Yardening May 17+ 2014

Wind, that's great! I'm seeing a lot of new growth from the roots from my neighbor's figs.

Gita, how wonderful that you were able to offer that cutting to your neighbor.

That might be Roseum Elegans Catmint.

Wind---

Olga's Fig tree was huge---30 yrs. old--
The man that cut it down level with the ground....on both of them.
It would be interesting it something this old and big would sprout new growth.

Olga often acts too quickly without giving things much thought---until it is too late
to undo it. Impetuous--is what I call it....She throws things out without much thought.

Ever since she lost her husband (now 4 years)-- in my humble opinion--she has transferred
her anger at him for dying (Yes!!) by getting rid of things that were "his"--
like the Fig tree.
And then doing a turnaround and being sorry that it is gone....as is the case right now.


--the BIG tree stump
--The Fig growing against the house stump..

You may be very right Gita, many people focus their grief into anger rather than sorrow. Sometimes anger is an easier emotion to deal with than grief. He died and left me alone I'm so mad at him.
Ric and I am working on the pots first today, hanging pots first then the big sitting pots.

Thanks Seq!

I took a counseling class for dealing with little kids- they claim anger is a 'secondary' emotion that people show instead of the real feelings. Seems right to me.

Gita, will fill you in on my fig tree cutting later. Its just few leaves in a proven winners 3-four inch pot now.

A few months ago when I was trying to clean up clutter in the basement (can't say I got very far though), I saw the round pot rack that we had used in the kitchen before the remodel. Ever since Pinterest, I've been looking at things with a new eye for repurposing. Over the weekend I made Mike hang it on a tree and will hang plants from it. He thought I was crazy, but I think it looks pretty good :)

I bet it does, Ric took a wheeled metal flower pot dolly cut the wheels off of it and hung it from the ceiling to hold my glass balls. I get so many questions on where did you find that.

Gita, what a very loving and generous gift for Olga. And done with a firm hand... maybe the extra time that fig tree will spend in your care will be well spent in Olga's heart... helping her to 'forgive' her husband for 'leaving' her, so that she then will be better able to appreciate the offshoot of 'his' tree.

Holly, I'm with Catmint, I would love to see photos of the work you described above (and would have loved to have seen pics of Ric and warring with the monster water Iris). ;) Do you have any photos of your hanging flower pot dolly? That sounds really neato!

Aspen, do you have any photos of your re-purposed round pot rack? I bet it looks very cool, would love to see it please!

I haven't done much of anything yardening-wise of late. Came home early from work on Friday.... had been having issues with sinus drainage for months; I said "sinus infection", Dr. said "allergies". Taking the OTC meds like he said had/has done NO good. Now, 2+ months later, my right eye swelled like mad, and I was getting green drainage from both tear ducts. Called him yesterday, told the nurse, "I TOLD you it was an infection 2 months ago!" (and it is - a sinus infection that's run amok and clogged both tear ducts to that eye)... got antibiotics (Augmentin) and antibiotic eye drops as well. Meanwhile, Fri/Sat/Sun I spent indoors (was afraid to get outside and expose the mucky eye to "stuff" in the air more than I had to), with hot compresses and wet tea bags on it. It's getting better now, but in the interim it's kept me from playing outside when I had the chance! =(

oh, Speedie, so sorry to hear about the sinus infection--and angry at that medical person for not listening to you 2 months ago! I hate it when that happens--when you *know* it's a sinus infection but they insist on treating with OTC meds, and then you just have to get sicker and make another trip (and another copay) to the doctor again later. At this point, I'll use phrases that I know are in their 'sinus infection symptom' checklist--like, 'when I lean down, I get painful pressure right here below my eye.'

Hope you start feeling better again really soon!!

Thank you! Actually, it is feeling better, thank you. I really think it was the tea bags to the eye over the weekend that did the most good - drawing out a lot of the 'yuk' so the swelling went down. It's funny, I used to be this Dr.'s nurse when I worked at the medical practice, so he KNOWS ME, and knows I'm not an antibiotic-happy hypochondriac!! I know the proper symptoms (pain-to-touch above the brow and along cheek bone, green nasal drainage, watery eyes,), but at that time everyone was complaining of allergy symptoms, so he just lumped me in with the crowd. Tsk tsk! Thankfully he at least knows me enough to NOT insist I come in and be seen, so I saved myself THAT headache - just a phone call and explanation to him and he called in the Rx's for me. HELPFUL!! =)

Meanwhile, orthodontist appointment today... and I think I might be getting the braces off today!! < =D For those of you who've worn them, you'll understand when I say that, this is the first time I do NOT feel any length of wire extending past the ends, so there's been no more movement since the last visit. I think they're 'THERE'! The "tweaking" and torquing has already been done, so... this might be IT!! < =D

Speedie, fingers crossed on the orthodontia! What a relief to be done! I need to take my DD back in a couple weeks for her 'final phase'. (They've been waiting for all her baby teeth to come out.)

