Best/Worse &What did I learnt today/Chat with Friends #99

Janice, fantastic..overwhelming isn't it after winter to look out and see the amount of work there is to do...did you have much winter damage this spring?

I must go walk the gardens this afternoon and see everything, think a tulip is about to open..have you many flowers, would imagine you are like here growth wise..

With the sunshine we've had I'm sure we'll see some pretties shortly..

Guess it's lunch time..so much to do and now at a standstill, lordy that is disappointing..

Maybe I'll drop into Suzanne's and see her new furniture...

Bev, how are you doing sweetie...renovating also are you..what kind of flooring is going down? doesn't it give you a lift to see something new going on in the house?

Now look at that kittie, how spoilt is that...

Betty, Shannon has two Proms before Graduation! First Prom is May 15th at Michaels school, second Prom is June 6th at our school....and the Graduation is June 26th....and right now a "temp date" of June 28th for the Graduation party! Want to come to Lyndonville and meet the family?

Well, DS and I were goofing around...and I should have known better. His reflexes kicked in...his foot hit my thumb nail...and ouch. Seperated a bit...and is it sore! He feels horrible...told him not his fault, was from me goofing with him.

Betty, I was praying you wouldn't over do it....not that your project would fall thorugh. How disappointing....but...it is for a good reason, God must want you to "rest" today.

Tater, I just told DH I wanted to plant mini roses down the walkway....he gave me a look I can't describe. LOL Perhaps I might need to rethink that one. LOL Our neighbor across the street has lavendar on each side of her walkway to the house....and I just think mini roses would be so pretty. He however is worrying about snowblowing/shoveling in the winter. Men!

Debbie

Starting to look better inside and out here but a lot of work and tierdness. Can't even spell. Raining now so work inside. BEV

Mike and Dar just got back, I've door trim and I've all the baseboards to give 2 coats to..she bought me a gal. of paint so I'd not have to go to her house...so, although this project is on hold, there is components of it that can keep me busy..

Mike took my snowblower to his house, going to summerize it..lol..didn't think I'd be needing it..let's hope not..lordy these people are all so good to me...make one feel special even when you're not..lol

Debbie, you just don't know, just might come and meet the family...

Ohhh Debbie, that must be sore..those kids have brut strength..I'm sure DH is just kidding with regards to the rose bushes...tell him how the fragrance will welcome him home...

So pretty Bev...daffodils..the area is part of your memorial to grandaughter right? Love the red tones of the rock..are any of you like me, walk around pick up rocks and see the beauty?

Is it cold and windy there today Bev...

I love mini roses. I think that would nice, but check your soil, and make sure the rose will take the sun or shade, you have there!

Tater, we get sun there until about 5:00ish...then the shade moves over it. One side of the walk gets more shade than the other. But I will check it out. That is actually the one part of the yard I don't have trouble growing the grass! LOL

Maybe I cook mine as well planted in the full sun..will have to watch..the beautiful Garden Journal I received in the swap has an area for notes...must divide the yard into sections and then mark in the hour zones of growth, that might help..

No not part of the 2 memgardens. Will take pics when things bloom. Raining and 60s for next few days. BEV

Just had a really rough week. My only highlight besides my "angel call" was chaperoning our high school's prom. Here's a pic of me and DH. Does he look happy?


This message was edited Apr 19, 2009 7:39 PM

Let me try that picture again:

Carol, I love your new water feature. Congrats to your granddaughter.

We've pretty much made the transition from snow boots to rubber boots now. There's still quite a bit of snow but the roads are all very muddy. The snow has been melting so fast this past week, it won't be long before it's all gone.

We had a couple of Sonora's friends over for a sleepover on Friday night. They had a great time. I've been trying to get a lot of my craft things used up and they certainly enjoyed using them. About an hour before it was time for them to go home I asked them to clean up their mess in the basement and they did an awesome job. It's tidier now than it was before they came. I'm thinking we should have them over more often.

It looks like we'll be here another year, it seems like we say that every year. We had been thinking of moving this summer but it just makes much more sense for us to stay here for now. One of the reasons we'd like to move is so that we can have the kids involved in some extra-curricular activities. Since that won't be happening this coming year, I've signed Sonora up for a horse camp this summer. She's really excited about it so she should enjoy herself.

Guess What - I'm Back !

Wow - it wasn't as hard to catch up as I thought.....

Just a bit about the trip, though, first. Yes - God did intend for us to take another family vacation.....this was supposed to be a trip with friends, but all the friends fell through. Right before we left there was a last ditch effort and 'some' friends could have come...but DH put his foot down....the 2 were an 'item' and we didn't want to be responsible. So I thought we'd have attitudes to deal with...since he said "no".
But in short.....Trip down was great.....Day 1 was a Beautiful Family Day with everyone getting along. Day 2 became a bit hairy towards the end. Day 3 began with me in a horrible mood from Day 2...and I ended up "going to see my Mom". (DM is buried there - in my hometown of Ft. Walton Bch FL). It was really magical. I sat down 'next to her' and prayed... and DM told me to be patient and to take the time to do "things the hard way" ( in dealing with the kids) even though the hard way was more difficult. DH was next to me....and we talked and cried....

The day got better and ended well....trip home was great.

