Best/ worse/ ? did you learn today #28visit with friends...

Betty, a babywearing wrap is basically a really long piece of material (usually between 4 - 6 metres) that you use to carry your baby. They are a little frustrating to figure out at the beginning but once you get the hang of it they're sooooo comfortable and versatile. They spread the weight really well instead of having little straps digging into your shoulders and hurting your back. I'll put in a picture of me carrying Ella in the wrap I have now. Until recently I mostly used a carrier called a mei tai. It's really comfortable too and easy to use. For long carries, the wrap is really nice though. Both are much more comfortable than the awful carriers I used for Sonora and Ian, before I knew what else was out there. I also find that 'wearing' Ella is much more convenient than relying on the stroller (or the car). I could probably go on and on so I better stop for now. If you have any questions though, I'm more than happy to answer, or at least try to.

Here's a link to the wrap pattern I just bought - the black and white version. This brand of wrap is supposed to be one of the nicest, most comfortable wraps on the market. I just ordered it this morning. It was a big splurge for me so I'm really excited.
http://www.birdiesroom.com/Products/DIDYMOS-Pfau--Peacock__SL-spc-DI-PFAU.aspx

This is the type of mei tai that I have, not quite the same but you can get the idea. I bought material to make another one in the summer, now I just need to take the time to do it.
http://store.attachedtobaby.com/Products/BabyHawk-Mei-Tai-Headrest.aspx


Liz, Yes we still have lots of snow, it's actually snowing right now. We usually have snow here till at least mid April. I really can't complain though, I love the winter and I'd rather have snow than slush. I find that snow is basically a built-in toy. You can make a snowman (if it's the right kind), go toboganning, climb the snowbanks like 'mountains', make snow angel, etc. My sister and I used to play a game we called 'fox and lamb', basically a game of tag. We'd make a pattern in the snow like a wheel with only 4 spokes. One of us would be the fox and we'd have to chase the lamb but we had to stay on the pattern that we had stamped out. The very middle was a time out zone where we could stay till the count of 5. When the lamb was caught, the roles were reversed. Now, I play that with my children. Last time we played we used different animals. The chaser was a wolf but when you were being chased you could be a chicken, chickie, pig or whatever else you wanted.

Shar, What you said is really true. I think it's quite incredible that we have all come from various background and are at very different stages in our lives, yet we each give (and receive) support in our own ways.

I find that when I'm in a group I will often be the one who listens to everyone else. I have to remember that here, if I don't 'talk', nobody can tell that I'm here and paying attention. I do enjoy being a part of your lives.

Here's an old tale for you.
Blame Betty she made me think of it.

It was about 28 years ago in about weather like we are having today.. DH was at work I could hear noises in the chimney. I felt the chimney and it kept getting hotter and hotter as time went on. I tried starting the other car wouldn't start and the phone was disconnected.. Had my 15 month old son bundled up and carried him to the neighbors. Keep in mind I live in the country. So had to carry him there.( she said she never could of done that) well being a mom you know what we can do. They called the fire department. then I called DH at work. Volunteer fire department was 3 miles away. DH was 15 miles away. He beat them to the house. I don't remember much that happened after that. But we were lucky. It was mostly water damage..

Come to find out the chimney only had a liner in about the top 5 feet. The creosote was built up between the bricks and that's where it was burning. The fire Chief said otherwise we had one of the cleanest chimneys he had ever seen.

Our main heat is wood. That is why I get after DH to clean the chimney I know what can happen. We are thinking of getting an outdoor woodstove but you are talking major bucks for that. Will have to pay off something else first.

Here's a picture of the wood pile. It is a bit smaller because I was out throwing in wood. I think Ty standing there puts it into perspective for size. The other one I took is a different angle and no Ty. So now you know the real reason I took it. LOL

So now that I have bored you.

Nothing boring about any of that....I am just glad you and baby were OK.

I have forgotten what kind of dog Ty is....beautiful.

Shar,

Love your verbal eloquence!!!!! No wonder you are writing all these articles for DG.
Please tell me WHERE I can go and catch up on all the ones I have missed? Are they under "Extras"?
I usually realize how many I have missed when I get the DG Newsletter. Then there they all are!

