Coffee and have a wonderful 4th of July!!

Hi again folks,

Well the twins are settled into bed for the evening and Grandma is pooped. Tomorrow they have Water Day at the camp which means going in the sprinkler in the afternoon. they advised that bathing suits should be worn under clothing, but since Amy has a one-piece bathing suit with her, we bought a two piece while we were out to buy broccoli (her choice) for dinner. Now to take the tags off it so she can wear it tomorrow and set out old towels for them to take. We spent awhile after dinner playing with Play-Doh. Never bought it for my own kids (made it instead), but back then they didn't package it up with lots of modelling tools. Don't expect to buy it again for these either. Will try keeping the containers and tools and reverting to making my own.

Hope you all have nice fireworks displays this evening.

Ann

Hi all
Have had a wonderful day with friends over for hot dogs and water mellon and a trip to Lowes as she loves plants as much as I do. In fact ... she brought me a beautiful plumeria. :-)

Here's something I received as an Email today which I thought was interesting. I'm not sure of it's authenticity ... but thought I'd pass it along as it does nake a beautiful story.

If any of you have ever been to a military funeral in which taps
were played; this brings out a new meaning of it.

Here is something Every American should know.
Until I read this, I didn't know, but I checked it out and it's true:
We in the United States have all heard the haunting song, "Taps".
It's the song that gives us that lump in our throats and usually tears in our eyes.
But, do you know the story behind the song? If not, I think you
will be interested to find out about its humble beginnings.
Reportedly, it all began in 1862 during the Civil War, when Union
Army Captain Robert Ellicombe was with his men near Harrison 's
Landing in Virginia . The Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow strip of land. During the night, Captain Ellicombe heard the moans of a soldier wholay severely wounded on the field. Not knowing if it was a Union or Confederate soldier, the Captain decided to risk his life and bring the stricken man back for medical attention. Crawling on his stomach through the
gunfire,the Captain reached the stricken soldier and began pulling him toward his encampment.
When the Captain finally reached his own lines, he discovered it was actually a Confederate soldier, but the soldier was dead.
The Captain lit a lantern and suddenly caught his breath and went
numb with shock. In the dim light, he saw the face of the
soldier. It was his own son.
The boy had been studying music in the South when the war broke out.
Without telling his father, the boy enlisted in the Confederate Army.
The following morning, heartbroken, the father asked permission of
his superiors to give his son a full military burial, despite his
enemy status. His request was only partially granted.
The Captain had asked if he could have a group of Army band members play a funeral dirge for his son at the funeral.
The request was turned down since the soldier was a Confederate.
But, out of respect for the father, they did say they could give him only one musician. The Captain chose a bugler. He asked the bugler to play a series of musical notes he had found on a piece of paper in the
pocket of the dead youth's uniform.
This wish was granted. The haunting melody, we now know as "Taps" ... used at military
funerals was born. The words are :

Day is done..
Gone the sun.
From the lakes.
From the hills.
From the sky.
All is well.
Safely rest.
God is nigh.

Fading light.
Dims the sight.
And a star.
Gems the sky.
Gleaming bright.
From afar.
Drawing nigh.
Falls the night.

Thanks and praise.
For our days.
Neath the sun.
Neath the stars.
Neath the sky.
As we go.
This we know.
God is nigh.

I too have felt the chills while listening to "Taps" but I have
never seen all the words to the song until now. I didn't even know there was more than one verse. I also never knew the story behind the song and I didn't know if you had either so I thought I'd pass it along. I now have an even deeper respect for the song than I did before.

I thought that was so pretty and I wanted to pass it along.

Although we all have our own views ... I'd just like to say ... Happy birthday America ... and thank you to those who have died that I may bow my head and pray.

~se~

I01, thanks for the above. I got chills reading it, and it brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it played.

Just wanted to let everybody know that I am back from the neighbors. The cook out started at 4 pm, and the rain came at 3:45. So we gathered in their 3 car garage, the rain stopped, and we ate at tables set up under canopies in the back yard. The meal was wonderful. It was a pot luck, she furnished the burgers, fried chicken and hot dogs and brats. After the meal it started to rain again, so we went back to the garage, and listened to the music. The fireworks were cancelled because of the rain. All in all it has been a good day.

Darius, a new neighbor/friend, how wonderful.

Sarvs gonna be a grandma again, yipee. And making cherry juice.

tgif, is sweating in the heat.

