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

Yes Mary - red colouring is bad for hummers. lol on being worried about goofing off - sometimes you just have to "Breathe"! Thanks for the kudos!
Nice that your MIL's surgery was rescheduled so you and your DH can "be" there for her!!

91F? Yikers! That's with humidity too, right?

Whizzer is adorable! Wouldn't it take quite a bit of bunny poop to do any good?

Debbie - here's hoping things settle down for your DD at work........

Betty LOL on giving Noah "heck"!! And double LOL for your questioning the police!! They must have spit out their coffee and doughnuts when you asked them your question LOL

Nighters all, and hugs to everyone!!

Morning, spectacular day weather wise ..still in bed, working from home today so decided to sleep in..I will put laptop. Outside along with the telephone and see if I can't get a few of the gardens weeded..on duty until 3:00 at which time a quick trip into Midland for stain..I'm making this a work weekend, by Monday all yard work should be done and all remaining is sitting and enjoying.

Oooh need a few groceries, need to make a quick run to Foodland..be back to chat in a bit

Got a bit clouded over all in a matter of minutes,sun trying to come out, here is hoping because lots of projects on my agenda.

Mary, that is a hard call to make,i would likely be there day of surgery to offer support to FIL' and agree with Debbie, if you can't take a week or so off, evening visits to the hospital and making yourself available on weekends, some daily calls saying thinking of you would go a long way. If hospitalization time is like here, she will not spend much time in the hospital..have they said how long? Could the girls go visit on their own?

Debbie, ohhh Spencer is too cute, bet your day is filled with smiles watching his antics and his playing with other furries..have they adjusted to him?

Here is hoping that the job gets easier now that her coworker is on maternity leave..too bad it wasn't for a year as it is here. Any news on her moving home? Let's hooe she can get some additional finances..she has been through so much. How is Paul doing today,,paid free I hope. Mis it today you are off for your enhanced drivers permit? Lol

Dianne, I would imagine your town will be bustling with the long weekend upon us and the lake will be abuzz with recreational activity?

LindaKay, by tomorrow we'll be close to the 80's, if you sent the heat my way mega thank you
Well, best I start my day..

Good morning!

How Cute Spencer is, I just love Whizzer!!
Oh geesh, yep hoping the Child has an easier time now that co-worker off for leave.

Hint of the day: DRIVERS ENHANCEMENT...smiles.

Yep Betty, we do have our Passports lol for once I'm not sweating.

OMG, I'm just about done packing!! We leave for the Cottage right after I take Jake back to school.
Have one more deck to seal and i want to clear out the tire planter...lol, been growing weeds and now overflowing with gravel...Last time I cleared almost all around it...Starting to look nice...We are taking some boulders up to "dress" up the entrance. Steve's goal is to get the boat washed and launched! Joyce is coming up today and she is bringing her sister Lynda! We are excited that she is joining us. She rarely goes anywhere...maybe she'll come more often...
So i am wishing you all a wonderful weekend. Will be back on Sunday sometime, see you then.

Everyone's so busy, and I get to do sewing (by hand, embroidery lol) It's such a "lazy" thing to do LOL
Well, also have to cut some fabric pieces to wrap around chair cushions. We'll be sewing the fabric to foam on Sunday after service. I only have one person offering to help now, but will bring other supplies in case someone else decides to join us (hope, hope.......). The lady helping is a seamstress, so she'll be quicker than I, and more professional, but that's good right? (vbgrin)

Judy, is it not a long weekend for you as it is here?
Good girl with the passport, only thing you will have to worry about is how you will stay on the bike for 12 hours. Lol. You remind me of how excited Roger would be to out the boat in the water May long weekend..he would be shaking his head knowing its been sitting as a side yard lawn ornament!

Are the girls going to the cottage with you as well? Don't they have boulders in cottage country up there?

What a morning,

Greg and Melanie came over at 8:30 to I'm sure try and con me to look after the two dogs, had told them only one but in their vehicle they have 6 people so not sure what they would do if they had to take one dog and in the trailer it would be difficult.

