Best/ worse/ ? did you learn today #56visit with friends...

Thought I'd move us over on this glorious sunny day...I'll set the chairs out in the garden so we can enjoy...

Here you go Betty enjoy!!!!

They are just so pretty, almost like miniature sunflowers...now if I could only add my purple butterfly bush to the mix...the room is now starting to come together..nice friend, pretty garden and flowers...did I forget to say the sun is shinning as well..

I can't catch up! I'll just start on this thread LOL

LOL!! You sound like me crissy!

I saw that Betty started a new thread so I thought What a great place to start over LOL!

Hi Chrissy, how are you feeling after the operation? Best thing you can do for yourself is take all the time you need to heal, rushing it will only come back to haunt you! Did someone look after your gardens these past 2 weeks?

Grab one of the comfy chairs I have in this sitting room Chrissy, know that the rocker it just for you, feet up on the footstool, head back and enjoy!

Someone called for the sun?

Got my chair,
Hi Crissy!! Nice to sere you visiting.

pretty painted daisies.

Can I add to the "ambiance"?????

...Maybe something fragrant overhead?????

...need some cheap amusement by that armchair???

This is from last Summer's trip to Ocean City to meet Frank (Herbie43) and Debbie. You know Boardwalks.....always something funny for a photo-Op!

It has been rumbling for hours now--kind of overcast---kind of clear---NOW-- I think it has decided to settle in and I am sure we will have a downpour soon! I am glad--we also need some rain!

And I wasted almost 2 hrs. sprinkling everything????

Gita

Bev--thanks for the D-mail! I will print out the info on the August Lily. You are right...if I don't do it now, in a week it will be in the "archives".....:o)

OMG/OMG/OMG you know how Cathy, my DIL's housekeeper has kind of adopted me (lol) does my lawn every Thursday which I truly appreciate well, I just went next door to the variety store for a box so I can ship a 'swap' out tomorrow and Clara the owner said how hard Cathy had worked in my yard and wasn't I pleased she removed the "wasp nest" lordy they could have gone after her and then where would she be, know she want to help and be kind but even I wouldn't have undertaken that in broad daylight..so must run and give her a call...won't give her heck but will make her understand that I wouldn't want to put anyone in danger let alone expect her to do such a thing...now I'm in search of where she might have put the next...lordy/lordy!

LOL Thanks! I'm doing really well, according to my Godmom who's an RN, and a good day today other than some gas. I've found the more I move the less gas problems I have, today I spent the day sitting doing paperwork all day, and I paid for it. The bruising feeling pain is almost completely gone now. I just want to eat all of the good things life has to offer, without gaining weight! I've lost 10 pounds from this, I want to keep losing it until I get down to about 140. I'm at 156 now, that shouldn't be too hard.

My hubby took care of the plants, his thumb is greener than mine, which ain't very green. I have a question, how do you take care of those mini-rose plants? Every one I touch dies.

LOL Gita, it never fails.

OMG Betty! She is one brave gal! Paper wasps are nasty! We have big red ones down here. They are very aggressive!

Anyway, I got to go to bed so I can get up in the morning.

OMG she was brave... what lovely neighbors.


GUESS WHAT???????

I got a package in the mail today froim the states, frim my lovely, thiughtful and geneerous angel and it was ful of clothes!!! all neww tops, and JEANS and all sorts, tee shirts,.,, ny goodness.... arnt i special! spoilt.... cant believe it.
some fit great and others a little big but they can be taekn in which is the great thing rather than being small.

awesome.. i am so blessed still tho so far away


xxxxx very excited,

Beautiful pictures everyone. I don't have too much blooming at the moment, so the camera hasn't been doing too much the last week or so.


Gosh, I walked away from the computer and got really side tracked. I have done doggie doo duty and deadheaded a bed of Day Lilies. Oh yeah, also deadheaded my Potter's Purple Butterfly Bush too. Mine was probably in its prime about two weeks ago though it still has lots of blooms on it. It really needs to be pruned this year though, because we didn't do it last year and it is very, very tall and wide. Somehow on two different spots on our property there are two other Butterfly Bushes growing too. John figures that they are from birds eating the seed and then pooping them out again in different spots around the place. Fine with me, they will just need to be transplanted elsewhere at some point.

