Best/ worse/ ? did you learn today #46 visit with friends...

hello all

thinking of you today betty tho you may be asleep now... not sure as i still dont get the time thang.

Hello paul! so nice to have you on board... you may well find the meaning of life here who knows! you definatly will find the meaning of friendship, acceptance, understanding, caring and so on.... welcome.

jeanine your a crack up!!

Oh guess what came today!!! My SP!! my hubby kept it for me and i wasnt allowed to look at the address so i dont know who sent it! he just hid it as i opened it! well, someone has been paying close attention... it was filled with butterflys!! a lovely hand painted plaque, a gorgous butterfly pot stake that is made of bells.. it jingles!! i love it!! i have a thing for bells to and chimes and such.. how did they know! a dream catcher... GREEN!! love it... and the most beautiful fabric of birds and flowers. ive never seen one like it, a lovely addition to the friendship quilt. so we have two pieces of fabric so far. what i think i will do is a panel for each piece sent and then put them all together... what you think? and a most lovely and encouraging card that i will keep... i think thats everything,, not sure as it was opened by customs.... hope thats everything... so THANKYOU.. very thoughtful and most loved.

so a good day today.
DD still not given birth yet but wont be long...
the gardens look so lovely and that secret garden is just sureal.....

chat soon

xx

Good morning Carol....nice to meet you......I like your garden bench and table, if you could put another one just like it side by side it would nearly be long enough to lie down, I'm vertically challenged as they say today, you know, tall.....:)
I slept nearly 3 1/2 hours so I don't really need your bench right now, but will probably need it in 20 minutes or so.......:)
I hope the table, bench and birch comes as a set, I like'em all.....

Ruby....So I'm glad you enjoyed my little stories..............As for Dave's, I joined May 5 of this year but I've been using Garden Watchdog for years and the plant data base, I don't have a good reason I didn't join as a member before, it was my loss for sure, nice place, nice folks.....OK I can think of two reasons, ignorance of how much this place offered one for becoming a member or just plain stupidity, I'm going with ignorance.....:).....And Ruby like you I write about gardening or mostly about gardening anyways and gardening itself have been an outlet for me or therapy but more than that I reckon its a whole new way of life for the likes of me....A good way too......As for your illness, sure sorry about that, but like you it kinda woke me up too.....But in my particular case cancer in some weird way knocked some sense into my big old thick noggin....when I think of that I know life is so very wonderful but sure nuff mysterious....but I ain't looking no gift horse in the mouth, I'm going with still being alive and lucky to be so.....

Now my granny used to be a big letter writer. She wrote letters, recipes, quotations, lord she wrote down everything but the ktichen sink and I'll tell you one more thing about that and then that'll be enough (never ask me a question or for comment I might go on and on for years.....:)) my granny as I was saying before I interrupted myself, when she died I went over to her house to kinda pack up and clean up and as I sat there and went through everything it finally hit me what a wonderful and prolific writer my granny really was.....I ain't much a crier really, I mean I have and ain't particularly ashamed of it, but that day, I just sat there and read all those letters and pieces of paper with what-not written on them and all them recipes of things she had prepared special for me over the years and I just cried and cried as I read and read.....that was some day over at my granny's all by myself with all her stuff and just me....
so if you was once a letter writer well, you had it in you before we all became famous authors with the computer age.....:)

My blog goes back to early May I think, when you click on the blog page just go down to the bottom click on 'archives' and there that will take you to the sum total of a misspent life......:)

I tell you here what really hooked me on Dave's and the writing and all and that was Sharran's articles and her Aunt Bett stories....I read a few of them and I thought I want to write not that exactly cause I never could, I'm not her but I want to strive to write about things folks can relate to but make'em smile at the same time or chuckle or giggle or well you know....Sharran's stories of Aunt Bett are funny but sweet, mine are funny I hope but kinda like getting hit with a wet dish rag......:)....Anyways it was a good day I ran into your buddy Sharran and her stories and articles...
See Ruby I told you, don't ask me anything, so in conclusion and finally, are you still awake Ruby?.....It was nice meeting you....and glad you enjoyed the stories and I appreciate you taking the time to write me about it....and with that Ruby I wish you a good morning and a good day.....

