Best/Worse and What did I learn today? Friends pt.38

Beautiful work, Betty. I love your tree creature. What is that made of, is it wood?

Sharran, honey, we love ya. Hugs at this difficult time. Ruby has a wonderful way with words and she said it well for all of us. :)

Now don't you dare laugh, I'll catch up..promise..

Well everyone, I've probably bored you all but thought I'd post regardless...lol..better get all my soil mess cleaned up, try to see if I can also organize the craft room and get ready and the boys will be arriving shortly..Mel and Greg are going to Casino Rama for a show and gambling..Greg rarely goes, but today he did what will probably be his last snowmobile ride so tonight he's treating the 'boss'..lol

P.S. last night I went to the stained glass studio to pick up some materials and there was a retired man and women, think he was the stained glass artist and they were picking glass for a window, he had his thoughts on it and she had hers, well into the fighting they went, almost thought it would come to fist fight..lol...

After listening to them for 1/2 hr. while I picked up some goodies, it was kind of nice to come home and be on my own..maybe all of us who are on our own, should find a similar couple..peace might look more comforting..lol

Doccat5, it is made of some kind of plater/cement..they had 4 or 5 different ones..thought they'd be cute..only thing is I'm not so sure it's a good idea to put nails in my Red Maple??? do you think it would damage it? might have to find an alternative home for this set..

For those of you who were looking for glass globs, I found an entire bag, at least 100 and guess where, good old Dollar Store..yesterday I purchased 20 for 30 cents each at the glass studio..imagine..don't buy a whole lot at dollar store but this morning I found these 3 cement or plaster creatures so they also had to come home with me..

Those are adorable, and the glass is fabulous. I don't think I should hang around you so much. I'm getting the urge to paint and I have too many irons in the fire right now to start doing that. I get obsessive with it.

No, no, please do not attach with nails. It would leave openings in the tree that would make it susceptible to insect pests. Can you rig some type of rope arrangement to hold them in place, perhaps?

morning!!

well i am hoping they are going to clean today.. you should see the one i am making now!! lol too cute... sleeping bear on its tummy! going out today to find dolls eyelashes which i am supposed to use for the bear. should be interesting. hope to post some pics tonight but we will see!!

OMG that mermaid sounds wonderful doesnt it?
that reminds me, i found a pattern for a mermaid teddy bear!! hahah thats the next project......

betty those pics are wonderful, your so lucky.

shar.... i was thinking of u knowing what month it was..... you are indeed a strong woman.. and a wonderful one!

i gave my plant stakes to my DH so he could mark all the orchids.. he was happy with that.

Chloe my GD is planting the mini pot and the 4 leaf clover... she is sooo excited. My DD tried to get the window decoration off me! lolol "mum you have so many", "yeah i said, because i like them!" lol so she didnt get it. but i did share so everyone got soemthing. i also saved the box of goodies and re wrapped them so the family could have the fun of opening them,,, it was really cool. they tell me i am so spoilt and what wonderful friends i have. they get so excited to see parcels arrive from over seas. i tell them im not only spoilt, i am blessed and surrounded by my garden angels.

have a great day

xx

Laura, what a nice thing to say..how much fun was that..opening your gift of goodies a 2nd time..now why didn't I think of that..lol...

June dropped in this afternoon while we were painting and brought a mini-teddy bear kit, pattern and fur - cut, ready to sew..she's a bad one Laura, I'm sure while she's cleaning her craft room she'll find oodles and oodles on unfinished kits for you..

So will get it sent as soon as I can...

oops, forgot the photo..I'm rushing as my time is now limited...

The_Wonder_Downunder, you are toooooooooo much. Did you ever find the camera? LOL

Laura are things going any better on the home front and what ever was decided about the meeting you had? It seemed nothing happened to them and they just tried to make it about you, but I never heard the final thing that was decided.

I love that tree man and the platter too.

I meant everblooming not continuous rose. Most Rosa Banksea bloom once like wisteria.

