Plant Propagation part XXVI based on my own experience

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Good Morning and Happy Christmas Eve to all. It is cold but above zero, that is a plus.
Hope Santa visits each and every one of you tonite, and you all get very much deserved presents. I know mine will be COAL.:) Have a good one,
Lee

Morning Wild Ones,
I did not send cards to you all because I have so few addresses, I did not want to miss anyone and most of all because I ran out of cards and did not want to buy anymore.
How about that for being honest. I know you all know I LUB YOU ALL AND WISH YOU THE MERRIEST OF CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS.

I just want them over as soon as possible because I still have memories I need to forget starting today until the day after Christmas. I started getting depressed two days ago and it is only getting worse. I need to get a grip and stop this crap. I want to be happy.

Talk later. Sharon what the heck is the ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~, the wind is blowing so much any wave you send my way is gone. Speak up woman. No sign language on this forum. Or, are you trying to tell us something you can not write. LOL Gottcha. Later JB

JB I know what you mean about depression. Especially this time of year. But-----we must start new memories and not dwell on the bad ones. So knock it off, from Mom #2
I think what Sharon was trying to say is "NO COMMENT" And I agree----drop it already :)
Have a great one
Lee

JB - There is a General Discussion thread called "Today I am Grateful for.." Yesterday it inspired in me a rant about how grateful I am that members of my family who regularly got drunk and ruined everyholiday are either dead or otherwise out of my life. I did not post it.

Tony was just here and I sent him off with a car full of presents for him and his family. He hugged me - the second time in the fourteen years I have known him. I have lots of lemons on my tree so I will take some to tw friends who have restaurants nearby.

I have my own way of dealing with the holiday blues. I have a Santa outfit that I made and I search thrift shops when I'm in the US for stuffed animals in good condition. On Christmas morning I go with the animals, candy and other little presents and make my rounds. The kids know to watch for me and I usually also get to surprise a few visitors to our town.

It is often hard to do. Last year I missed due to a bite from a neighbor's dog. I push myself to do it partly because it gives the lie to those relatives who thought Christmas was a time to make everyone else as miserable as possible.

There are still grinches here. One year I was "helped" by a person who offered endless criticism about most everything I did. Other people sneer and ask if I'm giving the kids candy with white sugar in it. I am tempted to make a remark that would get me in trouble with Administration. You can fill in your own.

Today I am thankful that I have all of you and all my friends here to share my Christmas with.

hugs, katie

I eat when I am depressed.............I just ordered a large cheese steak stromboli and a small antipasto salad for lunch. Delivered of course. Am I not crazy? I go on diets and eat healthy weeks on end, then I do this. What a nut case I am. Or maybe that is normal for old ladies who have nothing else to do in the winter.
I moved all the houseplants around to areas where they will be happier, and now I have a few to transplant, but I am not in the mood, so I am going to eat myself into happiness again.

Hey Lee, is it cold up there in them their hills?

Katie, You sound like you have a great time and that is wonderful. I love sharing and giving and just loving this time of year.

Today is my Grandsons 17th birthday and I sent him a Tex about 12:05 A.M. and said Happy Birthday, then this morning I sent him a message on Facebook in Spanish saying Happy Birthday. He responds to each one of course.

All day I will be sending him wishes in different languages and hopefully I will speak to him on Skypes in English. He is such a love and our relationship is so special.

Must get back to my birds. JB

LOL, JB, I love the way you take care of your depression. I feel the same way about the holidays only I never thought about eating my way out of it. Never drank my way out of it either tho. Just got thru them. Once they were over that was it. And I don't know why they depressed me so much. We never had a lot when we were kids (5 girls) but my folks always saw that we got at least one nice gift. Normally dolls when we were little etc. Then of course the rest were necessities like socks etc. But at least we had things to open and were always
"surprised" of course. LOL

No, the depression came later in life after I got married. Maybe that was it!! But, it only lasted until after Christmas and then looked forward to a new year.

So, as it is now, Bob and I always just treat it as another day other than we do have the traditional Christmas menu 'cause I love the leftovers. And how can you have leftovers if you never had the right to be left???? LOL oh well.