The Aboriginal thing you can't think the name of is a "diggeridoo". Now--WHAT is it again?
I love all their unique expressions! I bought a small book when i was there that has a lot of these in them. Like--we all know the song "Waltzing Matilda"--but do you know what that really is????? Laura--you can't guess! NO fair!!!
When they talk about a "Barbie"--do you know what that is? Hint--it is NOT a doll! Geez! I should get my book out and give you a quiz a day!

It is SNOWING so beautifully outside!!! BIG, FAT, CLUMPY snowflakes!!! Thanks, Ruby! Did you huff and puff and blow it this way? I just stepped outside my front door and took some pictures of the street. Also one out my BR window (closed, of course) of my neighbor's yard. Will post them shortly. Have to upload them. Later I may go outside and take some more--before it all changes to rain and slush. It will be like the clock stuck midnight and the carriage turned back into a Pumpkin.

Shar, I read your article on Birches. VERY interesting and educational!
I have a clump Birch in my yard. It has those inverted "v" thingies on the trunk. I forget, but was that one called a "European Birch"? It has several main trunks ("clump birch--dah!"). It is now about 30 years old. Reincarnated several times......

I know they are not long-lived, but every time I see that one of the trunks is dying, I choose a well-placed shoot/sucker and allow it to grow into a replacement one. One of the original trunks is now dead! Started dying last Summer. It is big and tall and curved! Will have to find someone with a chain saw to cut it down this Spring....Cut up Birch logs make pretty firewood--like, for display only! The "chosen" sucker is already about 1/2" in diameter and asserting it's place in the "family"....

In my country of birth (Latvia) the birch bark was used for many things. The ancient people made shoes out of them. They are called "Pastalas" in Latvian. Birches are so popular in the Northern European countries. Very much part of our culture, folk-arts and folk songs. Birches are very near and dear to all our hearts. Too bad we here cannot grow the big, stately Paper Birches. Just too warm!
You could drive down any street here and tell where someone lives that is from one of those countries. They will have a Birch tree somewhere on their property. And--So I do as well......Not a 100% sure diagnosis, but very likely!

You know--If I did not sit here 10 x a day to see who has posted what, I think I would get a lot more done!!!! YES!! I admit! I am addicted to you all and to DG!!!! THERE!
I also admit that you all have become a significant part of my life.

For whoever asked if I do anything special to/about my Camellia--NO! I do not! I can tell you though that Camellias need protection fro harsh winter winds. So, it is best to plant one in a very protected spot. They do not need full sun or even morning sun. Mine is right next to my front steps and is "protected" on both sides by tall shrubbery. There is a 10' tall Canadian Hemlock on the W. side (the windy side) and a good sized Yew on the other side. It seems to like it there.
It starts making next year's flower buds in the late Summer/Fall, much like a Rhodo, and they just sit there all through the Winter in a suspended state--s-l-o-w-l-y getting a bit plumper. Then when the weather breaks, they just swell and swell and then burst open in the most amazing, beautiful bloom!
I just wanted to warn you all if you go to a Big Box Store and buy a Camellia. Make SURE it is a hardy one!!!!! They will all sit there mixed up. Some of them are not all that winter hardy! If it helps any--the hardy ones have bigger, sturdier and shiny leaves.

SO! Here is a close up of MY "Baby"!

Love, Gita

Ty is sheperd and chow and the love of my life. No grandkids. He has the best personality. He is my clown puppy or pigpen to name a couple.

Gita,
I didn't start writing for DG until December....I have always written and wasn't sure I wanted to commit, but then decided since I can write whenever I want, that it wasn't too big a commitment after all.
There have been two articles of mine published, and I have two more that I am working on at the moment. Anyway, to find articles, go to DG homepage. On the right column you will see today's articles, today there are three, I think..sometimes more, sometimes less. Click on one of today's articles, and it opens so you can read it, but also, to the right of the article itself, you will see a column, the top of which says "Articles". If you click there, you can scroll back through all the articles that have posted by anybody in the past year or so.

Some of them are great articles with lots of links. Some of them are about things of which I have no interest, so you can pick and choose what you want to read.

Anyway....a lot of them are very very informative, and I have learned a lot about things I knew nothing about. You might enjoy them too. There are several writers, and all write about different things.

Gloria wrote a great article about sauerkraut, which is an excellent food for us, especially at this age. She also tells us how to make it.

I am also interested in no dig gardening, or container gardening, etc..so have found several helpful articles for me along the way. I pick and choose, and don't read them if I don't have an interest in the subject.

