Best/Worse/What did I learn today? Pt.41 Visit with Friends

and one of my DD and GD and GS. you can see he just had his bottle!! hahaha

this was at shelley beach in a little rock cave...

wonderful job on the bears their so cute! nice pic of family

Hi Liz,
Your raccoon ammonia fix is a great idea..I'll keep it in mind if they get bad here.
My neighbours had a pair up in a tree on their front lawn..screeching at each other.
I had paw prints on my spa cover two nights ago. When I lie in bed and hear noises outside I just figure it is the raccoons.
Yes, I am happliy playing around with my little lawn tractor and trailer now.
Betty..any word on buying your sister's John Deere. Wouldn't that be wonderful for you. They are so much help when having the trailer.

Hi Cat..I'm with you..it has climbed to 3c here now with the sun shining.Too cold to go out and play yet.

Judy..you asked about your Oriental lily..hang in and be patient..they sometimes take a bit of time to show themselves. I planted four new oriental lily roots/bulbs ? in pots for now..or maybe I will just leave them in the pots to place where I feel they will show themselves the best. I read recently that the red lily beetles don't seem to get on the ones grown in pots. I have to be very vigilent and crush any red beetles as soon as I see them..or they will devour all the leaves. If you see any black bits (looks like black soil) on your leaves wipe them off.as they are the eggs. Some people have even removed all their lillies from their gardens because of the destruction these beetles cause. I only started having them about 3 years ago. Never had a problem before that.. A garden expert on the radio said there is no spray to protect against them. Best is hand picking.
But to me the Oriental lily is a glorious boom to see and the fragrance can't be beat.

This is Muscadet

Hi everyone! Well, we sure had some fun weather here yesterday afternoon! I left work at 2:00 to work from home and the news had continuous coverage of storms going across VA. Luckily, the bad stuff was south of me but the wind was wicked up here a bit too. Tornados hit 3 areas - ironically, one hit in almost the exact same spot (w/in 50 yards) of the same spot where a tornado hit 15 years ago! The corridor around Colonial Heights is called 'tornado alley' and now I know why! Anyway, one storm then headed down towards Tidewater and one hit Suffolk pretty bad. Another one headed north a bit and went right between Williamsburg and Toano - my parents live in Toano, my sis in Wmsburg. I called them both and told them to be on the lookout. Luckily, the storms had weakened by then so just strong wind and heavy rain. A 3 tornado hit in Brunswick County which I'm no sure where that is. But Virginia is all over the news today - on CNN, etc. Pretty scary! Amazingly NO ONE was killed (and when you see the pics from Suffolk, that is amazing!).

Had school last night and came home to a surprise. Our PC was ready and DH went and picked it up for me. So I spent from 9pm to 12:00am trying to load McAfee on it and I'm ready to pull my hair out! it's not the PC. The download says I still have another anti-virus application on the PC and I have to remove that first. Well, I have run scan after scan and I cannot find it. I left it scanning this morning so hopfully, when I go home, I can try again! GRRRRR! The PC does run faster which is just awesome!

Well, off to get some work done. Betty, I will keep an eye for kitty pic - thank you so much! I can't wait to see her!! You did get your check, didn't you?

Chat w/ y'all later!
J

Oh Laura..great job on the bears..what keepsakes they will be.
Lovely pic of your family..love that is is so close and all skin..so natural.

Glad all family are safe Jeanine..

thanks starzz, yeah i wanted it natural looking....i love it...

the bears are ok but the last one, the mermaid bear ended in the rubbish!! hahah never mind.

Now Laura - what are you doing up? It's getting on 1am isn't it???

ruby, jeannine are you near the tornado site?

Luckily, no. One was about 30 mins south of me - but I used to work in the location where it hit. Ruby is about an hour west of me. The other tornados hit further east.

Morning..at work, sky is blue calling for a high of between 7 to 10..frost was heaving on the windchill this morning..all I could think of was I'm glad I brought in all those flowers..didn't put them back out just incase...

