Best/Worse/??learnt today...Pt34 A visit with friends...

Moving us over...

Everyone, our dear Shar wrote the loveliest story about Aunt Bett, please take a few minutes today and read it..well worth reading..feels as though you are walking right along with them in search of 'magic'

Thanks Betty..I am still on dial-up and it was loading so slowly.
But Rogers Cable is still working on burying cable on our road. One fella said maybe a couple of months and we would have it operating. Yahooo!`

That will be awsom for you Carol. Hope they get it going sooner though.

Thank you, the story of your on-line friendship brings a great hope that I will get to meet Betty and each of you...just have to be patient, LOL which I am not doing a very good job at, but working on a variety of scheduals.

Thanks about my article, ladies...I am so glad you enjoyed it. I wasn't sure how appropriate such an old time subject would be, but it seems to have brought back a lot of memories to a lot of people...also a lot of smiles.

You all have to know that Starzz and all her magic enhanced that photo of Aunt Bett. It was made in 1900 when Aunt Bett was about 10 years old....Carol, thank you so much. The funny thing about all of it, I was terrified of Aunt Bett. Even when I was grown up, one look from her could put the fear into me, but when I went to her funeral I was adult and had been teaching in Louisville at the time, but went back for the service. It was about a 200 mile journey from Louisville, and was on a cold day. I muttered and mumbled about making the trip. I got there early and in time for the "viewing".....Standing there looking at that tiny, curly white headed little woman who seemed to have a smile on her face......you would not believe the people who came up to me and said: "Oh, Sharon, you look just like her"!

I just hope I can be only half as wise as she was.

I have enjoyed reading this last week of posts...worried about Gita's work issues, Laura's life, Liz's problems at work......Loved Carol's visit with Kathleen (internet friendships are great), loved GG's quilts and photos and can't wait for her visit to our quilt show next year; worried about Betty's nephew, Dawn's school.....wonderful about Ruby's visit with Darius, what a great lady Darius is......and Judy, what a ray of sunshine you are.
Ves.....another work problem, and Rachie where are you, Gilli's snow...

Ha, I did all that without notes to myself! When I am trying to remember all of you in a post such as this, I think of a map and start with Canada, move west, then cross country eastward, and after GG and Ruby, I move south to Tropi....Hi, Trop!!

Invariably I leave out somebody on the way, but didn't mean to.

Gone to the gallery for the day. Again, thank you for reading the article, it was fun to write, so stay tuned for more Aunt Bett stories, she was quite a character.
Later,
Shar

Wow-Great post Shar!
hahaha, just got a message from Nephew, here is what he said.

STEP AWAY FROM THE PODGE AUNTI !! lol

so funny Judy, even he has you peggy as the 'podgy queen' lol..

Shar good luck with the setting up of the art..know you enjoy organizing these shows..promoting talent - young or old..

Can remember my Aunt Alice, nasty piece of work, and because my grandmother raised me I was often within her grasp..remember crying as a young child not for her to attend my birthday parties..she wanted us to be quiet, she'd freak when a baloon broke..no fun..got to love her as the years went by and I got older but wasn't my favorite aunt...lol

Funny when reading these stories how memories from childhood enter our minds....keep writting Shar..

Thanks, Betty, I will keep writing, it is good for us to remember, too. It lets us know who we are.

Well...big change of plans. The air is full of snowflakes, just flying around like they have no place to go. They aren't settling on a thing, but I really don't want to go out in a blinding snow dance. There's always tomorrow, and now maybe I can get my guest bathroom painted! Ha! Another project.

Our ground has not been covered with snow this year, a bit of ice last week, yes...but no snow really. Nice, but if it is going to snow, I would like a pretty one. It is lovely blowing around, too...reminds me of days when I just float around in a dither.....never settling in one spot.

Maybe you can make a snowman Shar..

