best/Worse/What did I learn today? Chat with friends..all welcome, come sit a spell..

Yikes, sticking with ants and skitters..9mg I’d die if I saw one.

Got lawn in back cut and trimmed, came in for a rest..can’t believe that even with the rain we had everything is wilting so have the spr8nkler on.

Will rest a bit and maybe fine the energy to cut the front.

Andrew is bringing a load of top soil if not today tomorrow. Said he is hoping to get caught up and start my fence..here is hoping, I’m anxious (not to hand over $4,200 but the fence) lol

Lemonade time

Found the energy to cut and trim front, allexcept the ditches, put a call in to Ray reminding him to have his guy do it..

Ran out of gas, to the gas station I went, got to close the lines, dead branch caught my eye, ouch..then hit my head on the verandah overhang..double ouch, time to come in.

Had my bath, eating bowl of fruit mixture I made yesterday, yummy

Soon time for bed..can say I’m happy with my day, tomorrowcan get some weeding done! Getting there

Oooohhhh saw my peony near the pond, soon to have flowers. BUT I’ve been out killing ants, don’t they need ants?

Ouch! Are you ok?

Betty - how are you feeling?
No, peonies don't need ants. Ants just like the syrupy sticky secretions they put out. It's a fallacy that peonies need ants.

Morning everyone, today so having coffee and cereal then head outside and work a bit so that I’m not working in the heat of the day.

Eye a bit sore but none the worse for hitting my head lol

Andrew didn’t make it yesterday with too soil, hoping today, want to get grass seed down, I’ve sooo much sand, hate it.

Susan not sure why garden centreI told that unless you have ants no peonies??

Yard looking better, happy with that. Ziggy was out watching me water baskets this morning, my helper lol

Betty try putting some Borax around the base of the peonies. Someone I knew kept having an exterminator in and he suggested the borax especially all around her house.

Going to be another scorcher today.. well over 80 before the humidity is factored in . AC is on ... I just handle heat well anymore.

Bugs are terrible and vicious.

Think I will go into Ktown to Candian Tire to get an extra battery and charger for my weed eater.

Stay safe and cool.

Betty, I found this about peonies.

http://www.peonies.org/faq0.html

Do not try to get rid of the ants on your peonies. This is a natural and temporary activity. It is believed that peonies produce small amounts of nectar and other ant attractants to encourage ants to help in opening the dense double flower buds found in many peonies. The ants may be found covering certain varieties and avoiding others, this is totally normal.
Once the buds have opened the ants will disappear - also normal.
Some people think ants are REQUIRED to open the flowers, but this does not to appear to be true.
It seems a debatable question whether ants are beneficial or harmful. I think they are neutral.
Should you spray a pesticide to get rid of the ants? That is a definite no. Since the ants are not harmful and some pesticide residues are harmful, why endanger yourself, the plants or thepeony's pollinator (good insects) with poisonous sprays?
Just don't spray.
Instead just enjoy the unique interaction of ants and peonies; an evolutionary effect thousands of years in the making and posing no problems in the long run.

Thanks lindakay..concerns answered..

But am tackling the ants in the yard..that is a must

Ray Andrews brother who does my fall and spring clean up called, will be here to do ditches tomorrow, I’m happy with that..then he gave me a price on the spring clean up,NOT enough to cover what they did so I almost doubled it, need to make a trip to bank after going out with Dianne for lunch. It’s hard making a dollar in that business and he said it was much appreciated,don’t want to take advantage of him, they are dependable amd do a great job.

He said his brother Andrew who is doing his house has been run off his feet but did mention his hoping to get here next week, if not, week after and I’m ok with that..with all the greenery I can hardly see the neighbors so I’m not too worried about the delay.

Dianne, same here re heat and also with the bugs, we need to schedule work to coincide with their outings otherwise we will have bites galore..they don’t seem to bite me like they do to other, must be my blood.

I need to go to Canadian tire as well, they have irons on sale up to 50% off, I need one so good time to get one.

I don't mind the ants ON the peonies....but they are all over my kitchen once they start growing. AND there are no peonies near the house...all on the far back property against the fence. We put ant traps in the kitchen as they were in everything...including inside the dishwasher. I have no problem if they stay outside.

