Best/Worse/What did I learn today? Pt.44 Visit with Friends

Thought I'd move us over...

It's Monday morning, time to open our doors to yet another week with friends...

Gita has posted this link so we could view her and Ruby's outing with
other DG members...

[HYPERLINK@davesgarden.com

As for me, just downright feeling yukky, more the loss of energy than anything else...and I know what you are going to tell me, if I didn't do so much, but really it's not 'much' it's just flitting around doing some things I enjoy over an entire day...

So I will start my morning with simply giving coats to the floormats and organize myself until Diane gets here..sitting gabbing and painting doesn't take much energy..will ask Diane to help me hand the stained glass insert for the back deck, much to heavy for just me

They promise sunshine today but I'm not believing it from looking outside...

Maybe this aft. I'll take a ride to town and purchase some plants for the pots I've just set on the metal rack, bright colors to match the cafe design.. and that will probably cover my long weekend...

Did accomplish much..

Hope your day will be spectacular...

morning, morning,

bev,how big is that tortoise??? wow and there is something to be said about geese just love them stop and watch them on my walk with the dogs.

carol, the gazebo is so inviting

kwanjin.oh my outstanding iris just beautiful.

laura i will have to go dig in the closet and see what i have material wise.

cat, wow you sure got alot of yard work done, love the bumble bee part i do alot of running with them lol.

jaye, i saw that there was a 4 of july baby to cool!! oh to bad about the blue crab fest, never had blue crab wonder how similar it is to our dungenous crab sorry to early for good spelling lol. hmmm what is betty up to did you see were not suppose to see something lol guess we better behave and turn around.

judy when did you call we had a power outage didnt even know till this morning.

betty, hope you feel better and its not what paul had, what are you doinf with the watering can... your quite a busy bee this weekend.. had a good time at mil everyone behaved and had a nice time.

gita, and ruby, wonderful photos so nice to see dg" get togeather
looks like you all had a great weekend
vicki, hello to you
gilli, how are you doing
now im late be back later

Glad your day went well Liz..the watering can, will try to at least get it primed today, not sure what will go on it, perhaps hydrangeas..

Diane just called and she'll be over in 1/2 hr. - have the matts ready, paints out so let's hope it will truly be the last day and they will be finished...

I did my runner for the front..no fuss, no muss..plain design but once I get the cafe set out there and flowers around it will look inviting...DIL/Greg gave me a water fountain last weekend, still in the box if you can believe that, I repaired my other one so now not sure what I'll do with 2 but am sure I'll come up with something..do like the sound of water so might keep both on front deck...

I took a photo of the runner before I start my 1st. coat of finish, after that they shine too brilliantly to take photo...

Good Morning!

Well now imagine the smile that spread across my face first thing this AM!! Thank you Gita...
You and Ruby sharing a hug...I so LOVE the photo, It is getting printed and will be mounted on the wall of my sanctuary!! Yep, I was with you alright, thought about you all weekend, I am so Happy you had a wonderful time and Splendid weather...Checked out the RU thread OHHH, eyes are just dazzled in delight!

My Sancutary is my little patio that I created just for myself. Took a picture for you but got upload.

Hi Liz, LOL...called you dunno what time but I was guessing you might have been out to dinner. My sister is in for an overnight visit. So thought to introduce you...LOL over the phone. Well maybe next time.

Having a nice visit.

Betty, I hope you are feeling Better today, praying it is just a touch and you are well.

Ok...baby sister is stirring so I've got to run...

See you all soon, Have a marvelous day!

Good morning everyone. May I come In? Have been reading this thread since becoming a DG member and I noticed the mention of Penetang and later the Moose Factory address and I was hooked! Got your attention and have you wondering why? My brother was a professor at the business school at UWO in London and I attended a year of school there. On Thanksgiving weekend (Canadian) we took a camping trip 3 adults, 3 children plus camping gear in a VW beatle and went through Penetang on our way to Algonquin Provenical Park. I was so fasinated by the name--still am. Then the Moose Factory address caught my eye. I became aware of that area several years back when my niece and her husband moved there--he worked at the school. Principal I think. Long story, short version: niece and hubby live in Ingersoll and my brother is still in London. I try to go visit as often as I can as I am very close to both.

I am totally in awe of all of Betty's projects! She is somewhat of a motivator for me as have been others on this site without knowing they were doing so. I, too, am a widow (hate that word) and have needed a final push to get me back to all the things I use to do. Thank you everyone because without knowing it you have helped.

Would love to contribute fabric to the member who is doing the friendship quilt.

Thanks for letting me drop in.
Marion

oh my goodness im sooooo late but a big warm welcome for marion you'll love it here

Thank you very much. You aren't really late as this is the first post for this site.