Was surfing DG threads yesterday to pass the time of day and I came across this guy..thought of Liz right away..something she'd put in her garden..lol

Laura, I am thinking about you and please know that we are here for you and you can come and talk to us about anything. Everything can seem totally overwhelming but getting some of it off your chest will help. (((hugs to you)))


Betty, I forgot to answer your question about what I do with my quilting when the weather gets warm. I basically forget all about it cause I am out in the yard until dark. I have so much to do this year that I've made DH a list so he can see where I need to spend $$$.

I need to put in a new raised bed on the other side of our shed. It will be about 10'x12' and it will be for my tomatoes that don't get enough sun in my regular garden. Duh me! I built my garden under my neighbors small poplar trees and now they are ginormus and my stuff does horrible. I don't know what I was thinking 8 years ago!! I need to fill this bed with soil then put a fence around it do Murphy the plant mutilator doesn't ruin it all.

I need to finish my cobblestone walkway in my garden. I use 1 bag of mortor for 3 stones so I think I will need about 25-30 bags. Before I can start that, I have to clear away all the grass and weeds.

I need to also get more compost soil for this garden. I haven't added any since I set the garden up 7+ years ago so the beds are getting low. Before this, I'll need to get all the weeds out before adding new stuff and tilling it up.

I then need to finish putting the little fencing around my flower beds to keep out the mutilator and any new puppy we are crazy enough to get this summer.

I need to mulch every thing.

And, somewhere in there, I've got to start my seeds. I will be trying to grow a bunch of different gourds this year. I have long dippers, apples, caveman, giant bushel, small funky ornamental ones and penguin gourds. And as always, I've got to have my pickling cucs, cherry tomatoes and bell peppers.

Can you say not enough time in the day! Now you know why nothing in the house gets done from March to Sept!

Back to work......

J

betty that's awesome!

yes, iot is a hornets nest (lol) but I do feel that there's an interest in exotic looking plants that are hardy and adaptable to cooler climates (and vice versa)..anyway

hope y'all are well!

thanks guys, i appreciate it

bad news...

My sons girlfriend just lost the baby........

Oh, Laura, I am so sorry.
Hugs to you and your family.

Music morning went well today. We reviewed different rhythms and then played stick and maracas. The kids had a really good time. At the end we had a few minutes to spare so we played broken telephone except instead of saying a message I tapped out a rhythm on the first person's back. We played it last week and they were all very excited to play it again. I find that so many teachers are very intimidated when it comes to music but a lot of what I do can be done by people with no musical background. One of my goals is just to get the kids having fun making music.

Shar, I keep wanting to tell you that my grandmother's maiden name was Calvert. Whenever I look at your location I think to myself, "That's so cool!"

Laura, just wanted to give you a big cyberhug.

Okay, so here's a picture from our back door. We gave up shoveling since we rarely use that door anyway. The funny thing is that our cat prefers to use that door and sort of gets confused at the concept of using the front door. He has to perform quite the acrobatic act to get in or out of it now.

Laura, we crossposted. I'm so sorry. Sending you lots of hugs.

OMG Laura, my heart goes out to all of you..how very sad..do they know why she lost the baby..her health, the baby's health..they took 2 babies from me to save my life..both were girls..the first time (had no children) they put me in the maternity ward, said I would heal quicker realizing that my child would never be..was certainly hard at 19 to watch mom's in and out with babies...she will go through the mourning process even thought he child was not born..have patience with her, be there for her and we'll be praying..so very/very sorry! How is your son? devastated I'm sure as you all are..

Jeannine, you'd better take a part time job..you'll need big $$$ to accomplish all and perhaps someone to help wouldn't be a bad idea...now your cobble walkway..is that with the mold..I tried to use the one I have, it looks more like pavers, bricks, could never master it, every time I lifted the mold they wouldn't come out..must be a trick to it..perhaps I'll try again this summer in an area no one will see lol...

Gillian, that a lot of snow, guess we have about as much..cold today so no melting but temps are suppose to improve over the weekend..sure hope it melt slowly so no flooding..is there a chance that you'll have a flood with it being so close to the door? Your music program sounds wonderful..something every child should participate in..