Would be worth a try for you to check out.
Hugs.
shar

Vicki, a beautiful dog. Just beautiful. Makes me want a dog so much.

This message was edited Jan 17, 2008 2:23 PM

Ty's just beautiful...looks as though he loves the snow..

Gita, next time I'm in Midland and at Franks Nurseries I'm going to ask if he can order me one or if there is any chance (with babying of course) that it could survive...need to go there anyway to order 60 tomato cages - 12" type for crafts..if I wait too long their order will be made and I'll not get them...so it will be a good opportunity to ask...I will also have to ask around, know we have birches but what kind ??? don't know...

I know Darlene has some because we took fallen limbs a few years ago and used a special drill so that candles would fit in and decorated them for friends...

Vicki..you brought another story to mind...

When my boys were 1 & 2 we lived next door to Roger's mom and dad's..there probably was about 6' between houses..all our bedrooms were on the 2nd floor...anyway, one day I was extrememely tired and put a roast on, thought while the boys were sleeping I'd watch a t.v. program..well you guessed it, fell asleep and woke up and could hardly breath..managed to get the 2 children out and over to my inlaws..about an hour later Roger comes home, opens the door, can't see for smoke, very dense, he just knows he has to get us out so upstairs he went, wrapping himself up with a jacket..couldn't breath..checked bedroom #1, no Jeff, bedroom #2, no Greg...our room, empty..fought to get downstairs because all he wanted to do was pass-out...came over to mom and dad's and there we were...I hadn't thought of having someone go in and turn the stove off..remember girls I was only 22..give me a break..lol.... the post was burnt and the roast - ashes...now don't think I got the what for....

lol.. how about a jolly jumbuck??? hmmmm
now a didgeredoo is a musical instrument that is made out of a truck of a small tree. traditionally it is one that is found that has been hollowed out by bugs and such. it is decorated in aboriginal art that usually tells a story. some tribes believe that it is sacred to men only and others are of the belief that women can play also.
its an extremely difficult instrument to play!!
wanna practice? get yourself a length of pipe like plastic pipe or the vacum cleaner, put your mouth on the end kinda half cover it with your lips and make like a 'zerbit' sound, you know, like you do on a babies belly to make it laugh... as you do..relax your lips a little,,,like the sound a horse makes??? hahahahahah too funny isnt it? but its what you do. the hardest thing is the circular breathing so you get an unending 'drone'. its sooo hard. im cracking up thinking of you all having a go on your vaccum cleaners... imagine the DH's coming home and wondering what on earth!!! aaaaahhhhh hahahahahahah
good start to my day...

we all have different names for things here that are something else in america, not sure about canada but betty could clarify that one. you have jelly which to us is jam... jelly to us is your jello.
so many things really,

well im off, seeing my grandchildren today and my DD, first time in weeks! wish me luck.

so from australia..... 'Gidday Mate' av a 'bonza' weekend and dont let the 'billy lids' get into too much trouble. I gotta hit the 'frog and toad'.


cooooeeeeee!

Laura, you've got me laughing out loud, sil came into the office to see if I've lost it..ok...I for one am going to try it...TONIGHT! just to see what sound it makes...

Let me see if I can interpret...
Good day friends, have a good weekend and don't let the children get into too much trouble, I'm going to hit the (here comes the hard part) the grocery store?????
bye...

I don't know but when I find out think I'll use it...

Alright, had to skip a few posts but will go back later and read them. I just had to comment on a few things and my hubby is asking me about watching a movie with him. Yep Jeannine, we have about 5 or so inches. It is really pretty, but John said that it has started to rain here now too.

I have had a very productive day. I just finished baking a meat loaf and a corn pudding. They smell yummy!!!

Gita and I met in June at a Plant Swap that the Mid Atlantic Gardening group put together. That group is where I used to spend most of my time. When things would slow down there and I had more reading time, I would go looking for other forums and threads. I now have lots of favorites, but this one is certainly heading towards the top as number 1, very quickly.

At some point several months ago and I couldn't begin to tell you what forum, thread or even the topic but somehow Gita offered to send me two types of begonias that she had extras of. I hadn't reported to her before now, but they are both doing great Gita. I know that one is called Angel Wing and I cannot remember what the shorter, more compact one is called. Both are giving off new leaves. Thank you so much for the kind gesture.

