No this is a real thread ...
We came from:
http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/1301121/
April fools 2013
Thanks for the next thread.
Sure appreciate all the prayers. DH is coping with the pain. I sure wish his appointment with the pain clinic was not so far away. We spent a couple hours hanging around the barn yesterday. The farrier was there and then the vet came to draw blood for cogs. We also had some blood drawn on our buckskin mare that won't gain weight. Results were not good. She has permanent liver damage from the years of starvation we rescued her from. Her only hope, and it is a small one, is to be turned out on pasture. I have contacted a friend in another county that has 100 acres under pasture. Hoping I can turn her out there. That is her only hope for gaining any weight. Other than that we just have to accept her being a rack of bones or have her put down. The vet said she could raise foals with no problem. Funny thing is the only time she has gained weight is when she was in foal. She lost weight again as soon as she foaled. I wonder if the foal had been weaned a lot sooner if she may have retained some of the weight she had gained. She stayed in the milk for nearly 3 years after he was weaned.
We have taken yet another hit. I am sure you are all tired.of hearing our bad news. We have to move our horses because we are losing our spots in the barn. We don't pay rent. We supply our own feed, hay, sawdust and labor and I was doing the evening feeding until Steve got worse. Now there is somebody else who does it. Also, the guy who owns the barn has been layed off work and needs to get some more paying customers in the barn so we have to go. We surely don't blame him but we still have to figure out what to do. I will sell my mare but with the market so down I will not get anywhere near what she is worth and that will hurt. But that will free up a spot for one of the others. Selling her is a mixed bag. I am the only one who rides her because she is a little iffy for anybody else but she is also the easiest keeper and by far the best ride of the bunch. We don't want to sell Knock's mare because she is registered and anybody can ride her. I hate to think of selling Ben because looking forward to riding him is what keeps DH holding on to hopes for a somewhat normal recovery and life. Ben is a good ride and he is very gentle. Coffee with her health problems is not a candidate for sale. Hopefully she can go to our friends farm for turnout. And I will not sell Max for several reasons. If our health problems prevent either o us from doing astride, Hewe can still enjoy carting with Max. He is a very easy keeper and requires little feed and hay. He needs less room. I will be moving him to the house and he will be staying in the goat pen. I sold one goat yesterday and the other is for sale. She is bred so I am hoping to get $150 for her. She will stay in the old chicken house up the hill until she is sold. That opens up the barn where Max is now for one of the other horses. It is complicated and worrisome but I will have to figure it out.
I will have to spend a part of this day moving the melon patch. May have to fence the area it's in now for one of the horses. How many hours of Sun do melons need?
The plant sale and swap is this Saturday. I have looked forward to it for months now but may have to miss it to take my mare to trade days and try to sell her. I have a few trays of seedlings to sell or swap.
My peas have still not come up so I may have to replant them. One of my lettuce is coming up but the other 2 beds don't look as promising.
Sorry to drag everybody down. Hope I can give a better report next time. Nik, thanks for the prayers. I sure appreciate them. Enjoy your trip and be careful. Hope everybody enjoys the next few days of good weather. I am going to soak up some warm sunshine.
This message was edited Apr 2, 2013 9:05 AM
You sure never catch a break, do you?
I know. It would depress me if I dwelled on it. Just have to keep moving. Onward and upward as they say.
I am thinking of raising 6 meat birds. TSC has the Cornish cross chicks right now. I have 2 portable pens I can raise 3 birds each in comfortably. Would be nice to have fresh, home grown meat.
Darius, how are you feeling these days? Does the weather affect you. Warm weather is so much better for me. I will be very glad when it is here to stay. It was pretty today but the wind was still cold. I took the plastic off the lettuce beds for a few hours but had to cover it back up for the night.
Sue, TY so much. How is your weather and how are things progressing in the memorial garden?
I noticed the staffs on the abandoned property behind us have not bloomed this year. Others have around the community but I don't even see any blooms on these. I wonder if they will bloom late.
I am very happy about the warmer temps this weekend. Yesterday and today will be nice as far as sunshine but there is still a cold wind blowing. It should warm into the 60's but they are calling for rain. I'll take it if it will be warmer.