Betty, hot one here today also. 90s they said with rain moving in late evening for 2 days....from the hurricane remnants moving up.

So enjoyed seeing you Betty and your family. I have such fun with all of you and get the giggles and though of you all shopping brings back memories of me with Mom and the girls. Enjoy it!!!

OK I need get my feet up. Heats doing a number.

Miss you alll, but am here reading.

Stunning photos Debbie.... just stunning.

Made it into Kingston and back before 11:30 am. Young lad in Canadian Tire came to my rescue. I remembered to take the battery from my weed eater and all the info on the weed eater itself. My eyes must have been coming out of my head. He was an excellent help but said he was glad I had brought the battery and other info with me.

I'm inside now and will wait till later in the day to work outside I've not been very good at putting sun screen on and wearing a hat. Last night I thought about the agony I went through with the topical chemo on my face - I'll remember now.

This message was edited May 30, 2018 12:48 PM

Back from lunch, lovely restaurant on the bay here, sure miss living on the water..was really busy, looked about, most ladies out for l7nch in same age group. Lol

Debbie, I’m lucky, no ants inside thank goodness..want to go to town for potting soil,grass seed and aniron, will pick up vinegar and do some spraying before girls get here at 7

Starting to look so nice in the yard, lush green and a few flowers.

Always nice to meet up with you, so hoping you can come for a visit..

Andrew came with top soil, small amt, told me he would bring another load if needed.
We walked the fence line, one largelimb offers so much shade, he asked if I wanted to save it, said we could cut boards so limb came out of it, he called it artistic freedom in fencing..if I don’t like it later then he will come back and cut it and replace fence boards. Lol. Have to think about that one

Trying to decide if I want to go to midland or keep it for a tomorrow ‘to do’

I just remembered. My Mom, who loved peonies, had ants soooo bad.

Every srping when they started coming up, she would go out with a HUGE box of baking soda, and sprinkle it along the foundation of the house. After starting that, she never had them in the house again. Wonder if there is something to it....and related to the borax ingredients.

Betty, wouldn't mind being down at your beach knee deep! The night I went to the lake and took those picks....there was a HUGE snake in the water. This is Lake Ontario. Guess who will NOT be wading in that lake again? He was going after the fishing poles!

Comforting having those memories of you mom debbie,funny what we remember..I saw glads and immediately saw my grandma cutting a bouquet, were her favorite.
Rarely see a snake in Georgian bay..at the end of park street they’ve cleaned up the beach, might buy a fold8ng chair and go sit on the weekend..lots of waterfront parks here but I like the lakefront concessions meant for us to use, nobody is ever there.

Oh Debbie I am so glad I didn't tell you there are water snakes and black rat snakes that hover near the dock. It's the black snakes that scare me. That's why we moved the dock closer to the house. They hang down from the trees.

Couldn't figure out why the house was getting so warm ...... someone turned off the AC. I'm blaming the TH.

Charged up my 2 batteries with the new battery charger so am all ready to get the weed eater going early in the morning before it gets too hot.

LK how do your dogs handle the heat ?

2 batteries came with my weeder and leaf blower Dianne, I should check with Canadian tire and see if they sell extras, likely just as expensive as buyinganother weeder and having a back up right?

Put in another 1/2hr with top soil, could feel my hip tell me time to stop so listened

So laughing Dianne, am sure it’s the thundering heard as well..

Girls will be here shortly, went downstairs and it’s an ice box so opened basement door to warm things up..imagine..

Sneezing a bit, sweating amd working in this heat is not good but do we listen, nope

Dianne, our dogs love the heat. They will lay out in the yard for hours. I guess their fur insulates them.

LK that's interesting about your dogs. Diesel and Chaos my 2 Rottis really feel the heat so love the tiled floors. They give off an enormous amount of heat which I really appreciate in the winter. Duke on the other hand loves the heat.He will lay right in front of the wood stove and get so hot you can hardly touch him.

Betty I learned the hard way it is better to have 2 batteries and a charger for all of my outside tools. Even my chain saw has a second battery.

