Best/Worse and What didI learn today-visit with friends #85

You are not in any way complaining..I'm glad that you think enough of us to come here when having a bad day, my bad days, well we all know I work like 5 people just to get through the day...everyone deals with things differently..so many of us on this thread are dealing with depression, health issues (as though depression isn't) but many have family members who aren't doing the best..can't imagine looking after a loved one and their feeling so ill that they don't realize at the moment just how much effort it takes of oneself to keep it all together..but, we always know a friend is no further than this keyboard...we may just chat, we may laugh, we also share but it's a healthy therapy for all...

I so wish I was closer...might be something about this 'cloning'

Tummy is getting hungry, time for a break, can't work on bench until stain is dry, so likely tomorrow afternoon..but my bedroom curtains await me in the morning...

Need plexi glass for the roof 'cafe' sign for my birdhouse..wonder where iI could find that???

It's getting colder outside, can feel the cold in the house..think another hot bath (3rd of the day - can't get warm no way no how) ..one thing we'll not be able to say is I didn't take baths..then I'll get myself a pile of magazines, look and find some projects, wether I do them or not won't matter...just a way to fill the remainding of the day...

Shucks, wanted to show you the stain color...my hand is reflecting same color, was wearing gloves but it seems to get everywhere...
shhhhh don't tell anyone..took off my good top so I wouldn't get stain on it, then, couldn't find an old shirt down here so just kept staining in my b r .! quite a sight..lol

I always loved working in Roger's old shirts..so comfy..think I'll make a trip to Value Village next week one lunch hour and pick me up a few shirts...so many of my outfits are stained..I'm just not careful...can tell I'm tired..getting 'gabby' always 'gabby' but more so...

Now I must decide on bench color to paint so I can sand afterwards and make it look antique...not bad, cost me $14.00 for make the bench...

Just a Quick Happy Valentines Day to all.......!

Beautiful Card Betty...

Went to a re-use it place this a.m. and got mom and I each a little work table, it is the U shaped tables designed for people in bed. It fits fine over her recliner so she has her feet up sorting things to start making cards again....some pain but so much better today.....I have my clay stuff here on the other table and we are just playing today!! Haven't done that in awhile....Pandora Radio with a bit of Bluegrass and we are having a good time....

My Nephew is coming down and spend the night with her tonight...won't have to worry about her while I am at Church and I will get a night at home and not have to worry about her...

Have a great day everyone....talk to you later.

LOL. Betty, I can just see you in your undies... doing the staining! You didn't get any on your you know what did you? LOL

Beautiful job by the way!
LK

Betty-I am the same way-paint and wahtever EVERYWHERE!!!LOL So I always make sure to wear the same grubby stained clothes when I am crafting-I also have a bad habit of wiping glue onm my pants!!LOL

BTW-where did you get that glue?? I LOVE it and need more-it is perfect for my wood thingies!!

Bettypause..Cool bench..I'm a retired carpenter (retired by cancer) .But I'm fine just as ornery as ever
Married have 2 DD's 1 DSD..& 3 GS & 4 GD & 3 FEDD (foreign exchange students) As a single parent then.From Chile !st Spain 2nd.Sweden 3rd Stay in touch allways..DW works at hospital She's shopping today ugh Not really but we wont tell her that HA HA I have way to many projects going..More than a sane person would LOL..I love building bird house's at least 50 some..Most for family reunions I make a lot of different stuff ( bench's,,little chair's..old windows with hole in seat for flower pot,,little wooden wheel barrel,medicine size cabinet filled with assortment of nails & screws ,saw horses )..I can't think of anything else .The cabinets & saw horses are liked by the guys .Mostly the horses I'v had some practice at them LOL
If I had dollar for each I'v made As they say. I want to show you all a couple of the bird house's & my projects.