So I offered for them to leave both at home and I would go over 3 or 4 times and let them out to play..said they would think about my offer..guess I could have had them here BUT they are pups and Sailor always starts pulling her hair about then and kitties no like.

For a day that was suppose to be spectacular it's overcast and cool..been working a few hours in the roadside garden, kind of left it and am paying now..so much turf..figure another 2 or 3 hours before its finished..inly 12 left..

Aunt Muriel just dropped in, bought herself a new car, her trade in had 20,000 kl
She said now you will have to take me on a trip seeing we have new car! Lol

Just finished soup, time to get outside and finish front garden, won't be much there, threw most of it away instead of weeding

How many do you have to do Susan? I'd be making 1 to see if dimensions work then set up line work system..goes quicker

"threw most of it away instead of weeding"????? You got rid of plants And soil to have a smaller garden there?!?!?!

There's 36 or 38 to do, and I'm going to cut one, based on the largest size, then cut all the rest. They're pretty close in size as I used a ruler to cut the foam. I'm piecing 2 cushions together, out of 2 pieces each, cuz I had "leftover pieces" and don't want to waste it.......

Wow, sounds like a time consuming project..photo please?
I'd still recommend making one to completion first..nothing like running not a snag only to find out you cut them all...will you be able to take the covers off to wash?

I've already made 30 or so, over the course of several months - can make 2 or 3 in an evening. Have it down to a "science". I just decided it was time for other church goers to help - shouldn't take it all on myself........ lol
As these are 2" foams, I've been doing all 3 sides by hand stitching. If they're regularly washed, they should be ok, but if left too long, the foam would deteriorate, I would think.

worst - siiiiiiiigh well, just found out that Bob's benefits are done........
best - At least he's doing some work for friends. He's over at Kay's house, finishing the skirting on her mobile, then will do roofs and windows. He's also going to paint her skirting, as it's new material.
learned I got a call from an agency that found my resume on Monster.ca (job search website), and I have been getting a few "hits" and calls from it. No one's calling me in for an interview though........ Last person who called gave me some valuable information on how to update my resume.

He's not violent at all, not a violent bone in his body. I can't lock him out because we have community property and there has to be a vial reason for doing that and I don't have one. I mean, I could always get an Order of Protection that would force him to leave which would stir up a whole bag of worms and I'm not really wanting to do that. He thinks I'm stupid and I'm just hanging out and going to prove to him that I'm not. Married couples share community property whether their names are on things or not. No I don't pay all the bills, I don't make enough money to do that and never have, they are split. We get along fine as long as money isn't brought up, we were even cooking dinner together last night. It's not really that stressful like you would think it would be, and maybe should be.

Betty you have me cracking up with the whole Mexican thing! Mexicans speak Spanish, there is no such thing as speaking Mexican, that's a nationality.

Mary he is trying to take advantage of me and he thinks just because I'm not all talking about what I'm doing I'm just completely stupid and am just going to follow his lead. He's not smart enough to know that the quiet ones are almost always the ones to watch out for LOL!! Your boss is retarded, glad you went out and bought some stuff!

Ok I have been typing this since 9 this morning lol!

well, it's happened - Bob's benefits have run out....... He worked so many years self-employed that he didn't have long in the way of benefits.
He's working for friends - doing Kay's skirting for her mobile, then her roof and windows (she needs it leak-proof, and have an older mobile.....). Then he's off to do Margaret's leaky roof, then he's been asked to build a fence (hope he can do this). All three friends are from our church.
I get phone interviews, but they go no further. The calls I get are from Monster.ca - job seeking website - but it's usually from headhunters, not the company themselves.......
Bob's applied through Handyman Connection, and others, but hasn't gotten a callback.
I don't know what we're going to do..........
I know I'll try to sell my bike (don't know how to ride it!!) - I've had it for over 2 years (company I worked for paid for it) and it was $700 at the time. Apparently they're well liked bikes, and the company I bought it from said I should be able to get $500 for it......
Our neighbour just phoned saying there's a posting for WeedMan, requiring a law care person. Bob DID that, once-upon-a-time, so I'm going to tell him when he gets home!

