Scattelogical ramblings and desultory humor - Frostfree?

I worked at a historic house here - a State property. We had restoration carpenters who were highly trained, disciplined, and dedicated to historic construction. One of our programs was to apprentice high school kids from the local vocational school so that they would have a certification in restoration carpentry.

You cannot imagine the opposition to that program! One guy said HE would train the kids which means they would not learn restoration standards. Someone else said, you are just trying to get free work. No recognition at all that historic construction is not to same as building a tract house. Where else can you learn plaster and wood windows?

It is so sad that people are being cheated out of their money. But, it is really a disaster that historic buildings are being destroyed because there are no standards in the construction industry.

Hey all!
I'm baaaaaaaaaaaaack!
The trip (Greece & Rome) was WONDERFUL!
The weather was perfect. The only rain we had was on Tues morning. We were in Vatican City & the Sistine Chapel at the time so it wasn't too bad. By the time we were outdoors for the Colliseum, the sun was out.

One of the most amazing thing for me were the balcony gardens! Man! The houses looked like they were throwing up flowers! This applies to both Greece & Rome.
The colors were beautiful.
I have to go through over 1200 pics. YIKES!
I haven't started yet. I'm doing laundry! LOL!

The garden survived. My cousin came by each day to feed the cats (mine & Mom's). She watered some of the plants that were looking a bit droopy.
Now I have to get to the nurseries to get my annuals. I'm a week behind.

Nancy

Welcome back Nancy!! Can't wait to see pics.,,,,but im going to bed now so I guess it will be tomorrow??

Looking forward to the pictures of your trip.

It sounds like a fantastic trip. Can't wait to share it through pictures. I'm sure kitties and gardens are glad to have you home.

Welcome home, Nancy! Sounds wonderful. I'm very jealous.

Welcome back to the lovely weather we're having. At least it's a good time to stay in the house and go thru all your pics.

Welcome back Nancy!!

Weeze, your fireplace pic looks straight out of a magazine.

Welcome home Nancy. 1200 hundred photos? Sounds like a new career.

Gloria, you're singing to the choir here with our DD in a grad school preservation program. You are probably much worse off knowing all you do about architectural restoration. I've already had folks here to look at rebuilding our damaged chimney that are trying to tell me to use synthetic stone (very light weight for them) and a firebox liner. No way.

L

I posted on the RU thread - but I will repeat it here. I (think) that I can still get a volume of tulip bulbs that the State of CT are throwing away - like 50 pounds or more. I have some already and they are fat bulbs that are splitting into 2 or 3 seperate bulbs. The greenery is all gone and the roots are dry. They look in very good condition. If I get a bagfull - will they keep until the RU and do people want them? I could also send lots in a fixed price priority mail box for postage. We think that they are red and yellow tulips. Anyone have tulip expertise? Anyone want bulbs?

Synthetic Stone? NO WAY.
FIREBOX LINER? yes
Real stone GO forit
I am truely sick of the shortcut "do it faster" method of rebuilding something that had ooodles of character and making it a "Disneyland" Fasimile.
Disneyland is my new synonmym for anything Fake,contrived, steril looking and phoney.
Disneyland MAKES you think your having an adventure when it's THEIR adventure you are having.
Don't get me started.

One thing I did learn from working in an 1830s house for 20 years is that old construction materials have to breathe to survive. Slap vinyl siding over old brick/old wood and you have problems. One of the worse things for old brick is to coat it with sealer. No. no. it will crumble right out from under the sealer. there are the correct consolidants you can use, but stuff from the local Ace hardware is probably not what you need.

In theory i'd like some bulbs, Cat, but i'm not sure i have anywhere cool enough to keep them...

I'd love some bulbs Cat. Do you have a basement you can store them in?

I love tulips and would love some bulbs. Why does CT have bulbs to throw away??

I have a basement and CT treats the tulips like annuals. I put out the email for more bulbs and I have my fingers crossed.

Great deal Cat!