My 1st EB This one is for reunion I forgot to say we raffle the stuff off to help pay for expenses

Made five of these ! for DW 3.. for DDs..1 for cancer raffle thing They were time consuming Lots of sanding used lumber Next time I'll buy new lumber for these

Oh Tubby-that is awesome!!!! BTW-what is your name-I am Stacey.....I am waiting for warmer weather-I got my first saw and sander for Xmas-just call me Betty part deux!!LOL

Made several of these They are pretty easy after making so many Helps that they all like them

Tubby I'm skinny but its a nickname my DGrandpa gave me really its Terry & there aren't any other Tubbys here


This message was edited Feb 14, 2009 5:17 PM

I made DH a nice dinner for V-Day...steak, mashed potatoes, broccoli & cheese, applesauce....and a chocolate cake for dessert to come!

I am like you ladies with your painting and whatever...but my number one enemy is flour...and water! Never fails...if I even look at the bag of flour, it attacks me. I can get just a tablespoon out of it...and I am covered. And for doing the dishes, my stomach and sleeves are always wet! Doesn't matter if I put a drape on or what! LOL

Betty, that is one beautiful bench. I can see your candle lantern from CB on there for sure! You know...a quilt rack in that stain would be beautiful for those new quilts you picked up! LOL

Bev, I too suffer from depression. It is a curse! My reason for not feeling well of late, is a change in meds for the depression. Thought it was going to be the end of me, but I am doing better the last two days (knock wood as mom would say). Anytime you need to talk to someone dealing with the same "monster" please feel free to contact me. Betty can verify I don't bit...hard. (smile)

Tubby, that is one beautiful birdhouse condo! Wow! That is a true piece of art. I hope you are doing well despite the cancer. My DD, who is 18, battled cancer at the age of 3...and we still have many battles ahead of us.

Shar, how are you doing today? Do you have plans for the long weekend?

Would someone tell me WHY a 90 lb dog thinks she should sit on your lap while your at the computer?

I think I will go throw the frisbee for her for a bit and see if she will lay down and lap.

Izzy sends kisses to you all!

Debbie

posted twice...sorry

This message was edited Feb 14, 2009 6:17 PM

Debbie Do you stutter LOL....Told you I'm ornery
When going through treatment
I would see the little kids suffering with cancer and thought I was lucky to be older before I got sick
I'm doing just GREAT .May not be as strong but DW says you are 63 remember
I fell very lucky to have her..She brought me through it. Sometimes with a whip LOL
And my DM 94 yrs & DMIL 86 yrs They took turns staying & fussing over me LOL

T&P for your DD

Tubby

This message was edited Feb 14, 2009 5:34 PM

ROFL, Tubby, ya got me! Acutally the dog was on my lap...just like she is now...and I am having issues! LOL The mouse got away from me!

DD is doing well, she is 18 now....has some long term problems, but all in all, she is a normal mouth 18 year old.

Glad you have those lovely ladies to crack the whip and keep you out of trouble!

Terry-I can't wait to start!! I am starting small-with garden stakes-I have everything but the carbon paper I need to draw out the patterns. I do a lot with already cut wood, but want to make my own-plus helps that I LOVE the smell of sawdust!!LOL

Debbie-I have the same problem with the cat EVERY am!!LOL

Ohhh Terry, do stay and gab with us, we need someone to keep us inline..my jaw is wide open, OMG/OMG look at those birdhouse..got to have me one of them...now I'll be clicking/clicking to view photo to get an idea on how it's done..here I was telling you all what I was painting in and we had a gentleman amongst us...how novel is that..best I watch myself...lol

Terry do hope 'cancer' is behind you..and yes, lucky you to have so many women at your beck and call...prayers being sent your way..

I so laughed when you asked Debbie if she stuttered...that truly is a 'gotcha'

Debbie, gorgeous puppie..no peroxide at local IGA so will have to wait until my next trip to town...but, good news is, with what I used, the powder and candles, I can't smell anything..must go outside for fresh air, then come back in and see if I still can smell the sour..

Trisha, great buy at the re-use it center..those tables are perfect for crafting..yet another work area...wonderful that nephew will be keeping an eye on mom..maybe she can teach him how to make his sweetie a Valentines Day Card...

I dropped in to Midland re-use it center this morning..it's not very good...there was a young couple who just bought a house, were pricing different things..they were looking at carpeting, think it was used..told them to drive to Barrie, they had rolls of new carpet and were selling it 57 cents sq/ft...also had new one piece acrylic counter tops..so, off they went..do hope they found what they were looking for..

