Best/ worse/ ? did you learn today #58 visit with friends...

Good morning!! I slept until 9:00 this morning, I must have been tired!

It's finally sunny today so I want to get outside in my flowerbed.

My vacation was wonderful! I didn't get to eat all of the California cuisine I wanted to, but so what. I didn't have any trouble getting back into the routine because the building I work in got waterlogged from Gustav and shorted out, so I was out 1 1/2 weeks, there Wednesday, the building was closed Thursday, then there Friday!

I need to find an indoor hobby. Ya'll seem to have many so maybe you can help me lol! I like to do embroidery, the kind that you frame and hang on a wall, can't find anything though, guess it's out of style right now. My mom likes to do latchook and paint by number.

I have to go find 2 ceiling fans, 2 of mine froze up at only 1 1/2 years old! I didn't buy them and I don't think I will be buying that brand, whatever brand they are.

Now that I've organized myself to work indoors wouldn't you know the sunshine is out..

Got everything accomplished this morning that needed to be done..have the pie supplies guess that's important and mailed off another 'swap' thought I'd have the 2nd one done to do so today as well but just not moving quick enough, have to go hunting in the bushes in order to have last of materials to finish it off...so maybe early tomorrow I'll go hunting...

Remember Cathy broke 2 wasps nest, well they have one the size of a saucer started again..went to hardware store for spray but he had the neatest things..says he's sold 400 in August..you get 2 in a package for $14.98 and one will do area of 200 sq. ft. apparently when wasps see these nests they leave as they are very territorial..so am hoping it will to the trick..will put the other in the tree near the friendship garden...

Crissy we'll have to find something for you to get into...did you join the Christmas Victorian Santa workshop that we'll be doing..think we're about 15 of us so far...let me know if it's something you'd like to join in and I'll lead you to the thread..

Nice to sleep in from time to time...

Blasted ear ache....

Crissy went back and found the thread about our 2nd annual workshop "Victorian Santa"

http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/892503/

Betty,

My neighbors told me to hang a plastic shopping bag where the wasps are building a nest, they think it's another set of wasps and will leave, so I'm sure the fancy "nests" you have will do the same thing, LOL! Have to say they are a lot better looking than an old white plastic sack!

Boy Betty, That ear ache has been ahngin around too long. It must be very painful.

Thanks for reminding me about that Garden place with all the garden art. I haven't been back there since I bought that Tee pee trellis.
Great idea for the two of us to go and have a look next Friday..I wrote a note to myself..LOL
It is only about 10 minute drive from here. Should be fun..

Hi Crissy..hope you got some happy time in the garden. Boy..I have never heard of a ceiling fan freezing up..and two of them too??

I went out today and bought a lawn sweeper to tow behind the lawn tractor. It will pick up the leaves and next spring the dried up fallen apples..not sure if it will pick up the apples that have fallen now..they might be too heavy...
It was on sale at the TSC farm store.

Bye for now,

Looking so forward to our visit Carol..wouldn't be a garden visit without going looking for more right..I leave work at 1:00 so really should be there shortly after 2:00...you will have to d-mail me your address..have the gps so should be no problem..tel# as well..

oops company at the door, must run

WOW! Lots to catch up on today!

starzz---You are THE STAR!!!! Congrats to your smoke free days! Isn't it great?

You might want to keep a diary and then share it with others who think they CANNOT live without cigarettes. Of course you can!!!!

Please tell us all the differences you are feeling and experiencing now that you have kicked the habit. You have--you know!!!!!

I have now had aan Endless Summer Hydrangea for maybe 4 years. It is really too big for the place I planted it in--but I will just have to do some creative pruning.

Here's mine---Gita

Love it Gita, my goodness it is large...and yes, big congrats to Carol, that is an achievement...we're routing for you Carol...

You'd be proud of me Gita, on the Canadian group I'm on they posted a pie, sounded yummy, went and bought all the ingredients ($17.00) could have bought a pie of choice at a bakery for 1/2 of that..anyway, did make it, never took a bite, called DIL and they are dropping in after the show to pick it up...

See, am trying..

But it does look yummy...told her when she comes not to leave me a slice no matter how much I beg...