Oh yeah, I was saying......I left the computer on for almost two hours while I slipped away. I don't do that very often because I usually either put the computer to sleep or turn it off completely. I guess that it pretty much goes without saying that I don't remember much of what I just read.

I might check back later today and see if there is anything for me to comment on then. Oh yeah Gita, got another hand full of cherry tomatoes earlier. Yum, yum.

Ruby

Good morning everyone. I'm off work today so hope to get lots done outside. I'll be checking in every now and then though. Have a wonderful day all

Good to see you too Cat. Have a good day off. It is over cast skies here and not too warm at all thankfully. I was outside earlier, but want to go out and take advantage of the cooler temperatures. I am sure that I can find something to get in to. I spent a pretty good while out earlier and got a few things done. I hope that you will have a productive day also.

Ruby

Thanks Ruby. I have brugs to move. Making a bed around front where they don't get so much sun.
I also have to TRY to get caught up with weeding. They are about to take over out there!
It's overcast here and there's a chance of rain. Not supposed to get above 80 today so it's a perfect day for it.
Does anyone else work harder on their "days off", than they do at work?? LOL

Hi there, can't believe I didn't post earlier..Suzanne's daughter is having a child shortly and she really wanted a picture her daughter saw for baby's bedroom..Suzanne has been coming over on Wedn. evenings to work on it, I'm brought it in for something to do and tidied up a few stars...

15 minutes left to my work day and I'm excited...

Gita, saw that you posted on the last thread, no problem, we've all been family over this past year and it doesn't bother me to share my way of living or some financial information...

As for cooking, as a young bride I wanted to learn to cook as my grandparents raised me and I wasn't responsible for any cleaning or cooking...of course Roger was 5 years older than myself I 17 he 22 and had fended for himself for 6 yrs. and came from a family of 11..his father loved to cook and passed on that love to Roger...I started cooking but guess I was always so ackward that he'd say, here, let me do it..as he worked on the road Mon. to Fri. he'd cook all weekend, (being on the lake we always had a lot of company) so he'd make extra and make t.v. dinners for me and the boys..that was easy enough..so I never did have to cook..bit of a shock when he died...

My refrigerator has all the fundamentals and freezer is full..now you know I work 100 miles from home, Toronto, so I leave at 7am..eat breakfast mid point of my travels in Barrie, then have a late lunch - around 2 at a sit down restaurant normally so I'm rarely hungry enough to eat supper, sometimes a sandwhich and fruit..but many times I come home to homecooked meals, friends who've made lasagna, spaghetti, deserts who are freezing containers and think of my being on my own and want to treat me..this happened 2 or 3 times a week, NOT because I've no food, they are just being generous...

On the weekend now, often I'm out picking up craft materials or shopping or garage sales and I'll drop off for breakfast..of late Cathy cuts my grass, she doesn't drive, think she's lonely so I'll take her out...

Now I was billiant when I purchased my home, next door is a nice restaurant, a variety store so everything is at my finger tips..if I want something to eat I just call over and they deliver..imagine that..lol...so on a Saturday night if I don't go out for supper I might order i.e. chicken souvlaki with greek salad..all for $9.99 and it's enough for 2 meals so why would I want to cook, it's already homecooked type meal and I couldn't make 2 meals for $9.99 (and no dishes)!

If I had company, yep there is plenty in the refrigerator to cook a good meal..I can cook but the boys taking after their father enjoy teasing me about it as do the grandsons now..favorite comment, 'we're the only one that has a grandma that can burn water' truth is I have from time to time...

Then there are friends I meet and go out for supper with or friends who entertain a lot and I'm always invited..always lots of food, great cooks and I always come back with left-overs...

Also, 5 of the women who paint at my house on Mon. & Wedn. (I have a friend who teaches in my home) as a thank you they belong to the 'Happy Gang' seniors club..on Thursdays they have pot luck so on their way home there is always a care package and I'm much thought of by that group..started them up, used to take them on 2 - 3 week travel vacations and it's their way to say thanks...of course my doing the odd workshop for them doesn't hurt...

I'm about ready to leave for home...will post the continuation this afternoon....and yep, I'm stopping in Barrie to shop first...