Left with the girls at 3:00 and arrived in Midland at 4:30..went shopping and purchased my 'easter egg' swap gift 'AGAIN' ..I'd better post tomorrow or I'll want to keep yet another..l

Greg's on his way over, more repairs to his floater suit is needed and he needs it for the weekend..so, it's MOM need your help...guess I know what I'll be doing tonight!

Laura,
So sorry for your loss. Sending hugs to you and family.

evening all,

laura ,so sorry for your loss prayers to your family

jeanninne, love the colors it will look wonderful and you do have lots to do in the yard yet but the end result will all be worth it!!

betty, that is so cool lol! oh that crazy girl our district mgr was here today and sure enough she came in 16 minutes late and reaking of pot and had grocery bags and a big purse she made her keep them in our classroom i know she was on the phone with loss prevention but i wont know details till tomorrow, you will be enjoying that deck soon cant wait till spring! how is mathew doing any better.

vicki, i feel bad for you how would you possibly be able to read someones mind i hate it when they do things like that, glad your off rest well

everyone hello im falling asleep at the computer

shar im going to read your article in the morning

carol, wonderful pictures and garden signs

gilli, thats alot of snow glad you had a good music day :)

now after a stressful day i came home to this omg my sp is just awsome i love everything to cool nite all

thanks..

we are all devestated.
i have come home from work. i am exhausted. Dh and i not doing well....

doing it hard at the moment.

Dear Laura - I am so sorry to hear about the loss of the baby. These things are very hard on everyone. You commented on an earlier post that you were feeling down even while taking the antidpressants. I have also had episodes of deep depression even while taking mine too. Don't give up on the medicine. It has worked wonders for so many people. Whatever the reason for you feeling so low, I hope that it will soon work itself out.

Yes indeed ladies, this is a very special thread. Each and everyone who posts here is special in their own ways. What talent lies within also. Sharron, you are blessed to be talented with the arts and with a writing ability also. That is so wonderful.

I know that I won't acknowledge each of you because I didn't make notes again and read two days worth of posts but enjoy reading what each person has to say. Starzz, you shared several things that I thought were very interesting. The ditty about what happens to old gardeners was really cute. So neat about your friend coming to visit. Thank you for sharing your fun weekend.

Betty of course always has something encouraging and uplifting to say to each and everyone of us. thank you for being interested in my boring life...... cleaning, straightening and organizing. Boooring. ha-ha I finished my dresser drawers yesterday though. They are still packed full but I found enough bras that don't fit to dress an army.

Judy, thank you for sharing your experience with this group. I am so glad that you found this place and that it has been such a blessing for you. I feel the same way about some of my groups and this one is playing a big part in my days recently too. I am especially liking the secret pal exchange. Thank you to each and every one who takes the time to type me a message.

Gita, I will see if Darius is up for picture when I wake her in a few minutes. She might want to wait until she is here in the 13th and not so rushed and having just woken up. I am sitting here in my ragged pajamas, but will change if she is willing for John to take a photo.

Hello to all others, and here is wishing every one a great day!!!

Ruby

Laura, you know you are always in our thoughts and prayers, so now, have faith, tell yourself that those prayers are indeed working and that you've a bright future ahead of you..focus on even the tiniest bit of 'goodness' you see..sometimes that's all that enables one to survive..
hugs through cyberspace...

Liz, Halloween, now how many more months before it arrives and you are already thinking 'decorations'..
I dropped in yesterday at TimBr Mart which is similar to HD but on smaller scale, laughing with the guys..told them the other day that I almost called them to remind them that Christmas was but 10 months away..they told me to take the 'door' lol should have grabbed one in fun as I was there pricing new glass front door..lol


Better get ready, just started the car -29 ..you can feel your nostrils freeze together when you are out but for a few seconds..almost broke a record since 1932..still possible I guess..

Worked on Greg's floater suit, aren't I a good 'mommy'?? He'll appreciate it..with travelling the lakes as he does, I'd not want him without the suit..would possible save his life..

