Best/Worse/What did I learn today? Chatting with friends...

Thought it was time to move us over

We came from here

http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/1256100/#new

Need this Monday after Mother's Day to re-coup..if it weren't for Suzanne staying home because of the birth of a new grandma I would have stayed home. Guess I can always nap at work!!

I had to chuckle at your nap at work comment Betty. My mom who worked full time, was married to a cattle farmer and peach orchard owner, used to say she went to her job so that she could rest. Hi Betty and anyone else that I haven't spoken with for ages and ages. I actually woke up earlier than normal today and have a bit of extra computer time and was looking through some of the forums for something interesting to read. Can't think of a better place to check in and see how folks are doing.

Some years ago I was very active on this thread and there came a point when it became too busy for me to keep up and I have been away for quite some time. Most of my chatting is done on the Mid Atlantic Gardeners forum. It seems to run in spells, the threads will become busy and I can't keep up and then sort of like this morning, the regular threads I visit are a bit idle and I go looking for new places to find out what is happening in the rest of this big wide world.

I probably don't have to ask if Betty is still a fanatical busy bee. I tell you that her days activities equal about a months worth for me. hahaha I am keeping even busier for over the last year since taking on baby sitting responsibility of my two grand children three afternoons a week. They definitely keep me busy and cut in to both household chore time and computer time. I wouldn't trade it for the world though, as you grand mothers out there know. They both constantly amaze me.

Due to there being very little winter here this year, I have been especially enjoying the warm weather and all the gardening that I have been able to get done before the summer heat returns and interferes with that pursuit. This is an especially good week for me in that the Mid Atlantic Gardeners group here at Dave's is planning their bi-annual plant swap this coming Saturday. There has been talk for months now of who is bringing what and lists of plants and such that people want. The chatting has all added to the great anticipation that many of us are feeling.

My husband John and I will be traveling several hours plus to attend this event. We have been attending the swap for six or seven years and much of our gardens have come from other Dave's members efforts. We have some really lovely things, and lots were free. No better way to get plants, if you ask me.

Anyway.....I am sitting here listening to the steady and gentle rain that we are fortunate enough to be getting this morning. I like rainy days from time to time because for some reason I associate it with being able to breathe and relax and not feel as though I need to set the world on fire that day with activity. I suppose being raised on a farm is responsible for that, rain meaning that chores can wait usually.

Anyway Betty and anyone else that I knew when here in the olden days, howdy and I hope that you are all doing well and that life is treating you decently. Thanks for allowing me to drop by with an update.

Ruby

Morning, omg how wonderful to see you post Ruby, of course many of us remember you..we've missed you!! So glad you were up early enough to spend some time on the computer and thought of checking up on us..you'd be amazed how many times you come to thought, guess a lot of the time is when I'm mixing my "Ruby Applesauce Cake" which is a family favorite now..licking my lips, time to make another.

I envy those of you who are able to attend Round-ups, just too far or too few members in my region for a round-up but I do attend a yearly 'Sisters Gathering' held once a year..oh happy days, it's my turn this year and am I excited. Know becauce of the economy and health many won't be able to attend but I'll spoil whoever does come lol

Bet you will be watching the weather in hopes it will not rain. Where is it being held this year?

How nice that John will be able to go to the round-up, am sure he'll need to carry boxes/boxes to your vehicle and if lucky hemay be of help planting.

Ruby, think we have all had a mild winter but somehow I think we will pay. My gardens after the heat wave in March and then the raining weekends are finally growing. Will go back in photo's to see if they are ahead of schedule or behind.

Yes, things haven't changed, always busy with something, that's what keeps me going

Don't be a stranger, no need to drop in everyday but a wave from time to time would be lovely..
You've made my day girl!!!

Hi Ruby! Great to see you! Sounds like you are keeping very busy, indeed. I know what you mean about treasured plants from others. I have a few very dear friends in my garden. ☺

Oh Betty and Susan ...
Sorry for the confusion last night. My Mom and friend live in the same town. Guess I didn't word that sentence very well! Betty, it's my Daddy that passed away last year. It's about a 3 to 3-1/2 hr trip 1 way depending on traffic to Mama's. We did that on Saturday. The DH's family is local, so no traveling Sunday ... but I was plenty tired! LOL

Dianne, hugs to you today.

