Hey, all yous...
2 days ago, I was planning to smoke a cigar. I did and it poured buckets while I was enjoying my smoke. I was under the carport, so I didn't get wet at all. Gotta love that shade garden space I have created in there. To make it even more enjoyable, I added a few glasses absinth while smoking. It was either absinth or Ricard, but I decided to go with the more robust taste of absinth. Since it wasn't sunny out there, I decided to keep the Ricard for a more glorious day; pastis should be enjoyed on a sunny day, like they get in Provence. The cigar and absinth perked up my day immensely.
In other news, our snake Lucy is shedding; poor baby. Yesterday, she spent 2 hours laying on me with the tip of her tail tucked under my watch's stainless steel bracelet while I held her tail in my left hand. We play "I got you, you got me". It's very enjoyable. Gail spent most of the evening playing with Lucy last night. She just wanted to cuddle, be quiet and enjoy our company. Who knew ball pythons actually enjoyed cuddling? Treat your pet well, love it and it will love you right back. Treat your pet badly and make sure I never hear about it; 'nough said.
There was nothing worth watching on TV last night, so we watched a few episodes of Game of Thrones on the DVD. That is one very addictive series. We're almost done with the 3rd season, only 3 episodes left to watch. We can't wait to see the 4th season this fall.
I didn't remove any of those root beer plants, but their days are numbered. The rosemary only needs a trim because it has started encroaching on the neighbor's side, which is plant-free save for a pitiful hibiscus that was planted there 30 years ago and hasn't seen fertilizer since the Nixon administration. If there are no thunderstorms in Delray this afternoon, it's going to smell like root beer plant being ripped out. I have to plant some decorative gingers and some Rangoon creeper. It can't wait.
Take care, all.
Sylvain.
THE COCONUT WIRELESS - CHAT THREAD 4.
Glad you got the Rangoon Creeper, Sylvain. Remember to put where it can sprawl, for it will. Just think of mine taking over the lanai.
Hugs
My Rangoon creeper was gorgeous this year. It's planted on an old palm, and I am now on my third set of trellis material. The trick is to find suckers(whoops--helpers!) to nail the continuing trellis 'up the palm. Admittedly I did plant the honeybell a tad too close to the palm, so I just rip out the offending branches.
Sylvain--I have gotten to the point of no return with people who abuse animals. WHY can't we do the same to them as they did to the animal? The joy that our dogs bring to us is priceless-and they have a friend sleeping over for the weekend!!
Debi
yellow hibiscus from Lowes mark down rack
blue green jade vine
Rangoon creeper(sorry I know it's sideways)
my new toy--yummy cukes, parsley, and wonderful zucchini -on to my second planting--oh forgot the lettuce!
Hi Everyone! So glad to see all of you here! So glad to have the renewals. I too will renew this month....July. I would miss it way too much!
Sure wish my root beer plants would be so adventurous! They stay where they are.
Lack of care I'm sure. They only get water when it rains at the moment.
Great pix Debi!
So glad to hear from all of you! Hope you are doing well!
Jeanne
I just renewed too...I need to be on more..but still getting things under control. I'm finding it more challenging to keep up with things these days. Jeanne, hope you are feeling better.
Does anyone know if DG has ability to post stuff from smart phones?
Rj, you will just have to play with it. Some people can do almost everything and others can't.
Glad you guys are renewing!! Mine isn't up til later this year but I should still be around. I like it on here too much. lol
Greetings, everyone!
I don't have a smart phone because I see too many people struggling with them. They'll say stuff like:"It can be used to open sardine cans, but I don't know how." And I wouldn't want to have to admit to people that although I can use it to shine my shoes or scrub the crappier, I don't how to get it to do it. Vanity, thou art a heartless witch! So, I have a prepaid phone that doesn't even take pictures because they are:
a) cheap, and
b) I lose at least 2 or 3 every year. If this is the work of pickpockets, imagine the look on their face when they realized they have just risked jail for a piece of junk: priceless.
So, I guess you can view DG on a smart phone, but I can't give any enlightened advice, but I have no clue how this minor miracle is accomplished. I can view DG on my Google tablet without a specialized app, and for that I am thankful because most of those apps are disappointing. The worst offender in that category so far is The Weather Channel. I must have installed and uninstalled at least 3 versions of that program. It's easier to look through the window to see if it's raining, going to rain, mostly cloudy, partly cloudy, wall-to-wall cloudy, or sunny. Technology, thou aren't much better than vanity.
