Best/Worse/What did I learn today? Part 12

Oh Betty!
That is a wonderful idea. You love people..laundry can always wait..
and now you will have people to sit out in your new garden furniture.
They will be charmed by you and your home..they will marvel at your painted chairs etc etc..
I am so happy for you.

Cheers,
Carol

Betty..did Bernice give you the sign to put up?
Or are you going to make one of your own and name your palce something else?

Well she has such a beautiful sign, she's offered it to me but not sure..I should post, 'help Betty come up with B&B name' lol....with painting and all I could surely paint my own...guess she thought it would keep her little B & B a little closer to her heart having to give it up and all..such wonderful people..I will SOOOO miss them! Their house I'm sure will sell in a flash...walking in her gardens must be a touch of what heaven's gardens are like....but you are right,maybe I should consider my own...thanks for the interest...you are up early this morning...

Well, I've managed to grid and border pattern on floormat...

For those of you not interested in crafts, my apologies, just thought I'd outline the procedure for those that might want to take on a project...

Hmmm...well you certainly have the talent for making a beauitful sign of your own..and maybe it would be better if you did have your own name...to reflect your own home and tastes.
I am like you..early to bed and early to rise .. :) The birds wake me up..and I come here to the computer with my coffee.
I so admire your spunk.."seize the day..dream.. hope... believe."
You sure put a smile on my face.
Cheers,
Carol

I was wondering about your floormat..I thought maybe if you held a hairdryer to the edges would that make the edges lay down..or does it naturally flatten out? I am interested it the process.

It does lie down on it's own..takes a bit to relax..I usually put the hairdryer on it - not closely - just slightly above...if an end turn up..but normally they all lie flat..you just have to watch when you purchase the rolls, some are more plastic coated than others..I choose the non...

Yes, I sure do enjoy my mornings..all is quiet and well with the world, so very peaceful..usually by noon everythings done...then I panic to find something for the rest of the day lol.. thank you Carol for the lovely compliment...well appreciated...

morning all,
oh betty i thought she wanted you to take over her place, i guess i better read more slowly lol..now i get it oh your place it would be perfect the gardens oh people would flock from all over with word of mouth on the lovely hostess and the beauitful garden...and think oh here i go instigating again, all the fun you could get into at home depot and canadian tire with all those$$$$$$$$

everyone have a great day off to the wine country liz

Betty…we need to change your DG name to “Betty-No-Pauze” It would be much more apt! I am very interested in following your step by step on your linoleum painted “rug”. Please continue to post your progress. The geraniums are beautiful. I don’t try to overwinter much because I usually manage to kill things and winter is depressing enough on it’s own. I think it’s terrific that you’ve taken your first steps as a B & B. And stop being so modest, silly girl. You are the consummate B&B hostess and your home and grounds are just lovely. I am sure, if you choose to, you’ll be so booked up; you’ll be turning people away. This is very exciting and I am happy for you. Again, while not really “funny” your John Deere escapade had me rolling on the floor. Hilarious only because I know you survived without serious injury. Years ago, DH went up in flames while trying to get a pile of deadfall to burn. You never really know just how much you love someone until they can’t use their hands for two weeks for anything. Think about it. Forgive my bluntness, but bottom wiping, when it’s not a baby or your own bottom takes a strong stomach.

Oh, Liz….it is simply beautiful…what a lovely hibiscus! The color is perfect! Do you know her name? And yes, what the heck are you doing with cement? You took me down memory lane with your ants in the kitchen. I remember my DGM standing at the sink in her kitchen cursing up a storm (in German) at the “Pi_s Ants” as she called them. Bummer about the tractor ruining your planter. Did you find anything else worthy of bringing home? Hope you are enjoying your wine country day….lift a glass for me, please.

Trop…that was a very strange dream. I usually only remember mine when I first wake up and then they’re gone. I’ve always had the strangest idea about where it is that we go when we dream….like it’s a real other life that we lead when we dream, as real as the one we know when awake, just on a different level.

bluekat…happy that you found time to be with good friends this weekend. Hope you are still feeling strong and determined. There is no wrong place to talk tomatoes, mine have been ripening enough to pick one or two every few days but now they are ganging up on me and ripening at the rate of 5 or 6 every other day.

