Stop and visit, talk all you want.

For those who just want to chat, vent, say 'Hi', show a pic of something fun or just randomly make comments.

We don't care what it is. Colloquialisms welcome as well as backfence chatting.

Stop for a minute or all day, someone will be here. (I hope...LOL)

Kwanjin

Had to move my electronic stuff; here's how I remembered how to hook it back up.

Hello!

Yow! Sac- good thing for photos. shaking my head at all the plugs..I'm lost!

Saw this two-headed car in Wyoming.

That is so cool, thanks for sharing!

Okay, I'll vent! I'm super hungry for a home-cooked meal! Haven't had one since Oct 28th!
I've been eating breakfast, lunch & dinner at restaurants or typical fast food places because I have no kitchen and will have to keep this up until Nov 16th when the renovations are expected to be done with. Apparently, there was more work involved than the contractors initially expected and it's true, there certainly is.

And the dust......waaaaaaah......Erynne cries ;(

Erynne, just cut out 16- 4' Victorian Santa's, 12 - 3' snowmen, 4 - 5' santa bears, so know how much sawdust can travel...6 tubs of wood pieces to burn, just came in from sitting around the fire..how wonderful....

Can sympathize with you though..it's hard living in a home that you are renovating...just think by christmas you'll be so organized and the decorating will be done...lucky you!

Make sure you post pics when they're done!

Erynne, construction is NEVER completed when the contractors initially think it will be--I know from experience--being married to a sub-contractor and having worked for two separate general contractors for many years before retiring. I repeat, NEVER completed when originally planned--LOL! You have my sympathy!

SacValley__I should post a pic of the mess of wires beneath my computer station here at home--on second thought--maybe not! LOL

I posted a hyperlink to this thread over at colloquialisms and also at the neighbors thread--Kwan and I thought it would be a good idea to combine those threads with this one--less to keep up with and also broadens the number of topics to just about anything you want to talk about. That should keep us busy during the winter! LOL

Erynne, when we moved into this house the counter top was dropped and they had to redo it. I was without a kitchen for several months. So I feel for you. But I love home cooking. So this is what I did. I made my favorite crockpot meals and washed the dishes in the laundry room sink. I also used the microwave for many meals. You see I have always use those two appliances. I missed fresh baked cookies and since I didn't want to mix them up in the laundry room, I just bought dough and cooked it in my toaster oven. We ate out more than normal but not more than a couple of times weekly.

Hi there to everyone! ; ) So this is what we can do when we can't garden? Here was my front yard yesterday, we haven't had frost yet.

Oh, beautiful pic! Love the kitties too? What are their names? We used to have one that looked like your lighter colored one...I miss her, she was my buddy. A goofy cat, we named her "Gooby"....she would give love bites and drool when you petted her. LOL!

Kitchen renovation? Now I'm one who could probably go without my kitchen for 2 months and never miss it! Do you have a grill? Is there any way you could make a meal on the grill? Maybe that could satisfy you for the time being. Or, maybe have dinner at a friend or relative's home....you could even offer to buy and cook, I'm sure they wouldn't mind someone making dinner for them!

heathrjoy, the grey cat is my older one Sophie, the light one is a Tonkinese names Indy, and the dilute calico is our baby Chloe. I had to go look as I had forgotten they were in that shot! We grilled meats and did the potatoes in the microwave more often than normal when we had no kitchen. We ate off paper plates a lot too! I rarely cook breakfast, but when I do it is waffles and I even found that I could make cornbread waffles in the waffle iron.

Okay, that's it, cactus! I'm definitely moving in with you! LOL Such a beautiful garden! However, mine is on its way--next year. DH has managed to get absolutely FREE 4 pick-up truckloads of top soil, 2 pick-up loads of horse manure and more available whenever we need it, plus moss-covered rocks to line our new beds and don't forget the stacks of free newspapers people have given us--oh, the joy of that great website: Freecycle!

