Best/ worse/ ? did you learn today #55 visit with friends...

Geraniums must like this corner of the deck...the large pot which are more on the pink size are large as well so must move them over to this side...

Judy, what area are they making you clean up, that front portion that you were doing wildflowers in??? shucks, that doesn't seem right does it...you are cleaning it though in good spirits..sorry to hear about DH..now where did he get the poison oak - up at the cottage doing some clearing I would think..so glad the girls are on the mend..difficult thing to put a friends best interest uppermost in decision making..I'm sure she'll be thankful once this is all over...

Vicki you enjoy your time off, it's well earned..don't just spend it working though...

Bev, at least the rain might cool things down for you...nice temps here...calling for much the same all weekend, but no fear, I'll not be bored, many things on my 'to do' list both inside and out...

I found the pic Betty. Is this lazy or what???

Oh my that is precious!

Bev, think that when yours grows up, it will be hard to notice the difference between mine and yours...coloring is so alike...yep, the sure can melt your heart...

Settled in somewhat for the evening..all the shrubs have been planted, now I'll wash the upper level floors just incase someone calls for the B&B tonight...keep looking at my stained glass table and promise that tomorrow I'll finish the window project..a few pieces on the inside of the oval, then the squaring off with clear glass and then bevels around it and metal frame..think I can handle it...can't you see the dust on it...lol

This sucker has been sitting on that table almost as long as the wine glasses were in the closet...Easter weekend I believe...now that it just too long for any project to be around..

Well, stuffed peppers warming in the oven, corn on the cob on the stove and by the time I finish the floor it will be supper...my best option is then to call it a night and get up at 5:00...what you think? lol does that sound like a plan...???

Betty--I am sure you may be sick of hearing this--BUT--YOU JUST AMAZE ME!!!!!!!

All my 'plans" live ONLY in my head! I can't say I don't have the time! I can't say I don't have the knowledge! BUT--I need just a smidgen of your motivation.

I say: "Hmmm, I think today i will do this or that....." Usually, I make those plans as i am waking up in the morning. Then I get up--do this and that--go outside---need to water my whole garden......Need to run the sprinklers......Need to pick the ripe tomatoes......Need to run to the Grocery store and pick up a few things.....ABSOLUTELY-at least 4 times already--need to see what new posts are on DG.....and so the day goes.....

What had I planned to do today in my semi-sleep mode? Start cleaning up all the STUFF laying all over the 2 two twin beds in my guest bedroom. That's what i WAS going to do! Yesssireee.....Had it all planned.....
I will have company on Sept. 8 for a couple of nights--so it HAS TO be done! Yesssireee!

OH, wait! Guess it is getting a bit late! Almost 6PM now. Only 2 hours to go to watch the Olympics Opening Ceremony! Gonna do that for sure!!!! Wouldn't miss it...no sirreee!

NOT gonna sit there with my hands idle! No way, Jose! Gonna be productive while I sit there glued to the Boob Tube! I have a HUGE wicker tray full of seed pods from my Wintersweet bush I just harvested. Never seen so many seed pods in my life! Each pod has between 2-6 seeds in it. They are a nice brown color and the size of a black Sunflower seed. Have NO clue what i will do with them......maybe sell some on Daves Marketplace??? Better read all the rules first! Don't want to break any...........:o(

Also bought a big bunch of Dill at the store. need to slice that up real fine so I can dry it. I always dry my own dill weed....on top of the fridge....then bag it and use it. Never buy it dried any more....

This reminds me of something funny that we all laughed about in Latvia. Cute too!

My cousin's daughter's husband, Jessie, (the ones who just had the baby) who is a great cook made this observation: He is from England.
"I think Latvians have ONLY one spice--DILL!" It is true! Even I use Dill more than anything.....Love it on roasts, potatoes, salads, boiled eggs, in Soups, in dips, etc.....

