Best/worse/what did I learn today? Chat with friends!

LOL on hitting the lottery!!!!

Debbie you have no idea how glad I am that those are not cancerous!!! Sucks you have to have surgery but get it out and gone!

Susan I hope he can hire you! That would be cool!

Yes, you would have to pick me up, then head South to pick Mary up, then head Southwest to pick LK up.

Boy Mary, she wouldn't want me working for her, with this chronic cough from the asthma she would think that's contagious, and I think we all know that Asthma is not contagious! LOL!!!

BIG BIG BIG HUGS COOKIE and TONS of PRAYERS!!!!

Laura I am soooo glad you had a good time, thanks for sharing the picture, the kids look like they're having a wonderful time!!

Dianne so glad you got the help from those men! That's awesome!! Be careful running the splitter lol! Glad Warren's appointment went ok, too bad they upped his pain meds but maybe this new regime will help A LOT

For some reason I missed the pic of Dianne and Barb!! Dianne now I know who I'm talking to, you are gorgeous girl!

So Dave got home last night from being gone the week, he's still trying to catch up on sleep but I hear him grunting so he must be getting up.

I am at peace, and so is Mom...

Her breathing had become much less and there was quite a bit of apnia. I leaned over and spoke in her ear that it was OK to go, we would miss her and I promised to take care of Dad....she didn't take another breath after I said it.

We've had our cry (Oh, I know there will be more) but she is really where we want her to be. Dad of course is having a very hard time.

We're off to the funeral home to make the final arrangements.

Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers.

(((((((Cookie/your dad)))))) The Lord bless you and keep you - the Lord cause his countenance to shine upon you.
Joyce - of course your dad is going to have a tough time of it. How long were they married? (not that they're not married anymore - they were married under the all-watching eye of God and will continue to be so - they are just "parted" right now - they will be together, in the future).

(((Joyce))))) I am so very sorry for your loss. It is so hard...my Moms passing was very very similar to your DMs. It only helps knowing she isn't in pain anymore.

Many hugs,
Debbie

((((((Debbie)))))))) for all your going through, here's a hug for you, too - take care dear heart :-)

Joyce, hugs for you my friend...tears will help but knowing your Mom is finally at peace will calm you! now for your Dad, how he'll miss her so, but having a loving family by his side will help.. Rough having to make funeral arrangement..my boys did not come with me, it was something I wanted to do on my own....what I remember most is the famous Gst tax started that day, and everything I picked they had to tell me what had Gst and what did not..finally I told ( think it was more screamed) to make up the bill and id pay for it..didn't want to hear about taxes...

I decided the other day that I'll have to have a talk with my boys...the tombstone has my name on it...I don't want anything..the day I die I'm gone!! No ceremony, just a remembering of good times and bad times and let me rest in peace.

Crissy, there isn't too much of a time difference for Dave is there? When next he returns will he stay for the entire training without coming home?

No lottery winnings Susan, not even a FREE ticket..I believe there is a draw tonight so will play it again.

Kyle dropped in and off to town we went..drove to the snowmobile dealership and who was there but my brother Mike, his wife Kim ad grandson, chatted for about 1/2 hour..looks as though we are all thinking Christmas and snow (at least my family)..Mike was bringing his snow machine for servicing, I was buying Kyle's snowmobile trail pass not wanting to miss any deadline..goes from $200 to $250 after deadline..passes weren't yet out so Doug started an account for Kyle..put the $200 on an account so that when they come in Kyle can pay for it..next week it shall be Greg's...not waiting until the last minute..we were just leaving and who pulled up on the Spider but Greg and Noah..needed something then off ridding they were going..said all I had to do was sit in Bombadiers parking lot and I'd get to see all my family Doug said!! Over 25 years we've been good customers..no wonder they treat us like royalty.

Dropped in for stewing beef and they didn't have any, drats..no stew for supper..I'll go out in the morning and get what I need...

We no sooner got home Kyle said he had friends over to look at his snowmobile and off he went..

