Best/Worse &What did I learnt today/Chat with Friends #47

Shar, will take a closer photo of it tomorrow, maybe that will help you help me (lol) name it...

Kiska from Alaska d-mailed me, OMG she was talking about it being the longest day of the year and now it's starting the shorten again..can you imagine, seems we've just got rid of snow and now we're working our way back to it...yuk...

Betty, Did you have to say that!!!!

Betty, that sounds good to me!! One way or another we will met during the holidays.

I don't know for sure but your large plants resembles my Jacob's Ladder. Has it ever bloomed? Mine have a blueish/purple bloom. I love mine!!

Just getting back on line--had horrible thunderstorm and rain. Took out the server for a while.

Storm passed us by last night but it's pouring rain today..I've many projects I can be working on so it's a good day to get them done..

Was invited to a friends 50th this afternoon/evening but it's a younger crowd and I'm more comfortable staying home with Kyle and Noah as company as Greg and Mel are going..

What a picture perfect photo that is to remind us that it's not that far away....

Tummy is churning so guess it needs to be fed..hope the weather co-operates for you all...be back to talk on my next break..lol..

Good morning everyone - This is my last forum to read for now and then I will go outside and water a few plants in the back. I need to go grocery shopping today also. I will try to do both of these fairly early before the heat gets too unbearable. We are invited to a wedding tonight at 6 o'clock. I warned the bride a few months ago that I didn't do evenings very well at all. So......we will probably just end up hanging out here, same as always. I have very bad fatigue as the day progresses. I have pretty much learned over the years what my body will tolerate and what it won't tolerate.
On the times that I have gone ahead and done things against my better judgement, I have always paid dearly for it later.

I was able to get most everything from the recent plant swaps in the ground. While searching for places to plant, I realize how much transplanting poor John will end up doing come fall. Oh well, he could have it worse, that is for sure.
I didn't realize how large some Astilbe's would get and so have about 6 of them in a small bed. They definitely need out of the bed so that I can fill it up again with flowers. ha-ha Several of our Hosta have overgrown their beds too. Poor guy had to dig up a lot of clumps of Lariope last fall because it too was getting out of hand. Most of it is still sitting in pots waiting for another home. Oh well, do what you can and leave the rest.

Well, I am headed out but will check back from time to time today. Happy Saturday everyone.

Ruby

Good Morning all.
I had my friend Gigi from Montreal area come for a visit this past week for a few days.
We went on a shopping day and I treated myself to a bamboo Dreamsack nightgown..it is so soft and light..I love it!
Gigi gave me a Bergere lamp as a gift. It emits a cleansing fragrant aroma. The fragrance I chose is Lemon Flower..so fresh. She has one already..and we saw it in one of the little fancy shops.
She fell in love with an entrance mat for outside her new condo. It is all flat smooth pebbles glued to a mesh backing..and then sprayed with a shiny sealer. Very unique...and heavy to carry..we left it at the shop till we were going back to the car. We sat outside a little shop at a littel bistro table and had Butter pecan coffee..and said we felt like we could be in Paris..such fun.

Betty..your low growing plant that blooms at night is Evening Primrose. I have some too.

We had the thundestorm and lots of rain last night...lots of lightning too..Your gardens are doing wonderfully. Interesting to see how your hops are growing..
Henry Hudson rose is blooming..it is one of the Canadian Explorer roses..nice fragrance..but you have to get down low to stick your nose in it...but I did..LOL

It seems this is the best year for my roses..buds on almost all of them waitng to burst open.
What I learned was to stay away from the Hybrid tea roses and go for the hardy types. I have been struggling with roses for several years..and lost as many as have survived..but I think I may have success now.

I really need to get to some weeding too..but it is not my favorite part of gardening.

Sharon..wishing you a safe and happy trip to Alaska. It will be good for you to meet Ava and all of Carole's freinds and family. Will Soferdig be there for the service..or any of the other DG friends? I am sure Weezingreens will be there..she lives not far from Ava. I used to follow her stories here on DG a few years ago about her life there in Alaska..and her hubby Dennis.

Hi Ruby,
I hope you enjoy your wedding tonight..maybe a nap before you get ready will help.