OH yeah! The guest bedroom...........Maybe I'll work on it another day.......:o)

Gita

OOOPs! Forgot to show you the picture of all these seed pods I need to "shell".....

The bottle of water is there for size comparisons.....

This is from 2006. Just so you can see what thr pods and the seeds look like.....

Should have picked this one--just so you can see the size comparison with the Quarter.....

Now--PLEASE, don't all of you ask me all about the Wintersweet Bush. It is in the PF--and a lot of my pictures as well......

Now that's a lot of seed Gita..the french (as least our family) loves dill..put sprigs of dill on new potatos /corn on the cob/ yellow/green beans...mmmmm that's what was missing tonight..
Lenny and Suzanne just dropped by for quick visit, because they are doing reno's he hasn't had time to garden and he loves his garden so each week he comes to see what's new in mine..fell in love with the lily's..such a smell...if I don't stick to my tomorrow plan, perhaps I'll take a run to the lily farm, it's nearby the stained glass studio..

Gita, being in competition with yourself is an addiction..many smoke, or drink, or gamble, mine is seeing how much I can accomplish in a day...not the greatest, but that's my body chemistry in action..entire family are all t he same...you ought to see us when we get together...lol..now that's a sight..even see my boys have same, can't sit still...

One day I'll have used up all my energy and there won't be any left and I'll enjoy hearing about your day...mine is kind of dull but busy...I must bore you all to tears most days with my rambling...

Wanted to ask all of you, I went to the tea room emporium and she had the strangest flower, with a bottom fibre, can't explain it, she had it in a beautiful glass container, anyway asked her what kind of plant it came from and she went on to tell me it was and I'll never at this point be able to explain it...but it's hand tied with green tea spices...you make your tea and then the remainder of the pod is put into water and vinegar I believe and it grows about 8"..strangest thing I've seen..$2.99 for each pod, so I had to have 2..should have my tea tonight so I can let that bud grow...sometimes there are up to 3 different colors in the flower..have any of you heard of this???? magic I guess...I'm not one for different tea's..could alway throw the tea out and keep the pod...

ok just got back, too a photo, close up is not clear but I'll post the clearest I have...

it's called: Tea Blossom

Recipe: boil approx 6 cups of water and place in glass tea pot or pyrex bowl so you can watch the blossom happen! Drop blossom into water, and watch the leaves open and the flower blossom...Allow to steep for approx 8 - 10 minutes. Remove blossom carefully with spoon/fork, place in glass vase/goblet with cold water and large splash of vinegar (about 1/4 cup...Enjoy the beauty and uniqueness of this Artisan Tea Blossom...what you think? Heck I'm off to try it....stay tuned...

I'll be your entertainer tonight...took a close up so you can see...apparently a lady just bought 50 and is putting them as floral decoration at her daughter's 40th birthday party...interesting...

After a few minutes...

Another minute and still growing...tea looks clear though

Would think it's almost done..did say 8 to 10 minutes...better go check things out...not so sure I'll drink that tea though..

Last photo....looks pretty in the vase...the tea has a bit of a color..yep..going to at least try it..nothing ventured nothing gained right?

If nothing else the kids will get a kick out of it...have to pick a few more up..apparently they are hand made (is that possible) or am I thinking a human had their say in it..do know the flowers come in different colors...

Judy just called, so nice to hear her voice...she's a treasure...always thinking of others and how they feel...how lucky I am to know such wonderful people such as you all...

You know, it just dawned on me just how boring my life is..lol...my Friday night entertainment is making tea..I'd better get to bed...by the way, tea is 'tasty'....enjoy it's blossom...

night/night

Yummy Betty! Love a spot of tea..hehe, cold or warm.

goodnight everyone.

smiles and hugs too!

OK! It is the bewitching hour----Midnight!

I just finished watching the most bewitching Opening ceremonies to any Olympic games i have ever seen!!!! I hope most of stayed up to watch them also....