I forgot to say I hope you are feeling ok and not in much discomfort Gita. Sorry.
Think about how hot your legs will look in shorts though?

Liz I had to move your rose because it was getting too much water from seedling I planted with it. Hope it does ok in the new spot. So far it seems happy.

Doc are you loving your retirement? Do you keep busy? Is your dh retired too? I don't know how well that works for most woman.

Shar I know you are just a puddle today and my prayers go out for you. I was there this time last year and I am still here for you and with you, during this bad heart sick time. Hugs

Morning everyone...calling for double digit temperatures today, how wonderful..really too much snow outside but will try to do some type of cleaning..I've a zillion indoor projects I could do..so we'll see what mischief I can get into..

Doccat5, what kind of painting do you do? Don't give it up, take a bit of time in that busy schedule and create...

Hello Dawn,you sound so very happy talking about your garden..roses must be the focus point..is that what you are putting in your brick above garden?

Jeannine, so glad you recognized 'Callie' thought if you didn't I'd be in trouble..lol

Morning everyone,
I've enjoyed seeing all your photos and hearing about all your activities.

Thursday I put extentions on the drainpipes to carry the water further away from the house. My neighbour took me in his truck to the Farmer's Co-op and we picked up 100ft. of corrugated 4" plastic pipe.
He wanted some his his place too.

On Friday I went to Home Depot to get hydraulic cement for the basement. I saw that they had roses for sale..and I almost bought one..but talked myself out of it. But of course now I am sorry I didn't pick one up. I was looking at Reine De Violette. It is a Hybrid perpetual..an old variety.
I have had so much trouble with roses here I promised myself ..no more! But I have a feeling one will come home with me one day.
So yesterday..my son in law and daughter came to tear down a finished wall in the basement so we can see where the water is coming in.
BIg job..had to tear out a big work bench and move so much stuff. I have 14 garbage bags of just the old insulation sitting on the deck and all the wood panelling and studs are outside on the driveway.. Got my exercise..and my daughter was wonderful hauling the wood upstairs.

When we were moving things my daughter said what are you keeping this box of old sheets for? I said you never know when they might come in handy..she said Mum..there are sheets here that were on my bed when I was a kid..so they told me to throw them out..LOL.."you have too much junk!!!
I said ok...but I don't want to watch.
What is it about some of us that makes us want to hang on to "stuff" and the younger generation has no problem throwing things away just because they don't need them anymore.
I spent years going to yard sales and getting a thrill of bringing home little bargains.
I guess I need to have a yard sale of my own.

So..that is what I've been up to.
Need to clean up all the branches on the front lawn too..spring has sprung here..at least during the days..right now it is sitting at the freezing mark. Still soem snow patches aorund out back..but it was warm enough to sit outside on the deck in the sun for awhile.

My SIL may be back to do the patching today. This is one spot that was pouring just like a tap last Tuesday.

Have a good day all....
Cheers,
Carol

morning all,

ruby, oh cant wait love pics!! now for the mango's dont like them but i will see mil today she is from the philliphines and tells me all about picking tropical fruit so i will get all the details for you.

shar, sending you hugs... maby the boys will be around next weekend dont be sad now you can join judy and i when we go out in the early morning and have coffee and watch our birds and squirlels, oh and speaking of squirels dh had to go with me to the pet store the dogs were out of cookies, and the birds out of food and the squirels were to well i sneak things in and getting compleatly caught off guard he looked in my basket 18.00 later and said da--! no wonder the squirels run to the yard look what your buying them..
oh honestly they have to bark to be happy!! so what if it was gourmet food:)

betty, oh i love those murals so i know you must be thinking on one lol so which side of the house will it be on? love the tree creature ad the figurines oh im glad you posted the glass globs had all the spoons and glass packed so fil can help me cut the glass, forgot to pack those.. guess im cutting the glass with my wrist im doing something wrong breaks in half everytime.
the mats are lovely and look at those jackets already for summer.