We have had an unusually mild autumn--temperature today on my back porch is 74*F and sun is shining brightly! Beautiful day! and I still have roses, petunias and purple sage still blooming and the mums have just started blooming. We haven't had a frost yet, either.

Here is a pic of my lasagna garden in progress and DH has started another one that is heart-shaped. He seems to have plans of eventually doing away with the entire lawn LOL!

I didn't even see that calico kitty peeking out from behind that bush! Our kitty looked a lot like your Indy. Kind of Siamese looking. We got her at a local ASPCA when she was a kitten. Oh, she got into everything and peed all over the house till I chased her around with a spray bottle one day. LOL! After that she always used her litter box....but still got into everything.

Marsue, your beds are going to be gorgeous! Any ideas on what you're going to plant? I love those big rocks. I bet that was a lot of work to get them all in place though.

Here my kitten; Smokey. He's now 10 wks old and my bull mastiff's new best friend. They play sooo well together. We couldn't be happier w/the match.

Well, here it is, Sunday evening and I decided to come to work to use the puter because mine is covered in plastic. The whole house is now covered in plastic sheets because the house is smallish and the dust is just a travelling!
Betty, yeppers, by Christmas it will all have been worth the frustration. I've been using the shop vac off and on all day.....I see a spot with dust, I vac and two hours later it's back again, haha ....sob sob.
My stepdaughters' room is being done now as well. Thing is, I don't think the kids should come over on this coming weekend (as they usually do) because I don't want the dust to trigger an asthma attack in the older girl. It's hard on their little airways.....I don't know how other families cope who live with their kids full time during a major reno.
kwanjin, I will definitely post photos for you all to see. My house was built in 1954 and had the original cupboards....painted over at least 10 times the contractor said. Plus when they lifted the laminate floor, there were 4 other layers of flooring under there. That's what causing this delay but we're moving along (I think).

marsue, sounds like you got contractor connections! We had a hard time deciding who to go with but in the end I think we judged right. These guys are always on time, are very anal about code regulations, clean up at the end of each day and update us daily. They even have an extra set of shoes each, which they change into just to use the bathroom. Home Depot will be coming in to install cupboards after this phase of kitchen prep is done. I went with HD because I like their guarantees and know people who have had their kitchens done by this location and the work is very good. Love your lasagna garden and good for you to have a hubby to help with it; a man's muscle for garden projects is priceless!

cactuspatch, would you believe that today I just scrubbed out the laundry sink for dishwashing use! I even set up a mini "kitchen" in the laundry room so we actually had breakfast at home today. I do have a new crockpot but I must confess that I don't know how to use it. Isn't that sad, lol. I need to look up some easy recipes that require minimal ingredients. I got a freezer full of stewing beef.....can that be put into a crock raw with veggies? I use my regular oven for just about everything that I can and the stove top. The microwave only ever gets used to thaw stuff out and popcorn. Oooooh, the colours in your garden are a site for sore eyes. My garden has gone to sleep and is buried under the leaves which I have decided to clear or till in, in the spring. The only pretty colour in my garden right now is from my Japanese Maples. My Butterfly JM is blushing a purdy pink!

heathrjoy, we have a barbecue but I'm nervous to use it myself. DH is the bbq king but he's had no desire to cook in the cold. Normally, he is very good about cooking so I can credit him for that. My ex-husband's mother, who I am still close to, has offered to have us over for dinner so we may take her up on that. I said I could help cook but she wouldn't have it as the kitchen is HER domain. She is truly has some wonderful culinary skills and the biggest heart. She loves my new hubby too which I find awkward at times, but that's just her.

Well sorry to talk all your heads off but after a day of cleaning, this has been a nice way to unwind.

ttys,
Erynne

marsue, how lucky to get those free. I am all for getting rid of grass. It is encouraged here as it mostly is just a waste of water. But it does keep the house cooler to have a little grass. Otherwise i would get rid of it all. I don't have any in the front. Love the rocks. My beds are lined that way.

heathrjoy, that calico is a really quick one and I often miss her too!
sacvalley, beautiful cat, I get way too attached to mine! They are like my kids.