Jeannine, it shouldn't be too much trouble for the two of us to meet up at some point soon. You mentioned the Townside Mall. I am up for a shopping trip at some point. Also, do you ever read the Mid Atlantic Gardemer's Forum? It seems as though people on there are planning get togethers quite often.

Sharran, Betty and others have made me feel as though I have been around as long as others of you. Thank you, it does feel good to be so welcomed.

Enough for now. Gonna go watch a Robin Williams movie, License To Wed. I will try to come back a read the six or seven posts that I skipped over a few minutes ago. I want to try and ackhowledge anyone who has referred a comment towards me.

You all take good care.

Ruby

Ruby, let us know if the movie was worth watching..is it old or a new release..always looking for a movie to occupy my time at the office here...

Laura--TOO funny!!!!! Playing one's vacuum cleaner!!! Should suggest that for "America's Funniest Videos"!

I was only in Aussie Land for 2 weeks, and the second week was spent in New Zealand. It was NOT a touristy trip. Well-it was, sort of! We were there for a HUGE Estonian World-Wide, cultural festival that is held somewhere in the World every 4 years.
1988 was Australia's turn.
My whole family went. My husband had been eating--sleeping--breathing and dreaming about this trip for 2 years prior with his cronies. It was a HUGE deal! Of course!

From the East Coast here, we flew to California and from there to Hawaii and then, non stop to Melbourne. It is in the Hawaiian Airport only that we met up with our two daughters as we spent 3 days in CA visiting with my DH sister. THERE THEY WERE--IN THE AIRPORT--BAREFOOT AND SLOSHED! Having the time of their lives along with all their friends.

From CA to Hawaii to Australia--we lost a total of 21 hrs--so, lets say a whole day! The "DAY" we lost was Christmas Day! The good part of that was that there was almost NO jet lag after we arrived.

Now--here is the fun part........

We flew by ( I think???) "Quantas" airlines. They were known for serving complimentary drinks during their flights. Well--picture this! Half the plane was filled with hyped-up, rowdy Estonians heading to Australia--a trip of their lives!!!! I really felt sorry for the rest of the passengers! This crowd was alcohol-insatiable! We/They drank the flight dry!!! Many a birthday was 'invented" so they had to serve a bottle of Champagne. This went on and on--until they had no booze left. Can you imagine the level of "Party Atmosphere"?

Here is the sad part............

On the LONG flight--my husband and I had separate seats. I guess it couldn't be helped, but I sure hated it! Then--my husband ignored me the whole trip. The girls (then ages 20 and 23) were on their own with their own accommodations doing their own thing (that's how Daddy-O wanted it) and I was busy with rehearsals for the folk-dancing performance as well as the Kannel (an Estonian folk instrument with 37 strings that is played with your fingers) practices, so he just did his own thing. Many a night I returned to our budget hotel to an empty room. Luckily--it had the best bar downstairs. I spent a lot of time there talking to all the local people. Good beer!
I suppose this was a "sign" of the beginning of the END!

Then I started getting the "bug" and was sick most of the time we were in New Zealand. Even though we all lived on buses there (Tours--you know), I so enjoyed all the native Maori cultural performances and information. AND--AL:L the plants and flowers--of course! Drove the Tour Guide crazy woth questions! What's that?????

The "bummer" part continued, though.....Another woman on out tour started hanging around with my husband. Everywhere HE was--SHE was! Buses...Hot tub...etc.
And you know what? He had NO clue! Here i was sick, and lonely and a zillion miles from home on a once-in-a-lifetime-trip with my family!....ALL alone........Sob story....

From New Zealand we went on to Tahiti (part of the "package") and from Tahiti we spent the last 3 days in the most wonderful place I have ever been in my life----Moorea--just 7 miles off the coast of Tahiti. Moorea is an atoll island. One big volcanic mountain jutting out of the sea with wonderful beaches and scenery.
Our accommodations were fancy grass huts and they warned us not to worry about these little lizards, should we see them. They were, supposedly, "good luck".
Our bartender was a 6'-something transvestite that mixed awesome drinks. He wore a dress and never shaved his legs. Teee...Heee.....

This reminds me of a story we heard in Tahiti. Hope you all don't mind!

30% of the male population of Tahiti is gay. Gays are so looked-down upon there, that the mothers disown their sons if they are. So, they find jobs in the Restaurant/Tourist business to exist. Therefore--a lot of the waiters and hotel employees are gay men/transvestites. NO big deal!