Take care, all.
Sylvain.
Hi Sylvain and all,
I have "Weather Bug " on my iPad and I think it's great.Give t a try.
First time on DG for awhile. Glad to see everyone is so perky.
Aloha Everyone,
I have missed you all!
We sold our house in Hawaii and after a month of living like vagabonds our "stuff" has finally arrived at our new home here in NC. First box to be found was the one that held the computer and I am so happy to have it back again, even though I am sitting on the floor typing because we don't have any furniture unpacked yet this morning.
Moving was a nightmare of course because we had our "stuff" shipped to Los Angeles and then it had to be taken by rail (it actually went all over the country before it finally reached us here) and arrived yesterday morning. Unfortunately the big semi took out one of the stone pillars at the entrance of the driveway so the first job will be to find a stone mason for repairs.
We are enjoying NC even though there has been a ton of rain since we arrived. Very pretty with all the green woodland, etc. although I have already had it with the squirrels and the bird feeder that we put up. I did grease the bird feeder pole and we had a very amusing afternoon watching squirrels sliding down because they couldn't get a grip!
Just before we left Hawaii my brother came from WI and collected my Mother to stay with them during the packing up and the homelessness time frame. Unfortunately Mom seems to have gone downhill rapidly during the last few weeks and we are not sure that she will ever be able to come here, it's to the point that she was not eating or drinking anything for days on end and of course is very weak and fainting all the time. The doctors say there is nothing wrong with her physically although her dementia has increased rapidly. My brother and sister-in-law have hired a nurse to come in daily to care for Mom and that seems to be the best we can do for now. She has lost the will to live and asks to be taken to the hospital to be "put to sleep". She just wants to die and will not co-operate with eating or even getting out of bed now. Hopefully she will co-operate with the nurse better than she will with her kids. It's a real worry for all the family.
On a brighter note we are enjoying our new old house. It was built in 1929 by a local bootlegger. When one of the owners did some remodeling in the 70's they found secret rooms with stills still in place! The bootlegger was the first person to be convicted for running "white lightening" in NC and is a local legend. Everyone here in Hillsborough knows the "Rock House", as it is known locally, and the stories about Rigsbee and his shenanigans. It was a lucrative profession apparently, because we even have a swimming pool in the garden (now totally in disrepair) that has pink marble around the edges that was imported from Italy back in the day.
I hope everyone is well and enjoying their summer and I hope to catch up with you all now I have the joy of having a computer again.
Jenn
What a fabulous find of a house!
My father had terrible dementia and words cannot express how much I feel for you. I have often said that I should write a book and detail all the things that are never told to you by the doctors and nursing staff. PLease feel free to contact me at any time if you would like to vent, scream or just talk. I have been through exactly what you are facing.
Debi
So sorry to hear about your mother, Jenn. It must be a terrible heartache for you.
I will keep your family in my prayers.
Jenn, I thought at least some of these things might be happening. I'm happy about the house; sad about Mom.
I've a stomach bug probably brought on by our excessive heat and humidity. More later.
hugs, katie
Aloha, Jenn.
I am so glad that you sold your house and resettled on the mainland. It must have been heartbreaking to leave paradise and relocate: difficult on you and everyone involved. Sending good vibes to you and yours. Settle in quickly and take your time. North Carolina... that's where I buy my cigars through the internet. Please keep in touch.
Big hugs.
Pu'ole, a.k.a. Sylvain.
Glad to hear you are settling in Jenn!! I love the story of your new old house. Those are my favorite types of homes. Even when in total disrepair. Sorry to hear about your mother though.
Glad that you had sold your house and settling.
Just in time to enjoy the super hot summer
Do you ave a big lot in your new place?
Sorry to hear about your Mom and hope the nurses can give her comfort.
Take care and keep in touch .
Belle
So glad to hear from you, Jen. Sounds like you and Frank have had another lifetime experience. Most of us dream of the day we can live on Maui. With all of the refurbishing you have done to the entire property I'm sure you had no problems finding buyers.