Came down to feed the kitties, Sailor look better tonight, hasn't eaten her kibble though..maybe she thinks I'm angry with her for last night's mess..will have to cuddle her for awhile...

Got my measuring tape out, silk on my bed and mid stream changed my mind..the canope type drapes I'll do in spare room, I enjoy being able to have the windows opens in my room and if I did what I thought I would do, I'd not be able to open and enjoy the spring air that is about to arrive..well maybe in 5 or 6 weeks from now...

Looking for ideas in my craft books..need not have mattered because Terry gave me a project that ought to take months..lol

Talk in a bit..

Stacey, you ought to be here this weekend if you want to smell 'sawdust'...I was looking for one of the sanders and got into my wood project pile..boy, we'll be busy when you come for your work weekend..lol

FYI .I got a new sander for christmas Sears Vibrafree I love it..Easy on the wrist If you are looking to buy one keep this in mind ..Oh DDs gave it to me It's a little pricey but it's worth it You girls would like it better !!

Tubby

New patio on east side Will have deck above

tubby

Tubby, can I borrow you for a couple years or so???


Debbie, good thanks.....painting my kitchen ceiling...and my nose, and my hair....I am such a mess. No other plans.

Tubby, you are awesome! I got DH a good one today. He had to watch his "Norm Abrahms" this morning, and they were making a gazebo. I told him, since he had to watch it he better take notes and make it! LOL Not gonna happen, but I can dream.

Mom & I always wanted a gazebo to sit and having coffee together in the back yard. I have a gazebo bird feeder, but that is the closest we got. One thing that I do regret we never got to do.....however KFC in a town park when they forgot our eating utensils...and we had to eat the "taters" by dipping the drumsticks....that was a great memory I still cherish.

Bettypauze If you could find Tuf-Stuf at your wallyworld it is great cleaner..Comes in spay can..In automotive dept. It works great on carpet Smells like new car Not bad price.If it don't work I'll be surprised
I know how well it cleans car upholstery & the floor FYI

Tubby

I have to go now DW fixed us rib-eye mmmmm

This message was edited Feb 14, 2009 7:09 PM

Hello To All! Happy Valentines Day!

Chrissy - Curious too as to which shows you went to! We have a lot going on this weekend, Mardi Gras parades, etc. I think we'll skip this weekend but go next weekend to a Baton Rouge parade and then a New Orleans Parade...not sure which but would love to take the foreign exchange students to them!

Debbie - Thanks for the "dog" recipe....I will try that. We have my mom's old greyhound, his back legs are about shot. He didn't make it out at least twice last night. DH about to give up.

Betty - Do you think it might be the kidneys? My dear Lhasa Apso passed 2 years ago, and I always wonder if I had only gotten him into the vet earlier...they can do some things for kidneys. I have my share of pee & poop from last night.
Yes - We are trying to be "The House" for the teens. Had about 15 come by tonight, for pics before the dance. I'll try to attach a pic. Hoping they won't get into much trouble if we keep as close an eye on them as possible. They are headed to the Sweethearts Dance then to Rico (German Exchange student)'s Host House. Home at 1am which is a new thing for them but the Host Mom promised they would be supervised while there.

Tubby - You still keep in touch with your Foreign Exchange Students? I can now see that ....we have grown close to the Norwegian (Line) and German Exchange (Rico)students. Trying to get a weekend on the beach near Destin for Spring Break in April and we'll bring them with us. I told them that Destin had the USA's best beaches but I am SO BIASED! I went to High School near there. Anyone else have an opinion about USA Beaches?

We had a good V-Day. Hubby & I went to 2 nurseries. I bought something called "feather pluma celosia". 98 cents :). DH says it won't do well. Let's just see about that. Can't go crazy yet....we may still have another freeze. DH Bought Soil. We're getting ready!

Okay - I'll need some help here. How DO you attach a pic to these things????? Hugs to all - Mary

Okay - I guess I figured it out. Here they are. OOPS ! NOT THE PIC I WANTED TO SEND!