Betty,

Thank you for the commentary!
You are way richer that many of the millionaires! You are loved and cared for by all your friends and family and--what goes around--comes around.....
Because you do so much for everyone else--they love doing for you.

AHHH! That's what life should be like......

Wish I lived even 50 miles from you......I'd cook you many a dish.....And--I would come and tend your garden now and then....

Gita (pic is from Longwood gardens...)

Friday is over! Whoo Hoo! I'm off all weekend, and I feel good which is a bonus, and it's supposed to be cool, so I can work outside!
Betty, Gita is right, what comes around goes around and you are a lot richer than millionaires. Hubby Dave does all of the cooking around here. I do know how, I taught myself when I lived alone for so many years. It's funny, since he's been working graveyard he doesn't spend a lot of time in the kitchen, so I'm having to prove myself to him. I made this chicken breast the other night and it turned out extremely juicy. I gave him a piece and he was surprised, all he could say was, "YUM!" It was funny. My dad was hardly home, let alone cooking. My mom microwaved everything, and I mean everything, and by the time I got old enough to really grasp cooking, for me that was 18 years old LOL, my grandmother had Alzheimer's and my grandfather cooked but since he threw everything together he could never remember what he put in what and how much. He made some mean meatloaves, and I don't even like meatloaf.

Wonder, Yay on your package! It sounds like you weren't expecting it.

Finally a few seconds to myself...Kyle met me in Toronto so that he could get a ride back up north..he enjoyed his stay with Jeff and the boys...as soon as we arrived in the area we shuffled of to Midland..my 2 handset telephones would not keep a charge thus when talking for 5 minutes they'd go dead..only land based one was upstairs and when I'd hear it ring I'd run like......, next step I'm sure would have been to trip on staircase and goodness knows what so before I hurt myself I thought phones were my next purchase...bought a set with 3 units, one for craftroom,bedroom and living room...of course there were plants, only a couple..most I had several of but I managed to pick up 6 for a whopping 25 cents each..now thats a bargoon...of course now Kyle who is into technology thought he should program the telephones, give them a location name etc...register the warrantee etc. I enjoy all the help he gives me, makes him feel like an adult...

Greg dropped in after work to pick him up, came in to make sure what he programmed worked, few minutes later DIL Melanie dropped in, was going grocery shopping but said she had little to no energy..of course I had just picked up fresh yellow/green beans, corn, fresh tomatoes and cucumbers and new potatoes, so did make a meal of all of them..Melanie wanted to take me to the movies, guess she didn't notice I was already in my p.j.'s...lol...maybe another night..Mama Mia was playing..

Understand that Cathy is in a golf tournament tomorrow, Greg and Mel both are in it as well, so no need to fret and want to take her to Gravenhurst for the craft show..my train of thought, at least for tonight is early to bed, up early tomorrow and if it's sunshine play in my gardens, make a quick trip to Home Depot, have all but a few pieces to make my 'swap birdhouses' one for me and one for my swap..make the flower boxes for DG friendship garden and just enjoy the day...wonder what tomorrow will bring...plans do have a habit of changing don't they...

OK...very quickly Gita, I'll answer question #2..and it doesn't bother me in the least...

How do I manage all the shopping I do??? I retired from the Township of Georgian Bay after being recreational co-ordinator for over 20 years, OMERS pension because they were making so much money gave everyone 2 years without paying premiums and allowed those with minimal service to take 'early retirement' so at 50 I retired...

I got Roger's Canada Pension and his OMERS pension as well as he also worked for the municipality...I'm about 6 months late to apply for my early Canada Pension..just lazy about doing it but each month I don't apply for it, it give me 3% more $$$...

So the pensions are more than enough to keep my place going....

With my painting studio going 3 days a week once I retired, it allowed me to play, do the things I wanted to do but you know me, always need to be doing something new, learning doing teaching....so took on other work which I truly enjoy...

I do sell some of my work but truly, I give far more away...you can never charge for the hours you put into a project..oh not so much the primitive things, I just slap them together, but the real faux painting on furniture which I must say is found in every room...but the odd time, I do sell, infact some of my cupboards and projects are in the Hardware Store here in town with is over 150 years old..people love to come and see the establishment so sometimes I get custom orders or sometimes they sell what I've on display...I got a call last week from 2 people wanting me to paint for them, not so sure I want to right now...