Shirley, hello and hope you get things settled. Sending belated sympathies to you.

Crissy, thinking about you and sending hugs ...

Mary, counting down the days with you, but must confess to have gotten confused on how many days left. laughing

Betty, wow at the work you got accomplished over the week-end. Some Mother's Day you had!!

Okay, it's Monday ... off to the races now!

Debbie asked for a few photo's..ahhhh where to begin
1. troops are arriving
2. more flowers for grandma (who said she needed more plants)
3. where to we start (sure grandma will know)

Apology Suse..I thought your mom had also passed on..so glad she is still with you! Think my posting this morning was done in a haze also lol Thought today would be a rest day for you???

1. Starting the day was to dismantle old gazebo..no wait, mom had a brainstorm, why not carry across the street, Corey said he'd take it seeing as he has my shed..if we all take a post should be easy to carry across the street, life would be simpler if we didn't have to dismantle..great idea mom!!

2. Guess the first part is making sure all supplies needed are in the box with new gazebo..

3. Now the fun begins lol brother helping brother

1. wow, lots of work when you go to grandma's

2. wouldn't it be easier just to buy mom a bigger gift, drop it off and go home..am sooo tired! well arriving from Jamaica late last night could have something to do with it

3. we have to do what?

No problem Betty. Poor wording on my part. LOL

Oh, I got tickled at your post ... You had them going, didn't ya. LOL

Luc did a great job..started fresh at 8am and left at 5pm

by noon he was this far

Today would have been Santa Warren's 71st birthday. I plan to spend the day quietly other than cutting the lawn. For 41 years on DH's birthday I made blueberry muffins for his breakfast. Yesterday a neighbour who had no knowledge of this tradition arrived on my doorstep with some blueberry muffins that she had made.This wonderful, kind act reduced me to tears.She has no idea how much she touched my heart with her muffins. I was going to make some just because it was our tradition but I think I won't now. Now just watch I will be up at 3 am making them!!

Make sure you all do something nice for yourself today ladies. Life is too short not to!!!

How very touching Dianne..another difficult day for you! I would say make a small batch because you have to know you will start feeling overwhelmed and will be up at 3:00am doing so. Bake a muffin, sit on the deck, look at the beauty that surrounds you and know Warren is watching over you with pride at how you are coping..sending hugs

oops double posted a photo..
thought I had a photo of yesterday's end result but don't..

here is one, just imagine that the roof is now on..lol

Dianne, Life has a way of giving us small joys to help make our sorrow bearable. I hope your days are flooded with small joys and warm beautiful memories.



Betty....looks like the crew gave you a lovely day of caring and sharing....how lovely.

and the day continued

1. Jeff anchoring gazebo down so I don't find it in the bush
few drill bits broke, some not so nice words were said..mom had to speak up with ahh ahh ahh

2. while we all worked, Missy decided she'd rest for all of us

3. In one area of secret garden was the metal bench I spray painted to freshen up Saturday..was nice putting
new seat on..now I've pillows to make (why does one project lead to another)

was working on the pond and Darlene dropped by, she was having a difficult day as well..thought a ride was in order.
She had been laying interlock for a memory garden for Mike and needed a break..

I put her to work lol

So that was my weekend.

Jean, the time with my family and friends meant the world to me
What better way of spending Mother's Day, would have been just as enjoyable had we not been working..
just kidding lol feels good to have all my chores done!

Introducing Audrey Rose

Last weekend photo..gazebo up

Now that I've bored you all, anyone have photo's of their weekend?

Congratulations on the arrival of the precious Audrey Rose....such a sweet lovely little lady.

Love the new gazebo! Goodness, your all working so hard, all we did was go to dinner!
Betty, who had the baby? She is so precious, and I love that name!

Hey Ruby, glad to see you dropping in. Sounds like your keeping yourself busy, and ready for the round up?

How did hubby make out with his tests this morning LindaKay?