By the way Carol, Secret Gardens is right up my alley.....I love the old version of the movie and I kinda enjoyed the new one too.....and I love folkes secret gardens too, I reckon they're all special and secret for the person who takes care of them.....

Hi Betty sorry bout your friend......and good morning to you....I reckon I missed you but hope your day goes as well as can be.....

Paul from Alabama

Good Morning!

Betty, Big prayers going up, my friend. With you in spirit. Ohwah, look how beautiful, yay you are starting to see Blooms!!

Welcome Paul!! Yep have read a couple of the entries you have written...I've definately enjoyed them!

Oh Carole, Ahhh, relaxation to my eyes. Yes, very serene. LOL, good thing I don't live next to you I would never make it to work...for sneaking into you secret garden and staying all day! Nice picture of your sister helping. I am so glad you had a weeke long visit with her and had a wonderful time!!

Good to see you Ruby. Was glad to see you post. Wow, you and GG sure are have the heat wave going on.
Any releif in sight? How wonderful you have been traveleing to Round ups out your way.

Gita, Hello...Wow, was such a nice post and so true. The flower is very pretty! Is it is called Osmosis?? Perfect for the post and what a grand color.

Hi Bev and Marion!! I love little flowers!! Those mini hostas are too cute!! makes such a nice border plant too. I really like how you lined your pathway nice, nice nice!!! Would look really wonderfull in my minigarden, want to strike a trade??
I can send a big one have 3 different kind, will have to take pictures tho.

Dawn, So glad you got to round up...Um I think gathering of such kind you ARE suppose to forget about "dieting" and Healthy foods, LOL Pig out and have a good time. How else is one to rave on all the excellent cooking? Ah the power of taste.

Hello to EVERYONE!! LOL, Still on the loopie side, stopped taking the harsh stuff and well, I am much better for it. Thanks to all her wished me to feel better, helped make me smile the toothless one...Pretty soon will be able to give yous all big toothy grin, and I must say I can't wait.

Ok Off to begin my day! See you later at a break, hopefully.

OH...

Woohoo Liz and Betty, were under the 28 days! NO TOOLS Girls, not coming to work, just to play...(besides i have a whole bunch of tools, hahaha)

OH MY GOSH!! BIG EXCITEMENT!!! mulch pile is SMOKIN!! and...Baby rose Joseph's Coat looks like he is making a come back!!

Shar...Where are you?? Read your article twice. I loved it. Tried posting on 2last night and poof gone so gave up and went to bed. Sigh. But anywho, i wanted to tell you how excited i am. I have those pretty Little Star of Bethlehem!!
Never knew what they were called, as I rescued them from doom at a Job I did for DH. They were growing all over the place so, i thinned them out and brought some home. Yikes, didn't use gloves, But now when I see them next spring I can tell a story of how Aunt Bett Surprised You with a little decorating of her own! What a great surprise and great memory.

Ok really now starting to run late, see you later!

have a grand day.

The Wonder Down Under......Nice meeting you and Lord I love that nickname, that is so cool....I reckon I'd agree with you sight unseen about finding the "meaning of friendship, acceptance, understanding, caring and so on" here, I look forward to getting to know you all and thanks for the nice welcome.....

Paul from Alabama

Morning Seedtosser......nice to meet you.....guess I'll take a stroll around and see how my little darlings are doing this morning....I know they're all watered, we had a good shower last night, wish it had been more but hey whatever Mother Nature decides to send, well I'll gotta go with it...I see a new bloomer already...Yee Haw......see you in a bit.....