jeannine, the bathroom is just lovely with all the color and accessories i really like the cabinet nice touch.

judy, i loved your party story psssst..... (wispering) im telling you there two peas out of the same pod!!! lol willl yap on the road. got the rototilling done, then dh wanted to go to thrift store then to eat so everytime i picked up a package of seeds he wanted to do something else guess a secret day off is in order lol, got the flower seeds scattered in the evening almost dark and the peas planted, maby i can finish today after wwe get back.


hi carol, hope your having a good weekend
dawn your getting into mischeif?? planting
everyone else have a wonderful day

carol crossed with you, wow you were a busy bee, great idea on the pipe
oh just go get that rose lol you know it will make a nice addition to your grounds..
yep a garage sale is a must im gathering things room by room it is time to let go!!

Carol do you have trouble with leaking in the summer/fall as well or is it only when we have the big thaw..nice that daughter and SIL was there to give you a hand...and I know, I'm thinking that in about 3 or 4 weeks the garage sales will start..enjoy going to Barrie where the 'treasures' are early mornings but really don't need anything..and yes, why do we do that...nice form of entertainment though..and relatively cheap unless there are big bargooons...

While in the back shed I found one of those globes you put on a light fixture, replace the light fixtures but didn't throw it out so though I might just glue some of the glass pieces from my projects on it, grout it and put it in the garden..another day...

Was outside for awhile this morning, can't believe how my entire neighborhood sleeps to almost noon...best part of the day gone...I'm anxious to remove debris from the little plants trying to show themselves but know better...so, with warmer temps this aft. I decided I needed my front water feature going..don't know what happened but in the middle there was a crack, perhaps it was the day the wind blew the door Greg took off the front and it fell over..so there I was with my trusted 'as good as nails' plugged her in and now I must wait for it to cure..shucks, there went that idea..so, I've a fire going in the pit..could finally find it..lots of branch debris to burn..so I'll play with that for awhile..

As you are talking about squirrels, I've all the wood for the squirrel feeder, that is a quick and easy project..maybe that could be this aft.

My oh my, I've time on my hands today and don't know which way to turn..

Liz, there is always a dollar store nearby, perhaps you can pick up the glass globs there..and, for the cutting, maybe you are trying to make the entire cut adding curves..when doing a curve you have to go at it in bits and chunks..with you were closer, my glass saw saves me all that time...

As I wait for the glue and silicone to cure, I'd better move anwards to yet something constructive..better have breakfast first...lol

Good morning, y'all. Raining like the dickens here this morning. 3rd day in a row and although I'm impatient to play in the yard, we need this rain, we've had some serious drought in this area for the last couple years. So it is welcome. I have to get a picture of the DH out hunting earthworms, LOL We set up a worm bin about a month ago. I had to talk like a sweet girl for about 6 months to talk him into it. One our fellow DGers sent me a pound of his worms to get us going. Now I can get close to the worm bin for a peek unless he's at work!! LOL And on the shopping list of today are 2 more bins so he can build another bin..........Men, gotta love it!! LOL They'll fix nicely next to my "new" used washer, which works a treat I might add!

Betty, I use to run my own ceramics and porcelain business when the boys were little. I needed extra income, but wanted to stay home with them. So I did only custom orders and craft shows. It took me 3 years to get into the big juried shows, so I only did 3 shows a year. Lot of work to set up for them, but the money was excellent. If I can dig around I see if I can find some pictures of my work. My specialty was music boxes, wildlife and Indians. It was quite a coop to get into those juried show with painted ceramics, since at the time there were a lot out there. I'm a certified Duncan teacher and am qualified to teach and repair kilns. I use to do speciality classes at a lot of the local ceramic shops. The owner and I would pick out several pieces and let the students pick which one they wanted to do. This was for the more advanced students, but I did side teaching with beginners. I enjoyed it greatly. I also did porcelain work, mainly with chalks on the finished product. I also had an "arrangement" with a couple of local buiders to do custom painted tile work for customers. That was excellent money, but hard work.

