Best/Worse/What did I learn today? Chat with friends old and new!!

I'm here 😁
Been busy getting ready for our hamlet's yard sale on Monday, and going to meetings, getting ready for a Silent Auction in June, etc.

very BUSY, I am headed off to work and this is first I've been at computer since my last post!

Morning,

Overcast and calling for rain, hard to get caught upon yard duty..

Susan you are a busy bee as well..good luck on yard sale, do you have a lot to put out?

Pat, long weekend coming up, do you get extra days off to compensate for your regular day off?

Karen, how is the nail? Did you loose it?

I worked hard yesterday, got the front yard all raked, all the tree cuttings in fire pit, sore shoulders, yikes a few hot baths and Dr.Ho helped.

Just got my inside work done, scheduled for tomorrow is side yard, Sunday all the lawn furniture ..today I’m going to do my shopping before the cottages get to town, was going into town to get a riding lawnmower cover and I forgot so today is the day..might hit a garden center while I’m at it..

Just went outside and found an old window as well as a few 2x4’sthat I can use to make the potting benchi want, who know, might get at it this weekend, Darlene said to bring materials to her place as all the tools are in garage and if it rains we will still be able to work on it..don’t know if I’ll find time, maybe...

Linda had contacted head office if fabricland, provided photo of fabric used for my patio set so I’ve a metal bench cover that sits in secret garden, another piece in back 40 that needs covering so the 3 yards of 54” outdoor fabric will not go to waste.

So off I go..much to do

Betty, you are supposed to be taking it easy. Please don't overdo.

not a lot, Betty, but some.
Made salsa, and have jams & jellies as well as household stuff to sell. Got some from friends & another friend sold stuff @ our sale last year & while she didn't have a lot sold, it was more than she would have sold at her farm lol

Back from town, Lordy it’s busy..

Went to Home Depot amd Canadian tire looking for riding lawnmower covers, neither had one so I will call elmvale and have them order one in.

Bought a fibreglass oval zinc for the potting bench Darlene and I are making, also proper support for willow tree, the rubber cording on the lounger rotted away, looked all over for some, nope, went to $$$ store and there it was, unbelievable what they have.

Lineups were horrific, had hamburger and fries from McDonald’s, although no greasy like pizza palace think it was too much for me, only ate about half, now tummy not agreeing with me so now I’ve put groceries away I’ll have a nap.

Bought 6 lovely plants of dianthiplas (?) love that they flower from now till snow falls..must get more..they are annuals, we’re on for $6.99

There goes Friday..

This message was edited May 17, 2019 2:41 PM

You sound busy! :)
I just watered , it's a patio garden mostly pots I bought a drip irrigation system. Im waiting to make sure the pots are in position I want before I place it. Time to fertilize it. My two assistants are helping as you can see :)

You sound busy! :)
I just watered , it's a patio garden mostly pots I bought a drip irrigation system. Im waiting to make sure the pots are in position I want before I place it. Time to fertilize it. My two assistants are helping as you can see :)

Michelle, nice to see you post..look forward to seeing your helpers..when in California last summer I believe I went through Joshua Tree while heading back to Las Vegas??

Drats, placed all the pots of flowers where I want to put them, calling for frost tonight so best get my act into gear and bring them in..frost in mid May, what is that about?

Bob bought me a yellow rose bush, and I liked it enough to get a 2nd one. Now, to figure out where I want them.........

Oops, nail popped off today. Not quite what I was planning. Keeping it covered and protected,

Must be ‘plant day’ susan..is it a climber?

You sure wouldn’t want to get it infected Karen..must be sore walking..

We ar at a temp of 72 and light rain. Usually this time of year we are in the 90s. We have had more rain ytd than we usually have in a year. Cool weather is helping my tomatoes set fruit. I saw a hummingbird moth in the font landscape last week so I keep looking for damage of the tomato worm but so far have not seen or found any.
Last year they went after the bougainvillea.

I dead headed the first blooms of the roses this week. Spring annuals are already petering out and ready for planting summer annuals. Irises have already bloomed.

Looks like I will not have oranges this year. Cold, big harsh rain and to cold for the bees all added together for a failed crop.

Susan I am so pleased that your new area has been so good for you two.