Carole, I would say our frost date would be similar to yours - maybe a week later or so...sounds like you'll be wearing your painting garb for awhile...I did my old wicker set last year, painted in bright yellow, should have actually done it in black so perhaps this weekend I'll head out to the material shop and look at purchasing bright print canvas for new cushions...your plants look strong and healthy..I keep looking a different hosta's and I never seem to find more than 10-15 different types, they all look similar to me, perhaps I should get a book and mark them in..did look on the weekend for Lungwort but the few nurseries I stopped in didn't have them, maybe it's just too early..I'm going to go back into last years' threads to find out if the church plant sale was 1st. Sat. in May or 1st. Sat. in June..probably the June date...want to have a bed ready and waiting for them..I will speak with Sharon (sister) to see if the other person who was interested called yet..don't want to use the push lawnmower half the season then buy one..I'd like it now..impatient am I..lol..if I knew for sure I was getting it then the trailer would be the perfect Mothers' Day gift from the boys right? Carol my tulips are up in quite a few locations but no flowers as yet...maybe with any luck might have some by the weekend...I bought a couple of beautiful oriental lillies last year, am looking forward to seeing them in bloom

Laura, congratulations, you've done a great job on those 'teddies'...the mermaid pattern must have had a flaw in the design..don't give up on the glass, it's just a matter of learning how much pressure to put on the glass...I absolutely LOVE the photo of DD and grandchildren..OMG do they all ever look like you....adorable..just want to pinch the little ones cheeks..

Jeannine, wow, we just had snow and thought it was terrible, imagine going through the storm you had...did anyone get injured..sure hope not..
Don't know much about computers....I'd be in a fine fix if I had to try to figure things out myself..guess that's why I paid the big bucks for Jeff to get the education he has and is Director of a program manufacturing company...except he's too busy to offer much help..lol

When I was in Meaford I bought 4 railing poles and somewhere here I saw a cute flower card, easy to make, so must go try and find it..think it will be this weekends project...heaven forbid I just sit...not any worse then all of you, you are all busy/busy but get to do a lot of it during the week, I have to put all those week hours that I'm at work into 2 1/2 days...
birds of a feather, flock together....guess that's what we all have in common other than being the nicest people walking this planet..am I right?

Hey Ruby - there is a big plant sale this Thursday, Fri & Sat at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens here in Richmond. I think I will have to head over there Thursday afternoon to check it out.

Here's the link:

http://www.lewisginter.org/calendar/index.php?eventType=ps&month=5

Morning Folks,
I sure am glad to see all our Virginians checking in. I was worried last night. Is it that we have more natural disasters or is it that the news just carries all of them now?
I know I have not posted recently, but i am fine, really. I just tend to sort of pull into myself sometimes, and this has been one of those times. I have been doing some work outside, so that has helped.
My son has been working in Houston for the past month, so I have not seen ethan during that time, and yes, I do miss him. But he calls me when he wants to talk and that is fun.
Tomorrow is the last day of April, and the end of this round of Secret Pals. I think it would be fun for everybody to post again today who you think your secret pal is, and tell us what you got from her. You have probably done it earlier in the thread, but tell us again along with whoever you think she is.

Also, Dawn has said she will be really busy these next few months, and won't be able to devote time to he SP game, but as soon as she finds time she will be back.
Also Doccat wanted to join us as well, though i have not heard from her in awhile. Is there anyone else who wants in or out? I am sure we will be busy with trips and vacations and gardening, so would you like to wait till say November and December to start back up?
Please let me know what you prefer, and i will get it organized again, or will put it away so we can get on with our summertime activities. OK? Gotta know pretty fast though, and if I don't hear from everybody, I won't know what to do.

It is a little bit chilly this morning, but the sun is lovely...am hoping it will warm up enough for me to finish the flower bed this afternoon. You all have a good day, and I will check back in tonight.
hugs and love to you...

GG, I was going to tell you, the quilt show ended last Saturday, and I had saved tons of photos from the newspaper to send to you, all the winners, etc The $20, 000 winner for Best of Show was a replication of an old lace handkerchief.....the quilt itself was pieced in very light shades of gray, almost a log pattern cabin, well sort of that style.....the white/silverish lace was embroidered in the 4 corners and she had used tiny mirrors within the embroidery, also pearls. It was stunning to be such a monochrome quilt. Very elegant.
But in making the flower beds, I use newspapers as the first layer and build them up sorta like lasagna method. My neighbor was helping me layer then wet then soil then compost, etc....so I didn't notice when she went inside to grab the newspapers....you guessed it, your quilt photos are now in my lasagna-ed flower bed.
Sorry.

AAHHH! Too funny! Well, the one quilt sounded beautiful and thank you for thinking of me. I probably can go online and see the winners. I'll have to check them out! Thanks so much!!

I'm taking a wild guess on my SP. I'm going on who I had last time and who had me and who I have this time so I'm guessing Gita????

I'm ready for the next round! This is so much fun!

GG's elimination process at work.....

but I'm not telling.

Hi everyone. Love the bears Laura. And with the postmark, there wasn't much way of keeping it secret that she was mine.

