Coffee and ..... for Friday, September 1st

Good morning to one and all. Welcome to September --- and to the daily coffee klatch.

I don't remember whether or not anyone's offered to take over the thread starting duty, but since I've been doing it for less than half a month, I have no problem taking care of September. Who wants to take October?

Here's where we've been http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/645987/

Wow, nobody's around today? Must be some good sales going on???

I'll pass on the worm however, I'm on a diet.

I haven't been checking in since taking DD1 back to college, today will be a busy day too. Hope to get up to the farm to see and photograph what's been happening. i'll be back!!

Morning everyone - fall has arrived for sure- just saw a boat load of geese flying over squawking, clouds have filled the sky and it is dark when I get up.....whaaaa Give me back summer....

The itchies kicked up again last night and I slept with an ice bag on my arm. Well, didn't really sleep, just laid there and listened to the radio. Now I have fog brain from little sleep. Sure is a good thing I don't have to boogie off to work.

Darius- boo hiss on the bread not being what you wanted. But I bet it will make delicious toast!! I too have used old yeast, thinking it would be ok...

Carat - laughed at your pics all over the place. Now for the serious stuff- what DO you plan on doing with no jobs. That would sure give me some sleepless nights! (but then I am the mother of all worriers!!) Have you put out any feelers at all? Good Luck

Bal, some good looking helpers you have there. Do they stick their paws in the cement? We had some poured and the cat walked right across it. Thank goodness the guys were still here and they could trowel it out. I thought it was kinda funny - DH didn't!! A friend of ours just put in new cement (new house too) and had leaves pressed into it. Oh, it was beautiful!

Oh Defoe- another fish fry!! And not feeling 100%...get all the help you can. Your meds don't have sulfur in them do they? I always got an terrible upset stomach with any antibiotic until we discovered that I am allergic to sulfur. Now I am fine...just have to really watch it.

We had a funny thing happen. A farm had field and fields of sorghum flattened. It looks freaky. Weather was fine....a real puzzle.

Time for some cereal and then off to the huff/puff for a workout..

This message was edited Sep 1, 2006 7:59 AM

Happy Birthday Elaine IO1

HAPPY BIRTHDAY 101!!! May you have lots of fun and beautiful weather!

Morning everyone!

Thanks so much for the birthday wishes. I've already started celebrating early. :-) We decided to go out last night since my Bday fell on a Friday. It's so busy on Friday nights, plus with it being a holiday week-end, I didn't want to go out tonight and fight the crowds. The DH took me to a wonderful steak place and I had prime rib, sweet potato fries and a Caesar salad. No room for dessert! LOL He told me before he left for work that he would be bringing home lunch. That's why I'm up! Gotta be hungry again. LOL

My DB called last night and looks like he will be coming for the week-end. I'm not all that terribly excited about it, though, as this is the first long week-end the DH and I have had lately. He's really been working hard. Oh well, I didn't want to hurt his feelings.

Darius, so sorry your bread was a flop. I thought it smelled good? sniff sniff

Fall ... who's having fall? Casy, don't count on fall weather in SC this early, girl! It's still in the 90's here and *very* humid. We should be feeling a break by Oct, though. You know ... that little breath that tells you fall is in the air.

Well, need to go check out some forums. ~~~ to anyone I've missed.
~Elaine~

Happy, happy birthday Elaine wish you the very best for always

Thank you Maria! How are you feeling today?

Happy Birthday Elaine, dinner sounds like it was great!! And lunch too...Have a good one....Lauri

Happy birthday Elaine Hope you have a good one.

I've been trying to catch up on what I missed yesterday. I woke up yesterday with the mother of all headaches and nothing I did touched it. My eyes hurt , my tummy was upset even my hair hurt. There was a breeze coming through the window and that rattling the blinds had my head screaming. I had things to do... here's no rest for the wicked I guess. Downed about 8 tylenol....(I know bad bad girl) all at once. Least my eyes stopped crossing then and took DD & DS to their schools for last minute changes before starting today..... bought school shoes for DS(I hate dropping that kinda money on shoes for him but what are ya gonna do?) additional supplies for DD and had to plant the 3 burning bushes I somehow acquired. Didn/t take long because they're small only about 12-18 inches high. Just big enough to feed the rabbits lol NOT.

