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

Moved us over from here

http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/1262484/

Been gone for a while. Had to get my computer dumped and just have been taking care of Scotty and my sister has been sick. HUGS TO ALL BEV

Sorry to hear both Scotty and your sister have been under the weather! So nice to see you post. Does your sister live a distance from you? Scotty is he behaving when you visit? Hope you take a bit of time to look after yourself as well..nothing worse than computer issues, feel so isolated from the rest of the world!

I mentioned a few week ago Bev that some of my lillies came back but so did the lilly bugs..feel so bad..sure wanted some pretties like you have.

Hi all. I too have been absent for a while. I've been having fun on the bicycle my sister left me last fall. It's a lot of fun & I'm retired with time! I ride every day weather permitting, 6 to 12+ miles. I'm 66 recovering from quadruple bypass 2 years ago & never felt better, except for age related stuff, lol.
I rode across town today to see a car. The salesman said they take bikes as trade.
Nobody looks weird at me at the Dr's office on my quick blood pressure checks. Sweaty, breathing hard & can't sit down. My BP has dropped 30 points, I'm down one belt notch and a bunch of pounds. Did I mention how good I feel? I mowed the back lawn this morning (45 minutes of pushing) and rode 11 miles this afternoon.
BTW, no stinkgarettes for 2 years.
Andy P

All wonderful news, Andy. Good to hear from you and greqt to hear all the news. kb

Waving Andy, so glad you dropped in!! Love the photo's and what a bike..look at the places and things you have done since you were given the bike..your sister must have wanted you to get healthy and here you are doing exactly that. That is quite an improvement 30 points and all from getting physical..I'm embarrassed to say bought a bike a few years ago, promising myself to ride the new paved bike trails and just didn't follow through.

andy, do you think you could move the gazebo to my backyard?

BEV!! so good to see you posting!!
Betty - never mind Andy moving the gazebo to your yard, could you move your yard to my house? lol

I have a bike I bought brand new 2 years ago, and I've only ridden it 150 yards..... don't know how to ride, never learned, and maybe 150 yards is "stretching" it....... now I'm trying to sell it (on Kijiji.com), cuz I CAN'T ride a bike........ too old to learn as I'm unsteady and nervous. Little kids aren't as nervous learning as we "older folks" are........

Dang Susan I wished we were closer. I am looking for a bike - nothing fancy, just something to get some exercise on like Andy. Good work Andy!

Andy, you sound so happy!!!!! And what a wonderful program you have set up for yourself. Isn't it amazing what we can accomplish when we need/want to do so? Where the pictures to be of the sights or the bike??? I loved them anyway.
Happy to see you post Bev. How are your lilies this year?
Good morning Dianne.
Has anyone heard from Suze or Thea? Betty - don't overdo in the yeard. Take a nice drive along your beautiful back roads and enjoy your new car!!!!

Wish I could Barb, with taking these narcotics for the cold I'm not to drive..it was funny, yesterday when I met with Larry at the dealership he went and got the car and brought it to the front door, said here you go take it for a spin..told him no could do..so he took me for a spin lol

Besides Barb, won't have it for a week or two, they've got the hitch and sunroof and a few other things to do to it before I pick it up..gives me time to clean the Aveo before dropping it off.

Think we all should follow Andy's lead

Did you go out in celebration of Norm's good news or is that tonight..

See that Dianne is up as well..grandma would have asked 'did we pee the bed' is that why we are up and out of it?

The above pics are 'destination' shots. It's better for me to have a destination on rides to keep me focused.
I wish everyone could experience the exhilaration of speed & ease on a good bike. I'm finally starting to call it Mine rather than my sisters bike. I was very shaky at first after 25 years of not riding. One mile left me winded, 5 miles left me with jello legs. It still takes 1 mile to warm up but jello legs are gone even after 15 miles.
Cycling uses all your senses including your brain, lol. Watch the road, plan ahead for stops & hills, be careful for car doors that suddenly open, smell the cooking or flowers as you pass. Shift, shift & shift some more to keep a steady cadence, don't get carried away with a fast downhill run.
City roads terrified me at first because I was unsure of myself, slow & unsteady. 50 miles eased my concerns & 300 makes traffic a challenge/fun. I can see over most cars when standing.
Find your local independent bike shop & talk about which bike fits you best. Take one out for a test ride. Expect to pay at least $400 which sounds like a lot. It's too much if it's going to sit unused but nothing if you're riding almost every day.
Tallulah, try riding again. Telling yourself you can't do it is the surest way to fail. But it's like anything else, you either get the bug or not.
I soon realized I needed the right gear like riding shorts & gloves. Riding shorts are padded & keep you from chafing, the gloves cut down on vibration and save your palm skin if you fall. Don't forget the helmet, a good one with lots of ventilation because you're going to sweat. You will feel stronger within 2 weeks, guaranteed. Find a positive bike forum to get tips & advice.
The only competition is yourself. Skinny seniors wiz past you up hills, youngsters fly by you on their speedy road bikes. They are part of the scenery not your competition.
My bike is a Canadian built Devinci hybrid with shocks everywhere, 24 speed, aluminum frame with road tires. Speedy but not a racer. I added an under saddle bag and a speedometer/odometer.
Andy P

