Best/Worse/What did you learn today? Everyone welcome, a thread where all are welcomed..

Beautiful plants and gardens Betty and Pat.

Looks like it's warming up all over.

We have already had several days with 100+ Temps. Our summer is here.
Our quilting friend will be in town for a few weeks, so we will get together again.
End of the month, one of the quilters is giving a class to teach us how to make a one block wonder quilt. See example in photos.
You take 4 yards of fabric, find the repeat every 24 inches, cut and pin 6 layers together. Cut 3 & 3/4 inch strips, then using a 60 degree ruler, cut triangles. Sew each stack of triangles together to make a hexagon.
Looking forward to going to the class.

Betty those little masked bandits are not afraid of people any more. If there is a chance for food, they will take it.

Linda, I'd like a class in those too. I've always been fascinated by them.

I am intimated at the thought of hexagons

Karen, check YouTube. Lots of good videos.

Well you sewing gals lost me. I spent 4 hours working on an area in my back landscape that neither my garden helper or mowing crew. It needed a major clean up of an invasive grass and also had an irrigation problem. The dogs got on my glider, which is close by and supervised me unless a dog walked by on the greenbelt, which then they had to greet them. Photos below.

Betty, you did a big time trip in a short time. That is a great price on your plants. Your garden is starting to wake up. That is a lot of plants to plant.

Pat your tulips are very pretty. They do not grow here because we do not get cold enough.

Linda, we have been in the high 80s but wind and cooler temperatures are coming later this week.

Photo one an three are my finished cleaned up area. Second photo is a vine on my neighbors greenbelt fence that is really pretty.

Morning all, damp frizzy day, was thinking if it stops I will plant perennials I bought yesterday while ground is wet.

Sharon, are you finding this year is more windy than normal? Know it’s been terrible here.love your photos, was wondering if you or any of the other girls have planted perennials in pots and if they survived?

I’ve included the patent for toilet paper in a photo

Lindakay I tried a Christmas one a few years ago and bought the ruler, will have to go in search of other patterns..mine was table runner..speaking of rulers, will phone greg and see if he will cut me a plexi glass one 20 1/2” square for me and Sharon, need it for squaring up..

Got garbage to roadside, made a pumpkin pie, picked a few weeks, did my regular cleaning, my jar to do is hallway closet..was looking for my shoulder vest a few years ago so tidied it up then so gives me free 1/2 hour..I’ll put turkey on about 10:30..maybe something I can do in the meanwhile

My friend Helene’s obituary

Didn’t post

Helene looked like a sassy fun person. I am sure she will be missed.

Love the toilet paper patent.
So sad this darn covid has taken so many.

Pat, she was the life of the party...big sigh

Day cleared up and sun came out..I put chairs out and tablecloth on table..they can fix their plate of turkey and eat outside..I’m allowed 5 if outside so I will be right on target

Pat, I've not done Hexies. I have read several time that the best way to sew is to put the half hexies together in a row and then repeat with other half. Then joining the rows is simple with no Y seams.

Karen, that is how we are told to do these.

I again worked in my can't stand the way this looks areas. I took on areas surrounding 3 oleander trees. These are double blooming oleanders and do not get as large as the older type. The bottom around the tree under the ground cover was a bunch of blown in debris. I got that out, fixed or added irrigation lines. and started digging around the base of each plant. Found a very large root from a tree. I suspect the Mesquite tree in the greenbelt. I started at 2 and stopped at 5pm. I didn't get the debris picked up but it is in a pile.

Betty wind is just something we get this time of year. When the irises and roses start blooming, the wind comes on full force. I just got the KOI pond and that side of the house cleaned up from last weeks blow and now my neighbor's pine tree seeds are covering my landscape again. But when this is over I get good shade from the pines.

Our governor is opening up the state June 1. Hockey games go to 50% attendance May 1. Still will be wearing masks.

Helene looks like the life of the party. And so young. So sorry Betty and because you cannot sd her, it makes it more difficult to realize she is gone.

First photo is debris not cleaned up. Second and third photos are area I cleaned up.

Morning, sun is coming out, will be about 50 but overcast, rain later in the afternoon so good workday I would say.

Karen and Lindakay, I think hexi’s are the only quilt design I’d not do, think I tried it in early days and not my thing.

Sharon when do you think your gardens will be done and you can sit and enjoy, crazy question?? Lol. I know where you are coming from, you see things that need being done and you know you will pay pain wise but still do it.