Mary gets to watch tv tonight, because she got the limbs trimmed.

waving to Joyous, Susieq, woodspirit, pattischell, molly, hope, maria lauriewilson, kooger, newbies hill, petra tiffany and cc. Hope you all had a great day.

Viann, is playing camp with grandtwins.

Yes, Elaine, I remember the taps very well when a soldier played it at my husband's funeral but am glad to know the words now, thank you, they are beautiful

Here's some pictures that I need help identifying, these are in a perennial bed I sowed seed in this year.

That looks like a batchelor's button, Centaurea.

or cornflower, another name for it

Thank you for sharing that, Susan Elaine, it is very touching. I don't think I have ever heard Taps played that I didn't get a lump in my throat. . You had a lovely day! There is a reference regarding the origin at this link, http://www.west-point.org/taps/Taps.html that has some interesting details. I like your story better.

Went to see a movie with my DIL, and didn't do a lick of work today, unless you count two loads of laundry, altering a pair of bargain capris that were marked my size but were about two inches too wide. My DD pinned them for me the other day, and I admit to several naughty words while I was sewing them, but they turned out all right. Grilled brats for dinner, with potato salad for a side dish. Done for the night.

Sarv, that cherry juice will taste good next winter, and remind you of the summer days. Raccoons are such pests here, we count the roadkill and see a couple every day. Occasionally a deer but not often. Last week someone hit a red fox, which is too bad as they are not seen much anymore. It appears that the chipmunks have moved out of the area in front of the house, but I saw one in the side garden, scavenging for seeds under the bird feeder. He scooted pretty fast when he saw me.

Darius, a good neighbor! I'm happy for you, I wish I had a neighbor who liked yard sales and antiques! I'm hunting for a big strawberry jar, but unwilling to pay the price for a new one. Yard sales start here on Thursdays, and I just keep my eyes peeled for signs, cruise by and if it's all baby clothes and plastic junk, I keep moving. Don't do it too often with the price of gas hitting $3.20 here. You're off to a great start in your new home. Is your toe still hurting? Ow. Done that. Hated it.

Successful launch today, I'm sure we'll all be watching for the re-entry. By the time I clicked on the link, it was already off the pad, and they were just making speeches about it.

Bonnie, that sounded like an excellent way to spend the morning! The only time I wish we had a pool is when the thermometer hits 90*. We could go over to DH's half brother's house, and use theirs but then we'd have to listen to them bicker all the while and it's not worth it.

Mary, when we had the satellite dish, it was always konking out, from high winds, or heavy rain, any kind of weather disturbance threw it out of kilter. We were really glad when they got cable out here and we could get rid of the dish. It's still on the roof of course...LOL
DH doesn't want to climb up and take it down, and I'm sure not going to!

Petra, did you see out the window screen Olivia was climbing, DH has a little pedal tractor out in front in the tiered garden. Now all we need is a car up on blocks and a car seat on the front porch!!

Molly, I think you are lonesome! After having two roomies for a while, it must seem awfully empty knocking around by yourself. You have accomplished so much since you made your move, I go back and look at the photos and just am filled with admiration for all you have done, with Jeremy and Darius' help, what an accomplishment. The daylilies you sent me are getting ready to bloom! One has a big flower bud on top, and the others are just starting. Can't wait to see them. I'll be right there with my camera when they do!

Tomorrow I'm going to behead some of the Valerian that are going to seed, and toss the heads back under the black walnut. Who knows, I might have a nice tall background for the other survivors back there.

Meant to say before, nice job renovating that garden, Laurie. There's so much satisfaction in making something dull and uninteresting into a beautiful sight.

Who have I overlooked....too many, Dmcd, Ernie, Bal, Hope, have to settle for ~~~~ as I've gone brain dead for the moment.... See y'all in the morning. Please let the rain fall where it's needed and not on our very wet east coast friends....!

Sheila

Sheila,

I think you are right, I am a bit lonesome. Probably why I feel at loose ends. You are very perceptive. Thank you for noticing.

Okay, did I mention a critter in my pumphouse? I know it is not a snake. I think it is something that has a dragging tiny tail.

There is a hole outside and until yesterday there was a hole inside. It just didn't go straight though. No daylight. Just another hole going deeper down.

See the black hole? This is under the door sill of the pump house.

And here is the hole inside.

Yikes! That's a good size hole...maybe a possum, they have skinny tails. They are also hostile when cornered. (So much for Pogo.. ) Can you get your hands on a Havahart trap? Take him far far away and release him? Her? You don't need any visitors in the pump house!

