' great!!

Stacey I don't know as I've never been pregnant, but I've heard it's usually the 5 month mark when you start feeling movement. hhhmmmmmmm

Crissy, how's Dave as the time is getting closer taking to your roadtrip?

He's fine, just doing what he does.

OH! Did I tell you that his brother Donnie sent him an email saying that he is purchasing a van from Ebay and me and Dave needs to drive up to New York to pick it up, then drive it back here, he wants to buy that van for his dad because it's wheel chair accessible, except their dad walks around fine and doesn't need a wheel chair. Dave sent him an email back saying NO!, Donnie then called Dave telling him that dad really needs that van, it's such a great deal as he's the only bidder!! Being the only bidder raises a huge red flag, Dave asked him if it's such a great deal why isn't there more bidders, along with are the tires any good to travel that far, does the van run??? What condition is the van in? Of course Donnie knew NONE of these answers. Dave told him absolutely not.

OMG Crissy, what a mess those guys get themselves into..where in New York state was the vehicle, anywhere close to where we are? Seems a bit flighty to say the least..bet you just shake your head..must frustrate you and Dave to no end..

Betty, how are you feeling after your fall? Nothing too sore I hope? Hard to believe we have 98 degrees, and you are freezing. Sure hope it warms up soon for you.
Crissy, that would be such a huge mistake, not knowing anyhting about that van! I would ask all kinds of questions, before I bid on it.
Judy, love the work your doing in the yard! So much work! Don't over do it! Love the pot girl, Jumanji, that is so cute. I think a small water feature would be nice too...
Stacey, before you know it, that little one will be kicking all over the place. It is probably kicking now, but most likely feels more like gas than anything. Pretty soon, you will know the difference.

It is definately cold, just shut off the micro heater next to me as it's almost time to leave...95 omg everything in your yard must be dry...are you able to water much or are there watering restrictions? Guess you wouldn't want to be out doing much gardening...keep thinking your and my seasons differ but are the same..in winter I'm housebound because of the snow/cold and with you it's in the summer due to extreme heat...have you been speaking with your dad? he doing ok...

Guess you've lots to do inside...don't go out and have heat stroke now, enjoy the coolness of your home!

I water all the time, no restrictions here, Thank God. Yeah, everything is dry if I don't keep it watered. Almost too hot for anything to bloom. The tomatoes were doing good, until we hit 90, now they are all shriveling up. Hopeing I get some angel trumpets to bloom soon.
Dad is doing very well. He loves being with his favorite son, in the mountains! it rains a lot up there, but so far, he is doing good. No major complaints anyway.

LOL He's just like their dad, collect all of this stuff, you wouldn't believe the mess their dad has in his backyard, and when Dave mentions that he needs to get, say a cement mixer, his dad will say, "I have one you can have!" So Dave will go to his house and the thing has been sitting outside in the weather for eons and it's all rusted and the plug in doesn't work so it's useless to us, and him. His dad always jokes and said, "But I have one!" You have one, it doesn't work, but you can brag and say you have it! He must have 5 or 6 cars that don't run, a horse trailer that is so rusted I'd be afraid to move it, countless toilets, sinks, I think an old broken down camper, lots of old worn out tires, I could go on but I'm not.
Last month it was, "Dave you need to drive 782 miles to North Carolina to pick up an ice cream machine for me, bring it back to your house, and mail it to me." We said, Wha???????? Dave called him and told him that he could have it shipped from North Carolina to HIS house and leave us out of it.

Betty you're absolutely right, I was cutting strawberries in the kitchen at the time and I was ROFLOL listening to Dave chew him out. Hilarious!

I'm getting off work! Woo Hoo!

Just cut the grass, know Cathy does it for the weekend as a treat for me but with all the sunshine and the rain, can't believe the length..drives me crazy so it's done ...besides, it's good exercise...

Spent time squeeshing those red bugs on my lillies, I'll teach them..guess it's a daily morning and evening chore..

Waiting on Ann, t.v. bingo starts at 8:00 so imagine she'll arrive about 7:30-got to get a good seat..lol..talk about getting lazy, bought the cards for her and I last night so I could photo copy...want to use dabbers..imagine that, now that's what I call lazy

In the meantime I've 2 more swaps to get ready, should be organizing them, I'll not mail though until I cross over to your side of the country, in the long run it will save time...

I did t-shirts for a swap, they arrived yesterday so all and all I'm starting to get ahead in my swaps...

LindaKay do you have any area that's shaded for your gardens, could you do indoor tomato plants? must be so frustrating to see them rich and bountiful and then have them shrivel up...your soil is it sandy or clay type soil?

Crissy you do have your hands full..is Dave a hoarder as well?

Better go wash up, with squeeshing bugs I feel there are some all over me, itchy here and there, all my imagination I'm sure but still yuk!

Moving us over...

Come join the chit/chat...new friends always welcomed..


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