I have been invited to a wedding in Aug. It is for the daughter of one of my old work friends. Never met her.
They have been living together for 13 years and have put on the invite
Monetary gifts preferred..
Doesn't sit very well with me..but I guess it is accepted practice these days for people who have everything already.
It is to be held in a very grand room called the Arcadian Room in the Simpson Tower in Toronto.
Also there is a wedding shower invite..also asking for monetary gifts (in a cute poem)..I have never heard of that at all... They also ask that all the ladies wear white to the shower...(pearls and diamonds optional). So what do you do at a shower where everyone brings an envelope with money..
I declined.
Pfffffffftttttttttt.............

I do agree with you, Carol......no holds barred anymore....it is a say what you want, do what you wish world. Wonder how many will show up with money??

You all have a good day, I have a meeting this morning, decorate the yacht club this afternoon, then emcee a fashion/talent show tonight......whew.....

Y'all have a good day.....stay well.

Sharon, it sounds like you will be busy up until the minute you set foot on the plane to go Alaska. Use this trip to heal mentally and physically. Have an extra special time and purchase yourself something nice to remind you of the trip.

Starzz, I have pretty much decided not to go tonight. I know that people see me as anti-social but they need to understand that living with chronic illness often puts a person in situations where they have to decide whether the chance of ill health is worth over doing it on occasion. We have had 5 weeks of go, go, go. I am ready for a weekend of not going. ha-ha I will deliver a gift to them one day next week if they are going to be at home and will request that she share the wedding photos with me then.

I am not sure what I would think of the type of wedding and shower invitations that you received. I would most likely feel similar to how you are feeling. A year and a half ago my son married his wife. They did some interesting things during their ceremony. Nikki was obviously pregnant at either 4 or 5 months and by the wedding, they knew they were having a little girl and that her name would be Emily. During the ceremony in several instances the co/pastors mentioned Emily. I could just imagine some of the people, say of my mom's generation who would have dropped their teeth on the floor when hearing about the baby during the wedding ceremony. Oh well, times change.

I spent an hour or so outside watering some of the back plants. I am now in and need to shower the bug spray off of me and then the rest of the day will be spent on the couch watching TV and possibly napping.

I hope that everyone is having a good day.

Ruby

I got my SP gift this week. Lots of goodies. I took pictures but I still need to put them on the computer. I'm a little behind. I got lots of seeds - herbs, butterfly mix and a daisy grow kit. I'm excited to add them to my garden. There's also a little robin, a windchime, window clingers and fragrant candle. Ian has fallen in love with the windchime and Ella has been sticking and unsticking the window clingers on the window. Sonora is off playing with her friends or I'm sure she would be asking when we would plant the seeds. Ella has just noticed the robin. She went over to it and said "kia-kia", which is her word for anything cute or fuzzy (cats, dogs, birds, babies). I think she started it with our cat and has just extended it to other cute things.

Paul, it's nice that you've made your way here. I don't get to read your blog as often as I would like but what I have read is pretty entertaining. I have to admit that while reading your entry about the plastic baby pants, it wasn't until the very end that I realized that you were talking about pants and not pLants. I just couldn't figure out how plastic baby pLants would help - or even what they were.

This past week has been crazy. Sonora stayed home sick from school till Thursday, at which point Ella got sick. I also started babysitting a 10 month old this past week. I also have a ton of plants that I need to get planted. Unfortunately, the blackflies are now out in full force. It's like being surrounded by a black biting cloud. I guess it could be worse though. Keith took our car over to Moosonee on the barge yesterday so it can go down on the train next week. The plan is to have it out early for maintenance so that when we go out it will be ready for our summer driving. I asked him to buy something while he was there that is a treat that we can't get in Moose Factory. He bought a block of old cheddar cheese. He's so funny.

Carol, that would bother me too. I feel that gift-giving should be like giving a part of ourselves. My favourite gift to give for a wedding is a fire extinguisher/carbon monoxide alarm. It is something original that I feel is very important for every home to have - and you can never have too many. It's also something that many people don't buy for themselves. In March I was talking to a friend whose wedding we attended two years ago. She told me that our gift had saved her home and possible her life. Her husband had been drying something by their stove and it started smouldering and the floor was just starting to catch fire when she noticed it and ran for the fire extinguisher. If we don't give a fire extinguisher, we usually give a first aid kit - we received one for our wedding and it was one of my favourite presents. Again, it's something so useful but also something that we wouldn't have bought ourselves right away. Also, if I want to make it a little more romantic I give candles and matches with the fire extinguisher - I like a little irony every once in a while.

omg betty got my name on the red white and blue swap look at this outstanding work of art unbelievable betty your incredible! will cherish always

Truly beautiful, Liz!