This message was edited Feb 14, 2009 9:48 PM

I had help with this too

Go to post your reply. Scroll down to where it say browse clik on browse go to your pic file double clik on pic then back to post clik on preview that should do it good luck LMK If your com. is as slow as mine you will have time for warm bath LOL

Tubby


Good for you.... I type to slow LOL

This message was edited Feb 14, 2009 9:53 PM

Hopefully this is the pic I meant to send. If so....Mine are the girls on both ends (left and right....Raquel, 15, and Roxanne 16, with their dates...and the boy in the middle Brock 17 with his date, Line, the Norwegian Exchange Student, Line. (Pronounced "Lena")

4004 yea those were the good days Pretty girls Interesting at times being a single parent then LOL I wouldn't change a thing


Tubby

Lovely group of kids, Mary.
My children were are 2 years apart and both were in band. Our house was filled with kids and music for years. Loved it, and now I miss it.

And Tubby, your wood work is still dancing around in my head.

Sharran; Brock is on the drumline, and Roxanne is on the Dance Team. I have a lot of band stuff to talk about. We had NO BAND BOOSTER CLUB when Brock started so guess what? I started it! Now we have Band Parents providing dinner before the football games, banquets, etc. I am so proud of everything we parents have done. Were you a Band Booster? Tell me about your Band Experience!

Long story Mary.
Yes to your question, but the band boosters were firmly established already. I was a teacher at the same high school, and chaired the Fine Arts department, so went on tons of band trips and attended lots of events over the 6 years my kids were involved and....well, during all the years I taught, which were many. We had a very strong department, and very supportive school as well as community.

My kids went to the Rose Bowl, to an Inauguration or two...to the Bahamas, to the Orange Bowl, to something in New York....they went tons of places, with help from the school, the community and the band boosters. Won a ton of trophies too. I still wear the tee shirts they brought back from all their trips. We are a consolidated school, and there are about 1500 students. About 160 band members. My fine arts department had 9 teachers, and we had a separate fine arts building, much like a college. That's why I taught for 37 years, it was great to teach in this community. I can teach French too, so I always got the exchange students whose native language was French or whose second language was French, just so they would feel comfortable. I loved all of it.

But if you have specific questions, I might be able to answer.
A lot of times we had events to raise money for the entire department. One of those events was a joint production of Grease, using audtions and using folks from the community as well as our students. We ran it for 4 shows and cleared $16,000. Very successful, and the money went to meet the needs of the entire department. In addition to that the band had separate sales for things they needed, fruit sales, dinners, just different things. Everybody works hard, but the memories are forever.

Hey Sharran: Your experience is much like the one I remember from High School. And the one my Niece & Nephew experienced in the same hometown. But you'll be shocked (or maybe not) to know that the bands in this larger city have dwindled to nothing due to "No One Left Behind" act where they teach only to the tests. Our High School in Baton ROuge.... with 1000 students had a band of 21 when Brock started. We're working to increase it. Hoping to have 30 by next year. They are GOOD though...only High School to win Sweepstakes (all "1"'s ) in festival last year. We have a GOOD band directer albeit young....so he didn't ask for help. I came along and begged to help. Sorry for the long answer but it's a real "labor of love" for me. And a learning experience. :)

I can understand that problem, but our school worked it out by adding an extra class period, took a few minutes off the length of the others. Hard to explain the schedule but it worked.

You will build up the program with your enthusiasm, and I admire you for having the foreign exchange students in your home. That was a lovely photo, lovely daughters.

I hate that the numbers are slipping, but if the program is successful now, maybe kids will catch on and join in, parents too.

Another thing we did that parents helped us with, was to have a talent show...just using the kids. We allowed their garage bands, and had a lot of participants. Sometimes we opened it up to parents and teachers if they wanted to, charged a couple of dollars admission and had a good time. We used to have a fall show then another in the spring. That money also went into band or choir or wherever it was needed. We actually did make a lot of money, but then we had a pretty big department including drama, art, choir, and band. Lots of things could be done together if we planned it just right. Art shows during talent shows are a big hit, also having a spaghetti dinner, then a band concert as well as an art show brought in a bunch. So it worked well.