I like Sharon's "zip it". ~~~~~~~~~~ cute. : )

Well guys, gotta pick up my house. It gets so cluttered with just the 2 of us here you would think we had a houseful of people. Don't know who makes such a mess. Must be Bob. : )

I am so happy I am not the only one with these thoughts. My way of coping is giving. We always try to find one or two families that don't have much and make a blow-out Xmas for them. Toys, gifts, candies, and of course the complete dinner with all trimmings. It makes us feel much better.
Katie, we used to take stuffed animals that we either found in the thrift stores, or won in those dumb grabber machines (Mark was really good at getting them) down to Mexico, and give them to the children on the streets. One time we were in a restaurant and there was a Mom and little girl (was tiny and just learning to walk) We asked if it was OK to give the little one an animal, she said yes, Then when we were leaving she wanted the little girl to give it back. She didn't understand that it was a gift from us, and when we told her, in my very poor Spanish, she teared up and couldn't quit thanking us. We later found out that she was married to the waiter, and tradition there was the restaurant help got to have a Xmas eve dinner after they closed. I think that is my most memorable Xmas ever. It loses in the telling, but was a wonderful experience. (was a little place, not expensive, and xcelent food. we ate there a lot when we were in Mazatlan)
We usually don't do gifts for each other because we get what we want when we want it!!! Although this year was the year of the STORM gift. I am not having an easy time because of Mom and Freddy, but I know this too will pass. You guys keep my mind from dwelling on it and it really helps.
Now if I could just consentrate on what to plant this spring, I would be happy. For now, it will be quilting with flowered material. I think they call it Grandmothers garden :) It will have to do for now, although I can't quite figure how propagation fits into it, so glad you guys don't make me stick to the subject!!!!
Lee

There are children that I will never forget.

I've told a couple of my Christmas stories on the Accessable Gardening Forum; the compassion #13 thread. I treasure the good ones and just shake my head over the critics.

A neighbor recently took it upon herself to tell me that I am "weird." Today I took another neighbor a couple of gifts. She looked a bit stricken as we are not "girty" friends. I quickly said, "Not to worry. My gifts are of the thrift shop variety. There's no need to reciprocate." I also gave her a blue bottle humingbird feeder. She and her husband thanked me and hugged me.

I like being weird.

katie

T

Speaking of sticking to the subject. That rude person by the name of Krowten wrote me a Dmail today and said I should not have told him/her they were rude in front of those on the list. Well, I told "it" that what goes around comes around and had he./she been more considerate of me and given me private dmail asking me not to BREAK THEIR RULES I would have been glad , but not to be embarrassed in front of everyone. So, I also went on the give he/her the rest of my thoughts for the day and it was not nice. At which time I suggested he/she never comments on anything I say again on any forum. That I am not going to go back to that forum because of he/she and I will not hesitate to tell anyone why if asked. I also told them I want an apology and I am 82 and take no crap from an8yone. I also told them my name and told them to remember it and ask them their name so I can be sure who I am speaking to. I have plenty more to say if asked. After I sent it I felt so much better. Why inconsiderate people or people who on these forums think they know it all and try and prove they do by talking down to others is beyond me.
So, there is my rant for the day. Must go fill the outside bird feeders. Later gang. JB

Maybe my new pen pal will hug me too. LOL doubt that will happen. I think he/she is trying to sew up the other you know what I chewed them. Oh God forgive me. I am a horrible person, but I know it and I only do that when I am pushed into it. Oh yes, the bird feeders.

You gaet double hugs from me. I am resisting leaving stockings full of coal for my superior neighbors.

katie

You go girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well I am weird. I am polite to clerks in the grocery store. I was in Walmart and I think I shocked the clerk. I do not go there often but I was in search of a certain plant and heard they had it.

I am kind and talk to the landscapers. I actually go in my front landscape with my hair up in rollers. I wave at everyone. It took me over two years of constantly waving at an older neighbor, yes JB even older than you, down the street until he finally gave up and he now waves back. Yes I am weird because I hug people. Well after living in this neighborhood for over 10 years, I am no longer weird, I am Mother Winter.