Paul from Alabama

Paul wecome to the family. We all care a great deal about each other. You couldn't ask for a better place to be. I haven't read your articles yet but plan to when I have time---what is that? Sharen does write some goodies that I can relate to. From what is being said yours are great too. I am a newbie too but fell right in and felt right at home. Looking forward to shareing with you. Seed I will get with you about the hostas hon as soon as I can. Going to be very busy for a couple of days. You may have to mention it again then. My mind is always boggled. Paul when you told Ruby about your GM writing down everything but the kitchen sink I had to laugh because I say things like that all the time that I heard from my mother and GM. CU all later. LOVE &HUGS BEV

We're mighty chatty Paul, some of the nicest people one could ever hope to befriend...tried and true..my lucky day when I met them...not being 'sappy' all have a story, all have had an awakening and above all, ALL are here in the best interest of the other...so please continue to join us, perhaps keep us in line..lol..

Laura, you and Dawn should be 'grandma's' at about the same time..how wonderful..let's hope for one of each and we can all be 'aunties' ...

Judy, I'm just filling the car, don't know what we'll be doing so bringing a bit of each..lol..counting the days as well..
Judy, know Shar's busy with Ashley just returning and also with 'friends of Carole' she'll soon be boarding the plane to Alaska..we'll all look forward to her posts telling us all about it...miss her here, but know she's a busy/busy lady! Hope your back is better 'Shar'!!!

Ruby, when tragedy hits us wether through death/divorce or illness, one sure learns the importance of 'life' and puts our difficulties in perspective...how correct you are in saying we become more tolerant/kinder/more available to those we love and each day we thank the Lord for yet another...love writting as well..when Roger became ill I started a journal in the hospital and kept it each day for over 2 years...when I need a good cry it comes out....does show me as well just how far I've come..
Know your writting Paul/Shar/Judy/Ruby and others has helped bring you to where you presently are within yourself...

Liz, hello there..busy day for you?
Dawn, no baby yet?

Laura, so many goodies, can just see you jumping up and down..how sweet of DH keeping the post office marking from you..you'll be guessing and watching who gets what from who..Shar usually posts at the very end of the 2 months who our SP gifts were from...until then, it's a secret!

Bev, thanks for the well wishes..hope weather co-operates and you can enjoy a few days of leisure (NOT) lol at the campground..do miss travelling in our r.v. - hmm better win that lottery so I can get another and spend the year travelling Canada and USA visiting all my DG friends...better go check my tickets this morning, might be sitting here for nothing...keep your fingers crossed..

Carol, love Sweet Williams..they do rather well from 'seed' and re'seeding themselves..mine have grown quite a size as well but no flowers yet..keep looking at your backyard and then at mine, although I've trees surrounding the property I've only a few here and there within, think I might pick up a few 'beauties' this weekend...know just where I'll want them...

Hope I didn't miss anyone, time to run to post office and get my 'red/white/blue' swap package..how exciting..will be sure to post a photo...

no busy day betty, running behind as usual lol no im packing up more stuff for my sale lol
house is looking thin which is GOOD! now im stressing im not going to have enough tables to put things on....
can you believe 28 days now im getting sick to my stomache like the first day of school
cant wait!

judy ok no tools lol

paul, welcome! you'll love this group

hello to all will be back tonight

Good morning everyone. Welcome Paul. I'm embarrased to say I haven't read much but will go back and do so. Cancer does have a way of changing your lives and those around you. Lost my DH to the big "C".

Betty, thoughts with you! Eat an extra Krispy Kreme for me. What a cool idea--makes it all worth it knowing there is a KK waiting. You will sleep dear lady if you are like me.

Laura, keep us posted on the new arrival when it does make it entrance into this big wonderful world.

Gotta run this morning. Dental appointment. Yuck!

Catch everyone later.

Morning! I got lost in all the reading. So if I don't respond don't get mad. Just a hectic weekend and monday. I should be outside to finish planting.
Betty thinking of you today.

Judy glad you are feeling better.

