Coffee and...For Friday, March 10, 2006 =^..^=

Here's the daily continued from
http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/581729/
Have a super day! ♫
Susan
=^..^=

I came home and found this in the area with my 2 waterfalls that I call the "grotto." It is made from concrete and the form is a trash can that was inverted for a top . My spousal unit said it would be a planter and I'm going ???????

This message was edited Mar 10, 2006 6:18 AM

Then, while I was at work, the planter became this! I laughed and laughed but I love it. The book Kon-Tiki, about the scientists lashing together a raft typical of the kind used thousands years ago by inhabitants of the South American west coast and then sailing way off into the Pacific and landing on Easter Island intrigued and amazed me. It was the first book I read for information instead of fiction when I was about 12. It still holds my interest and fond memories of Thor Heyerdahl's efforts. So this garden "feature" is a keeper.

Great job on the sculpture. I loved that book too. :)

Good Morning - I spent a fitful night - tossing, turning , checking the clock, then more tossing etc. I don't think I got much sleep in at all. I haven't been taking my allergy meds and now I have a sinus problem...ouch. Popped one this morning - hope it helps...

Wood - I like the cementware - I've always wanted one of those!!

We didn't have the wild weather they were forecasting - just rain - all the snow is gone. I saw our cat out digging in my flower beds...grrr - she has huge fields to do her 'duty' in and she picks where I play in the dirt. I hollared at her, but she just looked at me and continued digging.

Laurie - yikes, glad the kids were ok. Accidents always make me go pale..I remember I received a call "Mike never showed up for work' - I tore down there and found him alseep in his car. Now I didn't know whether to be angry or happy!

Maria - our animals always stayed overnight too - Samson will be so glad to see you- believe me!

DR/Vio - weight check in - no loss here, but that is a surprise (I thought I would be up) as DH and I have indulged in ice cream every night this week - winter blaaahs.

Off to the huff/puff, then meeting the girls for coffee. Check with everyone later

Good Morning,

Unlike Sarv who slep fitfully, I went down like a rock. I was sleeping so hard, when the dogs stirred this morning, my eyes opened but my whole body was refusing to wake up. I was so stiff and sore!!!

I guess it was from climbing and standing on those ladders all day yesterday. Well, it had to happen. Gotta get back in shape to start that job next week. Different muscles for different chores.

I need to run in and get one more gallon of trim paint. We can finish the skirting on the house today. It's looking good and yall are gonna love it!!!!!

Molly
:^)))

Well, I am up, have had some coffee, and need to get dressed to take DM to eye Dr. The storms were fierce last night. Neighbor had a huge maple tree that came down across 3 vehicles, and an outbuilding. DH is going to go help clear the mess. This is one day I am glad we don't have mature trees. Other than things being blown around, we are without damage.

I will check in after I get back from the Dr.

I would love to be able to carve stone. But I do not do well if I cannot measure and make straight lines and cuts.

Defoecat---- Yeah the arbour needs to be about 6 ft wide. See I put in a stone path last year and one branch of it ends on a little like overlook spot. I think I am saying the wrong thing calling it a arbour. I want it inclosed on 3 sides so that you can sit back in it on the bench. Still not sure what I will do if anything. Just want something around that bench I think.

Maybe all you ladies got suggestions. Deep shade in that spot. sets between 2 hosta beds.

woodspirit~did the Dh carve that? how do you carve concrete? I love it~~
Defoe~glad you didn't have damage or injuries!! Never a dull moment, huh?
it's dark and rainy here, don't have time to post, but got caught up.

Glad your son wasn't seriously hurt Lauri.

Pretty bench oz - I have just the place for it!! LOL

Sarv----I like the bench but do not like the summer home in back of it. It is a A frame and needs some work. I am going to help him put a new deck on it in the next couple of months.

Don't have but just a sec. Sarve you can have the bench ... I'll take the lighthouse! We can raid him at night. Kelly can help us. In fact ... she can lead this party. Anyone else want to join? Watch out Oz ... I'm a commin!! LOL

Defoe, so glad you didn't have any damage.

Maria~ give Samson a hug for me when he comes home.