Sue, how are your goats and rabbits coming along? I am seeing a good many goat kids for sale around here now. Should have bred my doe earlier but I am always scared of them dying in the cold. She seems to be adjusting well to being alone. I need to go tie her out on the weeds. She really likes that.
Church tonight so I need to get going with my day. I am being lazy today. Hope you all have nice weather today and get lots accomplished.
I have been able to put my doe out on the cable to eat weeds and grass the last couple days. She loves it.
Sue, I bought some ramp plants last year, 2 dozen I think. I haven't been over to the area where I planted them to see if they survived, but I'm doubtful since it isn't optimal conditions. I wrote an article for DG on ramps here:
http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/979/
There are Ramp Festivals all over the SE, mainly from GA to Ohio.
Ordered 100 Strawberry plants from Nourse. have started felling small trees to use as border for the beds. Had to buy a new chainsaw chain (again) now I have 2 that need to be sharpened no time to wait - the plants will be here the week of the 22nd so I need to build the beds and get them filled with good soil.
Sue, I walked down to the area today where I planted the Ramps. Quite a few have survived, to my surprise! Sorry my camera had a dead battery, or I'd have a photo to post.
I have buds on many of my fruiting shrubs, and the peonies are poking up through the mulch.
I have had a full 3 days. Saturday morning we went to the seed swap. I swapped a few plants and came home with some seeds. I got some runner beans, some peppers and some ramps. Got lots of information and made some new friends. And I got interviewed for a Webb show. I asked the lady if she was gonna do like Swamp People and put subtitles on the screen when I was talking. :) She wants me and DH to do a cooking show with her. That should be fun.
After the swap we met friends at Applebees and had a great time together. They had come over a day early to speak at Pastor Appreciation Sunday.
After they went to the hotel DH got a haircut and then we went to visit with some more friends of ours at trade days. Wasn't able to bring my horse. I think they may be having another one next month. My friend who owns the barn where our horses are is back in the hospital again. He is having a rough time. He has the flu again.
Yesterday was Pastor Appreciation Sunday. It was a good day but I was disappointed that many of our people did not bother to come. DH is always there for them even when he is sick. Looks like they could go out of their way for him on his special day. But we had a very good time with our friends who came to speak. We also had a very good lunch after service. Then we went sightseeing with our friends and took pics.
This morning we thought we might drive down to Tennessee and stay overnight. DH had to preach a funeral at 1pm so I tried to get everything done so we could leave after that. But after the service his legs were hurting so we didn't go. I did get a lot done today. Took feed and hay to the barns and fed the horses and barn cats. Fed all the other animals. Took the trash to the road. Tied the goat out on the grass and weeds. Cleaned the van out. Planted the beans and peppers in the hoop house. Moved the plants inside to the greenhouse outside. Replanted the lettuce beds because the first planting did not sprout well. Made a new bed for greens and planted it with lettuce, chives, spinach and chard. Then I made myself a good salad. If I
get things done early enough in the morning and DH feels well, we may ride down to the Smokies.
Everybody must be busy.
Seems like I was lucky enough to catch the stomach virus and was in the bathroom all night. Didn't get to feeling better until dinner next day. So we left home about 3 and got Pigeon Forge at 7. Ate at micky d's and then went to the Comedy Barn Theater. It was hilarious!!! Everybody should go to it. We found a cheap hotel and it was nice. Couldn't get a nonsmoking handicap room on the ground floor but we made do. Makes it a lot harder for DH to get ready but we managed. Free breakfast came with the room in the hotel's pancake house. Then we rode around just a bit and came back home. It was a relaxing trip.
Power was out when we got home. It had been out all day. Somebody was cutting a tree and it fell on the power line. Then the live line st the woods on fire and the mountains were burning. It was supposed to rain last night but it didn't so the woods may still he burning. We got power back after 7 so we had to cancel church last night.
I left the greenhouse door unzipped when we left but it still got too hot and it fried my seedlings. Now I have to start over. I can't catch a break.
Hope you are all having better luck than me.
Nope, no better luck here, but not gardening related. Last week in the hospital (again), they found a lesion on my left kidney and a growth on my pancreas. Now I need an MRI to define them better to see what's really going on.