You would be a good co rider for my son Jeff Andy, last Thansgiving he came from Toronto, leaving early morning and just making nightfall..over 100 clicks.. Just love the photo's. Your sister sure knew what she was doing when she gave you YOUR bike..

Had Geg drop in to help carry a cabinet to back shed..neither he or Jeff wanted it so will store until I find someone..he left the two drawers in the house, said i needed to fo through them..tried to talk him nto taking a new Monopoly game home with him, its a specialty games from Rama Casino, no go! Ill go through it tonight.

Few deer fly bites which is rare for my neck if the woods but guess with all the rain they are out feasting on humans so I'll try to work in sunshine area.

Got invited to their house tonight for BBQ, almost said no, but if I keep saying no ill not get invited again..will be nice to swim and relax even if only for a few hours.

OMG, Greg was carrying parts of the dresser and one large tree has branches almost touching the ground, offers mega shade, didn't he ask me to get the lamb trimmer so he could cut them down. hello there little boy , I love the way it swoops down!!?

Melanie asks me what I'm up to today? Showed her the paving stones and grass, Greg walks over looks at the garden and says I should be pulling all the tall weeds, ok dear boy, I like country gardens, lots of plants, tall short etc,sooo glad I don't ask him to weed. Lol

Break is over,

Back in a bit...old crow is singing his lullaby, more annoying than enjoyable.

SERIOUSLY ~ Can someone please tell me how when I moved I could somehow manage to lose every single kitchen utensil I owned?? No spatula, no measuring cups/spoons, no can opener...NOTHING!! I have emptied every box and they're missing...I just am baffled :(

kohndr, first may I welcome you to our group..hoping you will continue dropping in!

Bet there is a box either sitting in your old kitchen thinking the rest was purging items and it got to stay while the remaining items are out on the street..lol. I have a utensil drawer, wish some of mine would walk off..all kidding aside, am sure it's among the boxes and set somewhere, you'll soon find them..

How far did you move?? Block, city, state?

Maybe a subliminal message. Do you like to cook? Maybe you'd rather be doing something else? Or maybe it's time for shiney new stuff. Just some random thoughts. kb

Lol...I know that was a random comment out of the blue :) I'm Kobi, I moved a city away two weeks ago. You're probably right, either that or I just somehow missed that drawer.

Maybe it is a sign I shouldn't cook anymore, never thought of that! Now I just have to convince the kiddos...actually they'd probably be happier with McDonald's every night...not gonna happen.

Thanks for the welcome :)

Hiya Kobi - yup, I agree - it's a "sign" that you really Don't Want To Cook lol

Andy - I am a determined person (ask anyone here........... I'm so intense I pinch myself to see if I'm asleep LOL).
I'd started to learn to ride a bike in my late 20's, and banged myself up pretty badly. My hubby (now my ex - nothing to do with the story) said, out of concern "don't ever ride a bike again" and I didn't (see how obedient I was then?!?! ROFL). Then, 2 years ago I decided "this is Garbage - old enuff to ride a bike if I want to!!" and so I bought one. I was terrified on it, and couldn't keep upright. Training wheels were suggested, but they would cost $300, and we couldn't afford that.
Now I need the $$ (still not working) and it would bring me $300 or more......... I paid $700 for it 2 years ago.....

Wonderful b.b.q. DIL outdid herself..her parents were there as well, Greg went to do something outside and we hear a yell, think he broke his foot..he's sooo stubborn, have no idea where he gets it from (lol) says he will wait till tomorrow morning and if not better he'll go then..he actually turned grey..told him to soak it in the pool but no telling him anything.

Thought I should come home seeing I was falling asleep..won't be long and I'll be in bed!

Big sigh, worked all weekend and if you came to visit you would not see where..

Did you put the bike on kijiji or craigslist Susan??

Kobi, am sure the kids would prefer McDonalds..think they could have hidden the box of utensils? lol

LOL do you think stubbornness runs in the family, or gallops?
I put it on kijiji.com. I really should put it on craigslist too...........
Greg should put some ice on his foot. Poor guy............ I'll bet it's throbbing. Pretty colours too, right?

Hello to All !

