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

They're digging the hole

It's quite large isn't it...thank goodness you do not have a phobia about being confined in small spaces..what does it have for air???

Sorry for the delay, the bosses came out to talk about the conference I'm coordinating. Work work work! LOL

It's going in the hole

It's in the ground!!! Tiga's (Teega) celebrating!

It seats 12 people, or one sleeping Christine LOL!

The job is complete!

Oh, the refrigerator story!!! When we moved to Arkansas we came with the bare necessities and rented an apartment in Hot Springs on a 6 month lease. I got lucky and found this new house for sale so we had to buy all appliances. We went to Lowes and bought Whirlpool washer/dryer Duet set and a Whirlpool refrigerator. 4 months after we bought it, it quit cooling. So I had to call 7 different repair guys to find one who would drive all the way out to my house, I'm 10 minutes outside of Benton, which is a very thriving little city. A repair man from Hot Springs, 30 minutes away, came out and "fixed" it. 4 months after that, on July 2nd, it quit cooling again. Of course I had it completely full because of the family reunion on the 4th, so we put everything we could fit in a little 2x6 ice chest, again. I called the same guy who came out the first time and set up an appointment for July 9th, the soonest he could get out. Now keep in mind this refrigerator was still under warranty. He called on the 9th and said he was on his way out to my house and would be there in 20 to 30 minutes, so I called Dave and woke him up, you know the guy never showed up. I had already sent Whirlpool a very hot email and the fact I was having a very hard time getting someone to come out, again. When this guy didn't show up I was really mad, but Whirlpool called me when I was trying to calm down before calling them. They gave me 3 different repair people, all of them were 30 minutes to an hour away but I called them anyway. I got this one guy from Hensley, which is an hour away. He said he would be out the next day, on the 10th, he had to go to Benton anyway to pick up some parts. He was heaven sent, he came out, said there was something in the compressor that was creating a blockage and repair people were not allowed to break the compressor open. He got it working again, hoping it would last until he could tell Whirlpool that they were either going to have to install a new compressor or give me a new refrigerator. He called me a week later and said he told Whirlpool what was wrong with the thing and it was not repairable. Whirlpool called me and I got another brand new refrigerator. Since I didn't have to pay $800.00 I decided to pay the difference and upgrade to get the refrigerator I wanted in the first place. I got a Whirlpool Gold, it's very nice, quality is much better, and it runs! Oh, and the guy who didn't come out, he obviously didn't fix it the first time and he knew it. I turned him in, mainly for being dishonest.

Hello

Summer, for us, is officially over! Jacob went to school today, woohoo the "big" 8th grader. He was so funny, Could hardly wait for this day lol then this AM boohood how it shouldn't be here yet. Already wondering about homework on the first day school.

...Carol! OH MY what happened?? are ya alright? Loved your pictures.

GG...Wishing you a wonderful vacation, LOL calm before the storm. Hey, How was The Boss??? gosh, he is one of the dreams to see as well. I hope you had a wonderful time. Forgot to mention DD, looks adorable with her curls, yikes so grown up huh/ lol and the puppy too.

Good gracious, did I mention how S L O W it has been at the office, holy whirl wind...it picked up in a giant hurry. LOL that is just the way it goes and yours truley is extemely happy about that. Woohoo, yesterday i think I sat down for about 15 minutes, heheh, told DH, now that was a day I earned my keep. And oh my gosh, Met the new Director! She was a bit amazed I am by myself, and said you are going to be busy, I just smiled and said thats the way I like it. Bring it on....

Crissy, Nice House! Now you have a good vacation too. Wow, thats alot of travelling. should be nice weather too. LOL, I can so relate to your picture issue...It is the same for me. Golly was looking for one at home yesterday, and it is not there, not here either(at work) so it must be on a disk! ROFL, yet another 20 or so to go thru, then just figure how to save the darned thing so i can post it! CRAZZY.
Wow, Nice property too…you’ve some serious lawn.

Laura, You know you are always in my prayers. Sending good thoughts and vibes and many hugs your way...

Betty, will keep fingers, legs, arms eyes crossed. HAHAH, will make it kind of hard to work, but you know its all good, I will just explain to everyone I am giant hopes for your deal to go thru.

Waving HI to Ruby! Will e good to see you when you return.

And where is VES?? You hooo...whatchya up to?

