Best/Worse/what did I learn today..chat with friends!

Well Liz, if iti s a truck....tell him to get it moving or your going to start using the "bed" as a planter! Then again, Kenny might like that idea and help you design it.

Laughing to myself, Liz, he's as bad with cars/trucks as you were, are, with antiques/crafts. Roger would say 'let the house be full of crafts but don't let me put a screwdriver down, all hell will beak loose!' lol

Debbie, think the black/blue is a sign of healing. Are we still on for meeting up a week Saturday? We could meat at our hotel and go to Hamburg together, if not, maybe we could meet at Crackerbarrel Sunday and you could show me the goodies for my garden.

Looked a back porch, drats and more drats, just last fall I painted a 6' x 9' linoleum rug for back deck..blue/white/red, now all wrong in color..wish some of you lived closer, you could take it home.. Have the fireplace without insert that I replaced at christmas, might be able to incorporate it into the outdoor room..hmmm lots to recycle and trash

Betty, yes we are on for next weekend. Will come up with a plan to meet you somewhere. Who is coming over with you?
Lot depends on how my eyes are doing for how long to sneak out.

Cracker barrel had some cute whimsey birdhouses made of tin, though of you with your metal garden, however these were painted. Had quite a few outdoor garden things. I didn't care for the "rooster line" they had up.

Here I am. I am going out and pull weeds today but can't overdo. I just do some and come in and rest and go out again. Never get caught up. There is not too much to take photos of yet but here is a sunset. HUGS BEV

Wow and double wow Bev, as always photo's are breathtaking! lord sure knows how to make pretties. You aren't to get the storms I hear are doing on down south? Before you know it your gardens will be in bloom..any news on your son and the wedding?


Loud outside, blue jays and others singing up a storm..I will be on lookout for first robin! Decided to work in slow motion and take down the deck closure so once I've revamped back deck I can sit in the sunshine. Can't believe I am thinking more of sitting in sunshine than I am about working n gardens..likely that will be short lived.

Debbie, not sure of exact plans, Ann wants to come, with being so sick she says she needs new clothes..spoke last night about her driving to the city Friday and staying at her daughters, I could pick her up then drop her off as she has dr's appt in Toronto on the Tuesday. She would just stay there. Would love Darlene to come but it's doubtful..her back has gone back to her needing mega bed rest..just spoke with her and she wasn't doing well physically. I will wait till later in the week, might ask Cathy if she wants to go just to get her out of town.

I don't need a lot..would love to pick up a few decorative pieces for the back deck, some fabric at Joann's..it's either drive over Friday evening, spend the night, shop all day and come home Saturday night, or leave super early Saturday morning and come home Sunday morning..I'm leaning towards the Friday night that way I could enjoy being home Sunday..short week then, Easter! Trying to get the Monday off to make a 4 day weekend.

Bev, forgot to ask how Scotty is doing? With nicer weather he'll be able to get outside at the home and your visit will be more pleasant.

Yikes, what a mess I've made, work 5 sit 5, everything off back deck and on the grass..wood and plastic deck covering removed, guess its bonfire night tonight!

wonderful to look out back door and be able to see the yard instead of plastic enclosures. For all the snow we have had I needn't have put them up.

Greg just called and said I'd likely see him around 5:00-5:30 pm.

Betty, I was out sitting on the back stairs and glanced to my right. My clematis have leaves....at least an inch or so long...popped out all the way down the vine.

Glad to hear Dylan is here. Beautiufl baby.

I have some better news. I may be on line at home later as I got the part I{ved been waiting for in the mail. Now to see if it works.

More good news: Chocolate the Cat is back. He seems to be sticking to his outdoor room where he is safe from the dogs.

More good news: things are blooming. Hibiscus and jasmine. AND my schotia tree is loaded with buds. When they start to open the birds flock to it by the dozens. It is near my bed so I get seranaded a lot. It is really amazing, apparently the flowers have lots of nectar.

Spent most of the last couple of days in bed reading and resting.

Tony is finishing the second of three tiled counters in the kitchen. When he finishes I{ll be out of excusees for not putting things away.