Kyle's at the size that he can wear my floater suit, in fact, he reminded me just the other day that I don't use it very much and maybe I should give it away..to whom I wonder??? kids

Still have that horrific headache I had yesterday, took migraine meds..will just put my head back in that workchair and rest today..Paul want to take us all to the Mandarin for my birthday at lunch but I'd just rather put it off until he returns from vacation mid. March..let's hope he agrees..he's the type who'll grab my arm and say no argument..but if I tell him I'm not feeling well,maybe he'll agree...the others though want that famous buffet chinese luncheon..lol so they'd be disappointed.

So off I go, will dress more appropriately for a luncheon just in case..roads are clear so it will be a wonderful drive in...

Hope today is a good one for you all!

Ruby, enjoy your day with Darius..am sure you've much in common and the day will just fly by..give her a hub from us at DG..

We welcome your posts as always..as long as you now can manage closing those drawers without pop outs you've done well, on to the next...

Big Hug for Laura and family..I am sorry..

Ruby..I know of darius..I lurk on her threads sometimes..and ocassionally post. I remember when she had that very classy photo of herself standing against the mantel piece on her personal DG page. Please say hello and give her a hug..I am following her thread that tells about the work gathering roundup at her home this summer. Quite the resourceful lady. I hope all her medical problems will get taken care of soon.

My orchid is in bloom.

morning all,

first of all shar, oh that was the most enchanting delightful stories i have read i just loved it!! what wonderful memories of aunt bett... more stories :)

betty, im behaving lol
it is my wonderful secret pal who is getting me ready for halloween
hope your headace go's away soon, now thats cold! well i hope you feel better so you can go enjoy lunch.

ruby, you have a wonderful time with your friend

vicki, how are you doing

laura, thinking of you

jeannine, was pondering wheather or not to try pickling cukes what is the best kind?

carol, crossed posts what a beauty

Starzz so easy to see why they are exotic. It is beautiful. enjoyed your friends visit and pictures.

Sharran loved the story of your aunt! Instead of an aunt I was always scared of my dad. Don't know why because I have some great memories of him. I think mom use to scare us with the wait until your dad is home!

Laura cyber hug flying your way.

Jeannine waiting until summer to see pictures of your progress in your garden.

Betty your family is so lucky to have you.

Seedtosser we are lucky to have you and to cheer us up.

Ruby when yoy have learned how to do clutter clear up do you plan on hiring out? LOL I know one house is plenty to do. Always love hearing what you have to say.

Gita hope the UE gets straightened out fast. What an unnecessary hassle.

Liz just waiting for the next chapter of the girl from your work. Have the raccoons or skunk been back? Big plans for the upcoming weekend?

Gilli those kids will always remember what a special teacher you were!

Today no special plans. Fill out an application for a dog. Find some seeds I forgot to order and order them. I think I need to get some cards in the mail. Carry wood to the stove and throw in wood. Go and water the neighbors plants. Take a nap and make supper. Maybe vacumn. The day is already flying by.

Hope you all have the day you need. Hope I can pop in later.

Liz we cross posted. LOL

Hi Berry - The only time that I see Darius when she comes by is in the evenings. She is busy all day at the hospital doing tests and things. She left yesterday at 7:30 AM and didn't return until about 5 PM. She will be getting up in about 5 minutes and will rush out of here. She plans to drive home this afternoon. She has three more appointments next month but will only have to stay one night over. The other appointments are shceduled mid-day so that she came drive here and back the same day. If she has early appointments is when she comes and spends the night.

She has already gone for the day now. She will head home after the tests today. I started this message over an hour ago and then got sidetracked. I have a few more threads that I need to check and then will do a bit of house work.

I will catch you later on.

Ruby

I crossed posted with several of you. Thank you all for being here.

Ruby

vicki, i can honestly say without regret that i simply cannot wait to go to work today to get all the scuddle butt lol, no my stinky buddies must be on vacation havent gotten a wiff in a few days..
no this weekend dh has the guys from up the street comming to run some copper pipe finally! only problem is the guy drinks and so he can get all slurred words ect drives me nuts trying to have a conversation about something serious.
i told dh dont give him no beer or anything alcohol
i think i have to work sunday, what are you up to?

did i hear dog.... oh how exciting oh i cant wait to see a new fury friend for ty
and speaking of brats are they pathetic

I missed all of you "moving on" to #34! Maybe b/c there was no advance warning and no link to the new Post. Just thought it was odd that this Post did not show up in my "Watched" Posts.