Suzanne, my sister-in-law that I work with, her daughter
She now has 2 girls

Suzanne came in for a few hours bringing the eldest Arianna, boy can she talk..lol

Bev, sure hope you get everything dowloaded..how is your garden doing, many lily in bloom?

This message was edited May 14, 2012 2:27 PM

This message was edited May 14, 2012 2:46 PM

awwwwwwwwwww Audrey Rose is such a pretty name - thank you for posting her picture, Betty!!
So, Cory took the old gazebo after all? I thought he didn't want it, too.....

Job Fair was so-so. Not all even took resumes, and mostly it was "go to our website and apply" for the City. Two other companies took Bob's and my resumes (two each, that is). Handyman Connection took Bob's :-)

Dianne - today will be difficult, but sooooooo nice of your neighbour (not even knowing the tradition!) to have brought blueberry muffins! Now you can truly rest and relax today - cutting grass is a good "non-thinking" kinda job :-)

Everything went well, they determined it is just deafness from being on the flight line for many years, listening to the jets rev up, and take off! even with ear protection, it is very noisy out there!
Now we get to have fun, and submit paper work to file for disability. Just one more thing to ad to his retirement in 2015!

another 3 years......... then he's the same age as my Bob - 62!

So I would imagine Susan you are online applying for everything under the sun? Do you think these work fairs are worth going to if they don't take resume's?

Linda Kay will he be able to continue working in the same job capacity or will he have to change.

Betty - at least we now know Who's hiring, besides the City.
We filled out a Feedback form for the organizers and he asked if we found a job with Mega benefits and $1B/year wages. I told him I was "holding out for $2B/year" LOL He said I shouldn't downplay my abilities rofl!!!

Good sense of humour. Are you having the sunshine we are having today?

Went to Walmart at lunch..was hard to refrain from picking up more plants but I did..ended up with a metal arm to hold a birdfeeder for back deck..didn't end up eating, feels as though there is a knot in my throat and can barely swallow..know they say a 100 day cough is going around, am sure I don't have it but must be a 30 days cough out there, I've had it for at least that many weeks.

So laughing, Suzanne's grandaughter Arianna was playing with my i-pad while I was at lunch, pressed the police scanner button, do you think I or Suzanne could figure out how to shut it off..even when you press off it continues to monitor..interesting though..lots of wacko's out there..

1/2 hour to go, it's 65 and sunshine out there...just might get another few hours of garden work done.

My goal it to be finished weeding all the gardens by end of our long weekend coming up. With working from home on Friday it allows me 4 days of nothing to do but garden, that is, if Mother Nature co-operates.

We're having sun/cloud, but NO rain!! I cleared our deck off yesterday, so now it looks USEABLE lol
Put up our sun umbrella on the table, got the tree "worms" (seed worms that is) swept off everything, and am able to sit in the porch swing (fabric).
It's 19c/66F now (hasn't reached the hot part of the day yet), and supposed to be 27c/81F tomorrow!! hot, hot, hot.........

Finally you are getting the sunshine..will rain here Wednesday and suppose to keep warm temps for this long weekend.feels nice Susan to get all the lawn furniture out and decks cleaned! Good going, can you move your sewing machine outside to work?

Just finished planting 35 seed packets, know they say not Neil the 24th but wanted it behind me..now to find the seeds I saved from my gardens. I usually have luck with just casting seeds upon the earth..did lots of cosmo's, baby's breath, sweet willams, few pkgs sunflowers (never do well with them even though they are one of my favorites..about 6 pkgs morning glories (never do well with them either and few wildflower packets..we will see what comes up..picked weeds for an hour..figure about 80 more and gardens are done..not joking, drats I should be p landing grass seed vs flowers...did someone say gardening was easy and a fun project?

Betty, I had no idea there was a police scanner on the iPad I went looking and found several, but I found several, but none so far with local channels.

LindaKay, the one I have is for the entire southern Georgian Bay region..got to tell you it sure opens your eyes as to what is really out there! One call mother tried to run down her 11 year old son... Another was an employee who physically hurt an employee, .then a call from an ex husband was concerned, son hadnt been to school in for 3 days and ex not at work, then fighting at a home, warning that there was a protective and territorial German shepherd on site just went on and on. What amazed me is todays technology to see how quickly they had data pertaining to the individuals of calls..frightening for sure..think one could get hooked listening. Sure have to appreciate police officers!!