I hope you get your young band director to realize you are there to help him. Our band depended on the band boosters for lots of things.
good luck, you are doing a good thing.

Betty, for pet accident you can clean with club soda and baking soda. It works great!!

just clean the area with club soda and let it dry. Then sprinkle with baking soda and let it sit for a while. Then vaccuum it up :o)

also, if you are wanting to clean up the dog without doing a full blown bath:
combine 3 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 tsp of dishsoap (or baby shampoo) and 1 tsp of baby oil. mix it up in a spray bottle and spray it on your pet for quick clean ups and then wipe them dry.

I had to do this alot with my Sheldon after his surgery :o)


Tubby, I just love those birdhouse condos! may have to build me one! LOL! I think it would look great in my new lil patio area!!

I woke up this morn and DH dragged me outside and guess what?!! not one, but two new rose bushes from Regans....AND a purple liac vine to replace the one he killed this summer!

I now have Bronze Star and Ebb Tide to add to my rose collection!! tried to convince DH that he was supposed to plant them for me....but that didnt go over so well! LOLOL!

I bought him 5 bonsai plants: box honeysuckle, azelea, ca oak, and two more I cant think of now!lol! lookslike I have to repot those too! He's great at buying live plants, just not great at planting them! teehee!


hope you all had a wonderful VDay!

off to bed :o)
AnjL

My Valentines day present from DW..Isn't he cute.. He dances & sings LOL

Tubby

Welcome Tubby,

Aww.. sweet! Bet you both had a chuckle watching it dance.
Your wife is a lucky lady to have a talented husband who can build things.

Those towered birdhouses are quite amazing. Do you mount them on a pole so they are up off the ground? Are they for finches. Have you seen all of them filled at once?

Here is a pretty sunrise from yesterday.


Cheers,
Carol

Thank goodness I got up early, lots to read, interesting..

Mary, now aren't those children the cutest, dressed to the hilt..is the exchange student the one standing on his own? Shar and Mary it's extremely sad, I don't think our high schools here have such music departments, no art classes except for University..each time the budget gets cut, it's the 1st to go...guess it doesn't help that our high schools most likely have no more than 400-600 students...all of you who participated and are participating in the music/art programs I know your families appreciate the effort, very time and energy consuming, of course Shar you had first hand and knew only through fund-raising would there be funds to continue..great ideas you provided for Mary..I worked as Recreation Co-Ordinator for big Municipality and know the value of those individuals who offered their time..without them little happens...

no exchange students during the time my children were in school system...closest I came were the German and Austrian children that came to college/university and stayed at their parents cottages while parents went back home, so, they became my kids..still to this day they make a big thing out of me being their 2nd mom... glad you all keep in touch with yours...what great memories they take home with them...

Shar, how's that ceiling painting going..we all must feel 'spring' in the air, all anxious to freshen up our digs..lol..

Terry, that's some woodworking..what a sense of accomplishment when you walk around the yard and see all the lovely projects you've done... still going to view condo birdhouses..one question..if you make various birdhouses as you've done, how are they attached to the main 4x4??? I can see some done with undressed wood that is easily available here...going back to another of your posts...not sure I've heard of the sander..I bought one, which is still in the box (bad me) it's to do the intricate parts of sanding wood i.e. spindles, corners etc. One thing about me, I soooo love tools..it makes my day when I come home with a new one..not many I don't have..most likely I have more than most men..some even borrow mine..lol...must go in the back shed, my girlfriend Carol died a few years ago, she taught painting and her hubby did all the woodworking for her...this fall he gave me mega paints, brushes and a few of her wood pieces...one is a rocking horse..not sure but think one of the rocking struts needed repair..should go see what needs to be done..you might have an idea or two for the repair..

Stacey, just before going to bed last night I had 2 of your truffles..let me say it took all my power not to eat the entire box..smooth they were...yummy

AnnMarie, how are you feeling, is the infection any better? thanks for the Dog recipe..wouldn't you know, came downstairs and someone had left a puddle of pee again..I know it's my choice, sure don't want to put her down so clean it and stop complaining..all this recipe's surely will help the odor..and are you right, wouldn't that collage of birhouses look precious near your new patio? How is DS...any news..does he have his cel back?