OH BOY, how exciting for her!!!!!! < =D So, are all the baby teeth out now? What will she have done next? LOL, I actually said, out loud to myself, "OH BOY!!", I'm really excited for her, she is gonna be soooooooooo glad to have done it!!! OK now Mom, be SURE to take LOADS of pics, including good, close-up shots of "before" pics. She may not like it now, but she will REALLY appreciate it in the long-run!

I think all the baby teeth are out now! Not entirely sure what he means when he talks about 'the final phase', but I think it involves some additional bands. We will both be so glad when it's finally over! She started in 2nd grade with headgear to fix her bite, and now she's finishing 6th! We've had a couple long breaks--one when I changed jobs in 2010 and got new insurance and she had to go on hold for 2 years for the 'waiting period' before they would cover orthodontia, and now for the past 6 months or so waiting for those last baby teeth.

Speedie, I get at least one horrible sinus infection a year and nothing seems to work for me except a Z-Pak!! I can't imagine functioning while having an episode as severe as yours was.

Glad your feeling better.

I just got my braces off a few months ago, so I totally understand how exciting it is to almost have them off. Getting them off is such a great feeling! I hope you don't have to give any speeches in the next few days though (You'll know what I mean as soon as you get your retainer in)! Congrats, Speedie!

Congratulations Typ!! < =D I need to make sure I eat well before I go, in case I end up sitting in the chair for a long time. ;)

LOL, I "give speeches" all day long at work, I'm in Nursery retail! < =) ("... well, ya want to use compost instead of top soil because...."). I think I should be ok though.. when I first got the braces on, I also had a new partial for the top at the same time (got them both within 2 days of each other); I'm used to wearing odd appliances on my teeth, so I am hoping I'll adjust just fine. (yeah, with the partial up top, the braces have only been on the bottom).

I'm trying to not get my hopes up too high, I've read too many "horror" stories of people thinking it was time to get them off, only to have to wait, again and again. Will try to just rest comfortably on my pins and needles. ;) heehee

good luck!!!

Geez Speedie, I think it's a shame when the docs assume they know more than us and ignore our thoughts on what ails us. Doctors can be very prideful sometimes. Oh well, I guess that's why they call it a 'practice'. Glad you're feeling better :)

" I'm still scared to eat gum or really hard things (apples or corn on the cob), like my teeth are going to revert back to their bad habits!"

I don't blame ya.

Had braces as a kid. had all three in braces. Mark's had a lot of work. It's all taken the 'joy' out of cracking popcorn kernels and chewing on ice, for sure! Protect those teeth.

My son has read a theory that because of our modern diet, kids jaws aren't getting as much of a workout, so their jaw muscles are not forcing growth the same way, and that causes some of the need for braces. I don't really believe it, but it makes me wonder.

Apples really aren't that bad. I have a bonding on my one front tooth and eat 2 apples every day with no problems. I can understand wanting to be cautious though. My braces came off when I was an 'invincible' teenager. I didn't pay for my orthodonture either, had I, and I would have likely taken better care to wear the retainer afterward.

Geez Sally, cracking popcorn kernels? Now I can't imagine that's good for the teeth..I always avoided those; just didn't like the taste or the sensation.

Apples can be cut in 4's--or even 8's--cored and then eaten.

I do this as I can eat one whole apple while driving to work--4 miles.

G.

Ric is out there mulching, I can see him moving from bed to bed with the trailer. Doesn't look like he wants to be out there mulching this morning but Jamie called and needs the trailer. There are 3 8 X 15 plywood clad pallets at the wood dump at work and they will make great ready made decks and he really wants to get them home to before they get broke up or covered over so Ric is going up there as soon as the trailer is empty. Must have been from some very heavy piece of equipment that was brought in.

how are the docs gonna make any money off YOU guys??

Yardening can sometimes get a little hairy.....


Minding my own business in my garden this morning when the neighbor's usually friendly German Shepard came romping up the lawns with the huge 6 month old Mastiff( I think). Well I had my back toward them and he jumped at me with his mouth open and did a decent job of ripping open the top of my forearm. I think it was just out of control playing because he never clamped his jaw shut. This would have been a problem, because 2 years ago I crushed my wrist and I have a crazy implant on the underside of my arm.

The young neighbor woman, who is not fond of many people, and I have formed a very loving relationship. I baby sit her kids and they do lots of favors for us. I was so upset because I knew she was going to beat herself to death over this. I called her a few minutes after I returned to the house and told her that I was find but would feel awful if she didn't stop crying. We need to save the really deep emotions for stuff much worse than this. She laughed thru her tears and told me that her whole family loved me even though I was a "tough old bird".........(I'm not a bird)

I did ask that Gunner the dog be kept away from me when I'm outdoors because he plays to rough for me.

