Coffee and May 29, Monday

Good Morning,

Have some coffee, double choco brownies there on the counter and tell us what's on your mind.

We meet here every day, don't be shy, sit down for a bit! We came from over here:
http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/607929/

Yum, brownies for breakfast, just my style! I'm just popping in here for a minute so I can get outside and do some work before it gets too hot. We're going to DS &DILs for a grill out this afternoon, and if it's hot like yesterday, I sure won't be sitting outside for long.

It does seem to be raining kittens, that little Gizmo is adorable, what a little fluff ball! I'm going to tell the woman who has our new one that I'll be interested in a male from the next litter, her adults are knock out gorgeous! Then I would be meezersfive again.

See y'all later, duty calls....
Sheila

Good morning and happy holiday to all of you in the US. We had our holiday last week; so here it's just a normal Monday. I allowed myself to sleep in a bit, but now have to scramble if I'm going to Aquafit. Haven't quite decided. Might just garden a bit and then join people for coffee. Got to get back onto a norrmal routine now that DD is gone and the cottage visit is over. Sure could tell at orchestra last night that I hadn't touched the viola in a week.

Have a good day.
Ann

This message was edited May 29, 2006 10:57 AM

Good Morning all, wishing you a pleasanrt holiday with the kind of weawther you wished for. It is very nice here, some mackerel clouds and a perfect cool breeze the last two days have been very hot for this time of year.

My DD and husband invited me to a cook out last evening, grilled fish with vegetables and a potato salad, was very good. Their garden is spectecular, mostly filled with perenials. All some what ahead of mine, it is always much warmer in the city.

Samson gets a lot of exercise chasingt the water from the hose I run just for him, he just loves it getting soaking wet. .Right now he is inside, the grass is being cut, was surprised to see the young feller working on a holiday.

Sheila, your new member of the familyias absolutely beautiful,a sweeter face I is hardly to imagine, wish you good luck with her.

Casey, most of my neighbors who have pools wish they did not have one anymore, just as you said, children grow up, move away and their is that watery hole in the ground no one uses anymore, especially here in th NE where summers are short, we never had one, my husband would not concider it, though the children did wish for one but then , they wished for a lot of things they did not get, lol

Defoe, waiting to hear from you !!! There will be a NE RU in Springfield on the 24th, I hope to get there if the day is nice my SIL will drive or I would not go, to long a drive for me, McCool kindly offered to meet me at her place but I just do not feel I want to drive alone knowing I probably will end up some where where I should not be.

Ann, how long will those horrid black flies last? Prettty soon the mosquitoes will have a ball around here,. do they ever enjoy getting at me

Just have to plant a few more annuals, like snapdragons and herbs, am off to do that pretty soon, in the mean time I baked another lemon bread, please help yourself

Good morning everybody, I did sleep in a bit, well a lot for me. I have finished the coffee and paper, and am now heading out to do some weeding before it gets too hot.

M5, the new kitty is gorgeous. So your goal is to be M5 again? Looks like you are on your way.

McCool, your kitty has a really cute face. Okay I have already forgot, is it Gizmo or Gremlin? See I just met the little tyke and it will take some time to learn names. Hope it isn't as naughty as the movie charachers.

Maria, glad that you have a good visit with DD, and good food too. Since it is a holiday, I will try to call you tomorrow. Don't hang by the phone, because sometimes my plans go awry, and life takes over.

Well, gotta get out and about, see what has changed, didn't get a garden walk yesterday, so have to double up today.

I will check in later.

Good Morning.... Things are looking up! We had also applied to DiTech and had been approved for a loan. They called this morning: they have no prepayment penalty, offered $15,000 more money and only charge .625% more interest than the other loan. I'm thinking my sister wants to wait and see what her credit union says. She applied there Saturday via the internet, and of course today is a holiday.

My holiday will be spent painting if I can gather the energy. My sister spent almost 12 hours cleaning and packing up the kid's bedroom and bath yesterday. Still have the windows to do, and some new carpeting or tile around the toilet. That means lifting and reseating the toilet and the closet bolts are loose in the floor and cannot be tightened. We bought the bolts and a wax ring Saturday.

By the way, the kid called yesterday and wants to stay in Texas. If she wants her SSI to continue, she will have to come back here soon for more doctor visits. She has decided to ask the BF about it, as it's iffy that she can be successful in appealing the denial of funding now that she's an adult anyway. Has to let her mother know by tonight.... tomorrow is the last day to mail the appeal.