I wanted badly to learn china painting, but could never locate a qualified teacher in the area. Most were just too far away to consider doing regular classes. sigh

I've worked in acrylics, chalks, glazes and have done oils. I'd like to try my hand at watercolors one day. I can no longer do the clay, I've become allergic to the dust over time, sigh. But I'm a firm believer that one door closes and a window opens else where. :)

Right now, my yard is my palette, we are going to remove a lot of the grass and put in flower beds as well as my veggies. I'm adding more fruit and nut trees as well. But I can feel the urge to do close up hands on, building. LOL

I love your murals, we have those in downtown Fredericksburg. I'll try and get some decent pictures. Their are a couple with union or confederate soldiers in doorways that are realistic enough to take you back a step!! Very talented group of local artists did them as a part of a local beautification program.

thats cool betty.
went to the material/craft shop today to buy some dolls eye lashes for the bear and its a huge mega store and they didnt sell them!! they said they are a specialty item! does anyone know about it? I wouldnt have a clue where to get them. i will research on the net but are they really that rare?? hmm

betty thats awesome! miniature bears!
boys didnt clean the study grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr still looking for the camera. still working on the bear tho. went and priced some fur for the next one which is a mermaid bear and i found long pale pastel green fur.. it was gorgeous! guess the price? go on have a go..... $69.95 a yard!!!!!! hahaha faint yes!! buy? no!! unbelievable...
I also went to look at material for the quilting project... I'll explain as it does sound like i am all over the place doesnt it.
well i go to one craft group with emma my oldest daughter and there i do the bags.. the baby things and sewing and such.
on a friday night i get together with my DD and another friend (male) and do bear making. well, i have finished one, almost another and then will do the mermaid bear when i get the right fabric. my DD is made keen on crafts and she said, why dont we take a break and after the next bear do a quilt. something called a stack and slash quilt!! so we went looking at fabrics that might be suitable and such. then when we are done with that, back to the bears. i really want to try the foiling but havnt been real good cutting the glass shapes. cut myself more than the glass. i dont know how you do it betty and so fast too!! I wish u were here to help me fix my lovely lamp. I can solder the frame but dont know how to rewire the base. i need to find a shop that does it but the little lighting shops and repair men are gone.... a thing of the past.

hellnz as for work... the bottom line is.. they won. they strung it out long enough that i lost my accreditation. they were in no way going to let me test unless i could prove i would fit ALL seat belts...it wasnt worth my health (which i almost lost) fighting them. the boss is off my case and i plod along. i try not to think about it too much.

you are all getting ready for spring and our weather is getting markedly cooler. brrrrrr

so whats the latest projects your doing guys?

betty how is that bird house coming along?

xxxxxxxxxxxxx

hi doc we cross posted as i was waffling on...

you sound like a reall talented lady too!

The_Wonder_Downunder look for a porcelain doll shop for your eyelashes. They sell them by the carload and you have a choice of color, length and style as well. LOL And thank you for the compliment.

Good Morning,

Up and at em early again today. Second cup of coffee here then will get work clothes on and get to outdoor work again.