Welcome Paul! Love your stories. Just don't stop as you have us all addicted to them.

Starzz love the secret garden. I haven't told DH this yet. But I am hoping to change this area. On the north side of the shed. Slight slop. About 4 ft. wide and 24 feet long. Nice space to change! Then he won't have to mow it! My pile of rocks is just around the corner! Sounds like kismet to me!

Liz I hope they finally caught her.

Have to go and finish reading some more threads and get outside. I was waiting for the grass to dry a bit before heading out.

Looks like a nice place for a hosta garden to me.

It might be to wet! The roof drips all along there. Let me know if I am wrong. I do like hosta especially the smaller ones!

I was going to try to make it a little woodsy looking. But that is as far as I have gotten. Just came up with this the other day.

Morning Vicki, lovely for all of us to have a little area that is 'just' for us..don't overdo..enjoy the morning catching up then by the time aft. comes all will be dry..that is unless it's raining off and on in your neck of the woods...

Vicki, Carol inspired me as well, went back one day to when I first joined DG and came across photo's of her yard, while going through her thread I came across a post saying I wanted a yard just like hers..she's been an inspiration, I keep working/working at it, lordy it does take a long time, but much accomplished, yet much to do...thanks Carol..

Just got back from post office, want to see the lovelies I received from Deborah (Cordeledawg) from the Red/White and Blue 'swap'..

Got a lovely card and note ( Deborah-drop in and say hi!)
which was special in itself, card is of Superman and when you open it-it plays a song...caption on the card 'Am I grateful' and on the inside it says 'you bet your cape and tights I am!) so cute..

Took all my time to get to post office as you know today I must stay close to one of the rooms in the house...hmmm..know you can guess which one..lol..so I couldn't go find the place of honor this piece will have and will have to wait till tomorrow night to find it...but until then, I've taken photo's for you to see...aren't they just so special....

Dreary outside (why does it always seem to be dreary when it's a funeral day?) so the darkness of the metal doesn't quite show up...but it gives you an idea how pretty it is with red/white/blue tiles...love the stars..they'll also adorn my Christmas Tree..yep, Christmas is coming you know, we'll soon be on the downslide of the year! Shake your head right? Leave it to me to be 2 seasons ahead!

Oh Paul, this particular group is full of "writers." The topics go so fast and it is hard to keep up sometimes. I was away for the three days last weekend and came back to too many posts here to read. I skipped up to yesterday and have kept up okay for 24 hours now. Please feel free to do any musing on here that you care to. We "love" having a man among us you see.

I am going to try and post a picture of my grand daughters first birthday party two weekends ago. Here goes.

Ruby

This is Emily eating her cake.

This is a good one. ha-ha

This is her Dora The Explorer cake with her picture on it.

Doesn't she look happy?

My sweetie in a dress.

Left to right: Ben, my son, my ex Joe, who is Ben's dad and John.

Such a doll.

Some of her gifts.

Ruby, beautiful little one and nice family. Vess, Ventricosa hostas love it along a drip line. I planted them on the backside of our lean too at the camper. I will take a pics to show you. If you decide you need any let me know. BEV

Ruby she's just an 'angel'..oh I want a girl..John isn't bad looking either...hmmmm...

Now look at those 'pressies' guess she's at an age that she was excited to open them on her own?

No wonder you are a 'proud' grandma..have every right to be..

Bev will appreciate pictures!

Ruby what a little Darlin' That had to of been a wonderful day!

No jeannine it is harder to have to spend the day, drinking that nasty stuff and pooping all day, gagging all the way.

Liz the other wine country in Temecula which is in SoCal by San Diego, just north of it. 2 1/2 hr. from me.

B you are oblivious to all that happens and have no memory of it anyway despite the twighlight sleep they induce.

Morning Ladies, (and my dear buddy Paul, too)
I have neglected you, I realize, but not in my thoughts for sure.
I have decided that with 9 unopened Fedex boxes in the middle of my living room, plus one fed ex box full of bicycle here in my office/art room....I am not going to be disturbed by any of this..