Then got to lay down an hour or so before DGB came only to have the other grandma not show up at all!!

DH had called to say he was working late again and I was all but in tears..... He came home and chased DGB around the house. She can really move for only crawling since this past weekend. I think she's known how all along and was fooling us.

I've seen geese the 2-3 days but they're confused I think cause these guys were flying the wrong direction? They are suppose to go south when it cools right? Someone forgot to tell these guys.

This morning the head is at a dull thud. More annoying than anything.

Darius I'm sorry your bread wasn't what you evxpected. :(

Can't think so I'll just post and get more coffee...

Cherie

This message was edited Sep 1, 2006 9:07 AM

Happy BIrthday Elaine!! Hope you have a wonderful day!

Just a quick pop in to say Happy Birthday to IO1, and good to know everyone is here and keeping up.. still have a house guest, so that's putting a big crimp in my DG time. Will have to catch up tomorrow for real.

Get well thoughts flying through the air to those who are ailing, mending or just feeling crappy.

Later
Sheila

Pooh, guess I need to go to town AGAIN and get some new yeast. My bread was tasty, just dense, so I need to make more. BUT FIRST I need to put a new bulb in the oven light BUT FIRST I need to go get my portable drill-screwdriver from the barn because the bulb has a screwed on cover BUT FIRST I need to put my boots on, LOL.

My jam yesterday turned out lovely, made 11 half pints in 2 runs. I have more peaches frozen but I'm out of jars and out of raspberries.

IO1, glad you had a good birthday dinner!

Good morning. Happy Birthday Elaine. I'm glad you started celebrating early and missed the Friday night crowds. Sweet potato fries sound interesting, we don't have them up here where we can't grow sweet potatoes. No okra either. I've only eaten okra once, a lady from Texas rolled them in cornmeal and fried them in a little bacon grease. They were good. I'm sure she got the frozen ones, so maybe I should try that this winter when I get tired of the ordinary vegies.

Darius, sorry about your bread flop. It probably was the yeast, it's so dissappointing to use old yeast and put in all that work and not have it turn out well. Usually the first rising is slow and by the time you get it rising in the pans the yeast is just too tired. Even adding extra yeast didn't seem to remedy my early bread failures. They had a more yeasty taste of course but the loaves were flat, dense and made excellent French toast. We ate a lot of that to use them up. Somebody suggested something with preheating the oven and then using a warmed up cast iron frying pan to keep it warm, great idea.

Sarv, DON'T SCRATCH. How many times did you say that to your kids when they had itchy bites or poison ivy? I sure wonder what is causing your problem. Taking antihistamine might help it but it would take a couple of days to get enough into your system and then you have to stay on it for a few days. I do that with bug bites because I get a reaction to them that swells and itches for a couple of weeks. Once I thought we were going to have to cut off my ring because I got stung between the ring and the knuckle, it swelled clear to my elbow! That was before I knew about taking the antihistamine for anything besides sinus conjestion so I used a lot of ice on it. Maybe Babs would have another suggestion.

I have the water going in a flower bed, 2 more to go, some packing and take Fritz for his walk and then I will be off to my ride and Fritz goes to a kennel for the weekend. Poor Fritz, in jail. I can't take him to the ride, he would pick fights with other dogs and bark and drive everyone nuts. Hubby is gone for the weekend, he left about half an hour ago. I have a neighbor coming to cover feeding the other dog and cats, another one will water things in the greenhouse and a couple of other places that can't go 3 days without a drink.

I think I saw Lauriwilson on yesterday's thread, welcome back. Those are some LONG days you are putting in, no wonder you haven't been around.

Has anybody heard from Molly or Patishell since the storm went through?

Better get breakfast and get down to the vegie garden to do some spot watering. See you all on Monday.

Mary, Pati is fine, now under a DR's care for her kidney stone. Molly had some rain, haven't seen her online today though.

Oven light replaced, now off for new yeast. I refuse to let bread defeat me!

Happy Birthday, I01. That was so sweet of DH to take you out. Bummer on having DB come for the long weekend, I know I usually say with a smile on my face, "oh, no, we are not doing anything", all the while wincing inside. We may not be "doeing" anything, but sometimes that is a good thing.

dmc, glad to see you back, so is the house empty? Going to the farm sounds like a good plan.

