Coffee and ... for Friday, August 11

Coffee and ... for Friday, August 11 - We came from here: http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/637498/

1929 - Babe Ruth became the first baseball player to hit 500 home runs in his career with a home run at League Park in Cleveland, Ohio.
1965 - Race riots (the Watts riots) began in Watts area of Los Angeles, California.
1968 - The Beatles launched the "Apple Records" label;
1978 - Funeral of Pope Paul VI.
1981 - The IBM PC, an early personal computer, was introduced.

Alex Haley, American historian and novelist (d. 1992) was born in 1921. Jerry Falwell, American preacher and politician was born in 1933. Hulk Hogan, American professional wrestler was born in 1953.

Andrew Carnegie, Scottish-born industrialist and philanthropist (b. 1835) died in 1919. Maybe YOUR community has a Carnegie Library.

TGIF. Join us for coffee (or something cooler) and conversation. Lurkers are always welcome to jump in and join us.

Hi everyone. I'm not really first, probably last.

Thunderstorms this afternoon and evening kept me offline. I took a quick ride on Patch, but turned for home when the thunder started and I got a bit wet before we got home.

Dinner was some country style ribs that I marinaded and had planned to barbeque, but ended up roasting them in the oven because of rain and wind, mostly wind. We also had corn on the cob and sliced tomatoes.

It's bedtime, my eyes won't stay open. Gotta get the kitties in for the night. See you tomorrow. Hope you all sleep well.

