I have a bag of moisture crystals and shrub fertilizer tablets from Becky. There are other items from her garden that I'll be bringing to the spring swap, but I wanted to post these now, just in case anyone wanted to pick them up to use right away. Please DM me if you're interested!
Neck of the WoodsChat Count down to Spring 2013
What a great new adventure for Becky, I sure am going to miss her.
Ric has been seed starting the last few days and is down in the GH working. Besides the seed starting he is diving a small pot of Mondo Grass. He wants to get enough to plant around the edge of one of the water features. I'm going down to see how many little starts he divided it into. While I was down there looking around this morning I found this Mini Amaryllis getting ready to bloom. The Orchid that is going to bloom soon is still down there I will wait till it is further along before I bring it up to the house. I must say that all Ric's hard work getting the GH up and $$ heating it was very well worth it. We are both getting so much enjoyment from it. Heading out side to check out the crocus and check on Ric. Might have more pics later.
Hey--ALL---
Home Depot has just gotten in the packaged Roses. They look SO nice and sturdy--
as no one has pawed all over then and broken the stems yet.
They are $7.99 each. There are Hybrids,climbers and Knock-out Roses in this rack.
Such nice fat stems--all waxed and healthy.
Maybe i should buy me a red "Mr. Lincoln"--or a "Queen Elizabeth"--a lovely pink.
Yeah---maybe........which one of my old ones will I be willing to dig up and get rid of????
Not sure....IF...............G.
Sounds good, Gita.
Well, baby Thomas is going in for a sleep study tonight and then in the morning they will do a sweat test for cystic fibrosis. Knowing God is in control I am actually feeling okay.
Oh Jan. Many hugs. Amazing how God's great big 'whole world' hands can reach and gently touch even the teeney tiny baby. Prayers for your newest Grand and family.
Thank you, dear. You have such a way with words!
THinking of you and THomas and his mom and dad...
My prayers are coming Thomas' way as well.
Gita, does HD have forsythia yet? Last year they carried a particular cultivar I want (it's called "gold tide").
Happy--
I was there yesterday--and the only thing I saw was the early fruit trees and ornamentals.
Will look when we get Forsythias in. should be soon.
I am only at work for 2 or 3 days and may miss it. I work Sunday--8:30-5:30. Lunch-12:30-1:30. Will check.
What should I do if one of those comes in??? You can call my HD at: 410-78-9200.
I will be answering the phone except for my lunch. They can page me--I will pick up in the break room.
There's a HD in Silver Spring... also in Bowie. May be even more...
I know there are 2 HD's in/around Annapolis. One is South Annapolis-.the other is somewhere IN Annapolis. .
Judy (coleup) could check for you. She lives right IN Annapolis.
G.
Gita -- I didn't mean to burden you with extra chores -- just thought you might have noticed. My nearest HD is probably 20 minutes away, so I don't browse there much.
NO burden! Pick it out--pay for it--and take it home.
Then--figure out a way to get it to you.
If i wait until the Swap--they will be done blooming. That is why I thought you could call and check
some of the HD's around you.
Of course--finding someone who actually knows what a Forsythia looks like may be a miracle.
They are all hiring now for the season. Heaven help the customers !
Gita
You're sweet to offer. It appears Gold Tide is currently $20 at HD (based on the website), so I'll have to wait for a sale....
ForestFarm has it for $12....
This message was edited Feb 28, 2013 3:44 PM
Happy, I have plenty of Forsythia to share, but I have no idea what variety it is.
forsythia, happy? really? I'd love someone to come set off a warhead on that 200 foot hedge along me.
The Gold Tide forsythia is very low -- only a couple feet high -- which is why I want it. It is good for covering embankments.
Happy--
The early spring shipments usually sell out. Don't wait for a sale--there won't be any this early.
People actually call asking if we have Forsythias when we are sold out.
Get one wherever you can find it if you want it that badly.
Forest farms' may be a smaller size to and therefore less expensive.
Maybe someone reading this has one and can send you cuttings. They root fast!
G.
I just got home from clothes shopping and a hair cut. Clothes shopping is one of my least favorite things to do. I actually hate it and rarely go. When I do need something, I procrastinate as long as possible. I have a work event at the Navy Yard Museum tomorrow evening and need to dress up. I haven't worn or even owned a dress in at least 15 or 20 years. Fashion queen I am not. I bought a slightly above knee length skirt, a nice top, black tights, high heels, and something similar to "spanks" to contain/hide all my fat rolls LOL. I usually wear slacks, a sweater or blouse, and flat shoes (even sneakers) to work. I can't concentrate if I'm not comfortable - if I could get away with wearing sweats I would. As it is, I'm usually dressed more casually than anyone else. I'm a little nervous, but my sense of humor is kicking in thinking how shocked my coworkers are going to be when I show up in that get-up. If I somehow attempted to wear makeup, it would put them over the edge. Wish me luck that I don't topple off those high heels...