Lots of work to do in the new garden I just need a small burst of energy. Still waiting to hear when my surgery will be.

hugs, katie

Katie, very happy to hear Chocolate the cat is back and doing well. I always think things blooming helps to lift the spirits. Just that big of color and sunshine...helps so much. Glad you are resting, you have run yourself ragged since before Christmas and your last travels. Rest...and enjoy!

Debbie

Great new Katie on the computer, blooming and Chocolate the cat returning..I'm with Debbie, you have run yourself down these past months, now time to rest a bit..see, few days in bed I can already hear the strength in your posts.im sure the minute Tony finishes the tiling you'll be overjoyed with the beauty of the room that you won't have to be asked to unpack.

Debbie, think I have a few of those pretties as well. Keep looking at the clock, once 4:30 is here I can venture out further in the yard..

Should really go to town tonight, need birdseed and a few other things but will wait until to,or row, can pick them up on my way home.

Now if I stuck to battery operated birdies I wouldn't need to spend $$ for seed and they chirp same as the birdies do without worrying as well that Missy is looking for din/din!

I'm back on line at home!!!!! It has been months and I am thrilled to have this taken care of. For however long it lasts, I will be grateful.

Thanks for the support on resting. It has been partly the travel but I think more of the stress, for me, has been being burned by people that I wanted to think of as friends. I can't seem to keep finding "friends" who aren't. However, I have my friends here on this thread and my friends that I have here in Mulege. It's hard for me to accept when a friendship is no longer working and to let go of it. I know I'm not alone in that.

hugs, katie

Yippee Katie, you are now in contact with the world!

It's a hard lesson to learn for sure, but you can't not stop trying to befriend people just because you are hurt (talking generally here) because you would miss out on so many earthly angels walking along with you..just got to say 'oh well, that one didn't turn out but there are many that will!

I just cannot believe the difference between Sunday and today in the gardens..what growth..lilac trees has buds opening, all the shrubs are full of green buds, plants are rising to touch the sun..it's true 'what a difference a day makes)

Oh my, thought I'd put the wood from the screening under the closed in area under the deck , opened the door, me oh my, enough greenery I cut last fall for Christmas arrangements so must get that to fire pit so I can hide evidence of what I did today..Greg hasn't been since Friday night so he could think over the weekend and evenings I've done bit by bit but if he sees everything on the lawn I'll be done for. Lol

Praise the Lord, got all the debris cleaned out, water pouring off my forehead, toweling myself, should be back to normal and laying on chesterfield for when Greg arrives.

Then once he leaves I can get into mischief again lol

Bev - one word GORGEOUS!!!!!!

Katie - glad you have your computer up and running, and SO glad that Chocolate's back! Cats do like to slink away, don't they?!

Well, had an hour long "chat" with our pastor, and he didn't realize my "coping mechanism" is WORK, WORK, and MORE work. I remember one summer where, in my 1/2 day job, that I worked 480 hours overtime in 3 months!
When my dad passed, I worked every shift at 7-11 for three weeks and had no idea what I was doing, but apparently I did it well........
and now that our pastor understands some of the issues I'm dealing with at home (neither of us working, the roof literally separating from the walls, getting eviction notice but yesterday got unemployment so now can pay rent, etc, etc) he's appreciative of why I'm throwing myself into doing services at the Church - it's all a coping mechanism.
He did say that he has reasons for talking to me the way he does, but that today wasn't a good time to mention them, given my state of mind. He also recognizes that I'm going through depression, and thought perhaps my Dr could see what he could do about getting me anti-depressants. As this is $$ hungry Alberta, I'm not sure that would be an option, but we'll see......... One of the worst parts of this is that I don't find it easy to leave the house (except for my refuge, the Church) and therefore have not been doing some stuff I should be, like taking mail to the PO.
He's suffered from depression himself, so he knows some of what I'm going through, I gather.
He mentioned that I might like doing "Pastoral Visits" and I said I would love that! He also asked if I would like to go to the Care home where one of our members (Thelma) is going to receive an Honourary Board Membership certificate (I'm on the Board, and I printed up the certificate) - I said I'd like to go there to see Thelma as I haven't see her in a long time. I think this is his way of getting me out of the house - a tangible help, to be sure.
Whoooosh - boy am I chatty right now? Guess it's "getting stuff off my chest" that I did, for an HOUR with our pastor, and it's rather "free-ing"!!