EGADS Roses!!!!!!! So... does/did your arm need stitches!? Is it ok!? Great Googley Moogley, I sure hope you're alright! Aaawww, poor neighbor lady, sounds like she just had a big ol' freak-out over it!
...who says gardening isn't dangerous!? < =P Yes, I agree, Gunner should be kept at a safe distance from now on when you're out playing.

Holly, how's Ric coming along with those pallets? Looking forward to updated pics of all the stuff you 2 have been doing.. **hint-hint**. ;)

I've given my dentist PLENTY of money, I think I'll save the rest for funner things from now on and be a nice little compliant patient. =) As for the orthodontist, well, I've gone through too much to get this far, not about to spoil it by doing something silly like chomping on things I shouldn't. He's told me already that, the reason it's taking as long as it is to get my teeth in place is 'cause my jaw bones are so dense and strong, so at least I must be doing something right! :)

Good strong jaw bones are probably an indication of good strong bones all over. That's great!

No stitches. The bleeding totally stops when I keep my arm up. Cleaned it up and put some antibiotic cream on it. All their dogs have their shots and are kept very clean and healthy.

Yikes Roses, those dogs are pretty big to be playing like that with you. Good thing they say dogs' mouths are pretty clean!

oh my Roses...that sounds awful, really. So sorry to hear it.
Maybe the 'silver lining' a it were, is that you have such a good relationship with the owner, it isn't going to turn into a long bitter conflict.
I'd agree they were overexcited. and they don't understand that we have such tender skin, no thick fur to cushion it. They can really knock each other around and seem to have fun doing it.
At the dog park you have to really keep your eyes open cause a small 'waggin train' will come barreling by or into you at top speed while they play.

Oh man Roses!

I'm glad you're okay. And I agree with Sally that it is great that you have a great relationship with the owner. I have been bit as well by a friend's dog and a dog bite is better than most animals. I was fortunate enough that there were no tendons severed or bones broken in my hand. I never did get an honest heartfelt apology from my friend (no-longer) or even an offer to pay for the ER visit.

You're a better person than I am. I have a similar breed to the mastif, an 80# female American Bull Dog, and there is no excuse for dogs romping around free in the neighborhood. She gets walked twice a day for at least 30 minutes and it drives me up a wall to see dogs off leash.

Why? Because that means the owner is not 100% in control. They may miss a solid bathroom break or the dog may decide to chase a rabbit through a carefully attended garden. Or worse substitute a grown adult with a child in this case and there is a very serious problem.

Again I'm glad you're alright and I hope your neighbor takes something away from this.

Roses, I'm so sorry to hear that! Are you sure you don't need any stitches or an antibiotic rinse? It might not be a bad idea to make a doctor's appointment, just to be sure.

RRR - glad that you are all right and that the dog seemed to be overly playing vs attacking. Either situation can be hairy with the dog owner, but the attacking situation would make it worse.

Speedie, here are a few pictures of the re-purposed pot rack:

Gosh Paul, I'm sorry you had that experience with your (now-no-longer) friend. I don't understand how one could not at least apologize profusely and drag you off to the ER themselves... **shrug** =( Roses, I too am very glad you have such a good relationship with your neighbor, it makes a huge difference!

Small side note; the braces are still on. I guess the last time I was there, when the Ortho made the comment about them coming off "the next visit or 2" I must have misunderstood him - he tells me today it'll not be until July or August. Sniff! At least they make power chains in hot pink, so there is that. =)

Roses, Hope you are doing well with this injury, did you need stitches. Looking forward to seeing you on Sat.
Speedie, I will post a few pics as I get to it. Ric is home and in bed, waiting to see if he is moving around tomorrow morning. I was running with Josh for some medical tests he needed today so we haven't seen each other since this morning. When he talked to me earlier he said he over did it and that Jamie has enough wood to build a deck half as long as his house. LOL

Oops Aspen, we cross-posted. That is really cool, I love it! What a brilliant idea.

Holly - oh no, is Ric ok!? Is it his back? Well, I'm glad he's resting, and at least smart enough to know when he over-did it and stops! =) LOL, that's gonna be one heck of a deck!

No stitches. There are some gashes (not too deep) but a fairly good sized lump and bruise because he hit me with force. He's just to big a dog to be playing that way. Never did it before, but I think he was rough housing with the large 6 month old Mastiff and they were over excited. Gonna get me some pepper spray.

See you guys on Saturday!!

Roses that sounds awful! I would be so freaked-- your understanding towards your neighbor is amazing. Glad you don't need stitches!

Roses, what a frightening and painful thing to happen. So glad he didn't do more damage. It sounds bad enough. I believe SSG was fearing something of that nature from much less friendly dogs until her fence was up. You should be safe in your own yard at least.

Terri, that pot rack repurpose looks cool. Very creative.

Hope Rick is feeling better quickly and can enjoy the swap.

it still IS a pot rack...