Sorry about Margaret's condition. Mike's mother was 95 last January and has been in assisted living for almost 3 years. Very sad. She has lost her sight and her hearing. Too weak to walk so she uses a Hooveround. She falls several times a week and we haven't been able to find a way to correct that. We use a geriatric specialist and he goes to see her. Tells us there is nothing "wrong" and nothing to fix. Advanced years.
Mike and I had to put down both of our dogs during this year. Couldn't stand it and now have two siblings barely 3 months old. They are so sweet but so much trouble. That's only temporary and they will soon be grown.
With the two of you at least in the States maybe a trip to Texas won't be out of the question.
Oh dear, the news of the hurricane is not good. Already lots of preparations for shelters and floods expected. Beautiful Maui and the other islands of Hawaii are right in the path of Flossie. God protect Your children.
This message was edited Jul 29, 2013 6:36 PM
Hi!
So glad to hear from y'all! So glad Jen that you are getting resettled OK. So sorry to hear about your Mom. Will keep her in our prayers.
My numbers are doing better. You can read about them over on the Prayer Forum.
Our weather has been in the upper 90's, but we've had alot of rain so the plants are doing well.
Jeanne
That's good news, Jeanne. Pray God that the numbers continue to climb.
Yes the heat has gotten to me. I finally admit it!
Does anyone know of any architectural salvage places in the south of Florida? I am getting ready to start the hardscape in the backyard and can salvage a lot of what I think I need.
Thanks-Debi
Hey guys...I posted some pictures in trop zone gardening of what I suspect might be golden shower tree, let me know your opinions!
Rj
Where is every one?
I'm here on hurricane watch. I was thinking about you today; didn't you get the message.
After several months of depression and arthritic pain frosted by a dog bite three weeks ago my mood lifted dramatically yesterday. What a relief.
It's been raining off and on since ten am, nice and slow with no wind. Hope this continues as the center of the hurricane has some serious winds. It's looking like it will stay west of us, but we could still get some wind.
I sure do like feeling better.
katie
That looks cool there!!
Katie, hope the hurricane bypasses you and you only get rain.
I've been busy working and running around. lol. Gardens are a mess this year due to replacing siding and windows so everything is tromped on or if there are retaining walls there I let them go to weeds to hold the dirt in til we replace the walls eventually. Have the wood but the house needed priorty this year. So using weeds to hold stuff in. lol
I'm goi g to have to do that soon. Katie. Is that part of trop depression reaching up here too
IVO is the storm we are dealing with now. There two more heading in our general direction. I watch the National Hurricane Center and IVO has a big patch of purple to the south of the center.
We did prep wok yesterday and today then wished each other luck and Tony headed home. My dogs don't freak out with rough weather so we're just hanging around.
katie
ugh...I hadn't heard that...guess I better take a look....not fun waiting on storms..
It's raining harder here but the hurricane has been downgraded to a tropical storm.
I still don't think I'm going to get much sleep. We're also having thunder. Luckily it doesn't bother the dogs. We're all just kind of hanging around waiting for the storm to pass. The worst will pass us tomorrow in the early afternoon.
hugs, katie
Hello Everyone,
Some news that is both sad and a relief in a way - Mom passed away Monday morning under the care of Hospice. I can't say enough how grateful we are to the wonderful angels from Hospice who took care of Mom for the last three weeks of her life. We had gone to sit with Mom as usual and realized that she had gone - she looked very peaceful so I think it was a gentle passing.
I am in a sort of fog at the moment even though we knew the time was fast coming...
Love to all.
Thank you for the update and sorry to hear of your Mother's passing.
Yes Hospice Nurses are very special, lots of compassion, knowledge and skills to take care of patient as well as family.
I was a hospice nurse for few years in between operating rooms stresses.
Praying for strength for all the days to come.
Missing somebody is hard!!!
Take care.
Belle
((((HUGS))))
So sorry to hear about your sad news. Prayers and positive vibes going your way.
Pu'ole, a.k.a. Sylvain.