Shar, Glad you stopped in. Hiya! Crazy how busy one gets all of the sudden.
I enjoyed your Golden rod story too...I love them as well. Mine won't bloom this year as well, lol back to they have been chomped so may times they are only about 3 feet tall, usually they are over towering me. Just want to say too, I hope Ashley is ok. Have you heard from her? also Beautiful, quilt display!
(yep, been lurking over in the threads)

OK...Well, I have been really busy outside of office as well, a ton of not so good things intermixed with some good. Sooo, I don't mean to be so obscure, but just got to deal with a few situations before I can sit and visit for a long time...Soon, Ill be able to chat.
Otherwise, we are healthy, anxious for new beginning(routines).

This weekend, DH is at the cottage working on the kitchen, whew at long last will be able to cook in the house! That’s exciting.
At my house, LOL finally I am in a good position to start the wood wash! I am excited as we found Cedar boards for a good price, and yippee decided it is time to finish that project. I may even start it this afternoon. Nice the weather is perfect for that icky job too.
Then on Sunday, We will be celebrating an 85th birthday! DH’s Uncle and Godfather, an amazing man.

Well I better get at this work,
Hope you all enjoy the day.

P.S. Crissy...Thanks for sharing your pictures today. Glad you got your fridge too. Cute Cat.

Good for you, good comes from bad at times doesn't it...have a question..would you say many people purchase the shelters, are they fairly new??

Hi Judy, well busy you were hoping for, who knows you may be there a lot longer than you had anticipated...Grade 8, Jacob and Kyle are in the same grade..our children start Sept.1st..perhaps yours were out before ours! Kyle is at camp this week and next week we've so much planned that before you kow it, he'll have his bookbag with tears in his eyes..all will!

You tell Steve to stay away from unknown plants, sure wouldn't want to be covered with poison ivy or poison oak..I'm not sure I could tell the difference Judy..sore wise..I know what poison ivy is, have some next to tree line in the back..have used roundup, have put tons of earth over it and it still comes back..

So funny, Robert upstairs who does mortgages for us and happens to be friends with my Jeff calls for business purposes but alway has such nice words for me, just called and said I was the reason he gets up in the morning and sings a song to me..said he's my 4th son, Oliver my 3rd and then of course my own boys...calls me mom..always funny in the elevator, sees me - big kiss..god he's gorgeous..lol...he'd be a 'keeper'...just makes my day!!!

OMG, do you ever get where things in your life just seem to happen..still am feeling frightfull, not sure what that's about, Suzanne says she sees it in my..something is just not right, keep feeling as though a tragedy is looming..last time I had it was when I was in Texas and wanted to come home because of this feeling, got home and Roger died..lordy I hope it's just something in the air...

Left the office ontime, talking about fall weather, well I just love 'stews' so about 1/2 hr. from home on the sideroad is a corn grower..we took a detour and wouldn't you know the owner had every type of veggie going..(had to buy an onion for my ear) lol..truly did! anyway, tomorrow I'll pick up stewing beef, make enough for 10 and that way I'll just pick at it all weekend because, well my mind is going dizzy with all kinds of ideas for my DG friendship garden so won't have time to worry about meals, as if I do anyway...

Bought extra corn and took it over to Bernice and Cliff, neighbourly thing to do, lol..well didn't Cliff have my 2 windows done for the faux panel...little bigger than I had hoped for but think it's an like trompe l'oeil, trick of the eye, once painted it won't look as big..then as a surprise he put a shelf on the bottom of each..a shelf, already installed window boxes for plants..so mind is a rolling, Michelle is there visiting (their daughter who lost her husband - electricuted at 37 remember) anyway she's a house stager, so creative..loves what I'm doing to the shed, thinks if I find somewhere else to put all my gear we could fix it up as a cabin for guests..lol..anyway now I have two windows, will paint the main window frame green with an inner white section to look as though its the actual window, she suggested I also add screen to make it look as though the window is open (not sure about that) but we had a great idea...going to paint a cat which will sit on the ledge of the window looking in - that's on the left hand side window, and on the panel that will sit on the right, I'll sketch out and add to the faux window a birdcage with a bird in it so that it looks as though the cat is stalking the bird...how creative is that..so if you know me, you'll know how my adrenaline is flowing at high speed..want to do it TONIGHT but wait, have nothing to do except santa eyes at work tomorrow so I'll get everything together and voila my panels will be ready to install by Sunday...