Crissy, am sure you know best but I will made the comment and slap me silly if I offend you but to me, and only my opinion, you likely both aren't in love with each other and therefore it's not creating living in same home stress! I'm sure it won't be that long before you are on your feet and enjoying life again. Hugs

Sorry to hear Bob's benefits are at an end, Lordy it must be so stressful for you both..

50 minutes left of my day, front garden I've been working on all day should be done then , June dropped in so see what i was up to, first think she said is im not here to help lol as soon as shift is over its a quick run I to town for stain and few supplies..will be so busy now that cottagers are up.

Greg and Mel just left with the boys for their weekend, please from time to time remind me I'm babysitting dogs..you know me, the one who forgets cooking, hate to forget feeding pooches.

Off to put in last 1/2 hour then come wash up

Aunt Muriel said her grass hasn't been cut yet this year, tempted if feeling up to it going to cut for a few hours..would help her out!

Betty - glad you're feeling up to being so hard at work. No more coughing jags?
lol on June - she Knows you'd put her to work, eh? LOL
oooooooooooh Beeeeeee-etty......... FEED THE POOCHES!! (am I too early?!?!?! LOL )

OK Miss Betty....and JUDY....and all those that keep with the nudging and reminders....

My procrastination has reached its height.

You can stop now.

Sorry to say but..my Enhanced application has been.....

Approved and should be here in 10 days!

YAY!!!! Going to Canada!!!

Debbie

About time you got it done! LOL!

Betty what holiday is it for you? No long week end here?mwe get one the end of the month for Memorial day.


Don't forget to feed the pooches!

Well that's the indignity of it, I said good morning on my post and asked how everyone was doing and it's not there. Soooooo

Good Afternoon everyone!!

Betty you didn't offend me, it's just an extremely odd situation, but it's ok for the moment, it may not be ok tomorrow, who knows.

Susan that sucks, I'm sorry.

I'm thinking about applying for a second job at Hobby Lobby, just have to not spend my paychecks there, and that would be difficult!

LOL Susan!

Crissy, that would be a good idea...and it would occupy your mind & time away from the house for now. Extra cash flow
would be handy as this all settles and you have new needs.

YYYAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYY DEBBIE!!!!!!! That's awesome! Memorial Day is Monday the 28th.

YIPPEE!!!!!!!! I knew you could do it Deb. Just needed that extra push!

Sorry I have been so quiet lately. Been busy at home (will explain later), started my rehab and two doctor appointments this week. Saw the pulmonologist on Wed and he said I'm to continue with the rehab for an 8 week total. I'm to contact the surgeon for an appointment during the seventh week and to set up a tentative OR date. And one more appt with him before surgery. He is also going to wean me off of one of the meds I have been on. He says I don't really need it anymore but it is one that you can't just stop without causing more problems. Met with the cardiologist today and he said my stress test came back fine. He has increased the dosage on my heart medicine and I don't need to see him for four months!!! So it is rehab two times a week for a while.

It sounds like you all have been so busy. I can't remember all but wish you all well. So much to comment on and Norm just got home. I'll take some notes and be back later!!!!

brrrrr it's cold here today (50F) - sun's out and that's a good thing, but "promises" to rain/snow.........

yaaaaaaay for you, Debbie! "going to Betty's!!"

Crissy - spend more at Hobby Lobby? hmmmm KNEW you were my kinda gal! lol
yes, the indignity of it all lol Well, Good Afternoon to you, too!!

Barb so glad you get to "dump" one of your meds...... baby steps though, cuz don't want you to get more probs going off too quickly..... Also GLAD to see your stress test came back fine!! yaaaaaaay!!

Susan if we mixed your 50* with my 90* we'd have a nice temp!

Barb soooo glad to hear you're doing better and you get to get off of a medicine AND Yay for good stress test results!

yup, a nice temp....... we had 81F the other day......

Well isn't this a good news thread tonight..Debbie, I'm sure I screamed loud enough that you all heard me!! If I wasn't so totally exhausted I would dance a jig! But ohhh am I tired! Hugs/hugs/hugs coming your way and a kiss for Paul for the encouragement, and everyone here. Thank you!