I would have to question the sanity of those who are opening up like before (my opinion only)with numbers rising like crazy I will bide and actually hope they extent the emergency shut down til we are in herd immunity..vaccine locations has just increased this area by about 17, that will help.

Deb, how is the battle going? Is the vet still able to keep her fr9m going into about?

Housework done so I think I will grab a light sweater and go do some planting...about 20 of the perennials I bought are types of rockrest so I will plant them other side in pond rocks

Might as well work on pond, get it up and running while remembering for every hour i work I must rest , let’s hope that works.

Hope they call me to say my glasses are ready and not they they cannot be fixed, if I don’t here by 2 I will call them...

Time to make a coffee and start my day in the gardens

Enjoy your day

Sharon, that is a lot of work.

Betty, please listen to yourself, and rest after every hour.

Today is my BOM (block of the month) machine embroidery exchange and I hope to get to the dump first with the huge load of bush trimmings etc so I need to get going.

Tonight the Young Women are learning how to do "indexing". Taking hand written old census information and entering it into the computer for genealogist and others to access. It will be the first time I have done this, thankfully we have an expert coming to assist the girls.

Very interestingPat, those young women certainly are getting an education not found in school.

Lindakay, that didn’t work out..1 hour is too much at one time.
Had a woman come and get my muffin tins..couldn’t buy any at Walmart because not essential, her sister wanted individual muffins for her birthday so she posted yesterday to see if anyone had any to sell or loan..loaned her mine

No sooner ad she left I got a call from my glasses were ready

Quick trip penetang to Michelle’s Optical..


Michelle is great, she found in her supplies 2new arms that fit on my glasses, charged me $5

Always generous with me..guess it’s her friendship with my kids and kin..

Said she is going to tell Jeff and Greg I need new glasses lol

Will have to get my eyes tested.

Been using Dr. Ho on for a dew hours, even while driving to optometrist, would love to go out and work a tag in the gardens but no can do..decided I’ve got fixings from last nights turkey dinner once a have a hot bath.

So far so good with Teagan and the babies. Went to the vet again today for a progesterone reading, and she's still at a safe level not to go into labor, yet. He said no need to come back for further testing, unless I see an issue. Now for the big count down. One week to go!
This will be my big shopping weekend to stock up on things I need for the birth, just in case things, like baby bottles, and preemie nipples, and milk replacer. And, I need to set up an area for her and the babies, when they're born. I'll go out and buy a plastic kiddie pool to put in my room. It will keep them contained a bit for the first several weeks, and make clean up easier.

A kiddie pool sounds like an AWESOME idea! My son is planning on having his female Lab bred and I have been wondering about having a whelping box made, this idea is much BETTER!!

Well our big blow has gone away for another day. What a mess it left behind.

Deb, great news on the puppies. You will have a couple of busy weeks.

Pat, that is a great thing to teach the young. So interesting.

Betty, you know your garden is never done but it will be more to my liking in a few more weeks.

Had my hair cut today and my yellow is 95% gone and now mostly white. Found a wonderful new spice at Trader Jo's. I had it on my TCT and my cottage cheese tonight and on both t was delicious. TCT is my go to when I am tired and do not want to cook. Betty your turkey was making me hungry, They had uncooked turkey breasts today at TJ's. A little pricey but what am I saving my money for. I will cook it Sunday but without stuffing or potatoes.

Photo is new seasoning. Large flaked kind. Look it up, it will probably tell you the ingredients. I could read them in the tore but could not read it when I was trying to read it to my sister.

Morning, drizzling here, they do say later this aft we might get a few hours without then maybe a twitch of snow..

Was just looking in back yard, most of trees and shrubs have skim of green leaves, front, none..odd

You just finished cleaning up from last wind storm, now another...
Am sure you look snazzy, all dolled up but with nowhere to go?? I’d be walking up and down through your subdivision lol..So wish I could get my hair cut, I’m starting to hack it again.

Do you not like stuffing? I buy those $1. Boxes when I want stuffing but not doing t whole turkey, your Italian spices sound interesting..I’ve some I put in my spaghetti sauce, not sure what is in it..I’ll have to put it on my USA shopping list if I ever can cross the border.

Ziggy laying close to me, not interested in doing much, must be getting my vibes but I must, could at least organize my craft room

On Tuesday I called greg and said aunt Sharon needed at 20 1/2 “ square to square off her quilt blocks, he brought me one and her one..quick delivery, 😇 angel he is...sooo now to find a spot for it until I need mine.