Carol, I haven't ever heard of ceiling fans freezing up either, usually the light part goes out before the fan does, cheap heaps! My Godmom has had the same ceiling fan since the mid '80s.
Congrats on being a certified non-smoker! Yay!

You know Betty, I was thinking about doing the Santa Workshop, I have no idea what I'm doing or how to do it, and I have no craft material at all, or talent, but I might enjoy it, at least it'll tell me if I like doing that kind of stuff or not. I'll read the thread and let you know.
Nice wasp nest! It had me fooled lol!

YUM! I bought chocolate fudge cake mix today, here in about 30 to 45 minutes I'll start making it.

Crissy, no sewing or crafting experience required..you can do it...promise..

I want to do it! I posted on that thread also.

Oh, Betty!!!!

I am so proud of you! Now--having a small slice of home-made pie is nowhere near as bad as chomping down a Big Mac or burgers and Hot Dogs and pancakes with bacon and all that. It is NOT always the calories you consume that do you in. It is more the Sodium and all the preservatives and additives and the FATS that things are deep-fried in that will do you in. Sometimes they use the same fat for a whole day!!!!

If you can wean yourself away from "Fast Food" or Restaurant Food of any kind--there's nothing wrong with having a piece of pie or cake now and then--especially home-made. Anything Home made has almost NO preservatives and a whole lot less Sodium in it. Besides--you can also moderate the sugar and fats (use apple sauce instead) in deserts if you make your own.

And--as far as problems with the Colon go--the more roughage you eat the cleaner your Colon will be. Just like your garbage Disposal in the kitchen sink. It needs "roughage" to keep it from clogging up. Think of your Colon as your body's Garbage Disposal! It is!!!

Fruits, raw veggies, healthy nuts (not salted) ---especially Almonds and Walnuts--are great.
Yogurt is great also--as it has all kinds of beneficial bacteria in it--and our "innards" need that too.....

OK! NO more lectures!!!! I see that you are trying and I congratulate you on this effort!

My suggestion---on days when you have time, make a couple of gallons of some great soup--ALL from scratch! Use soup bones as a base for the broth and all kinds of fresh veggies. Freeze it in small bowls for eating it whenever you want. So great to have when you need a quick lunch! A slice of all-grain bread, or some wheat crackers with a bit of cheese--and you are all set!

Here's an awesome thing to have as a snack or for "desert". I know I have mentioned this before.....Buy the 32oz container of "Dannon Light and Fit" vanilla yogurt (NOT the small cups!) and chunk up some fresh melons--while they are in season--and dip each piece of fruit in the yogurt as you eat it....Absolute heaven!!!!! Especially Watermelon and Cantelope!!! Strawberries, Peaches, and Bananas also taste great in this.

Here's to your HEALTH!!!!! Gita

And also Betty, that ear needs to be looked at, do you have an appointment?

hello all.

no my youngest daughter had her baby in june...... my pldest lost one and then had a boy.... i was at th birth of my youngest daughters baby too and it was awesome.

gosh its fun reading all your comments and stories.

betty, you and your tools! lol
gosh your game doing the perm tho!


mmm that pie looks good!!

howdie cat and seed! hugs to you....


went to bunnings yesterday which is home depot over there. havnt been out in such a long time. wandered around as best i couolkd and then muddled around al ittle in the garden as the sun was out. hvnt been out in my backyard for three months!! planted some agapanthas.. i love those!

then inside for some take away.. chinese... mmmmm

Morning, wow left the window open down here in the craft room and it's freezing...upstairs as well, can you imagine I'll put the fireplace on for an hour or so (hopefully not longer) to take the chill out...fall is here...

Gita, NOW you tell me I could have eaten a slice of it..lol...probably would have been too yummy and over the weekend might have eaten it all...so better in their house than mine..DIL Melanie is dieting as well...so guess it's up to the boys..

Crissy, will add your name on the list, glad you are joining us..which reminds me, I'll pour some more faces this morning..numbers are increasing and some are doing several so better get at it so can get pkgs posted...

Laura, I'm glad you were able to get out into the sunshine, that alone will heal the heart and soul..sad that you had to go back to working part time hours but it's best that you don't overtax yourself both physically and mentally...you know our prayers are always with you...good thoughts, prayers and soft hugs were hidden within that coat...put it on when needed and feel our love...