Those Chinese! They are such masters of discipline! Just amazing!!!!!!!!!!!

If you missed them--I am sure you will see the highlights ad infinitum.....

Now it is time for MY bewitching hour------Time for bed....

Nighty-night! Gita

morning or almost lunch...went into Midland and took Cathy with me, she dropped in around 8:30 so thought a trip in would pass the morning..of course I had to stop at Norm's Nursery..bought a new flower - doesn't really say 'lily' but I'm sure it's from the same family and 3 nice potted mums for garden as the garden lacks it's spring beauty...downpoured since about 9:30..just like a lake in most places...stopped at the cutest boutique, bought a canvas picture although it seems I've no where to put it, but will find it a home just because I liked it...

Mighty tempted to put the fireplace on low and have a little 'nap'..tired today, body must be telling me to rest! Mom just called, SF Jim fell of the roof, hadn't anchored the ladder, he insists he's ok and won't let her take him to the hospital...men....Kathy her next door neighbor just called me as well, said she wanted to call 911 and he wouldn't let her..I'd just have called, no 'no's' about it...will call after, might take a drive - only 1 hr. away...he's 74 and thinks he's 21...never stops, even returned to work because he was bored just putsing around...

Hope your day is filled with sunshine...thought I'd leave you with the following:

TEQUILA AND SALT

This should probably be taped
to your bathroom mirror
where one could read it every day.
You may not realise it,
but it's 100% true.

1. There are at least two people in this world that you would die for.

2. At least 15 people in this world love you in some way.

3. The only reason anyone would ever hate you is because they want to be just l like you.


4. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't like you.

5. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep...

6. You mean the world to someone.

7. You are special and unique.

8. Someone that you don't even know exists loves you.

9. When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good comes from it.

10. When you think the world has turned its back on you, take another look.

11. Always remember the compliments you received. Forget about the rude remarks.

So.....
If you are a loving friend, send this to everyone, including the one that sent it to you. If you get it back, then they really do love you.

Good friends are like stars..... You don't always see them, But you know they are always there.

'Whenever God Closes One Door He Always Opens Another, Even Though Sometimes It's Hell in the Hallway.'

I would rather have one rose and a kind word from a friend while I'm here than a whole truck load when I'm gone.

Forward to all your friends.
And don't tell me you're too busy for this..
Don't you know the phrase
'stop and smell the flowers'?
See how many 'bouquets' you end up with!

Happiness keeps You Sweet,
Trials keep You Strong,
Sorrows keep You Human,

Failures keeps You Humble,
Success keeps You Glowing,

'Worry looks around, sorry looks back, Faith looks up.'

Have faith.

Yes Betty, some real words of wisdom there. Lots of interesting things to give some thought to. Thank you for sharing it with us.

This will be to Gita. I was out watering a bit ago and noticed that the tomato plants you gave me at the swap are getting full of tomatoes. I took a picture of them about a week ago and never posted it. Now, I have decided to go out and take a few more because to my surprise, and maybe to yours too, the tomato plants are producing different things. There are a couple that are producing fruit that is much larger than cherry tomatoes. They are not huge sandwich size ones, but maybe about two inches wide. Yum, yum, not ready yet, but it won't be too long now. There is one tomato that is growing to look similar to a Roma tomato. Later today when it is cooler, I will take pics and post for you to see. Thank you so much for sharing them with me.

You also asked about the Angel Wing Begonia that you sent to me last year. I took a picture of it the other day too and will post it when I post the tomatoes.

Vicky and Judy both commented and hoped that I had a good visit with granddaughter Emily. Thank you both, it was a very nice visit. She becomes more and more fun each time that I see her. She is walking everywhere and does some jabbering, which is unintelligable. She now will nod or shake her head when you ask her questions. That just really tickles me and I have to laugh every time that she does it. She still clings pretty tight with her mom, but she is going to other people a lot more than she used to. When we first got there, she came over first thing and wanted me to hold her. She sat on my lap a lot of the visit.