lol Betty - YOU, get into mischief???? LOL

Thanks, No storms yet. Scotty and the garden are doing fine. Going to pull more weeds and collect leaves again. I never run out. HUGS BEV

lol Bev - Cats are the same all over, aren't they?!?! Yours, rolling onto her back, looks much like our "Baby". Baby loves to have her belly scratched, and she looks up at us with that "expectant" look, saying 'aren't I the cute one, though?' LOL

Well Susan, he is right in as much not to overload you..it's been a difficult year for the two of you, what with both losing employment ..we can all keep a happy face but at some point our body speaks up and says enough is enough..think that is where you are right now, time to put the church duties/volunteering behind (the Lord knows you are his lamb and will understand)! Time to look after Susan... And out of the house will certainly help.

My little helper came tonight, needs toys for his bike so willing to work tonight, tomorrow and Friday night and Saturday of I want him..come up with solution, told him when I work I get paid Friday, so that just might get him here each day! Lol

Greg backed the truck up, took he and Kyle to get 2 big boxes of the truck, thought it was simply open the lid and there is the set..nope, a zillion pieces. Just as he pulled in Melanie's mom and dad dropped n, Melanie was cooking fish supper for them, I was invited but too much going on. Mgreg took it pretty good that he had to go eat then come back and put the set together..perhaps now that it is out of the box he'll leave it till tomorrow night.

He did put 1 chair together..oh oh me thinks I bought a heavy duty set and should not have, will take up the entire deck..the chair he put together barely came through deck door..remainder of the set will go together inside the deck because I'm not so sure the settee will fit..

Well, my break is over, got to join the forces. Lol

Betty - he (Gary is our pastor's name) and I had a long chat about 'aren't you being burned out' and I explained how my coping mechanism IS working. If I spend too much time on my own, I tend to obsess on my problems and That Is Not A Good (or healthy) Thing To Do.
Trust me when I say that I need to throw myself into stuff, and at least I've been getting to the Church. Earlier today I thought 'maybe I'll take a break from the Church totally and not go on Sundays, etc' but I know that going to the Church is better for me than staying at home, even if it is with my Bob. Believe me when I say, I know what I need and doing stuff at the Church is making me feel productive - something that, having lost my job - I've not been feeling outside of Church.
I will not run down physically if that's what you're thinking - I've been running down mentally and that's my problem. I can't function if I don't have things to do. I can already see signs of my lack of functioning - forgetting to eat/make dinner, drink my coffee...... go to bed really late and wake up even later.. With my Church's help this time, I will be better than other times when I had to deal with depression on my own (hubby went to work, and I only had me and the phone and I don't phone people when I'm really "bad" - I simply stop seeing people, going anywhere, going online, etc.........
and in today's world of so much pain, sorrow, and sadness, no one seems to miss me, at least IRL.

Bev, look at those kitties, don't they think they have the world by the tail..bet they give you mega comfort!

Susan, don't you be saying you are NOT missed and times are hard for you, we are all here for each other and no different for you my dear!!! wipe the tear, gives us a smile...know whatever you decide with the help of your Pastor it will be for your best.

Wow, 8:30pm, if you can believe this, Greg was being eaten by mosquitos while out putting my set together..drats I never even thought it wouldn't come assembled...honest! Greg was a good sport, he has work to do on the hot-tub and doing upgades to the 3 big super bikes he built for him and the boys

Greg working on the set

then little landscaper Noah

got to either dump this fireplace shell somewhere or burn..Missy was enjoying

by the time Greg finished it was dark, didn't even stay for a pop..

Meant to say while Melanie's mom and dad were here she said she had given up on painting, guess where all her things went including brushes, paint bottle carrier and books..drats wish people wouldn't do that, will try to find a home for everything..someone is bound to take it!

was a good girl though, you would never tell by the pieces in the kiln but when I took them out, they were beautiful deep blue..will incorporate in a piece I'm doing and when the sun hits the medalions, watch out, will be so pretty.

I would have to say I rested, I overdid, got lots done, still the other side of the back verandah to clean/clear, but will leave that for Friday..quite a day..

