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

I rarely ask Kevin for help, allergies (and lack of interest) limit his abilities. I remember when he was a teen and I had all 4 boys working in the back yard on something, he said "Why does the BACK yard have to be beautiful" (picture whiney face). I told him in 10 years he could ask his wife that question!

I was sorely disappointed in the decline from the irrigation guy. But I was grateful he said no rather than accept the job and then procrastinate and drag it out all summer!

The new indoor/outdoor area rug I ordered was delivered yesterday. I want to unwrap it and lay it out NOW, but I'm telling myself to clean up the patio area, get the painting done, THEN put down the rug. I had work done on that back wall a year ago, the moving of the exterior door etc, construction of covered patio. The new paint would really make a difference back there AND I would not have to reroll and move area rug. SO many good reasons to PAINT there now, THEN put out rug! I'll let you know whether I behave as a responsible adult or impatient ADD Adult.

It's spring, I may have missed the tulips, but I have hope in my heart today. .

It’s hard Pat when you want something done and can’t put someone..in this area which is cottage country and construction at its peak it's difficult to find someone who will undertake smaller jobs..maybe this fall it might be easier for you to get someone.

Smart thinking about the carpet, that being said I don’t know if if have the patience to wait, I’d be enjoying and rolling it when it’s time to paint lol

Raising, but I did put 2 hrs on the pond, suffering right now but it’s my own fault. Went to plug the pump and it would start/stop so I decided I’d wait till tomorrow before cleaning the pump, hope that is all it is, needing a good clean as I can’t do stateside to purchase a new one, besides mega $$$, spent all my pennies on reno’s

Smelled like swamp lady when I came in,although I used every type of lotion I can still smell the swamp on me...cooked souvlaki dinner last night, ate 1/2 and now the other 1/2 is in micro, smells yummy..

Thought I might paint awhile, finish the panels on the bird feeders but might just have an early night..

Sunny this morning and I worked up a sweat outside. Now it is cloudy and cooler. Weather Liars say 3 or 4 more days of sunshine.

Keiran and his dad came down and put up 2 new screens in the screened in room. Raccoons had torn 2 of them down. Tomorrow I will bring up the cushions for all the chairs. I am like Pat do I do that now or leave it till tomorrow. My body is telling me NO so I think I will listen to it.

Oh Betty souvlaki sounds delicious. I have to have tomato something because I bought 2 packages of small red and orange tomatoes. They are delicious. You would swear you just . brought them in from the garden.

Early to bed for me. To quote my sweet dad "this getting old is for the birds" I won't fall asleep but will be comfortable.

Yesterday I tore apart the Aloe I have named Medusa. I bought it yet another bigger pot, Just replanted two of them and posted the rest on a local site to give away to any one who wanted to come with a pot and get it. More than 10 people responded they wanted one and of them 1 showed up. I gave her the third big plant and have a bunch of little ones still.

I know a raw potato on my hands takes off the smell of onion so I don't know why it wouldn't work on "swamp".

I got the weeding done!! Unfortunately it won't stay done unless I can get some weed cloth & cover down. I had been waiting to get the irrigation put in before putting in the work and expense of the weed cloth & cover. Guess I need to rethink that or find someone else to hire.

I pruned flowering plum bushes & tore down some wisteria. I hired my neighbor boy to put all the stuff in the garbage cans and take it to the road for garbage day (Monday) and he also bailed out the little pond. I tell my neighbor every time I hire one of his sons what good workers they are. Good thing I didn't put it off today, turned stormy and rained, blew hard.

I'm going to do a little work in the garage and maybe start my patio bench project. I need to figure out what supplies I need to buy. I know I am going to need some good exterior paint for the bench & a few other projects. I'll buy caulking and start the prep to paint that patio.

Yesterday I started cleaning up my veggie garden - gave my raspberry canes a brush cut, and pulled some out - over-riding the garden. I moved a strawberry plant that was now next to the canes. I also used a pitchfork & dug up 4 rows. Today I cut up the pulled canes & tossed them into a bag. I did more digging to where I now have 1/3 of the garden dug up. Then went to town & while Bob was getting a tarp to put on the ShelterLogic - it's weather-beaten & has holes in the top so rain gets in. I got some red & multiplier onions. Supposed to rain tomorrow afternoon, so hopefully I can get some planting in tomorrow morning. Other people who've lived here for awhile have already planted their garden.
It's the 2nd anniversary of when my mom's ashes were laid to rest. She would have been 100 today.