Here's the link to all the people posting their pictures. There are more to come yet....
You can click on it directly, here, without having to go back to #43. The one Betty transferred is not a clickable Hyperlink.

Please DO look at these pictures--it will take you away to a Fairyland of beauty!!!
I posted a slew of mine last night. Trying hard not to duplicate what others had posted...
Ruby said she had not even uploaded hers yet!

Gita

http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/850074/

Hello, again...popped in quick like and saw we have a New friend joining us!

A big smile and hug Marion, You will love chatting with everyone.

...Liz, means she is running late for the day, LOL probably too busy chatting!

Welcome!

Hi abbisgranma..welcome..
I have a little story about London for you.
My Sister and BIL live there..their son (my nephew) is finishing his Master's in Science Biology at UWO and will go on to get his PHD.and hopes to become a professor. Right now he assistant teaches as part of his Master's degree.
I have visited the campus there, and it is beautiful.
My sis and BIL are retired and live near Riverside Dr. Lovley park there.
Is your brother retired?

Betty..your mat is very nice..you must be feeling better since you are up and at it again.

Cheers,
Carol

Hi Judy.waving..have fun with your Sis.

Hey Liz...how is the heat wave?

It is brutal here..cold and windy. I learned that Sweet Potato vines and Basil do not like cold..they have wilted..brought them inside.

hope they revive

No way am I going to catch up!

Betty, your projects make me tired just reading about them. ☺ LOL They are so wonderful.

Everyone always seems to have WAY more on their plates than me but I always seem to be busy with one thing or another.

So everyone can catch up with my gardens, I'll post several pics. I started with this in May in of 2004. The front yard had weeds and grass. The back had just weeds. In the front, we thought to go with lots of wildflowers.

The back has been the biggest project. We had to start from scratch.

W cleared out all the weeds and laid sod leaving spaces for gardens. I know some of the shots are fuzzy. I had a crappy camera at the time.

We planted a buckthorn hedgerow. We also had Arundo Donax for privacy until the Buckthorn grew in but that has been removed.

We have been going for and Eastern flavored look. These are along the north side of the house.

And the other side...

The back wall...

We had no trees, so little ones are in. This one is from this year. it's been in four years now.

And this one...it's in a pot so I can move it around to the optimal spots. It burns so easily.

This one I don't think is going to do well. We get such hot temps.

And my pride. The Yoshino Cherry I've been lusting after.

The blossom...

Thjis is the one that has been the most surprising. I didn't know it would have bronze foliage and such a brilliant flower.

I should tell you what they are, huh? I'll go back and edit the posts if you say so.

Weeping peach.

I also have a lilac, several iris, fragrant sumac, money plants, pachysandra and forsythia.

It's a neverending project. I still have LOTS of space to fill in.

Hello Starzz. It was a "gazillon" years ago when I was at Western. Yes, my brother is retired and lives at Dearness Home in London. Unfortunatey age isn't being very kind to him. He is happy but misses not being able to come south to visit. He is definitely a "transplanted" Florida boy.

Odd you should mention your nephew majoring in biology. When I was there they had a beautiful greenhouse with tropical plants and settings. One day during class we toured and the professor was all excited about showing us the newest addition ---a small baby alligator! He was commenting to the students that most wouldn't get that close to one; then he addresses me knowing I was from Florida, saying that I was probably common for me to get that close. What I couldn't and didn't say was "yes, I was very close to this one for 2 days!! " Rode under my feet on the way back to London one Christmas--in a box my dad have devised for my brother. I only commented: yes I have seen a lots of them. Now all these many years later I can share the story. My brother and I have laughed about it often! I was told several years ago when the gator died it had been stuffed and was still there. Has been a while so I don't know about it now.
I loved my year in London and often hoped my husband would have gotten a job assignment to a Canadian project. No luck!

Hi! All. Going to storm again for two days and don't think our farmers are going to make. Say prayers please!!!!
Liz, That snapper was pretty big and an old one.
Love your mats Betty
A very heartfelt welcome to you Marion. You will just love it here. Hope you can keep up with all these wonderful people(now don't get the bighead guys) better than I can. By the time I think of anything to say there is already 50 posts to read first but is fun!!!!
Kwanjin, NICE NICE NICE
Gotta get something done today so will be back like a bad penny!!!! Hugs and LOVE to All BEV

Cute story Marion..thanks. It is unfortunate your brother isn't doing well. But maybe you will have a story to tell him.
I wrote my nephew and asked him if he has ever seen a stuffed alligator around there.
I'll let you know..
LOL

Kwanjin..you've got some lovely trees there...and your grass has filled in beautifully.