You'll be great Terri. Good luck!
Forsythia over the years have had many varieties so happy is smart to choose a selection and not take cuttings The hedge I inherited shows mixed kinds and i hate it, as much as one can hate a classic suburbanite " first bloom of spring shrub". Its almost buddleia-like in its yearly growth and the neighbor and I spar over chopping off hedgelike or thinning more naturalistic!
terri you go girl, a makeover!
Hey, Terri. Did you shock them today with the new image?
Oh Terri, as much as you hate dressing up I know you will have a great time and your co-workers will be stunned.
I am right there with you about hating to shop, but I am sure you will shine.
Hedge or natural. Hmmmmm..... I am on the team natural side for forsythia and I cringe when I see it pruned Into a box.
How about a "natural hedge"? < =D I like those!!
Terri, any chance you got a pic of yourself all dressed up and with somewhere to go? =) We won't poke fun at you, honest! < =D I bet you looked WONDERFUL!!!!!!!! (and I hope your little piggies aren't too sore from those shoes!)
Definitely a 'natural' hedge. Heehee
The event last evening at the Navy Yard Museum was really nice. The event was to honor Rear Admiral Grace Hopper. She was an amazing woman, and the namesake behind our IT Directorate. She was an inspiration on many levels - founder of significant IT advances and a pioneer for women in the Navy. She was featured on 60 minutes, and received awards from presidents. She is credited with the term "bug" and "debugging" which came from a moth that had gotten in to a relay switch causing computer malfunction. The actual moth is in the Smithsonian. If you are interested, you can read about her on Wikipedia and check out photos.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grace_Hopper
http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=grace+hopper&qpvt=grace+hopper&FORM=IGRE
I have been a mentor on my area of subject matter expertise to a younger co-worker for about a year now. She is a fast learner, proactive, and always goes the extra mile. She has been a much needed relief for taking on half of my work load, and has become a friend. When our new CAPT came on board a few months ago, he wanted someone to head up a "Heritage" committe to gather memorabilia on ADM Hopper. Jennifer volunteered, and did a fantastic job tracking things down - photos, articles, video clips from numerous inspirational speeches, awards, honorary degrees, and even her Vassar year book. The event last evening was timed for the first day of Women's History Month and was the unveiling of the memorabilia. All ranks of USN officers, enlisted, and civilian men and women were there.
Photos are of Jennifer and I, Jennifer with her son, Jennifer's husband, and last but not least a group of women civilian coworkers.
My opinion on forsythia - natural. I dislike the box, clipped, hedge look. I think forsythia is actually quite pretty if it isn't over done.
Girl you are looking good! Looks like you all had a really good time.
Love that top, very stylish!! Sounds like you had a great time.
I saw this on Pinterest. Can anyone id what the purple flowers are?
http://pinterest.com/pin/323555554449002913/
Maybe phlox stolonifera 'Blue Ridge'?
You are looking great, Terri!!!
Thank you for the story of Rear Admiral Grace Hopper. I am very familiar with the terms "bug" and "debugging". One of my professors in grad school loved telling stories about computer technologies in the early days, and he was one who told us where the term "debugging" came from :-).
Just got this on the "Patch" newsletter tonight,
Seems we are in for a nasty storm and lots of snow later this week.
Here is a c/p of what was sent:
Dear Neighbors:
The following is a message from BGE regarding a significant winter storm in the forecast for later this week:
Baltimore Gas and Electric Company Prepares for Significant Winter Storm; Encourages Customers to Prepare Families and Homes In Advance
Customers reminded they may now report power outages from mobile phones and devices through company's new mobile website at bge.com or by calling 877.778.2222
BGE is initially requesting up to 500 out-of-state utility workers through the mutual assistance networks
BALTIMORE, March 4, 2013 – Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE) today announced that it is closely monitoring an approaching weather front that will likely bring heavy, wet snow and wind gusts of up to 50 miles per hour across the majority of its central Maryland service area on Wednesday. Snow accumulations are forecasted to reach between six to 15 inches. Coupled with high wind gusts, heavy, wet snow can cover tree limbs, electric delivery equipment and power lines, and cause power outages. BGE is making an initial request for up to 500 out-of-state utility workers through the mutual assistance networks. Just as the company is preparing field crews and employees to respond to potential power outages resulting from the forecasted weather, the company reminds its customers to take the time now to make preparations.