LK - definitely go beachfront... treat yourself it's your Birthday ! I can't go to the beach without beach front... nothing ever so relaxing as sitting outside watching waves
Betty - YES they are definitely going to be working on MY Model A ! LOL..... From what I hear those men can't get around a car without tinkering. Small price to pay in cleaning the whole house, yard, carport, and buying food and drinks....to finally get something started on my car !
Bev - great to see you post. Think about you whenever I look at my dayliles. I'm wondering why mine have stopped blooming, are they done? or should I try epsom salts?
Andy your bike has done you a lot of good.... Need to get hubs out there with his BP maybe it would help.
Dianne ((HUGS)) Yes exercise is a good remedy... love the idea to get a bike...
Barb glad to see you too.... when are you and Norm Celebrating?
Kobi - Welcome ! So funny today was the day I spent cleaning out our silverware and it's amazing over the years how some of it walks off and some strange ones appear. Hubs got us some silverware from the auction so I culled through ours and put old stuff away for when the teens move out.

Susan - I hope you can get more than that for the bike.... maybe you can....

We had such a productive weekend. Hubs didn't have to work and I barely left the house. We are almost completely done cleaning out storage/garage. Had a nice zucchini in the garden so I made Zucchini bread and everyone loves it. I put up some cukes as well. Had not cooked for so long.

It has rained for 40 days/40 nights it seems...but I think it's over....Jean are you staying dry ?

Hugs,
Mary

Thanks Mary - had one "nibble", asking how old it was, and was it still available. I answered, but no reply-back.
"barely left the house".......... geeze we don't get Cleaning done then LOL
LK - I agree - Definitely go beachfront!
Dianne - are you Sure you can't get by here to take my bike? LOL

Well, another Monday coming...... hope this is the week I get a job.......... Any Job it seems........ well, maybe not dishwashing - don't do well at it at home LOL

And ride it back to Ontario Susan?

Morning all, what a glorious day out there! I so could have stayed home but want a paycheck so here I am lol

OMG now that would be a ride wouldn't it Dianne..any news from the vets office yet this morning??

Drats, had a call this morning, Ann has changed her plans and is not going on the New Orleans trip nor is Darlene..Ann because she's taking a trip with her girls (understandable) and Darlene (overwhelming for her and bad back) .. still within our budget so guess Suzanne and I might do it alone

Morning everyone! Sure hope Greg's foot is OK! That has to be hurting a lot!

Welcome Kobi, nice to have you here! Sure is upsetting when you move, and something gets left behind. Sure hope it show up for you!

Dianne, any word on Streak yet? You and he were on my mind all weekend.

Susan, fingers crossed that this is the day....hoping someone will come through with a permanent position for you.

Betty, any word on Greg's foot? Hope it is not broken.

Hi Kobi. Maybe it is a sign to switch to paper plates and plastic utensils....When we moved a few years back, the woman that bought our old house called to say we had left a dishwasher full of clean dishes...and did we want them? I had loaded all the crystal and china into the DW for a quick rinse before packing...and promptly forgot....

Andy...good on you for taking back control of your health. Big thumbs up and kudos.

Linda Kay...I hope you have lots of sunshine and wonderful sea breezes...have a grand birthday.

Hi Mary. Glad you had a lovely trip. I know you are excited for the car to be worked on. Looks like more rain today...while the garden is delighted, the darn weeds are leaping with joy...grrrr. and the joints are creaking. Glad to hear your MIL did well with her surgery and is recovering well.

Katie...guess you are on the road today....good thoughts for a safe, uneventful drive. take care of yourself and enjoy your visits.

Friday we went to the zoo between showers...I fell in love with the African crested crane

Jean, no wonder you fell in love..adorable! Been a long time since I've been to a zoo..should plan an outing to Toronto Zoo one weekend come fall. How's the weather been in your neck of the woods? Bet humid?

Yes, Betty....it is hot, humid and we have had rain everyday for a week now. Even the gators were too hot to do more than chill in the water...grin

Hi all!!
How funny to load the DW and then forget all the dishes lol Freudian slip?

Jean - love that birdie!!

Betty - How's Greg doing?

I went online and updated my profile, as per agency's request. I was in mid-update when they called me and asked what kind of position I was looking for....... I told her "I spoke to Rebecca on Friday and will be meeting with a rep on Wed. They wanted me to update my profile which I'm doing right now.". So, she'll leave me to meet with a rep on Wed........ :-) Boy, they're right on-the-ball aren't they?

Jean, hate to walk into that big sucker on a morning stroll..he looks content right now, do they count how many visitors go and and then go out, maybe 1 or 2 are missing...