I do seasonal workshops, i.e. think you saw the sleighs the girls did on our first DG workshop, but I do from Nov. to mid Dec. make and take worshops each weekend, cut the projects out of wood, organize and put together kits which really keeps me busy, then I also just finished 150 wine glasses and was paid for that bit of painting so all and all there really isn't much I need that I can't go out and get, remember I'm a country girl and basics are all I need...I probably would say my play $$$ each week is about what some would bring home as a paycheck..should I bank it, not on your life, my children are quite well to do, especially the young one, they don't need what I'd be saving to leave to them,I know that my pensions will always cover my living expenses so why not enjoy, lifes just to short...and...many times what I buy goes to someone else...lol..that's what makes me happy...I'm a low maintenance woman who can entertain herself on her own, can undertake in the house what most men can do, anything that needs to be done with specialty workmanship there is always a friend willing to come free of charge to undertake it, so I'm fine, I eat well, I laugh a lot and it's just plain nice to be here living the life I'm living..I've seen hell but I've also seen heaven..one learns to appreciate life and know that withing the blink of an eye it can be no longer....

So Gita, do hope I answered all your questions...no problem in doing so..I'd answer any questions anyone has, life is always an open book...lol

Well I'm tired tonight, poured all afternoon so can't go out into the garden, nothing much on t.v. so will call it a night and dream of all I can accomplish tomorrow....

Before I say goodnight, Greg (eldest son) had this to say to me at supper table..."mom, Jeff and I were talking, B&B is something we're not truly comfortable with, know you enjoy it, know you won't listen to us, lots of unsavory people out there and you are alone, no sense talking because you'll just do what you want to do, but would you do us one thing, when you are having guests, willl you call and let us know, and let us know something about them so if for example one was an axe murdered we'd have something to go by when searching for them...also we'd stay close to the phone incase you needed us" KIDS..want them???? 'as if' was my answer...now what unsavory person would pick a B&B to do evil deeds???can't see it...

Crissy, am sure you are quite capable of cooking up a storm...sometimes though, men truly enjoy cooking and taking it up as one of the household chores...I sure didn't fight taking it back and cooking..his favorite was canning in the fall..hundreds/hundreds of jars of misc. goodies...but oh how I had to clean, instruments/pots & pans, syrop all over the stove and floor..yuk, so I had my hands full in the kitchen even though I didn't actually do the hands on pickling...funny, just the other day I came across his cookbook with all canning recipe's and thought perhaps I should make a batch or two just for the memories...

Good night all!

see you tomorrow...
...smile on the morrow!

Thanks, Betty-------------------------------:o)

I really appreciate you sharing all this with us.....
I think in life--it is important to be comfortable, financially, so you can truly do what YOU want to do without any guilt-trips.....Good for YOU!!!!!

I think in my family--it is genetic to live in self-denial...meaning, anyone else is more important than we are.....Self-denial comes to mind......We are all generous to others--but never treat ourselves to anything......

We are all screwed by our upbringing and our life's events. Not gonna say any more.....

I am a miser--and will never spend money unless it is necessary.
I just think--SAVE---SAVE---SAVE-----! For WHAT??????/

I have NO pension of my own to fall back on. My Ex has a good Government pension he gets--but NO Social Security--as he worked for the Government. Have NO clue what it is now---BUT, if he dies--I will get 55% of it under "Survivor Benefits".

At this time--because he is a decent man and has taken all the steps to leave me financially comfortable--I receive $950 a month in Alimony (for his life) which I have to pay a lot of taxes on --as my income. Like almost a second job--where my income is NOT taxed!
He also signed the house over to me (nice deduction for him--big expense for me!)--and I have had to pay all the Proprery taxes ($2500 a year) and insurances and all utilities and maintenances. I am, now on Medicare--which pays for all hospitalization and Dr's visits.
I have to pay all my own supplementary Health Coverage (to what Medicare does not cover) at the premium of $200 a month and about $25 a month for my Medicare-D (Drug coverage). From work--Dental/vision at $ 25 a month. An extra $150 a month extra deduction to cover taxes on my Alimony--which is income to me and NOT taxed--and now--that I am over 70 1/2 years old--I am receiving the "Mandatory distribution" of about $250 a month from my IRA. I also have to pay taxes on that.