Morning all, would have slept in had it not been for Ziggy...grrr

Dianne, weather liars at at it again..sun was starting to come out earlier but dull and overcast.

Susan, hard day..it’s the anniversary of my dad’s death today, miss him!nismit too early to plant in your neck of the woods?

Pat, always nice to get the ponds up and running....I remembered that last fall my solar pump gave out and I ordered 2 but didn’t use them, perhaps today I’ll set at least one out...see, proud of you not putting your rug down lol

Karen, your aloe was quite the size..did have one but lost it, maybe I’ll have to look in the florist shops for one.are you pleased with the work they did in basement?

Dianne, glad you got your screens repairs,those critters can do mega damage. I have a little side area, maybe 3’ that they always seen to get in, bought mesh, folded it 4 times and staples the bottom, it’s behind the door that, is always open so it hides the roughness of it.

Almost done painting the 3 panels, will finish so that the paint will be dry enough to give varathane coats to later..if sun would come out I could set them in the sun..then, I’ll get dressed and take a look at the pond pump, hate to get back into the pond but it won’t be as yucky seeing I cleaned it up..here is hoping I don’t need a new pump..

What are you,up to?

We are very pleased, Betty. They have been a great company to work with. We are supposed to hear Monday about the carpet.

That is great Karen! I hope your carpet situation gets completed soon and you are all back together again. That will feel nice I know!

I think my goal for the day is to get a curtain made & rod with new curtain installed in laundry area. There were nasty bypass doors over the shelves and they were ALWAYS coming off track. The last time I gave them a good bop with my fist to get them in track and the whole trim board popped off! I am surrendering and putting up a curtain. That will disguise the mess until I can have a carpenter make & install door I LIKE.

What was I up to today? Well........ 2 hours this morning was spend digging up the garden with a pitchfork, and it was supposed to rain this afternoon. By 3:00 it hadn't, so I went out & finished digging the rest of the garden, then broke up/raked the clumps I found 3 garlic plants growing, that I'd planted Fall 2018 & thought I'd harvested last summer - bonus!! I was only about 2 ft from finishing the raking when it started to "mist' so I gathered everything up & headed in. Good thing because now, 10 min later, it's raining fairly hard. Timing, eh? I could feel the barometer drop. Back breaking work, but felt good to get it done. Also feels good to know that I CAN, this summer!! First summer since we moved here that I've been able to work in the garden "normally" and not be recovering from surgery or hospital stays. Feels WONDERFUL! Supposed to be sunny on Wed, so will be planting root vegetables then. Only tender plants won't go out just yet.

Susan, that is WONDERFUL! Yes, your timing was awesome!

Morning all, overcast day here, say sunshine and rain later..

Karen here is hoping you get the carpet squares,Mehta color did you order?

Susan, I can see you smile from here, nothing like getting your hands dirty playing in the soils and soon to see crops.

Pat, you made me laugh, I can just see you give it a kick, was frustrated yesterday enough to smash the darn pump....

Ziggy woke me up at 6am, thought I might give one more try at that pump, was jus about ready to open the door to let Ziggy out when I noticed near the wheel barrel a bit of movement, a skunk so didn’t dare let Ziggy out, he sure wasn’t happy.

Finishing my coffee then will steam wash the floors then play time.

For play time I will see if I have enough of the indoor/outdoor fabric I did the patio set last year, two long seat cushions will take a fair amount.

yesssss playing in the dirt makes me very happy :)
I'm starting a Gloriosa Lily - which I understand is very toxic, but is grown in many gardens. I grow Daturas and they're toxic too (Brugmansia family) and I know lots of us grow them........
This lily is a climber, and I have 4 trellis planters, so this is meant to be! Bob had already planned on making planter boxes to go into the trellis planters (no bottom, so need to make a box to go into them). Nice thing is, they're movable. I'm going to plant morning glories, too.

Sure hope you can get your pump working Betty.

Susan, that lily sounds nice. I have never heard of it.

This lily trellises, and so pretty in red.

That is beautiful.

That is pretty!! My two clematis in the front of the house are FULL of huge buds, it's going to be stunning when they open!