So that's my fun night..just starting to cook corn, have a couple, get my books out to see if any other ideas come to mind...lol....and all three, Bernice/Cliff and Michelle fell in love with the signage post..think it will look lovely, a beautiful art piece in a garden which will house friends...

I am just a tad excited, can't you feel that while reading my post...if I'm a good girl next week I can work on the side shed panel and the shutters....

Will work a bit more of the friendship garden because Echoes, lovely lady she is has some perrenials she's shipping for it...can you imagine...I'll have to give tours right?

Your welcome, I love sharing! I am the only person on my street of about 25 houses that has a shelter. In fact, I think I'm the only one within a decent walking distance that has a shelter. Most Arkansans don't believe in shelters because they don't "need" them here. I looked this up and Arkansas averages 23 tornadoes a year from Jan 1 to Dec 31. in 2007 we had a total of 16 tornadoes, Jan 1 to Dec 31. In 2008 from Jan 1 to May 1 we had 50! I don't recall having any tornadoes since the middle of May, but it seems that the news said we're over 100 tornadoes so far this year. Crazy numbers. I know when I bought my shelter there was a 6 week waiting list for the fiberglass ones, and a 24 week waiting list for the cement ones, that's how I ended up with a fiberglass one. Back in the 1950's and '60s when they built a house they built a storm shelter with it, but I guess they haven't done that in a long time.
Do you get tornadoes up there Betty?

This was taken at my old house in Calfornia.

Another one

Ah look at that Crissy, isn't that picture perfect...

Guess we all think we don't need them until we do...Barrie I think lost 11 lives that day so I couldn't complain about all the pines I lost along the lakefront..

Well, it's been quite a day, one full of 'dread' one full of 'excitement..my life in a few words..lol...have my project in workbag, going to leave for the city - driving myself tomorrow - want to stop at a few nurseries to see what I can find - need shrubs for the side of the garden shed, let's hope there are some bargoons... so I'm going to call it a night...

Night everyone, God Bless...

I have so many pictures of Tiga it's unbelievable. Here's one of my favorites.

Rubing my eyes, slept well but could have slept in this morning..all packed, having my coffee with you all and then off to work I go, or is it off to play, here I am with craft bag in hand, panel for the faux window, here's hoping I accomplish what I set out to...

hello all

just lurking about.... reading the posts


xx

me to, hope your all doing good im just hanging in here ,
but i have read all, garden pic are lovely!

Liz/Laura you have no idea how much I'm thinking of you and sending prayers..I'm glad you post even if it's a few words..feel better knowing you are there all be it hurting...

Carol/Ruby do hope today is a good day for you both..difficult being in so much pain .. rest, feet up and enjoy those gardens....sunshine will bring you healing..

I didn't get the onion in my ear (yet) that will be this aft. - worried about smelling the place..lol..I'll try anything and if they say it rids one of ear infection (my equilibrium is off) then I'll try it...lol

Friday morning, drove myself in, got to the city with an hour to spare, of course a trip to Home Depot and Canadian Tire was in order..don't tell anyone, shrubs filling back seat ..might take a quick run down and water them, why? because I think they are letting things go and with the heat of today I don't want them to die..left the sunroof and windows open a bit..

Lordy someone ought to give me a slap at some point..needed to use the washroom facility, now picture this, I go into washroom, we'll it's been every Friday for maybe 4 weeks, while in there I notice it is clean but they have a black 4' ceramic column stand that they have a silk floral arrangement on it, keep noticing the dust and the mishmash of the arrangement...so, before leaving I've dusted the column stand, pulled out the flowers and re-arranged them..now how quirky can you get??? lol

I am so please with the work that Cliff did with my windows however, they are a tad to big, should have been maybe 2" narrower..with the shelf it's harder maybe to ask him to put it on the table saw and cut some off, but I am tempted..my fault I guess..also not so sure I'd have put the shelf, not with my installing window boxes but, it is a friendship garden after all and if that is how he saw it, then I'd best settle in and enjoy...

Brought my panel in, paints, settling in then will draw a birdcage and paint it and a bird..with luck I'll get these windows installed tomorrow...

Even dropped intot he post office box this morning to get my mail..the folk art studio that I go to paint from time to time sent my their open house pamphlet..lots to do .. already chose the following..

