2010 Sistahs reunion at Cookies..the memories! #1

Okay...Ric has been lurking...don't know why he didn't speak up...I've never known him to be shy, but this is his take on amarylis. (I have killed everyone I ever had...so I promise this in NOT coming from me!)

From Ric:
Following the thread a bit.

Tell Betty to take the Amaryllis outside and let it grow all Summer.
She needs to let the bulb replenish it's energy for the next batch of flowers.
First cut the spent bloom stalks down to about 2" tall.
Pop the bulb and soil out of the pot.
It's usually just peat. We add about 1" of potting soil to the bottom of the pot scrape.
Then place the pot outside in full Sun/light Shade.
You can plant the pot but don't plant the bulb by itself.
We just drop our pot in a prettier vessel.
Water and Fertilize, don't let the plant sit in water.
They require good drainage and will rot if they don't get it.

As the days get shorter they will start to go dormant.
Most leaves will wither and yellow.
Cut those off. Before first frost bring it inside.
Put in a cool dark spot. Stop watering.
All the leaves will die. Cut them off.
It's now dormant.

Then 6-8 weeks before you want new blooms, bring it out.
Replace 1/2" or so of the soil on top.
Do not disturb the roots.
Water and put in good light.

After a Summer outside you usually you get at least one need bulb forming on the mother bulb.
Leave them alone until the flowering cycle.
Then just break them off and pot. Bulbs need to be very root bound to flower.

Tell Rick thank you...going to treasure this new found friend..

OK...RIC? Hear that?????? ^_^

Oh no Joyce, that's seriously not good about the chain saw. :( :( :(

Betty I wanted to say on the other thread that it bloomed very nicely! That is gorgeous!! I hate to tell ya girl, I think if the aspirin/Tylenol doesn't work you're at your last resort. I'm so sorry you're still sick.

That reminds me, I have some tubers and rhizomes to plant.

Boy even though the stocks are rising some here and there the budget cuts just keep coming, now I'm having to fight with IRS over $13,000 they say I owe from a re-investment. Iye yey yey.

Sure hope you can find the papers you need Crissy!
Cookie, hope that Herbwasn't too mad?

Stacey - saw your FYI re: chocolate brown & teal - will be able to incorporate that into the Hanging Diaper Bag.

Hi Everyone!
Still looking to sell our home.....

having next 2 weeks off - will do sewing 1st week, and go tenting the 2nd week

Susan

where will you go camping Susan?

hey gals
Crissy yikes on the IRS. sending T&P for you .
just keeping busy
getting ready for a building we are adding on to our home its a sun room / green house.
then i m getting ready for Cookie's visit.
I m proud to say I went to the Health Dept and we are all lice free !! HOooray . i want a certificate !!! and frame it LOLLL
gained 10lbs eating Jayes wonderful food from the weekend. Ok maybe it was the 4 -6 maybe 7 foux smores i ate this weekend. LOL
well i m pooped
good night ladies and sleep well

You are Welcome!
I have a species Amaryllis that I was gifted many years ago.
http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/83180/
It's an ever-blooming Amaryllis.
If I can finally get myself to divide it I'll share some pups.
Last time I divided it it took 2 years to rebloom.

I learned Amaryllis culture as a result of a friend we had.
A years back she was diagnosed w/ brain cancer.
3 month prognosis.
I gave her an Amaryllis as a Christmas gift.
Come Spring I took it home and raised it.
Gave it back that Fall.
Did that for her for two more Summers.
The fourth Christmas and every one since it has bloomed at our house in her memory.

Actually I was more keeping tabs than lurking.
Just wanted to make sure you all are OK.
I kind of backed into this group and knew 5 members before the Reunion you all had.
I know how tight you ladies are so didn't want to intrude.

In keeping w/ your reunion theme this was shot at Bertie's the week after.....
((()))'s
Ric

Here's another critter from Bertie's.

Isn't he just the cutest thing? They drove back to OK a few days ago.. guess he wasn't a happy camper at all!

I still just love that picture, Ric....it should definitely win SOME prize!

Looking forward to my time with Sue. She's picking me up early Friday so we can have some "girl" time, and then Saturday is the "Nursery Owners Convention Tour"....I'm an employee! ^_^

Betty-if it is a sinus thing, you should be taking ibuprofen and not aspirin/tylenol. Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory and it's purpose is to reduce swelling. If it is a sinus thing, then you most likely have swelling going on in there and that pressure is what is causing you the pain....Do you have a pharmacist that maybe you can talk with if you don't want to go the the Dr yet?? Sometimes they can be invaluable tools. Also, have you changed your home or work air filter recently? Sometimes that can cause more pain if you have the AC on with a filter that needs to be replaced.

Ric-that pic with the flower is wonderful-what bug is that??

Stacey, I should let Ric answer that, but I know he and Robyn are going to be at Sue's today. He said it's a hummingbird moth. They got pictures of 18 different butterflies over the holiday weekend. Wow. That's a LOT of butterflies!