Front bed done, other 3 in the front really only need the prong to loosen up soil.

Called Cathy to see if she wanted to go to town, needed someone to keep me awake. Lol

Went to TimbrrMart to give praise to them and to Tara who got the project going..Luc has been paid, $600 (credit) on acct for shed materials, didn't have final invoice done, said I would likely get it mid June, want it pay it now, told me to chill!

Omg, wondered why it was so hard to dig out turf from garden, yikes, metal end paper thin, all jagged so bought a new one while buying paint for the shed. Then off to Canadian tire for grass seed and fertilizer.. Picked up Chinese food for Cathy and I..went and let the dogs out in back yard, came home and ate then back to put them inside and drop Cathy off..now home, had another bath and ready for bed..long day tomorrow..just so tired.

Crissy, would be nice getting part time work, will help your finances but make sure it's not too much for you or takes away from permanent job. Have you told your parents?

Oh Barb, sounds as though you are gaining strength..what great news! Getting to cut down on meds is a positive move.

Need a quick snooze, back shortly

Hello To All !

Thanks all for the advice....
Debbie MIL's having her surgery in New Orleans, which is about an hour away. I think they release her on either "day 1" or "day 2" depending...and FIL will bring her back home.
I don't think they will have a nurse available. Tried to call her this week and no answer so I'll try again tomorrow and ask. If I could drop in during the day later in the week, I may be able to do so... and just help out during the day while out making sales calls.
Betty was going to say "Just Say No" regarding the dogsitting ... I seem to remember what a hassle it was for you last time and you told us to remind you never to agree to that again....but I see I might be too late. I'd never ask my MIL to do that... we board Belle. So are they staying at home and you are just dropping in ?
Crissy - it seems amicable but usually there comes a point in splitting up where it turns ugly...so hope that doesn't happen for you. Hope the situation remains the same and by the time he realizes you aren't taking this lying down that he is out of the house.
Oh Susan... so sorry about the benefits... Here's hoping some of the part time stuff pans out and turns into full time...
Barb... glad you are able to wean off some of the meds... hope everything is going well....

I can't believe I finally have a Saturday OFF ! I'm going to drop by ...the new Woman's Hospital Open house is 4 miles from my home...they are moving the hospital, newly built to where an old golf course was. It's a big deal around here (are you going Jean?) and then shopping a bit for the trip and then trying to get as many of these swap plants in the ground before the trip. Will pay DS to help me... he needs the $$.

((HUGS))
Mary

YAY! Mary has tomorrow off!! Do you get to sleep in a bit?

Busy day here, so busy I passed out and slept ...had a 1 1/2 hour nap unplanned.

The childs job is safe for now, she was given a verbal warning. SO that is a relief. DS is at work and won't be home til near Midnight.

I hope you all have a wonderful night and weekend. I am going to play a card game on here for a bit.

Debbie

I sure hope so Deb !

The Grand Opening is 9a-1p... After that I'll do some shopping then come home and plant swap plants.

Wonderful News for "The CHild".... Hopefully the manager will leave on maternity and discover that people have lives with problems and children to deal with from time to time....Good news on DS having or keeping his job... from before......
Have a good night yourself... I'll figure out whether to send you the Canna's now or after the Trip....

HUGS
Mary

Started work at 6:30 this morning. Swung the pick working on the new garden - but not for long. I'm still kind of worn out from the trip. Tony arrived at 7:30 and we went on with our clearing. From the tree we have moved on to a huge dead vine. Now that Dana and Tom are gone and have moved their vehicles we can toss the big bundles of vine into the arroyo. I lasted about three hours, Tony did his full four and did a lot of clean-up before he left. He's really good about that; doesn't leave me a mess to deal with.

The dogs regard all this work as opportunities to play - tag, hide and seek, whatever, as long as they can be involved!! They do add some fun to hot, dirty work.

I made a chocolate cake with quinoa and agave nectar. The oven went off while it was supposed to be baking so it's pretty gooy but tastes delicious. No sugar, no wheat.