Umm…Laura? I think you have enough “manure” to deal with in your life lol. The drink, though? Go for it! Surely do wish you could get back to being 100% healthy. You must be getting very sick of being sick so much. Also looking forward to bracelet instructions. Have you found any more time to work on your adorable birdhouse?

Out into the garden before it gets too warm. We were able to open the house up this morning for the first time in days. High of 88 here today, so the AC may have to go back on this afternoon, but for now..it’s lovely. Bought three datura seedlings yesterday and some very pretty purple fountain grass. Also Joe Pye Weed, for the butterflies, so will be putting everyone in the ground today. Also planted fall broccoli and sugar snap peas yesterday.

bbl to check in.

To all, a blissful Sunday.
Jan

Lordy, Lordy, didn't even open a photo and my post disappeared into cibre space..yukky..

I'll post my day in the best/worse/what did I learn later tonight when day is closing..will also reply to your individual postings...so, for those who may be interested in trying a floormat..I'll continue my process.....

The next step would be to tape off the diamonds..now you can't tape them all because they overlap, so here's what I do...

Now with a small sponge roller I paint in each square and outside border...will let it dry and go back and repeat till solid...then I'll take tape off each of these diamonds and re-tape those not yet painted...

B What about a Touch of Heaven B&B or Heaven`s Garden B&B to steal your words? You mamed a Belly Dancer? lol How did she take it? In Cal , you would have been sued so fast. People are sue happy here.

Oh yes, did you see alot of extra traffic yesterday since they had that Busch Nascar race in Montreal. I watched it, wow how beautiful is that place? My goodness and clean too. How far from you B?

Hundreds of miles, probably 400....But we have 'Kempenfest' in Barrie which is art/entertainment etc. and it brings in hundreds of thousands...and the Carabana which brings in over a million people I think they say...then Midland, about 10 miles away is a mega Tourist area, Orillia were having their own activities - about 1/2 hr. away so no rooms available...

Well, those 2 suggestions will go on my list of names...then it's to decide what to paint to reflect the idea...

To me, my home is very modest, not large by any means..no great decor..so sometimes I almost feel embarassed to offer myself as a B&B..but, maybe it's the hostess that makes the difference...right?

Waiting for this floorcloth to dry...should be outside, but it's too big, must be patient...maybe I'll go sit myself outside with a magazine I bought this morning and pretend I'm at a B&B...LOL

I didn`t realize that it was so far. I think the B&B hostess is most important besides cleanliness. Myfriends stayed in a famous B&B in Santa Barbara for $500 a night. they had stayed before and loved the Victorian decor and the hosts but they sold, the new owners were very unattentive and promised her a healthy alternative breakfast for her died and basically didn`t give her anything to eat. She asked for fruit and they said if we can find some but didn`t and they changed the decor to a modern look and they were not happy. That was a lot of disappointment for a lot of money on their Anniversary, so it was somewhat ruined. The food was microwaved food too, the owners told them.

Lots to consider isn't there...not getting into it this year..but perhaps next spring and then I'll really focus on the hospitality part...still lots to do to put this place in order...but they couldn't get over all the decorative painting and uniqueness..but perhaps they were being kind...either way I had fun last night..filled in the evening and gave me some spending money..lol...how disappointing for your friends...that is a lot of money for B&B isn't it?

Day is just flying by...girlfriend Ann dropped in to drop of some daisy plants and a few others she thought I might enjoy, just as she was leaving my girlfriend in Ireland called (her computer is down) and it's already time for supper..still working on my floormat...not hard, just having to wait for paint to dry..just like watching water boil..lol..anyway, would like to complete the project tonight so I can give it about 6 or 7 coats of 'flecto' tomorrow then it will be ready to put on the floor...

So, here's where I'm up to now...

Niice girl. Yep a lot to consider. The place they stayed was a Historic house and the modern decor was really dumb with that house.