Sarv, what have you been doing to cause the "itchies"? Not been in the poison ivy again have you? No, my meds aren't sulphur, I have problems with that too. Sometimes an antibiotic will make me feel draggy (is that a word?), until they start making me feel better. I picture it as an internal battle, the germs, digging in their heels, and the antibiotic, kicking butt, to make them leave!! I did stock up on yogurt yesterday, cause when I am taking antibiotics, I tend to get yeast infections, which I know you will agree, are not fun.

Darius, my favorite bread is sour dough. Just love it, but can't find it in any of my grocery stores, and to be truthful, I don't have the talent of making it.

Bal, I did want to comment on your helpers. They look so intent, just know that even if they can't actually help, they are cheering you on.

~~ to ves, and larurie wilson, my brain just died, so a wave will have to do.

I did finally get the suitcases unpacked, and the first load of laundry in the washer. Hope that I can tame that monster some today, I probably won't kill it, but it will be in critical condition at the end of the day!!

BBL

Hi defoe-Hope you're better soon. The way the laundry monster gets passed aroung you'd think he would be DEAD!

Bal your helpers look real excited about the job and more intelligent than some helpers out there.

MaryE have fun on your ride this weekend!

Morning all. Birthday wishes Elaine, health and happiness in abundance. Your dinner sounded great.

From what I recall, goji berries, aka wolfberry, Lycium barbarum etc. are supposed to be chock full of antioxidants.

Yep Sarv, the little helpers have left their footprints in the cement. Flat sorghum ? the aliens must be back. Hope you can find a cure for the ichies, as well as time for a good nap today. Naps are good for the soul, well so is ice cream.

Darius, sorry about the bad luck with the yeast. I usually just dump it on some warm water with a pinch of sugar first. Haven't done yeast dough for several many and a bunch of months. Holiday season nearing though, and it may be time to think about doing some Jule Kake. Got several tubs of marked down glace' fruits awhile back and better use them before they petrify. DW off to babysit the GDs, then to the cabin for the weekend, leaving me home alone, by choice, to get into trouble. Silly Immy, running around with two bones and a rubber squeaky bone in her mouth. Don't know why she feels she has to try to carry all the toys at once.

Gotta put on some shoes and socks, actually socks and shoes. (first things first) and get to the grocery store, Lowe's and the Co-op. Sun is out, morning is cool, and the grass needs cutting.

Have a Benary's giant zinnia on me.

Happy Birthday Elaine - since you didn't have dessert, I'll make a cake for ya. It will be on the table by afternoon coffee time...Dinner out sounds lovely- never had sweet potato fries either - we do have sweet potato chips here and they are tasty.. Did you buy yourself something special to celebrate your day?

Darius- you crack me up...do you ever just flop in a chair and do nothing for a whole day? How about slicing your heavy bread into cubes and using them for croutons? Good luck on making another loaf of bread. My crust always comes out tough - any solutions for that? (I have to admit that I use a bread machine tho- cheating....)

defoe- down that yogurt!!! That reminds me I think I'll have one for lunch. I'm on a good eating kick for awhile (I am sure it won't last....LOL) I have no idea what is causing the itchies. About a year ago I had it on the back of my neck for several months -about drove me crazy..Finally it went away - now the same stuff is back on my right arm - about 8 inches by the bend in it. I have all little tiny scabs where I have scratched it raw. Thank goodness they aren't huge things!! And I heal fast, so they will be gone quickly unless I scratch them off again. Last night I got up and put hot compresses on them, then anti itch lotion, followed by an ice pack. It is just annoying...

cece- I'll take the itches over your headache!! Have you ever tried immitrex? When I have one I can't control -that is what knocks it out. Thank goodness I haven't had an awful on in several years - in fact my meds are probably out dated.. Since my stress level is down from not working, (or is it that I'm older....) anyhow, the bad headaches seem to have subsided. I still get one during tax season, so I am sure it is stress that sets mine off.

Mary - good luck on your upcoming ride - hope you ride the pants off and come in first!!