Okay, gotta go dance with the vacuum! LOL
... Elaine

Oz, just change the name of the arbor to Gazebo and then it won't matter how big it is.

This day did not start out auspiciously...my dishwasher malfunctioned (for the third time) and MELTED my precious mandoline, and my Cuisinart Miniprep parts. These have been washed in a dishwasher forever, with no problem, dishwasher safe and now they are ...well, see for yourselves. I am disgusted, enraged, frustrated, spitting nickels mad. I replaced the malfunctioning Maytag with this one....and it's worse! Called Sears and repairman coming tomorrow, between 8 and 5, which messes up the entire day. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. Don't console me, I am enjoying my hissy fit.

Other than that, kitten shopping is in pending status, my applicattion won't be approved until the girls shots are all up to date, and by that time someone else may have snatched up the 6 month old, so it's just a waiting game at this point.

Yesterday Sammi dumped over a vase of flowers so I got up to a puddle in the kitchen, on the stools at the counter, on the counter, on the floor. Oh well, it needed a mop up anyway. I used to have a lynxpoint who loved to drink water out of vases, and dumped more than one. I think he was just skidding around and tipped this one over, but who knows.

We had sunshine for a while this morning, but it's clouded up now. I need to get my rear in gear, so I'm keeping this short, but ~~~~ to everybody. Hope all are well, and planning a good weekend.

Good morning. It's snowing again but the sun is shining through! We got enough snow overnight to cover the ground again. I'll probably go riding again and stay on the road, I don't like riding on the road but there are times when it is the best thing to do and there is a good long hill to climb. It will be slicker than slick out in the hills with just clay.

Oz, maybe what you want is a gazebo with some of the sides sort of inclosed with lattice or decorative panels and some sides open to enjoy the view. Most gazebos look pretty formal but I have seen some more rustic ones. I know you mentioned metal, but why not wood that has been treated with a perservative to prevent rot and discourage the bugs?

Dcat, I'm glad to hear that you came through the storms without damage, but your poor neighbor! I hope he has good insurance and takes pictures before he cleans up the mess.

Woodspirit, the tiki goes with your name! I think he is a great piece of artwork, and how nice of your spousal unit to make him for you ( I always have to laugh at your name for him). I don't see a planter there, but how about putting a vine in a pot on his head and he would have hair! something with small leaves and lots of little branches. I get a chuckle just thinking about that.

Molly, I bet the house is looking much better, and we are all waiting for the pictures. Ouch on the sore muscles!

Dmc, 144 tomato plants! You think big, or maybe, like me just get carried away with dropping those little seeds into the dirt. I'm not gonna plant many this year, or so I think. I have canned tomatoes from 03,04 and 05 so I just want a few fresh ones. Same with the green beans. My garden is always way bigger than is practical, but it is fun to have some to give to the neigbors. One of my neighbors has mostly flowers and so I grow some things she can come and pick. Mostly what I love is the corn!

Time to get moving, ~~~ to those I missed this time around, see you later.

Don't think Samson was too happy to see me, paid no attention to me, just acted his usual crazy self with everybody else. He is fighting the collar he has to wear for 2 weeks with everything he can think of, He must not exercise nor be out of doors by himself. He does not stop panting, he really is just too upset. What have I allowed to be done to that poor dog! :-(

This message was edited Mar 10, 2006 11:31 AM

Maria, you have done the right thing for Samson. Pets pout the same as humans, He will get all that done, and you will have your some Samson back.

Oz, I too,think a gazebo made of wood, some lattice work maybe on the sides, to start some vines on, and a solid back, so that you could have some privacy, all you need then is a cooler full of your favorite beverages and maybe something to snack on, and you got a home away from home. I think it would be gorgeous.

M5, what a shame, no I am not consoling you, you go on and have a great big hissy fit. And while you are at it you can sling some things around because you have an entire day tied up with waiting on the repairman.

Mary, so it's snow again. After the storm last night, it is overcast here, but on the way back from taking DM to Dr, saw some daffodils, and forsythia blooming. Maybe it won't be too long before you can see that too. Since it will be slick in the hills, your plan of riding on the road sounds a lot safer. Hope you enjoy it.