Beautiful pictures, and the little one is so adorable!
Cookie, you have a job? You said you were an employee?

Rick, glad you posted, going to read and re-read so I can also have it bloom every year...question Rick, you gave me some seeds, name markings rubbed off, could you tell me what they are, where they should be planted and if you think I should wait until next year to plant or give them a head start this year?

Also Joyce, when we were in the compost pile at Bertie's there was a tall plant with mini looking type beans..she told me to take a few, could you ask as well the name, planting instructions and should I also start them this year...???

Feeling better today, head cold seems to be breaking..a hot one..with humidex 110..yikes, almost like Ohio right?

Wow, that is pretty warm for your area!

Anyone heard from Kathy? How is she doing?

Wow Betty, that's more like my area! Crazy heat up there.

Great idea Stacey, I always forget to use the pharmacist for some reason.

Well my story just keeps getting better, got notified yesterday that major budget cuts are going to happen within 10 days from yesterday and there will be layoffs and furloughs, and we don't know who is going to get laid off. Thinking about looking for a job, shouldn't be that difficult since I have 20 years customer service experience, plus my BA in IT. Trying to not worry about it but with both me and Dave laid off...

Ahhh Crissy, what a worry..stay positive, you are a good worker, maybe it's time they are trying to clean house...sending warm hugs/prayers!

Saying a prayer that you will come out on top Crissy.

It's just nuts, every day since the day I got back I've been hit with something. Got back Wednesday night, Thursday my car reeked of cigarettes, 400 miles put on it that is still not explained, and found out through the grapevine that Dave took some buddies out to Hot Springs and hit a curb in my car (taking buddies out is fine, hitting a curb and not telling me is not.)
Friday found out about the $900.00.
Saturday, I don't remember Saturday other than Dave's dad not looking or speaking at either one of us at the reunion all day because Dave won't hand him the cash.
Sunday, Dave left his ATM card in the ATM machine 3 days prior and never noticed it missing, plus got the IRS notice of the $13,000.
Monday, my phone was ringing off the hook all day long and we were up real late helping a friend.
Tuesday, got the possible layoff notice.
I have to call my investment company to talk to them about my IRS issue at lunch here in a few minutes so I might be hit again. Somebody Stop the Madness!!! LOL!

Betty - Going camping just outside of Waterton National Park. It's a lovely campground, and 5 minutes from the Park. Last year we went on the mini cruise to Montana's Glacier National Park. Hoping to go horseback riding this year. The weather promises to be decent - but only 18c for highs......

Just have to figure out food for the week ^_^
I'll be taking lots of pics. Took a lot last year, and meant to put them on a thread, but got busy and ended up not doing it....... we had such a short time there - only 2 days. This time hope to get a full week. It's only 3 1/2 hours from Calgary, so it's an easy drive.
A lady at work gave us a coleman heater for the tent, and we have a cooler/fridge, a 2 burner on-its-own-stand stove, a 10-person tent, and we're getting an electrically serviced lot, for $25/night! We'll be able to have our coffee wake us up in the morning :-)
I do like my "creature comforts". Heck, we even have the "byob" bed so I don't sleep on the ground LOL

gawd, I need this vacation!!!!!!!!

Have a good time Susan! Hope it warms up a bit for you. How much is 18c?

(((((((((Crissy)))))))))) I'm still thinking I need to look after you, little fairy-buddy!!
You're sure going through a lot - and I'm keeping you in my thoughts!!
say, if you're laid off, come visit and we'll go to Waterton together!! Unplug for a bit!!

I'm looking forward to NOT being tempted to talk on the phone, use the computer, checking work emails, etc etc. I'm getting tired of being always "plugged in", and being plugged into the coffee pot doesn't count LOL
I don't have a laptop, so I won't be on here, either........

18c is 66F....... brrrrrrrr
It's going to be 30c / 86F on Monday....... doncha think Mother Nature would co-operate and give us good weather the 3rd week of July, cuz that's when we're going tenting?
No, she gives us good weather BEFORE and then we have to cuddle to get warm... wait just a minute - who said that was wrong? lol hmmmmmm

LOL you are a character Susan..too cute! camping with all the emenities in life is the way to go..just watch that heater, makes me a little nervous..mother nature IS looking after you..what fun you both will have...nothing but relaxation...can't get better than that!

My son left today for a 3 week kayak trip, away from everything, wonder why then the blackberry is going with him!

I take it he got everything packed into that little kayak? Hope he has a wonderful time.

Okay, Betty, I'll ask Bertie.

I just did a stupid thing. I cleaned the filter on the skimmer in the pond and put the bench back before I turned the handle to the right position. So I was trying to get it turned without moving the two big rocks behind the bench (again) and don't you know that monster rock fell on my foot. I said some not very nice words.....It broke the skin, but it didn't bleed. Anyway, I came in and washed it good and put neosporin on it, but man oh man does that thing hurt! It is throbbing. Now I guess I have an excuse to stay inside and put my foot up...not a very good way to do it though! :o(

Susan, hope you have lots of fun. I could go for 66 about now!