Oldest granddaughter's husband graduated from Medical school. His parents have taken them to Ireland for 10 days and then are back here for 3 days and then head to Grand Rapids, Michigan for 3 years. Then second granddaughter and her husband are going to Japan for 3 weeks and then when they get back, they head to St. Louis, Missouri to Washington Medical School. Sarah works for Adobe and they said she could work from there. Both are stressed but they are young. Hope I live long enough to see the end of this adventure.

Betty, you are just not mentally able to slow down. We will have to order a partial lobotomy to slow you down. But you are currently doing what I have to do in March and first part of April.

Pat, are you completed with your remodel. It is always such a pleasure when you can look back and see that it was worth it and it is all done.

Linda, how is your weather. Have you been included in the major rain storms. Some succulent friends got really hit with the Houston hail storm. Ruined a lot of their plants.

Time for Vern's dinner. He is doing OK but not great. His daughter's visit was short. Se was suppose to be here for two weeks and let me do whatever I needed to do. She got here on Saturday evening and left on Thursday afternoon. Her dad was very anxious whenever I left the room and she did not like that. She did not understand that I am with him 24/7. Very seldom not here. Hugs to all of yiu. Wishing you the blessing of nice warm weather.

Cloudy and humid. Not much rain here. 92 today. 78% humidity.

Thank you, Sharon - it has been a good place for us to be. We're very blessed to live such a calm & happy place (well, not all the time - that would be unrealistic! 😁
Betty - it's a landscape rose, so will grow into a bush. I put the two rose bushes in the front yard. They're decease & mold resistant, so I'm Very happy about them.

With the neuropathy in my feet & legs from diabetes, I really don't have pain with it unless I bump it. Tryin got keep it protected but cannot wear regular shoes as yet. I have a couple pair thong style that are OK for now and it's warm enough. It should harden off before long.

Keep an eye on it so it doesn't get infected.

Morning all,

Feeling much better this morning, only sunshine day this weekend so best I get out and at it as thunderstorms move in tomorrow. Beautiful out there but still have to wear a jacket.who knows might even get to sit amd enjoy...

Sharon, you must be so proud of your grandchildren, and yes you will see them complete their journey...

Does Vern recognize her as his daughter?perhaps she is saddened by the fact soon her dad won’t know or doesn’t know her..could also feel guilty that she has been no support for you.Sounds like your weather hasn’t been the best either..I can imagine the beauty of those gardens.

Karen did you rearrange your sewing room so the stubb8ng of toes will not happen again?

Susan hope weather is good for your community garage sale...has your previous park now under construction now that all homes have been removed..

How are your gardens LIndakay, all in bloom?

Wonder if Debbie and Dianne are getting the weather I am..not good for our Victoria Day weekend..

Drats from the start of this post to now it’s become overcast so I should get out and start my day now that coffee time is over.

Yes, I will get Tuesday off in addition to my normal Monday off. OR, I could choice to work 8 hour days that week and not take the additional day off AND not cost me the 2 hours of PTO. (They pay for 8 hours off, not the 10 hours that I get when I take a full holiday off).
I am more or less done with remodeling. The flooring I wanted for the game/sewing room has not been in production and I am NOT willing to buy something else for while, maybe ever! LOL... We used that flooring for entry, kitchen & laundry, 3rd bathroom that all are adjoining and/ or visible from game room so I don't want to do some other flooring. My contractor is continuing to check for when it goes back into production.
The electrician still needs to come back and finish up minor projects like putting overhead fan/light combinations in all the rooms, new bathroom light and some new circuits to split over the old ones so our Master bedroom air condition is not as some breaker as guest room a/c etc.

I do need to do some pretty big changes in landscape because of the changes in our game room back door. It was "relocated" to about 12 feet from original spot so it is smack dab in the middle of a my Rose of Sharon & 2 Knock Off Roses!

OK, well caregiver is sick so I need to help Ben finish getting ready for his day.

Karen, glad your foot is starting the healing process.

Betty, Betty, Betty.... you REALLY do not have a slow down mode!! do you mean dianthus? reds, pinks or white tones, WONDERFUL spicy smell similar to carnations.

Susan, your place is shaping up! do share some more pics.

Sharon, it's hard when our loved ones won't allow someone else to provide their care so we can get a break. Bless you for your constant care and devotion to Vern.

Linda K, I could not handle your humidity with that heat. We get HOT but it is dry heat.

Morning all, it’s 51 right now and suppose to hit 70 today with showers this afternoon.