Molly, sounds like you all did 3 days work yesterday. Take it easier today, and just stretch those muscles, to keep them from tightening up. Can't wait to see the pictures of the house.

Wood, love DH's handiwork. Is it something like hypertufa? I second Mary's suggestion to set a pot on this head this summer, and let him have some hair.

~~ waving to all I didn't address, not ignoring you, but I am trying to get some more spring cleaning done.

101 don't pull anything, waltzing with the vac. If you can make a 2 year old dog, I bet I can make a litter of kittens with Miss B's hair!!.

Later everybody.

Poor Maria. Just remember Samson is a male and is just pouting and wants more of your attention. (smile) My son is going throught the same thing with Katy, his HUGE German Shephard having to wear the collar. She had a tumor removed from her foot.

Perhaps Samson won't have to wear the collar for two weeks if he doesn't seem inclined to bother his stitches. My Rocky only wore his for a day and then I used Bitter Apple and it worked out fine.

Keep us posted on how the boy is doing.
Pati

Pati, what is bitter Apple??

Maria, your vet will probably have it. Its a very bitter tasting spray that stops an animal from licking a wound. I have even used tabasco sauce with good results - except for one dog that developed a taste for it and became addicted to it, but he was the exception to the rule in many ways.

Hi all - just got back!! Went to the huff/puff, then out for coffee with 5 gals - we laughed like idiots and got caught up on everyones lives, stopped at Mc D for a little burger, than on to MIL for my Friday visit. BIL and SIL were both there, so we had a fun visit..

Oz - I think the wood lattice merits some thinking about - sounds good to me. Be sure and make it big enough so that we all can fit inside it!! I'd vote on the cooler too!! What a good neighbor you are to offer to help your neighbor. Our neighbor has this huge, rusty old building next to us. We can see it in the winter, but thank goodness it is obscured in the summer by trees. If he wasn't such a good guy, I would be ticked, but they are wonderful neighbors, so I keep my mouth shut. I'm not out that much in the winter, so I try to ignore the ugliness of it.

M5- give that repairman the what for. Demand they replace your ruined stuff. I get ticked by shoddy stuff and am getting much better and telling them what "I" want....

Maria - aww poor Samson. That collar would drive me crazy too. Maybe he won't have to keep it on for that long. Is it huge? I bet he will soon be back to giving you kisses.

Mary, please keep your stinkin snow....we don't want it. We had 2 in of rain here and everything is major soggy. The sun was supposed to come out this afternoon, but it is 3pm and so far I haven't seen a peep of it. It has been cloudy and damp and I've felt chilled all day long. Right now I have a heating pad on my back for warmth.

Dcat- glad the storms didn't dump any trees on you!! Poor guy tho, my heart goes out to him.

Well, I thought we didn't have anything fun to look forward to this weekend, but DIL just called and asked if we would keep DGS overnight on Sat. - of course we will- yahoo, now we'll have fun!! (he loves to play cards and games and so do I)

My girl has had to wear the collar on *several* ocasions as she is a *very* nauty girl! She has had several lymphomas removed and we've tried everything. She's insisted on tearing out her stitches, so the collar goes right back on. I have pics and will share them when I can find them. It is very dangerous for me to post pics without getting the DH to find them first. LOL LOL Kota rather enjoyed the collar after she learned how to milk it, though. She decided she couldn't eat with it on ... so she had me hand feeding her. And of course ... that meant she couldn't drink, so I was giving her water from a cup. Then she said she couldn't see her feet and was scared to go down the steps, so she had her "Mama" leading *her* around! LOL She really milked that puppy! Betta watch it Maria. These doggs are *real* smart!

... Elaine

My cure for the winter blahs - 1st of three pics

2nd of three

3rd of three

LOL on the Tabasco lickin' puppy!!