It is important to note that customers may now report power outages from mobile phones and devices through the company's new mobile website at bge.com or by calling 877.778.2222. An enhanced power outage map is also available through the mobile and full websites, and provides the general location and status of current electric power outages in BGE's service area. Customers can view affected area(s), the number of customers affected by an outage, estimated time of restoration if available, and the status of the field crew assigned to repair the issue.
"While the forecast for Monday and Tuesday remains mild, we expect conditions to drastically change with the approaching winter storm that will likely impact BGE's service area on Wednesday and Thursday," said Jeannette M. Mills, vice president and chief customer officer for BGE. "Heavy, wet snow combined with high wind and wind gusts can weaken trees, bringing whole trees and tree limbs down onto power lines and other electric delivery equipment, and cause outages. The safety of our employees and customers is our top priority, and in periods of sustained high wind, it may be unsafe to operate bucket trucks. Customers should prepare for the possibility of extended power outages in the event that the snowfall causes treacherous road conditions, which may delay crew travel and restoration times. We appreciate our customers' efforts to prepare in advance for adverse weather and to assist BGE in identifying and reporting outages and downed wires through our recently introduced mobile website at bge.com or our automated phone system at 877.778.2222."
As a reminder, BGE customers who may be elderly, disabled or dependent on electricity for medical or life-sustaining equipment (Customers with Special Needs), should always have alternate arrangements in place should they experience an extended power outage.
BGE encourages its customers and employees to proactively prepare for severe weather and the possibility of power outages and to take steps to ensure the safety of their families and property during service interruptions by taking the following steps:
Stay informed – Be aware of changing weather conditions and plan ahead. Have a battery-powered radio with a weather band so you can hear emergency information when the power is out.
Make a plan – Discuss and document an emergency plan with those in your care. Develop a family emergency plan that includes alternative arrangements should the need arise to leave your home. Make provisions for special needs of any family member such as the elderly, disabled, medically affected or infants. If you are dependent on electric-powered medical equipment, you are encouraged to seek alternate arrangements in the event that your electric service is interrupted.
Make a list of emergency phone numbers (including 877.778.2222 to report an outage or a downed wire to BGE) and keep a personal telephone book and one corded phone or a cell phone on hand.
Build an emergency kit – Keep enough emergency supplies on hand for you and those in your care. Remember supplies for children, those with special needs and pets.
Keep the following items readily available:
Flashlights – not candles
Fresh batteries
Battery-operated clock radio
Corded telephone
Fully charged cell phone
Non-perishable foods
Water – one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days for drinking and sanitation
First aid kit
Local maps
Blankets
Customers also should consider filling the fuel tanks of their vehicles in the event a power outage affects service to neighborhood gas stations. For customers who rely on well water, filling a bathtub with water in advance of severe weather is strongly encouraged.
In addition to monitoring current and approaching weather conditions that could result in service interruptions, BGE regularly conducts emergency training drills during which all aspects of storm-related service restoration are tested. BGE's most recent drill occurred last October, and involved a detailed review of BGE's Electric Delivery Emergency Response Plan to ensure that storm response procedures are up-to-date and in line with industry standards.
Customers can find information on preparing for natural disasters and other emergency events at bge.com, as well as storm preparation information and restoration progress via BGE's social media sites on Twitter and Facebook.
I just read some of that ( six to fifteen inches) to my 16 yr old son who responded
"YESSSSSS!!!!!!!!!"
Of course he did!! Heehee. The kids at Jeff's school have been wanting a snow day. Actually, who am I kidding, Jeff has been wanting a snow day!!!!
wow, Jan, it's like you're still next door! how awesome you can still be in touch like this ! Is it cold out there/
Jeeze, Annapolis forecast just said 6 to 10 inches. we might get to use that new shovel we got at clearance at target last week!
There was frost this morning and i had to scrape the windows, but it was very sunny and warmed up. Isn't technology amazing?
Sally, When your son gets done shoveling your snow send him over to do mine. LOL Ric
can't sleep= excited about the snow coming! going to get firewood ready tomorrow.
I'm excited about the snow, too. I just love snow. Sitting here in the warm looking out the big windows at the beautiful scene outside is just wonderful. Ric's view of the snow is just a bit different, bundled up with several layers of clothes, with hat and mittens,behind the snow plow, behind the shovel. I just don't think he quite has the same appreciation of snow that I do.
Ric pulled a Judy a few days ago. He fell when he was picking up our plants and dislocated his shoulder and he is going in for carpal tunnel surgery on Monday so I don't think shoveling is exactly what he wants to do. Jamie will be working cleaning up the snow at work, he did come yesterday and carried up buckets of coal enough to hold us for a few days.
Oh Ric! No shoveling for you!! Hunker down, stay warm and let it melt and the youngun clear it.