JB, I would love to go to your rant thread and ditto as your friend. I cannot believe she did not get the message on the thread and had the nerve of sending you a D-mail. Probably a Democrat. Inside joke. This is a joke. Please do not get mad.....

Well I have to get off here and deliver a gift to my friend Esther Mae.

Love you all and know that being weird is politically correct... We are 60 degrees today, no clouds and sunny. But rain is coming later next week. Sharon

I am still amazed at some individuals on DG.

Yes, zipper is a good conclusion. But JB was also close.

This is my one and only Grandaughter at age 2 1/2
MERRY XMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR to all
Lee

That is one beautiful young lady. I love the color of her hair. Merry Christmas. Sharon.

She is beautiful. I want to see her eyes. Why did she close them? LOL, What a sweetie. Merry Christmas to you all.

Jeanette

Merry Christmas to all of you guys. It has been a long day and my wrapping paper hands, back, neck etc. are killing me. I baked at my dd's house and it was nice but some stuff about my son got me in the depressed mood and I have been fighting back a good bawl, since a few hours ago he said he may just come by early (which I know his girlfriend told him we are eating at 2:00 and opening presents after that), but he said he is planning on playing soccer with some new work friends. I have a giant room full of presents and just feel empty. I don't know why this boy is the way he is but what ever. He can just take his presents with him I guess. I will have extra food for an army too if that is how it will be.
Had I known I may not feel so bad. He is supposed to call me to tell me but he probably called on my dead cell phone. Oh well.
Love ya all.
Dawn

Dawn, it is just a "Son" thing. They just do not think. You want this "Wonderful Christmas", all women do, but unfortunately no one else cares as much as you do. Merry Christmas young lady. Sharon.

Thanks. It may just be that. Expectations are always my own undoing, the higher I set them, the faster I hit the ground. I took a Xanax and watched It's a Wonderful Life. That is my favorite. It will be fine. He never even called back like he said. Big shocker. My dd told me he was in one of his moods today when she saw him at my X h's house. Ho hum. Off I go to bed.
Please all have a great day tomorrow. Pig out. I will be.

Dawn, Sons are a total PITA when it comes to consideration, Mothers feelings, etc.
I was ready to strangle mine yesterday and had he not been on the webcam and here in the room I may have given him a backhand. Believe me, you are not alone when it comes to inconsiderate sons. Yet, we love them and go back for more. I keep threatening to disown mine, but I think he knows even if I do it will eventually benefit him. My grandson is the beneficiary and that will save him money in the long run. Mothers just can not win. LOL
I think sometimes my son thinks he can walk on water. Now, do you feel better?

That little granddaughter is a darling. She will grow up loving her grandma I am sure. Girls are so different, thank God.
I am waiting for my kids to come back from breakfast and then we will open our gifts.
Later the family comes and we will open more gifts. I do not enjoy the mass confusion of all the kids and people in one room making such a ruccus. I can not wait until I can politely leave and not be rude in doing so. LOL I have a few issues with one of the nephews and he knows it so he stays his distance. He is a deadbeat Dad and only puts on a show for his Mother, who thinks he can do no wrong. I happen to know different but there is no sense telling her, it would only make things worse. So, instead of getting heartburn from holding in my anger, I leave as soon as I can. I really hate parts of the holidays. Women really take the brunt of the entire season most of the time.
Have a great day my dear friends. Jb

Merry Christmas to you all. Dawn what goes around, comes around. Eventually.

Enjoy your day with or without him. Relax and enjoy. Some day he will be sorry he missed out. Oh, BTW, how old is he? Just curious.

Jeanette

Merry Christmas,. everyone. Santa katie

HO HO HO to all of you.
Lee

Dawn ~ Please do not be discouraged about your son. We can only control ourselves - sometimes, anyway! My son lives in Florida with his second wife. We talked on the phone. I have 3 GD's in their 20's....2 called. They are visiting with their mom in Sacramento. I will see them on a different day as travel is a consideration since we live so far out. One will be meeting us in Placerville next week, and possibly the other one as well. Not sure about the third one.

