Visions of Spring '08! - Part 2

Me, too. I just looked at it through the kitchen window with my binoculars!

I forgot about eclipse--read instead---Patti, what a project--it should pay off this summer, when you can walk through the property unimpeded--and no poison ivy!

I wish that were the case. But I will be able to monitor it better and avoid it more easily. However, when I weed whack in the newly tamed, but still naturalized areas of the property, I still get it from the flying juice, I guess. Insidious stuff, and oh, so pretty in fall. A pity. Victor gave me the day off. Thanks, Body resting. Patti

Try to cover as much exposed skin as possible. Also, immediately wash any exposed skin right after you finish. If you suspect you were definitely exposed to it, use Tecnu. As someone who gets a nasty rash, I really sympathize. Enjoy your day of rest - you've earned it!

Glad you're taking the day off Patti. Ugh, just the thought of weed-wacked PI juice spattering at you is making me itchy.

Victor--thanks for the technu tip--I get poison ivy every year--I never see it--think I'm picking it up from the dogs' fur--they go into shrubby places that I don't!

You're welcome. Yes, pets are a major source.

PI comes from animals when they wander off into PI Land. I know been there done that. I couldn't figure out how I was getting it.

Same here...DS always hug his dog good morning until he got PI on the face, chest, hands and yes...the "private" parts!!

PI is sad sad sad. I know one teenager that gets it from being outside. One year they had a fire and he got it in his lungs.

That was my Grandfather, the neighbor would burn leaves and the oil would become airborne. DGF would swell so bad his eyes would button up and my DGM had to cut his meat for him as his hands were huge!!

That's awful! My dad was the one who wasn't affected by PI, and ate the leaves to prove it! PI doesn't bother me, but I have a healthy respect for that plant.

That's one reason Patti should be indoors until her burns are completely over and the wind has blown any stuff away.

Victor, Not likely to happen. But may I just say swimming in Fla has done wonders, so far. Itching has stopped. I had to be a tad gleeful. DH went on a long bike ride yesterday and stopped at the phamacy and got me both kinds of Tecnu. Good stuff.

I stayed at the house stuffing envelopes for a fund raising event down here. I am the house guest of a women who does this every year to raise money for the children's wing of the hospital. It is fun to help for a day and see all her buddies. I have had a great morning out on the dock just hanging out watching the fish swim by and reading. About to head out to do some bird watching. Patti

Sounds like Fla. is just what you needed Patti!

Oh, I am jealous---same old, same old birds here all winter--I miss the chance to see new varieties in FL this year--last year, about this time, we had a yellow-throated warbler come to our feeder for several days--probably heading north--only other one we saw was in Chincoteague, & I NEVER had any warb come to a feeder--And I was feeding loquats(my neighbors!) to the sand hill cranes! Oh, well, maybe next year!

Sounds wonderful Patti, glad your enjoying yourself!

I'm different, Marilyn - I never get tired of seeing the same old cardinals, chickadees, juncos, mourning doves, and titmice. Neither do my cats!

I guess I don't either---especially the cardinals, but I do miss birding in FL this winter, as well as seeing my friends. Saw a funny thing the other day--a downy woodpecker was pounding on a branch of our maple, & when he flew, A chickadee who was on another branch, starting pecking in the same place---maybe the downy opened up a little insect den for him--cute to see, anyway.

Just saw 2 robins today, spring is def on the way!!!

I saw about 150 robins. (not all at once) But yes, sping is springing :~)

yipee

Big flock of starlings the other day--always a sure sign, plus the turkey vultures are everywhere!

You have vultures in Connecticut, Robin? Ya got a dead carcass in your back yard? LOL!

Here are some beauties from my yard - flowers that is - no bodies. Although, this one says 'Feed me Seymour'!

A few drops for you...

A rose by any other name...Lenten...

Even my clematis is making a go of it.

Nice, Anita! You're sprinting ahead of me.

I just walked outside and around for the 1st time since last fall. I got to admit. My yard is very very pitifull. There is nothing in my yard. Not even 1 nice tree or bush. Even though its still covered with snow - I see NOTHING. Where have I been other then doing veggies......................... Stupid, stupider and stupidest..........

My neighbors cut down a large JM on Friday. There goes the shade for my hellebores and ostrich ferns. I'm holding my breath to see if the huge white oak goes next. I planted all "understory" trees and bushes. Silly me.

i feel your pain - i really do.

Yankee, That's the pits! Could you put up a temporary shade treatment until you can figure out what to do?

heya psych!
i feel like i haven't seen you much lately...

Cat - that happened to me a few times too. Nothing is permanent!

Amy, I've been hanging out on the Quilt blocks --- oh my --- a new addiction!

no pun intended?

Hi Sue--no dead bodies today! We did have a possum carcass in the yard once--the vultures found it first--a big crow yanked on the vulture's tail, but he never left the body--all that was left was the bony tail--ugh! No spring flowers here, either---just crocus & daff foliage.

Went out again today to check for life, now that the stupid oak leaves have loosened their frozen grip on the earth and found a few encouraging things. First the iris are growing and some of the taller leaves from the fall look a little bit nibbled.

Then Victor's pic of his sedum made me check a new one from last spring, VooDoo sedum and it is just starting to put out some bright red little buds. Goody goody!