I haven't started and seeds yet, but plan to start some beans and squash this afternoon. Last frost here is May 15.
Hate to know you are having problems again. I will keep you in my prayers.
We may have some rough weather tonight. I took the skin off one of my greenhouses just in case. Taking my chances with the other. Left the plastic off the hoop house and am praying the cat will stay out of it. I planted beans and peppers in it.
Got the skin back on the greenhouse. It is too warm now to keep any plants in it but I can use them for garden storage and as potting sheds until fall. Got the long planting bed covered with bird netting. Now I can leave the plastic off and not worry about the cat. Looks like I have 3 or 4 peppers that may survive. I planted a lemon cuke I hope will make it. Planted a small yellow watermelon. That's all the seeds were marked with. I traded for them. Planted a Rutgers tomato I bought at Wal-Mart yesterday. Lettuce is starting to sprout. Peas are up about 3". Herbs are starting to come out but it looks like I will have to replace my basils and rosemary.
But all things considered, it is looking up. Need to replant some seeds
tomorrow.
I spent a little time with Max, my cart pony, today. Combed out his mane and tail and picked his feet. He is such a sweet little guy. I need to get the work done on my cart. I am looking forward to enjoying carting again. I have missed it.
Still no luck finding a place for Coffee.
Pulled something in my back yesterday setting blocks for the strawberry patch - have to get the dirt in - no time to waste - the plants will be here next week.
Hope you feel better soon. Are they June bearing berries?
June bearing "Honeoye" they did well for me the last couple of years at the apartment.
not much going on here
had a friend come visit.
got some seeds started but i wonder since i m so late in the season if anything will come of them ?
got the ramp onions in the garden.
hyacinth are starting to bloom that is wonderful.
My Iris i planted last year many have bit the dust. got soggy and mushy, just don't know much about iris. ?
Dyson sorry to hear of your back out. hope you get the strawberry under way soon.
darius so sorry to hear the found lesions . That can't be easy news to hear. sending you healing energy my friend.
Caj wow what a few last days you have had my friend. glad your feeling better and had some laughs at the comedy place. Those places are always fun.
hope you can get some seedlings up and running soon.
Had a good day today. Spent some time visiting at the store today. The Lucky Penny is the place to be. :) Went home and worked in the garden. Planted 5 cukes. They were pretty sad looking but I am hoping they make it. Put bird netting over the lettuce bed. Reclaimed the potting soil from the containers that didn't make it. Moved some stuff into the compost pile. Did some organizing in my garden storage area. Took my guard dog for a walk up the mountain. Worked on the roof of the goat house. Took the garbage up to the road. Went through my clothes and boxed up stuff for Goodwill and put it in the van for tomorrow's trip to town. Now my ankle is about to kill me but I am satisfied. I think it is plantar fasciitis. I doubt that is spelled right. I have had problems with it before when I was a blood drawer at the hospital and was constantly on my feet. I am wearing my brace again.
DH was in really bad pain today. He goes back to the prosthetics guy in the morning. They have made him a new top for his leg. His stump is continuing to shrink and the top of his prosthetic has been filled in as much as it can be. They said this would happen about 5 times before he gets his permanent leg.
Darius, I requested prayer for you at church yesterday. Praying for you.
Dyson, I remember how well your berries did at the apartment. Looking forward to pics. The berries in my towers are coming along well but no blooms yet.
Sue, are your chickens laying? I miss having my chickens. But feed is so expensive right now. How are the goats? My one doe is lots friendlier since she is my only goat. I am looking forward to getting the pony back home. The grass is getting high.
Nik must be swamped at work. Hope you all have a good night.
This message was edited Apr 15, 2013 10:55 PM
I forgot to show you guys what my wonderful friend Jovita brought me. Bless her generous heart. I
Oh, My, fresh morels!!! lucky you. :)
Busy day. Went to town early and had breakfast. Then DH saw the prosthetics man. He is getting a new top for his leg. They took a cast of his leg 3 weeks ago and when he tried it on today is was already too big so they will make another and call us when it is ready. After that he had to go to wound care. He rubbed a spot on top of his foot. They said it was nothing to worry about and they gave him some special bandages. Then we went to see a church member in the hospital. Hope she will get out tomorrow. After the hospital we went to Wal-Mart for groceries and medicine. I got 2 more tomato plants. A German queen and a Mr. Stripey. Then we went to goodwill to drop off some donations. After that we had a La t e lunch at Wendy's. They had strawberry lemonade. Mmm After that we went to visit some more church members. She gave me some daylilies. I need to root them. Hope it works. Then we came home and I did the feeding while DH put away the groceries. Took the dog out and shut the goat up just before it started raining. Hope the power does not go out.