I receive just over $700 a month from Social Security. From that, my Medicare premiums have already been deducted....a big bundle!

I pay for all the Gas and Electric (another $200 a month) and my Computer DSL--$40 a month--My phone service--$33 a month--and many more "incidentals. Food and all consumables----about $150 a month. Water (really cheap here--NO complaints!)---Comcast (TV/cable services) about $12 month. Newspaper--no biggie!

Car insurance--about $750 a year. Tags.....Emissions.....maintenance.....?????? a year!
Home owners Insurance--another $800 a year.

I am sure there are a few more minor things I I have forgotten....like Magazine subscriptions.....Gardening and Plants expenses.....Donations to Charities,,,,,,,etc.....

My income from work, basically, pays all my Utilities and groceries, and other incidental expenses. Sometimes I only work 2 days a week. My regular schedule would be 3 days a week--and then--most of those days are only 6hr. days. MY preferrence......SO--about 22 hrs a week.

Basically---I live an OK--but a very frugal life to exist on this. I think what helps is that I DO NOT owe anyone anything! My house is paid for! I have NO debts! I never take trips (OK--I did this year!) and I do not go out to eat. I cook all my own food and only buy things on sale and use all the coupons I can when I do.

I buy most of my clothes at Thrift Shops (GREAT deals on GREAT brands!)--you just need to take the time to look through everything.....I NEVER shop at Malls and hate to buy anything at regular retail cost.
YES!!! i AM contributing to the demise of the Retail Stores and the economy......

This HAS become my lifestyle by now--and I am comfortable with it. I would not know any other----like eating out----dinner at Restaurants----Buying clothes just because the "Styles" have changed--New shoes....New pocket books (UGH!)......Expensive gifts......etc......
NOT in MY life-style......

Sometimes I watch all the youngsters at work popping all the $$$$ into the vending machines just for a bottle of Coke or Water--or a bag of Chips--or some of those week-old "dinners".....and I think just how much they could all save if they did not do that!....

My own Daughter and Mark--who seem to never have any extra cash for anything---and live paycheck to paycheck (Remember--Mark cannot work)---yet, they both spend about $350 a month on cigarettes! A MONTH!!!!!!!
HOW can I ever convince them that this could be put in savings instead, so they could take a trip sometimes to some place???? They have both had medical issues and hospitalizations where they have gone weeks without smoking-----SO!--they have, essentially quit!!!! They come home--and resume the puffing away!!!!!

I could go on and on.....But this is probably of NO interest to anyone else!
Thanks for reading and for letting me vent......

Gita

Here is a little storie.

Sometimes we are blessed.

With a friendly smile/ so incredibly sweet.

Ahhh, a sunshine kiss.
so many dreams of good wishes.
Just to be...busily about.



goodnight!

This message was edited Aug 15, 2008 10:46 PM

This message was edited Aug 15, 2008 10:47 PM

your all sleeping.. may angels keep u in the night.



xx

Thanks for sharring also Gita...I was always a person who worried about 'tomorrow' in my younger years, the what if, what if and again what if...well some of those what if's didn't happen and some did, guess the moral to our sharring is 'TODAY' is what is important - if you live today for all your tomorrows you'll miss many of the beautiful 'today's...

I do have to thank the Lord for good friends and family, the ability to make lemonade out of the lemons of life and keep a smile knowing that today is the day to live, love and care for others...' sapppy isn't it???

Well it's sunshine, rained a good part of the night, everything is sooo green here..but I do see fall in my gardens..have to adjust to that..

I've coffee in hand, muffins from Aline, pencil/pad nearby to sketch the birdhouses I want to cut out...take inventory of the wood I had and what is needed and get myself into gear....

Have a nice morning, I'll check in when this body says I need a break...lol

Good morning all. Another decent day here so I'll probably be outside alot. It's so nice after all the upper 90's and over 100 days.