Oh Starzz that would be great to know. I could share with my brother when we chat again.

Welcome Marion, if you've read our thread for awhile you will certainly know our door is always open for friends...will have to check how far from Clearwater Fl. you are..usually spend 2 or 3 weeks at Christmas visiting mom and Jim..last year I couldn't keep out of the Library, had to continually keep in touch with DG friends...

Love the work you've done in the garden, especially the Weeping Peach...

Judy, so nice to get a visit from your sister..she was there recently was she not???

Gita, will go visit the link you provided, thanks...

Carol, are you getting this cold spell..has been really 'sunny' but the wind is so cold...up with the furnace...

Diane got here early and we worked on our matts, each flower is given special care as where I just wanted my matt done...so mine is done, will start giving it finishing coats (both deck matt and the flower one) but Diane still has another day of work on hers..she was just leaving about an hour ago and Bernice came over, lordy she has trouble getting around, back is gone and no strength in her right arm and then breaking the left, well it was one of her first trips over since winter...says she has some plants for me, too tired today but will drop over tomorrow..

Forgot to tell you, yesterday afternoon I took out a tray of lasagna I had made and thought terrific, it would do me for supper and for today, no sooner did I take it out I thought it's just too much so back in the freezer it went..had a yen for hamburger paddies, scalloped potatoes so I had picked up on Friday 1 1/2 of hamburger so thought if I made paddies and cooked them all it would be supper and maybe more for Monday..so like a good girl, I forgot about the crafts downstairs, stayed close to the stove and they turned out perfect..so, took them and put them on a plate covered with paper towel to absorb the grease and covered them up with another piece of towel..now, I could go lay down and have my nap... just around supper I put the scalloped potatoes on, few cobs of corn and ready for supper, but where are my paddies, did I put them in the fridge, nope, but where are they.....yep Sailor ate them all..so no meat for supper....

This morning when Diane called I thought wouldn't it be nice to have blueberry muffins, made a double batch and got out my giant size muffin tin..would get 6 only...when Diane came in we enjoyed coffee and hot muffin, cooked to perfection...so when Bernice came in, offered her a coffee and muffin, she preferred hers as I do mine, buttered...because she has difficulties getting in and out of chairs, she was going to sit in the rocker, but just before she sat down, asked if she could look at my back gardens, so off we went..came back in..you guessed it, Sailor ate her muffin and my muffin...grrrrr...

Good dog to have around if you want to diet...so now I have to check out what to have for supper that Sailor doesn't like..lol...

Know it's early in the day, but it's warm bath for me, jammies on, sit and watch t.v....in between, might get my coats on all the floormats...lol...

Hope weather was better in your neck of the woods...thank goodness I didn't put all those little seedling out...I'd have lost them all..even the 3 potato type vine plants I purchased are looking a little off because of the cold..wouldn't doubt it could freeze....

Talk later..

That mat is just lovely, Betty. Great job :) Welcome marion, btw......just scrolling thru the thread and missed that part, LOL.

Lovely here today, I puttered a bit outside this morning, couldn't do over much as the ground is still way to wet to work, but it's suppose to clear up this week, so hopefully I can get some veggies in the ground. I was checking out my roses, I of course have black spot from he-- but had put corn meal on the other day and the rose looks much better. Fussing with DH about my new rose bed, I want him to make it larger and diamond shaped so I can basically do it in quarters with pathways thru the middle to make it easier to care for.
Went with my MG buddy, Sat to a local native plant tour and sale. Came home with a lovely little Japanese maple, and a corkscrew willow. They are both still just whips, but think one would make a great focal point for my rose garden.
Just want it to dry up enough I can get some of this stuff in the ground, especially veggies, my tomatoes are not liking this delay. sigh

Betty, Clearwater is about a 4 hour drive from Havana (actually closer to Quincy but another story another time). My Mom and Sister still live in south Florida--Arcadia. Might could arrange to met somewhere in the general area--say half way between the two. I had hoped to get to Ingersoll this fall but I have made a promise to myself no more traveling until the "dungeon" is finished. MIL suite in house we bougth all paneled in very, very dark wood. Cedar singles in the bath--ever been given a towel and tweezers at the same time when a guest in someone's house? Bet not. That's why I am not planning any trips. Took off for 10 days December last year for a tour of Costa Rica but now it is finish time!!!