Glad you're back Sharon

I'm in for the 'secret pal' exchange'..no sure who mine was? Can you help me out..lol..so funny Shar about the quilt photo's and write up...good reading for the warms..hopefully Ethan will be visiting and helping out in the garden..

Hi,
Things are happening quickly for me! Been trying to keep Busy.

Got to tell you I have been having lots of fun with Secret pal exchange.
Now I am hooked, so please include my name.

I know I havent yet posted my gifts from: I am guessing Gilli, with a smile because thats what the parcel pick up said! Will load some pictures when I get home.

Thank You Sharon for Hosting this special exchange.
heheh, about the paper in the bed, oops, the quilts sounds beautiful.


Laura, What a lovely photo of you and Grandchildren. A wonderful job you have done on the Teddy bears, truly awsom.

Thanks about my minihouse. LOL, Betty originally it was suppose to be a Birdhouse.
haha, until I pieced it together, Rather large birdhouse, so opted to create the mini gardens and fill up that bed. The house you see is the replica of my house. Next house will be my friend Janets...She is my online sister from CT, and this was the way we could be neighbors, I know its a bit silly, but we talk via IM Daily for over 2 years now. So that is how mini houses started, and now it is stuck in my head. I am planning to make 3 other buildings and then Sister J's gardens will take some shape. I might just send her my house when I am done building her house, LOL until then I will enjoy the first in the mini neighborhood.

Oh happy news, The birds finally found living bird feeder! Only sparrows at the moment but I figure the others will soon notice.

hahah, Ruby and all, got funny compost story already! So last night was cleaning the refridgerator, and there was this bag of carrots, that uhhh..looked like they weren't going to be so good in salad anymore, so DH was getting read to pitch them, I rescued from the trash for the compost. So he says well have you been saving egg shells? no not yet but I will. Told him to be sure and rinse them, he lookd at me like I was some sort of nut, lol, which we all aready know that I am so...anyway, this morning I was getting ready to go greet the day decided to take the bag of carrots and some lettuce to toss in compost, well I mide as well grab the coffee grounds right? he was packing to leave for work while I went and tosses all the goodies in compost pile. So come back in and continue to get ready for work, when I hear B A B E! so come running out to kitchen, wha? whats the matter? There is his partner standing with coffee cup in hand laughing, wanted to know why DH was making a pot of water! Apparently he recycles the first batch of grounds for another last cup before leaving. LOLOL...learn something everyday.
Betty, Don't see why you can't start a compost bed, with all your mowing and trees you would have some beautiful compost for all your beds.

GG, yikes sorry about the wicked weather Glad to hear you and Ruby missed all that and are safe and sound. Glad you got your computer back, hope the scans work well.

Carol, and Betty, so glad you got your plant inside during your back to winter moment. Ves, How are you doing did snow melt?

Oh Yeah, Carol.Thank you on the Oriental Lily, I am watching and this morning did notice...I was looking in the wrong place, doh! Sounds like you will have a painting day...that will be nice when all of it gets painted pretty.

Cat, so nice to see you.

Amy, I hope your friend learns all the lines for production. Your job sounds like lots of fun. Was on a costume crew when I was in HS, that was a lot of fun and great experience. So i hpe you will get to enjoy time in nature too.

Hey Liz, Hope your day was good. Warmer today so I am not freezing anymore.
Did you get the load put away?

Hi Dawn! Take care and get some rest in between.
See you as soon as you can come say hello, will be thinking happy days to you.

Ok lunch break over will check in throughout my day.
Enjoy your afternoons everyone,
Hi to you Gita!










This message was edited Apr 29, 2008 1:00 PM

OMG Judy, leave it to you, so funny...think that is called 'enthusiasm' right? lol At one time the municipalities offered compost bins for free, should contact them and see if they are still available..need to call them about the ditch and water reservoir in front of my house..they need to put it on their cleaning list...I almost did it Judy, was typing away and remembered you said it was going to be replica of your house, almosthit 'view' and I remembered I'd loose my post... so I was lucky..will do so afterwhile..

Had a salad for lunch

Suzanne and I are dropping off in Barrie tonight for some shopping so I've a few things at Home Depot I'd like, maybe we could stop off there and I could look at the mini little greenhouse....

It's overcase now and I'm freezing..have micro furnace on, Suzanne's in a meeting for 2 hrs...Paul and Wayne the same so it's just me, feel like putting my head back and resting..

