Best/ worse/ ? did you learn today #63 visit with friends...

Starting Monday morning with my 'question of the day'

Not everyone is struggling in this economy. THIS person makes more than $5 Million Dollars per week!!! Who do you think it is?

Busy here playing with paper..making Christmas Cards...doing well, already have 3 done..figure by December all the cards I make will be homemade..lol..

Just ordered to masks for the costumes I'm making..if I keep this up I'll not have any play $$$$ for Frankenmuth..lol

The answer to cheese questions I posted was...

Velveeta 1928
Kraft Dinner 1937
Cheese Slices 1950
Cheeze Wiz 1952

Has to be someone like Donald trump, or Bill Gates???

Good morning Betty, ice on the windshield. Yikes is right, I hope you got all your plants in from the freeze damage?
Sounds like you will be busy sewing costumes. For the snowman, maybe get a pajama pattern, and make it out of that real soft fluffy material, (like a lot od stuffed animals are made out of), and for the zombie, I think I would check out the thrift shops for a used suit, or small tux, then just use powder or something to make it look dusty???

LK

Yep Linda Kay, ordered the 2 masks, still will need one more once the last of the boys decide what he wants to be...

There is a Value Village up the street here and one in Barrie..driving in on my own Friday so will drop in and look for tux...will buy 'white fur' similar the the ape costume I did last year..so know I'll have fur flying all around the house for the next while...lol

This is the graveyard 'groom'

Then for the abominable snowman, thought this mask would do...

Triple Yikes...

Didn't know where everyone was!

2nd Yikes, Them masks are Spookie...

Number 1 Yikes!!!

VES...MY GOD, I miseed your Birthday!!!
Shame on on me...I am so Sorry.

Everyone in case you didn't know Vicky's Birthday was September 24!

HAPPY VERY BELATED BIRTHDAY!!!
Sending Many Hugs, hope you forgive me...
Hope it was Grand too...

That was a nice fire to help keep warm for Fall,
and Here is a nice Sunset, because they are relaxing!

Happy Birthday to you today!!

Judy.

Betty--

The Abominable Snowman is an Ape-like man who walks upright---but HUGE--kind of like the pre-historic Hominid-kind of a creature......all hairy and Neanderthal like.....

The mask you pictured is more like "Father Time"......NOT right--in my opinion!

You would do better getting an Ape-faced mask......

Gita

Hellooo!

Everyone must be busy busy busy....
Can't ever remember a time where no posts in a day has been.

It's almost noon here and not one post? YOW.

So Hope you are all well and just busy...

I'm swimming in paper just taking a quick lunch break.
so come to say hello.

Hey Judy,
I'm just checking in..had dentist appt, this morning..now I am on my way to get a new muffler on the car.

Sounds like everyone is busy. Must be the fall season, and getting everything done before the cold weather sets in...
Only 81 here today!!!
LK

Linda Kay send me some!!!!!! It is 62 here, and while we are getting an occasional spot of sun it looks like probably more rain is due.

I would love to get outside but I have some leather work I HAVE to get done today as a customer is waiting!

Trisha, turning the fan your way. I was talking to my Brother in Bremerton last night, and he said they were expecting to get some snow up in the mountains.... Too cold for these old bones...
LK

Oh, I don't know LK I figure that is what they make a good big fireplace or wood stove for.....so I can wrap up in my favorite quilt next to the fire with my critters and listen to music and talk with all of you! I love this notebook with internet......never use the desktop anymore except to print out stuff for my DH (all the work files are on the desk top). It is also nice that if I have to wait for Laura or my DH at appointment etc. I just take it along.....not tied to the house or a desk anymore....but I am getting off track...I am one of those odd balls that loves the snow!!!!!

Getting really cool here too--NOT freezing yet! Thank God!

It is the perfect garden weather at this time.....60-70's in the day--and cool at night. Getting a bit too cool, though. Predicting low 40's tonight and last night.

I have everything in--except the BIG Brugmansias.....Have taken cuttings from 2 of them. Not sure of the 3rd! But when they bloom--it is so beautiful! I can maybe drag 2 of them in my basement and no more. They both have grown huge this year......too much Dynamite fertilizer pellets in the soil as I planted them......Makes all green and humongous leaves--not so much flowers.....

Here are the blooms on my Rose Souvelons taken yesterday.

Here's a bloom close-up. Had to hold it up to take a picture--as they, normally, hang down. I love the puffy look these blooms have.....

Here are 2 blooms of the ForeverMohr. It is over 6' tall, and just had it's first bloom flush a week ago. Makes me sad that I cannot keep all these going--and, yet, I don't really care if I never had them again. Too much bother......

Now--off to the "cousins" of the Brugmansia--here is a Datura seed pod just splitting open. You need to cut it off and collect it at this stage--or it will spill all the seeds all over your bed and you won't have any. Might get some "volunteers" though.....