Hope everyone has a wonderful day!

My it's quiet. But then you're probably all out holidaying. I remember my home town in New York state always has a memorial Day parade.

Maria - nice to hear from you. I'm with you about pools. Neighbours across the street have a big one - takes up most of their back yard and they never invite any of the neighbours in. Yesterday, they obviously cleaned it out. When I came home, the pool liner was all the way down their driveway and more than half way into the street - held in place with heavy ceramic flower pots filled with stones. And they weren't even home. I thought I was just being a cranky old lady as I thought about it, but I noticed later in the afternoon, someone pulled it back onto their driveway. (But they left the flower pots in the middle of the street.) Don't know who did it, but went over and moved the flower pots before someone drove into them. They didn't come back until late afternoon. A bit thoughtless, I think. I'd rather have a garden in my back yard and I go to a pool that someone else has to look after.

Those black flies aren't a problem in the city although we DO have vicious mosquitoes. I'm less than a km from the Ottawa River which is a BIG river. Some other parts of the city aren't as badly afflicted. And now that we have West Nile Virus, they put larvicide into the catch basins, though I don't think they've done it this year. But out in the country and in the rural areas, the black flies are generally a problem through most of June and then abate.

Good news on the loan front, Darius. I'd play one against the other until you get the terms that YOU want.

Well, on with life. Have to finish up the newsletter I was working on last week. The final article didn't come through; so I shelved it. and the Red Hat group goes out to lunch on the last Monday of each month.

TTYL.

Ann

My home in Atlanta had a huge in-ground pool. I suppose I went in it maybe twice a summer. However, I did host a monthly Sunday afternoon pool & party affair where we rotated the providing of the meals. Had some great times, but that was when I could afford the upkeep for such little use.

VAnn, we took our holiday yesterday. Jeremy is watching a miniseries marathon on TNT and I am out piddling in the garden. Doing a bit of this and that. The ground is still too wet from the rain last night to string electric cords for saws, drills and such.

I had to transplant my entire hosta, fern and viola bed. We put it in last winter when it was in the shade. Now summer is here and the sun hasn't even reached the solstice yet and the hostas are cooking. I figured they would fare better after that good rain. So that's done, now I am working on clearing some of the field for Jeremy's enchanted gardens.

I've been collecting seeds on some plants and last night I sorted them and put them in little envelopes. Doing some deadheading perennials. annuals and cleaning up of the daylily beds. So much work to do and I haven't even had to deal with pulling weeds yet.

I have the last of a few items in the veggie garden. They are not growing real big or very fast. Once things are harvested I am going to pile the entire area with wood debris and let it composte out for the rest of the summer. I can't afford to haul in truckloads of garden soil, so I have to concentrate on making my own to amend this sand with.

Well, I have had my ice water, wiped my brow, ran my mouth and now it's time to get back outside to piddle some more.

Later,
Molly

The pool is great for the kids and for parties in the summer but I only go in a couple times a year, same with DH. My youngest son uses it the most and so far this year he has only been in once.

Darius, make sure your sister double checks the fine print with DiTech also. We checked them out when we were getting the loan on the SC house and they had a few hidden fees in there that were just rediculous. Ended up laughing at the officer before hanging up the phone.

Well DD is whining that she wants french toast and since I promised her I guess I better get going. I will make extra's and put them on the table with syrup and whipped butter. I have some fresh rasberries in the frig if you care for those on top. Help yourself.

Here is a picture of our water money pit. It takes up most of the back yard.

Casey, I had a DiTech HELOC on my last home. Fees were stated upfront and we had no problems. Sold the house about 3 years later, no hidden fees in the payoff either. Their stated fees now, besides interest, are $774 which includes their loan fee and all the recording fees, etc. That gets added to the loan rather than upfront money from us.

The fact that we should be able to sell this house in 60-90 days and pay it off helps!

Nonetheless, she has learned to read the fine print and ask questions. Thanks!

oh oh. fresh rasberries yummy.. i had to fix mine the usual pancakes.. for 5 kids. The mosquitos are horrible had to run all kids back in after gave them a cooling spray down along with plants .. Have great day all..