Think I will read and try to fall asleep early. Watch as tired as I am I will get into bed and look like a hoot owl.

Morning all, rain is in the air and Calling for 81. Hope Ray gets the ditches cut cut down before it starts, really needs it.

Dianne I’ll look at Canadian tire when I go in to see if I can buy for mine..2 batteries gets my yard done once I’m caught up from the growth.hope you slept well.

Guess the dogs lindakay are born and bred into the heat and are accustomed to it..do you have a play pool for them to cool down?

Speaking of play pools, Christmas tree store had one, quite large for $19 I sooo should have bought it, might have enjoyed cooling myself down..had it in cart then took it out, drats

Dianne is it a rain day in your neighborhood?

Got an invitation to Barb’s memorial Saturday, 10 hr drive, would so live to go

Betty a word of advice take your battery with you plus the model number of whatever the batteries are for. Believe me your mind will boggle with all the choices.

Supposed to be a rain day here too. Some sprinkling when I was out It looks like rain and I feel like rain. Bought up some more plants and dirt I absolutely refuse to buy these things in Ktown ... our locals need our support. Not that they ever supported me with the SG business but I feel I must. Might buy a few plants next time I am in town just a few different varieties.

Thinking of buying a pool for the TH to put on the lawn. We will all enjoy it.

I had planned to go and made arrangements with a dog sitter. Sitter just bailed so I won't be going. While Barb and Norm might enjoy the TH I am not so sure all of the guests would. I can just hear Barb laughing if the TH emerged from the Escape.

Luna loves the water, Blackie will run the other way.

I’m trying to figure out how I could do it..big sigh

Drats, guess who is on the couch not feeling very energetic..nap time

This message was edited May 31, 2018 12:03 PM

Morning, overcast here, calling for 71 but doubt it will make it.

Was out earlier working in gardens, Lordy those skitters are bad, after about 1/2 hour I decided time to come in..figure I’ll try again in a bit.

Just waiting for dryer to stop, can get wash hung then might sew a bit. Been making a list and checking it twice lol so that I’ll not have to run into town over the weekend, tourist towns are crazy this time of year right Dianne.

I see that Canadian tire has irons on sale, need another..mine is working, love it but short in the cord, guess it’s a good time to buy one.

What have you all planned for the weekend? Something exciting?

I will be working on our blocks for the swap. I have my fabric all picked out.
What kind of iron do you have Betty? I have heard a lot of report of the olisio irons leaking badly.

Village is bustling which is great but I try to go in early before all the tourists get moving.

Went into the village got all my errands done and am home and inside with the AC on. You could cut the air with a knife plus the skeeters are terrible. They are the size of jumbo jets.There are lots of caterpillars too. The Escape is covered in them. Sure hope they are not Gypsy Moth or Tent caterpillars.

I feel a nap coming on - still only getting 1 - 2 hours sleep overnight. I'll have to take 1 of my Rx sleepers soon.

Duke is in the bath tub so there must be a storm coming.

Stay safe, well and cool everyone.

This message was edited Jun 1, 2018 12:47 PM

I hate those tent worms. My Grandpa used to get them in his weeping willow tree. He would make a torch, and go around the trees and burn the tent worms.
Ladies, have you tried putting fabric softener sheets in your pocket while outside? It is supposed to help with the skeeters. I have also herd that avon skin so soft works.

Tried them both lindakay, doesn’t seem to keep them off me..in fact I have a few bottles, should see if it helps a little.

I’m with you Dianne, jumbo jets they are
I was up at 2,couldn’t sleep so contacted Rogers to make a few changes, did a Santa embroidery and went back to bed..managed to get a few extra hours of sleep but I’m sure I’ll be look8ng for nap as well..

Furries sure can tell when inclement weather on the way, sailor didn’t go into the tub but he sure tried to get under the bed.

Lindakay I have an oleo, love it, the spray unit on it went and for the $$$ they cost should be able to service them but was told over a year no go..Lordy think when I bought it I paid $299 so mega dollars..this time if they are on sale I’ll look for something around the $100 on sale for $50..they seem to last me a year with everyone using them.


Just cleaned myself up, heading to tow;,wasn’t as smart as you Dianne going early so I’ll be fighting the masses.