The nicest thing happened to me this morning, got a D-mail from Jaye - Heavenscape..not sure where we would have met up, but she sent me the loveliest note, said that she sent me seeds for my DG friendship garden..imagine..invited me to participate in a 'swap' red/white and blue even though I'm a Canuck..well that just made my day..now I cannot wait to get to the post office...I'm praying the weather will be nice enough to work in the gardens this weekend, I'll start preparing for the friendship garden...that's just the best of my day..

On Thursday Suzanne is out of the office all day, Paul and Wayne are out for 3/4 of the day so I'll be here minding the store..lol..the nieces work next door so I see them from time to time, so I'm bringing in my inserts to work on..I was so tempted to do some painting last night..if only I'd give up bathing..as soon as I do, it's night/night time for me..lol

Amy/Judy sure wish we had a theatre group in my area..probably is just never thought of checking it out..was the original 'star' able to do the performance...that's a lot of work for an understudy, study the line, mannerisms etc. and never get to perform it..to be so close to acting and yet so far away!

Jeannine, yes I did get the check..was talking to Diane and we'll be getting together shortly so I'll give it to her for the frame...can't wait to hear what your mom thinks of it??? hope you are not disappointed...am sure you won't be..

Carol, have you ever been to a huge lily farm..I have one only about 5 miles from home..bound to do some shopping there this spring..maybe you should come for a visit and we can shop together...

HI again..big fire in downtown Bowmanville the town just west of me. I was going to Canadian Tire to buy a digital tire pressure gauge which my son said I should have to check my tires. Had to circle around. On the way back the water and foam was pouring down the main street..and the police were redirecting the traffic.

Sharon asked us to tell who our Secret Pal was this time..mine was Ves (Vicki) as her address was on the package.
She made the wooden "Starzz" pieces she sent me except for the little windchime, which made it very special.

I like Sharon's idea of waiting till November to start the Secret Pal again as we all will have lots of photos of our gardening to show each other...and will be busy playing outside most of the time.

Betty,
I have a big daylily farm about two miles from me. It is Hayfield Daylillies and they hold an open house in July where you can see them all in bloom and buy some. Other than that if you want to buy one during the early season you can call and go on the weekend and choose one out of his catologue.
BUT..they are quite pricey. I do buy one of the lower price ones ($15.00) at each open house. Other than that I find nice ones at the local garden centres. I have four of Henry Lorrain's daylillies.

This is last year..

Carol, beautiful photo..the lily farm near me is called 'Gatrix' and yes they have open house the same as yours does..am sure they are pricey as well..Franks Nursery just opened in Midland, the garden art, gadgets, plants are spectacular..I could just walk around all day...have to suggest they open at 6am..forget this 10am - day is half over by the time they open..thank goodness for HD opening at 7am and Walmart at 8 until they start summer hours..then it's earlier..lol..

Still at work, be late getting home, s till have to shop in Barrie so might not be able to play 't.v. bingo' tonight - jackpot $3,000. - well maybe if we speed going home I just might make it...

morning,

yes i was up late, couldnt sleep. lol

im in for the secret pal too!!!

slept in though so late for work! hahahah back later

xx

Just got in, have my bingo cards, ready to play at 8pm..going to win tonight..big $3,000. lol..thought I'd have to cook supper but look what I came home to..

Some little earthly angel dropped of a container of 'chili ' - note said "Betty, chili is on tonights menu" how very kind..same angel dropped off a container of 'chicken stew' on Sunday night...imagine...how very kind people are...now you know why I leave my doors unlocked...it's for all the treats people drop in with....lol..

Sorry you couldn't sleep Laura...hope you make it to work on time...

Gonna try to address questions asked of me---briefly......

Starzz,

I have planted my 6 Tomatoes outside and a couple of Vines. Been babying the flats of seedlings--and I am glad, as tonight is supposed to be 38*!!! i COVERED UP ALL MY tOMATOES WITH BIG POTS AND BROUGHT MY SEEDLINGS BACK IN UNDER THE LIGHT SET-UP. (OOPS! Sorry about the Caps!....)

My Roses are really leafing out. I have long ago pruned them back--as all the Roses I have are Hybrid Tea Roses....I have one climber and one shrubby Rose--what they call "Carper Rose".....My Peonies are all in bud! Lilies are growing--NO blooms yet! Lilac is in full bloom-----Ahhhhh, the fragrance!!!!!!! Good crop of flowers this year! I have been cutting out some of the older canes/stems. maybe that helped?