Well, I have visited all the forums that I normally do, and it is way past time to try the bed.

~~~~ to all, hope you have a good night's sleep.

hello everyone.. i get to be first huh? i have been feeling rough and not getting much sleep. be ok though.. hope everyone is careful in heat . 106 today. the poor trees are dying to in this.. everyone great friday and week end..


Twyla ~~~~~~

Speaking of kitties in for the night....Duke and CC are still out. Everyone is a little miffed that Dick and Jane are camping here. They really are cute and no feline leukemia...yeah! Took Dick to be tested today...they are brother and sister so just one needed testing. Now I'll go to the feed store to get the stuff to give them their shots.

DD from Vegas called early evening on her way home...they had been broken into. Poor things...It's just weird...they live in the middle of a large newer neighborhood, 2nd house on the right on their road and their's is the house someone picks! Ransacked her closet and bedroom, took DSL's gun, found the clip and ammo that were seperate, that's probably why things were torn apart, looking for all the pieces. Took a vintage mint Cannon Camera that DH had just given Sis. She loves to take photos...took a digital camera and some other things. Thank goodness the dining area was untouched...they had a title, their taxes all sitting there. She checked, their BCertificates were in place, ect. She was talking to police, insurance agent, ect. so we had to go. Their neighbors did see someone at their door around 2:00 pm. Sis gets off at 3:00 and her DH talked her into hanging out with him at the Inlaws for awhile...thank goodness!!!
They have a friend staying in their downstairs, he was home first and called them. Bentley their dog and Kringer their cat were fine. Bentley can't get in the house....DSL built her an inside kennel (very nice) with a fan and a doggie door to go out, she's a "Target" dog...Bull Terrier...she would have bolted if she would have been in! You can see from the pic below how close the houses are........Sis said to me, "Why is it always me???" Poor thing.....when she was going to college in LaGrande, OR someone broke into her Blazer and stole all her CDs...months later they did find the thieves and her CDs along with tons of other stuff, these guys had been busy.
When her and her DH were first married they lived in a gated apartment complex (most are) and someone broke the windows out of her little car. DH had someone steal a camera out of his truck....I say it's time to move back to WA where you belong!!:)) They don't hang with shady people, she works for his Dad's accounting firm, he works for himself doing stone work and granite. They are just a normal little family.......ticks me off!!!! To have had some scum rummaging through all your things.....

Well, CCs in, Jane is biting my arm, both her and Dick are helping me type...quite the little prrrrrrrrrr machines they are.....how can I give them away??? 4 cats and a dog in 1100 square feet of home with 3 adults.........DA will love them though...my boy sure does have a way with making loving kitties. DH says NO WAY!!! He still talks to them....bread turned out fine....better go get Duke in...little bugger....way past curfew...he may just have to wait until DH goes to work at 3:30 am...night all......Dick and Jane are now asleep and have to be moved....they are sooo cute!

Morning all Been up since 3:30am. Just couldn't sleep for I have a pond liner sitting in the backyard waiting for installation. Its very real now that the liner is here. Holds 100 gallons but has no waterfall. DH says we can fix that next summer. You have the floating froggy fountain thats enough for this year, he says. I'm not complaining one bit. Now if only sunlight would break so I can move the columbine and Japanese fern and maybe my sweet violet. Afraid he'll trample it digging the hole. I may just start digging before I go pick him up. I kept the car today for errands I need to get done. Busy busy day!!!! I'm in seventh heaven!

somermoone how scary for your daughter. To think she could have possibly walked in while in progress???? Gives me goose bumps. I hope they find the culprit(s) and get their things bck. Especially the gun ,clip and ammo before it can be used for other bad things. I imagine Vegas has their share of crime just like other places in the country, heck the world. Hope all goes well for them. At least they're safe.

Do take care hope. 106! Its been awhile since I've dealt with continuous heat like that. Then again I was just a kid at the time. Happy friday to you and have a great weekend. Try and stay cool.

Viann you find the neatest stuff to read. Thank you.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~to every one Cherie

soomermoon, that is so sad for your daughter. I hope they didn't lose much of great value or family heirlooms. You're right, the houses are really close together. I think I would rather live in a condo than have folks on top of me, that close to my windows.
It's scary when trees start dying in this heat. But if I could afford the water bill or if on a pump like me, I'd certainly water the ones in my yard. And you can mulch a lot of trees, but I know mulching can kill some trees so I'd check with the Cooperative Extension Service.
My gardens didn't do well this year mostly because of neglect. I went through a 5-week rehab on my house and then spent the rest of June trying to get the house back in order. I also had serious vole problems, mostly biting my rose bushes off right below the soil line. I lost 5 that way, a big hit since I only have room for 10.

Morning everyone- so cool here we had to close the windows and slider last night= brrr. But a good night for sleeping!!

cece - I don't imagine you'll be hanging round here much - too busy digging and rearranging all your flowers. Post pics so we can see the progress!! I'm happy for ya!

somer - Yikes, glad no one was harmed. The houses are so close - it's a wonder the thieves would try something like that. But she must feel so violated. I cannot imagine having someone break in and ever being safe again! Thank goodness we've never had that experience. Tell me more about Xango- how did you hear of it - what's in it and how does it work. After seeing all the side effects of the meds I was on (and yours too -ouch weight gain!), I'd love to get on something other than meds. But this morning I am absolutely miserable....

I have no big plans today - need to make a trip to the bank, stop in to see MIL and clean out the frig. Somethings get pushed to the back and start growing!! Oh ya, the lawn needs mowing again. It is green and lush - reminds me of spring time grass.

Mary - I'll come for ribs anytime!! yum

How scary to have your home broken into....I'd be paranoid for months! If they had come home earlier, even scarier! Sounds like kids....looking for things they can sell, maybe they'll be dumb enough to try to hock them. Didn't take tvs, vcrs, or heavy things? OK I'll stop playing detective....

Cool and cloudy here this morning. Fine with me. I've had enough heat to last for quite a long while. The last time we had such a long hot dry summer was '86 and the trees took a beating, tops were dying off and looking bad. This year we've had enough rain off and on to prevent that, but it sure has been hot. I was dreading my utility bill, but it was almost the same for July as it was for June.