Another observation-----In Tahiti I found it SOOO strange to see all these black, natives everywhere....BUT--they were all speaking French! Kind of a mental dichotomy!

Also---There is NO mail delivery in Tahiti. You have to go pick it up....BUT......They will deliver fresh-baked bread to everyone's house daily! OK! Now--this WAS 1988!

Something else of interest (I hope so!). The Airport in Tahiti is called "AAA"--that IS it's name--and in the Polynesian language, EVERY vowel is pronounced! Phonetically! So, you would say: The "Ah..Ah..Ah Airport".
The runway juts 2 miles out into the ocean and is, SURPRISE, an emergency landing strip for the Space Shuttle! Again--we are talking 20 years ago! Still--amazing!

Hey, Guys!!!!!

I started this thread to post pictures of the snow. WHAT the heck happened???????
I guess I just have stories to tell--and no one in my family is interested.....Well--they were there--but they have NO idea of how all this impacted ME!
I think what I have always craved is to have someone who will listen to what I have to tell. SO! Even if it is through the "nebulous internet"--YOU all are IT!!!! TAG!

Gita

PS. NOW I will post the pictures in the next Thread! I am sure there are about 10 new Threads posted int he time it took me to type all this! I am NOT like Betty! She must type about 200 words per minute. I use ONE finger on my left hand and 3 on the right.....:o)

OH!! I cannot leave you all without posting my favorite photo from the Tahiti Trip! There we were--just arrived in our Hotel and sitting out on the deck, sipping some Tropicl drink. The sun was setting on the black-sandy beach. Then--I snapped this picture!
Truly--this is of "Geographic" Quality!!!!!.............At least I think so!!!!!

OK! I WAS going to show you pictures of this beautiful, first snow we are having....

SO! Here goes! This is just looking across the street--of of my front door. Couldn't go any further as I had my slippers on.....

This is still looking out my front door--but to my right. That is my Subaru Outback in the driveway.

Shar--this is for YOU! Here is my Birch tree from the street side.

And--here it is again from the back yard side.

This was taken out through my BR window. It is my neighbor's yard. So pretty!

This is my Camellia bush by my front steps--ALL covered in snow and loving it!

And--lastly--here is my house . The Camellia bush is located immediately to the left of my front steps--if you can make it out! As you can see--it is in a very protected spot.

Hi everyone,
I have enjoyed all your stories and thoughts about why we are here on this thread so much. I wonder too about what is it that draws us here...and I find myself wondering about you all as I go about my day.

Thanks for the comments about the photos of the creek. My neighbour came for a walk with me today..and I can feel it in my muscles tonight.
I think Gitas photo of Tahiti should be on a Betty's calendar.
It is nice to see your snow Gita..and where you live..it helps when we think about a person to know what the look like and where they live.

Sharon..you write your thoughts so well..and I find myself agreeing as I read..sort of identifying with what you are saying.
but wouldn't be able to say.

anyway..keep on telling us your stories..love the diversity of the posts.

Cheers,
Carol

Betty..we can't grow camellias here..
they are a southern plant. I see them when I go to Brookgreen Gardens in Myrtle beach, South Carolina.
So beauitful.
This is copied from an article about them.

Hardiness Zones: Camellias are generally hardy to zero degrees (zone 7) but new varieties are being introduced that are hardy even in zone 6, especially with some winter protection. Open camellia flowers can be damaged by frosty temperatures below 15 degrees so plant camellias where plant tissues will have a chance to thaw before being exposed to direct sunlight.

This is in 2005 in South Carolina.

Wonderfully cold pictures Gita....and I think yours is a paper birch, or a white birch as they are often called. Yours is the kind that Native Americans used to make canoes out of....but I can't really tell unless I see the leaf and a closer picture of the bark. Anyway, next time one decides to die, you can make a canoe out of it!!!

Right about the camellias, Starzz....I think you are too cold up there. That sure is a good picture of you in South Carolina with the red one.

Love the Tahiti sunset picture....Gorgeous.

Shar,

In Nurseries, this Birch is called a "River Birch". It grows "clumps" of stems. The stems are only about 6-7" in diameter. The bark never peels or sheds. It might make a canoe for a doll!
Going from memory---I think the leaves are serrated on the edges and it does make catkins that the Goldfinches go nuts about.