Your mat is beautiful. Can relate to the dog eating everything. My son's first chocolate lab was visiting and I had left a pan of cornbread muffins and butter on the countertop. Ate all muffins and container of butter. Finished by getting the lid off a 5 lb. can of shortbread cookies. My son said one sick dog when they returned home with him. Many stops were required!!

welcome marion, its me that is making the firendship quilt.....

had a good nights sleeo and feeling better today..

have to run off to work so will chat later...



hugs

Checking in on you all one more time before settling into bed..managed to sleep off and on in the living room all aft. up until 1/2 hr ago, thought if I got up, did a few coats of varnish to the matts I just might get to watch my Dancing with the Stars...tomorrow night is the last night..will miss my routine...

Marion, spent some time in Arcadia, known for it's antique shops right, we used to spend winters in Ft. Myers (Bonita Springs) so friends would come with us for day jaunts..

Doc, a diamond shape bed would look terrific..Don, my girlfriend Margie's hubby has his own garden, a rose garden and he has walkways thru them...they were going to see because they purchased a cottage and turned it into a home and it's only but 10 miles from town, no sense having 2 places..wonder what the people who purchase will do with them...maybe he should suggest removing them and taking them with them...

Here we're settling in for the night and Laura, you are off to work, well you are one day closer to the weekend..that's a good thought..

Jeannine showed Diane the photo's of your mom opening her gift..we were both so please with her being overjoyed..

With us having the long weekend and my having Fri. off it almost seemed like a vacation..this week but 3 1/2 days..hope it warms up, so many seedling to get into the soil as well as purchased plants...

The shrub I purchased the other day is called 'Japanese Quince' I'll have to research it because the saleslady said you could eat the fruit in a salad or fry...now I'd better go back and check the size, here I put it in front of the B&B sign and lordy might find out it grows 5'..lol..

So friends, it's been nice spending the weekend with you all...time for bed..

Aaaaarrrrrggggghhhhhh....y'all ran off and left me. Now I am so behind. Isn't it fun to start with a brand new yard, Celia....what fun. Hard work, too, but it's well worth it when it all begins to work together. I love your plants.

Mat looks great, Betty , as always....am thinking of doing one for my kitchen, well more than one, I think. I have a big kitchen.

Marion, so glad you joined us. I am anxious to see all your crafts come to life again. Finding ourselves alone is not always easy, but sometimes it gives us the push to bring forth all those things we used to be interested in, just to fill our time. Glad you are here.

I have to tell you a gallery story. Most of you know that I have a gallery in what used to be the old courtroom, complete with handmade wooden benches and a juror's area, judge's raised seat, etc. New judicial building replaced the courtroom. So fiscal court asked me when I retired from teaching if I would turn the courtroom into a gallery so that we could show the art work of local people. Well, of course...gave me something fun to do. That was two years ago. There is a little art guild in the county that has about 8 old women in it. They are mostly older than me and that is pretty old. They meet every Thursday at the county library to paint.

About 3 weeks ago I asked the one member that I know if they would be interested in showing their work in the gallery. They debated for 2 weeks then finally said yes....it was like pulling teeth, but I knew most of them were really good. They brought the work to the courtroom and I got it all hung today. They were in and out chattering like chickens....so excited to have their own show. One little old woman trudged up the steps maybe a dozen times bringing more of her art....she would disappear for a half hour, then here she would be with just one more piece. They were so cute, funny...so afraid they weren't "good" enough.

And the show is just wonderful. I told them I would have a reception for them. Their eyes opened wide and you would have thought I had given them the winning lottery ticket.

I am so tired, too old to be going up and down a ladder again....remember my last ladder experience....but all is well, and they are so excited. So am I. It is so wonderful to have helped make so many little women so happy. I told them the show would extend through July. Well another OH , Ahhh....didn't take much to please them, but a million dollars would not be worth as much as their excitement.

Anyway, that was my day.....you all sound very busy, and I hate to tell you Betty, and Carol, but it was about 85 and beautiful here. My roses are great....
Here is Lady X....I hope I didn't show her to you yesterday, can't remember anything these days.

Love to all of you,
Shar

Betty, I have an article coming up next week on Japanese quince, but it might not be the same because there is nothing edible about the one I am writing about.

Here is a picture of it.....

OOPS...will try again.

This message was edited May 19, 2008 7:28 PM

maybe this will work..

Wellll, magic, I guess.

I had quince out my my garden shed for several yrs but it was so thorny I could not go near it. Finnily had to cut it down and round up it, but it was pretty.
Hi all! It is starting to dry up here so mabe I can get the rest of my plants and seeds in this week( shhhhh don't tell the weatherman).
I am going to get my jammies on and call it a day.
I fell over backward for the 5th time in a year this morning and landed on a big rock. Got a bruse right next to my spine. Was lucky again. Have to go to a specialist and see about this left ear.
You all have a good night. LOVE &HUGS BEV

No message. Just wanted to share. This is in the front.