LOL love your idea, Betty, of moving the sewing machine out on the deck! hmmmmmm I would have a large table to use (mind you, it's got a hole in the center LOL)
Unfortunatley I can't use the table right now - I have 4 ferns there, that I rescued from the church garbage cans........
Someone had thrown 4 of the ferns from the sanctuary out, on Sunday or Monday afternoon.......... Two of them were just put there last fall......
After the board meeting, when I went to water the plants, I noticed they were gone, and no one knew why.
I did some sleuthing, and found they were in the garbage bins, outside, still in their pots. I know they shed, so whoever did it must have put them in the garbage bags at their spots and cleaned up thoroughly. Don't know where the stands are, however...... ?!?!?!

Mornimg all, another gorgeous day out there..sure wish I was working from home!
Just spent 1/2 hr cleaning craft room, with all that went on work wise this past weekend there were tools from ne end of the room to the other..girls usually come to paint Tuesday's, just hope Darlene didn't overdo with her slugging slate for Mike's memory garden and is n bed with a backache..oh well, room needed to be cleaned regardless.

Think my man Luc will be here this evening to shingle the shed. One step closer to the end of that project. Can leave it wood grain but thnk I might stain it this weekend..it will keep me out of mischief if I do. Must not forget I'm off for horse races and dinner with Darlene Saturday night, she needs support being with Mike's family. She is often bedridden with sore back, wouldn't hurt m feelings if she can't go and I get to stay home.

Can't even win at tv bingo so why would I think I'd win at casino and races. Lol

You could move your plants Susan for the day (lucky you to get ferns) and sew in the sunshine..wouldn't be much to bring sewing machine in and out!

What are you all up to today? Sometimes I'm the only one chatting, will have to put an end to my nonsense ..

Garbage day so off and running

Hi everyone - Thanks to those responding and welcoming me back. Oh my gosh.....I remember when the Sistah Gathering was just in the talk stages. That was back some years ago when I was still able to travel alone and would get in my car or on a plane and just go. Since then, my walking abilities have deteriorated and I now walk with a cane whenever I leave home. I feel I would be like a sitting target to travel alone these days.

The Mid Atlantic swap is taking place in Dover Pennsylvania Betty. It is a long drive up and back for us. About four hours one way, but we wanted to return home that evening in order to be here with the dogs and the two goats we got a few years back.

We had a slow gentle rain all day yesterday. The sun is shining brightly this morning though. I had lots of indoor work to keep me busy yesterday, so I wasn't hankering to get outside in the garden. I had to laugh Betty when you made the comment on just how much work is involved in gardening, ain't it the truth? It is also a never ending job, if a person tries to do it correctly. We have a few beds that are in quite pitiful shape, due to non maintenance for some time now. Just so very much to do.

We too are getting ready to do some home remodeling types of deals soon too. John will be putting on a new roof after needing one for a couple of years now. It really sealed the deal last winter when there was a leak when it rained that was coming through the door joist between the kitchen and laundry room. Doesn't happen with every rain, but the windy blowing ones will have it leaking every time.

I also put in an order yesterday for new carpeting to be installed all through the house. I have lived here for about seven years and have hated the current carpet for just that long. The current rug is white and I am ordering a light brown color called Rock Wall. I don't feel that it will show dirt and stains as badly as this one, and that will thrill me to no end.

Lots of work going on at your place too Betty. Wow, you folks put me to shame. When you make up your mind to do something, you don't talk about it forever the way I sometimes do, but you get right in there and do it. I need to be a better at that myself.

Today is the official day that house plants will be safe to take outdoors. Many people I know have had theirs outside for some time now, but I didn't want to risk any of lovelies dieing, so have waited. I have amassed so many the past couple of years that it is a real chore getting them out if trying to do it all at once. I figure it will get done by taking a few at the time for several days as well as worrying and fretting over trying to do it all at once.