This is a seed pod of the double purple/white Datura Metel.

...and, if you peel away the pulpy outer layer, here is what the seeds look like inside.....
makes me think of a brain.....

From this stage--remove all the seeds on a paper plate and put them on top of your fridge to dry. Then store them in whatever you store your seeds in. Make sure they ARE dried--or you might have mold setting in if they are still moist.

****Wash hands thoroughly after messing with the seeds!!!!*******

Do the brug seeds have to dry on the plant to that point, or can I pick them now to dry inside?
Has anyone heard from Betty in a few days? Hope she is not sick with her ear ache?
LK

Beautiful blooms Gita., I have had two brugs in the past..but as you say..they do seem a bit of trouble..and they both died when I brought them inside to overwinter.

It does seem strange that Betty has not posted. I do hope she is ok.

hi there all.

still on th mend slowly, sleeping maybe one hour a night with coughing and all, and i have to sleep on the couch as i keep dh awake... so its hard. but we will get there.
now, u all gearing up for halloween? so lucky, u have so many celebrations.

everyone else is well. just lil old me....

hugs and hellos to all


xxxx

So sorry to hear your not doing well. And having to sleep on the couch. I know you can't wait to get back into your own comfy bed!!!
Take care
Linda Kay

Betty, where are you? You have not posted in 2 days, and that is not normal for you. Please check in and let us know your doing OK!
Linda Kay

She did say she had her sister coming today so she has probably been pretty busy....we will hope and say a little prayer.....

LK,

The Datura seed pods ("apples"?) start forming on the plant as soon as the bloom withers and falls off. The "pods" grow and grow and grow----and then, around this time of year, they start maturing. You can't tell when it will be ready to split--so you have to go out every day or two and check all the seed pods.
Do not pick pods that have not split--as the seeds may not be ripe.

As soon as you see one splitting open--cut it off the plant. DO NOT try to pull it off by hand--as the outer layer of the pod is very pulpy and the whole thing will fall apart in your hand.

If you miss the "splitting" and do not remove the pod--it may dry up more and "explode" spilling the seeds all over your bed. This may only take an extra 2 days......

Wearing gloves--remove all the seeds to a paper plate and put it in a warm spot to dry. I use the top of my fridge. All parts of the Datura are toxic if ingested. Always wash your hands after handling this plant or the seeds.

When seeds are completely dry--package them up in small bags. I think paper is best....as it can "breathe".....

If you have different color Daturas--label the seeds as they ALL look alike!

Gita

Judy called said I'd better post..giving you all a break..suffering from ear ache, off balance a little, nauseated yesterday so kept very quiet...

Suzanne had booked off work to take her son for his final drivers license and a court case came up for a client..Paul wanted her there to represent the client so he asked that I not come in today, that I take Brian for his test then take him to Toronto (his home while in University) and then I had a specialist appt. for 2:30pm so rushed all day, did get home though at 3:30, wasn't up to par so went to bed and didn't wake until Sailor was barking that the painting girls had arrived..they've just left and I'm off to bed...

Best of today..no surgery, surgeon said all test came back ok..he believe it's iritable bowel syndrom so making an appt. for me 'again' and I'm to keep a log book until my appt. even tasting food cooking, I must log it...says most of the time it's just living with it..oh happy days!

Worse..got a call before I left the house this morning that during the night they rushed my sister to the hospital..she cannot move, they've got her on morphine drip and are testing for what the problem is...she's mid 50's but almost housebound for breathing problems and her back...talked for a few minutes tonight but she's not well enough to keep a conversation..they've got her drugged...arrangements have to be made for looking after the litter of pups -about 3 weeks old...her daughter for travelling back and forth to school..she adopted 2 girls when her 2 boys left home - grown and married..youngest is 14..eldest 16 going on 28...

What did I learn today...always someone worse off than me...

Lord willing we'll talk another day!

Betty you have definitely had you plate more than full. Please take care of yourself. Happy to hear that surgery is not in the picture. We have all been worried not hearing from you.

So sorry to hear about your sister. Is the sister that was coming to visit? I hope they find the problem very soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Please keep us posted and know that we are here for you.

Oh Dear..what an awful day you had.

So good to hear from you Betty,..great to know they finally have a diagnosis for your tummy problems. Now better get some meds for your ear. Did you tell the Dr. about your ongoing earaches?

So sad to hear of your sister.... do hope she comes out of this quickly.

Better days ahead...

Big Hugs(((((( ))))))

My sister is visiting with me for a few days..yes she is from London. We are going on a jaunt today I think..going to visit a town I have never been to..Lindsay..or maybe to one of my old favs..Port Perry.