May all soldiers who fell in Iraq be blessed and praised for giving the ultimate sacrifice. May our Lord be holding all in his arms, and bring peace and comfort to their families.


If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough

Well had a quick run to town, as I had forgotten some items for the cook out later tonight. Then went to DMIL, and picked 2 gallon strawberries. DGD just called and I have to go pick her up 30 miles from here. So a quick shower and then on the road to get her. Life has inteferred again. Not gonna get a thing done in my garden, I suppose. DH picked a gallon of peas, and they are sitting here waiting for my skilled hands to unleash them from their green prison.

BBL

Hello everyone - camper Sue back from the fire pit and I smell pretty ripe~~ It was a scorcher- 90deg - way too hot for this early in the year and the humidity was so heavy you could almost slice it with a knife.

We went fishing a zillion times and had decent luck. Oz, you would laugh at this one. We hit a crappie hole and were pulling them in as soon as our hook hit the water- and they were huge ones too!! DH caught a blue gill that was the biggest he had ever seen. Anyhow, we had a fish basket filled to the brim, took off for the campsite laughing at how surprised everyone would be and half way across the lake DGS says- hey- we forgot to put the fish basket in the boat (we dragged it going lickity split) Well fish basket was history (we did find it - had a floater top), but all the fish but three were free!! We were just sick -our old boat had a 'well' to put the fish in and we just aren't used to this boat yet!! And would you believe we did it again before the week was over!!

I'm glad to be home, but have a ton of laundry to do and on the way home a cupboard door apparently wasn't latched and all my plates fell onto the floor and broke- I told DH I didn't even want to see the mess. He cleaned it up - which makes me think he forgot to latch it!! LOL

Gardens look mighty crispy and dry, so I need to get watering.

Glad to hear we have a new kitty and a new loan... life is good.

Casey, that looks like a great spot, I think I would be in that pool every day if I lived an d that heat of Nevada but forget it if it gets too warm Here I prefer the Atlantic, always nice and cool am only about 35 mimnutes from here

Hi Sarv, nice you are back

Hi all
Have been busy this morning out in the garden. Several things needed repotting. My hostas had to be divided and I used the fish amulsion stuff on my plants that Darius told me about. Sure hope I can save my tarragon.

Hi Maria and sarv ... so good to see the both of you back. I missed you!!! ~~~

Karot, yes I'm sure the pool is a headache but gosh, I'd sure love to have it if *only* for today!!

Darius, good to hear you have other options for that loan. Am here pulling for you.

Defoe, have fun with that DGD! Have you heard anything from the pool people yet? Wish I were close enough to take care of Mr. B when you go on your trip.

Twyla, how's the kitten and Mama today?