The middle of April I made a mail order nursery order for some house plants and garden plants that just arrived yesterday. It all seems to happen at once. I was able to pot up several things yesterday, but still have loads more to do. At least a portion of today will be spent working on them along with the other things I want to accomplish.

Anyway.....as always, good to hear from you folks. Thanks for allowing me to drop by and take advantage of the extra computer time I have found the past couple of days. Tomorrow my grand children come to stay for the next three days. Those are truly wild and non-stop days for me. Not much computer time while they are here.

Here is wishing each of you a truly blessed day.

Ruby

Morning Betty! Bet you will be glad to have all your outside projects done! Did you get all those plants in the ground? Staining the bare wood will protect it better from the rain.

Good Morning!!

Wow, sounds like you had a wonderfully busy, yet very productive day Mothers Day.
Welcome to the World Audrey Rose...Yes a very Pretty name for a very pretty little Baby!

Oh Man, Bev sorry about your computer, LOL and sigh's i know just how you feel...
Waiving hello and hope you are enjoying your gardens and all is good with you. Hope you can come chat soon!!

Dianne, A Beautiful gesture by your neighbor! Yes, i also hope and Wish all the sweet memories will come to play...Santa Warren is always in your heart.

OMG!! Gramma Ruby!!! How awesome to see you post...Wonderful that you are keeping so busy. Yay, two grandchildren now...I think it great that you get to babysit 2 times a week. Sure do miss you. I think of you all the time and also you beautiful Mountains...Woohoo, Also had to smile with you and your compost in mind when I harvested my first big batch of compost here!.

Mary, Your trip coming up soon!! Hope everyone is getting as excited as you.
So wondering who is going to look after Belle!

Well, Like last Thursday... was called to go to work yesterday! I think I'm working again today...Yesterday, I worked on Prunning three extremely overgrown deck shrubs at the project house. LOL, DH thinks these things will only take a few minutes...It took me all day. Haha, he was laughing as he thought it would be just a few cuts, said he was glad I did the pruning or they would have been chopped up!! So, today I am going back to finish the last one and begin the thinning out of as much of the fence line as I can.

I sort of reworked my working schedule, Hands on the hipps, it's just not working out. I thought, well take advantage of the early morning, working in the gardens...Just get started and here comes DH with "His" plan, which include me...ROFLOL, I'm thinking Hey buddy, how 'bout cluing me in on these plans...His answer, he is!! I'm just saying a tiny bit more notice then right now would be appreciated! And so, every other house' gardens are getting tended to but mine, Again... So when i got back home, jumped right back to where i left off, worked for about an hour...Came in to play with skittles...Yikes, she walked up my arm and it felt like like daggers, from all the pruning pricks any other time she would just walk up the arm to shoulder and stay, last night decided to take many trips, so we didn't play very long. Then lay down to watch Tv and rest, haha ended up falling sound asleep.

So today, thought I'm jumping on computer first!! Tadah, beat DH to it too.
Sigh a late start day for jake, which has my routine, totally insane! So, i guess i'll get back to the MY yourdwork and hopefully get something done!

I hope Everyone has a wonderful
day, yep Enjoy the Sun's Kiss today!

Barb, Hope the Therapy goes well today, may you go stronger with each.

See you later.

Need a scary story? yesterday I was sitting in my rocking chair, and leaned over to put on my shoes. I leaned down and put the first one on, then reached for the other shoe, and out from under my chair comes walking a huge tarantula! I screamed so loud, I swear Betty could have heard it in Canada! Todd comes from the kitchen and asked what was wrong, and said some bad words as he saw what I was screaming about! He grabbed the wasp spray and a fly swatter, and smashed that thing to pieces! I sat there so scared, I did not want to move! Guess they are coming out of the ground with all the rain we are having, so it looks like I will keep all the doors closed, and turn on the air conditioner! I HATE those things!

OMG!! Linda Kay, That is super scary, Thank God it didn't get in your shoe.
Yay Todd to the rescue...lol, think I'd still be screaming.

Oh, yeah, keep an open eye, didn't realize you had Tarantulas!!