Rained all night and it is still raining.
great score on the shrooms Caj sure hope you Dh can get some relief on his leg with the pain. sending healing energy to you
darius how is your health ? i have been thinking of you lately and sending healing energy to you.
well storms on the way
was at hosp all day with my FIL and MIL. he has bladder cancer and this is his second round of surgery . he says if they find more in 3-6 months he won't do this again. i don't blame him but honestly i think he needs another dr to see it and a third opinion IMHO.
got seeds starting . they all seem to be doing well too. wow may have a veggie garden this year !
good night and sleep well friends
There's a new thread on this forum regarding chicken feed. Maybe y'all who have chickens can answer his questions...
http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/1308159/
I put in my two cents and that's about all it's worth. LOL I am sure the climate there is way different than ours so I would think they have lots different plants and plenty more plants than we do.
Whooeee, I have germination!!
Just a few seeds of summer squash and 4 kinds of pole beans in a large flat. It's been so cool that I didn't think they'd germinate so readily. They are in a mini portable GH a friend gave me last summer.
The strawberry plants (100) I ordered are in Kernersville NC and should arrive tomorrow. I have the beds and soil ready - now if the weather will cooperate?
Dyson, you should be good to go from here on out...
I see a couple of my strawberry transplants have survived, and have flowers. There may be more, buried under the weeds.
got my mini hosta's in new soil and bigger pots.
hooray darius , congrats on the sprouting of the seeds. :)
mmmmm strawberries mmmm
well i can't find my coyote urine :( not in budget yet to get more but i sure do need it !
found some Bobcat urine and hope that works but i m ran out as i only had one bottle.
Here's an idea. Mix your own pee with some gunpowder and see if they put 2 and 2 together. :)
Good job on the sprouting. Is your greenhouse heated? I still have a flat of tomato seedlings, 4 tomato plants I bought and a lone pepper seedling I got at the seed swap in my little indoor greenhouse. I just have garden stuff stored in the two outdoor greenhouses. I am thinking I might set one up on my porch in fall and put lights and heat in it. I hope you find lots of berry plants in the weeds.
Any pics of the new bed? You got that finished quick. My berries in my towers are just starting to bloom. I am looking forward to them.
Calling for low 30's here in a couple days. I will have to cover things up. My beans are almost all up. Over 60 plants of assorted Bush beans. Tomatoes are in buckets so I can bring them in. Have to cover the 2 cukes that have survived. I guess this is dogwood winter. Hard to tell since the redbuds are still blooming. They are late. One more cold spell and that will be blackberry winter. Hope that will be the last of it.
Started cleaning everything out of the goat house so I can put sawdust in before I bring Max home. I am going to get quite a bit out of there. I will put it out in the melon patch. I need to get a layer of woodchips over the cardboard before I put the compost down. So much to do and so little muscle. LOL
Funniest thing happened today. I only have 1 goat now and she has gotten so tame now. She wants to be in the middle of everything I am doing. When I was cleaning out the goat house she was supervising. I took a break and was scratching her head between her horns. She started with her hind leg like a dog does when you scratch it's back. Not too much back and forth action, but she picked it up and stretched it straight out and held it there. I could almost hear her say ahhh. It was so funny to see. I think her and Max will be good company for each other. We shall see.
Caj, no heat in the mini GH. Photo attached below. Tomorrow night we could get a touch of frost and I'll move the GH up against the house walls before I go to bed. Right now it's at the front edge of the porch where it gets some sun.
Somewhere I have at least one heating mat for seedlings (maybe even 2), and it would probably be enough heat to keep the temps in the mini GH above freezing. I just have to find the darn things!
The Strawberry plants have arrived! I will start planting after the sun gets less intense! Photos after they start to green (they are shipped bare root).