Deb, one less sleep..know from Sharon just how much prep it takes when breeding, you will have a few days..sorry, meant remember, will she have to go to vets for birth?

Cathy dropped off daffodils yesterday..thinking of purchasing a bouquet along with my grocery order. Asked Mel next time they can go to Costco as most of it the nursery area is open could she pick me up a few hanging baskets..jim from Toronto office was telling me that his wife save thousands of seeds from a row of plants she has, drats, forgot the name but I sent him my address as he said he would sent me some. I would say 1/2 the plants I bought are planted, slowly getting there

Hope you’ve all something special for the day

Ok Sharon, what is TCT? I even tried google. I am sure you DON'T mean Total Crush Tuesday check out https://acronyms.thefreedictionary.com/TCT , I didn't see any likely candidates on this list!! LOL

Kevin left behind LOTS of miniatures and I need them GONE. I am going to work with a friend of his by video call to scan them so he can offer Kevin a price on them. Otherwise they are going with me when I go to Portland Sunday. Sunday Kevin is proposing and he wants me there. Her parents will be there as well. He has been continuing to take her ring shopping so she doesn't know he has already bought it and had it sized. He also bought a pretty little ring for her 4 YO daughter.

My youngest married a woman with two children. He bought them each a ring and presented to them at wedding with a lovely little speech he had written. She knew nothing ahead of time, just me and her mom and the priest knew. Whole church was crying.

Almost evening, started to rain again..dr called me around noon, said he sent referral to check for UTI infection again..said he would likely be here Saturday or Tuesday to give me my hip and shoulder shots..

Joanne who has a friend who works in government says more regulations re Covid being announced tomorrow so thought maybe I best got set more food supplies and go to the medical Centre to have my test done..got there, no referral again, attendant said sometimes it takes 24hrs to get?? Excuse me it’s an email..shaking my head

Not sure what else they can add but shut all down, I’m thinking curfew for one thing..

Ann was telling me a bunch of kids, young adults had a bush fire the other day..Covid spreading quickly in the area

How nice Pat and Karen that your sons take their wedding vows so serious when including becoming a parent..kids must be thrilled. Pat be safe in your travels

Think the gender reveal is tomorrow night,,

Did nothing, but am tired
Glad I have enough left overs for turkey dinner

Bought what I needed to make spaghetti sauce for Tuesday night dinner
Big yawn

Nap time

Pat, TCT, is Toasted Cheese Tortilla. Pat, what miniatures does he have.

Betty, I love stuffing. Just not my low carb way of eating. I actually like it raw before it is baked.

I spent over 4 hours in the garden, vacuuming up large groups of pine tree pollen. Then I blew the small areas into piles and then vacuumed those up. Courtyard was last. I know it was a waste of time but the dogs were running through the seeds/pollen and dragging the yellow pollen all over the house. Got the debris picked up I left Tuesday afternoon. Garden helper helped me carry it to the garbage can. Tomorrow I will be watering by hand dry pots and areas.

Morning all, cold damp weather, knew the weather before I got up, old bones aching..

Hard to believe it’s friday again, can’t believe how quickly the weeks are passing by,
Sharon, think my Sharon is on low carb diet and she lost 14 1/2 lbs this past month..a pretty severe way of eating though right!

I’m feeling a bit of a lagger after all you’ve done in the gardens, weather has been terrible, 14 day forecast shows rain and a tad of snow.. out of garden clothes so hoping with a jacket I might do a bit more pulling those tubulars near the pond for 1/2 hour or so.

Ann let me know that they got her on a waiting list because she couldn’t go on Saturday to get her Covid shot..found a spot for her in Penetanguishene, she was flying high.

Not sure what the weekend will bring, no plans and even if there was something I want to do no can do..grrr

Betty, protect your new plants if you have snow coming.

Yes, will cover them tonight although Anne that sold the plants says they were grown in pots with plastic coverings and says all ok they are used to cold weather, I won’t take a chance though.

Jim from Toronto said his wife will put a pkg of seed in mail today so hopefully will have this week.

Went out to work on the plow mound of earth, getting there but hard shovelling..did about 15 shovels full and said enough..

Have a pot of turkey soup brewing and a pot of sliced apples for applesauce, anything to keep me busy lol

My son was into Role Playing Games and many of these were Kick Starter promotions, he has at least a 1,000 of them! These were used in Dungeons & Dragons and more.

Well let’s hope he can recoup some of his $$$.. is Dungeon and Dragons still popular??