Jerry Falwell is only two years older than me...my, my, he certainly looks well used.

v'ann, the daily facts are such fun. What a good idea. Now, if you could only add our horoscopes......LOL

Big art fair downtown here this weekend. Will go with DIL. The artists present a huge variety of work, there are fiber arts, sculpture, garden art, tons of things to look at. I always come home with something. An old coworker of mine usually has a booth there. She makes ceramic jewelery, but personally, it's not to my taste.

Kitties must be sleeping in this morning...usually Olivia is right up on my lap helping with the keyboard, and she's nowhere in sight. Of course the windows are open, so she's probably bird watching. DGS brought me his pellet gun to use on those pesky rabbits that are eating the hosta. Wouldn't you know it, not a one has shown up since! They must know I am armed and dangerous.

I'll bet DH would like a big veggie garden down in the lower end of the yard. Also bet he wouldn't be around to do up all the produce. Won't mention it to him. (Wouldn't be a good idea since we are MOVING to avoid unwanted packages from below the Mason-Dison line.............)

Oh, look at the time. I'd better get a move on before I get distracted any further. Have a great camping trip, Somer, congrats to Cece on the pond progress, yes, we need pictures, and everyone else have a good day.

Sheila



This message was edited Aug 11, 2006 5:47 AM

Morning All!

Sommermoone yes more on xango. My DH has allergies and doesn't like to take medicine. What a life your DD has. Too scary for me.

Hope take care. Wish your weather would change down there.

MaryE ribs for supper sound so good. One of my favs.

Dawson dug up and killed a mole the other day. I was hoping no more digging around the house.Looked out the one window and there's new digging. I'll have to let him out so he can do some hunting.

No big plans today unless DS shows up. Haven't seen him for 3 wks.

Cloudy all day yesterday. Humid! Late afternoon shower. Enough to get everything wet. Sound familiar????

Everybody have a good day!

Weel plants are moved. As soon as it was light out enough to see what I was doing I grabbed a shovel.......its done. Rearraged how to put that pond in about a million times. I think DH will have to figure that one out since he's the one who'll be doing the digging. I can't dig right according to him. What is there to digging a hole??????????

Next year I can add calla lilies and cannas over by the pond....... Oh I am just so narrow here. Can think of nothing but getting that pond up and running.

sarv48 I looked up xango and there it was. It's all natural. But I'd still like to hear more from somermoone.like what her dose is. I think it is pretty expensive.

Morning All,

Tylenol and Ibuprofen wore off around 4:30, so was up about 5 to take some more. Went to the Dentist yesterday. Either a root canal or extraction. Extraction it will be. Root canal is around $1000. and then cap around $800. Not putting that kind of money into 1 tooth again. Did that 1 time and the tooth ended up having to be pulled anyway.

Dr. was surprised the Penicillin hadn't started working quicker. I'm not, meds take longer to work on me and I have a high tolerance or resistance, whatever you want to call it. Anyway, today it's not my whole face,,,,yet,,,we'll see what the rest of the day brings. So far, just the area around the one tooth. Laid around all day yesterday,,,gosh was that nice. I could get used to that,,,LOL

Oral Surgery place will call and we'll setup an appointment. Looking forward to the gas again,,,roflol

Terrible feeling when your home is broken into. When I was a kid our house was broken into a few times. Don't know why, anyone that knew us, knew we had nothing of value. My Mom was raising the 2 of us on her own,,,,how large can a family like that live? Not very. They did take my bank from when I was born.

One of the times, my Mom went home for lunch and had an uneasy feeling. She didn't even go down the hall to the bathroom. When she got home that night, she went in her room for something and saw her closet door open and you could see where someone was crouched down. Pretty scary!

Glad your family wasn't hurt. That's the main thing. Stuff can be replaced.

Then, my Dad got us really nice Schwinn Continental bikes. They were chained to a post on the garage, we came home from school one day and there they were, gone. Someone had cut the chain.

Well, hope everyone has a good day. I'll try and pop in this evening.

Bye for now,
Kelly

Oh man, took an over the counter allergy pill and it zonked me out -after I had already been up and around!!! That is not like me at all and I don't like it that I have wasted several hours. Grrr

Went out for my garden walk in sweats- brisk cool wind.. feels refreshing tho. Plants look relieved too!

ves I looked up xango too - it is pricey!! If I was sure it would work, it would be worth it...but I have a cupboard full of things that were supposed to work. I need to hear more about it.

GG - hope the toothy feels better soon. When they pull the tooth, what goes in it;s place?? I've had 5 or 7 crowns (can't remember and am too lazy to go open my mouth in the mirror) Only had one go bad (had to have a root canal thru the crown - ouch!!) Intruders in your house 2 times!! Oh my.....

cece- Hooray half way done (well maybe not that far!!) Do you plan on planting callas and leaving them? In your zone? If so, please let me know what kind...I have some, but leave them in pots and bring them inside. I'd love to have some permanently in the ground.

Well, time to make myself move...

Sarv---- If a over the counter pill will do that you better go vhave a physical. That was one of the things I had problems with when the ticker was all blocked up.

CC---- I mis-understood what you was doing. I thought you were building a big garden pond complex something that covered a couple thousand sq ft. I had visions of bob cats and backhoes in your yard. That is the kind of thing you would get with my sons bussiness. He had one spead in Better Homes and Gardens a couple of years ago.

Morning to all!
woke up with a miserable headache, very seldom do I have one now, I think trying to get the ne computer straighten out to know where I am at caused this what with my miserable nearly blind eyes

The tomato hookworms are getting at them before they are ripe enough to pick grrrrr but have given away lots of zukes and cukes

Karen enjoyrd looking at your photos of your yard, when you see Ernie and Linda again give them hugs, I do miss them and Linda's cherry pies, they were the best... So sorry about the break-in how awful, , I can remember when in WWII the russian soldiers smashed our door and took what ever they wanted while we were hiding in the cellar to escape the bombing and shooting, we never could close our door again till all was over.

Defoe, do not know any one with such a huge amount of energy, how do you do it, I would collapse not even half way through