Crissy...did you look up to see if there was a black cloud over your head? Sure sounds like it!

LK, I'm Sue's "employee". The tour isn't open to the public. Just nursery owners and their employees.... :O)

JOYCE!!! That sounds like some dumb thing I would do or have done. Seriously, put your foot up and take it easy--are sure nothing is broken?

tell Ric THANKS - I've always wondered why, when my amaryllis bulbs enlarged over the summer, they didn't always bloom. Now I know - they need to be root bound!

And I forgot that about the pot, too, in my directions - yeah, I put fresh potting soil in the bottom. It's just been a long time since I've left one in the pot.

Another thing you can do to encourage new bulb-bets to grow? take something like an extacto knife and make tiny slits right above the root base. I've heard Tony Avent talk about that, but never tried it myself. I saw my BIL do that same thing to hostas, and I'm going to try it this year with amaryllis. BIL says it sends a signal to the plant, "oh, I'm dying! I'd better grow lots!" Not to sure about that last....

Ah, gotcha. Nice job to have!
Sorry about your foot! Keep it propped, and an icepack.

Yikes, that's not good Joyce...you deserve some R&R...Sue????

With all this great info on amarylis I'll be in big doo doo if mine doesn't bloom next year..lol

LindaKay, yes, amazing what he can get into that kayak..micro equipment...

Crissy - my advise re: IRS. If you can, go in and talk to someone face to face, especially if there has been an error in their math or logic. Most towns of any size have an office there somewheres, but you may have to search, they don't advertise them.

Be courteous at all times. They get a lot of hostility, and they go on the defense=ears closed immediately. But if you are certain of your math and your logic, BE FIRM and polite. They have the power, they are used to saying jump. But they accustomed to cheats, not honest folks.

Take your documentation with you, and take copies of it for them to attach to your file (or their report). Also, flow chart out your explanation and have someone else listen to it to get rid of any emotion before you go to them. They are number crunchers. Emotionality gets in their way of understanding.

If your documentation and case make sense, be prepared for the person you're speaking with to go away for a spell to confer with their supervisor.

The ONE thing Randall and I have going for us: we are both the type personalities that handle our taxes VERY conservatively: if in doubt, don't list a deduction. Our accountant taught us this. He's very well respected and has their higher-ups direct numbers to call. Our current tax problems are our very first tax problems EVER. We've never even been audited!

Hey Susan - has your Realtor suggested you unclutter your house yet?

Seems to me I recall photos of your wonderfully decorated home!

BUT it was very, very personalized and sometimes a wee bit busy. Sometimes that puts men off, the busy-ness and high floral content. Both males and females buy more frequently when a home looks more generic and less personalized. They have trouble "seeing themselves" living in a home that looks like it's yours.

I would recommend you take some of the floral out of your decor, and declutter in general. Decorating "clutter" can also make a room feel smaller. Removing it may make you feel the room is empty, barren, but buyers seem to like that open feeling. Lastly, and especially, remove all photos of your life from view.

editted to add: if it's a sinus infection (I came home with one from my trip), it's going to need an antibiotic to knock it out. But until then, try the netti pot.

This message was edited Jul 7, 2010 11:56 AM

hey RIC - come join us! this hen party could always use a rooster!

Bon my dad's girlfriend does our taxes and I mailed everything to her yesterday, she has her own tax business. She hasn't messed up yet, it's the previous tax company's fault. I called Axa at lunch and they said that it's a possibility it could be taxable because the previous investment company put on the 1099 that I sold the stock, when I didn't sell the stock, they sold the stock because they're not licensed in AR and sent me a check, which is not my problem, but because they sent me a check and I re-invested with a check, it's a possibility that it could be taxable. I will take it out of someone's rear end, not my fault they're not licensed to cover the whole United States.

I've never had tax problems before either, and now suddenly 3 of my friends are having tax problems saying they didn't file in various years, each person is different. They're broke and is looking for any type of money to come from anywhere.

Crissy, was these funds invested in an IRA or Roth account?

I'm sorry, not the previous tax companies fault, but the previous investment companies fault. It's in revolving stocks, whatever that's called.

actually, you are exactly right, crissy. IRS will tell you that, too. they are triple checking anything and everything, looking for more tax dollars.

And they are fast tracking a lot of folks through the system. It's probably why Randall and I got processed to an end this time. They put the screws down on our issue which has been lingering for years (their delays, not ours). But then they fast tracked it through.

Why? because folks are going broke and filing bankruptcy faster than they can process! That's what the man told our CPA.

who hurt a foot? I'm still reading back in mid-yesterday...

Joyce had a boulder roll over on her foot yesterday :( :( :( :( I hope it's ok and not broke, just because there's no bleeding doesn't mean anything.