Betty,
Try to invest about $100 for everything you need for a seedling light set-up. It sure makes it easier! I paid a lot of $$$ because I needed 3' shelf and also 3' shop lights ($6.50 each bulb) and the 2 "fixtures to hold them were about $32 each. But--I tell you--next year it will be a breeze!!!! The black wire shelf itself, i gor at target for $25.
I have posted a picture of my little shelf, but will do it again at he end of this Post.

Shar,
I have not heard back from my SP re my second gift! She should have gotten it by now????? Hmmmmmm! Wonder if she got it??? NO! It is NOT you, GG-----------sorry!!!!

I am guessing mine is Seedsorter------as I think on one of the postage stampings it had the zip code of her State.

As far as voting for this to stop until November----I vote "NO!". We can go another 2 months (May/June) and then knock it off for July and August--the more vacation months. I for one will be out of the Country the whole month of July.
Resume in September and October.....Then Nov. and Dec.

I am beyond tired today. Worked the early shift (6AM-1PM) --which means I get up at 4:30AM!!! Yikes! This morning though--I woke up around 2:30AM and never really went back to sleep. I wallowed this way and that way--tossed and turned.....nope! So, when the radio went off- I got up. As soon as I got to work, my Mgr. wanted me to blow up (Helium) about 100 baloons, as we had some serious "Big Shots" walking our store for the whole day!!!! He would call and ask me to make a sign for something or other--like, "yesterday"--and I did, of course! I LOVE making signs (my artistic bend...) and I LOVE making announcements over the PR system.........Jut been dragging all day!!!!

It is now close to 8:30PM--and I can hardly keep my eyes open...NOT even gonna watch "Dancing with the Stars!!!! Major sacrifice!!!!

zzzzzzzzzzZZZZzzzzzzzzSnore!zzzzzzzzzzzz Gita

OOps! Forgot the picture of myseed-starting shelf for you, Betty!

shar, i think it was cat took me a month to figure out mo. wasnt montana omg only me :)
i vote keep it going!!
be back later have company comming for dinner dh" daughter

hehehe, now Gita...Remember, we had this conversation once before.
You Sort and I Toss......Just teasing a tiny bit.
Got to giggle because I did give ya permission to call me what ever you want.
Oh my your plants are really coming along. Very nice!
You weather must be awsom...to already have blooms, I didn't think it was that warm your way. hehe, guess i am wrong.

Shar...let me know if you would like to participate in the Secret Pal...I can Host and or step back if uneven participants...just let me know.

Well, I got my review finally...Hey MOM Straight A's! So, me and my mouth again...One of the questional points was What would help my position for this up coming season...My answer was, Ummm some work would be nice. Ohoh, I Got work alright, wahhoo. Really neat thing is I am going to be learning some computer work and "help" with admin stuff, (decided a project is a project).

I am working frantically to get my house in shape...Graduation Party to plan for the end of May. So I am getting things put away again.

Hope you sleep better tonight Wonder.

Carol, Wonderful picture, I like the one at the Day Lily farm.

...Oh how funny a crazy song about names...ROFL how fitting for tonights post. Wish I could think of words to ryme with Seedtosser..oh Seed Sorter! REALLY now I am just being goofy.
Have a GOOD NIGHT.

big smiles and hug too Gita and all.
Signed The Brat
Just Judy.

Nice surprise to come home to Betty! Good luck with Bingo!

Hello to all you wonderful people. Starzz, thanks so much for all the plant and flower pictures that you are sharing recently. They are wonderful. I will apologize before I get started for not including each and every one's name in my post. I did read what everyone had to say for the past two days, and I am going to try and remember any direct questions to me.

First off, and I believe that I guessed early on line that Rachel was my secret pal and I was correct. She sent me lovely candles as did my secret pal the month before, who was Cat. The candles that Rachel sent are pomegranite and pineapple flavored tea lights which sit in containers looking like the two fruits. The ones that Cat sent were very unusual. They are five blocks all held together with the same wick. I have now cut the wick so that the five small block candles can set on the brown dish type of candle holder. They too have a delicious aroma of citrus fruits.

Betty, you ask about what major highways are near me. There are three major ones in the state that we use depending upon the direction of the travel. Interstate 95 runs north and south/east and we use it when we are traveling to VA Beach area. Interstate 81 also runs north and south and we use it when heading south/west. Interstate 64 runs east/west and that is the highway that I use to visit my son and family, who live "over the mountain." Finally, after 6 days of longing to see my grand daughter, we are finally all going together today to see them. Tucker needs new tires put on his vehicle and John and I are going to follow him and then proceed to Ben's house while waiting for the tires to be put on car.