I need today to decide on a planting spot for my Clematis.

Morning all, sunshine day but on cool side..

I love clematis, have one on the driveway side of house and one on the deck side, I’m lucky if I get 3 flowers so it’s either the soil or too much/not enough sunshine.

I’m sitting here wondering if I should make the hour drive one way to Wasaga beach, the have a luguanna pump but only 1/2 the size..the salesman told me if I were to add a brick to put pump a tad higher it would work..if I order a larger one I will not likely get it till summer is over so trying to decide what to do??

Tough decisions Betty. I need to count my blessing I have no need of pumps here.

Well I tried another nursery that deals with big ponds and they had one the same size as the one I had...
Happy Mother’s Day from the boys seeing they can’t come and do my ‘to do’ list Mother’s Day!

Sunny but sooo cold..filling pond, have my birdhouse rood/base to finish ..even got the drilled rock fountain up and running,still the trio columns , another rock and 2 solar pumps to get done but won’t be today..I feel as though I could fall asleep while walking..as soon as pond is full I’ll have hot bath, early eats and call it a day!

While Bob went to the store in Three Hills, I stayed home to prep the garden for planting (he saw 5 small weeds & insisted I hadn't done it well enough. I dug & aerated some (manually, couldn't find the rototiller & wasn't sure I was strong enough to use it anyway). Well, he came home & said I couldn't plant until it was aerated, compost and manure added. Didn't finish all that until after 8pm, then I got to plant 14 potatoes, bring everything else in that I planned on planting, then inside for dinner - started making it at 9pm!! Good thing it was leftover ham & scalloped potatoes & frozen veggies. We were able to eat at 9:20....... That husband of mine is such a perfectionist. I told him "If I were perfect I wouldn't have married you & vice versa, so hush up!" 🤣😁

Glad you found a pump Betty.
Sounds like you and Bob are busy getting your garden ready.

Betty, I have tried so many times to grow clematis. I think it's just too hot here. I have never seen any growing in town or neighbors.

Betty just messaged

Her internet phone and connections are all down

But she is fine

I’m up and running..

Frustrating day so will be back on tomorrow
Calling it a day

Got a call from work today, I was laid off, permanently. I heard people were let go. Still in shock, not sure what I'll do, but, can't do anything until things start to open up. They're giving me a decent severance package, so at least that's something, but, I was planning on working for another 10 years or so, and really loved that job. I'll be 65 in a month, so looking into Medicare, so I'll have insurance. They said too many government contracts were being cancelled so they had to reduce workforce. They got rid of my department and are using engineers at company headquarters to do the work going forward. I know I won't find anything for the pay I was making, but hoping for enough that I don't need to start my social security, yet.

Sorry to hear you lost your job. Where did you work.

You might as well start your S.S. and apply for Medicare too. There is really no benefit to waiting plus you can afford to return to work for less if necessary. When my hubby reached 65, his company dropped his health ins. They still covered me until I was that age too.

NONE of the jobs or economics will be same for a LONG time, and some NEVER. I believe it will forever change the way companies do business. So many workers have been working remotely from home, many will continue to do so after this is all over. Telehealth, while it has been around a while, REALLY took off during this COVID-19 and I expect that will have lasting affect on the way we conduct "office calls".

I have roses in bloom, clematis just starting, all the variegated iris just beginning to bloom. The iris are going to be magnificent! I split them up last year and they multiplied like crazy and I have lots of beautiful blooms, most still in bud form. My dogwood is dropping all it's pretty pink petals and making a mess everywhere. I even have some snapdragons in bloom, lots of peony buds but none open yet. The reblooming lilac that Ben bought me my last birthday is blooming. The Japanese red lace maple Ben bought for mothers day last year has new growth. It's visible from my bedroom window or back patio. Life Is good in the garden. I can hardly wait to get the back patio whipped into shape! the view is really pretty.

I worked at Moog, in the Space and Defense group. I did all the electrical wiring drawings. I just don't know what I'll do, but can't do anything right now. My boss is willing to help me hone a few skills to boost my resume, but, who wants to hire a 65 year old to do computer work, when you can get kids to do it. He said he'd call me, if they ever open up my position in this branch, again, but said it would be a minimum of a year, and only if a lot of government contracts start up again, and the government can't afford to spend money right now.