Talking about planning on financial things for when we get older, I'm doing that now. Any pension or 401K or retirement I get, will be up to me. My ex was self employed and didn't even file with IRS after we split. Seems like iIt's always been up to me to take care of myself. In most every way.
I got a late start, but have been trying to make up for lost time the last 10 or 15 years. I am a "planner aheader" so will be fine. Trying to get things set up now so that I don't have any major bills then. No mortgage etc. I may not live in as fancy a house as some people then, but I wont owe on it! And I don't need fancy anyway.
If at all possible, I am planning on saving enough to buy a new car the year before I retire too. So I'll have decent transportation but not a car payment. Big plans, right? That's what I'm working towards anyway.

good for you Cat..comes before you know it..only way I'm doing A-ok is because of pensions paid into, at the time it seemed so far away but truly it was on my doorstep...and, I retired 15 years earlier..had Roger died I probably wouldn't be interested in going back to work, but doing so just gives me $$$ to spend on ME...all money before then was spent of family, now they are all quite self sufficient so that only leaves 1..lucky/lucky that 1 person is me...

Well off to Home Depot, need some wood..didn't get anything done, girlfriend from MacTier called and we gabbed for 1 hr. also Liz from Ireland and we yaked/yaked so now it's time to get a move on..

Glad your weather is breaking Cat..we really still haven't had much hot weather and summer almost over...

Gab later

I've been completely MIA over the past couple weeks and still need to catch up. It seems that the most time I get on the computer is after the kids (and Keith) are in bed. By then, I want to go to bed myself. School starts next week for us so I should get a bit more computer time then. Of course, since I'll be home-schooling Sonora, we'll have to get that schedule worked out.

Well, my lilies and hostas are blooming so I'm enjoying that. I've also noticed the first couple tomatoes on my vines. I've had the first of the peas from the garden. I see beans on the plants and my zucchini and cucumber plants are coming along beautifully. I bought some hoya cutting this spring too and most of them are doing well too. This is what I love about gardening.

It's gorgeous outside today so I think I'll go enjoy it.

Missed you Gillian, guess you'll be glad to get back into somewhat of a routine...did you home school Sonora last year?

Had friends who home schooled and children did quite well but missed youth contact...she gets plenty of that with the other children though..lol..

Glad you managed to save your gardens after your trip away!!!

It's also a gorgeous day here, very hot infact..I've got all my supplies, went over to Bernice and Cliff's to say high, we was up the tree doing some cutting and Bernice was nervous so stayed and helped him get down the grapevine that was chocking the tree and take down clothesline, whoever put it up tightened it enough that it was cutting into the tree, wouldn't be long before the tree would die, so they're back and running and all is well in their world, will have to go over this aft. and take photo's for you..like walking in God's special place..love it...

I've managed so far to get the holes dug to secure the birdhouse my dad made and I repaired and painted just after his death, cemented in the post which will house signs with your names and distance so you can be part of my DG friendship garden...it's coming, bit by bit..won't be till spring however when I can put mega plants/seeds in the ground..right now I've purchased shrubs to give it a start...

Now I've had a few minutes break it would be so nice to just go out and sit, next door neighbor is working up a storm so don't want him and his son to show me up...lol...better get back on track..

Well one more push of energy and I'm calling it a day!

Had company several times, just drove over to have supper with my DIL and grandson Kyle, Greg's in a golfing tournament..didn't stay long..I get antsy when I know I've left things untidy...lol...

Managed to get my 2 birdhouses cut, no painting but they are ready .. maybe tomorrow, now I've to clean up the mess..

Pole cemented in for your name/mileage directional arrows...considering there was nothing but grass here when I started last month, it's coming along not too badly..

Last year I planted about 20 mums that I had in containers..OMG they are all starting to bloom...glad I purchased some odd colored ones this year...will add to fall beauty..

Betty,

Here is a link that HollyAnn posted in the Mid. Atlantic....
How did I ever miss this?
What wonderful ideas for Garden Crafts......

Hope it gives you some ideas,,,,,,I know you can do any of these!!!!!!

http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/889888/

Thanks Gita, on my way there...

Gita, just went out and took a few photo's..do any resemble the plant I would have from your seeds???

How about this one??

Read an article about beer companies having to raise their prices because there are not enough 'hops'...think I should sell them some? Mine are in bloom..very paper like see through almost pine cone shape...

Deadheading a lot of plants...makes me sad...as much of my garden is dying off....Bernice tells me it's a time to remember that all of God's creations must take a rest, time to renew oneself, other beauty is yet to come and that I should be excited about that..

I've still got a 'rose of sharon' waiting to bloom..