OMG and double OMG LindaKay, a tarantula, yikes I'm not sure what I would have done, scream being the least of it!! Where did I think these suckers live, not Texas for sure. Are they not deadly? I was waiting for you to say a snake crawled out of your shoe, that I might be able to handle but not that creature..not sure I would even know what one looked like..deep breath. Bet you will be looking in every corner now, by your saying they are coming out of the ground because of the rain I gather it's something that could happen frequently??? As for all those plants, I set them in all the gardens that I want them in and will plant from time to time..have to investigate one of them, thing it's called love mist..apparently it is an annual, has long rope type red flower in late summer, grows about 2 to 3 feet high...sounds interesting. I bought a plant book for all types of flowers/shrubs/trees that grow in my area and my goal is to purchase ONLY what I don't already have.

Bev, you might remember that after purchasing all those beautiful lily's my gardens were infected with lily bugs and I lost them all, last year I didn't get any but I saw some growth last night, now I'll have check them frequently as they say the bug lays eggs under the soil, ready come summer to attack..sure hope they survive as I always think of the time Debbie and I walked your gardens, they were all so pretty..would buy more but must make sure the little critters are no long. So glad that you got your computer up and running! How is Scotty?

Judy, Audrey Rose comes home today, I will not visit yet as I'm still coughing/hacking and running a low grade fever...all they would need is a visit by me with a newborn.

With your saying Steve having you work at the project house, does that mean the deal did not go through?
Steve is no different than other men Judy, think we have all the time in the world with nothing to do so why not help out..let them try to keep up with us..lol Tell him you need time to take the maps out and plot a course..just think, a few weeks and we'll be saying, hugs at the end of the month. Poor Skittles, wanted to love mom up and no could do.

Ruby, you will have to get up in the middle of the night to get there early morning so best of plants can come home with you! Just the name of the town makes me think ocean? will have to check on the map to see from your place to the round-up what route you shall take. I love the east coast..already have plans to head to New Orleans end of July but next year it will be east coast for sure..Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, Boston (Roger and I's old haunting grounds-we'd go every long weekend from spring to fall) then down a bit south..better finish this trip before planning another lol

Front garden at roadside needs to be revamped but don't know that it will be this year. My friend Bernice from across the road has difficulties with walking, she gets a chair, digs out the plant, takes weeds out and replants..think I will have to do same, not the odd weed, it's almost turf..grandchildren and I worked on it Saturday but only got about 1/4 of it done..keep thinking this weekend I'll get back at it but (shaking my head) there is only so much one can do in a weekend...

John's to do list has quite a few major projects, he'll be glad to see fall behind him. Enjoy the grandkids..

Judy, could just see the theatrics had you seen one when in Texas..not sure I'd have travelled all of Texas and walked the coast had I known those critters were nearby..chills just thinking of it!

LindaKay, included in all the plants was about 8 - love-lies-bleeding

ROFLOL, Betty, I'da have to sit right down...in enclosed room, smoke...shake, smoke some more and consider have a beer to calm me down!! LOL...I dounno where i thought they lived either but surely not in Texas...eeeyowsers now, at least i'm warned should i ever get to visit Linda kay, hehehe, now that I know this, Ill not ever forget it.
Hahah, Linda Kay and i get freaked out at little nickled sized spiders!!

Gramma Ruby, forgot to say how cool you and John will take time for the Annual Roundup!! Just found that picture of you and Gita not that long ago...The one where you Wrapped arms around each other! Still makes me smile and I hope you have a marvelous trip.

Ohh, Betty, good thinking...When new babies come home i always wait just because i feel like The families need to get a routine. We had a new cousin born on Friday, geesh, didn't even here about it until Sunday! Oh well, we don't here much from these cuz' anyway...hahah, when im done waiting then i ringle jingle to ask when I can come see baby...

No, No Betty...The project is the 2nd one...The other is still under contract, hopefully soon the closing will happen.
The Cuz, doesn't say much to DH which just makes me MAD!! But what ever, closing can't come soon enough.
This Project House is the next one...I'll start calling it Huber. You remember I showed pictures after we Cleared all the weeds from the front. Well a ton has been done, Sorry all pics are in old computer...New pics, ack still having technical difficulties, not to mention, hopefully this computer is on very short term use.