Ann, the Red socks have never been forgiven for selling the Babe to the Yankies, they paid dearly for it. Just love do read your .notes of days to be remembered

McCool hope every day DH is getting better and better, how did he ever get such anawfull health problem?

My garden is such a mess, have not been able to catch up with weeds since I came back home again, the past heat spell even burned the blossoms of many of my flowers such as the dahlias, grrrrrr but now the weather is just beautiful, cool with sunshine had a good rain yesterday with a sudden thunderstorm, out of no where.


I made tomato sauce but could I find my food mill? Not! Must have given ot loaned it to one of my girls now it is still with seeds in the freezer too late.

Darius I remembered I have a (can't think of the name right now, it is a french name it is a cone shaped v with a wooden pestal , could have used that, Yes) ? But then I roast tomatoes for a side dish and it has all the seeds, lol

M5, I have a picture of Ernie's cat, Mary and Andy the golden when he was a puppy, see if I can find it, on this new computer, grrrrr

Hi, Elaine, Mary, Molly and everyone else! I am ~~~~~~~to

Maria,

Such a cute pic. I've been gone for too long. I don't know who they are?

Kelly

Just a word about dentist and costs etc.

GG that is outrageous what they are charging for that dental work. Last year I had a 1 tooth implant done and a crown put on it for about $2500. That included going to sleep for the implant. Now that tooth should last forever, it's titanium.

The price you are talking about doesn't even guarantee that with a root canal and a crown that the tooth will last even 5 years. The implant I had was replacing 2 extractions, one of which I had previously had root canal and crown work done. And I can tell you, that was not the first. Several of my teeth have had to be pulled and bridged after the stress, pain and expense of root canals and crowns.

One of them the Dr. had cracked the canal during the procedure causing an absess and another one, he had left the cotton packed in under the crown rotting it out from within.

Although I have spent a lot of money in trying to save my original teeth, I have to wonder why bother. The only thing that keeps me doing it is the thought of the cup of water on the nightstand with my teeth soaking in it.

Okay, so it was more than "a word"

Trying to plan my day. Not a lot on the agenda, just some messengering and fertilizing to do.

I got the moth balls spread around in the shed and also some around in the orchid house to discourage the snakes. I might even put some under the house since last time I was under there I saw some "critter" holes down there.

My Husky Cherry tomatoes are still producing fruit despite the heat, but I think the deer have started to come in to munch the tops off. Maybe I will make a circle around them with the moth balls to see if that will keep them away, and the rabbits. Just a test.

Molly
:^))))

Okay, here it is 10:30 and past, and I am still in jammies. Slept till 8:30, read paper, drank coffee, then the crew wanted breakfast. So that is over, dishes picked up and here I sit. That thunderstorm that roared through yesterday afternoon, brough the slow rain after the winds lightening and thunder. It subsided, then during the night we had more rain. So we are very overcast and cooler by about 20 degrees. Hope, wish you could come enjoy my weather for a few days.

On teeth, I have a large investment in my mouth. Have had surgery, grafts, root canals, crowns, now braces, then a bridge. I get the braces off next Thursday, and a temporary bridge. Guess this will be an ongoing thing, as I have seen the troubles that DH has had with dentures, and thank you, want no part of it.

As to the break in, that would be the ultimate violation to me. I don't really have all that much that is worth stealing,but the thought of someone going through things, just gives me the willies.

Maria, sorry about the headache, I hope that it will go away. Take something, lie down, with a cool cloth on your forehead, and maybe a little nap, and that should do it.

I have allergies, year round, and take Allegra D. I can't do without it, have tried some over the counter stuff, and it sure dries me out, too much.

Viann, I don't think that I work all that much. I am just a person who has problems sitting still, so therefore I am always in motion doing something or the other.

M5, let the hubby garden, then set up a veggie stand and sell it! That way you can have more $$ to get in the witness protection program, then maybe I would have more problems finding you!!

I don't mean to leave anybody out, but you have to understand CRS is a terminal problem in this household!!

I need to get to the bank. Cashed in a CD, and need to go re-invest it.

So ~~~ to everybody else, will BBL

Hi Folks,

Went to aquafit but didn't do much. The music was TOO LOUD and AWFUL. Went and got my ear plugs but it got to me even through them and I left. We all went out for breakfast after - 2nd Friday of every month we do that. So I'm just now home. Called Bell Telephone because when I ran the Food Cupboard, I had my line blocked so that I could call clients from home without them being able to call me back. Asked to have that changed 4 months ago, but people are telling me that my number is still coming up as private. Bell doesn't know why; so has put out a repair ticket to figure out why. Now to get a few things done around here before the potential student comes.

Somer - how frightening - the break in at DD's house. Sure glad nobody was caught in the middle of it, but that doesn't really ease the feeling of being violated

cece - good news re the pond. Enjoy it. Most, if not all of the neat stuff comes through that Wikipedia link I posted a couple of days ago. There's a whole lot more too, but I try to pick out a few that will mean something to most of us. BTW, I don't do this daily. I sat down one time last week and did the whole thing; so the info is ready right up to the last day that I start the thread next week.

Sheila - I'm sure if someone wanted, they could find a link to a daily horoscope and post if each day. LOL
Hope you enjoy your art fair this weekend. Sounds like fun.

Rodents - mice, voles, etc. Had SOMETHING in the garage last evening. I opened the door to throw something into the recycle bin and saw something small scurry away from it and over under DH's 1955 Cadillac. We left the garage door open a sliver, hopefully to encourage it to leave during the night.

cece - it's normal to think narrow when you have a project like that on the go. I agree - pictures please.

maria - what are tomato hook worms? I don't think we have them here, thank goodness. worse problem I've had this year is a little bit of blossom end rot on one variety only. It's a new variety (to me, at least) and may be more prone to problems than the others. And when we've had rain, it's been in massive amounts.

Bonnie - great news getting the braces off. We probably are a matched pair - having trouble sitting still doing nothing. LOL

Need to get my Hosta wish list in order. Erynne, another DGer from Toronto is planning to stop by tomorrow when she and DH are passing through Ottawa and I think we will visit my local hosta nursery which is having a 20% off sale. ;-)