Went back trying to find your article on Birches. Went through ALL 5 pages--couldn't find it! I was going to compare the leaves, catkins, etc. Where is it?????

I am sure I will find it! Gita

Gita, sounds as though your vacation to Australia didn't end well..some men can be such fools..not notice they are being enticed...quite a few times women would hit on my DH and he'd be so naive he wouldn't even notice it..hate to think you were hurt in this manner when you probably had looked sooo forward to it..perhaps one day you can make a visit to Laura's...


Now look at those winter photo's and the sunset...calendar quality for sure...

Lizards..yuk, now how did you sleep...transvestites...

Have to tell you a story..another...today must be story time..

We were visiting down south and my DH and son and DB thought while we were preparing for New Year's Eve they'd go shopping and ended up in a bar...apparently the bar was full and my DH was in construction and while another group of people were talking about a transvestite (you'd have to know DH#2...deaf at best although he wouldn't admit it..had hearing aids but never used them...anyway not being a man of the world, but wanted to join in on the conversation said..."I have 2 at home"..didn't take long before the group thinned out...her meant transium that he used for his construction jobs...what a nut...

Carol, love the photo..also calendar quality..maybe I'm just going to pick from photo's already posted..lol

Carol/Shar..what flower do we have that would be similar here that I could plant..is your camellia like a shrub???

Well better get going..vacuum is ready..so guess I'll be busy making music...

How about a Rhododendron?
They have wonderful big blowsy blooms.
Bloom in the spring.
Like some shade.
This is end of May in 2006..planted under some apple trees.


This message was edited Jan 17, 2008 9:25 PM

Gita, this is river birch....yours is either paper birch or white birch. I think your nurseries might be wrong in what they call it. The leaves are very similar, but the bark is not.

If you will dmail me your email address I can send you some links a little faster than on DG.

betty, i was thinking the same as carol. Rhodedendron is very similar to Gita's camellia, but instead of the single bloom, the rhode has clusters of small flowers. Just like in carol's photo....and where a camellia grows sort of upward, the rhode grows in sort of an umbrella effect. I have one that it is about 35 years old, it is quite large, will send you a photo when I find one.

somehow my computer is not allowing me to put links into DG tonight...I think I can do it through e mail, but something nuts is going on here.

I was trying to send Gita a link about her birch, and can't get it to work.
Also I will see if I can get into the articles to find the one on birch bark.
back in a little bit.

Keep looking at that bark Shar and trying to think up uses for it..lol...I purchased a little book that I'm making notes 'plants to buy' so on it goes...

Thank goodness Carol it's winter because with all the photo's you are sharing and being so close, I'd be at your garden gate in the morning..

It really only is in the last 2 years that I've started to plant..could count what was on the property on one hand so it's a long process not quite like you all who have nurtured your gardens for years/years..imagine having a plant for 35 years???

Think Shar it was you who said you had a plant you couldn't kill...rest assured, one week with me and that would be the end of it.....

Calling it a night, looking forward to a part work day tomorrow..hopefully weather will co-operate..we've had several different reports..snowing right now...

I played with the stained glass tonight and the saw gives off a little of the shards at time..have a few on the face, so time to have a hot bath..try to rid myself of them...

Best of today was certainly reading all the banter about gardening, trips taken and life in general..
Worse..no worse..
What did I learn..a whole lot more than I did before about gardening...

Do take care..Lord willing I'll be here gabbing in the morning...

B etty,

PLEASE get one of those face-shields whn you are cutting glass! The ones the Dr.'s wear during surgery. You would not want bits of glass in your eyes or anywhere else!
At least wear safety glasses!

Just fussing with you......

Gita

I think I finally caught up on all of the posts! You have been busy girls the last few days. I have been helping a dear friend of mine go through her rec room and organize and purge 70+ years of stuff (pictures, mementos, projects, clothes, you name it!) We have had a wonderful time finding old pictures from her childhood, teens and twenties. I love hearing all of the stories that go along with the photos. I have also been coordinating a seed distribution (one of our regulars on the PNW forum, Heidi owns a nursery and sent her extra seed to me to take to a Winter Sowing Event we had last weekend.) I have been taking requests from the gang on the PNW forum for what was left over and will send it out next week. Had a meeting with my Sorority sisters Tuesday night(Beta Sigma Phi) last night, took our puppy Scrappy to a Agility Training Class late this afternoon, it was a lot of fun, he is so smart!