We're having a cook out this evening, so I can't stay. Am fixing barbecue chick, corn on the cob, broc salad (will save you some sarv) and baked beans. Gotta go!

~~~ at all!

Elaine

Hi everyone,

Just in for a beer break --- it's hot out there! I'm trying to make up for lost time yesterday, but have discovered that I didn't buy near enough topsoil for my new raised bed and will probably have to make another trip out if anything's open.

Sorry I didn't get a chance to respond to much yesterday. M5, your newest kitty is beautiful! I'm so glad you found her.

Maria, glad you dropped back in, was getting a little concerned.

D'cat, I see you haven't slowed down one little bit yet. Our new kitten has not actually been named yet. I'd like to name her "Gremlin", but DH keeps coming up with dumb things like "Junior Pimple", Yeeccchhh! He mentioned something more acceptable last night, but, true to form, I can't remember what the heck it was.

We weren't really prepared to adopt the kitten --- I was thinking of stopping by the pound on Tuesday if they were open before I had to open my store. Figured we could check the kittens out, make a final decision, and arrange to pick one up if we decided to do it. My friend, however, called to ask if DH had had a chance to see the pictures, etc. I asked about the pound hours and she said "Oh, I can get in there anytime. I'll go pick her up and bring her to your house right now." Voila --- adopted kitty! We then had to go rushing out to the store for the second time that day to pick up kitten food, a small kitty litter box, small food and water dish, etc.

Hi sarv, glad you survived the camping trip. Sorry about the broken dishes and lost fish.

Darius, I'm so relieved that the news is better today. Looks like you should get your financing one way or the other. It may be equally good news that "the kid" wants to stay in Texas. I still think that it will be way easier for you and your sister to live harmoniously if her daughter isn't right there with you both.

Casey, glad that you've been able to get back here regularly again. I missed your posts. Have to say that my usual reaction to swimming pools has always been "What a waste of space! I wonder how many veggies I could grow in that area?"

V-ann, yes we certainly do have Trader Joe's in Massachusetts. DH is working at one of them now. The closest one to us is in Shrewsbury, MA and there's one in Framingham as well. I think that there are more in this state, but don't know just where. Glad your bell program went off well.

I01, news flash for you concerning Trader Joe's ---if you ever remember what it is that you wanted from there, they are supposed to open 5 stores in Georgia by the end of this year. Afraid I don't know just where they will be located.

Hi, hope. Good luck with those kids, the surviving kitten, and the rotten weather!

Okay, break's over and it's time to grab the shovel again.

drip drip drip - that's sweat off my brow...it's 95 deg here and humid. Not the time to unload a hot trailer!!

I lugged all the laundry in and am trying to make dent in that (I love laundry, so that's not a problem) and have the sprinklers set in part of the flower gardens. Had a bit of left over chinese salad, but would love a bowl of brocc. salad too (thanks Elaine!!)

DH is snoozing in his chair - can't imagine him being tired as I was the one up all night listening to his snoring... If he makes one comment, I'm using the 4x8 on him (needed to up the size...)

I'm telling him I deserve an ice cream cone tonight too. .. so there...
Off to do more unpacking

Yea sarv! You go girl!! :)

Good to see you back Sarv, sounds too hot for comfortable camping. Hope this is not a precursor for the summer, I don't do heat well.

Made that chicken/grape/apple/macaroni salad to take along to DS's, not looking forward to sitting outside in the heat.

Never have been the least bit tempted to have a pool...too much work. My kids had to settle for running through the sprinkler or a community pool. When Alex, DGS, was little we had a slip and slide, and DS used to slide on it with him, down a slope in the back yard. He still remembers that.

Hope that little kitten survives, and all the others are doing well. I can't wait to get the new one, she's such a little beauty. Did I tell you I want to get a male from her next litter? I think I did, but the sun baked my brain so bad this morning I had to take a nap to recover. DH had to sew a button on his good shorts himself, because my fingers are all cramped up from crushing clods of clay. And I've got a big black and blue mark on my thigh from where I fell over pullling out a big root!

We're on the road momentarily, probably won't be back until late, unless we melt. Might go pick up the crate from DD, so I'll not have to make a separate trip later.

Wishing everyone a lovely holiday, and rain if you need it. Happy belated birthday to Jeremy, (nice tan, you cutie pie!).

Sheila

Edited for incompetent typing...
Edited again because I forgot to put the chicken salad on the counter!! A mind is a terrible thing to lose.
This message was edited May 29, 2006 12:52 PM

This message was edited May 29, 2006 12:55 PM

Okay, back from picking up DGD. Had to wash, cap and freeze the strawberries, DGD helped to shell the peas, they are in the fridge, that will be on tomorrows to do list. Have started the grill, prepared potato salad, baked beans, and of course strawberry shortcake. The entree tonight is hamburgers and hot dogs.

Sarv, the 2x4 is just for minor adjustments, I also have in my personal arsenal the dreaded 2x6, and the 4x8. Since DH offered to clean up the broken dishes, there probably was some guilt there. Sorry about the fish lost, so how many hail Mary's will you have to say for that?

M5, yes you said you wanted a male. I hope you get your M5 title back soon. I was pulling on a big weed/sapling, something last week, and landed on my backside. I needed a break, so I just sat there and rested a minute. It was in a nice shady spot.