Well, I survived my first day back to the workout place. Funny thing is we can't go back until next Thurs. But I have decided that I will walk on my tread mill the days that I am not going. I worked out for an hour and was sweating like a pig - but it was fun seeing everyone again. Kinda like a social club there. They have new ellipticals (kinda like riding a bike standing up) and I tried them out for 3 min. Weird feeling...and I didn't like it, but will persevere on it. When I got home and went down the stairs I thought I was going to fall!! My thigh muscles were screaming...LOL

Well, time for lunch (still cloudy and cool here) oh, the geese here were going the wrong direction too (were they males LOL) sorry bal and oz....

This message was edited Sep 1, 2006 11:54 AM

Thanks everyone for the birthday wishes! I'm sittin here waiting for my lunch. Don't I sound spoiled!!

Bal, have you ever noticed we usually say shoes and socks? Aw ... and you got footprints?

Defoe, hope you feel better today. Yes, it might sound mean ... but not having plans did sound sorta nice for the week-end. *sigh*

Hi Lauriwilson, hurray on the new job!

Mary ~~~ and hope you have a wonderful trip. Do be careful ... no mishaps with you or the horses. ! :-)

Okay, gotta go keep watch for my lunch! Will BBL

Elaine Happy Birthday happiness always..

Defoe hope your getting better..

Sarv i get them all time seems i'm allergic to so much..

Mary- fun be careful though..

Aww, Hope, what adorable little kitties!

Sarv, I love a loaf of crusty bread... European style. I may go to King Authur's site to see what kinds of yeast they carry. I found their flour when I went for yeast this morning, yippee, as it's my flour of choice. Got WW, AP and bread flour. Also 3 more cases of canning jars and frozen raspberries for peach jam. Shot a bunch of my September food budget, LOL.

Plus, I took my chainsaw to the chainsaw hospital because it won't start. Been in storage 3 years with a gas/oil mix in it, Shame on me. If it's just a clogged carbeurator might be only $35, but if tubes, etc. are bad, might be double that. Bad as getting my truck worked on!

Happy birthday Elaine!!! Hope you have a wonderful day!

Susan
=^..^=

Wow, I'm stuffed! The DH brought home my fav buffalo chicken salad with blue cheese dressing. Oh yum! I have fresh coffee on and am trying to stay awake to see what kinda cake sarv puts out on the counter. I'm not believin how sleepy I feel. *yawn*

And thanks again for all the birthday wishes. I have so many wonderful friends here at DG. :-)
hugs all way round.
~Elaine~

Hi yall,

Elaine, Happy Birthday, have a great one!!!!!!!

I just finished vacuuming...........yes, you heard right........vacuuming my carpets. First time since back in June. I finally lucked out with freecycle and picked up a Hepa 3 today. That baby sucks up dog hair/fur!!!!!!!! Course I am out emptying the canister a couple times through the process, but that's because it's been so long. I (or my cleaning lady used to) had to clean dog fur up by hand/sneaker treads before, since forever.

I am so excited to have clean carpets. And with this Hepa 3 system, no lingering dog fur smell in the air.

Yesterday I accepted a job with a small paint company in Marion County and I start on Tuesday. Will be doing work in Gainesville and Ocala. Strictly repaints and a lot of faux finis, including venetian plaster. It's a start to have some money coming in until I get my own business built up.

So, everyone have a safe and happy Labor Day weekend!!!!

Molly
:^))))

Yippee, Molly!! $$ always helps, as does a vacuum, LOL.

Yippee Molly great to hear you got work, LOL on the vacuuming That is something I have to do!!!...Lauri

Great Molly, glad that you will have some $$. On vacumming, if you had waited another month or 2 you could have had an indoor garden!!

I01, your lunch sounded good, is DH trying to "fatten" you up?

Well my day sort of went off track. Did 2 loads of laundry, then the energy ran out, sat and read, then took a nap this afternoon. The coughing is better, but I feel like I've been run over by a truck.