Let's hope Susan this ends the job search and you find something

Paul dropped in on his way to Toronto office..here I am painting away at mileage signs re DG members lol
Inquired as to what my project was, chatted and then I asked for confirmation of office closure..wouldn't you know he changed it...ok Mary you can do the happy dance...

Said we could leave at 1:00 on Friday August 3rd so will be in New Orleans around 6 7 8 or 2 of those days anyway, have to replan

This message was edited Jun 11, 2012 2:08 PM

yay for the earlier office closure, Betty!!! Now you can visit with Mary!!!!!!!!!
You've Got to give her a big ole HUG for me!!!

Drats and more drats..just talked to Ann, she was crying her heart out. She rear ended someone coming home from Orillia this morning..said the lady went to hospital, she thinks just as a precaution..she got a ride with tow truck driver and police will come to bring her accident report!!!!

Although she says she wants to be alone I'll drop in on my way home if for no other reason than to see if she needs anything at the store

Oh no, sorry to hear that! Praying that Ann, and the lady she hit is OK! Give her hugs from us please?

Sounds like Ann is having a year like I had last year!! Oh Geez....hope not.

(((Ann))) I think I have some idea of how overwhelmed she is feeling. it just never seems to end for both her and myself. How is Darlene doing Betty? Glad you are going to stop by, I am sure Ann is like me and doesn't want to bother anyone.

Streak is still at the vet's. He has started to eat, keep it down and no diaharrea since Sun am so maybe tomorrow he'll be home. I miss him so much. They can't find anything wwrong, all of the tests have come back negative.

Sounds like Streak got just enough Hibiscus to really upset his belly. Glad the tests came back negative.

Just got home, went and spent 1/2 hr with Ann. She looks defeated for lack of a better word. It was a man in a van that she hit, can't see much damage to vehicle but of course when 911 is called you are taken to hospital. The airbags in her vehicle imploded, she says she is ok but just as I was leaving I could see her pulling her neck from side to side! The police warned her several times that anything she said in the report could be used against her, she was shaking and in shock but did get that he was telling her not to say a thing...did charge her with careless which brings 6 point loss in drivers license. She gets a rental vehicle tomorrow. On the weekend Mike's uncle died, last of Mike's family, she drove 3 1/2 hrs for the funeral then home..so many deaths since her Mike's passing..just overwhelming...got a laugh out of her, she said when we have the gathering she will take Judy aside and have a few drinks. Lol, she who barely takes a drink.

Dianne, Darlene is struggling as well..lots of reminders as she gives items (atv/bass boat/pool/ tools) etc to her Mike's siblings..the 32' boat is bothering her sitting in the yard. She tries to be brave..we talk almost nightly, helps pass her evening. Right now she has made a memorial garden, friends/family all bringing plants from their gardens in memory of Mike, each plant is tagged with name of the individual who gave it. From experience it's those projects that get you through the day.

Darlene and Ann are precious, you will love them when you meet them Dianne.

Wonderful news that Streak may come home tomorrow

Betty - I'll pray even harder for Ann............ she surely didn't need this. Sounds like she needs to see a chiropractor. In Manitoba, it doesn't matter who's at fault, chiropractor is covered via Autopac - how about in ON?
Darlene is having a time of it too..... giving away all Mike-related stuff and/or seeing them day-in-day-out has to be hard. How to make a decision to give stuff away.

Hello To All !

Oh Susan.... just KNOW something will *happen* for you !

Dianne... Love the "Cross Country Biking" idea... you know you'd get full media coverage....if I didn't have to work I'd come join you.! So glad Streak is better. Belle had some stomache issues a few months ago and I made her a pumpkin mash/chicken broth concoction and it really did help

Betty... so sad that your group is dwindling but sometimes easier to travel with a smaller group anyway... I AM DOING THE HAPPY DANCE ! Will NOT Plan anything for 8/6- 8 /8. I CAN come to New Orleans ! OR if ya'll want to come up here I'll figure something out. Kick DS out of his bed or something.

Jean - Baton Rouge Zoo ? That pic of the crane is beautiful. Yes - TOO much rain... never seen anything like this !

LK - have you tried vrbo.com?

or tripadvisor.com?

Hugs Joyce... "MY" Bad year was 2004.... I suppose it has to come once in a while.

Worked today then Model A Meeting. About 12 folks said they'd come to the Tune Up Day at my house so I'll plan for 20... Can't wait !

HUGS
Mary

Hope that Ann's neck is not too bad! Sorry to hear about the points on her drivers license.

Mary, I tried those sites, and motels.com. When I compared price with the motels themselves, I went with the motel. When I called to make reservations I also got a 10% discount for being a member of AARP!

Betty, I put a layer of crackle, then another layer of paint, and it did not crackle very much on the headboard. Can I put another layer of crackle, and try it again, or do I need to strip it and start from scratch?