S.

There was a pattern of "tail" tracks in the sand floor of the pumphouse.

Jeremy, my dear son, has a difficult time picking up his "butts"

Sheila, That hole is only about 1 1/2 inches diameter.

Anyway, while Darius was here, she taught us to keep a bucket of sand with a quart of clean oil mixed in for lubing our tools.

So I got the shovel and put sand (with the oil in it) in the hole on the inside of the shed.

So far, 24 hours + later, the critter hasn't seen fit to break the oil barrier.

I left the outside hole clear so if he wanted to leave, he was welcome to do so.

This wasn't the critter, but another one that has taken some rest in my pumphouse sanctuary.

Molly, I went out the other night bare foot, and almost stepped on this frog's pappa. Boy was he huge. I know I would have squished him, but I would have had a heart attack in the process.

Okay, here's another picture.

This landed on my living room window. He really was pretty big, without the camera or magnifying or zoom lens. He probably was 1 1/2 inches long.

or just a bit closer

And a third one.

And a pretty dahlia.

Molly, that is a horse fly.

Okay okay!!! Y'all win! :-) It's Independence Day, right?
~Susan~ LOL

I'll be back after while to comment on everyone's posts.

I think it's an elephant fly, too big for a horse.

We have them here, and they get on the horses, and their bites are very painful. The horses usually elect to stay in the barn during the horse fly season.

Hi all, Mary sent me a D-mail saying you all missed me.
Well, I wrote her back thanking her.
Life hasn't been much fun so that is why I haven't been here. Don't want to impose my nasty life on you all right now.

Bonnie, the post of 7:19 pm is 'Appleblossom' penstemon. I can't see the other pics very good tho. Love that dahlia pic. How are the dahlias that I sent you doing???

You all sound very busy and happy. Am so glad to read that.
I have read a few times this coffee thread but felt so far behind that I didn't say anything.

Am going to go out when it gets dark here in the neighborhood and watch the kids do their fireworks. Plus watch in the sky people shoot the large fireworks. I don't like fighting the crowds to go watch the real big show. Tho is sure is fun too tho.

Well, will write more later if I have time. I will tell you what has been happening in my life if you all want. Take care all.
Carol

Carol, it is so good to see you. Hope that your life is a little more settled now, and you are doing better. Sorry about your DF, although expected, surely not easy. My thoughts and prayers have been with you on a daily basis since I heard.

The dahlias are doing fine, although they haven't bloomed yet. They were put in a little later than the one pictured,so when some bloom I will d-mail you pictures.

Please join us back here, you know that all have problems, etc, and we are here to lend you big shoulders, and bigger hearts, to help you through difficult times. We certainly miss you. You don't have to "catch up", just join in.

Well, just wanted to come back and try to respond to some of what I can remember.

Hi Carol!! It's especially good to see you back tonight. Please do stay in touch. We all have big shoulders, and you never have to worry about what you post here at coffee. Please do come back and share. Sometimes it helps to just take a load off.

Defoe, sorry I can't help you with your pics. LOL You know I'm no good when it comes to flowers. You're always getting me out of my flower jams! Sounds like you had a nice time today in spite of the weather.

Congrats sarv!! Wow ... a Grandma again! What fun!

Molly, hope you get over your "lonelies" soon. Oh, and hope you find out whatever that is trying to get in the pump house!

Darius, so glad you have found a good neighbor and good friend. :-) Sounds like you had a nice day. :-)

Maria, sure enjoyed our talk tonight. Will try not to let it be sooo long next time. :-)

Ann, sounds to me like you have reason to be pooped! Bet it was a good day with the kids, though. ;)

M5, thanks for the link. That was very interesting. Hadn't seen that before.

Mary, hope you enjoyed watching tv tonight. LOL Glad none of your flowers were injurred in the tree pruning process.

Hmmm, I think CRS has just set in. I will just say happy 4th to everyone else as I'm not doing toooo good at remembering what else I've read. Hi to Pati, McCool, dmc, Petra, Ginni, Ernie, Robert, oz, Hope ... whew ... and all the rest of the gang!!!
~~~

Okay someone help me out, the link I posted is another e-mail link. Don't know what the devil I am doing, but I will keep trying. Just get me out of the s--- tonight.

Night all.

Okay Bonnie ... I'll post.

Here's tomorrow's daily.

http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/623116/