Already 2:30pm so no sense starting anything major, might as well just play

ah yes - remember working for Memorial Gardens, and speaking to people about making pre-arrangements. I don't find it difficult at all. My mom & dad were approached by a door-to-door salesman back in the '50s when they first started selling pre-arranged funerals and they signed up for it. My mom's and dad's stone has both their names on it. When I worked there (and theirs is flat to the ground) I noticed it was tipped a bit and sinking, so I had them raise it to level. They also have flower pots built in, and they can be raised/lowered when there are flowers to be put in/mower goes over them. I think it's quite logical to do it this way - no emotional purchases at the time of need. That's when families go overboard with the purchases, etc. It's difficult enough to deal with the passing of a loved one without the "dipping into the pocketbook" when people are emotionally drained as it is.
Ok - off my soapbox LOL

Good soapbox Susan and sound advice..when left to the family at tome of death one keeps thinking this is the last time I'm going to be able to do something for them and regardless what is shown and in your price range you go for the best of the best..

What I remember the most, it was 20 years on New Years Day and yesterday to me was they said the coffin had to be put in a cement box..ok. Regular price might not let seepage for maybe 5 years let's say...med quality maybe 10..next 20. But the ultra delux for life..of course the ultra deluxe will be purchased...we are at our most vulnerable...

It a sunshine day out there so guess it's best to think of some s shine things....

I dint know what is more work, getting gardens open or to bed!! Been working hard out there..started early morning, got about an hour in, mid morning another and now another..I'll rest then back out to do yet another and I've nowhere touched what needs done! I am though taken all the spent flower heads and scattering them around the property line, who knows maybe a few we will take.

All I know, Betty, is that I was truly disgusted with some of the sales pitches our manager was saying salespeople use "at need" and he said our (pre-need) was much better. I agree, but I also know that he used the at need "Push" himself, so obviously I didn't have a lot of respect for him and his pushy style.

I think I'm getting my brronchitis back again, and I know part of it is due to stress.
I'm heading off to the store to get some Calmylyn (really good stuff!!).

Then I'm back home to finish one of my applique squares for the Charity Quilt. I should be starting the 2nd one tonight.

Oh Susan, cough must be going around..look at you all! Never heard of Calmylyn, will have to make note of it. My sister Sharon has a dreadful cough early spring and fall, we gab on msn because she can't speak two words without hacking..Bernie has similar..bronchitis runs in out family..Mike and I who were deathly I'll when young outgrew it and they started up. I'll have to tell her about it.

Was talking to her this morning, Koors has been in extreme pain so the vet hospital will keep him until Monday..poor doggy!

It was funny this morning, mom has been telling me of all she has been purging of late to put the house on the market. When I met up with SIL Kim this morning (she lives close to mom) she was saying that every time she goes over to help almost everything g they set out the day before is back in the house

Oops Cathy is here, gotta run

Calmylyn is cough syrup with codeine. I have to sign off on it at the pharmacy because it's sold from behind the counter. It's the only thing that will work when I get this bronchial cough.

lol too funny - your mom starts to purge and therefore thinks she has, when in fact she is just moving it from place to place lol I shouldn't laugh - I do the same thing LOL

Susan, we couldn't buy that here without a prescription....no codeine in OTC products without doctors script in US.

We can't buy it from the shelf - have to have it over-the-counter and sign for it - they don't want us to get "high" on codeine, I guess LOL They send the form to the government to play "Big Brother" with it lol

Afternoon everyone! You all have been busy again today!
I was up at 4:00am this morning and about 1:00pm I was tired so I laid down for a nap! Guess I still have a lot of meds in my system from my procedure yesterday! They told me I would be tired for a few days! Dianne, they put me completely under for the procedure.
The fires are about 3 hours from us now. There are still lots of fires on the north and east part of Texas. They get one under control, and 3 more will pop up! Some from people throwing cigarettes out the window, or burning garbage when they aren't supposed or simply by pulling off the side of the highway to check something on the car, and the heat from under the car will catch the grass on fire. Some are from lightening strikes.

Susan, there are many allergy medicaitons that we could buy off the shelf, that we now have to sign for at counter...certain Sudafed being one. Not because of the harm to individuals, but people buy it to make other drugs to sell on the street!!

Codiene needs a direct doctors visit & script...any narcotic does,.

Think it's the same thing here Debbie..can't buy much of anything of value unless doctor prescribes..which reminds me, next trip to your neck of the woods I've got to pick up excedrin migraine..

LindaKay, they gave me meds enough to put me out but only enough to keep me sleeping during the short proceedure but I napped off and on for a few days.