Erynne, crockpots are very easy. Check out some recipes here http://allrecipes.com/Search/Recipes.aspx?WithTerm=crock+pot
It is my favorite recipe site. Here is my favorite way to make brisket. I just cut off any excess fat, sprinkle with some seasoned salt, Worchestershire and soy sauces to taste. Lay a few garlic cloves around and cook on high for about 4 or 5 hours. Pour off the liquid that accumulates. It is great! We add BBQ sauce and heat in the toaster oven a bit for a great sandwich, or you may like it plain. I buy the largest one I can find and freeze in serving size packets. I usually brown stew meat before adding to the crockpot, but maybe you don't have to? Good luck! My laundry room made a descent kitchen and I would imagine yours will be fine too. One thing for certain, it makes the new kitchen seem even nicer after cooking there!



This message was edited Nov 4, 2007 5:27 PM

Oh, I surely can relate to your renoivations...Our place is always under reno of something or other. One of the best finds is an electric Grill. We have been using that all summer long. The last I heard was DH ripping out the Kitchen sink so, now small batheroom sink will have to do...When do you think your kitchen will be finished? Oh isn't it sweet though when it's all done. ..We have been renovating our summer home. Literally gutted the place, been three years and finally the outside was finished...siding I mean...So next year i can finally start the garden around the house!! woohoo.

Erynne, I just wanted to chime in and say I don't think you are supposed to put frozen meat into a crock pot--it should be thawed first. Like cactus, I think it might be good to brown your meat first before putting it in the crock pot, too, but then, do you have anything to brown it in? On second thought, it's been a while since I used my crock pot, but I don't remember browning roast before I put it in. Well, I certainly haven't been much help, have I? LOL It's a good thing cactus sent you that link!

My DH noticed the rocks in your garden, cactus, and liked the way you did the flowers around them.
I have always liked cats, had them when I was growing up and also when my children were young. My DH doesn't like cats in the house--thinks they belong in a barn as mousers--so I will just have to enjoy the photos of everybody else's cats. One of my cats was a neutered male named Meow. He was solid white and we named him Meow because he could only meow and not purr. He showed up at our door when he was tiny, just a few weeks old and was he flea-bitten, poor thing. I started feeding him outside and took him to the vet and had him cleaned up and treated, etc. Only then did I let him inside around my children. He was the sweetest cat I ever had. He would sit in my lap and if I didn't pet him he would gently put his paw on my face as if to say, "Hey, I'm here! Time to pet me!" LOL I would deliberately not pet him because I loved for him to reach up to my face with his paw--it was so cute but then,of course, I would have to love on him. We never knew why he couldn't purr. He would put his feet on you and "knead" like other cats do, but he was never able to purr.

My crock pot cook book says you can put frozen meat in the crock pot, just do not preheat the crock pot and leave extra time for cooking through :)

Janis

marsue, I am really with your dh as my cats used to live outside half the time and they kept the birds at bay so we had lots of fruit. Now I live where the coyotes routinely kill cats so we started keeping them inside all the time. I have gotten way too attached to the cats, and since I'm not comfortable with pets indoors I feel I have to clean all the time! So I am keeping them prisoner and making more work for me! How crazy is that? But when we walk in the back arroyo, we often find evidence of what the coyotes have killed and I can't stand to find my babies there one day so the madness continues! DH did screen in a porch for them so they can play outside and we take them out for supervised play a couple of times a day.

Hello everyone,
Wow, I am playing a little hooky today! So to start off...Made a breakfast and visiting all over DG. Hhaha, just found the most incredible Cookbook..all of the sudden got a desire to cook. Anyway, came out to play yesterday and just now discovered this thread originated from Neighbors!! Wonderful...

Garden, what a heartwarming story.
Heatherjoy...Too funny, you described my MIL! (10-18 post.)

I've cool neighbor story...Want a cup of coffee?