Everyone has expectations during the holidays, and even memories of expecting more than what we received. Katie has the right idea in my book. Why not turn our disappointments into joy for others? I remember the days when I was young and in boarding school. When we had Christmas parties and gifts, it was such a treat. I will never forget those times. I am sure that people from the community donated them.

We had 6 people over for dinner on the 23rd, so as to not conflict with other families' holiday schedules. Some of our newer nearby neighbors. After dinner, we shot off fireworks. Usually we have snow, but not this time. Maybe for the New Year as it always looks prettier then. We never use fireworks in July - too much of a fire danger, besides being illegal.

Sharon ~ (Mother Winter) It is good that you are kind to those around you. That is the best gift you can give. Any material gift is not as precious.

Lee ~ That is one beautiful granddaughter! She looks quite sweet, really.

JB ~ Yes, sons can be a bit of a challenge, but we love them just the same.

Dave ~ I hope your trip has been fun. We expect a full report when you return.

And the others that I missed, along with all of you - I wish you the happiest of days today and I want to let you know how much you mean to me. You have been an inspiration (at times), humorous at others, but always a caring, loving group of people that I treasure along with my family and other friends as well. Thank you for everything!


Merry Christmas,


Evelyn


(edited for typo)

This message was edited Dec 25, 2010 4:02 PM

Ho Ho Ho.....Santa came and went and thank God my day of social crap is all over. I am worn out. I had a great surprise today. My GS called onSkype and it worked...I was able to see him, my son and his Mother. What a wonderful time we had. They could not see me because when I updated my camera, the setting changed and one of the boys that was here today visiting reset them for me, so now I am good to go. I was so thrilled to see them it did not matter they could not see me. What a wonderful day.
The gang went to the other brothers house for more food and gifts. I am worn out and not expected to go. Yahoo! I got a two foot stuffed penguin from my three favorite kids. Where in the world I will put it is beyond me, but they went shopping with their father and that is what they picked out for me. I am Granny B to them and we have a good time together. They know I love penguins. So, the monster bird is sitting on the couch and Barney is not sure he is happy with him. LOL. I need a name for him. I also got some other gift cards that I cherish.
Now the other news. 6 to 10 inches or more of snow starting late tonight or tomorrow. Can you believe it. CA and WA are going to have another storm too. I have a feeling this is going to be one of those winters again. Ho Hum. See you tomorrow. I am sleepy and stuffed.

Well we had Christmas breakfast with Tracy and her family. Then they opened gifts. I got a great new pair of clogs but they are leather and fur lined. Not good because I can ruin them in the garden. I wear my lime green rubber clogs about 99% of the time. I have no pride. I really do not care what other people think about my shoes. I now dress my feet for comfort, not style.

I went to see my friend Esther Mae and took the granddaughters Hannah and Sarah. She was not expecting them. They brought their violins and played a few pieces. She just sat there and cried with big tears running down her cheeks. She was just so happy they would take time out of their day to come see her.

Sarah is the sweet one, it was her idea. Hannah did a bit of complaining but they play duets so Hannah had to go. When we got back in the car Hannah apologized for being so bad about not really wanting to go.

We are having dinner at Tracy' home at 5pm. Esther Mae is having dinner at 6pm. I told Esther Mae I would be there but late so probably there for dessert. She made coconut cake with freshly graded coconut. I love her desserts because they are not really sweet.

My son and his family called, my sister called and we, like JB, are looking forward to the day being over. We have nothing scheduled for the rest of the year. LOL. Later, Love you all. Sharon.

Evelyn, I am sorry to change the subject of what a wonderful day it has been for all of us, but if I don't ask now while I am thinking of it I will forget. But: Did the antibiotics work on your tooth? Every once in a while I think about it and then for get to ask. I sure do hope it did.

Yes JB, I saw on the news where you guys are suppose to get our storm tonight I think he said. Sorry. We haven't had any new snow for a couple of days now but the weather doesn't seem to get high enough to melt any of what we have. It is ice now.

We had a nice dinner, in fact I have to laugh at Bob. He wanted to eat another helping but had to go take a "little snooze" first. He didn't want me to put any of the food away. Well, he got up and now he is too full to eat any more. He is very disappointed.

