Best/Worse/What did I learn today? Chat with friends

((((((((((Katie)))))))))) exorcise away, m'dear - we'll take care of those 'ole monsters for you!!!
Glad we're Here for you!!!

Just read all of your posts, they are so lovely and heart felt..love you all..was telling Joyce and the girls just how you all touch my heart and did girls who fropped into our lives and for whatever reason slipped away...I so enjoy opening the thread and seeing one visit and I often think of those I found endearing and are no longer chatting with me.

Just had supper, almost fell face down in spaghetti sauce I'm so tired..there has been little to no downtown since Thursday night..still have smoushing to do to all their floormatts before going to sleep?

Our goal is to leave tomorrow morning at 7 pm..

Casa Loma at 9:30am
CN Tower rotating restaurant for lunch at 1:30pm
Kensington Market at 3:30pm

Then home, likely close to the next day. Lol

Able to put in a tour of Martyr's Shrine before heading home today. Then the hard work began, I became the swamp lady again, emptied the small pond. Redesigned and changed it, girls helped move about 30 cement cinder block, changed some slate/rocks and arranged waterfall..made rom for pea fern tree that I'm going to plant at the back of it..another shopping outing on Tuesday..so glad they helped..big project the boys were going to do on Mother's day but no go due to snow and rain. They will be glad I didn't need a raincheck and it's done..somehow the top came off the water spray feature so back into the large pond, yikes it was cold. Then I wonder why I am tired.

Have some wonderful photo's

The girls re ALL so much fun to be with..

Want to add photo's but eyes won't stay open..sorry

Also would like to say I've read all the posts and want to chat about them but I'll save it for another day...likely when the girls leave..

Tuesday it's hypertufa mushroom class..busy / busy we shall be

Prayers for those in need, sending hugs to all

((((((((((hugs))))))))) right back atcha, Betty!!

Hanging in here
Katie it boggles my mind that these things can and do happen
Very difficult to wrap my brain around the injustice of it all
Depsi....no better group of women to have by your side at these times
Hugs
Difficult to read and make notes on the iPad
Had a good garden weekend but not a lot done from my "list"
Maybe find out more tomorrows meeting on the casualty at work
Dianne ...I too read salsa and thought peppers and tomatoes lol
Hugs
Mary

Amanda has the Mug Swap! Third Time's a Charm! Come and check it out! Always lots of fun!

http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/1313386/

Got a row of beans planted this morning. Beans usually do pretty well for us. The first pack of beans was oriental yard-long beans from seeds that I had saved from last year but they got weevles and I couldn't use them. I had another pack of something else and those were o.k. so I planted those. I forget the name but it is a French name that starts with e. I've never tried that variety before. I hope it does all right.

I've given up on tomatoes. They aren't worth the work of watering them. I've tried heirlooms, new hybrids, nemotode resistant, you name it, and nothing does very well. I think it gets too hot and the sun is too strong. Cherry tomatoes do all right but I don't like them. We mostly grow beans and squash. We tried broccoli, cauliflower, and brussels sprouts over the winter but they were disappointing. The broccoli were so-so but the cauliflower produced one head about the size of a baby's fist. The brussels sprouts have done nothing but I left them in. I never tried them before so maybe it takes a while before they 'brussel', I've never grown them before so I don't know. I don't think we have bad soil. The ornamental plants go bonkers and the citrus are productive. (Back in the day when this was all farming and cattle ranches, what is now my yard was part of a cattle ranch. This immediate area is too hilly for farming. That was a long time ago, before I was born, though I wasn't born out here anyways.) Hope that wasn't too boring.

Trying to think how u would shade ur tomatoes, but can't use a greenhouse cuz that would make 'em hotter.....
try watering 1st thing in the am..... that will cool 'em, and not burn

Kelli...for tomatoes you need to get an early variety like Early Girl....and start seeds in February so that they are producing flowers/fruit by the end of April. Tomatoes do not like excessive heat and stop producing....Early Girl gives you nice sized yummy tomatoes and is usually, here, through by June. The tomatoes are tasty and can be used in a variety of ways, including sauces for the freezer.

Kelli, same thing here with tomato's, just too darn hot for them to grow. Those that do grow them start in January in a green house, then pick the ripe ones after they set them out in March or April! All the farmers near here, have corn, just about ready to pick, then they will plant a crop of wheat or something like that, maybe cotton.

I've tried shading them and when I cover them, the tomato worms go bonkers because the birds can't get in and eat them plus they didn't do that great anyway. I've tried them in rolling pots so I can move them out of the midday sun. Our neighbors have also given up on tomatoes. I think it's the climate. Various things have been grown around here commerically way back but tomatoes weren't one of the things. (Things grown where sugar beets, lima beans, walnuts, strawberries, wheat, and barley.)

Evening everyone, just got home
Will read all of your posts, have a zillion photo's..

Mushroom class tomorrow morning and then have a bit more time..perhaps
Not, teaching these girls how to foliage floormatts to take home..

Hey Kelli - you may have tried this... but see what is indigenous to your area... then grow the heck out of it...

I lived in Sacramento age 5-12... is that nearby you? I remember we had a beautiful yard but can't remember what Mom & Dad grew as far as veggies....