Jeannine, you mentioned the plant show at Lewis Ginter Estates this weekend. I have a friend that usually tries to go there too. Thank you for the information but I have so many other things planned, plantwise. I would love to maybe ride down your way at some point and see your garden and would like to extend the same invitation for you to come and visit mine later when everything is in full bloom.

Shar, Liz and others who expressed interest in whether I was near the tornado site, the answer is no thankfully. I too am relieved that there were no deaths involved. The destruction was really bad.

Well, that is it for a while. I will check back later today after returning from my visit. I hope that everyone will enjoy their day.

Ruby Oops, count me as yes for continuing the Secret Pal Exchange.

Starting my morning with blue sky, bit of a chill out there, frost on car window, but it's a 'sunshine day' ... thought I'd start it with this....by the way...didn't win the $3,000...

By George Carlin...

IF YOU DON'T READ THIS TO THE VERY END, YOU HAVE LOST A DAY IN YOUR LIFE. AND WHEN YOU HAVE FINISHED, DO AS I AM DOING AND SEND IT ON.

George Carlin's Views on Aging

Do you realize that the only time in our lives when we like to get old is when we're kids? If you're less than 10 years old, you're so excited about aging that you think in fractions.

'How old are you?' 'I'm four and a half!' You're never thirty-six and a half. You're four and a half, going on five! That's the key

You get into your teens, now they can't hold you back. You jump to the next number, or even a few ahead.

'How old are you?' 'I'm gonna be 16!' You could be 13, but hey, you're gonna be 16! And then the greatest day of your life . You become 21. Even the words sound like a ceremony . YOU BECOME 21 YESSSS!!!

But then you turn 30. Oooohh, what happened there? Makes you sound like bad milk! He TURNED; we had to throw him out. There's no fun now, you're Just a sour-dumpling. What's wrong? What's changed?

You BECOME 21, you TURN 30, then you're PUSHING 40. Whoa! Put on the brakes, it's all slipping away. Before you know it, you REACH 50 and your dreams are gone.

But wait!!! You MAKE it to 60. You didn't think you would!

So you BECOME 21, TURN 30, PUSH 40, REACH 50 and MAKE it to 60.

You've built up so much speed that you HIT 70! After that it's a day-by-day thing; you HIT Wednesday!

You get into your 80's and every day is a complete cycle; you HIT lunch; you TURN 4:30; you REACH bedtime. And it doesn't end there. Into the 90s, you start going backwards; 'I Was JUST 92.'

Then a strange thing happens. If you make it over 100, you become a little kid again. 'I'm 100 and a half!'
May you all make it to a healthy 100 and a half!!

HOW TO STAY YOUNG
1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctors worry about them. That is why you pay 'them.'

2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.

3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. 'An idle mind is the devil's workshop' And the devil's name is Alzheimer's.

4. Enjoy the simple things.

5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.

6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person, who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.

7. Surround yourself with what you love , whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.

8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county; to a foreign country but NOT to where the guilt is.

10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.


Gita, sounds as though you are thoroughly enjoying what you are doing at HD this year..you have quite the set up..will have to organize something similar..we left the office 1 hr. late last night, so our stop in Barrie was very quick therefore no time for Home Depot nor will there be tonight as I must teach at 7:00 and cannot be late...watched Dancing with the Stars for you..was surprised at who got the boot..think it should have been the heavy set lady (I'm terrible with remembering their names)..lilac trees in bloom, how wonderful, I cut the dead branches off as well, some last fall and some this spring..leaves aren't even fully opened yet so will be some time before I get to see lilacs..did plant 3 shrubs though over the weekend..placed them in areas that once they grow, they'll make another entrance into my secret garden..still on the lookout for the yellow lilac tree..mom bought a couple a few years ago but I've not seen them since...does HD really open at 6am in the morning or do you have to be there for an hour before they open? Think it's 7am here..

Did have an opportunity though to make a quick look in Walmart Greenhouse last night..they had magnolia's (suitable for our climate) quite large - maybe 3 or 4' and they were on sale $14.98 so will pick one or 2 up over the weekend...

Carol, saw film on the fire in your home town on A-Channel news last night..luckily I guess it did not spread to other older buildings in the area..no one hurt?

I'm amazed and impressed by all of you, you all seem to know the name of all your plants, not just the type but it's actual 'given' name...hell/smell I just know if they are a rose/tulip/peony etc. Do you have that great a memory or do you keep track on paper???