~~~ to everyone else. Hope you are having a great day.

Ann

Whew, y'all have been busy this morning. :)

I got up at 6:30 but ONLY because Mike called and woke me up so we could go to Lowe's up in Wytheville to get my lumber and concrete mix. Man, what a load, I wasn't sure his 10 foor trailer could haul all of it! In fact, I have to go back for the sheetrock when we are ready for it. Just couldn't add 27 sheets to the full trailer load today. It's just rated at 2,000 pounds and we had 800 pounds just in the bags of cement! JUST finished unloading everything and covering it for imminent rain, and Brent is now destructing some of the interior of the barn and moving a lot of debris.

My doctor called this morning. Instead of a CPAP machine, they are putting me back on oxygen at night. My sleep study score was 4.5 and Medicare requires 5.0 for them to pay for CPAP but I do qualify and need O2. Again. The O2 folks will be here this afternoon to install the concentrator.

Sorry not to address everyone, big time CRS!! ...But ~~~ for a great day for everyone.

Well, I have done absolutely nothing,except get some seeds ready and mailed. Was heading out the door to do some weeding, and the phone rang. Was the daughter of an old friend, who has recently located in this area. She wanted gardening advice, cause her daddy told her that "we (DH and I) are experts". Got a good laugh out of that one, anyway that conversation lasted a good 40 minutes, so that was my 1st but first today. DGD has gone to play at a friends house, so it is quiet here for now.

cc sorry I haven't comment to you on the pond, just waiting to see pics of dirt being excavated, and it taking shape. Keep us posted.

darius, gosh that was a load for a trailer. Hope you have it tucked in securely enough that rain won't dampen the cement.

Well, gonna try the weeding again,

BBL

Hi y'all Finally in to check and see what y'all have been up to.
Yikes... Somer, so sorry about the break in. Couldn't stand the thought of someone coming in my home.

Cece, by now I know you're out there working on your pond. That's wonderful!

Ann, I too have enjoyed the daily info. Smiled especially about the Beatles this morning. LOL

Defoe, all I can say is *poor meezers! LOL

Oh Maria, hope your headache gets better soon. That sauce sure sounds good. Don't worry about the seeds. It will still be wonderful! Please send some of that cool weather down my way. I'm getting sick of this heat! LOL

Hi Twyla, hope you get some of the cool weather when Maria sends me some! LOL

sarv, sorry to hear you didn't feel good this morning, either. Can't imagine one of those over the counter things doin a body in like that! :-)

Hi Kelly, I'm like you ... have a high pain tolerance. That can be good in some cases, cause we can keep going longer than a lot of folks can ... but then when we really hurt it takes a lot to make us stop hurting. When I talk to people about taking a couple of Lortabs for pain they think I'm crazy, but I think when you have to take other meds it takes a higher dosage to affect you. :-) I sure hope you get some relief from that pain soon. Pain sure wears a body down, doesn't it?

Well, I didn't sleep good again last night. When the clock went off this morning I just opened one eye and growled. Told the DH if he played pattie cake with that snooze alarm *one more time* I was going to smack him. LOL He finally got up, and I rolled over and went back to sleep. I finally got up and had coffee, watered and am catching up on DG. I got some gorgeous lemon grass in a trade yesterday so I keep running outside to be sure it's living! LOL Well, need to get up from here, so am ~~~ at everyone else for now.

Munching on lunch as I type- and I wonder why I have crumbs in my keyboard!!