Slow down?i was at a dead stop yesterday,on couch all day then straight to bed, can’t slow down more than that. Midlandposted that the flu enfluenza is high right now, perhaps that is what a had, a small doze of it thankfully.

Pat, that was quite a day you put in, so you addedon to game room as well? No the plants I bought are dipladenia, draught resisrant and no need to pick blooms and blooms are non stop. I must get out and get more,best value for your dollar.. I want to make a few pots for near the pond and back din8ng area..trying to decide if I want to bring the table chairs near the house and patio set to back garden area? Hmmmm

I’m finishing my coffee then will punch myself to get the side yard cleaned up and some gardening at least until the thunderstorms move in.invited for supper by Greg and Melanie who are at a camp site 3/4 hr from here in Wasaga beach, not sure I’ll be up to it..

Kyle is up in provincial park north of me..camping weekends now started..Greg was telling me he has 2 free weekends to date till Thanksgiving..enjoy while they can I say..

Finished my coffee,housework done so time to set the fire pit afire..even if I get 1/2 of what I said I’d do done I’ll be pleased lol

No addition to the game room, just revision/change. We took a corner of the room and turned it into a full bathroom. THAT decreased floor space but did add a needed bathroom. Where the bathroom went in, eliminated our back door. The only place I could PUT a back door made it open right into my flower bed!
I dug out of the first Knock out Rose and got it into it's new location. I have NOT figured out where to put the rest!

Good morning - temp dropped just below zero last night, but tomatoes look fine. Forgot to cover them last night
Weather looks like it will be fine for the sale tomorrow.
Betty - I'll take pictures of the "after" and have pics of the "before"
Now, it's time to get ready for church...... see you later 💖

I freaked when you said ZERO and then I remember you meant 0 C not F !!

I got up early enough to spray some chemicals before the wind picked up. Here, there is a least a breeze most day. (Seems like ALL days! LOL) Trying to get the opportunity to spray is almost hard. I have to have time (must be day off), not raining (we have 300 days of sunshine) NO wind. The NO wind is the killer! getting all those factors to "align" can be a challenge!
The calmest part of the day is EARLY, not as warm,not as effective for some chemicals, but I have to work with what I got!
I got a "starter" coat of white paint on the picket fence sections, the "new" mail box stand, and on some of the pieces of wood that I will be using to build a package drop off box for DS & DDIL. I didn't want to have to put the paint back in the bucket so I was painting everything I could find that was going to need Exterior white paint!!
Maybe I can get some cleaning/prep done in the sewing room before I need to get Ben up and ready this morning. I don't know if our caregiver will be here to help and present today or not. She didn't make it yesterday, was vomiting, so I am not counting on help today!

Afternoon, was very productive this morning, even sat in a chair and enjoyed the sun for maybe 10 minutes, go8ng over in my mind what I’d like to see done in the gardens..to the point of doing the other 1/3 of the garden and decided I would try out that new lawnmower, no sooner did I start that it started to rain, am sure it’s not an all day rain so might get out and finish the garden but in the meantime think I’ll have something for lunch and get Dr.Ho out, he is my new best friend lol

Sorry to hear about Ben’s aide, I’m sure she is a great help and affords you extra time in the yard doing your thing.wish I could take one color and get a lot done but no go, need apple red paint for bench, need to replace one plank, black paint for metal bench now that I have outdoor fabric to cover it, grey spray paint for patio set table, couple of birdhouses need repainting, so like you Pat I will have brush in Hand one day this week but first a trip to Home Depot for materials.


Best I eat because it looks like sun is coming out..looking at someplamts I think I can do some dividing..cutting down most of the old lilac tried that have died off I’m hoping the ones I planted the last few years will get more sunshine, need to buy 3 or 4 more, must put digging for them on my list of to do’s for Jeff and Caleb tomorrow of course if we get the heavy rain they are calling for not much will get done

I’m rambling, please excuse..off to work on gardens

Betty I can't re-arrange my sewing room but I do plan on getting a mat for my chair so it will roll more easily.

Dr. called me this morning and will pick up tee-shirt quilts I made her tomorrow. She has no problem with the higher price and even asked if I was sure it was enough. I assured her it was even though I know I could have easily asked more for the amount of work. I just am not easy with sewing for money, it's why I don't hardly ever.

I’ve put in one heck of a day, just took meds,had a hot bath with Epson salts..body said done for the day!