Hot chocolate/hot bath and off to bed I go..ohhh missed my din/din..maybe I'll have a cupcake or two..very tiny so my little landscaper said, he worked hard to had 3

Betty - I said IRL (In Real World). I KNOW that my cyber buddies are always here for me.......... Bless every one of you.
Sometimes, I would just like to sit down for coffee with some of my IRL peeps, but they're so sure when I say "Come for coffee" that I'm saying, sorta, "we Must do lunch sometime" and really don't mean it. I miss the days when people would stop in if they hadn't seen or heard from you in awhile and check to see if you were ok.
Even at my church, they say they have calls every month to each member, to see how they're doing - even if they've seen them at Church, cuz you don't always say what's happening in your life with everyone else there. I told them 2 months ago that I've never gotten a call in all the time I've been with the church (4 years this month). They were surprised and said they'd make sure I get a call. Still no calls........... ah well, I have opened the door to talk to my pastor, so that's a Plus+

We should all have a dictionary with terminology for short forms. Haven't a clue half the time what they mean ie pita..

I think by asking for the meeting you took the first step...

Lordy I'm tired..Off to bed I go

Sweet dreams everyone

Thanks Betty - we already have an acronym dictionary for us old folks....... don't think I could remember another one LOL LOL LOL

Hello To All ;

Susan - so glad you had a good visit with the Pastor... hopefully and it sounds like his intentions are good... giving you some projects to do....you know you always have us to vent and talk to... ((HUGS)) Depression is NOT good....
Katie - YAY! Back in the computer world now we'll hear from you more often...
Bev - those pics are just heavenly...GORGEOUS !
Debbie - LOL Trade you a Clematis for a Canna ! Hubs wants a clematis.. you never see in the nursery here...but saw them Saturday $9 for a small one !

Betty - That stained glass mosaic is just beautiful... you are SO busy as usual...
will pop back in a bit
Hugs,
Mary

Oh Mary, that is a good price...grab it! I think my two were at least $25 to 40....my mom gave me one for birthday gift. The other I dug up from her house when she passed. Just make sure you get a trelis for it as they grow tall and heavy with flowers. That reminds me I need a trelis for the one on the south side of house...it had growin into rose bushes and we had to do a major trim to get it out. That one hasn't started growing yet.

Well, had a nice visit with Carrie & Andy tonight. Computer problems so she came over for Dads help. Andy said that baby calf born on his birthday was at least 150lbs...all he could do to carry it up towards the barn...and it had to walk the rest of the way. lol

I am heading to bed. Eye doctor appointment and trip to Rochester in the morning...so won't be on early.

Sweet dreams
Debbie

ooooooh Clematis - I care for a friend's garden, and they have a round gazebo and the clematis trails all along the sides - gets very heavy and rambles. The "windowledge", for want of a better word, is about waist high, and above it to the roof is open. They had strings between the ledge and the roof where the clematis was to have trailed up. By the time I was asked to clean up and care for the yard the bush was all fallen.
This picture was when I first started looking after it, in 2009.
I need to clean up the yard before June, this year. Marlene has her birthday garden party in the yard, in June.
They (Marlene & her Mom, Wilma) have let me use a part of the yard, behind the garage, for a vegetable garden. I'm looking forward to it again this year!!

My computer at home lasted about two hours!! I'm back at the cafe. Oh, well, it was nice while it lasted.

Some of my depression seems to have lifted. I was able to help tony with some clean up this morning.

Dana called as their cat, Loca, who was injured is missing and Dana wanted to take her to the clinic. We were pleasant to each other and she came over to visit Chocolate when I told her what had happened to him. chocolate used to be her cat but he moved over here cause her little dogs hassled him a lot. I'm glad we are on speaking terms. I know better than to hope for any real closeness, I'm just glad not to have hostilities.

I'm tired. The pain in my knee and my arm just sucks the energy out of me.

hugs, katie

I'm here!! I'm here!! I have lost my place and am too busy to keep up! ACK!!!! LOL

Hope everyone is doing well and I'm going to try to catch up tonight.

(((((((Katie)))))))) I'm dealing with the onset of depression, and am a bit overwhelmed right now - sorry to hear you're dealing with it.
Glad you're on speaking terms with Dana, and I can appreciate you may be keeping her at "arm's length" a bit....... it takes time to repair even the remnants of friendship that's gone bad. Give yourself time, you need it.