Made a dash to the bank and while I was out decided I'd take a trip to a little local flower/veggie/fruit market. Oh man, it was packed. They had all their quart perennials for 30% off - 2.00 a pot. I went round and round, drooled and drooled and only picked up one. I could have had dozens. They had big pots of gerbera daisies for 1.00 a pot too...whaaa I should have gotten a few of those.

They had tons of samples out- tried all the salsa, but wasn't sold on it. Tried the fruit one as that sounded good, but it was blaaah. Then on to the cheese -I love cheese!! Had a garlic/dill one that was tasty, but I decided on the baby swiss... Got a bunch of red haven peaches- yummm eating one right now!!

Maria, we have those stinkin hookworms here too - never seen an uglier worm..I step on them or if I have a scissors with me, nip them in half. Gross green innards...

Vi- double yuck on rodents....We always get a few in the suspended ceiling of our lower level in the fall and they inevidibly are caught while I am in bed and directly above my head. Then I have to listen to their thrashing. Thank goodness DH disposes of them - he always thinks I should look at them first NOT>>>

I start back at huff/puff the first of Sept. It will seem good to get back there - I like regiment in my life sometimes -otherwise I spend too much time on here!! .

Defoe - allegra D - do you take the12 hr or the 24 hr? Has it affected your sleeping (that is one of the bad side effects)...(I can never remember if you should use effected/affected, so I used them both!! LOL) Some complain allegra makes you grumpy....that could be me!!!

Darius at least you are getting some help with the sleep stuff

Well, time to read a couple of chapters ....

This message was edited Aug 11, 2006 12:47 PM

Hi sarv, posted at the same time. I love those daisies. Oh please eat some of that cheese for me ... and so much pent up anger??? scissors??? my goodness! hehehe Go gettem girl! LOL

GM, Gobs & 'Ettes,

It's been a long time since I've posted on DG but I haven't forgotten about any of you. I've not gone back and tried to catch up on all the postings, but I'll try to keep up as best I can from today forward.

First, I'd like to thank Maria for sending me a very sweet e-mail and asking after me. You're a dear, sweet lady Maria and I'm sorry I missed your visit here to Washington State. Hopefully one day, you will return and we shall meet in person.

Secondly, I'd like to explain my absence. It's been a long two months with I'm sure with a few more weeks of being tired and stressed yet, though my time is not as much put upon as in the recent two months. My precious, dear, Mum has been ill and I've been caring for her 24/7 these past 2+ months. She has been steadily declining and is now in renal failure. Suffice it to say, I've had to place her in a skilled nursing facility and it's breaking my heart. For those of you who've walked this path ahead of me, you know the feelings of which I speak. For those who may be facing these decisions, I will tell you, no manner of preparation can assuage the guilt or remorse you'll feel. I know I've done the right thing, and my nurses' heart tells me it's the right decision, but my daughter's heart is breaking.

My hubby and I are going to Bellingham this afternoon for our nephew's graduation from radiological technologist school. Adam is really my niece's husband, but I consider him a nephew just the same. He begged us to come to his graduation as he credits me with helping him make the decision to become an x-ray tech. He's a nice young man, has been at my Mum's side with his wife several times in this past two weeks, even though he's been involved with his final clinicals and taking his final exams. He loves my Mum just as much as the rest of the family. His 13 year old daughter has been there too and she's just as much a great grandchild of my Mum's as if she had been born into this family.

We've got tomatoes ripening already! It's the first time in many years that we've actually had tomatoes growing in our yard. Last evening my hubby and I went out to water all the plants and flowers and discovered 5 ripe cherry tomatoes (which we ate right off the vine, and they were all the sweeter for it). There are a couple of the "early girls" that are ripening as well, but still have a couple of days to go before we pick them. Ohhhhh, buddy are we ever ready for those! I've already got my eye on some spring mix lettuce in which to place wedges of our first home grown tomatoes! Yeehaw!!!

Well, luvvies, I'm going to get my tuchas into gear. I have ironing to get done today so hubby has some nice civilian clothes to wear to the graduation. I send my salutations to everyone on Coffee and.... and may you each have a wonderful day.

~Babs~

Hugs and prayers for you and Mum. Yes, I have walked this path, and please know all your DG friends are with you in spirit.
Pati

God bless and heal you all Babs. Love to you, your Mum, and your entire family.
ginni

Babs, I've been down that road. It is not a pleasant journey and you have my heartfelt condolences.

Babs
You are a dear sweet daughter and have a heart of gold and I'm sending you many prayers and hugs to you and your Mum today. Please know that you do not walk this path alone. I have not walked it but know when I do, my DG family and God will walk with me. :-)
{{{ }}}
Elaine

Good morning.