Gilli,

I like your mentality about Wedding Gifts! Practical is good! Sweet--is even better!

Nowadays, most people that get married, have already lived together--sometimes for years! They have all the household needs and all the practical utensils and small appliances. SO! What purpose does a wedding shower--or even a wedding, for that matter, serve? No one much uses silver and crystal and all those old expensive, nice presents we were all given when I got married (1963)....Our lifestyles are now different--ALL casual, busy...busy....."grab and go"....Eat on the run.....Use plastic this and that----disposables rule!

I am no longer in any "circle of friends" that I would be invited to anyone's wedding. But--here is a gift I have often given back when I was---a nice, crystal vase. Doesn't have to be $$$$! I accompany that with a card that states........"So that you will never forget to bring each other flowers...". This falls under the "Sweet" category!........

Gita

Interesting topic. Gosh, I have had two wedding here recently but did not attend the one about a month ago, and don't plan to attend this evening either. I haven't decided what I will give to tonight's bride and groom. He is almost 60 and she is almost 50 years old and both have functioning households. They are both very persnickity types too. Every thing that I think of giving them, I take a second breath and decide against. I might just end up giving a check or gift card from Walmart where I know they shop for food and hunting supplies.

The couple from a month ago are new at housekeeping and I bought their gift when in New Jersey a few weeks ago for the Longwood Gardens tour. There is this wonderful store in some of the northeastern states called The Christmas Tree Shop which sells a wide variety of household goods. I bought a set of deep box type frames to hang on the wall and a book of household tips. Over the years a book with household tips is what I have given many brides. I enjoy reading about housekeeping and hope that the recipients of book do too. While at the store I also bought two sets of mirrors framed with a thick black wood. I might end up giving that to persnickity couple, but will probably just keep both sets for myself. ha-ha

I was really surprised at my son's wedding a year or so ago that they received so much cash. It is truly what they preferred but I remember weddings where the silver or crystal types of things were give too Gita.

Gilli, your idea is a great one too. It will be interesting to hear from others in the group to see what gifts they like to give at weddings. Come on ya'll. share your favorite bridal gifts.

Ruby

Hello again,
I have just had a nap after a marathon weeding job. I had neglected on bed out front for way too long..

Interesting comments about the Wedding invitation I received saying "Monetary gifts preferred."
Love all your original ideas about gifts to give when money isn;t asked for..

But the thing that really blew me away was the invitation to the bridal shower with this poem
As you may know her possessions are plentiful as such.
On her list there really isn't much.
In the place of a gift, with traditional style,
A monetary gift would bring her a smile.

(This couple have been living together for 13 years and I don't see any reason for a bridal shower.)

I will go to the wedding for my friend's sake (the bride's mother)..as she had already told me that I and a couple of other old co-workers were invited...and I wouldn't wnat to disappoint her...she is excited.

But I did decline the Bridal shower.

My neighbour just callled and asked me to come for coffee outside on her deck..

Talk later.
thanks for your feelings about this....I was wonderfing if I was back in the dark ages and not with the times.

Cheers
Carol,

Evening all - It's been a nice day. Talked to my mom last night and they kept her one more night in the hospital. She did have a mild stroke but luckily, no damage. They ran gobs of tests on her and the docs ere amazed that she was 71. Her carotid artery was beautiful, her lungs were beautiful; she just had one little spot on the right side of her brain that was a narrowing vein. So they've put her on Plavics, asprin & Zocor AND she has to quick smoking! (happy dance!!!). She she came home today and was so happy to take a hot shower and shave her legs! Basically, she hs to learn to slow down and relax (a foreign concept to her!). So thank you all for your prayers. I told her all my friends on DG were thinking about her and saying prayers for her and she was just so thankful!

So with my mom's blessing, DH, the kids and I went down to the lake today (for an early father's day for DH). The water was wonderful and the sun hot! It was nice to relax.