Elaine, Oh these sly dogs.....my son's dog went through the same helpless routine. Another reason he went to the Bitter Apple was that the new Yorkie puppy would run up to Katy and bark in her face. I'm sure that high pitched little voice would just go into that cone and amplify 100%. LOL

Maria, you are lucky Samson was past the chewing stage when he came to you. The Bitter Apple saved the legs of my dining room chairs. TGIF is right, they have it at vet's offices, and they also sell it at PetsMart or other animal supply stores.

How's the boy doing now?
Pati

Hi! I am back!! I have been madly cleaning, got another room done this afternoon. This is a bedroom that DGD uses as her toy room. I have a shelving unit in there now with things I have overwintered. When I can get the shelfs out to the garage, it is going to become an office! But anyway, it is a clean room now!!

tgif, what pretty flowers. Tell us what they are.

Pattischell, I had never heard of Bitter Apple, but when Mr. B was a puppy, he decided to chew on the door facings. I mixed up a concoction of tabasco sauce and cayenne pepper, and smeared it on the one he had started on, and one more attempt to try to chew there broke him of chewing anything.

Maria, don't worry, maybe in a day or two, you can try to take the collar off, and he won't try to bother it.

Sarv, your day sounds like it was a fun one. I was just thinking today, I need some time for something fun. My neighbors birthday is the 26th, so we have decided that we are going to do lunch sometime that week, to celebrate.

101, that is too funny. Your guide dog, being guided down the stairs!! So did you officially become a "guide person?" Got the cleaning all done? In the room where I was working today, under the bed, Miss Boots favorite spot, you wouldn't believe the hair I found there. I said I could make a litter of kittens, well, now that I saw what was there, it could possible be 2 litters!!

Some of the neighbors and some of the ladies at one church we attend have started talking about forming a Garden Club. Maybe a monthly meeting. Of course the term Garden Club would be a loose term!! There is one lady who has over 1500 varieties of day lilys. This summer, when they are all in bloom, I will try to get a pic and post here. They are absolutely gorgeous.

Well, I need to head to the kitchen and start something for supper. DH is going to overdose on all the ballgames this weekend. He is only out of his chair to get something to eat, and visit the bathroom. Hope I don't injure myself and need some attention. I would have to call 911, cause unless there are loud screams, and puddles of blood, he wouldn't notice.

I'll be back later.

Oh Pati ! *grin* I kept picturing that RCA Victor dog! LOL LOL

Defoe ... you *never* get through cleaning, do you? I just q u i t ! Besides ... it looks good enough to me! hehehe

Okay, now I'm off to the kitchen. Bro is gonna call me when he gets an hour away so I can slip the potatoes in the oven. what did we *ever* do without cell phones! ;)
... elaine

I thank you ladies I will keep all the sugestions in mind. But the guy that owns the A frame next door is turning it over to his father to live in. He and I are pretty good freinds. So he will be moving in in May. N THE MEANTIME he does not like all the junky deck either. So today he decided to get rid of it am going to have to help him tear the old one off and rebuild it new. Of course he will be expanding it to twice its present size. Going to be two old tired men out there this summer for awhile, but it is real good for me to do heavy work. So I do not know now if I will feel like doing it after this is done.

Maria,

My " Baby" was fixed after her first heat, so it must have been when she was just short of 1 year old. I took advantage of the Pet League Aid for her operation. I took her in the morning and brought her home at the end of the day. Her stitches had to stay in for 10 days before removal. At the end of 10 days, I decided I would take them out. It's quite simple really. You cut them at the skin surface in both places where they come out. In Baby's case, they were wire (usually they use cat gut thread). I was appalled. I had to use side cutters to remove them. I think I paid $20 and Pet League Aid paid the rest for her operation. The wire stitches were definately cut rate.

Jeremy and I put the 1st coat of paint on the skirting today. We'll do final coat tomorrow probably. We are trying to get things cleaned up around here for our absense in Ft Lauderdale. The one job is turning into 2 so we will be making a return trip down there. We have a roundup in Lakeland on the 25th. Not gonna miss that.

Anyway, here's how things look today.

Do you remember what it looked like before?

Molly! It looks great! you're right about that color, it just makes it look like it belongs there!