Going to go into town first thing this morning, can't understand why these stores must wait till 9 and 10 to open..half my day is gone by the time I can go shopping...
Don't need much..have to pick up sets of photo's I had done for the boys to keep of our day out...need a few pieces of wood for the birdhouse that I've been playing with..did checkerboard last night...need some new underclothing/some wool and then it's back home I come...

Cathy dropped in last night for a visit, she was visibly upset about my cannister set..first thing I saw her do was look over at the new set...told her no going over to that side of the cupboard as that's where she continually breaks things....she just smilled...

Judy,was tempted last night to have a fire, but everything is just soooo dry thought better not to..although they called for rain, we haven't had more than a few drops..will go out when I finish typing here and put the sprinkler on...

My hanging baskets are drooping, drying, even though I water them, almost done...such a sadness to the fall...but, along the long fence line are those tall daisy like flowers, they are now in full bloom so will cut a few vases full and put here and there to make me think of summer...nothing like bright yellow to do so...

Jeannine how are Murphy and Sailor Girl doing? bet they are best friends by now...fun to have a puppy in the house...

Well, coffe and toast awaits me..Sailor wants out..cats want in...so I'm off, will drop by later!

Betty--it is odd to read that you have cold weather already! It is still Summer 'down here"....Gonna be a nice, cooler week this week.
We sure got a lot of rain yesterday from Hannah. We sure needed it!
Some areas further out were under serious flood watch.

I have to go out and clean up. Lots of small, and not so small, branches came down from my 3 trees. Just nature's way of pruning out the deadwood.
Went out 3 times to right back up my big Brugmansia by the shed. It kept blowing over.....those leaves are so huge they act like wind-catchers....Finally dragged it under the patio roof and put it between my table and chair. Problem solved....

This morning I am in the mood for making a pot of beef vegetable soup. Will run to the store for some celery and soup bones.....Have some in my freezer, but want a few more....

And--while I still have all my Fall-colors dried and silk flowers all over the dining room table, I want to make a nice table centerpiece to donate at work for the Employee Fund Committee to help raise funds. The EFC pays for many things that wee all enjoy....especially the big Christmas party....The Company contributes we all do--like $35/per employee--towards this. But--the more money the EFC can raise--the more prizes we can buy for everyone. After all--it IS a Christmas party!!!

OK! Better stop lallygagging here......

Gita

Gita..your Endless Summer Hydrangea is the most beautiful I have ever seen. So many blooms..
Thanks for the "no smoking" encouragement..

It is 58f. outside right now..
I put the heat on for a little bit this morning.

Was just leaving and Lydia dropped in, poor soul, she and her husband worked hard during past few days around the house and here she thought it was Monday morning and painting day here at the house...so she was pleasantly surprised she had yet another day to finally rest...I gained though, she brought a comfry plant and blue beans for Aline, so she gave them to me..comfry plant already planted..says the leaves have healing power, she's going to give me a recipe she has, she's our local Medicine Woman, loveliest lady I've ever met..so caring and sharing...said the plant also has beautiful flowers and attracts hummers and butterflies .. planted it in a sunshine area..let's hope it takes...or that Aline doesn't dig it up tomorrow and take it home...lol...

As I was cleaning the working table I have my 'diner' birdhouse on that I work on here and there throughout the day, it came to me that I had something else I was suppose to do today, yuk, I almost forgot I need 6 - 4' tall witches cut by Wednesday night so am on a mission, need wood and have to cut them, otherwise it will have to be done in the evenings and usually I'm much too tired to take that on..I've already got Wedn. comited to teaching, and Thurs. commited to painting the insert for cupboard at Carols so can't afford to use up any more nights....

So off I go again, raining lightly, good for the gardens...
Weatherman said is was about 44 this morning, no wonder I'm cold..downstairs fireplace is on, upstairs is on..leaving furnace as last resort...

So off I go again trying to get everything done..now instead of playing yesterday, I could have been doing some of this had I not forgotten...minds the first to go right...

I just caught up with reading. This will be quick but I'm hoping to post more later. Just wanted to say welcome to all the recent joiners. Also, Betty the total mileage is 570 miles - 382 from Victoria Harbour to Cochrane, 186 on the train to Moosonee and about 2 on the boat to the island. I estimated the 2 miles to the island. Also, the distances are in miles, not km because it seems that that's what you're using.