Hey guys remember that prickley catus, well here is a close up, the buds are growing amanzinly, when she is in full bloom, well, you know you will get to admired her, Clemen

Clemen

That's an awesome photo! Can't wait to see the blooms!

A new writer, libellule has an upcoming article on prickly pear.

(I bet there is a story behind that name!)

Here is an update on that catus, close up, not blooming yet, maybe this wek end!
I can count over 25 buds! Clemen

Since it's the scat thread here is an update. Dex had his first chemo. Other than he's a slug at my feet, which is not unusual, he seems to be just fine. Here is one of the best pics of him that I have ever taken ( I think) I'm putting this up for all the pet lovers that may face this one day. Hopefully never. Luv to you all and much luv to my buddy

Where's the rest of this thread Venu? Sorry if I missed it. Hate to here a beloved friend is not well.

Laurel

Venu, i hope he feels better soon, positive thinking for a good recovery, I feel for doggies, I have one too and love him like my own chlild Clem

Dex is looking handsome as always Weeze...glad he's doing OK.

Much love and hugs and healing thoughts too, for Dexter. You too Weeze.

Dex looks pretty good,seems to be smileing.
I'm sure he is greatfull for your care.
Jo Ann

Ive never learned to manage the death of one of my animals. Of course its inevitable, they never live as long as we do. They give so much in the time they have.

Harry sends his best wishes to Dexter for a speedy healing and a good long life with you, Louise.

I love how our animal friends just take life as it comes. Even after such a major surgery, he looks so content to just be with you!
Humans have so much to learn.

Yes they just want to be with you. That is why you have to watch your feet going out the door, or you can land on your head.

My greyhound is finally learning when she knocks me down to at least come back and wait until I get up. She used to keep going, going, going. Speedy recovery to Dex and second the message from Harry.

Hello everyone. Just returned from my monthly trip to Walmart (about 25 miles away). I thought Id look for some radish and melon seeds to poke in my garden while its hot.

No seeds. Walmart returned its seeds yesterday. What about a fall garden? Ill have to order on line.

Gloria, this is the final day of the Park's seed sale. Perhaps you can find some bargains there. Good luck.
L

I was about to compile a list of kitchen garden resources.

I usually skip Parks. Ill take a look.

Nope. Not a radish to be had. Good buys, if you can use things in threes. Raspberries? I don't think so in 100 degree heat.

How can you grow radishes now? What I have not already picked is going to seed. I'll start again Sept-Nov. If you want seed of 'White Icicle' or 'Red Globe' and I have extra, I'll be happy to share.

Just a few years ago you used to be able to clean out the seed racks for such bargain prices. Now the big retailers are telling the seed companies they will carry seed if the companies provide their own seed and displays and eat the cost of the unsold product. Seed is really there on consignment. People want instant gratification and low risk with established plants. I am pollinating, bagging, and harvesting more and more of my own seed as I prefer to not grow low flavor, high producing hybrid vegetables.

Laurel

I found a water melon radish from last year. You are probably right. It would go to seed in the heat. Ill wait til fall.

In the mean time Im checking out cooks garden and kitchen garden suppliers.

Fall is really the best time for a garden in the south, anyway. Except for tomatoes of course, and melons and peppers.


Just finished a two week bout of tomato poisoning. I am convinced now that the fresh food in the store is not fit to eat. Maybe bananas and things in a skin.

Sorry to hear of the tomato poisoning, Gloria. So many people have gotten sick with them recently.

...and okra, squash, southern 'peas' (beans) such as crowders, butter, purple hull and a zillion others plus runners, half runners and pole beans of traditional types. Then there are the tomatillos, pumpkins, winter squashes, malabar spinach, sweet potatoes and corn (which I don't grow). I grow and have saved seed for twenty years of Christmas beans. We used to play the board game, mancala, with them when I was a kid. I'm growing yard long beans for the first time this year. They were gifted by a DG person from this forum. Let me know if you are interested in seed for Fall. I have extra for most greens.

Laurel