Now I need to head upstairs and wrap presents for DH (I hope I got enough!).

I will chat with y'all later!

Hugs...
J

Jeannine,
Such good news about your Mom.
You can rest a little easier now.

Liz..so you were the lucky girl who received Betty's work of art.
She showed it to us in a D-mail when she was working on it.

and i thought i was sneaky lol

GG, so glad to hear about your mom. I know how hard it is to slow down.

I coordinated/directed/emceed an Talent/Fashion show tonight at our yacht club....worked on it from 9 this morning till it was over at about 11:30.

Nearly wore myself out.

Here is my daughter and me when I finally got to sit down.

I am leaving for my Alaska trip early on Monday, will take lots of photos to share, and if my Iphone works like it should, I will be able to post while I am there....if I have reception. Otherwise, I will chat with you on the 24th.

You all have a good week, I will be thinking of you.
Hugs,
Shar

What a gorgeous daughter you have Sharran. Not too bad yourself, sweetheart. Have a wonderful time on your trip and we will be waiting to see the wonderful pictures that you will be taking.

I hope that everyone will have a good Sunday.

Ruby

Sharran have a great trip. Will be waiting for pictures.

Morning all,
Sharon..two gorgeous gals..
Is there no end to your talents? You are quite the busy lady.

Bon Voyage!

Weigelia Ruby D'or and Russian Olive tree behind.

Morning, it's my turn to sit and read, had to get another coffee as it took that long..loved the chitter chatter re weddings and baby showers...I'm in agreement with you, if I get a card that specificaly states 'money please' I just don't go! If I want to give money that's one thing, but to be asked, nope just don't do it...but also agree things are different these days...

Liz, so glad you got the floormat, my p.o. # still says it's in Mississauga..lol..now you must lay it on the floor so the sun can get at it and flatten it down, it's been rolled for 3 weeks or more, shouldn't take long...see that it look as though some paint came off perhaps when you were taking the tape off, will bring the blue paint to you so you can do a repair or perhaps it was just the photo...no hanging it on the wall girl, it is meant for the floor and to be walked on...

Carol, lordy you've been busyh with company, keeps one out of mischief or does it..you sure did get some shopping done..mom brought me one of the lamps that lights and emits fragrance..love it..too pretty to light though...your gardens must be getting into their prime, you are usually a few week earlier than up here..photo' s please...

Shar, you've been busy as well, you are off on a big adventure tomorrow, enjoy as best you can and we also look forward to articles describing each and every one of your finds...perhaps there will be a few which will remind you of Aunt Bett

Ruby, how are you and John feeling this morning..nice to have some down time...

Gillian, it's almost time for you to travel south, when again do you think you might be in my area?? Looking forward to seeing everyone again, am sure I'll see that they've grown inches...enjoy your gardening..now who will look after it while you are down here?

lizrainey, were you ever able to finally pull up the page?...don't know why but I'd like to know and look into it...

ves, so glad you enjoyed the pictures, I've always wanted to grow echinacea paradoxa, the native yellow but never have, going to though next year.....

cat, glad you enjoyed the pictures.....this time of year is picture taking time for sure.....

Betty, don't be bringing the Canadian Mounted Police around my place alright?....We got enough law around here as it is......:)

Bev, I ain't been quiet, I been busy, I ain't ever been quiet in my life cept when I used to go hunting, I don't ever hunt anymore, don't shoot nothing, won't shoot nothing anymore.....well accept my mouth off sometimes.......:)

and gillibean, if I thought wearing plasic plants would have the water from the hole in my neck I'd wore them too.......:)
but thanks for reading the story, I appreciate it....

Paul from Alabama

Betty, I'm not getting married but I'd still like for people to send me or bring me $........:)
I can't believe folks ask for it.......but I guess they do sometimes, I just did.......:)

Paul from Alabama

Carol, lovely you weigelia, have about 6 of them and they are in bloom but all are more of a red tone leaf..must look for yours..