I need to get off the computer now that I've finished my 'catching up marathon'. I really hope to be able to get on later today.

Thanks Gillian, it just wouldn't provide me with the mileage..how have things been, Keith's teaching french this year again isn't he - all grades? How are the children getting back into routine..and your weather???

Just got back from town, fast trip for sure, came back with all my money except for that which I spent on wool..no sooner got my pictures/wool in Walmart did the power go off, all stores in town are without, so returned home..guess I'll be cutting wood Mon./Tue. night for the girls after all...

So, picked up 2 large packages of chicken and will make an old fashion french meal...Poullet et glissantes...which in english terms is chicken and sliders ( sliders a type of flat noodle) so now I'm thinking if I'm cooking enough for 8 should I call and invite either the kids or Suzanne and Lenny or make it/freeze it and enjoy a quiet day in which to work on various projects...hmmm tough choice..

Hummm, that reminds me of old fashion chicken and dumplin's. I think I'll cheat and make some with dropped Bisquick biscuits! Yum!

Probably much the same Deborah..we take about a cup of broth which has salt/pepper/onions/celery (optional) from the cooked chicken (which I take the cooked chicken out of the pot - temporarily at this point in time..) put it into the refrigerator to cool.. then I take it out, add salt/pepper/flour and 1 egg in a bowl and slowly add the broth until it's almost like a sticky pie dough, I take the dough, cut it in 8ths to make it easier to roll out much as you would do for pie crust but roll it much thinner, you have to flour not only the working space, but the rolling pin ...cut this rolled piece of dough into 1" long sections and about 1" in width..I make sure my broth in pot is boiling big time and just drop in a few at a time, I continue to roll out the next section and by then the previous ones won't stick to the next batch you put in slowly..make sure they are well cooked as so they don't have to pasty doughy taste..

Called Lenny & Suzanne...Lenny's leaving for the city and Suzanne is not feeling well so unless the kids drop in, I'm on my own...

Because my scroll saw I've ordered is not in and probably won't be for a week or so I've had to use my band saw..not the best of ideas, but even if I can cut arms/legs out that will keep them occupied for this Wedn. night class..drats, broke the blake (because of the sharp turns) found I had a spare at least I think it's for this saw, if not got to think of something else or call later and see if Home Depot have power and make another trip out...

Some day these projects just don't come together

Good morning everyone. Hope you all had a good week-end.
Betty, I hope your ear ache is better, if not you may have an ear infection, or sinus's maybe.
Take care.
Linda Kay

Will do Linda Kay, it's just something re-occuring every week or so..never had ear aches before..as for getting it checked, want to clear up one ailment before I go for another..fingers of my left hand are always numb, but if you start going to doctor for all these little things one after another they'll think you are just a complainer..so once we find out results from other problem then I'll drop in the the next 2...sister Sharon and I were just talking yesterday about all the aches and pains we have...know it's part of getting old but it truly 'sucks'

I had numb fingers for awhile, and I went to see my chiropractor for it. He did about 3 different sessions of accupunture, and it is all gone now. I had a pinched nerve in my neck.
Linda Kay

Hmm that might be worth a try..odd sensation, keep thinking it's just because I'm cold in the office and then here some days as well, but can't be..odd that it should be in left hand only though..

Well, painted windows in birdhouse, got to take chicken out of broth and into fridge..will call Home Depot, just maybe hydro is back on..need a blade for band saw...

Other one must have belonged to something else...doesn't fit..but the one I just broke, will give it to Mike, he'll solder it back together so it can be used again, I hope...

Good Day!

Finished my wall yesterday! Woohoo and its about time too, lol that only took a year. So now we can continue to next phase, DH's turn so who knows how long that will take.

Today is a special day...So I am making the best of it with enjoying all the things my sister, we would have been doing together.
Which one of them will be to polish my nails, a very silly thing me since I don't usually but it will be nice to hae a pretty color on the tips of my fingers. Then later today, We as a family will have SCRABBLE War.LOL my sister was Queen of scrabble challenges. Once I, yep me...threw the bored on the floor!! But she just laughed and said lets play again, so we did. Anyway it is a splendid day for memories, yum chocolate brownies and Fire later tonight.
Can't beleive it but I am OK Really! I am Happy...Birthday to you sister!
..(Thanks Betty)

Have a great day Everyone!