Better press send and start new..I have a habit of writting a novel and it goes into cyberspace..almost did it when looking at the photo's...

Carol, you are up early..wow, look at that sunrise...
I'm laughing here as I read your post, can see where you have more than a dozen places to put one in your gardens...we'll have to get instructions, you'll have to come visit and we can struggle through a project making one for you and one for me..wouldn't that be awesome..trying to get you to visit...

AnnMarie, like the reference to replacing plants that DH killed...sounds as though you are in full swing with the garden planting, you'll be done before any of us start

Mary although I have visited New Orleans many times, I have never attended a Mardis Gras..just seeing the crowds on Bourbon Street during regular week days was enough for me...my dream though is to make another visit but this time go visiting in the bayou's..as for beaches, my preference is Clearwater Beach!

Debbie, love watching Norm Abrams..if only we had the workshop to pull of our projects...does DH enjoy woodworking...what type of things does he make? you and he are much closer for you to be able to send him here to work, and Terry can help Shar out..
that is, once they have their household duties done at home...wouldn't want to ruffle feathers..lol

Bev, sending hugs this morning in hopes that today is a 'sunshine' day...

Our Judy is enjoying her time at the cottage, Liz, most likely is making bottlecap necklaces and visiting the in-laws, Audrey is working on her quillows, Laura is packing up, Wonderhug Laura I'm hoping is getting some much deserved rest, probably a trip to the beach...Janice is sewing I'm sure...Stacey, most likely is wrapped in her blankie, Terri, dreaming of gardening around the pond, Jeannine, out walking those beautiful dogs.. Dawn, she's enjoying her weekend off knowing she has that new promotion and a job she now enjoys going to!

Know I've forgotten someone special here, if I have, my apologies...and the rest of us, we'll see what the day brings in...Trisha, well she's got a zillion things on her slate for today, never a dull moment...Gillian, am sure with spring around the corner she has something similar to a winterfest planned for family this week...Marion, she's sitting patiently waiting for Canadian Maple Syrop..lol..LindaKay what's up in your neighborhood today..





This message was edited Feb 15, 2009 8:52 AM

This message was edited Feb 15, 2009 8:54 AM

This message was edited Feb 15, 2009 9:46 AM

Morning Betty..

I just remembered the name of the birds that like living in a condo ..LOL
Purple Martins..and I think they like a small entrance..

No need to entice me to come visit..for sure, one sunny day I will take a drive to visit when your gardens are up and growing.


Here is Betty sitting in what I call my Nook garden..Hosta is "June" She came to visit last year, late in the summer.
Can you tell I am dreaming..
I have been over reading in the tree forum all kinds of interesting posts..

Yesterday my friend Sheila and I went to Rekker's Garden centre for the first time this season.
I was greeted by two of the gals that work there, like an old friend. LOL As I was leaving I said "see you soon"
I bought a little primrose plant ..I buy one very year, and then plant it in the garden come spring.

Carol, I'm looking forward to a vist..you know I'll be back one day this summer to visit with you..such a nice drive especially taking back route...purple martins..the birdhouses have to be high in the air though right..

I'm sure as with the Garden Gallery they know us by names..see anything special there that is a must have later for later this season? Where is the tree thread Carol?

I almost Carol purchased an arrangement for myself yesterday at the florist...was just a tad over $40.00, thought I deserved it for Valentines Day, then decided nope, put that $40.00 aside and buy yourself a tree come spring..lasts a lot longer..flowering crab might be in order..

Kyle set up my computer one day that when not in use it shows photo's that are in my files, so many times in passing I get to see my pretty garden and those that I visited, many of yours....

Won't be long it will be garage sale time and I'll get to search for garden art as I've seen displayed in yours...God's garden for sure...

Thank goodness for a workshop that I can close the doors to keep my mess hidden..I've every table downstairs covered..tomorrow will be clean day, Family Day and every store closed I believe..but for today I'll keep playing..

Painted my bench a country red, by tomorrow it should be dry enough to sand and antique...kittie has alread jumped on it...red paws we have...