Called Kaiser and was told my surgery will be in June or July. There will be three or four weeks notice so I'll just call them every week or ten days.

Lots of work to do. Tony is good at pacing. "Poco poco" as we say in "Mexican." Tony and I give each other language lessons. His English is better than my Spanish.

hugs, katie

Mary - these are "side jobs" for Bob, for friends. This won't turn out permanent. However, he has work in the meantime! I worry about what's going to happen after the summer/fall is over and he can't do outside work for friends.....
YAAAAAY - you have a Saturday OFF!! So, you have Sunday & Monday off too?
oh, and Mary - Betty doesn't know how to say "no".................. lol sorry, Betty - couldn't resist LOL I'm more like you than you know LOL

Debbie - glad "the child" gets to keep her job....... for now!

Katie - how nice that Tony cleaned up! Glad you're still trying to realize you're not up to a lot yet after your trip, and hopefully you'll keep resting. So, Sometime in June/July...... hope it's sooner, rather than later, and you can get it over with............

Niters everyone - bless you all!!

Morning, sunshine day expected even into high 70's if not low 80's..I'm a happy camper!

Was up at 5:30am, already been to let the pooches out and fed, the kept looking at me as I left as though to say Grammies, take me home please! No can do today but will tomorrow for part of the day up intil they start their digging. Mary you are right about the reminder but hard to do..did negotiate though by NOT having them here. Greg is so good, call him up with a pick up patio set and 2 hrs later it's home and he is putting it together or need gazebo picked up tonight and it's done within hours so hard to say no.

Debbie, happy that Shannon gets to keep her job, perhaps with the warning and the woman on maternity leave she will settle in and do well...only takes one employee who doesn't lke you t make working a hell. Good for you re nap, bodies have a way of saying enough is enough! How is Paul?

Susan, got to live in the today, NOT the tomorrow's...you both struggle so much but at the deadline seem to skim by with help of Lord and friends.

Katie sure wish I could come over for tea and taste of that cake..nothing like that here so would be a nice treat. Imagine you start early to beat the heat of the day but it sounds to me you are doing far more than you should. Was going to say soon the gardens will be done and you can rest but know the work is never done..when I got back from Greg's I filled a wheel barrel full of turf and the man next door was putting garbage in bin before opening the store, saw me and asked me is I ever stop..easy answer no!
With May coming to an end you will be in June so your surgery is nearing..just keep a bag packed.

Mary, thought you had a day to yourself to relax and look what you have planned..another ne that never sits. Lol. This time next week you will be at Disney right? So looking forward to hearing all about the trip. You've reminded me I too have plants to dig in, can you send your son to help? Lance is going is studying though to be an auctioneer right? As the others said, am sure his company is honest or Lance wouldn't be there.

LindaKay, bet you've already been outside watering the gardens and gardening before the heat hits you..no news re knee/hip? Hospital called with one of my tests..June 18 at 12:30..quick to get in.

Bev, few Lillie's coming ut, watching for bugs like a hawk..got to read my neem spray and see if I can use it..do you know?

Barb, hope it's a good day for you.

Dianne, sun coming through the trees and hitting on the new leaves making them a brilliant green, didn't listen to weather but hope you have the same..think of you often during the day..when speaking with Ann and Darlene it comes you come to mind and I can just imagine how much you are hurting!

Break is over already, time to get the painting started

Waving to every one else

Morning everyone, yep, been out watering and checking out all the new morning glories blooming. I am on the iPad, and will post pictures later from the computer.

Betty, what holiday do you have this week end?

Glad to hear all the good news from everyone!

Mary, look at this web site! Bet your glad you got your tickets early!

http://www.riversideandbeyond.com/disneyland-price-increases-effective-may-20-2012/

LindaKay, Victoria Day, celebrated for Queen Victoria!

2 hours to paint front od shed, excluding the white trim..Lordy was Tara and Betty not thinking, I asked for stain 2 gallons, took her word that one would do...so laughing, did the front part only and through 2/3 rd of the can so off to Midland I go for 2 gallons..she talked me in to a pint for white, should almost bring it back and get gallon..drats now I shall waste one hour..have to stop whatever I'm doing by 2:30 to get cleaned up to go outguess there is always tomorrow.