We have some beautiful tomato plants and green tomatoes so far this year but we haven't had any turn red yet to harvest... can't wait for those BLTS! I put coffee grounds and epsom salts on them. Plus experimented with companion planting this year so we have marigolds, basil and peppermint in the same bed. Not sure what has worked but this has so far been a good year if they would only turn so I can pick! (I know I can pick early... just think that might be bad luck) LOL!
Hugs
Mary

Mary, I am not near Sacramento. I'm in the southern part of the state.

What does do very well for me is anything with thorns, like desert plants and roses.

Hi Everyone!! Just wanted to let you know that I am still here!!! Hi new to me people!! Hi old to me people!! LOL!!!

My coworker who I split my work with here at the State quit on me, so now I have double the work I had, plus I'm still working that second job, and I have no time. That will change here pretty soon, my house is in escrow and I'm just waiting for the appraisal to come back and then the buyers to get finanaced, and hopefully I'll be able to get the closing date moved up and that will be sold!! Then I can stop working my second job!!!

The weather is supposed to get bad here today, 50% chance of tornadoes and my heart goes out to those in Moore, OK! That looks EXACTLY like Joplin and my mom is soooo glad she got out of there when she did! I think in a couple of months when things calm down I'm going to take my boyfriend over there to see it, seeing damage like that in pictures doesn't hold a candle to seeing it in person, I learned that the hard way when Joplin was hit. (for those of you who don't know me, my dad lives in Joplin and lived a mile from where the EF5 tornado hit, I was actually in Memphis with Betty that day. My mom used to live in Newcastle OK and some of her husbands family still does, as they were born and raised there. Her old house wasn't hit, all the family is fine and didn't get hit, but they used to do most of their shopping on that side of Moore and everything she knew is gone and she is in shock. She just moved back to CA about 6 months ago and wants me to move back as well but with my asthma that valley is no place for me.)

Anyway, waving to everyone!! I'm trying to keep up but, with this added workload that I didn't need, its difficult!!

((((Crissy))))) So happy to hear from you! Stay safe!! Miss you much.

Hey Crissy! Nice to see you pop in and say hello! Sounds like your pretty busy, and hope it slows down soon for you! Praying for the sale of your house to go through quickly! Glad to hear your Mom is safe!

((((Crissy)))) I am so glad to hear from you. We've all been concerned but knew you were under a tremendous amount of pressure. Stay strong, we are all behind you supporting you every step of the way.

Grand old T and L show for about 2 hours last night and the whole time I was thinking how lucky I was to be here safe in my house in Verona. My heart just aches for all of those people affected by the devastation. I remember Crissy going to Joplin one time and posting pics. Makes your heart just drop to your feet doesn't it?

Depsi I figure you probably won't be able to get near a computer for awhile but I wanted you to know I was thinking of you and sending positive thoughts and prayers your way.

Marion did you live in London for awhile then? I love that city - grew up about 30 min away from it. Drinking age was 21 then so we all did our underage drinking in London. Everyone knew everyone in the town I came from so there was no way anyone underage had a hope of getting served. In a way the 21 year old drinking age was a joke in the community I grew up in. It was a farming community and at 21 most had been married for 2 or 3 years, had kids and worked hard on the farm all day. I was the only girl in my Grade 13 class who wasn't married, engaged or pregnant. Hey all thought I was a weirdo!! Especially when I went off to university.

Weather is very heavy and close today. Pretty hard breathing - hope Barb isn't experiencing the same thing.

Going out to battle the sketters for awhile.
Dianne

Dianne, yes I lived a year in London with my brother and his family. He was a professor at Western and I attended school there. Came home and married after that year...joking tell everyone that "I got my Bachelor and Master" all at the same time. I wasn't a real studious person. I truly was very happy to be a wife and mother...not ambitious I know but it was what I wanted. Lasted 44 wonderful years until the "C" word raised it ugly head. My bother and SIL are now deceased but one of the daughters still live in London. Actually sad to say but my absolutely favorite niece and we do stay in touch almost weekly.

We are having hot, hot, hot sticky weather now...dread the rest of summer if it is to be like this.

http://news.sky.com/story/1093711/tornado-survivor-finds-dog-during-tv-interview

Survival story from the tornado, this will give you happy tears!

LindaKay I saw that early this morning and yes, made the tears stream!

"I truly was very happy to be a wife and mother...not ambitious I know but it was what I wanted."

Marion, I worked for the Department of Energy in Washing D.C., I worked 17 years for various lawyers, Admin for the United Way.....and let me tell you
the hardest job EVER....was raising those four kids. It is a wicked hard job....and needs a lot of ambition!!! Do not sell yourself short miss, ya did good!!!

Thanks Debbie but I did have someone who was truly my soul mate to help me with the job. People asked me why I am not interested in dating or going out again but I don't dare take that chance. Only one person who could put up with my kooky personality and he isn't around anymore. Now, don't get me wrong, I do like good "eye candy" but looking that is all. LOL

I’m so excited – I just got a call re: 2nd interview for the job I interviewed for on Thurs – U of C, Government and Community Engagement – tomorrow at 11:30. I’m one of two who are being called back….. Meeting with the boss, and one or two others.

