What is on your "to do" list today?

You made me look when you asked about Nat'l Arbor Day. Interestingly, states have different dates due to climate I am sure. I found this link to the states, dates and state trees http://www.arbor-day.net/arbor-day-state-dates.htm .

CB:Yes, they are called snowbirds. Mostly they are people from Canada or parts of the US that are snowed in this time of year. So cheap to live this way if you have a motorhome or trailer. In Arizona you can stay on government land for $100 a year. I lived in Bullhead City for a couple of months and really liked it there, considering moving back one of these days (just have to stay out of those casinos).

Up here Snowbirds are the folks who abandon us for the winter and go to places like Arizona etc who say they never get snow!

Dad owns property in Bullhead City. He loves to go to the Edgewater casino to play cutthroat nickel-a-hand pinochle in the afternoon. He has always gambled a little bit but he never abused it.

Thanks,

Chuck

funny fannyvan: How true it is. Does your city turn into a ghost town in the winter? I live on the border of Az. and we get alot of them who stay here in the park. I have a lot of them who buy my crafts to take home so I don't complain about the increase in traffic or the lines in the stores.

CB: I used to like to go to Spirit Mountain for the nickel slots but I think they removed all of those and went to quarter machines. My favorite was deuces wild and with nickels I could sit and play for hours. I never lost much, but never won much either.

Yes, even in the 70's the 'snowbirds' brought revenue to the valley in Az. They proved it when there was a gas shortage there one winter. They didn't come back the next winter and the area was economically depressed. People wanted to grumble but they had no grounds to do so...

www.arborday.org

That's the official site, and believe me they like to send trees!!!! You do get what you pay for, and these are anywhere from free to cheap. What I got was dormant sticks with roots, basically. NOT complaining - they do a wonderful thing! What I'm saying is, don't expect 3-gallon pots of instant lanscaping. But for membership they send you trees, and if you order anything they send you more trees! I'm patient and would rather grow them than just bing-bang-boom have an orchard. I think it makes you appreciate the garden more. And what they do for education is worth the wait AND the risk. Also plenty of cautions about what will and won't grow in your area.

I got them all planted, plus got some daff bulbs in and planted sweet peas in pots! Good weekend

I just got assigned by the county commissioners to work on Historic Preservation Commission again so I will be working on getting local designations on some of our historic districts to stop them from being torn down and giant mansions built in there place.
This is the beginning of my 10th year on the commission. I am finishing up the term of another member who is now a County commissioner.
I have some sewing projects going, especially some valances for the kitchen windows. I saw a couple on Trading Spaces drape some placemats diagonally over the curtain rod, leaving a pointed corner hanging down. But I didn't like that you could see the rest of the placemat in the back hanging askew so I extrapulated on the idea. My spousal unit cut out 5 triangles of different lengths and widths from cardboard for templates. I found some aqua printed fabric at Wal-mart for $1 a yard. Some of it has some stripes on it. So I am cutting these triangles both vertically and horizontally to get a different look with each one. When I have enough to make a row the length of the curtain rod, I will hold them together with a basing stitch. then I will make another row of triangles to fill in the gaps behind the first row of triangles adn baste them together. Then I will sew the first row and the second row together and just hang them over the curtain rod. I hope you all can visualize this, but if not, I will post as I get them done.

Dear Brigidlily,

I finally had time to go through the link that you provided me on the National Arbor Day. I found out that they don't ship any trees to California. I noticed that our State Tree is the Redwood tree (correct me if I am wrong). I can't remember seeing very many of these in Southern California.

Thanks,

Chuck

going to check out a couple of thrift stores in 2 up-scale little tourist towns today. These towns have very exclusive gated communities and very few locals left. But it's a great place to do thrift shops. I am looking for bedroom light fixtures. I have a niece who is decorating her new house (1920s) in French country so I will probably call her to get her to go with me.

Wish I could go... Whine, whine. Have a great day!