Sounds like they had the same interior decorator that has decided to upgrade 'Graceland' into the modern times...as if...now why would one want to visit the mansion if they do that...where are people's brains..if it's to be where Elvis lived, as he lived, I'm sure there was no hi tech equipment and ultra modern furniture...as for the B&B at their prices, the changes will get around to general public and they will loose big time...

evening all,

betty the mat is looking great , but i have a question a few steps back when you said grid and border pattern what tool were you using and where did you get a pattern to follow?

jan, i threw the name away, oh i got two more bags of cement today i have thease large leaves im making stepping stones with them.heres one below
today when we got to mil house we walked up the walkway and i started yelling lucy can i please take three of your elephant ears she thought i was nuts she said take the huge one i had to explain that one would take two sacks of cement not ready for that challenge yet
i love the ant story, its gotten so bad that i have quite a opening speech when i see one then the clorox comes out my nice wood frame once was the stain early american now its all blonde wood lol i'll restain it when they decide to find somewhere else to live.

hellenz, your so right on all the "sued " oh isnt it awful the'll sue you for anything

best: had a nice visit with the inlaws
worst: fil told me his back surgery was a success but his spinal cord is fusing togeather smaller and the doctors told him with his knee arthritis and this eventuallly he's not going to be able to walk so he's going for more opinions at stanford and san francisco in the next few months
learned:dh was born a natural s--- disturber he gave everyone a run for their money today everyone have a good evening liz

Love it Liz. yes we do live in a sue crazy state here. Poor DH Liz, that is so scary. You should post a request on the prayer forum.

Liz...I used my quilting ruler which is 6" wide...the first border which is black I made 4", then I penciled in another border which is 2" and will stay white, 3rd inner border is 3" and is red..now that the 3 borders are marked in I found a piece of trim and went from corner to corner making a large 'x'..once that was in, I took my 6" wide by 24" long ruler and simple following the 'x' lines, went from side to side, then reversed the 6" which formed the diamonds...very quick process....

Now remember, I'll want to see the creative designs you all make! lol...

Tired tonight, wanted to finish the matt completely but I work better in the am..so all that is remaining is freehand work in the borders and then I'll have to decide if I'll do something where each square meets...

So, I'll add photo's as I finish...bought red/white chair cushions, red geraniums for the table so should look pretty..not fond of the stained glass lamp I made for over the table..tooo geometric, now I'll have to make something very soft in reds/white and black...hmmmm...doesn't one thing lead to another...

Liz, I thought the cement was for the leaves...not sure which one of you did the hands using rubber gloves but thought it an excellent idea..would like to try a pair or two to put in the garden..looks like someone breaking through the ground to get out...getting nutzo here..too much time on my own...sooo gab with you all tomorrow...

dawn, lol it was father in law its pretty scary he always has been a active man

betty,
oh its lovely i think im going to have to try one the cement was for leaves heres how big the elephant ears are and it was wuvie who was making the hands

oh sorry

betty that looks great! man! you are amazing!

Morning All,

Sorry I've been "absent". I have felt just so lazy recently! I've been here lurking but haven't felt like typing anything. Am I horrible or what!? Since I only have a couple more weeks here in my currentl job, I think I have "short-timers disease"!

Betty, your floorcloth is going to be beautiful! I did one a few years ago for my breakfast room and I enjoyed doing it. Is your's canvas? My only disappointment with mine is it got so dirty even though I put a sealer on it. It now sits on our screened in porch.

Araness, I'm sorry about your eyelashes and I'm glad you're ok but I wanted to give you a BIG thank you for a great chuckle! That sounds like something I'd do and that's exactly why I always get my DH to light the grill! The thought of sticking that lighter down where the gas is hissing out just gives me the heeby jeebies!

So we had a fairly quiet weekend. My parents came up for lunch - my DD's birthday is today so they were coming up to take US to lunch. Needless to say, they pitched a fit when my DH picked up the bill! I guess that's how parents are when you grow up!! After that, we had to take our boat down to a welder to see about getting a repair done. Since we had the boat attached to the truck, we decided to keep it overnight and take it out yesterday on the river. It was nice but the water could have been a few degrees cooler. It was 88-89 so although it was wet, it wasn't that cool! It was nice just to "chill" on a float. Since it was a little overcast, I didn't wear much sunscreen (I know, I know!). Plus I was wearing a different bathing suit that left more of my shoulders bare so I am paying for it today. Nothing too bad, just enough to be a little uncomfortable.