Judy, the picture of you and your niece is so cute and I had to do a double take at how much you remind me of what my mother used to look like. You could have been her daughter too. The other amazing thing in the picture is that your niece looks very, very similar to Emily. I can't get over the similarities.

I have spent a good portion of the morning watering the front flower beds. I did the back yard yesterday. I am having a cup of hot tea and then going to get up from here and vacuum and possibly bake some cookies later.

I hope that everyone will have a very pleasant weekend.

Ruby

Ruby,

That is really interesting! Of course--I dug in a lot of my own compost when I planted the Tomatoes and there could be seeds in there from who knows WHAT kind!

If you truly have different sized tomatoes on the same vines, the Post below will be a real "eye-opener".....

http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/873016/

Here are some BIG tomatoes I have picked recently. They are all 12oz. (except the one in the middle) and the biggest one in front is a Cherokee Purple (YUMMM! Best tomato ever!) that I picked this morning. it weighs one pound! The others are Mortgage Lifters.
LOVE those Cherokees!

Gita

Oh Ruby, sure wish I could send you some of this rain...love to see pictures of Miss Emily..remember I said my seeds had died for the castor beans..see a few little leaves re surfacing..the 2 I purchased from the nursery though are doing fabulously...

Made lunch, closed all the windows and put the fireplace on, guess with all the rain it feels so damp and yet it's not..5 minutes later I look out and it's sunshine..so, off with the heater, open the windows and even might get a burst of energy...


the plant I purchased today is called Hemerocallis Siloam Paul Watts $12.99 and although it looks like a lily - hmmm not sure..but see the word 'callis' in it so it must be a relative..one flower is in bloom and others are waiting to open..does have a nice scent...already planted so here's hoping it will like it's new home..

oooops forgot the photo..Gita those tomatoes sure do look yummy..odd color but that doesn't deter from the taste..remember eating light yellow ones....took a bit of getting used to...

That is a beautiful daylily Betty Siloam is the breeder. Just learning about them too. BEV

Well better get my act into gear before I waste the entire day..lol..did manage to put my glass flower plate on the back deck..looks pretty so now for the 2 window panels...needs tweeking...

Here is the lovely plant in it's new home..bottom - mid point of photo...

Betty, you sure have some real beauties in that picture. I love it!!!

Gita, I read a few entries on the weird tomato thread. Interesting. I will read the rest when I have more time to be sitting here. Thanks for forwarding the link.

Ruby

Thanks girls...this one Bev says they attract butterflies, are drought tolerant and ideal for cuttings..ruffled velvety red with green throat...height 18" x 24" and good to Zone 3 - product of Canada - Mori Nurseries on Niagara on the Lake...they had several colors, although I was trying to get reds for the garden perhaps I'll pick up a few more..beautiful scent, quite different from the other lily's..oh you guys sure have me hooked...

Girlfriend Diane just dropped in, she was out doctoring her pacifino horse as it has a sore shoulder and she thought she'd drop by..said it's the first time since she's known me that she has seen me laying on the couch, bundled up with the fireplace going..yep, turned cold and damp again so had to close up the windows and turn it on...

I know I'll kick myself tomorrow or Monday for not getting projects done but tired/tired....

1st of the zillion of flowers yet to open..usually it's early Sept...these must be the early birds...

See the back fenceline, it will be a wall of yellow come Sept.

Making a pouding cake, guess I'm not the only one hungry...caught a photo of this little guy...he must be hungry as well...

No sooner had I posted that the telephone rang and it was Braedon and Caleb wanted to spend the evening with me, so I offered to meet Jeff 1/2 way..drove to Barrie and had to stop several times as it rained so heavy you couldn't see the road...picked up the boys and went to Marketplace Buffet for supper then home..of course they had to call Noah and Kyle...lol...so this grandma has 4 boys to contend with this evening...