My daughter spent over an hour on the phone with me last night trying to get my new printer installed, and when it came down to it I couldn't find the password for my router I installed a couple months ago. Finally found it late last night and I tried it this morning and it was the right one. I thought surely I had changed it from the one Cisco had assigned to it. But, nope, it worked.

I was so excited and she was on her way to her in laws so I couldn't call her and tell her. Gotta do that now. ttyl,

You guys really are great spirit picker uppers.
This is what happened. He calls and says is the food ready yet? I said what I was still working on. He was grumbling, "You said you were eating at 2 and it is 1:30".
I said, "I am cooking a huge meal without an oven. I really don't have time for this Nick. What is the problem? Are you coming?" and he said, "Well I don't want to come over if it is not ready, so when is it going to be ready?" I told him that I had no idea since I had things in my BBQ, (like a ham. Necessity the mother of invention) and warming up sweet potatoes in the BBQ, tri-tip in the micro-wave(Cosco pre-cooked), frying 2 kinds of hot wings on the stove and I said, "Come or don't come whenever you want" and HE HUNG UP ON ME. I DID NOT THINK HE WAS COMING.
Ya know the dumb boy showed up after all without a word, to let me know he was coming. We had just started eating 15 minutes prior.

I got to see the babies and it all went fine, Thank God.

I am not happy to see you have knowledge of the inconsideration of male children JB but it does make me feel like I am not alone.

Baily the 18 day older 2 year GD. As we were leaving she was licking my door frame and my washer. My husband was trying to tell us and my dd and I were flapping our lips not paying attention. We finally looked over and there she was with her tongue on everything flapping her arms like the boy on the movie A Christmas Story, the One who stuck his tongue to the frozen flag pole. We had the movie in the background and it was on 3 times. Apparently the 2 year olds were paying attention to it. lol I wish I had a picture of it.


This message was edited Dec 25, 2010 6:59 PM

With an atitude like that maybe you should have offered to warm a bottle for him. Glad it all finally went well.

I had a good time as Santa. I gave away lots of candy and stuffed animals and crayons. And one laptop computer. When I went to Tony's house his daughter and a friend were there waiting for me to guide me to the new home of Tony's in-laws where about thirty family members were gathered. I'd included a computer repair for Antonio with the other family gifts. I'd also managed not to tell Tony what I had. I told Antonio I had one more gift for him. I was so excited I was partically jumping up and down. But first the had to take a picture of me in my Santa costume with the Santa pinata and a big group of the kids. We did that and I'm going, "Open it, open it." Everyone gathered around. I should explain that Antonio graduated from high school last spring with a special certification in computer stuff. The used laptop I helped him get six months ago died and was not repairable. He's now working for a year and will start at the university next fall. He's big eighteen year old and when he opened the box and pulled out the computer he was completly surprised. Everybody applauded and he came over and gave me a big hug.

I got lots and lots of hugs so I'm sharing them with all of you.

Big hugs all around,
katie

Morning Darlings, No snow yet, but we are ready. Plow is on the truck , the kids are doing errands. Checking in at the Emergency Squad Office and the Horse Park Office , which they are both involved in., going to pick up stuff at the pharmacy you know the drill. I took a long walk hoping Barney would poop, but not today. Wouldn't you know. He had better go before it snows because he can never find a spot with snow in his yard. LOL.

I must repot a couple of plants and maybe I should do that today instead of tomorrow. I may have some problems getting into the greenhouse if it shows the 12 inches they are predicting. Now it is blizzard conditions expected. Holy Cow.

I think I had better turn on the weather channel. Take care, and I will get back to you later. I hope Dave is warm and well.

I know how you feel Jen , I keep a little book with all my passwords in because I can not ever remember. The bank now has you change passwords almost every month . It is a real pain in the butt, but I guess it is necessary.

Is it me or am I noticing half of all the posts on here are "edited" ? Are we still being censored? I must be behaving because it has not happened to me. LOL And I am the worst offender. Oh Well. Later gang. JB

I woke up feeling good and thinking "It was the day after Christmas.." Someone should write a peom on the relief of having made it through another one.