After we got back, my DH and I watched the IRL race that was taking place up in Michigan. My driver is leading the points so we were rooting him on when a horrific crash happened! Six cars were involved - my driver being the worst. His car flipped up and around and ended up upside down with just the car body left in tacked. Amazingly, once they got the car upright, he walked away from it. I was just sure he was hurt! I felt sick to my stomach so I can only imagine what his wife (Ashley Judd) was feeling! I don't know how she does it!

Anyway, after that we had a heck of a storm (and rain!!!). Our power went out a few times and of course the kids were just miserable. Of course, I let them know that back in the "old days" kids didn't have TVs or Playstations or Gameboys. They're like, "we know, we know". I think I shut them up when I told them that right now there were kids up in PA in the Amish country that have no electricity and go to bed at 8pm and are up at 4am. They just have NO idea!!

So back to work today. Only 10 more days in this position. I'm following some leads for other jobs but I'm not worried as I have 2 months of what's called "redeployment" where I get paid to look for another job and then if I don't find a job I get a pretty good severence pkg. I'm just looking forward to time off!!

Y'all have a good day and keep cool!!

J

Morning all...hi Gardengirl..nope, not canvas, I paint the back of linoleum..give it about 8 coats of 'Flecto Diamond Satin Finish - Varathane...and the matt under my table now is about 8 years old..it's virtually indistructable...just finished it......decided not to put a design where each square meets..might be tooo busy...so, I'll settle for this much...
now I'll wait for last touch up to dry and then start giving it the coats..want to have it under the table tomorrow and the once that is there out on back verandah...

I'm still in my p.j.'s ...now that I've finished this project I'll get into garden clothes and start digging up sod in preparation for my load of topsoil coming in the next few days..want a larger flower garden beneath the picture frame art ..maybe on my trip tomorrow to Meaford there are 10 or so garden centres and perhaps there will be sales on perrenials that I can add to it...

It's hot today, but not overly so..looked like rain this morning but it bypassed us again..I'm watering so hopefully it will keep flowers alive, but I think the grass is beyond saving for this year...

Bet you are torn between leaving your job to excitement of finding something different that you love and will be a challenge...but, you can enjoy a few months freedom..just think of the gardening and arts/crafts you can do....

Bluekat..how's it going...praying that you will continue your trek towards good health...

Laura, always worry when you are quiet..know you've loads of stress right now but please remember...we your DG friends are here to listen, to support you...keep with us my dear...

Liz..do you think Elephant Ears would grow here? Maybe I'll ask tomorrow at some of the gardens centers...just what I need..more cement leaves..but I do want to pick up cement and garden gloves...wouldn't it look wonderful in a side garden to see hands reaching up out of the ground? I've tooo much time on my hands...need to find a life...

Well I'll show you a photo of the finished matt..just waiting to be placed tomorrow under my dining room table...

This message was edited Aug 6, 2007 11:11 AM

Betty - it is BEAUTIFUL!!!!!

Liz..forgot to add...the round berries are done with Q-tips...qtip put in main color then a complimentary color..put on piece, form circle...easiest way.......

Thanks....you MUST wear sunscrean...bad for your health lol..glad it's bearable though..I'm thinking of going either Thursday/Friday up Georgian Bay to Sans Souci...wonderful boating area...just not sure I'm up to it..but we'll see....boating season nearing the end..when I lived on the water, Sept./Oct. was the nicest part of the year...well, better move on to next project...lol..aren't I terrible...remember though, I'm on my own, need to entertain myself...not DH...so plenty of time to play..

Good Monday Morning!
Well, this is my second try so I'll try and make it a bit short-and be back later.

Blue-How very excited and Proud!! You are doing Awsom.
WE have great support here.

Betty, Your floor mat has turned out wonderfully, I especially adore the little floral edging. So pretty.

Araness, I am so glad you are ok! whowa-I hate starting the grill, the woosh always scares me.

Laura, Sure hope you are feeling better! looking foward to the bracelet making-LOL I especially need pics!...OH Yeah- A M E N! lol

Liz-I just love how your leaves have turned out! What kind of paint are you using? Looks like it's metallic! Hope you job hunt goes well. As soon as my weeds get under some sort of control, I think i am going to give those leaves a whirl-Only I think mine will have to be from Sun flower leaves-it's eighther that or Burdock, I certainly have loads of those...(lol-I made that ryme!)

101-welcome back! I loved that little prayer.