LOL... yayahhh for grandma!!

my gosh, could barely type. fingers are hands on hips here Sore as heck.

well will tell ya, we scaled back. Awhole family too cool, groovry and even neato!!

Hav a grand night all my friends, hehe, yep I m smilin'

Morning all, lordy it's cold outside, have the furnace on...tired this morning, those gaffers didn't get to bed till 2pm..Noah should have been in bed at least by 10 as he has a baseball game at noon to determine the district championship..he did really well yesterday BUT last game (and they were winning) got cancelled due to heavy rains....so am crossing my fingers they win...

Nice to have them all under same roof...I might even cook a family supper tonight...

Playing a game of 'hangman' computer style..

deep in thought!

An evening with grandma always results in several trips to the store for treats...could that be the reason for the 2:00 am bedtime??? That's ok...they are precious and deserve to be spoilt...

The youngest yesterday when I picked them up in Barrie and their dad was there, answered when I asked, 'and what would you boys like to do today?' and he quickly replied 'just being with you grandma, that's all'..wonder if he got coached lol

morning all,

been busy this week, havent had time to do much
but thought i'd say hi to you all,

bev, my goodness that kitty has won everyones heart!
such a cutie, hows scotty doing?

ruby, bet your enjoying all your time in the garden how is emily
doing know you got to go visit her recently bet she grew again!

shar, so sad about gunner will send prayers to them
how are you doing? ashley still there? anymore yard sales lol

carol, oh how nice is that picture! glad you can enjoy the spa again

laura, glad you like the jacket, how are you feeling..

jeannine, three more weeks all of you must be excited, how was the game
have a good time.

judy, nice to yap at ya, bet your still sore!, grrrrrr why cant people just mind their own bussiness!!!!
i know who called on you! wow you'll have to take a pic of it now..

hello ,gilli hope your doing good guess you'll be getting the kids ready for school shortly
hows your garden.

betty, oh my have you been busy!! ewww that hive would have me in a frenzy!!!
faux window is a beauty! and the glass flowers!and how nice the 3 tier step is, i think your geranium likes it in that planter to! i saw those at michaels..tea blossom is so cool!
have fun with all the boys this weekend i know the'll keep you busy!

hello to anyone i may have missed well off to inlaws

gita your tomatoes are lovely, im green with envy!
had a tease in the beginning of summer with heat..
but its not hot enough here! tomatoes are not good this year

Morning Liz, glad you dropped in, was starting to worry you were ill or that DH was....
Weather hasn't been the greatest here as well...mega rain fall these past days..we're breaking all kinds of weather records for rain fall...how's work going?

The boys went to the park to play, just came back all excited, Kyle found $5.00 on the ground near the bleachers and apparently during games last night there must have been quite a few drinkers - all left their beer bottles, so they took the little wagon they had left here when they were younger, got some boxes and they are off to pick all the beer bottles they can find..then I assume it will be treat time..Noah says you get a quarter per bottle..know they'll find a place to put their $$$....

Took a quick drive to the local grocery store down the street, not much left in meat counter nor did they have the pre-stuffed frozen turkey's so wasn't sure what to pick...didn't take me long to come to the conclusion that it would be easier as Greg and Mel aren't sure if they can make it is to run into Midland near supper time and pick up Chinese food or Kentucky fried chicken or pizza...I'll let them all decide, maybe a bit of each..getting lazy in my old age...

Hi All - Hope everyone had a great weekend! The weather here has been beautiful - low humidity and low temps - BUT no rain! I'm trying to keep everything watered but it's not easy!

We took the kids up to the Redskins game last night and had a great time! It doesn't hurt that we were in a suite on the 40 yard line of the Skins side!! There was tons of food and stuff to drink and I didn't want it to end. It felt like Fall was here!!!

Here are a couple of pics from the night....

Another..... DH & DS enjoying the food!

This message was edited Aug 10, 2008 9:02 PM

DD & I