It's chilly here but chances of snow are pretty low. If someone finds a layer of ice on a bucket of water it is cause for comment. It's just chilly enough that cuddling with my four dogs while I sleep feel real nice.

Have no idea what I'll do today. Just being relieved is enough for now.

I'm still imagining Dawn's son making a remark about whether the food is ready and Dawn responding, "It's not quite ready, dear, but dome on over and I'll warm up a bottle for you." I do amuse myself.

katie

Hi I have sure missed you all these last couple of days! i took Mom shopping so that she could finish up what she wanted to do and then DH and DS and I had t0 shop which was a total disaster and then finally got to quit late Christmas Eve.

Hi Katie! it is nice to meet you. I don't get to stop in every day, but I do keep up.
. Your christmas celebration sounds wonderful. I would love to do something like that for others.

Jnette, Thanks for the really sweet Christmas Card. I'm like JB, I didn't send any out. my family thinks I just don't care, but that really isn't the reason. I really like Bob's philosophy eat sleep eat. works for me. LOL

JB, they had no reason to be rude about asking a question. I would try to help but I am not sure if I can, but I would certainly try.JB, we got snow! during the middle of the night and by the time I got up this morning it was gone. LOL We may get more this afternoon, but who knows if it will stick. hubby and Son got up to see it, but I stayed in the bed to dream about a white christmas. LOL

"Montana Molly" I like that. ( Molly was my grandma's name)
Lee, your grandaughter is gorgeous! I know you are very proud.

Sharon, how sweet of your two to go and play violin for others on Christmas. There aren't many children with that kind of sharing spirit.

Dawn, when you told him you really didn't care if he came or not, it guilted him. My son says I do that to him all the time. I say no, I just don't want to argue. If I have to beg you to do what I want, then I would rather you now. It ticks him off, but gets my point across.
Dawn, my son made it through dinner and presents at grandmas' but then couldn't wait to leave............. I keep telling myself he is only 15, but i still felt like he was rude.

I did enjoy seeing my sister on skype. we had fun. I don't get to see her often enough and it is bad to be so far apart.

well, it is starting to snow again, so this time I am getting off my lazy butt to go see. LOL it happens so rarely here that I really should watch. just for fun. LOL

Love you all.

Dave, if you do bring back plants..... what are ya bringing?

Katie, I do like the way you think. LOL

For those of you on Skype, my Skype address is Jberger431 if you want to contact me. My Skype is on most of the day starting at 8:00 a.m.

What part of Mexico are you in Katie? What is it near and what zone is it nearest to in the US?

Yes my son has a poor attitude and it is all his to own. Don't know what his issue is but most of the people in his life either don't care anymore or they stick close and put up with a lot. Enough said. I will always love my rude and selfish boy but we don't always like our kids. Ya Know?

I need to rake. We have not been able to rake leaves this year yet, either because of illness or rain and it gets dark too early when I get home from work. I am off for a week until the 3rd. Whoo Whoo. I may even WS some stuff. I do have a lot of outdoor things I need to do before the next storm hits Wed. So maybe not. My Greg is off tomorrow too, so I won't get much done perhaps. I did tell him I wanted to rake. Maybe he will help me do that.

I have a pretty composted pile of kitchen scraps, dead and well decomposed mice, paper, coffee grounds too. What should I do? Spread it over my beds? Wait till it gets closer to things coming back again or put it in where I don't have much planted because the soil sucks there? Help.

Here is a present for you all. You sent this to me and I am sending it back. Next storm you keep the d*** thing..........no more............enough..........I am cranky and mean and nasty.
It is still snowing sideways..........honest to God. Will not stop until Monday afternoon. Blizzard conditions. CRAP! I cleaned that up big time.

I am half-way down the Baja penninsula on the Sea of Cortez side. About 600 miles south of San Diego. I live east of town almost on the sea shore.

I worked a lot with kids and it's always a challange to see how long it takes for some of them to wake up. I remember one teenager who was complaining endlessly about his guardians. In a ver tough tone I asked, "Would you rather come live with me?" Don't know why but I keep remembering that. He was stunned into silence and the complaints stopped.