What a day yesterday, was raining to beat the dickens early in the morning when we first spoke so I started to make the 'coolant bandana's' got 16 made, already gave 4 away, lol, did repairs on Jeff's new golf rain proof pants, and started altering Art's 2 pairs as he's lost so much weight..didn't quite made it as company kept arriving...by the time 2 came Kyle and Noah were here so we decided to go bring birthday and Father's Day gifts to Jim my step-father..the trip to the cottage was beautiful, just as we arrived, mom was pulling her car out to go to Church, she stayed with us though and will attend mass this morning...Jim loved all the tools but then he'd say he loved anything you'd bring, if you brought nothing, he's get great joy out of your just taking time to visit him..he's loveable...on the way to the cottage we passed the graveyard that Roger is in, picked up hanging basket to hang...

On the way back we passed Victoria Harbour and went straight to Midland, I picked up flowers for my grandfather and father's grave and we went into Penetanguishene and visited..we did the walkaround and I showed the boys where all our relatives were burried..trying to teach them you have to honor the dead as you honor the living..something I was taught by grandma...they had many questions and comments about 'graveyards and the dead'..taught them a little about there heritage and that you find in the land of the dead!

The have at the town dock what is know as the 'world's famour dock lunch' so that was the place to eat even though it was 8pm by now...after placing the order and it coming to 37.59 I stood mouth open as Kyle took out 2 -$20.00 bills and said it was their treat because I was always treating them..lol...as much as I wanted to pay I thought it was nice and children should learn to give..so I enjoyed my meal...

Then it was ice-cream time..kids each picked a cone and the girl said $4.00 please, so I said I'll have one as well, she said $6.45 please so I asked about the .45 difference and she said taxes, anything over $5.00 so I said I'll not have one, gave her my $4.00 and as soon as she accepted it I said I think I will have a cone after all and presented her with another $2.00 - big savings of .45 so the kids thouth that was cool...

Then off to their house for a swim...

Ooops Greg just called, want me and the boys to go by boat into Penetang for breakfast, I think I'll pass but must drive the boys to the dock for them to be picked up..have photo's..will post as soon as I get back from driving them...

Betty you are the busiest gal I know. Hi all. Hope you all have a good day and Happy Father's day to all dads!!! Shar here is some pretty roses for you to see before you go. Have a nice and safe trip. Well I am going to dig that giant hosta and divide and take some to the camper. Talk later. HUGS BEV

A closer look.

My favorite macro.

Love the color Bev..do you also have a lot of gardening to do at the trailer?

Just got back dropped those boys off, almost got in the boat myself but feeling rather bloated/heavy and tired..lol..so perhaps a table next to the pond, with paints and projects in hand I'll enjoy a quiet day, at least nothing is planned right at this moment, but one never knows what the day will bring...

My crew heading out for breakfast...

Must tell you, was making 'coolant' yesterday morning and had to do a little ironing during the project so just set up in the kitch, I could hear something in my cupboard, was it mice, nope much too loud for that, perhaps a rat...yikes...terrified to open the door...and here's the little critter...

Grandma here brought Sophie home last night, everyone avoids the darling, Sailor finds her own place of retreat while Missy and Riley have higher places to go...

There is an opening above my refrigerator so guess that's how Riley got into the cupboards...

Don't the furries bring smiles...here's Riley avoiding Sophie..

Now here's how productive I was yesterday..

Some little 'brat' lol trying to wet grandma, luckily the patio door had a lock..

Kyle enjoying his swim

Noah was too busy clowning around..can't get made because I see his grandma Betty in his mannerism, look and impish fun..who couln't love him right?

Love the fireplace Greg made in his backyard..wonder if he'd like to do one for 'mom'

I just love the way the neighbors created a camping atmosphere in their back yard, they must truly be camping because usually there is a tent set up...

Well it's just after nine and I've not accomplished a thing so had better go tidy up, grandma was in bed early and the boys had a party..mom gave them each $10.00 and I'm sure they spent it last night while grandma slept..kids...unusual for Kyle to spend his money, he had me stop 2 places to price 'paddleboats' he has in his mind what he wants to pay and the style..his goal is to pick on up this weekend or next..think next that's when we all treat them by giving $$$ for good grades...

So off to clean, get into comfy clothes, get some projects out to work on and enjoy the day..

Paul, don't worry, will keep those Mounties this side of the border unless they have to go searching for missing 'swap' pressies...lol..

Will drop in from time to time, weather is at it's best..might as well be enjoying it...

Hope you can as well...