OK, there's some blackberry cobbler on the butcher block, warm enough for some french vanilla ice cream. Have to fess up though, it is a Marie Callander's frozen thing you just pop in the oven and bake. Ice this morning, sunny all day, some sleet this afternoon, then nice fluffy hail, then rain.In spite of the changes I got two fence-posts in, built a 2ft by 8ft by 2ft high rock wall, made up a test gable for the arbor, laid one of the 2'X3'X2 1/2 inch thick concrete slabs, and hauled three wheelbarrow loads of broken concrete to the curb. A few other little things not worth mentioning. Wish I'd had some bitter apple before Immy decided to remodel the furniture, but then I'd probably have to have had the whole house dipped in it, she's not very particular about what she deems 'good chewing'. Arlington Garden Club meets tomorrow, talk is something about 'how to turn your thumb green'.

Meezer, is that a new washer ? I quit buying from Sears last year because their service was lousy. If it is a defect they should be responsible for replacing the damaged pieces, hope it works out for you.

Maria, Samson will get over it soon enough and be a better boy for it all.

Oz,a guy just has to have something to build or he gets stagnant .

Wow, Robert, I'll have some even if it is just before dinner. At my age I can eat dessert first don'tcha think?

Oh, I will have a big portion. That is my very favorite!!! Thanks for sharing.

Susan
=^..^=

I am amazed at the Marie Callenders quality. That crust is flakey as can be. The filling isn't all mushy, flavor is great. Enjoy.
Mary remember, life's short, eat dessert first.

Molly, Samson's stitches have to be protected for ten days too by then stitches will have been disolved. He is terribly unhappy, whines all the time driving me crazy, think I am going to find some ear plugs some where, lol. What a great job you are doing down there, Molly, the house pinted now has a personality.

Patti, as you can read, he is not very pleasant to be with right now and yes, Sarv it is a huge collar, it is really in his way, can't even scratch his ear, lol

Robert, I don't care if Marie made that cobbler it looks just yummi

Tgfi, I like your kind of cure, wish I had one!

M5, my washer is a Maytag, four years old,have not had any problems so far. Sorry you have had such bad luck.

Defoe, I hope a Garden club venture will succeed, I have been a member of our garden club since I was 18 years old, always enjoyed it, even won a few blue ribbons a few times and had open house with 500 people marching through.

Love that sculpture, wood spirit!

Funny, Robert! But I will have a piece too and will eat before my dinner. I love deserts!
Molly, great paint job! You look like "Home" now!
Dcat, that gardening club sounds like fun. Go for it.
Sarv, weighed myself. Only down a few oz. Just water weight, LOL I haven't been eating much due to worrying about my dad but haven't been able to get outside to do any yard work since it has been freezing, snowing, raining, etc. So.... keep going, I guess.
tgif, what is the last pic of the purple/white flower? That is so pretty.
Maria, my cats had to suffer with a collar too. Which is strange for cats to have one but they kept eating away their stitches. The wound will heal with time tho. So hang in there.

I want to tell you guys tho that these people here on DG are the best.
I have gotten personal D-mail from I01 and Babs. These gals are just great and can make you feel so so good. Just wonderful people in this world!

My day was ok. Found out more about my dad and it isn't good. So won't bug you guys about it. But my son and I are heading up there the last week of March. That will give me something to look forward to.
Later all, Carol (DR)

Hi all
Just got a quick sec. The DH and bro are in there doing "guy" stuff so I've come in here to do my thing. LOL

Carol ... you are *not* bugging us at all! We all care about each other here. That's what makes DG so wonderful! :)

Supper was a big hit. Did the TGIF Sizzling Shrimp dish, and bro just loved it. I will have a piece of that cobbler, though if it's not all gone.