Now about the Reno trip. Flights were good, with the exception of a delay on the return flight, about 1 1/2 hours. Most of the convention social functions were good, had a reception on Sunday night, finger foods, etc. A breakfast on Monday, I didn't go, as it was too early. A reception on Monday night, supposed to be finger food, but more like a mini meal, sandwiches, pizza, all kinds of cookies, etc. The awards banquet on Tuesday night was good. Filet, garlic mashed potatoes, roasted tomatoes, green beans, with an olive oil dressing, broccoli, and little carrot shreds. The plate looked fabulous. It was hot and it was very good. Dessert was mocha cheese cake. again very good. My sister had to attend several training sessions, so I entertained myself in the casino. They will be building a new room, and naming it after me. That's how much I donated!! Toured downtown Reno, visited several other casinos. There was a trip to Taho, but since I have been there 3 times, passed that up.Not much else to do. The time difference just about did me in. 3 hours, and I never knew what time it was, so I ate when hungry, slept when sleepy, and it was all wacky. Just wish I had felt better, but all in all, it was good to get away, at least there was no canning, laundry or cleaning!!

Well, gotta go get some supper started. Decided to grill a steak, and have baked potatoes and salad, garlic bread. Not really hungry, but supposed to eat while taking these meds.

Will be back later.

Defoe, I wish I had read that you were going to Reno since I was working about an hour away I could have come over and harassed you, I mean met you, and helped with the donations and eating....and then gone back to work from Reno the next day...:-(

Hi all

Happy Birthday Elaine!!

I've been lurking when I can just to be sure no one's having a bad time, and to check out any particularly cute kitties. You know I have to say Hope's adorable trio takes the cake today........well, not takes the cake, that would be rude to the birthday girl! LOL

Things are settling into September, DD#1 safely and happily back at college, the other two frantically finishing their summer reading. We went up to see the farm today, lots of progress happening there:
http://davesgarden.com/place/t/644758/

We had a nice walk through the fields -it's a perfect day! Ernesto's coming though. DH picked tomatoes and I picked beans. i'm not done yet. I'll get a picture of the tomatoes!

I need to doublecheck what everyone else has been up to and will be back just wanted to get my good wishes to Elaine quick!!

Molly glad you got a job so helps. also hope you get your business build up.My vaccuum is bissel they are absolutely no good worse one ever had..My hus. always thought kirby's best , not me to heavy..

Darius i sit look at kittys all the time..she is best mother ever saw to..

i will be alone another holiday so doing nothing.. try rest have a migraine from you know where..ususally last couple days.

Have a great one.. ~~~blessings..

p.s. dmcd i so love them to.. i have been lurking to thought better post to..

Twyla



This message was edited Sep 1, 2006 5:54 PM

Here's my mess o tomatoes...would you like a few tomatoes for your birthday Elaine???LOL

Dorothy, I have a birthday coming up soon...............................

Gads, Dorothy... I see tomato juice and V8 in your future! Or, Try the roasted tomato sauce in the Recipes forum. I've made bunches of it to can and it's great.

Say Goodnight, Gracie.

Twlya the move is from Las Vegas, NV to SC. It will happen the last week of January 2007. Glad you are doing better.

Defoe, thanks for the info. I told DH about the BBQ and now he is checking into availability at the Nugget. The man is out of control sometimes. I have news for him. I am staying in Tahoe and wake up looking out over the lake. The temp drop sounds wonderful. Vegas is expecting low 100 here. We are really hoping that Hurricane John will have enough rain to make it to us and give a shower or two. Probably not though.

Sarv, I have a couple feelers out with the school districts so far. I am a bit worried but we have planned and budgeted on neither of us having a job for the first 9 months. Just in case. I pray that it doesn't come down to that though. I have a lot of flowers and landscaping supplies to get.

ELAINE. Happiest of all birthdays to one of the sweetest and kindest people I have had the pleasure of knowing. I know that in the south that its not a typical fall but trust me it will be more then what we get here. We dont get any kind of the changing of leaves here. They are green, brown, and gone.

Darius, so sorry about the bread not coming out the way you planned. I made a couple loaves of banana bread while in SC. It looked weird, and when I took a bite of one I thought it tasted way off. Later when I was cleaning up my mess I discovered I forgot to add the eggs. OOPS!!!

The best news of the day is I woke up with out a headache, it showed up about noon. None of the tests that I had done yesterday came back giving a clue as to what is up. But I do know I am healthy as I can be. I made an appointment for the eye doctor for next week just in case its my prescription gone bad all at once. I do know that if I dont have a headache during the time I am gone it has to be some thing in the air I am allergic too.