WB Crissy!!

Betty, Where is Judy???

Bev, Judy's computer "bit the dust" but she has been checking in with friends now and then and we get an update.

Hello to All !

NO BETTY TODAY ? :o(

Debbie - wow I thought you would all tell me how expensive that is... now I need to rush back and buy the clematis ! Really hubs wants it... wish it were a bday or something... Can Calves walk at birth? Your SIL sounds so super.
I think I love DSGF more than I love DS.
DS is slowly communicating more. Did the dishes yesterday. Hm.
Susan OMG Had no idea the clematis gets that HUGE ! Please don't let that DepressionMonster get you down....
Hmmm.... I know sounds simple... but nature, exercise, what else folks? to ward off depression? I remember reading that eating spicy food sends off endorphins.
Katie - chin up... we'll get that computer fixed. Glad you didn't let it stand between touching base with us today...
Will pop back in a bit...
Mary

Mary, some of the clematis get really big. Depends on what kind it is. My two are about 4 ft right now...but I think would do better if I had a bigger trellis and a dog that would stay out of the bushes.

Regarding depression. Have you tried St. Johns Wart.....talk to a doctor first! I was told to add color to our rooms. Happy colors, use pillows or curtains....a bright cheerful picture (flowers, beach?) and to put up beat music on...and get sunshine. I find that communing with the animals brings me out of a funk when I am getting bad. I have suffered depression for MANY years, probably since a child...but they didn't know it then. Walking does wonders too.....especially with a camera in your hand. I think the camera is my life line.

Baby calves walk shortly after birth...much the same as horses. Andy didn't used to be so warm and loving...he looked at them as a "beef product". Then he met my daughter....who takes after her mother alot in the love of animals department. I knew he was totally in love with her....the day the "truck" came to pick up the cattle for market....and he actually cried. He finally saw the other side of it....not just a $$$ sign.

Betty, where are you?

Great advice Deb... Too funny about the SIL....
Yes - seem's like I've read that petting a dog or watching fish helps lower blood pressure....
I'd love to head back and get some of the clematis...but $9 is a lot of $$ for me right now...I've been spending on the nursery gift card I got for Christmas.

Hubs wants to move our wisteria... it's in2 pots growing up ... it's a "Trellis/Wall" that seperates garage from the back yard. It's too shady (he says) for the wisteria to bloom properly and the Clematis (again he says) will bloom in shade....

So what does SIL raise the cattle for now? Milk?

I heard a "Good" one the other day... tried to memorize it. "The Grass is only Greener on the other side...because there is more Bull SH#*% over there " (fertilizing it).... LOL

That is a good one, and so very true! Just as much BS over there, and I have learned it is easier to deal with the BS on your side of the fence than someone elses. Makes yours not look so bad!

My clematis are both in sun. Again, I think it depends on the one you choose. The root system is temperamental. Has to be semi near the top but also can't get too cold. I will have to look up the directions again.

Ooopos didn't mean to hit send.

Andy works at a dairy farm, and has been there since he was 14 or 15. He is the diesel mechanic for all the farm equipment, makes their feed, plows, plants....and helps where ever needed. At his "home" farm at his parents house, he raises beef cattle. MOST of them have turned into breeders to keep the stock going and every 3 or 4 years, he sends the bulls to market. Several have turned into "pets" that are family members.

Good Morning ladies(and any gents peeking in)

Clematis need to have their roots shaded and their heads in the clouds...grin Mine all get full sun and heavy mulch, or are planted behind other plants that provide some shade for the roots during the hottest part of the day.

Andy seems like a really nice fellow Deb....a hard exterior with a real softie hiding inside.

Hope you all have a lovely day...Hurray for Friday

Morning, overcast but am sure the sun will peek through..finished the back deck, now that the other side has been cleaned plenty of room to make it pretty!

Was hanging an old window frame and could hear more chirping, birds are flying under the eaves I ipthink there are birdies..any other year I'd say too early but not this year.

Maybe it would be a good time to move my clematis, never have more than a few vines/flowers..I think they do not like their present location

Enjoy the day