Wha I did want to say is when I sat and rested it was near the friendship pole, names and mileage marker, my thoughts went to those who have now passed in, those who still remain chatty,true family and those who dropped in and passed through our lives..warmed my heart.lyou all mean so much to me..

Weather warning in effect, mighty rumbling going on

Tell me about the friendship pole. I don't think I have heard of it.

I set a tall pole near fence rails and painted names and mileage of everyone through the years

I remember seeing your pole Betty. Thought it was cool.

Morning, sunshine here but will be short lived..rain around noon which means I must get outdoors.

The pole needs a bit of revamping, must get my paints out..and yes a few names to be added.

Susan you asked for a before and after of the garden I’m working on so here goes..see all the ground cover..hoping by tonight I’ll have it all out.

Finishing my coffee, then out I go

Pat, this is a photo of my Dipladenia plant

Beautiful gardens Betty. We call that plant a mandevilla.

In for a break, storm moving in quicker than they said, shouldn’t have taken a break just yet, likely rain8ng before my break is over..

LIndakay, It is from same family but not same...used in a lot of planters here and hanging baskets..should try one as it’s hard to keep regular baskets alive..This year I think I will try and bring them in.

Worked a couple of hours on the one garden, barely shows...by next weekend I’m hoping to have that garden and around the pond done..that still leaves a lot of gardens to do but those I can take my time.

Can’t believe the goatsbeard, the mother plant is growing in leaps and bounds..I transplanted from original 3 pieces last year and they are doing well and 4 this year..few places I like to hide and a great plant for its spender flowering lasts for quite awhile.

Thought I might get potting bench done this weekend but it will have to be another day...big sigh

Finishing my coffee then out again

WOW that plant is beautiful!
I hope to get my hardy hibiscus dug up and split. It does not do well separated very often so I hope to be VERY cautious, I don't want to kill it!!! It is RIGHT next to the heat pump and would prefer to find it a better location. It was one of the few plants here that I really liked and have not moved.
An enormous old rose at the end of the house that probably will get dug up NEXT year. Too close to blooming for me to mess with right now.
I dug up the first (have 2 that must be moved) Knock Out Rose and replanted it backwards!!! All the buds etc are facing the house, not outwards! LOL... hopefully a few days of sunshine would rectify that mistake!

My youngest is supposed to be here today to work. I hope he doesn't stand me up. I can't dig up that Rose of Sharon or disassemble the mail box stand on my own. My hands and knees won't let me. My knees were very unhappy with me over Saturdays work.

I am hoping our new caregiver can start tomorrow. As soon as Andrew is completed with training process we can fire the guy we have. There is an online training Andrew has to complete and as of Friday the authorization had not been updated with training partnership so he could access it. If our current caregiver makes it thru the day it will be a miracle. Between coming in late, leaving early, missing work for various other reasons, not completing work (but leaving early) he is REALLY on my last remaining nerve.

Never did Pat do well with the rose of Sharon, maybe I have to plant it where the lilac trees are..I’m with you, hip,hands and neck are not happy with me.how annoying dealing with Bens aide..is Andrew someone you know personally? Hope he gets his certification soon leaving you with less stress. Hoping your son showed up.

I told Jeff and Caleb to make it next weekend seeing as today was to be a rain day..it’s so cold out there wouldn’t doubt it could snow.

Trying to convince myself to do something, maybe make a penny rug as I’ve all the circles done,that I can do sitting on the couch.

The flowers are very similar. I think the difference is Mandevilla is a vine.
This is my granddaughters Dandelion syrup and wild violet jelly. she says both are delicious. She and her mom both keep bees too and we always have plenty of pure honey.

That is a lot of jelly. Never heard of dandelion jelly.

It's Dandelion syrup. The jelly is wild violet. I never had either but she said it's so good she's making more.

The pictures of the distressed nightstands I finished. One started as bright teal, the other tan. I sprayed them both flat black, then painted white and lightly sanded. They sat in all kinds of places waiting for me to finally get to them! I'd like to find a bigger one for the left side of the bed so far, no luck.

Ok, I'm not good about "before pictures", these are all works in progress. View out my slider door to patio. I am making new cushion cover for the pink bench. My new hanging planter. The "chair" I just planted. My new whirly gig that is cemented into a bucket and sunk into planter. Just around the corner, entry to patio from front.

The front of the house. Roses are starting to bloom, the clematis has a few blooms open. last picture is from across street towards the house. The pictures have been taken from far right, working towards left. The clematis should help orientate you.