"Ashley, are you moving back home forever?"
"Well, no, Mom, but I thought we could have a yard sale and get rid of all this stuff I have not used/worn/wanted in 10 years."
"Ashley, I love going to yard sales, but do not ever, ever have one of my own."
"Mother, then this will be your very first time, and you will absolutely love it."
"Ashley, they better not walk on my flowers, park in my yard, snip any blooms from my gardens, and they will not walk around to look at flowers in the back."
"Mother, people wouldn't do that!"
"Ahhhhh Ashley, you do have so much to learn."

Alaska: well of course that is heavy on my mind, what to take, what to risk losing at one airport or another, camera, memory card.....something to do on an 11 hour flight......yep, a lot on my mind. And a notebook so I can write a couple of Articles.....without Aunt Bett.....but how can I do that? She is my inspiration. But she never went to Alaska. Ah ha...you all just gave me an idea, I will write the articles like I would be telling Aunt Bett. That oughtta work.

I love all your pictures and your stories.....Starzz as always I want that chair, and your gazebo, and I need to see a picture of your birch.

Ruby, I am really glad you have so many RUPs to go to....we have only one anywhere near me and it is not ill September, but I am planning to be there. I have no excuse since it is only about 30 miles from me. But they better not expect me to cook.

Liz you and Judy ...hopefully Betty, too have so much to look forward to. I wish I could say I would be there, but Chicago is about a 6 hour drive. I know, I know, Betty is driving farther...so we will see.

Hello to al the rest of you.....all the laundry that I did yesterday didn't even put a dent in it..so don't expect little Suzy Homemaker at the end of this day. It would not be getting done at all but the sweltering heat and the curling hair humidity keeps me inside.

Paul, this is a nice group, and they will adopt you in a heartbeat. You will have enough Mother Hens to keep you on the straight and narrow. You are right about Paul, ladies...he is a giant of a sweetheart, and hearing from him is like the brightest ray of sunlight in my day. He has a beautiful wife, whom I have already named Saint Linda, and the sweetest mother.....Well, for a guy, he is just the best. ^_^

You all have a good day, and thanks about the Aunt Bett articles.....you will be tired of them before this week ends, I think there are three all piled up together.

Be safe Betty, and take it easy when you get home.
Love to all of you.
S

I'm home, a little like a pincusion as they couldn't find veins..went to the funeral parlor for only 5 minutes and gave my condolences and went directly to the hospital which is 5 minutes away from funeral parlor..except for the 5 areas they tried to insert the needle in and couldn't it was a piece of cake...

As I waited for my turn, they come in and say 'everything' is normal - give your family physician a call...did this to about 10 people...then came my turn, and she gave me a sheet and said please call the specialist office in the morning to make an appointment, half dozzie I said ok then it dawned on me, how come they get to go see their family doctor and I have to go to the specialist...asked the nurse and she said they found 'palops' and had sent them for biopsy..it would take a few weeks to get the results so I was to make a specialist appt. for 3 weeks away...not alarmed yet...lol..so I'm off to get into comfy jammies, warm blanket because it's freezing in here with the a/c..Greg picked me up and said he'd drop in a few times this evening...so not to worry..I'm sure though when I have a drink it will be like a hose with holes in it..it will all be sprinkling out from the many holes in the veins...just kidding...

Talk later..

Betty it is good you have your sense of humor. I was sitting here picturing you full of holes. LOL Will be saying prayers for you.

Hugs
Vicki

Good girl, Betty....that part's over, and the rest will be just as easy, so don't worry.

And since you are feeling a bit woozy, here are my first daylilies to bloom. These are also my oldest, brought here from my great grandmother's garden in 1982.
They usually bloom earlier than this, not sure why they are late...
here is the first..

This message was edited Jun 10, 2008 4:02 PM

And another...