Dear Woodspirit1,

How lucky your niece is to have an aunt like you!! Have a great day!!

Thanks,

Chuck

Well, it was fun. I found a great ceiling light fixture for my bedroom, rounded beveled glass and brass with little tips that can be unscrewed to clean the fixture. I also bought a bunch of silk ties for about a quarter apiece, for a quilt I am making for a grandson.
I found a lamp for my niece, made of wrought iron with am amber lining but it proved to be plastic, not glass, so I left it. I also found 2 slender porcelain lamps, about medium height, with an arching spray of blue flowers on the front but couldn't make a decision. I only got to one of the 2 towns I intended to visit (only 10 miles apart) but spent too much time and came home.
Worked on the valances, then decided to cook out steaks because it was so warm. We ate on the deck and used the rest of the charcoal to smoke a chicken for tomorrow night. It was a lovely day.
Tomorrow, we have to go to town but I have one thing on my list and that is dig up some ice plant to send to another DG member.

Woodspirit1 ~ sounds like you made a haul! What great fun!
You mentioned the silk neck ties. My Gram had made a quilt out of silk ties that was delightful. Lucky grandson you have there!
We are taking in a local flea mkt tomorrow as long as the weather is nice. Don't expect much as it is so close to Christmas but I always hope for treasures.

I bought a high-end bread machine once for $6 and sold it on eBay for $60! LOL.

Zone 8b, Heat Zone 9, Southeast, TX Lake Sam Rayburn, Lufkin, TX
I am watching out my window at brown Thrushes eating Holly berries.
Where are you located? I thought I was in "Deep East Texas", Zone 8b
Thanks for an interesting forum.

It is 70 degs. at my house today, Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2006 @ 4:10 PM

Hi Ms. Sudie. I am glad to see you posting again. I think "deep east Texas" is where ever we want to be. : )) I am probably about 50+ miles to the north and east of you. I am near Toledo Bend and if you look at the zone chart, there is a strip that comes south along the Tex/La border. I find that my temperatures usually are closer to Shreveport. We did indeed have a gorgeous day but I suspect it is about to end. I hope you and yours have a very Merry Christmas... pod

Today, I have to work both jobs, one at the library and one at the cemetery. I only have 1/2 hour between the 2 so I don't have time to do anything but pick up something to eat at the office. Howver, I have to pick up some Rxs and buy 3 presents for the Christmas party Friday. The problem is that I can't see after dark to drive if it's raining so I have to find a chance to buy these sometime today because I don't go into town on Thursdays. My plate is full!!

Your plate is most certainly full! I hope you are able to devour it with pleasure and enjoy the Christmas holiday as it arrives.

I must say I am looking forward to the "winter solstice" with delight. Tomorrow will be two seconds shorter than today. The shortest "daylight" of the year means the days will began getting longer. I am looking forward to spring with enthusiasm! Anyone else?

This message was edited Dec 20, 2006 9:32 PM

You bet I am looking forward to spring. Even here in the desert, we've been having darn near freezing temps. Today's high was 62, that's still too cold for me. This weather is soooo depressing. I hate everything about winter; I hate cold, less daylight, no good fruits in the market, and having nothing to do in the garden.

All this will soon end... Cheer up betterbloom, are you still having hummers? How about the bees... Did you whip them with pam?

Yep, the Pam took care of the bee problem. I noticed three hummers here, hoping they will spread the word.

I think it's going to be a nice day here. A little cooler and dryer air. We got some nice rain that we really needed. I'm so glad it's not as humid and muggy.

Today I will go to town and finish up my shopping for Christmas. Last minute things for our dinner and a few more gifts. So I will wrap a few more tonight.

Pod I'm very anxious for spring! I've been looking at all my seed catalogs and dreaming big time. My yard right now looks pretty sad. But spring will bring life back to most all of the plants. ;)

Lin

Hi! Everybody!! Is today the winter solstice or was it yesterday? Whatever!!! I agree with everybody that now days will start getting longer and Spring is getting closer. DanceyTx, I am so envious of you that you have already finished your shopping. We have six grown children with their significant others and four grandchildren. We are finally about half way through Xmas shopping.