You would think LindaKay people would be smarter than that! Just don't think!!

Susan, maybe if you do nothing for a few. Ays, you are always none stop.

Cathy was here and needed to pick up a few things so off we went..3rd trip to midland today..while there I ordered the helium balloons, bought all the eatery supplies so made strides with the party planning and drill enjoyed the gorgeous weather we had...hope to get more garden cleaning done tomorrow.

apparently 85% of fires are nature-caused - burning underground when they are thought to be out, etc
ooooh LK - prayers that the fires do not touch anyone in your life...

no Betty - you'd be surprised how lazy I can be - only do things in spurts, doncha know?!?!

Hello To All ! Night Shift Time ! LK - I sure hope ya'll get some rain soon. Hope you recover soon also...
((HUGS))) Joyce. Seems like a very peaceful passing...
Susan - I like your soapbox :o). Good advice. Betty - again you remind me of my Mom (that's taken as the hugest of compliments as you know) as that was exactly how she wanted to pass.... unfortunately her wishes didn't happen...
Sis wanted the funeral, open casket, the whole 9 yards....

Waving to Crissy - I REALLY need to borrow your Spunk one day when speaking to my boss... one day I might just have a little Crissy Courage and go off on her.... LOL..... She really made me feel like a pariah.....

We have had the Most Gorgeous weather lately ! The hibby meeting was nice. SO much to learn !

The Round up folks that I attended back in April are having another one in October... and I'm planning to go... so when I got home I put some more cuttings aside for that.

Had THREE Cosmic Ray Hibiscus blooms today... will share 2 with you next....

((HUGS))
Mary

Cosmic Ray

Took this pic for the swap... Not many people want these around here though because they are SO common. DH always teases me he's going to mow over our yellow cannas "Because they like that".......
Variagated Canna with Orange flowers

LK -

I was ripping tons of wild morning glory vines off a plant to bring to the swap and then I realized they had completed covered / hidden our Cassia ! Plus it is blooming !
You might remember I tried 3 cuttings but one has survived ... so it's yours... :o) Anyway here is a pic of the blooms. not a candlestick but pretty.... and grows fast this time of year then will die back......

Cannas may be plentiful in your end of the world, Mary, but not here.

Love all those blooms! That hibiscus is so pretty! I have never seen that one!

The cosmic ray - with the pale stamen against the midnight blue - wow what a beautiful contrast!

Susan! I think you would love Canna's too... they match your sunny personality ! We have these, plus green leaves/ yellow blooms..... green leaves/orange-yellow blooms (my favorite) and RED leaves with dark orange blooms. They just grow everywhere here... and take over.... I love them..... but not really a special thing for the swaps because I think everyone has them....

LK - I almost repotted your cassia today but then I realized that it may be cool enough to try to send to you.......of course we're supposed to have more hot weather coming soon... but do you have any advice on mailing it to you? I suppose I need to figure out a way to secure the pot to the bottom of the box so the leaves don't get crushed...

What is everyone up to tomorrow? Debbie? where are you my night owl ?

I am here. Waitig for kids to get home....and I just had a dish of butter pecan ice cream. Now I am COLD! lol

I had one of "those days" where I didn't get much done but worry. The kids are all up at Darien Lake to some all day concert. "The child" is there with her new car....and heavens, I do not like driving there and I am experienced. There is just total chaos when leaving...its point and pray. AND...DS is with his buddy Sam, Won't sleep til they get home.

Love the canna lillies. That is my DDs favorite flower....but I have none. Will look for them at the store....do you know if you plant in fall or spring??

I made a WONDERFUL dinner tonight if I do say so myself. Had some chicken and a few odds and ends...ended up making Chicken Marsala with rice. Nathan had never had it before....and since he was the only child home...he was rather forced to be the guinea pig. He loved it, as did DH.

People do grow cannas in Winnipeg (zone 3) where I'm originally from, but they are not perennials. I haven't seen anyone grow cannas here in Calgary. Apparently they are zone 5 and warmer - I'm in zone 3b.

us too Deb... although most our crew just walked in..... it's DSD1 and 2 with DSD college roomie and her BF... and another guy friend... they are all crashing here tonight...