Poinsettias (5 week course on Thursday nights)
Wooden Angel - Tuesday nights - 3 weeks
Ginger Jar - 1 Friday night and a Saturday
Angel ornaments Nov.8th
Santa Cutouts - Nov.15
Danta Welcome-Dec 6th
Angels Among us ornaments Dec.13th...
That along with my workshops outgh to keep be busy....so will register for them first weekend in Sept. unless of course once I see the actual pieces they don't interest me...doesn't usually happen though...

Well off to paint..

Good grief you are one busy gal Betty. I wish I had some of your energy, gimme gimme LOL

Well, today's the last day of work for me for 1 1/2 weeks. Dave wants to go out tonight, tomorrow I'll sleep in til about 11:00am then start packing and getting ready for my trip, errands and what-not. Sunday morning I'll head out for the 5 hour drive to Oklahoma City, I might go a different way through the mountains, such a pretty drive and there's a casino I'm thinking about stopping at just on the other side of the state line, it's brand new. Then on Thursday the 28th I'll catch a 6:00am plane to California, visit friends and what-not, fly back to Oklahoma City on Sept 1st, then on Sept 2nd leave Oklahoma City for another 5 hour drive back home, then back to work on Sept 3rd. I can't wait, it's going to be so fun!

Crissy and you say I'm busy, my goodness, you'll need a vacation after your vacation with all you've planned...sure hope you have great weather and there is nothing better than spending time with family and friends...

It's over 100 degrees in CA, I told my friend I was coming over and raiding her pool! LOL Her husband said we can barbecue! yay!

LOL it sounds busy but it's really not. In Oklahoma City I'm not going to be doing anything, just visiting with Mom and her husband. Now California I'm going to be busy, but isn't that what's vacations about? I know after every vacation I need another vacation to recoup from the first one LOL!

Hi all, I'm finally back in the office. This has been a crazy week! SO glad today is Friday!
There seem to be more tornadoes than there used to be crissy. I don't have a shelter right now, but want one. Either that or a "safe room". Have been looking at basement houses too. In just a few seconds, Mother Nature can destroy what it took all our lives to build up. I think more about those things the older I get!


This message was edited Aug 22, 2008 9:37 AM

I was worried about my roof being ripped off and me being taken away LOL Tornadoes are crazy.

Cat, you are in tornado country also aren't you..such a worry ... can't even phanthom people losing absolutely everything..friend on DG who lived just outside of New Orleans when they were hit..lost absolutely everything..and yet in the yard bikes were standing, a flower pot etc. completely without damage...

Do hope you are all out of harms way...Marion, you be careful...

I am in and just being a good girl today. Things are all secure, flashlights ready, water and now it is just a wait and see situation. We are on high ground and the house also has a 4 ft. area underneath so I am not concerned about flooding.

Thanks for thinking of me. Will drop in when I can. Hello everyone from wet, soggy, windy Florida.

Yes we had 3 times more tornadoes this past year than normal Betty. One passed within a mile of my place. Thank goodness they didn't all touch down, but the possibility is there. Everyone says, with the climate changes, there will be more and more.

Stay safe down there abbisgranma!

I am trying, thanks. Need some rain? Willing to send all you want. LOL

It's been raining here the past few days, it seems like it's either soggy or a dust bowl lol!

Can you believe with all this with Fay there are still places in Florida that didn't get any rain. Just doesn't seem possible, does it?

We haven't had a good rain where I live for 5 weeks! Wish you COULD send some!

Ordering up about 5 - 10 inches for you right now.

Thanks! LOL. Now arrange it so that it rains all night but not during the daytime! (don't want much do I??!!)

Hey, I am just trying to show my best Southern Hospitality. Will tell it to rain tonight, how is that?

Perfect! LOL

Is it still storming down there? I heard where it was hitting again for the 3rd time

Beautiful day here however the sky has deepened tones of grey, not sure is it's smog or storm brewing, earlier this week they called for lovely weather, now they are saying possible rain both Sat./Sun.

Well just finished the cage/bird for the faux panel..not going to spend days on it, as the project is suppose to be whimsical..but it looks cute..now tonight I'll do the cat on the other panel and it should look cute as a button..

My labtec camera isn't the best but I'll show you what I accomplished this morning...might get your mind off the storms...just kidding, my prayers are with you all..

ooops that's the bottom, now for the top part of the panel

Don't ask me what kind of bird..just faked a whimsical one....lol...

Another 1/2 hr. time to clean up my painting gear, will order some fries for the ride home..think I'll go straight home instead of shopping so I can enjoy the afternoon putsing in the garden..