Oh, and the interview this am, also with U of C - Faculty of Medicine – went well. They had 80 applicants, and I’m one of 4 they are interviewing, and I was the first to be interviewed. I got lost and ended up being 7 min late for the interview…… ooooops.

These are both support staff positions, and the one this am is for a floater postion.

We are still cheering for you Susan!

Debbie, I agree, there is nothing more trying, than raising kids!

Wonderful news, Susan. It's been a long haul and it's time for you to get paid off. And paid. hugs, katie

thank you, Ladies!!

Hope Betty checks in soon. Her area, well at least Barrie where she works was hit very hard by a storm today. She like myself is under a severe T and L Warning. Of course it is nothing like those poor people in the midwest are experiencing. My heart just aches for them.There is a promise of good sized hail too. A very intense T and L storm just passed through here .... my goodness even the house was shaking. Diesel and the 2 cats headed for the basement to hide behind the furnace.

Oh Susan thinking of you and sending positive thoughts.What if you are offered both jobs at the U? Is there a deciding factor about which one you would accept?

Marion I went to Teacher's College at Western. My BA and MA came from University of Guelph. I was so excited to live in London that year as it is such a beautiful city. Was Springbank Park developed when you lived in London? As a child I was in love with Slippery the Seal.

Thunder how are things with you? Back home yet?

Very muggy here and tomorrow's high is estimated to be approx 90* before the humidex is taken into consideration. Still muggy here even after the storm passed through. Going to take a chance and walk Diesel right now ........ don't hear thunder in the distance so will make a mad dash.

Stay safe everyone.
Dianne

Sure hope Betty is OK? Dianne, you be careful too please?

Don't like hearing about the weather in your and Betty's area Dianne.....not good.

Yes, Springbank Park was developed and I spent many a day there just enjoying everything. I loved the elephant drinking fountain..took my own children back later to see the park.

BTW, I was in London from the Summer of '59 to May of 1960 and I attended Brescia. Know very well where Teacher's College was as I walked past it every day when I had classes at Western. Other days I took the steep road that went up back of Brescia. Small world isn't it.
I loved my year there and my hubby and I did go back frequently to visit. I haven't been up in several years due to the situation with Mom but I do so hope to be able to go visit my family there soon.

Guess I had better go finish dinner as Kim sounds like she is getting hungry! Of course just getting over the virus she is limited in what I can feed her...mostly clear broths and dry toast. Maybe a scrambled egg tonight.

Today we went hiking over in an area that burned in the Springs Fire a couple weeks ago. I have photos posted here. Even if you aren't on Facebook, I think you should be able to access it. It is a public page. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.447726348655625.1073741843.218922251536037&type=1

Nice pictures, amazing how the fires fertilize and make them grow greener.

Evening all, here for my nightly "hi"

We did have a storm late afternoon, worse that came out of it was my losing a birdbaths I had just made to show the girls how it was done.

Class today went very well..everyone enjoyed it and the weather held off until all mushrooms were done..got to say we were thankful for that

we sat for a bit then came work on floormatts, girls doing a great job

I did 'french Canadian cuisine, poulliette et glissantes' and not to burn it. Ann came to join us with 2 bottles of homemade wine..lots of laughs..
called Greg, his most favorite meal but he was resting, leg up, pulley ligaments ..seems he was teaching Melanie to drive the spider, she parked close to the curb, he got off, foot got caught between bike and curb..ended up in emerge..not broken thankfull

Then came bingo, oops shouldn't have given out Cheerios as markers..Joice was putting one on the card and eating two.lol

Put in another hour on Matt's and now calling it a night..

Tired tired

Still rumbling out there so waving to all

Dianne - yes there is a deciding factor. One is a regular administrative assistant position (full-time perm) and the other is a floater administrative assistant position (full-time perm).
I would take the regular admin position.

Morning everyone!
Sorry to hear you lost a birdbath Betty! Sounds like your all having a great time, and keeping busy! Sorry to hear about Greg foot, sending prayers for a speedy recovery!

They've downgraded the rain on Saturday, thank goodness - and we're driving on Friday, not Saturday. It'll still be raining on Friday and Saturday however........ ah well, we'll be inside.
Bob's getting off at 2pm Friday, and I'll pick him up so we can get going.
Just have to make sure the *)#& fella who parked in front of our MH in the compound MOVES so we can get out lol
It's supposed to be gorgeous on Sunday, so it will be nice coming back home lol

Getting clothes ready for my 2nd interview at the U of C this morning....... looking forward to meeting my potential boss....... John

Glad to hear the storms have been downgraded! Enjoy your little get away!

Thanks, LK :-)

Good luck today Susan, safe travels!

we are home...gonna take a few days to re-adjust to normal routine.....much too quite here. I am severely missing the Malena chatter !!!!

Glad you are home safely. I can only imagine how quiet it is with out Malena and of course the newest addition. Severe withdrawals I bet.:-)

Glad to hear your back home safely! She is such a beautiful girl, hope they will send lots of pictures on facebook or email!