Judy, your a sweetie, making the best of it..you can sit and be depressed or do what you are doing, enjoying all the memories that come flooding back..you are one lucky girl to have family who are there helping you through the day...know just how special she was to you...your heart is breaking I'm sure even though you are being brave...saying prayers..

I'm not a happy camper, called into Midland Home Depot and yes they now had power so thought why not go in get the blade and continue cutting my pieces....get there and I really should have known better, it's a small Home Depot, most things have to be ordered and yes my blade is one of those things...so came home empty handed, good Lord must be telling me NOT to do this project today..who knows, might be fingerless had I had the blade right...

Talked to Darlene, she's always so ill with pain re back, wouldn't you know, she and Mike went to Toronto to look at the condo Linda bought (she just lost her husband 1 years ago) as she decided to down size, they went to Canadian Super Store for groceries, Darlene was leaving with groceries in hand and someone had dropped something on the floor and she took a fall and not is in tremendous pain, leaving for hospital...if anything happens to anyone, it will happen to Darlene...

It's Darlene's husband who ordered my new saw, while talking about time frame to get it she said 'did you try that other new saw you bought this spring-the one that routers/cuts glass/drills etc.....dah..forgot all about that one which says it can scroll saw so I'm going to try this one more time before I start the making the slidders for supper....

So sorry to hear about Darlene. Just make sure the store understands they will get the bill!
It is so frustrating to get to a store for one particular item, and they have to order it!!!! That makes me so mad, then the project gets delayed...
Oh well,
Betty, please tell me what slidders for supper is?
Linda Kay

Oh it's the quick translation for french flat noodles I would think they'd resemble done in chicken broth..

Well the other saw barely worked but got 3 sets of arms and feet, so that is enough to get them going until I get my saw or the blade ...almost think I was to have 4 sets for Wednesday night, the other 2 sets won't be used for 2 weeks as they are finishing a project..I wanted a couple as well so still a long way to go...

Taking a break and then clean up, lordy, I'm only one person but I can make a disaster quicker than 1-2-3..

Told you all about my day, now what's happening with you all...

That would be very similar to what Deborah mentioned. Down here in the south that is chicken 'n dumplin'--otherwise know as comfort food for sure.

I will take some of the cooler weather Betty and Starzz for sure. Most likely be October or November before we cool down. Guess it could come earlier this year .

Marion, aren't your dumplings round though...these are flat ... would imagine same though...something to eat on a cold day to warm oneself up..comfort food for sure...

Going to clean up my mess and then maybe sit and knit this evening while watching a movie...weekend is coming to a close so may as well get a few hours in, morning will come soon enough..

By the time I visit you down south you'll be in your winter and I'll miss all your nice weather...

Not the ones I make. My grandmother taught me how and I do very much like you do--actually use an old wine bottle to roll them out and cut in long narrow strips then drop into the hot boiling liquid where the chicken cooked. Some do use the drop method but I guess it is just another of those "dying" arts of cooking I hang on to.

I fix both kinds of chicken and dumplins. Just depends on how much time I have to prepare the meal. The round ones are quicker to make, but I do prefer the thin strips. They taste better to me.

Marion's right about chicken and dumplins being comfort food.

I do both also, but they are very different. Here dumplings are made with flour, 1 or 2 whole eggs, baking powder, a little sugar & salt/pepper. And you drop them by spoonfuls into the chicken broth.
Egg noodles are egg yolks, a dash of milk, salt & pepper and enough flour to make a dough. Then roll it out and cut long noodles. You can let them dry a bit or drop them in the broth to cook right away. I love both. And BOTH are comfort foods! :-)

I love chicken and dumplings! I've always cheated, big time, and got a Pillsbury biscuit package and dropped the biscuits in. Doesn't taste the same but it works for those of us who are not dough savy. I'm trying to talk my Dave into buying me a Kitchen Aid mixer, but they're almost $300.00! A lot of things seem to be happening right now that's not allowing me to buy such an expensive item at this point in time.