The garage where Kyle works is a block away from here, he is having a baby reveal at 6 pm..he will roll over a vehicle that somebody painted the roof pink or blue.. I will wear my winter clothing, gloves,hat and keep my distance

Latest on Covid

Few things

Emergency lock down has extra 2 weeks added on

Construction, only necessary

Capacities on shopping big box 25% (only necessary items for sale

Recreational activities ie golf , playgrounds etc closed

Weddings/funerals no more than 10 people

More restrictions on big box stores and curb side pick up

Police and municipal bylaw officers more authority, able to stop cars to see where they are going

Restricting travel unless necessary between Quebec and Manitoba borders..borders will be monitored

Those who live alone can include one household (have to pick which of your kids you will see)

Critical time for sure, big sigh

No gathering of anyone who does not live in your home


We, those living alone can have contact with another household

Wow... our numbers are improving and we have fewer restrictions.... However, I cannot help but think we had implemented more restrictions, like those above, in the BEGINNING, we could have shortened this up significantly.

Betty, I am sorry to hear about the restrictions but pray it helps improve overall life in the long run.

I saw the reveal on Facebook. Cute idea. But it did look cold.

Betty you are not lagging. I am on another planet compared to your area. All of our roses , snapdragons, irises, violets and such are in full bloom. We are back in the high 60s but end of next week we will be in the 90s.

That is quite a shutdown. We have never been that shutdown but, I really should clarify that I really did not pay that much attention because I didn't go to many places prior.

Pat, I still not know what the miniatures are because i am not knowledgeable of the game.

Yesterday I noticed some damage on my turnip leaves. So last night I went out after dark and there were two very large snails having a buffet on my turnip leaves. I will go out again tonight to make sure I got them all.

Pool guy drained the pool today and is going to acid wash it and clean the tile, fix the light and refill. Needs to be done every 5 years.

My garden helper and myself did an inspection on a neighbor's property earlier today, at the request of the owner. It looks good from the street but up close and personal, it is a mess. My garden helper has agreed to work there on Monday, first to replace 3 irrigation valves that are leaking water like a sieve. I also told my garden helper, hat he messes around with this neighbor , I will hunt him down, take him out and then take his name off the list so he will not be able to get into the community. I think he got the message.

You all have a wonderful Saturday. I will take some photos.

Morning...thanks Sharon, you know I was hoping for a girl but a boy it will be..yep great grandma to a baby boy, now I know what gender I will be spoil8ng.

yes, was shivering, only there about 10 minutes, the entire vehicle turnover had been prepared by a friend, he even bulldozed sand around it so that the colour couldn’t be seen until the reveal.. wore my mask, others did not while it was 8n process so I did not stand around to chat, got home, scrubbed everything, washed what I had on, hot bath and even washed my hair

It is really cold, got into pond at 9, got everything done and thought all ok but have to empty again as the little slivers of wood have been caught in the little holes of the water feature..was out 1 1/2 hrs and freezing, with rain coming most of the week best I get in it again, drats it’s cold brrrr

Sharon, he isn’t the same worker that only shows up when he feels like it is he..is your neighbour away for some time?

Keep hearing USA numbers are high so I’m glad not 8n your region.

Back to the pond before I change my mind

WOW Sharon, I hope the helper got YOUR message.... I did! LOL

I leave for Portland tomorrow morning. I wish I knew more about what Gloria's mother is going to wear to this dinner. She is a caregiver for her disabled brother and has been for YEARS. If I understood my son right, she does not attend church services so I doubt she has much in the way of dresses. I ONLY have either dresses or jeans, I have ONE pair of dress pants I bought last year, and never got around to altering them. Guess I will know by tonight if I was motivated enough to alter the pants & wear them, or go with one of my dresses.

Afternoon,
Overcast, cool but did put in 3hrs pulling that invade flower, will be a chore fighting the root system..threw in back bush and now I’ll have to go get it, let it dry in fire pit and burn..says not even to put it in compost, recycle..pretty though

Safe travels Pat and enjoy your time away..would be nice to go for a ride, feeling of normalcy.

Had Sharon pick me up another 20 plants, total go 100 now, will surely check each before planting to see if invasive that is for sure.

Wish my hostas would be high enough out of the ground to divide and transplant..

For now it’s couch time big sigh

What kind of invasive plant are you digging up Betty?

Not sure but think this one
On couch, hip gave up, next time outside I will look closer at plant

Pachysandra are great for deep shade areas where nothing else grows. Do well under pines