WOW! That is a lot of money, for no service after a year.

I would not t buy another, likely bought it for novelty of just be8ng able to leave it down and it lifting itself. Lol

Wow talk about the masses, glad that is behind me, usually Friday I treat myself to supper but not tonight, just can’t turn and there is someone.

Got a t fall iron, and I don’t know Dianne if your Canadian tire had the 50%0ff, kind of a type of canvas,rubbery slip on shoe, were $19.99so just had to have a pair, sooo comfy, just wish they had 1/2sizes though.

Although every till was open at grocery store and Canadian tire you had a long wait in line.

I specifically circled on flyer what I needed or rather could stock up on, no place in freezer or refrigerator freezer and guess who came home with 8 bags, 4 -6 pack of pop and a few plants..next week I’m staying away, got to use up what I already have.

Don’t know if any of you have had to buy grass seed lately, Lordy 2 aisles of choices. Hard to pick, ended up with seed that takes a lot of sun and deters bugs..imagine, never heard of that..

Also got 3 gallons of vinegar to mix up for ants and cinnamon, going to get rid of them somehow, hate sitting out when there are ants about.

Thundering herd Dianne are right, can hear the thunder afar, winds up a d feel a storm brewing.



This message was edited Jun 1, 2018 4:12 PM

That IS a lot of $$ for something that dies after a year. Bad service.
I usually buy the grass seed that says it will "grow anywhere, even cement" lol I had very good luck with it in Calgary - poor soil (clay) on a sloped yard, very shady. I got it from Canadian Tire.

Rain's are over for a few days. Everything growing has loved the rain. I'm still looking to see my ferns get a good size. The ones coming back from last year are only 1/2" tall! The peonies out front are looking strong & healthy. Don't think they'll bloom this year though.
Nice & sunny out.
Tomorrow Bob & I are volunteering at the church's Pancake breakfast. He's flipping pancakes on the outdoor grill & I'm bussing tables.
Did I mention that the Dr diagnosed me as having Plantar faciitis and Metatarsalgia? He's scheduled me to have PT, and I'm waiting for them to call me to let me know when they can book me in. As I was leaving the hospital (where PT is), there was a lady selling shoes for people with foot problems. Only there that day. I bought a pair of sandals (positive heel - I'd never heard of that before...), and they're pricy, but feel good. I tried wearing slippers around the house, but they hurt my heel, so.... back to wearing sandals in the house, and I have a pair of good supporting runners that I can wear otherwise.

Susan, don't let the dr talk you into surgery for your feet. I had it on both feet, and it did not help. Make sure you wear good sjoes with good arch support. When in a recliner or laying down, stretch your feet, so your toes point up as far as possible.

Thanks LK - I read where surgery is most often not successful anyway.
off to volunteer at the church - Pancake breakfast during the town's Cruise weekend (cars of all types cruising around)

Morning all, suppose to get to 77 today and overcast..will get out and do yard duty because rain for next 3 days..

Yummy, pancake breakfast, wish I lived closer..

Sewed strips on a few blocks, more than 1/2 done, took one strip off, red/white as it just jumped out..things we learn

Little too cool to enjoy working out, picked out weeds for 20 minutes and thought, too cool for skitters, lol so I’ll sew a bit more and go play outside when it warms up.

Starting to see some pretties though in the garden..

This message was edited Jun 2, 2018 8:28 AM

With this growth, tress and shrubs it hides a bit of neighbors drive
And the secret garden is starting to be secret lol

Beautiful gardens Betty.

The start of it anyway

Don’t know,what came over me, had to put wet cloth on my forehead, been in and out of washroom, almost felt like when I hemoraged, gave me a scare after all this time being well....feel8ng better now,here is hoping!

Could it be heat stroke, Betty?
Your gardens are beautiful! I like the "secret garden" and the shrubs etc hide the neighbour's driveway nicely.
When will you be getting the other fence?

The pancake breakfast was a success. On my feet most of 2 hours though, hurt. My right ankle is starting to really bother me, from the planta fasciitis though.

I got a new computer system - Win 10. Win 7 is supposed to stop being supported in Spring 2019