Starz-Hello, Would you mind if I use...Your Quote? How very appropriate...
"Sieze the day..Dream..Hope..Believe" I am envisioning it in Beads and hanging on my wall.

Oh, gosh I know there is so much else, will have to take evryone suggestion and keep a note pad next to me for notes-

Betty, sounds like you are casually keeping busy. Are you preparing for your BBq this Weds.? Forgot to mention, Your B&B sounds great! I sure think that seeing people stroll around your Country gardens enjoying the art you have so lovingly incorporated - Would make such an outstanding painting in life! Oh my Your Lillies a splendid!

Tangi-I so enjoy reading your posts...Thanks for asking on well being. I have to admit I am feeling very good-My spirit is definately on the rise. and boy oh boy are my weeds disappointed in that! So far I have accomplished a few things off my list. Slow but sure, and one day, one step.

This weekend-I attacked them there weeds! Armed with a good steady rain and my handy dandy Pitch Fork! Out they came, I am almost to the pool-Making ready for one of the Big Dreams a three section Compost bin. Goal by or before Labor day. Most of the materials are already and waiting, just have to squeeze in some Brawn from DH. But guess what happened and now must take presedense? Our brick walling finally fell!! just couldn't wait till we got time-oh well, was bound to happen, now we Have to fix it.

Well, My baby turned 12 on Saturday-Had a heck of a good time! sure was glad when it was over though-but happy to say We girls wooped some serious butte on tug of war! LOL 8 of us against 5 of them.

So, I will enclose a few pics! First is my First ever Lily-This first was the one I told you about.

That same evening the second started to bloom!

And the very next morning Both Boeautiful blooms! Also the frangrance Heavenly!

LOL-Not that you wouldn't beleive me but here are my attacking weeds-Almost all gone now!

And here's what else has kept me out of trouble!
The wood pile-I swear i am not stacking another piece.
This was the third and final for me-if it falls again it will just have to stay on the ground! LOL

Learned - be careful removing cardboard from the surface of the earth as yellow jackets will build nest under it at times.

Uh-Oh. Dyson. That does not sound good at all. Are you okay?

Typed a lovely long posts last night. Even attached a picture. Where did it go? I thought I posted it but perhaps I just saved it in word instead? So will check when I get home and post it if I find it!

Quickly, (yuck, there are people in and out of MY office today. What the heck? Don't they know I've got more important people to chat with? ;o)

SO good to hear you sounding so strong and up, Judy. Beautiful, beautiful lily. Looks like maybe an oriental? They do smell divine, don't they? I love lilies.

Very impressive wall of wood. Before we made a rack in the garage, ours would sit right where they dumped it. It was major fun trying to break up a frozen pile of wood whilst attempting to maintain your balance ON said pile of wood. Kind of like reality pick up sticks. H would take care of it when he was home but he was traveling as much as he was home, at that time, so the human pick up stick would, by default, be me.

Twelve...almost a teen. I miss the time when my were that young, but at the same time am really glad that they are not.

Betty, Just beautiful! I loved seeing it from start to (almost) finish. At our place, this sort of project has been known to span years (literally) before completion. I have a rug I began to hand hook about 19 or 20 years ago. It's moved with me countless times. You guessed it. Still not finished. It's been so long since I opened the tub it's in...I'm not even sure what it looks like anymore. So, you are my hero(ine), Betty-No-Pauze;o)

Back later to pick up on the rest of what I missed.....Jan

Judy, didn't think you'd be on..but then it's only a Holiday Monday here isn't it..yes, I'm keeping busy, but it will look so pretty..need new curtains for dining room..change one things and then you need 20 more...maybe Wedns. aft after b.b.q. I'll go in and pick up some nice material and make drapes..want to do a quilted sweater and get pattern off to Shar with knitting so, as you can see I'm up to my old self...but, really..if I just sat..I'd go crazy...

Sounds like you've got a chore in front of you with those weeds..pick a couple of feet, get it done and then another day you can takle another little corner of your world...wood..yuk..thank goodness now have alternate heat..lots/lots of work...


Dyson did you get badly stung? Not allergic in any way I hope..regardless, still hurts like the dickens...neighbor last year was cutting grass, got stung and died before getting to hospital...can be very dangerous...so, watch out!