So sorry to hear about your mom, Jenny. Glad her passing was peaceful. I know how much you will miss her. It takes time for the pain of the loss to fade. hugs, katie
Oh dearest Jen. Margaret was such a consummate English Lady. I shall never forget how beautiful she was on her 80th birthday. I'm thankful that she went easily and quietly. My mother has been gone since 2004 and often I think, "Oh, I'll ask momma, she'll know." As close as the two of you were it will be sometime before you can fully grasp it. Thank you for coming back to DG and giving us the news. I have missed you and the great people on this thread. Should you want to, someday call me so we can chat. Since you have moved I no longer have your phone or address. I am happy that you and Frank are close to your daughter and your grandsons. Special people all of you.
PK
Sorry to hear about your mom passing on. Very glad it was peaceful. Hugs! Peppper
Glad she had you around! Hugs
Thank you all so much for your kind words, I am slowly getting back into the land of the living although I still have to go through Mom's clothes and things and take them off to the charity shop - I've been putting it off, which isn't getting the job done...
I haven't finished unpacking some of our boxes yet, but I have big plans for all that stuff now too - what is it that they say about eating an elephant one bite at a time?
We are just starting to feel the cooler weather, and both of us are frozen first thing in the morning when the temps are in the upper 50's - everyone keeps telling us we haven't felt anything yet! Quite a difference for us from tropical weather!
How is everybody doing - and what are you all up to?
Aloha,
Jenn
Aloha, Jenn and everyone else.
I have had the dubious honor of clearing my own mother's apartment after she went on to a better place. It felt as if I were snooping and doing something I had been raised not to do. My mom was by no means wealthy. She lived in a 1-bedroom apartment alone. She had a few jewels, which I quickly packed. A neighbor told me her TV had bitten the bust a few days before, so I told her to take my mom's TV and watch it in memory of her. Then, I called a charitable organization in Montreal and told them to come and get it all. Two days later, they showed up with a large truck, a team of 4 men and they cleared up that place until nothing but the hardwood floors and the dining room's chandelier remained. We already owned a house with too much furniture in it and my mom would have been pleased to know that her earthly belongings helped someone in need.
The second occasion came when I had to empty out of our house in Montreal, so I could move to Florida. Gail was already living at the condo. I was no longer working and I found that part of my life very difficult. I had held 4 garage sales on previous weekends and I was ready to strangle hagglers with the waffle iron's electrical cord. Before I acted upon my fantasy, I told myself I needed to do something quickly. So I called that very same charitable organization and they came and cleaned up. There was a lot of stuff and they pretty much filled the truck. Furniture, winter clothing, disused clothing, dishes, pots and pans, glassware, kitchen utensils, books, electronic equipment, you name it: it all was taken away in one fell swoop. The Florida condo was small and fully furnished. I moved a few essentials, but not that much. I am happy that those earthly possessions went to help someone in need, too. In trying times, there is no wrong in helping the process along. The end justifies the means, but it can be heart-wrenching. Sic transit gloria mundi.
Last night, Gail told me we were expecting a cold front. I asked her if I should pour a bit of vodka in my windshield washer's fluid. No, it's only going to dip to the lower 70s, said she. Oy, you don't know from cold fronts, I told her. I'll still dress in crocs, shorts and a white T-shirt. I know, it's after Labor day but this is Florida. We march to the beat of a different drummer, as far as wearing white is concerned. And you should see the wild get-ups the men wear on golf courses. You'd think the circus is in town. But I digress.
Undenounced to me, some kind of small wild critter had taken refuge inside our gas barbecue. When I got out to grill a steak yesterday, I mechanically turned on the burners. There was some wild thumping in there and the smell of burned hair. I turned off the burners and cooked my steak inside, under the broiler. I have to go out today and clean that mess up. I have no idea what it was. My guess goes towards a mouse or a squirrel. Maybe I'll be able to identify the remains, but I don't relish the idea of that clean-up. Time to man-up and get it done. Had I known of its presence, I would have removed a grill so it could run out before I turned on the burners. The whole thing makes me sad. This, too, shall pass.
Gail has expressed a taste for fire-grilled hamburgers tonight. I haven't told her about the incident. I would have upset her no end. It will all be cleaned up by the time dinner rolls around. There's always something... when it's not one thing, it's another.
Take care, all.
Pu'ole, a.k.a. Sylvain.
So sorry, Sylvain, of your mother's passing. It's the easiest thing to do and I'm sure that what my kids will do with my stuff. But, as you said it will go for the good of someone else.
Good luck on the cremation duties. I don't envy you one bit.
Kisses to Gail.