By now--I know I am playing a losing game with the Unemployment people. They go by the book! Seems no peripheral facts matter.....

Had an early AM "phone interview" with them re the issue that I am not actively looking for other jobs. Been pointing out to them (lost cause!) that when I first called to sign up, the woman I spoke to said i was NOT required to look for jobs as I am over 60 (WAY over!...:o) ). Have been hashing about this with their "Claims" dept. The woman there keeps saying that I am required to go out and look for at least 2 jobs a week. I keep saying that I am not doing that, as I already have a job. Been there 10 years!

They will send me their "decision" and she said i can appeal it if i want. Not gonna do that! I know it will just take up extra time and i will lose anyway. It really is not that big a deal--all this stuff with the few bucks I get from them.
Next week I have 2 days scheduled. It would kick me out of their system anyway and I would have to re-open my file and go through more c--p. It just is not worth it to me.

We sure have had our slow times over the "dead" months before, but never as bad as this.
The busy season is starting soon and the store has been alloted a few more hours, so I may be working now and then. I would be happy to work just 2 days a week. Three is my limit! So--that's the latest from my work situation....

Shar--I have to go back and read your article. Must have tried to skim over it and saw "nothing"....

Ruby--You refer to Darius' Post. Where does she post? I have seen her now and then on the Recipe Forum--always giving sound, organic advice. Sometimes I think I need to "expand my horizons" here on DG and "get into" some other Threads. Now that our Swap is over--the M.A.F will settle down a bit.

My cousin, Wally, from VA came by yesterday. He has been really involved in trying to make a Family Tree of all his ancestors. Big order--as we really don't have all that much information as all this was back in the 1800's in Latvia. I started one years ago--in a Genogram format--and have never made a clean copy of it. We both compared notes....

His Mom (my Aunt), Elma, has been dead since 1991. Her husband died a couple of years before that. He was so mean to her and his illness made him a monster to live with.
He wore Elma down to the bone. Seems she kept a diary to spill all her pain and thoughts into. There are about 120+ pages from a legal pad, all in Latvian and in a scribbly handwriting. Wally wants me to translate it. He does not speak Latvian that well any more and has a hard time "putting it all into a context". So, I will do that for him.
Started last night--got 7 pages done already. I find this a lot of "fun" to do. Have translated other papers for other people before. Very interesting to do so as different languages have a different cadence and ways of saying things.

OK! It is freezing cold here! Down in the teens at night.
The birds sure are going through the seed in the feeders. I can tell Spring is coming--the squirrels are chasing each other all over the place and the birds are flying around in twos...
Definitely more activity.

Time to have some breakfast, Gita

Oh how ciue Liz! I'm hoping for that for Ty. I want to go and look at Ginger a chow mix this sunday. I have to work saturday and that doesn't give me enough time. So hopefully sunday. DH isn't real thrilled about the idea. But Ty does need a buddy.

vicki he is so cute is that the tomato cage snowman in the back? i love that

Gita, if you go back to the 2nd last post of the last thread, you will see I put the link to this site..not sure why it doesn't appear on favorites..sure wouldn't want to loose anyone..what does M.A.F. stand for (?) I probably should know, or could guess but minds not working well today..lol

How wonderful for you to go over the pages reading the notes..are there references that you did not know? Know you'll do an excellent job..that should keep you busy for awhile...Hopefully they will get things straighten up with the unemployment dept. - they truly can be so dense at time...as for the weather, can sympathize with you re cold weather..those little 'birdies' need nutrition for energy..maybe they are moving north a few weeks sooner than they should...