He also suggested that I look at things I love, like dogs, and see if I can figure out a way to make money involving that. Would love to come up with something where I could still go to dog shows, maybe as a vendor, there are always folks selling things from leashes and brushes to dog biscuits, and herbal remedies for things. Just don't know that I could make a living off of that.

If I start collecting SSI I would have to find a job to make at least $1200 a month to cover bills, mortgage, etc.

I've got time to figure things out. Can't do anything right now, other than come up with ideas, and do some research. The company is offering the use of an outsourcing specialist to go over my resume, and my skills, to determine which are marketable, and help focus on job searches that match my strengths.

Good morning all, 39F with a feel of 34F so it’s a tad cold..am not liking predictions of snow the next few days and next week calling for rain all but one day, Mother Nature is not happy in my region.

Oh Deb, what distressing news for you, can’t even comprehend what you must be going through..overwhelming at any time but during Covid 19 seems even more overwhelming. I’m with Karen, I would apply early for S.S. Early to ease the burden financially. It’s hard for sure, especially when we are on our own, pressures of life lie with us. I was doing my regular taking calls and directing them to staff, I wouldn’t call that working but that came to an end with Covid so the extra play $$$ won’t be there, sure makes a difference. I am lucky though,Mohave pensions coming in to cover everything, what worries me is major expenditures...guess what will be will be, have to deal with each day as they come. Easy to say right? The dogs will be happy, one good thing to come of it! My heart breaks for you..

Pat, I also believe nothing will ever be the same..am hoping though we will have learned the value of family and friendship. Will be so difficult re re-adjust. Those unemployed here receive a cheque $2,000 per person for 4 months, 2 of which has been used up, that takes some of the stress away for many.i am sure when the next 2 months have passed they will do something, maybe prolonge for a few more months even at reduced rate. Think the government also had their eyes open as to senior care homes and much will be done, at least that’s my hope. If they had 2 bedrooms in the seniors complex they are building just up from me I might consider but 1 small bedroom could never do.

Pat, your gardens surely bring you pleasure, can’t wait to see flowers in mine. I do have forynthia (?) trees are in bloom, too bad the blooms don’t last. My giant goats bear has Broken ground..it’s so humongous when at its peak that I’m thinking of dividing it a bit, just worry I might do damage to it. I found 2 containers with miniature goats beard which I had forgotten about and didn’t plant, because they are perennials at $14.98 I’m hoping they survive, do you think I should plant them now or leave them in their containers for another month or so?

Well it’s going on 10, have had my coffee, will vacuum and dust, have cereal and head downstairs in hopes of putting that blasted winter bird feeder out..someone offered me $100 for it, Lordy likely by the time I have it finished must have a weeks work into it for $30 worth of supplies so nope, it’s for my garden.

Yes, likely the person offering $100 thought it was a fair price but they are clueless at the time & cost that goes into the making those things!

Yes, the garden brings me pleasure. Do wish I could have gone to inground automatic sprinklers this year but NEXT year if I have the money for it.. My first peonies are open!!

Mother Nature is very unhappy in my neighbourhood too Betty. I brought in some wood as I know I will have the wood stove going again. I must have suspected this weather was coming as I didn't do my final clean up of the wood stove.

Oh Deb that is distressing news. It would be great if you could find something in the dog field. Sending positive thoughts your way. A friend started up a business where she made home made healthy treats for dogs. She started small but now has a couple of employees. One Christmas she tied dog treats with red ribbon on small Christmas trees. I bought one and thought I had stored it away from the dogs. I was busy with shows so someone had moved into the house to take care of things. On 1 night when I was home late at night I was walking the dogs and saw all this red on the snowy lane. We had surveyors in right around that time and I thought it was 1 of their marks. The next morning when I walked the dogs I realized it was what was left of the red ribbons and treats I had put away. Apparently Tundra opened the cupboard door and ate all the treats and ribbons.

Keiran wasn't here today so I went to Foodland. Not sure what I bought that brought my bill to over $180. I did buy a huge package of toilet paper and some cleaning supplies.Broke down and bought some cold meat. The deli can't cut it for you in the store but can cut and put out prerpackaged sliced meat. I won't have Keiran back until next week. He did an excellent job cleaning up the flower garden. I like that I can let him go by himself to do things like that. He has paid attention in the 3 years he has helped me.