Shar, Sweet dear friend, I know this is a very difficult time for you. Please know, we are here for you. Not only, is the garden outside theraputic, I think All of you have been and remain theraputic. We share our daily lives, and just knowing that we are listening is a major help. I am not so sure where or how I would be if I had not found all of you. Funny now that I think on it, was a question on Roses that I even found DG. LOL, I am a very simple person, found DG to be so overwhelming. So many, forums and people I just sort of lurked everywhere.
I found a couple of threads in the Parking lot, but I just couldn't keep up with the conversations. And then, when I thought for sure I just wanted to run away and hide, I found Betty! All it took was a reading her posts in a couple of different forums and I was once again hooked. I knew I had to get to know this gentle, and kind lady. So I started to d-mail her...A year ago, I was exactly where you are. Facing my first year...without my sister Carol. Her loss was and is still so profound, that I could not even think about gardening. Oh, I did do the bare minimum, as I do love my gardens. The year before just at this same time I lost my best friend Carole. That time too, was a devestion as like you there wasn't anything to do but wait, and pray. We have to give thanks for knowing our family and loved ones. The time we share is precious and for me, knowing the last words to each person was heart felt I love you. This month is one of many memories, we think of the the last time, as if it were a movie, scene by scene, word for word, what was I doing. I know I am rampling and i apologize, This month a time of rejuvination, is so bittersweet for my memory, It is in this month I have lost two of my sister's on the same day, And beleive me when I say that you are in my thoughts and prayers because, Sharon, we share the same date. April 22nd, was Juliana's 21 st birthday and two years later Sylvia was gone. I have learned to hate phone calls. Oh man, This is the same month, I have lost identicle twins- boys, they would be 16 this year. My grandmother passed away too. But, I also have a time celebration, For it is this same month That Steve and i were married. It is this same month that I still have a job, lol 21 years and running, lol I may not be so pleased but got to laugh as I am doing the same stuff as when I walked in the doors, basic clerical only took this long to make a full circle, I am thinking it's time for me to move on...The future unknown, one day at a time my friend, Step by step. Yes, disapointing to not see Ethan, he brings you such joy...Gives a wonderful feeling of anticipation for your next visit. Plan of what you might do together.
I love you as well as everyone here, Please take care of yourself, and just know even though we are miles and miles away, All it is really is a click of mouse that we are here. Anytime!

Hey, Dawn...How are you feeling? hope you are over your cold.
Gita, sorry to hear you are not feeling well either, Geesh it's that time of year. I hate Spring colds...LOL I am sure I don't need to tell you, But, I will anyway, Get as much rest as you can and drink water...

Carol, I am glad you found the source of your leak, yow! thats a hefty crack, no wonder you had so much water. Now hopefully with it sealed up you will have no problems at all.Keep my fingers crossed.

Hey LIZZZZ whatchya up to?

Betty Wonderful Murals in Midland, thank you for sharing your town! Looking forward to your Shed Mural.
Golly, I am always delightfully amazed at your art, WOW fantastic! Oh loving your tree art.

GG, You did great on the Bathroom, isn't it wonderful to have another project come out so well.

Well yesterday, I did read and Ruby, your words and thoughts were exactly what I have been thinking and not so sure how to write.
Thank you.

Yesterday I was able to work out in the gardens. I cleaned one of my beds. Now it was a mess, as I've explained last year was not taken care of at all. So, as i raked all I kept say was I am so sorry i've neglected you, I promise this year I will not again. And by end of night she was looking beautiful. Gave that section of grass a thourough brushing. And oh my gosh, I admit...I love the smell of soil...whoohooo my season has begun!
OK rambled on and on time to get to work! By the way, DH got home last night!! hahha, I am thinking compost bins...will let him rest first.
Have a great day everyone...See you soon,Will be taking short breaks today.

Oops, Wonder am just tickled about your bears, hope the camera is found soon!!
Doc, You paint? How about some pictures...
Ves, Are you enjoying your time today, any chance of Gardening yet?

This message was edited Apr 6, 2008 8:28 AM

Yesterday was a depressing day for me. Mood I should say. But went in the gh house to clean and made a bigger mess I have to finish cleaning today. LOL Did a walk around and my tulips are coming up! Hope the deer don't find them. Trying to figure different places and ways to grow vegies so the deer don't get them. I'd really like them for the freezer. I won't clan beds much yet in case we get a good freeze. It's a bit early for some of that. Some places in the yard are pretty mucky. We are pretty much left with the snowbanks or where it drifted. I can pot up some of the starts today. So many things to do and here I sit.

Betty beautiful murals. Thank you for sharing. Can you put the wood face on your shed somewhere instead of the tree?