Betty so sorry to hear about your friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I am so excited to get a Betty original drawing! I agree with Gita on the safety glasses, you would not be a happy girl if it got in your eye.

Shar I love your daylilies! I’m a daylilyaholic too! I love the bunny/snowman picture you posted.

Ruby please post some pictures of your hubbies daylilies, would love to see them! How was the Robin Williams movie?

Gita thanks for sharing your Alaska pictures, I have never been but have always wanted to go. Love the reminiscing as well  So what is the secret to Camellias? I have owned three of them, the foliage is gorgeous but the blooms either freeze before they open or the rain turns them to moosh! Any suggestions? Your Bob Hope is gorgeous, yummy! I love hearing about your adventures! Great pic of the beach too! Love your home and yard, the snow blanket is wonderful.

GG would love to see more of your quilts. I have several from my grandmother and great grandmother and some that I have bought on Ebay and have purchased at garage/estate sales. I love to makeup stories in my head of where they came from and what they have seen, such great physical history.

Carol love the pictures, you have such a talent my dear!

Liz so sorry to hear about the sewer problems, which can be a real pain in the butt, literally! Pick me up on your way north to Betty’s!

Judy you might be the one in the back of the room watching but as soon as I see you I will come running over and through my arms around you and give you a big hug! I was momentarily shy as a child, it didn’t last long though!

Gilli- Love the info on the babywearing. Carl and I are planning on getting pregnant sometime this summer or fall, keep your fingers crossed! I am working on loosing some more weight before I get pregnant.

Vicki I love the pictures of Ty, he is so handsome!

Laura I tried “playing” my vacuum, didn’t work to well (just kidding!) Glad to hear that your weather has been nice. Have you been to the beach lately?

Have a wonderful evening all! Love and hugs, Rachel

oh come on! you know you all want to have a go!! secretly you did didnt you! hahah but you know it truly works!

just got home from my DD and my outing with the grandchildren.. it was a nice day and not too awkward so heres looking to the future.. i am allowed to have my GD tomorrow for the day so i think i will take her to mcdonalds and then home for a swim in the paddle pool i bought her and some baking!

hugs

x

Laura,
So glad to hear that your visit went well. Have a wonderful time tomorrow with your granddaughter.

High winds here today, thank goodness it's not snowing along with it or we'd be in trouble..now what did I just say..did I say thankgoodnes..shouldn't have, because I would have had a snow day..lol..

Rylie and Missy are dying to get outside, somehow I have to let Sailor out without their dashing between my legs..just so very cold for them to be out all day if they don't come in before I leave...

Slept well last night so must be getting days/nights back into synch..

So, will talk to you all when I get to work...

Loved the posts...

Laura, not matter what part of the world we live in..we all take the grandchildren to McDonalds...lol

good morning all,

wow you have all been busy since yesterday morning!
i think shar couldnt of said it more perfect about this thread
i too think of everyone during the day wonder what everyone is up to what wonderful surprises i'll find when i get home, from wonderful articles to outstanding photo's to a great big smile's, everyones wonderful gardens, cheerful thoughts and new teachings such a wonderful group glad to have found this thread.

well problem is fixed for now i think.... insurance does not cover city damage to property
so what it means is someone would have to put a pampers down the toilet and create the clog from within to qualify for the insurance to pay,however the city said they had a issue with the main being somewhat high and someone had a simmilar problem in the area, they wouldnt say what area,
now they told dh that the city really isnt suppose to be on private property flushing out the ladderal pipe to the main.
i can file a claim to the city but at this point i tore out the carpet where it was wet there is hardwood floor underneath and im waiting to see if it dries ok or if i have buckling then im going to file.
so now its just to play it by ear and hope for the best.

judy, yes we had brand new cast iron pipe put down in 2000 so were good there

gita, sorry about the x , but i have enjoyed all the stories about your travels pictures are just lovely your snow pictures are great.

gilli, cool wrap little one looks like she' having fun being in it to! bet the kids are having fun playing tag sounds like a blast, now you are a ways from betty and carol?

shar just a wonderful post great writer you are, thanks for the info on the tree this stuff is flexible so now i think i got the wrong stuff lol will have to try to do something with it.