Well, tomorrow is Azalia Fest, so we'll be out and about. I'll check in when I get a chance.
Hugs all way round.
... Elaine

Hi Everyone,

Once again, only a late evening check in. but I'm off-line and will try to go back over today's messages. Sorry, but I'm not going to get back over yesterday's.

woodspirit1 - love the sculpture. Also wonder how it was done, but maybe you've answered that later on.

sarv and DR - check-in day. Last week I was goal plus 18.2 lbs. this week, I'm goal plus 17.6 lbs - down .6 lb. For real???? Hard to say with that little. But I found my Weight Watchers points calculator. Now I have to get serious about writing down everything that goes between these two lips. I weighed myself BEFORE going to the aquafit monthly brunch. LOL

Molly - glad to hear of the good progress on the painting.

defoe - I have a good friend - a professor emeritus of viola in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Are you far from there? The storm sounds fierce. Glad you didn't have major damage.

Elaine - that sounds good raiding Oz instead of Sandy. Or maybe Kelly will just use it for practice. Actually, Oz, a gazebo sounds good.

M5 - bummer about the dishwasher. How old is it? If it's still on warranty, I'd tell Sears that they need to replace those melted items for you. Give it to them! You've got a right to have a hissy fit.

Mary and others who plant too many tomatoes and other veggies - your local food bank would be delighted to have surplus (except maybe not too many baseball bat sized zucchini). LOL Why not plant a row or two just for them?

Maria - good luck with Samson and his collar. When he has time to settle down, I'm sure he'll show he's glad to be home.

tgif - a dog that developed a taste for Tabasco sauce? Wow!
Love the beat the blahs pics.

Robert - thanks for the blackberry cobbler. Might pass on the ice cream if I want to reach goal weight by May.

Maria, Like you, I have a Maytag. My NEW one is probably about 3 years old. Maybe older - I lose track. The old one (also Maytag) was the only appliance to survive a complete new kitchen addition to the house in 1991. Over the years I had to put two new pumps in the old one but one was premature caused by an exploding tempered glass and warranty covered most of it. But eventually, I decided no to patch it up anymore.

Carol, still thinking about your Dad and hope that everything possible will be done to keep him comfortable. And still praying for that miracle too. Don't feel that you are "bugging" us when you talk about your Dad. Talking and remembering and complaining and worrying to us can all be very helpful to you.

Did NOT go to aquafit today. Don't much like the Friday instructors and I went the last three days. Next week is March break and no aquafit at MY pool, but there is another pool down the road that I think I'll try. My pool is L-shaped and with a bulk-head is a wave pool. There's big bucks to be made having wave swims during March break; so the regular programming gets suspended.

I DID go to the Aquafit brunch, but was pretty good with a veggie omelet, whole wheat toast and no fried potatoes.

Spent quite a bit of time with my computer notation program and finished the Bartok Divertimento. Printed it out at 17 pages for all three movements, for which the other violists were much appreciative at rehearsal this evening. My new version of the notation program arrived a few days ago and I got it installed last evening, but it didn't read all the older files properly and I don't yet know how to manipulate the notes in the new version. Too bad, because I was hoping to print both sides of the paper which I can do on my new printer but not the old.

Took DH on an outing to a local shopping centre. We walked from one end to the other and back and he seemed to do well. He's getting bored silly. Won't play games or watch much TV. He's not allowed to drive until around the end of the month which means he can't spend all his waking time in his office. (He's retired, but working 50% contracts which means he's only in his office 8 days a week instead of 10). Typical of the researchers at the National Research Council.

Tomorrow, have to spend some quality time with the vacuum cleaner. He's grousing about having visitors. LOL

Have a good night everyone,

Ann

Me again, I'm full of dinner and the sink is full of dishes.

Molly, that is a great color and it definitely looks more like it belongs there. How are the aching muscles?

Carol, you are part of the family here, and when you hurt so do we, so don't think you are bothering us. Please. You have a heavy burden to bear, let us share it. We know you would do the same for us.

Maria, oh poor Samson. You're gonna have to scratch his ears for him. Did you locate some of that bitter apple? I looked it up on Google and found several places that carry it. I know this is hard for you, but soon you will have your wonderful dog acting normal again. And when that female dog in heat is causing an uproar in your neighborhood, Samson won't care, so you will both be safer.

Elaine, your reversal of roles with your guide dog is funny. What won't we do for our animals?

Tgif, those are beautiful flowers. They look like orchids, am I right?

Time to clean up the dinner mess and then it will be time to go to bed. See you tomorrow.