Babs, it's so good to hear from you. Yes, you did the right thing, but I understand the heartache. Congratulations on your nephew's graduation. I can tell you are a proud "auntie". Does he have a job lined up in the area so you can keep seeing him and his family? I think you told us about his daughter visiting your mother some months ago, and what a sweet girl she is. Your Mum will be in my prayers, and you too. Good for you having some ripe tomatoes. Having lived in that climate I know what an accomplishment that is. I raised mine in a plastic tent.

I think those hookworms are tomato horn worms, they are about 2 inches long, maybe more, green, have some spots along their sides, and a hook shaped "horn" sticking up on their tail end. Sarv, I can just see you gleefully snipping holes in them so they leak to death. I used to feed them to the chickens, it was quite entertaining for all except the worm. The hen that had the worm never got to eat it because she was busy running from the others trying to keep possession of it, and so it became quite shopworn before it was finally all consumed. I haven't seen one since we moved here, 250 miles from our old location.

Fritz and I took our walk, he has learned not to walk on the puncture vine that is along the edges of the road. It has wicked seeds that have thorns that can puncture a bicycle tire, they are not friendly to dog feet, and I try not to walk on them either even with shoes. The past 2 days I have had to pull thorns out of his feet, today he trotted down the middle of the road except for the necessary (to him) side trips, and managed not to get any thorns. You can see a picture in plant files, it is tribulus cistiodes, also known as goat's head, caltrops, and burrnut. Any of those names will get you there.

Breezy's foot has been cleaned up and doctored, greenhouse plants and barrels by the front and back gates have been watered with fertilizer, dishes hidden in the dishwasher, some laundry done, and now I need to ride Patch for a couple of hours, then unhitch the trailer so I can drive the truck to town. The old truck still has yesterday's load of hay on it and maybe I will get it unloaded before I need to jump in the shower. This afternoon I have a chiropractic treatment, then maybe I can talk my hubby into dinner somewhere in town.

We had a cold front come through yesterday afternoon with lightening, thunder and some rain. I was out riding and made a hasty retreat to home but still got wet. The wind blew all night, I had the bedroom window open and woke up cold and aching. I got up and closed the window but was still cold so turned on the electric blanket for a while. Emagine that in August!! A hot shower would have been better. The only position I could lie in comfortably was on my back. AmandaPanda was snuggled right beside me but she only warms a small spot. My hips have been aching for a few days and this really got them hurting, I guess being curled up tight trying to keep warm and still being asleep made all my muscles tense and so I called for an appointment and got one for today at 4:30.

Sorry for all of you with tooth troubles, sinus problems, other kinds of headaches, and sleepless nights. Hope things improve for you soon. And then there is the heat, day after day it just goes on and on for some of you, so I will send you some cool air, we have enough to share.

Back later. ~~~

Hi Babs, so very happy you are back here at coffee, did post you an email, just hope you received it. Too bad Ernie does not know you are going to be in Bellingham, he would have wanted you to stop by for a quick hello

Lol, Mary, I meant to type.'hornworms' when I see one I also cut them in half but usually do not they match the green leaves exactly. They do ruin many tomatoes.

Good to have you with us again Babs. Yes, some of us know how difficult that decision is, and your have our heartfelt empathy. Even when you know it is the best possible choice, it is hard to relinquish a loved one to less than a family setting. I wanted to bring my stepmom home with me in the worst way, but I knew that it was not a wise choice. It just tears you apart.

Hooray for those of you who have ripe tomatos! I keep checking mine, and have harvested a handful or two of the little sweet plums but it looks like a week or more for a big red one. One of the women I golf with has a bigger problem, she planted one in a pot and now it's threatening to fall over because it's got two huge tomatos on it! Told her she needed to move the pot next to a post or a wall and start supporting the plant from the outside!

Golf was glorious today!! Bright sunshine, a few fluffy clouds, nice breeze, and several one putts, and the best round I've had all year. Golfing the extra day sure makes a difference. Half the game is in your head, and a series of bad games just leads to more bad games. And people sending you puppies.

I have DGS's pellet rifle trained on every delivery person who comes near the door...and if they are carrying a box with holes in it, they are in for big trouble. Plus, they have to cross the moat, with the alligators and the pirhana fish in it.

Mary, I needed that reminder about the electric blanket! I unplugged our under the pad heater when Olivia arrived, because she and Sammi were playing crack the whip with the cords. Now that she's found other things to drag around, and play with, I can probably plug them back in. Sammi has calmed down quite a bit, and sometimes seems a little annoyed that she wants to play and he wants to nap. Even so, he sleeps with one eye open so he'll know when she's about to pounce.