Since I don't get along with most of my family I've had to find alternative ways to deal with holidays. I do not do what I do because I am such a wonderful person - though I'd like to think that I am - I do it to stay sober and sane. I figure my family of origin ruined enough holidays, I'll do what I can to enjoy whatever I have left. I was cracking myself up wrapping packages with fabric, towels, duct tape, a tropical printed paper table cloth and lots of safety pins. Felt like I was about six years old and home alone. I think of Rick Nelson's line "You can't please everyone so you've got to please yourself."

I'm starting cherimoya and star fruits from seed. A couple of weeks ago I was in my outdoor bathtub and a little hummingbird got its head caught in a pomagranate it was eating. I had to reach over and pull the pom apart so the little thing could escape. It came right back. They really like the poms and got all of them this year. I get to watch the birds so it seemed a fair trade.

Must fix dinner for the dogs. They are getting an extra treat tonight - some hamburger mixed in with their chicken and rice.

If I had a little energy I'd be a bit happier but I have to accept that just surviving the season seems to take it out of me.

katie

Jeanette ~ Thanks for asking. I think it was a gum infection, and actually the swelling was down by the time I got to the dentist's office. Still, I took them anyway. It is rather quiet today. We fed horses in the morning (again), as the lady who lives next door had to be at work at 7:00AM, after working late that night. I remember those days, and am grateful to be retired. Has the next storm dumped more snow on you yet?

JB ~ I hope the blizzard has not buried you and you still have power. Everytime we get a big storm the power goes out. You are so lucky to have Skype and a fast connection. I don't even have a web cam. (That's fine with me, actually...) Is that patio furniture loaded with snow?

Katie ~ For whatever reason you become a Santa to those kids, it is a good thing to do. It sounds as though you have a happy, (though a bit lonely) life there in Mexico. I wish you all the happiness. You are right about kids not appreciating what they have. I never appreciated my parents until I was grown either.

Sharon ~ Hannah and Sarah were such a delight to your friend. I am glad that Hannah apologized, and came to her senses. She did see how much someone actually appreciated what they did. A nice lesson for them.

Linda ~ How much snow did you get there in South Carolina? We only had a heavy frost this morning, and it had melted later on, though it seemed quite cold, it was over 50° this afternoon. For some brief moments the sun was shining so I hurried outside (after bundling up well) and put away some things from the garden. I never got to finish my fall cleanup and then we had snow November 20th, then rain or snow off and on since then. Rarely has it been a sunny day when I am home. I think that last sunny day was when I went in Monday to see the dentist. If we ever get a few sunny days, I will try and finish in there.

Dawn ~ I am glad that we were able to cheer you up. Have you started anything from seed yet?

Dave ~ You must be home by now, but probably are asleep. Write to us when you wake up!

JB!!! So glad you could join us. How nice. LOL

Now do any of the rest of you recall someone complaining terribly about the heat last summer and swearing they would not ever complain about the cold in the winter again??? Wonder who that was? LOL

Sorry, Can't help but rub it in and I know the rest of you are shaking your heads at me. That's ok, I can jab her once in a while. Lord knows she gets in enough at me. So quit shaking your heads!!!

Dawn, spread that pile of kitchen scraps out a bit and rake the leaves over the top and water it a bit. Or, dig some leaves in with it.

I'm glad your infection is gone Evelyn. Especially over the holidays. Nothing worse than not being able to take care of it 'cause everyone is on vacations.

I don't remember when Dave was due back. Wonder how all his plants do when he is gone or if he has someone to tend them.

So Dawn and Evelyn, how long do you guys have cold weather down there? Does it get warm early? What is your last frost day? In other words, when do you start seeds like tomato etc. to plant out? Or do you? Do you plant seeds directly into the garden?

What do you call wintersowing? How long do they have before they can expect to be planted in the ground? Just trying to see what the difference is between your weather patterns vs mine.

Sharon, are you flooded yet, or has your rain let up? I haven't heard or seen anything lately of your water problems down there so it must have quit?