betty, oh got a big smile got the pumpkin seeds
thank you so much those pictures were nice but up close they were a little blurry, how are your fingers better? cement the pipes hmmmm, i was thinking a stick of dynamite might just do the trick! lol just so tired of this we do have a issue with the city but to get them to admit it to the city residents well that will never happen! what are you working on this weekend? how is your mom any word yet?

laura,omg im still laughing at the didgeredoo oh that was classic! glad things are ironed out have fun with the little one.

vicki,is the chiminey ok now? hate sleepless nights have been up since 1:30going to be a long day for me ty is sooo cute

jeannine at least you got to enjoy the snow for a little while what are your plans this weekend.
carol, it looks like the same purple rhododendron i have, never needs any care it seems to flourish just where it is in the back yard.

rachel, did i read right? how exciting for you! scrappy is in agility class thats so cool i love to watch that on tv, that was nice to organise your friends things i just love to hear stories behind objects could sit for hours and listen.

ruby look foward to seeing some pictures of the lillies

well im off for more coffee so everyone have a great day

Lordy, lordy Liz, what time do you get up??? if it's 8:49 am here..isn't it 4:49 there and you posted at 8:10 wow..you ARE an early riser..that didn't take long, think I mailed the giant pumpkin seed packet on Sat. morning..so, less than a week, but then they were included in an envelop so probably didn't have to thru any process at the border...I'll have to monitor just how big yours get?

Black ice coming in this morning and high winds made it difficult for driving..am sure Suzanne will have sore arms today..they are calling for heavy snowfall in our area starting early this aft. so let's hope we get out of here before it starts...

What am I working on..well want to finish Paul's stained glass piece..think I'll drop in to the studio and choose another glass for the pine trees..then tomorrow it's off to a pencil crayon seminar - painting wolves..Sunday, well you know I'm sure to find something to do...

Am working on envelopes and note paper this morning..that should keep me busy, even have all the envlopes written up so we'll see how far I get so that I can post some tomorrow..only problem is, think post office is closed when I get home from class and not open when I'm leaving in the morning..so might have to post at beginning of week..

well, I'm off to do more cards...

Rachel, getting pregnant and having the baby will be such an exciting time in your life..glad to hear Scrappy is taking well to his classes...
Oh what fun to go through treasures..do you meet often with your sorority classmates?

betty, im up at 4am everyday, but this morning it was 1.30

1:30 girl, when do you sleep..my goodness you and I run on the same clock..

Well today I did all my reading before replying.

Liz is there anyway you can ask around to see if anyone else is having problems. Then all of you gang up on the city? Yep the chimney is fine. I can look up it and see the light! LOL No I am very relieved and can burn hotter fires now since the temp took a dive and it is too get colder. Which I haven't been brave enough to check the temp yet. Sure hope your day today is better.

Rachel what fun helping the older lady. If we just listen they have some fascinating stories to tell.

Now I have to check into rhododendrons. I just spent last night making out serious plant orders and plan on ordering too many. But what can I do I want them. DH said you are going to have to stop buying plants. I of course snapped back and said I don't spent near the $$$$$$ you do on car parts.

Betty for living close to a bigger town we don't have craft stores like you do. Walmart is about the best we have. Sad isn't it. I guess mailorder must do good business around here or else they drive elsewhere.

Jeannine I have seen pictures you've posted of Murphy and he is gorgeous. Aren't they fun? Any news on the bed?

I hate to say this but if I ever become a grandma I will not take any DGK to McD's. Hate that place and the food. I always get sick on it. So they will have to suffer at one of the others. LOL

Laura glad the visit went good and that you get your DGD for the day and it sounds like you have a splendid day planned. No matter what happens with you and your DD your DGD will remember those days.

You all have a great day. I should go to town but I just don't feel like it. Maybe I can talk DH into going tonight and then out for supper!

Spring isn't far off and here are some cherry blossoms from last year.

betty, was stressed out last night with the conversation with my grandmother just couldnt sleep so i got up, she just dont get how insurance works so im going to have to listen to it at lunch normally i do sleep through the night lol but stil get up at 4:00 7days a week.

vicki, yes im going to go talk to both next doors and the guy in back nice cherry blossoms

So Laura, I tried the vaccum thingy. I forgot to blow OUT so I got a mouth full of crap! Just kidding, but this is what WOULD happen if I tried!!!! The visual I get even thinking about this is hilarious!!!!