Molly, most people with dentures don't stick them in a cup overnight anymore! I certainly keep mine in place...what if the house caught on fire? I can't waste time looking for my teeth AND a robe, AND four cats...LOL
I put a lot of $$ in my mouth but in the long run, I'd have been better off with a new car, since it all went in the trash when they finally yanked the uppers.

I'm going to try to remember to take my camera to the Morningglory Fair, so you can see some of the extraordinary art work ...I'm always impressed with the creativity and imagination shown in people's work.

I need to go water pots. Windy and sunny, they dry out fast. Later.

Sheila

Good Afternoon!

Babs - So sorry for what you are going through with your Mum. You did the right thing. You will be in my prayers.

Defoe - That was some tomato! Did you start that plant from seed? I can't keep up with 1/4 acre of garden let alone 3 acres! You go girl!

Somer - Very scary about the break in. Good thing they didn't come home. Have a good camping trip!

Cece - Can't wait to see pics of the pond. Glad you are getting to put it where you want it.

Kelly - Hope that tooth feels better soon. Dentists are sooo expensive. I have some dental insurance, but they sure don't cover much.

Going to pick up DGS after work. We are supposed to have a gorgous weekend, so he will want to go riding on the ATV all weekend. Other than that, not much planned except the usual cleaning and laundry.

~~~~to everyone. I probably won't get back, so have a great weekend!

Oh my gosh, I can hardly type. - tears down my face....Babs you are your mum will be in my thoughts and prayers...what a decision and how hard it must be to make. I remember my mom and her sister arguing about putting my grandma(their mom) into a nursing home. Poor grandma was in the bedroom with me - totally confused by the whole situation, hearing her two daughters scream and hollar. Grandma was placed in a home and my mom visited her every single day until she died and I went every weekend to see her. Even took our babies to see her on the way home from the hospital after they were born. You've done the right thing....as hard as it is to do. I fear I may be walking down your path with my folks.

I went up to see my MIL - sheesh she was fiesty. In conversation I mentioned I went to the casino last Fri - that is why I didn't visit her last week. Oh gads- holy h*** broke out - I am a sinner it seems!! She just wouldn't let go of it. Said she was disappointed in me - blah blah blah....If she'd know how much I really lost she really would have had a fit!! LOL

DH told me (yes, he's speaking again LOL) that he is cutting down trees in our fence row tomorrow. I glared at him....and asked what about the pool fence that needs painting and the deck that needs staining....OH well, he's getting something done. I may just start the fence myself....darn it...

Mary, I don't use an electric blanket, but do keep my heating pad on the back of my chair. In fact I used it this morning - it was chilly!! Weather sure seems fallish doesn't it!! We had a very windy day today and I checked my dahlias and several of them fell over and broke- oh drat - they were so pretty too! Next year someone remind me to stake them when I plant them....please...

Well, my lazyboy chair is squeaking and it is driving me crazy. I need to flip it over and get out the wd40...

I love the pond idea, and the pellet rifle, LOL. (You know who you are!)

Sarv, glad the DH is speaking again.

My weekend plans are mainly kitchen duties. Started some apples cooking down just now, hope for apple butter. Also need to take the refrigerated roasted tomato sauce from yesterday and cook it with zuke cubes and can it.

Might even get to the half bushel of peaches for more peach melba although they can stay in the fridge several days. My helper, Brent, took a jar of peach melba home yesterday, and today asked to buy several jars. Said he and his dad had never tasted a jam so delicious! I have promised to help him make blackberry jelly with the 4 gallons he has picked.

I bought a can of skinless and boneless sardines in olive oil and I think that might be dinner, along with a salad and baked potato. Larder is getting slim except for tons of dried beans!

~~~ to everyone else!

Did I hear somebody say blackberry jelly??? :-)
Oh Darius how you *tease us so!

LOL, Elaine! I'm hoping to get Brent to get me some wild balckberries. I make a blackberry savory that's wonderful.

If I'd known you like blackberry jelly I'd have brought you some. I think I have a few jars from last fall.

My Grandma use to have blackberries growing wild ... and plumbs and apples, and figs and ... oh don't get me started! LOL

I think I missed the whole day here!! It was just gorgeous here, I dug and planted a whole new flowerbed, about 12 x 12,

Babs, I have had you and your mum in my thoughts and prayers. It is a terrible but necessary choice you had to make... I know how hard it is.

darius-4 gallons of blackberries? Wow. We have wild ones growing all over here, I trim them back and the fruits are quite large and juicy. Maybe they are cultivated ones from the previous owner. DD picked a quart. Too hard to keep up with all the produce right now.

Here's my kitties today, what a perfect day we've had!!