Judy, how exciting for you, know having many of the staff you worked with leave, and lack of work, you thought your job would be redundent...now it seems you'll be taking on some admn...does that perhaps mean you'll be there for years to come?? hope so..guess you were excited about the review..nothing nicer than to have someone appreciate the work you do...

I remember when I worked at the Municipality as Rec. Co-ordinator (loved the job) loved working with Seniors the best..even as a young lady the seniors brought the most joy into my life..anyway, I always had A+ reviews...this one day I was called in for my official meeting to go over my performance and it was perfect EXCEPT it had one comment on it,STILL remember it 'word for word'

" time would be better spent allocating time to more specific program related organizing for all ages, example 'too much time taken with seniors i.e. trips to Florida/Bahama/New Orleans for 3 weeks at a time'!!!"

I was flabergasted, enraged and must say hurt....I remember my boss Mayor and 2 councillors who do the municipal assessements were sitting there, the Mayor had recently taken her vacation down East...so after a few seconds I asked: "Mayor, seems to me that you just spent a few weeks on vacation correct? When arranging this vacation did you consult anyone? and Jerry and Don, you were on vacation a few months ago, I'm not really sure but don't think you made any specific arrangements with this office pertaining to your trip?" All looked at me and had no idea where I was going with this..were puzzled infact..then I proceeded..."You have absolutely NO RIGHT to include how I spend my 4 weeks holidays on my performance review, if anything you should be including notes as to how your employee "ME" is so interested in the well being of seniors that I would take MY holidays to entertain them..." they looked at each other, in about 6 years, not one of them knew that I took my own 'holidays' to program these outings, not one of them..I opened the door, called in Bonnie (Treasurer) and asked if she could bring in my personel file in, when she did I asked if she could tell me when I took my vacation and asked her if she could remember any of my vacation plans and of course she said "you always take the seniors "Happy Gang" on a 2 - 3 week vacation" AHHH made my point..they went on to say some of the taxpayers were concerned with my time usuage i.e. having a vacation at their expense..so we got into a heated exchange about the fact that if complaints came in, they should have been addressed, they would have known the answer to give these individuals..but no, they waited till it was my review...I went on to tell them that from now on, I WOULD SPEND MY VACATION WITH MY FAMILLY...never again did I take the seniors away..I also insisted that an apology put attached to my file, signed by all 3 and a revision made IMMEDIATELY...all were flabergasted and I felt very sad, but felt strongly about making my point heard...don't think I EVER spoke out in support of myself as I did that day..Roger was furious...actually he wanted me to throw in the towel..thought my expertice in programming/organizing and doing special events was underated by them..lol..sweetie he was...worked there till I retired at 50...

It's me again, just received a lovely post from girlfriend Christine who lives in the city..thought I'd share..

" Hi Betty..... I hope you're having a good day! You have brightened my life. As I go through my week, I am usually reminded of you at some point. Thank you for being a part of my success.

Thought I'd share: 'HAVE A HEART'

'Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle'

A sharp tongue can cut my own throat

If I want my dreams to come true, I mustn't oversleep

Of all the things I wear, my expression is the most important

The best vitamin for making friends..... B1

The happiness of my life depends on the quality of my thoughts

The heaviest thing I can carry is a grudge

One thing I can give and still keep...is my word

I lie the loudest when I lie to myself

If I lack the courage to start, I have already finished

One thing I can't recycle is wasted time

Ideas won't work unless ' I ' do

My mind is like a parachute...it functions only when open

The 10 commandments are not a multiple choice

The pursuit of happiness is the chase of a lifetime! It is never too late to become what I might have been

Life is too short to wake up with regrets. So love the people who treat you right.. Forget about the one's who don't. Believe everything happens for a reason. If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands. If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said life would be easy, they just promised it would be worth it!


Friends are like balloons; once you let them go, you might not get them back. Sometimes we get so busy with our own lives and problems that we may not even notice that we've let them fly away. Sometimes we are so caught up in who's right and who's wrong that we forget what's right and wrong. Sometimes we just don't realize what real friendship means until it is too late. I don't want to let that happen so I'm gonna tie you to my heart so I never lose you. Send this to all your friends including me. Even send it to your balloons that you think have flown away forever. You may be surprised to see it return. Send this heart to everybody you like.
You may also return it to me!

Lovely to get such a message!!!

I'm so glad to be relaxing now. Today was busy. I went into the school with the kids to supervise a math contest. Our school registered for a nation-wide math contest. This was our first year and we had 10 students participate. Hopefully next year we'll have some more but I'm happy with the turn out for this year. After the contest I just stayed at the school. DH had his prep time then so I went to his classroom until it was time for doing music in DD's class. Then it was come home and babysit for the afternoon. I don't have any big plans for the rest of the week though so that will be nice.