Our last home in Chicago, we lived on the "T" of the alley. The neighbors, very nice people sold their home. Our new neighbors, a woman and three boys, all of whom were in their 20's at the time. And Grandpa. They had 2 cats too.
Well were were in our late 20's as well...but these boys were loud, party type people, needless to say we didn't get along all that well.
One day I had words with the youngest, then we didn't see them through the winter. Pretty soon Spring came and Doors everywhere were open. So one day, I went down into the basement rec rm. and to my utter suprise was this beautiful Siamese cate curled up the couch! I recognized her. So as I reached to pick her up...she hissed at me! Yow scared me to pieces. Ok then, I'll just go get your owner now. I told her...I marched right next door and the youngest answers...I said hey, I think your kitty is lounging in my basement. So he came over to my house to retreive his Missy, said she was a little tempermental..with a raised eyebrow I said your telling me? LOL. My DH was at work. Now I had been cleaning house and needed help moving the bureaur(sp) so I decided to ask if he could help me. He said sure just let me take Missy home and I'll be back. As stated he was back in no time, so we moved the not only the bureaur but I changed my entire living room around...I mean he moved and I said where, giggling here. From that day foward we were great friends. He and DH got along great and actually, He has been one of the most conciderate men I know...Over the years he calls me mom, still brings flowers on mother's day...He is the big brother to my kids and beleive me they can get into some serious play too. He's helped us move and still comes over to help...Drywalled our family room and helped us paint. His mom is a serious gardener and loves to cook, she makes an occasional dessert and sends James over with it...And I rarely have to buy books as Carol always send a grocery bag loaded with them, read what i want and take the extras to the train station. Anyway they were the best neighbors we had and still have!

Another cup of coffee? I really have enjoyed these two threads..so nice to chat at the fence.

Judy, you didn't tell me you were playing hookie today...bet it's from all that partying over the weekend or just toooo tired after the Halloween costumes..

Erynne, get away from your dust and join us in our Sat. Christmas workshop..you would enjoy...you know the way..having family in same town..lol....truly mean it..give me a d-mail - get away from it all...

Seed, I think I'm going to take your lead and play hooky today, too. Looking at all these kitties makes me want to show off my own. Such cute ones you all have. And tiny. Mine are huge.

Monty is 26lbs...

And Isis is 19lbs.

Fun isn't it..playing hooky? Now your kitties are beautful too.
You guessed it Betty...Last night I realized just how tired I was from all the playing around.

hmmm, maybe I'll plant myself on the couch and watch a movie!

Which movie? I have tons and don't know where to start.

Was thinking about Stomp the yard, Drumline or Memoirs of a Geisha.

oops..forgot toask what kind of movies do you have? I'll go find some popcorn.

Don't have those. I do have House of Flying Daggers but I think I might watch 1408. Just got it and haven't seen that one yet. Or The Reaping. Think I'm in the mood for creepy.

And another cup of Joe!

Definately...hey do you realize we are carring on two different conversations! I like Triumph too.
Can't say i 've heard of those movies...Flying Daggers sounds framiliar...let me go see if it in the Kids room.

We are. Let's just hang here. Flying Daggers was made by the same who made Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Love them. 1408 is a Stephen King story and The Reaping is about the ten plagues of Egypt visiting us again today.

Sounds cool to me...did you get more coffee? Those movies sound good! Didn't find Flying Daggers but found something called Ghost Whispers...Hmmm that might be the one I watch.

Got the coffee. Ghost Whispers?

Me too..Yeah I don't know what it's about but now i am curious withthe title..so I'll plan to watch that ...heck maybe I'll watch 2...Stomp the yard is a pretty good one, it about this kid who looses his brother in a street fight...goes off to college and joins this group that competes for this Dance called stomp...kind of sappy, but I love watching competition movies.

Enjoy!

you too!

I am here to announce that I am dead. Cleaned up my front yard yesterday, worked 9 hours without stopping and today even my hair hurts! I seemed to be born a boy, but I grew up to be a woman, not a man! I still do a man's work, with the same results the next day, SOOOOOORE!
See how you like it!

Christie

Beautiful garden mrs. colla!! Please share some more pictures.