Still DS out and about... so worrying about him.....I totally understand the worry thing... got to have all the chicks in the nest.....

you really need to send me your chicken marsala recipe... My sis used to make it.... Deb - I can try to send you some cannas.....
I'll ask hubs,... they are a bulb....? so not sure when to plant them... but our variagateds (and the yellow ones) are taking over so he will probably be happy for me to dig up some but you'll have to help me figure out how to mail.... LOL....he was thrilled for me to dig up 2 for the "round up"....
Susan - my pic is bad... the middleof the Cosmic Ray is red... but it does look blue in the pic.....

Mary, I would LOVE some! Plants rec'd in the past were wrapped (root base) in bubble wrap wtih a tad bit of dampness....and stuck in baggy. OR rolled in damp newspaper, then put in baggy. I will see what I can find on instructions for planting.

The chicken marsala is SO easy.

Olive oil on bottom of skillet to cover (I use cast iron, but don't have too)
3 tablespoons of butter (melt with olive oil)
3 cloves of minced garlic (I chopped up some fresh) add more if you like strong taste
1 package of fresh mushrooms, sliced
and four boneless chicken breast...sliced thin into strips or chunks

Add 1 cup Marsala cooking wine over the top....

Cook all this together on the stove top.... .cover and simmer. Stirring occassionally
Takes about 30 minutes.

Tonight we had it with rice...but I like it over the top of egg noodles also, using the sauce on top for the gravy.

OH now I'm Hungry ! LOL... sounds so yummy !
Hubs just told me that Canna's are rhizomes and that the ground freezes where you are and I should send you some in the spring......

That sound right? I still have to defer to him as the "pro" gardener... he's been doing this much longer than I.

The Cannas will die down if we have particularly cold weather but will pop back up in the Spring....

So perhaps when they spring back up for me I can send you some .... and you'll have to help me figure out how to send... will be fun to learn how ! I'm patient! Remember LK asked me for the cassia cutting months ago and I just now have one to send her so I DO remember LOL....I won't forget :o)

Mary and Deb, when I lived in Massachusetts...we would plant bulbs and rhizomes, in the fall so you would get flowers in the spring.

I would think that if you just cut off all of the stem above the ground, dug out the rhizomes, shake off much of the dirt, put them in a box, with a bit of "stuffing" crumpled paper probably would be good?? I would think they would be fine....used to get bulbs shipped in those net bags, like onions come in.

well, it's time for "off to bed" to get some rest so I can sing in the morning.....
Niters all!

Remembering this morning and praying so hard for world peace. What is wrong with the world that we can't live and let live??? The horrors of 10 years ago weigh heavy on my heart and it is now that I am so grateful to have all of you there as well for comfort. You don't know what you mean to me my friends......

I second what Barb said. Heavy heart here for sure.

Watching 9/11 and remembering that day..so many lives lost and all for NOT!

I remember going to the field in Pennsylvania last year and seeing where amid all the cities and built up regions how those on the fateful flight took control of the plane in order to sacrifice their lives so others would live..heroes for sure!

May God look over the souls of those lost and the families that remain..

As one woman said during the memorial and much as I said yesterday..it's been 10 long years and yet but a moment ago..still close at heart!!

God bless both Canada and America, may we continue to be the nations of the free now and forever...

This message was edited Sep 11, 2011 9:41 AM

Mary, when I ship a plant in the pot, I place the whole thing in a box, find some dowels or sticks that you can place in the pot, and have them go to the top of the box. That way it braces the plant, and it does not move around too much! You can even remove the pot, and wrap the root ball in wet paper towels or newspaper, then place in a baggie, and tape it around the top of the root ball! Then pack rest of the box with paper or bubble wrap, peanuts... what ever you have. It has been nice and cool here this past week, so I think it will be safe to send when ever you get to it!

We watched the 102 minutes of the world trade towers this morning! It still makes me cry watching those towers coming down, knowing so many lost their lives!

Have a feeling we were all watching this morning and remembering!

Had a bit of a fright an hour ago..I had been to town before 8am and ordered the last of what needed to be ordered, got back home and started a big pot of stew, I know just me but was hungry for stew when all of a sudden in comes all my boys..

oh no, did they think I meant today? Nope, was such a gorgeous day that all wanted to be out doing something so thank goodness I had a stew on...

Kyle was ready for a day of biking...