Ella has fallen in love with the outdoors. She is constantly wanting to go outside. I bought her the cutest pair of blue camoflauge rubber boots, the only ones small enough for her. She has a bad habit of wanting to take off down the road though. On Monday we walked to the river - about half a mile. She walked all the way there and most of the way back. She complains whenever it's time to go inside. It should be nice when our back yard dries out and we can get some gardening done. I looked in my vegetable bed on Monday and I saw some lettuce and spinach coming up. That was a little surprise.

As for secret pals. I would have to guess that mine is Laura because it seems to still be in transit somewhere. Things often take a while to get here but they eventually arrive so I'll be patient for a while longer. We haven't been to the post office yet this week (I'll probably go tomorrow) so it may be there right now.

Well, I guess I should go get some supper ready for my family. I hope you all have a good evening.

HEY HEY HEY EVERYBODY. TELL US WHO YOU THINK YOUR SP IS.

AND GILLI, DO YOU WANT TO CONTINUE SP THROUGH THE SUMMER OR DO YOU WANT TO WAIT TILL SEPTEMBER TO RESUME.

SO FAR IT IS ABOUT HALF AND HALF. IF WE HAVE ENOUGH WHO WANT TO CONTINUE, THEN WE CAN STILL PLAY BUT WITH FEWER PARTICIPANTS........WHATEVER YOU WANT!!!

I didn't try to figure out who it was! But I did get a card from her the other day!

You guys think of some pretty good things to do.

What about you, Vicki, do you want to continue??

I'd prefer to hold off for the summer.

Thanks, V....if I had baby goats, i'd hold off too.

I must be reading in a big rush, How did I miss that you have Baby Goats?? Eye popping you have Baby Goats?? How cool!

Was a super busy day. Good and pretty quick too. Betty, we are still waiting to find out our fate...June has been the mentioned date of next big let go...I just figure I have a job for now roll with and learn everything I can, can only be for the good of my brain, LOL. Seems I always Cop" an attitude around review because I have to evaluate myself...I dunno, I just think that is dumb...Would be great if they let me give myself a raise, hahha then no problem. Well anyway we always match what is on both and that includes where I need to improve.
Just glad it's over for another year.
Anywho...You got a really nice note there..How true too.

Ruby, did you Have a nice visit with Grandaughter today? Bet lil Emily loved it.

Shar, Hi there! You know I think everyone has stated who they think SP is,

Gilli, How nice you had some time and will get some more time. Ella's little boots sound so cute. just smiling thing about her stompin around out there getting all dirty. Makes for happy happy girl! She probably sleeps real well after a walk like she had. Yep you'l have a ball in the gardens.

Oh, gosh I forget now what else I read lol or not read, Goats?? Come on Ves, Fess up story time.
Gosh you made the cutest Star for your SP looks beautiful in her window frame too!

See you all in a bit.

Hi guys I haven't even turned the computer on the last few days so I have to tell you that my secret pal is probably Liz and she sent me the most beautiful antique plate, I think it was depression glass, not sure. I LOVE IT SOOOOO MUCH AND ALSO THIS VICTORIAN ORNAMENT THING MADE OF RESIN I THINK. Will post a pix very soon, probably this weekend because we need to do stuff with what is on my digital memory stick first. I was a lucky girl. Thank you so much.

Vicki I was your Secret Pal. It was a great pleasure being able to do it too.

Betty the fires are about an hour from me and many many hours from Liz.

Shar I think the GOW has gone south or something lately. Bad timing to jump in.

Liz, man those game wardens and animal people are not in touch with reality.

I had a patient that woke up and found a mountain lion in his dogs pens and ate his very expensive hunting, training dogs, one was pregnant too. It was in the pens and he had no idea how to get it out or what, but it got in through the roof which had blown back on a windy night.

It howled at the man and growled so he shot it. He had told them he saw one on his property and he said come and remove it. They didn't. He got a huge citation for a real lot of money and faced criminal charges. So he went to the top and proved all his story and told how he knew the game guy didn't come and do anything and showed how much he paid for his dogs and what he could sell each puppy for, with an ultra-sound of the number of pups with a bill, and a bill for a consultation with an attorney. He won a huge amount of money I heard for that, but if he didn't fight it or could not afford to do it or had not documented it, he could have had a felony on his record or worse yet, Not Shot it and been killed.