OK last one

Whew!!!!! SAo much to catch up on! Must have missed yesterday's slew of "watched Threads" as I had NO clue who Paul was!!!! Had to get caught up---SO! A BIG welcome to you too, Paul! Any man that can sit and cry all day over his departed mother's writings, recipes and notes is a GIANT of a man--in my opinion.
I promise--I will go see your Blog......just have too much on my plate right now.....

We have had a week of near 100 degrees! When you walk outside--it is like someone has thrown a wet, hot blanket over you. You almost gasp for air!
Anyway--they are promising a cooling trend (???) after tomorrow night. Here's the 5-day forcast! Does it look like "cooling" to you????

5 Day Forecast
Updated 06-10-2008 02:54 PM Local Time at Baltimore - MD
WED--Cloudy
Hi 89°
Lo 71°

THU--Sunny
Hi 89°
Lo 70°

FRI--AM Clouds/PM Sun
Hi 91°
Lo 72°

SAT--Scattered Thunderstorms
Hi 92°
Lo 73°

SUN--Isolated Thunderstorms
Hi 91°
Lo 71°

The poor plants!!!! Several in my garden are scorched! Like my Morning Glory--and my Tropical, red Hibiscus that I planted in the bed at the front of the house is not red--but a washed out shade of something resembling red and peach.....
Things are wilting--and the soil is not dry. Filling all my Bird baths every day!

Sharon--WHEN are you leaving for AK? If you have time--and would like--I will D-mail you my sister's e-mail address. Just tell her you are my friend--she is VERY nice and helpful!
At least you could get some down-to-Earth information from someone there....
I think your idea of the context of your next articles is a wonderful one! I mean--"telling" Aunt Bett all about your trip! And--I bet she will be listening and reading......:o)

Also--go ahead and have the Yard sale with Ashley! Good mother-daughter time....You could even throw in some of the stuff YOU no longer need! You won't make any riches off of it--but it is a pleasant way to spend a day.....UNTIL--you have to pack all the unsold stuff up and move it back inside,....

Betty----
Polyps in your large intestine are something Dr.'s want to always check out. They can be nothing--or they can be precursors to cancer. They usually want to remove them. So, PLEASE--do as they say!!! Go!!! Have it checked out!
You could Google "Polyps" to learn a bit about them before you go.

Ruby--
I took pictures too of ny 2nd daughter's 1st B-Day "meal" of cake. It was a riot! All hand-to-mouth and all over her face! Her older (4yrs.) sister trying to help her......Too bad--Don't have it on digital. They were not yet invented!

This "child" turned 40 end of April.....

Just went out and took some pictures. It is sad....nothing to brag about when you have had a week of 105* heat-index! Besides--the A/C at work is hardly working.....We are all dripping---running fans to help move the air----So much for the biggest Home Improvement Co. in the World!!!!!
Did you know that all the heat and A/C settings in any HD store--anywhere--are controlled by the Headquarters in Atlanta, GA? WE have NO thermostat to change anything.....Talk about "mass murder".......:o(( cheeeep---cheeeep--cheeeep----

SO! Here are some photos.....Here are my heat-scorched Hibiscus blooms. They are supposed to be a vibrant RED!

Here is the scorched leaves on my blue Morning Glory....

Here is a pot of a Hosta that just got a bit too much sun and heat.....BUT--it was in part shade!

On a more positive side---The Petunias LOVE the heat!

AND--My Daylilies are opening up! Such a poor welcome to them--weather-wise!
Here's my orange ones. The strong plant growing just behind them is my perennial Kopper King Hibiscus. It is 'a shooting up by leaps and bounds! Last year--it grew to 6' tall and the blooms were HUGE!

Last one---
On the other side of my house--here are my pink Daylilies......Holding their own in this heat----BUT.....NOT as "crisp" as they should be!

Here is the backhill so far. Needs more cleaning and some planting. But it is coming along nicely. Starting to get some color.