Don't be alarmed if I don't post for awhile..between not feeling well, sister being ill, just received a call from up north saying that a very good family friend of 43 years just had massive heart attack and not expected to live out the day..tried to call my boys, Jeff is in Minnesota and Greg out of town, so most likely will be busy tonight as well....
God bless

Betty, glad to hear from you. Prayers coming your way for you and your family and friends! Please take care, and have your ears checked. Post when you can.
God Bless
Linda Kay

Betty, All of our love and prayers are with you all.....please take care of yourself.We will be thinking of you.

Betty---------------YOO-HOOOO!!!!! Can you hear me?????
If you can't--what's the matter? Got cotton in your ears??????......:o)....joke!

With apologies.............just a touch of humor......NOT needed--I am sure!

Gita

Gita, you always put a smile on my face.

I spent some time today getting the yard cleaned up a bit. We have next week off school for the fall hunt break so I told DH that I wanted to spend a lot of time outside getting everything set before the winter. It's been quite mild lately but cold weather is supposed to be heading our way.

I've also been busy getting our basement cleared out. I went in with a group of ladies last Saturday and had a great big yard sale. It was so nice to unload stuff. I had so many children's clothes. Whatever didn't sell on Saturday, I donated to our health unit. I dropped 4+ boxes off yesterday - I had to get them out of my car so I'd have room for the 8 parcels I got in the mail yesterday. Man, it felt like Christmas. I was really excited because one of the things that came yesterday is an amautik which is the kind of babycarrier/parka that the Inuit wear. It will be so nice this winter. I still usually carry Ella when we go out. It's so much more convenient than a stroller, especially in the winter. She does like to walk too but sometimes I like to go faster than her.

Well, I should have come on before DH got home from work. Now he wants a turn on the computer.

Just want to pop in with a note for Betty. We are thinking of you and hope everything is getting better. You are in our thoughts and prayers and we miss you and hope you are back with us soon.

Just got home, thought I'd post a quick note...

Went to Orangeville after work, sister is not well at all, completely immobilized (?)

Bob (friend) is holding on by a thread...

It is our Thanksgiving, DIL decided I needed a rest so she took over Thanksgiving Dinner on Sunday, I wanted to make my pies and a few other goodies but was told absolutely NOT! Guess I'll listen..

Making up pkgs. for Victorian Santa workshop..trying to find something easy to fit the heads in so they don't get smashed in the envelopes..a trip early in the am might find something...

Witch is done, needs to be hung as does the other witch but can't seem to find wreath holders yet...

Was shocked to see so much Christmas supplies out today..not even over Halloween...

Almost done Braedon's costume..even have to mask to go with it...his the Dead Bridegroom...snazzy he will look...

So more than tired...so off to bed, know I'll fall asleep as soon as my head touches the pillow...

Gita, lol...yes I do happen to have cotton in my ears..seem only way it helps the ache..and no, didn't go to the doctor's...to get an appointment is like pulling teeth..

Did bring my camera with me this morning and was glad I did..after leaving the hospital I took back roads, into Hockley Valley and the colors were spectacular so did a lot of picture taking...even stopped into the flower nursery and picked up flowers and pumpkins...made arrangements tonight in the pumpkin...

Called Melanie and told her to come get hers..mine looks pretty on coffee table..although the brightness of orange, all the pumpkins - artificial and wood projects throughout the house, still not my gardens...won't lose the feeling of sadness till I can take out my Christmas things...

Well, I've chatted long enough..night everyone

Quick stop in Wasaga Beach, all the tourist have left, those arriving had not made it to the beach as yet...Township had just grated the beach site...lone bird was enjoying the fall day...

Trip through Hockley Valley..

Melanie's flower arrangement...last time I made her one I enjoyed it the entire weekend..she forgot to pick it up...so, if she doesn't come tomorrow I'll find a new home for it...

Betty--
Such beautiful fall colors on all the trees in your second photo!!!!!

Did I post the dried/silk arrangement i made just last week to donate to HD for out Employee Fund to raffle off and raise some money?
I also did a baking basket......A nice basket full of goodies and supplies for baking.
Cost me about $45 for both--and I baegain shopped a lot---good at that!

THEN---one of the regional HR's was at the store and said we could not raffle anything off--as that was considered gambling!!!! Geez! How silly is that? So--instead--we held one (of many) lunches that the EFC prepared and for which they asked/charged a $5 donation and everyone that bought a lunch got a ticket for both of those hand-made things and then they did a drawing for the winner.

NOT what I had intended--but so be it in the silly world of those that make and enforce unreasonable rules.....

Here's the fall arrangement.....

And here is the Baking Basket full of goodies like--a cutting board--a rolling pin--a set of wooden spoons--a Cookie Book--Measuring cups and spoons--Coupon saver--Pot holders--Halloween Brownie Mix and cookie cutters--Bakers Chocolate--a hand-grater--2 kitchen towels--Birthday candles--etc...I am sure I am leaving something out!

A young girl (cashier) won it and she was ecstatic! GOOD! maybe this will get her in a domestic mood!