How much fun to purchase the 'birdies' .. when I was shopping last night at a specialty store they had the cutest tree buddies, little elves, squirrels etc. they attach to a tree and then the 2nd piece is a leaf, or nut etc. they were I think $24.95 ...would have come home with one but they were closing the store and I had no time to shop for anything more than my 'swap gift'..am sure they'll be many more opportunities, maybe tomorrow afternoon..need to buy ME a gift...

Most of the elders in my family have passed on, should have taped them and asked more questions..I worked on our family tree as well..my mothers' mom Bessie passed on only a few months before my birth so we lost track of a lot of her family when grandfather remarried shortly thereafter due to having several young children at home that needed caring for..didn't mean it like it sounds,he loved her dearly as did I..grandma 'Ruth' was her name, not many like her because she liked a drink and the fact that he remarried so quickly really didn't sit well with Aunt Muriel and my mother..remember mom kept telling me as a child that she WAS NOT my grandmother..heck, she was the only only one I knew on mom's side, so continued to call her..you guys bring such memories back..thinks almost forgotten..I do remember this, she was so elegant, a bit of flare to her, I can even to this day remember an outfit she wore, it was a pale coral color, silk with a light see thru material on top and wore a boa of same color with it..I remember being in awe at how pretty and elegant she looked..


Best part of my workweek is to always take $100. to splurge after Thurs. payday (and today I got this weeks and next because Paul will be on vacation..buy something..don't care if it's garbage, it's my treat to me for working all week..lol and I manage to spend it and MORE! so tomorrow I'll be shopping! maybe in that little boutique..nope, going to Meaford Sunday, I'm sure there will be mega 'treasures' that want to come home with me..

Vicki..he looks soooo very lonely, I agree one needs another dog to keep Ty company..

Speaking of tomato cages, must go to the nurseries while they are preparing their spring orders so that they can order me about 75 of the correct sized one for the Victorian Santa...must go back to pouring the molds for the face before Christmas is upon us..lol..yes, it's coming, it's less than 10 months away...keep that in mind dear friends...don't wait till the last minute...

Ty has that look down pat! He is really working on us to get a friend! LOL Application is filled out and sent. Can take 2 days to hear from them. Keeping fingers crossed.

Yes Liz that is the snowman. A dog we tried out one weekend peed on it and it is in the garage ready to be taken appart. Then will build a new one.

Morning All,

Laura, I am so sorry about the loss of the baby. I know it seems like everything is happening bad right now but He knows you can handle it all or it would not be set before you. I truly believe that and it has helped me in some dark times. We are here for you.

Betty, yes, I use the Quik-Crete mold. I finally figured that mortar mix worked best. Regular cement has stones in it so the end result was not very pretty. I mix it all in a wheel barrel and keep it on the dryer side (just not runny). I glob it all into the mold and don't wait any time and remove it and go to the next one. I also rub a little dirt onto the tops so it gets a rough texture to it plus a little color. Once the stones are completely dry (a couple of days), I fill in the area between each "stone" with soil and some kind of ground cover. Because the "stones" are narrower then the walkway between my beds, I fill in the sides with crushed paver rocks. So far, this has done an OK job of keeping weeds out the past 2 years. I usually have the most right now – after winter. I will try to take a picture so you can see what I have so far.

Well, back to work.

J

No wonder you got rid of him if that's what he thinks of our 'treasures'...just think of what he'd do to the velvet Victorian Santa we'll do as a workshop...

If they are anything like my sister Sharon, she interviews, does checks , contacts vets etc. before she even considers letting them have a dog..bit much if you ask me, but, she wants to be assured they won't be mistreated..if for any reason it doesn't work out, she finds a home for them...

Wish you luck..

Thanks Jeannine, maybe I'll get the mold you have, the bricks seem to be difficult to remove the mold..last year a friend of my brothers gave me a big cement mixer, a commercial unit..I laugh because he thought it would come in handy when we're doing so many rhubbarb leaves but to me, it seems just as much work mixing as it's much too high for me to lift the cement bags and for pouring purposes...I am going to make several pathways so I'll try this method..can't wait to see photo's..will print out your directions so I'll have them..