Jeannine that bathroom is wonderful and I really like the cabinet your daughter wanted. Yes a job well done! But all the stuff you do is really good.


sharran know that I am thinking of you also. I can only imagine how hard it is. Have had no close loses in 10 yrs. Apr. 29th. My dad. But it was expected. Just make some special plans and keep busy. Bring out the special memories to think about. Talk to us! Now I hope you are feeling better.

Gita I hope you are not getting sick and that it was just an off day!

Judy good work on the flowerbed and telling it how sorry your are. I do that type of thing also. Talk about a major guilt complex.

Liz sounds like your weekend is going great. I think I'd like to go shopping with you. YOu have fun and go to great places. Take me with you in spirit next time! LOL I go by myself most of the time. Not much fun.

I have to go and get something done or I'd write more. Hope I can make it back here later.

You all have the day you need.

Worst yesterday- My depressed mood.

Best-working in the gh and the walk around.

Learned-Well did know but that spring gets here sooner or later! LOL

Doggone Dog!!!!! just lost all my lovely compliments to you doc regarding your talent. Oh Shoot!!! Anyway, this group is chock full of artists, that is for sure.

Carol and others who might not know what to do with old sheets, towels and blankets. Your local animal shelter is always in need of these things. They need them for many different uses. They also go through tons of cleaning supplies if anyone has any of those they won't be using. It might be a good idea to call before you go in order to make sure they will accept your donation.

Sharron, there is indeed a correlation between between emotions and anniversaries of traumatic events. I am not sure what it is called in the mental health field, but is quite real. You sound as though you know that you must be prepared to be a bit "off" feeling as you come upon the anniversary of your love's death. Please know that it is normal and also know that you will get through it too. Sometimes it feels as though we just can't hurt any more than we already have . Surround yourself with support during this time. Do you have some girlfriends nearby that you can hold close to during that time? Do you have a list of phone numbers from here? I am offering mine up right now and will Dmail it to you.

Somewhere I read this week where someone was quoting a famous poet who remarked that April is the cruelest month. Know that and then go on. This too shall pass and we are here for you.

Nough for now ya'll. Going to set up my camera and show some pics that I took for Liz yesterday.

Ruby

Awww Vicky - We crossed posted. Sure am sorry that you had an off day too. I too always feel better when I am able to play in the dirt. It helped me keep my sanity two summers ago when I was diagnosed with breast cancer.

I hope that today will be a better day for you and the week coming up will be extra special for you. Take care and take your own advice about sticking close to the group.

Ruby

This is a large pot of Hyachinths that smell wonderful.

The daffodils and hyacinths in the middle were just begging to be cut and brought inside to enjoy.

The tulips should be opening very soon. Will take a pic when in bloom. There are a few hosta starting to peep through the ground also.

This is my greenhouse which I bought a few years ago. When the company put these out they had not worked out all the kinks so a lot of the plastic warped and the unit is not sealed very tightly. We use it for storage rather than for it's greenhouse ability. Maybe one of these years we will decide that we have the funds to heat it and will then be used to house plants.

This is my shed which holds an assortment of things. The Professional Organizer will be coming back at some point to help me organize and hopefully be able to convince me to get rid of some stuff.

This is the mountain view out of my back door.

Left side of back of house

Right side of back of house.

Mystery flower.....Maybe Gita will know. Gita this came up as soon as the yellow and purple crocus began to fade. I am not sure if these were in the bad with the crocus or what. The bloom itself looks like a crocus but the stem is much different. Has me baffled. I am sure to feel stupid when someone tells me what it is. Oh well. Won't be the first, nor the last time. ha-ha

The patch of green is thick, thick, thickly sowed columbine from last year. The packet spilled on me. Some of them look very healthy and when it is a bit warmer consistently I will divide.

A better look at the stems.

So very pretty!!!

My compost bins to show Judy.

A closer shot.

Another close up.

John built this monument for me when we first met in 1994.

This statue came from my mother's house.

John gave me this garden plaque last Christmas.

My fuschia colored Christmas Cactus sure is putting on a show this year.

Thanks for letting me share my pictures with you today.

Ruby