DMC I am willing to accept late birthday gifts. That is alot of tomatoes. Have a good time canning and do take a look at the roasted tomato sauce in the recipe forum. I made some on a smaller scale and its delicious.

Well I better get off here, clean up the house some, pack, eat and head to bed. We are leaving at 2 am and will be getting back home on Monday late. I hope all have a wonderful and safe weekend. Those that are under the weather please rest and feel better. Darius, keep your boots on while outside.

I will miss you all

~~~~'s to all

Now why did I lose all I posted? Don't think I can repeat everthing I had to say, grrrr

Dmc, what can I say but WOW, but glad I do not have do what you are doing with them. your farm house is going to be a beautiful show place when done, good luck with it.

Darius, sit down and relax, I do not think the world is coming to an end tomorrow! Take a big breath and stio thinking what you are going to do next, lol I have always used King Arthur's unbleached flour since the day I was married,

Robert, your Zinnia is lovely, did plant some too this year but the kind with very small blossoms. the pathe looks just perfect.

Mary hope you have a great weekend, enjoy the holiday wish the same for every one else

Sarv, it is easier said then done to stop scratching when it becomes unbearable, yes?

Molly good luck with your new job, every penny counts when trying to establish a new business

Bonnie, you too take it easy, I see your are back being busy as always, just watch out you will not get get worse with that awful bronchitis. How is DH?

Elaine, hope you had the best birthday ever! ((((hugs))))

Sheila, DD and SIL came this afternoin to help me with the new Dyson, it is fantastic, I think John jst vaccumed a corner and the canister was full, LOL now you can imagine what this place looked like, lol, blame Samson not me! SIL also cooked dinner Meatballs and Pasta with the tomato sauce I made yeasterday, had it with a nice glass of Chianty and crusty bread, yum It always tasted better when some one else cooks for you, :-)) Earlier in the Am I made an Apricot coffee bread, had some with coffee of course.

DD also helped me writing out checks to be paid, am late already, oh well, it does not pay to get sick also it seems my eye sight is slowly getting worse.

This has taking me quite a while to post, had to rest my eyes in between, so I am ~~~~waving to everyone who came before this and all of youI missed

I am still getting very tired,

Good evening everyone,

I'm going to have to post the link a bit early tonight as I must either manage to wash my mane or bake a birthday cake. DH's birthday is Sunday and there will be at least a few people coming for his party. My vegetarian brother and his wife (and possibly one or two of their daughters) may be coming after all, but of course haven't bothered to let me know. Kind of hard to plan the cooking ---- guess I better make some tofu pasties just in case.

I have read everyone's post but am out of time ---- just have to say Happy Birthday I01!
Also ---- Maria, please behave! You really worry everyone by pushing yourself too hard. Give yourself some time to recuperate.

Sorry that I'll just have to ~~~~~~~~~~ to everyone else. Goodnight.

I'll edit this to put in the link to tomorrow's post in a minute.


Okay folks, here's the link http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/646597/

This message was edited Sep 1, 2006 9:41 PM

M5, Maybe I wil try that Dyson pet vacc I have heard about.
I drive myself nuts trying to keep the doggie smell out of the carpet.

Starting to think my old Kenmore Power head that was the cats meow when I bought it , just doesn't suck doggie dust out of the carpet.
What do you think ?

This message was edited Sep 1, 2006 11:13 PM

Okay ... I'm back! Wow, all I have to do is turn my back on y'all and just look ... now y'all keep your hands off my birthday tomatoes!! Thank you dmc ... oh I do love tomatoes, and mine are gone now! :-)

Thanks again to everyone for all the Bday wishes today. You have all made me feel very special. :-) My neighbor down the street baked me a pie, and my DH's great uncle gave me a big bag of grapes from his vine at the home place. I had left over's from my meal last night and am ready to hit the hay. Please forgive me if I just ~~~ for tonight. We're getting up early to go to a craft show tomorrow. It's held every year this time. McCool sure wish you lived close by. Okay ... this is long overdue as I've been on the phone ... so good night and hugs all way round!
~Elaine~