Betty have you seen the packages of Angel Sweet tomatoes at Foodland ? They are delicious and taste like they came right out of the garden.

Pat I have a pump in the lake that I use to water the gardens. So I understand your disappointment in not getting your automatic sprinklers.

Diesel scared himself and me yesterday. I was checking out what beaver damage has occurred and of course the TH were right there with me. Dies slipped on 1 of the rocks and ended up part way into the lake. He couldn't get himself upright. Let me tell you the lake water is cold.

Judy what are you doing ? Haven't seen anymore baton twirling videos.

Liz if you are lurking Diesel and Chaos send doggie kisses. Don't worry they have great breath I make sure they eat lots of raw carrots.

Susan you really have been busy. Are you expecting this cold and snowy weather too ?

Stay safe and well.
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I have the top done, it just needs 4 inch borders, then I will send it off to the quilter. It is king size, this is draped over my sofa.

I sure hope you can find some sort of employment Deb.

It's snowing big fat flakes !!

Wow! Finally got into DG. Guess they were updating the site.

Your quilt is a HUGE labor of love! How fun! I love the holiday decorations but I know I'd never get them up and back down in a timely manner .It's all I can do to get a Christmas tree up and down! LOL

Hi - it wasn't an update, LK - their system locked up from what I gather from their answer to me. I contacted them & no one in DG admin staff could log in either. They answered me after they were.
I went to a new Greenhouse & bought some pretties :) Now, to find some place to put them hahaha

Deb - that;s really upsetting about your job. Getting a severance pkg is something, and having your former boss offer to help you hone skills is nice. I will keep you in my prayers for sure. I started my pension early. Cdn gov't sent me a letter a month ago, saying that new pensioners would be getting less, starting in July, but that my pension is safe at the rate I'm at. I'm 66, so started over a year ago to get my full pension. I had part, before that, because I started Early, at age 62.

Morning all, I should not have put my shovel away, might be needing it..big sigh

Dianne you must be getting the same as I, tiring isn’t it.

I love your Dresden quilt LIndakay, how spectacular it will be when quilted..does it usually take a long time to get it back?

Susan, I started receiving mine at 60, thInk they say a person would have to live beyond 82 before they would be at a loss..

Another rough day yesterday..had a cat make its way through back porch screen yesterday morning at 2 then last night after Greg picked up the masks he wanted I wanted to call it a day, locked the door and a damn raccoon had made its way inside same place so out I went out to back shed for lumber, thankfully Joanne had dropped off old planking for birdhouses last week,then had to carry up compressor to brad nail the planks in hopes that would deter the critters. Saw on the snow on steps this morning paw marks so something wanted in..

So here is hoping today is a better day..

I’m hoping to recover 2 cushions for my slider, it’s hidden in back yard but I still want them to be pretty p, hoping I have enough outdoor fabric from when I did my patio set.

I had best not get too comfy on the couch. Lol
Have a sunshine day and stay safe

It' MAY!! Tell Mother Nature to knock it off! I remember agreeing to teach a class in Rexburg Idaho in June, less than 2 weeks before I got there, they had a snow storm.

Betty, I love your door. I would love to have a pretty front door again. just not sure I want the expense of having one installed. My Dad did my last one. It was funny, my Dad, one brother & I all bought the SAME door without seeing each other's!! Years ago now...It had oval glass starting at about waist high & lots of dimensions to patterned glass.

I have given into temptation. I am getting a cat. My brother and wife feed cats that are strays & find there way to their house. This guy has been around for a while and obviously was someone's pet at one time. Dy took him in and had him neutered, shots & chip. He is young (2 to 3 years old per vet) Main Coon tortoise coloring. He is so affectionate and sweet. They have been afraid with him being outside something would happen to him. I am a little worried, I am not great housekeeper and a long hair cat adds to the flotsam & jetsam of a household. Stanley would be an indoor kitty at THEIR house if their obnoxious dog wasn't a pain.

I'm going to spend this week making the house more cat friendly, buying litter box etc. I pick Stanley up next week. He will come for a 1 week trial, before I commit for sure. I don't think I can handle cats that jump on counters etc, etc so heres hoping he will be a good boy already or amenable to being trained. My son has the patience!