McCool, don't you just hate it when you have to rush to accommodate a new family member. It would have been so much nicer to have everything ready, then to bring the new fur kid home. Of course, if this is DH's kitty, he does have the priviledge of naming. Try to urge him to stay with somthing cute, rather than a name that is going to be discarded, and a nickname substituted. I may get a chance afterwhile to give you a call.

101, are you having company, or just you and DH dining from the grill? My DS, GF, DM, DGD, DH and I, plus DGD's best friend. So we will have about 9.

I have campaigned for a pool for a couple of years, DH is still saying it is too much work. I don't know how he knows as he has never had one. To me, it will be worth having it, for DGD who is here all summer, for me,to cool off in after garden work. Maybe several times a day, and to keep me from having to take DGD here and there. I told her that she could have friends over. I have to check with the pool people tomorrow, but it looks like it will not be installed for about a week and half.

Well, out to put the burgers on the frill, so I will be back later

Ahh, out of the shower, dehaired the legs, cream rinsed the hair and I feel almost human... The wilted wave petunia basket recovered - whew-thought it was a gonner.

DH DIDN"T clean up the broken dishes.....can you believe it...He swept them into a pile....I'm not saying a word....until the right time. He just came in the house and was just about to lower his hinney into his lazy boy and I yelped - 'don't you dare sit in that chair all stinky and sweaty. He informed me that it was his chair and he'd sit in it sweaty if he wanted- he grabbed a beer and is outside in a lawn chair. He's been testy all day= he doesn't do heat well...

I'm nursing a big blister on my big toe= man does it hurt. I've been limping around like a gimp all day. I took a long walk with my DIL in sandals last night - couldn't find my tennies. Now I'm paying for my exercise.

Oh our trailer has air, so we slept in comfort last night- only bothered by the honking next to me. I spent the day in a lawn chair in the water - I'm sporting a delightful tank top tan...

Well, DH is grilling some chicken - I'm hungry, but nothing sounds good - it's plain too hot to eat.

defoe- get a pool- DGD will surely enjoy it...itis work (cleaning etc) but well worth it if the kids can learn to swim and cool off in hot summers.

Well, time to listen to the news~~

Supper was good, cleaned the kitchen, and then took a little nap. Don't usually do that, but was tired, so closed the eyes for a bit. DGD is at best friends house, have to go get her in a minute. DH has raked and baled hay today, and is now mowing the lawn. So we both have had a long day.

I will be back later to see what everybody else has done.

Sarv, DH said don't think that I am going to do anything to that pool, I said, so who asked you? I am sure that he will use it too. I envision working outside, getting hot, jumping in and cooling off, and then back to gardening. Course there will be other uses too.

Well, here I am at last. We've had a nice day. Had some friends over and did chicken on the grill. The DH outdid himself this time for sure. :) Had a nice cold water mellon, also. It was good but wasn't a local one. :-(

Sounds like everyone had a nice day with family. Now tomorrow will be a day for catching up! LOL Here's hoping all have a great night's sleep and you wake up ready to face the big bad world!!

~Elaine~

Well, ready to turn in, but a last check up on the "gang". DH is spending the night at his mom's and DGD, Mr. B. and I will share sleeping quarters tonight.

Didn't get a thing accomplished that I had planned today, except pick the strawberries. DGD and I are thinking about heading to Louisville tomorrow, to make a few clothes purchases, and to look at some additions for the deck. Since I have to be in a certain mood to shop for clothes, may go, may not depending on the mood in the morning. Do have some trades to pack and ship, so that will be first on the agenda.

Wonder how Mary is doing on her ride? Surely she will post tomorrow.

Well, am off to bed, hope everyone has a nice peaceful night.

Well folks, I've just done the final print out on the newsletter that's been hanging over my back for almost 2 months. I've been late before, but never this late. Will take many copies to the Viola Congress with me next week rather than mailing them. It's always easier if people provide me with lots of material and this time they all finked out. It's small - only 24 pages plus covers (including a bit more than 4 pages of ads) - they usually run 28 or 32 pages. I'll paste the remaining ads (those that aren't in a compatible format) in tomorrow morning and get it off to the printer. Yippee!

Now, I guess I should be off to bed. Have a good night everyone.

Ann

Wow, the day caught me and ran me over. How did that happen???? To tired to really comment on anything, but will try on a couple but know I did read everything.

McCool, Thanks.

Defoe, get the pool. Especially if it is above ground. At least that way when you are tired of it or the you and the Grandkids dont use it anymore you have the option of taking it down. An in ground pool cost such a large amount to put in, maintain and then when you are done it can cost even more to fill in. I have checked into that already.

All these new kitties really has me wanting another. Cant do it until we move though. I just have to imagine the ride in the vehicle across country with the current animals to help me with the realization another cat would not be a good idea.

Time to turn in. I am going to need my rest for the next couple of weeks. All the kids are basically bouncing off the walls waiting for summer to begin. Where is the prozac when needed.....

Night all.

Casey

Please meet us over here for Tuesday: http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/608645/