Off and running, staying in my grubs, watch me meet everyone under the sun!

and the US doesn't celebrate the monarchy......... so they have Memorial day at the end of the month instead, right?

Betty - I live more in the Today than Bob, and I guess I should have said, I worry for Bob's sake. I Know that we are blessed to be able to "skim by" with the help of the Lord and our friends. But I don't want to be like Uncle Remus' grasshopper either........ I'm more like the ant LOL
laughing at you Betty - you're right, when you're in your grubs, you'll meet the Mayor's wife/someone from high society, or some old enemy,.... lol

Dianne - how are you today, hon? Out gardening?

Katie - never heard of chocolate cake with quinoa and agave nectar. I'll have to Google and see if we can find ingredients here...... no sugar/wheat sounds like stuff our gluten sensitive and diabetic people in our church can have! Won't be good for lactose intolerant, but can't have everything, right?
I found this recipe - sound familiar?
Quinoa Chocolate Cake
2/3 cup white or golden quinoa 3/4 cup honey or agave nectar
1 1/3 cup water 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/3 cup milk 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
4 large eggs 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp pure vanilla extract 1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup butter, melted & cooled
1. Bring the quinoa and water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Cover, reduce to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and leave the covered saucepan on the burner for another 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork and allow
the quinoa to cool.
2. Preheat oven to 350. Line 9"x13" cake pan with parchment paper.
3. Combine milk, eggs and vanilla and mix well. Add 2 cups of the quinoa, and butter, mixing until smooth.
4. Whisk together honey (or agave), cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt in medium bowl. Add quinoa mix and combine well.
5. Pour mixture into prepared pan and bake on the centre oven rack for 40-45 minutes or until knife inserted into centre comes out clean.
6. Remove cake from oven, cool completely before cutting and serving. Store in sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 1 month.

Substituting honey for agave nectar is do-able, if only I can find the quinoa............

Katie - I just noticed that the recipe was posted by someone in my home town of Winnipeg, Canada! how cool is That?!?!

No Susan, the US hasn't celebrated the Monarchy since 1775.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memorial_Day

No Mary, I won't be going to the Woman's Open House today. Sorry i will miss you.


Hope you all have a lovely weekend.

The recipe is very similar to the one I used, Lots of health food stores carry quinoa now. Also www.bulkfoods.com. Several quinoa sites are around with recipes. I just made some tabuli with quinoa.

I was up at 6 am today and did soome reorganizing of stuff outside before it got too hot. Got an area cleared where we plan to have a backhoe come in and move the soil around. Will also get a parking space for the ambulance cleared.

Tony has been and gone. Did more clearing/cleaning. We seem to be cleaning up about five years' worth of dead vines and leaves and soon-to-be-dead trees. Lots of projects that have fallen into some disrepair and they all seem to run together. By some time next week we may be far enough along to make a trip to Santa Rosalia for lumber.

Diane, thinnking of you and praying that you are getting through these hard times. crissy, sure hope things continue to go OK.

hugs all around, katie

Back from town, managed to get another side painted..could only mix q gallon more, out of my particular color base so back will have to wait until next week..first think tomorrow morning I'll do other side and start trim.

Bernice keeps an eye out for me, says she watched me work most of the day and it was sit down and drink time. 1/2 hour and home she went..went and looked after the pooches, now inside and getting ready for my big night at casino and horse races. Lol

Yawning away, best I keep doing odd and ends Neil Darlene gets here or I will fall asleep!

Katie what will you build with lumber? Was the property a vineyard/orchard of type? You are just so lucky to have Tony

Thanks for posting recipe Susan, no time to read it now but will check out the ingredients.

78 right now, calling for high of 85 tomorrow..I'll be up at crack of dawn so that hard yard work will be done before it hits the high.

Gab in a bitt

Sorry Betty ,the only spray I use is roundup for the weeds. HUGS BEV