You know how proud I am of our nasturtiums. Well, the past four days it has been about 30 degrees low at night. No more nasturtiums...LOL!! The summer blooming annuals are pretty well gone, too, although the blue salvias seem okay.

My class in Plant Biology starts late January. I am trying to see what I am going to be against to enroll in General Botany in Fall 2007. I am really looking forward to it. I hope the class gives me more insight into plants so I can take better photos.

I guess today it is going to be 64 degrees warm so I will get out in the garden and pull out what didn't make it and help out the ones that made it.

Thanks,

Chuck

CBernard: You might want to try lavender in your yard. I was worried about the frost but it seems the colder it gets the more it blooms.

Hi! Betterbloom!! Thanks for such a quick response. I understand from our local nursery that English Lavender doesn't do well in our zone, I have a French Lavender and a Spanish Lavender. I accidentally stepped on the Spanish Lavender ( I never said I was coordinated...LOL) and it is only half the plant that it was last growing season. I was particularly grateful for what you said about lavenders blooming during cold temps. My French Lavender is blooming and I was a little worried about it blooming too early. But at least now I know it happens to your lavenders also.

Thanks again,

Chuck

I went to the plant files to see which one I have but couldn't find it . If I remember right the tag said Lavender penata, it must also be called something else. I bought them about three months ago and they have doubled in size since then and have always had blooms. I give them a splash of miracle grow every couple of weeks when I do the lawn.

Good for you!! I am glad that you were able to have a quick growing season to prepare your plants for Fall (oops, it is winter now). I also use Miracle Gro Potting Soil while I am transplanting. It kinda gives the plants a head start.

That is one thing I am very faithful about, giving my plants miracle grow. I planted my irises in June and have already had one bloom, noticed today I have another one with a bloom on it. I always give them just a little about one a month. I just started growing callas so will have to wait and see how they do. Have you tried growing them in your area?

One of my deceased mother's favorite flowers was Calla Lillies. Is that the plant you were writing about? I have seen them everywhere except in my neighborhood. Ironically, her other favorites were irises and sweet allyssum. I grow the allyssum but I am still looking for an iris that is native to California....I think it is called Pacific iris (although I am not sure).

Thanks,

Chuck

That's kinda funny..Those are my three favorite flowers...I have allyssum spread here and there and in with my lavender. I don't know what iris is native to Ca but any tall bearded iris should grow in your area. If your planning on planting that iris I would do it after winter and before July. I planted mine at four different times, the ones I planted in late June & early July are over a foot tall. The ones I planted in late August & Sept. have hardly grown. I've found the most places don't ship until June anyways.

I would love to grow lavender and lilacs but our soil is very acid here and I believe they prefer an alkaline soil. NOT on my to do list, lol.
Chuck, there are indeed, Pacific iris and California Iris. If you google them, you will most likely find a supplier or you may find them under the Plant Scout Forum. You can check out the quality of the supplier by going to Garden Watchdog.
Tomorrow, I have to pick up more stuff and go to my sister-in-law's house where she and her husband feed about 50 people in a small house. I hate eatting while holding a plate in my lap but doubt I'll be able to get to the table.
Sunday morning early, I'm sneaking out of here (my spousal unit is a night owl) and going over 50 miles to visit an invalid. Then, on the way back, I'm going to stop at Lowe's and pick up an air compressor for the aforesaid spousal unit. Believe it or not, he will not notice it in the back of the station wagon. We exchange gifts Christmas Eve.
Monday I will go to my daughter's to exchange gifts with her family. Can't wait! I hope Monday afternoon, I can rest, because I have to go to work Tuesday. I am still trying to find time to sew on my complicated kitchen valences.