Debbie/Sharran - the whole experience made me more interested in planting/creating a Memory Garden dedicated to Mom....I'm hoping for some inspiration to come to me. One idea is to think of plants that remind me of her, and maybe think of some quotes (to make stepping stones or plaques) that would fit advice she would have given me....

Debbie - Thank goodness we've done Prom already! That's great that she is getting her own shoes.... I have a funny story about DD's 8th grade dance last year....the shoes we found didn't come in her size @ JCPenneys....and DH travels for work ....so we had him visiting various JCP's in the cities he would visit....must have been hilarious for him to walk into the shoe dept looking for silver rhinestone heels in size "9". :)

Trisha - Those are very special rings ! I bet you think of your Aunt when you look at them!

Betty - Thank you for thinking of me while I was out! Caleb is quite the character! Glad Noah is better! We / I did enjoy sunshine although the weather was still too cold to swim....a late season for the area this year. I was enjoying reading about your trip...but must have missed something? Did you not finish (your review of) it yet?

HBBday Tubby !

Gilli - DD2 used to go to horse camps....she had a wonderful time!

Gardening: In Navarre, FL, we stopped at a nursery and I brought home a variageted flax lily (?) and a flower we saw growing wild around there.....called a "blanket flower" something like that..... Flower was pretty.....it's a perennial...

Well - this is my first venture on the computer....I've got to head out a bit and read some other things...be back in a bit...

Relaxed and Refreshed ....

Hugs to all,
Mary

Hi Mary, glad you are back.....so glad things went well.

It was 74 and sunny here today....two more days of it before the rain returns!!!
Antonio is coming tomorrow to get the yard in shape.....I can start thinking about getting new flowers in now. Lot of outdoor cleanup I need to get done.

We spent today shopping for Sages Birthday....all the family members on both sides chipped in to get her an ipod. We also got her some polymer clay of her own and a Fairy Garden kit!
Her Birthday is actually Wednesday they left tonight to go up to Laura's mother in laws or a few days.....that is what Sage asked for instead of a party...to go visit Grandma Jackie!

Besides a bike ride today to we took the dog for a long walk tonight....I may not be able to move tomorrow.

Need to finish up some clay tools tonight...have the set almost done....one for me and one for Laura...Sage is getting our old tools to play with.
If anyone has any old large aluminum knitting needles they want to get rid of we would gladly pay shipping....we use them to make our tool sets....I will post a picture when I get everything finished up.

Thanks Trisha - Glad to be back!

Wish I had Mom's old knitting needles...she had a TON Of stuff that ended up getting given away.

She had many many knitting needles ....and a knitting machine.....large 'tree's' of spools of yarn......

Glad that Sage is getting the pottery - making bug! Creating things will be great for her....

Kids got Ipods 2 Christmases ago and they sure do make road trips, short and long, better...they brought them this weekend....

Hugs,
Mary

PS: Sadly - I did check my email tonight...an old friend passed away this weekend, a long struggle with lung cancer, he was 59.

Welcome back, Ms. Mary, you sound good, so things must not have been too bad. Sorry about your friend. Fifty nine is terribly young.

Hello Sharran! What have you been up to this week? It was a good weekend. If I needed a word to describe....it would be "replenishing".

I hate getting the news via email.....but Drew was SO well known....there was probably no other way....he was a popular DJ in the 70's.....

I almost wish I had not checked my email....but in a way it's better....I wouldn't want to be at work getting this news.

How are YOU?

Mary, I am glad everything worked out and you had a good time. I have two "pieces" that I found, that initiated my memory garden. One is an Angel sitting...and has a little bird in her hand. There is a story of my DD and my Mom with a bird...and well, it reminded me of that. The other, is an Angel/Fairy on a swing...which my Mom loved to do. I also love the stepping stone idea. I will be adding plants that remind me of her also...to go along with the few I have from her garden at the house. I want to get a butterfly bush...as that is one thing I didn't get to take...DH was fearful the roots would be too deep and we would kill it.

After my older two finished with Proms...and have also had two weddings the last two years....I will welcome a break from Proms after this one. Although DS will have his Junior Prom next year....Oh wait...tearing...can't go there yet. He is my baby! LOL

Mary, sorry to hear of the loss of your dear friend. My mom passed to lung cancer...its a horrible disease.

I am told I need to get to bed...Kids are back to school tomorrow after spring break. Yippee!! 6:30 come early.....

Sweet dreams
Debbie
I have a feeling our dear Betty is conked out in beddy-bye land sleeping away after her busy weekend! She is going to be exhausted tomorrow...good thing she has work to get some rest (wink).

Hi Sharron....

Mary, so sorry about your friend...I agree better to get the news by e-mail than a surprise at work or somewhere....prayers for you and his family.

Debbie, have my first Butterfly Bush.....got cuttings from a DGer last fall....this one rooted so hope I can keep it alive!! Bet she would send you some cuttings when she prunes it this year if you wanted...or I can see what I can get from my MIL...

Hey Debbie -
You are giving me some really good ideas....the area I think I will put the memory garden is
under a HUGE Water Oak. The biggest and best tree in our yard, however at this time
I call the area (to DH) "Sanford & Son".

(Since he has a bunch of junk there now). BUT I could put a swing in that tree...that would be great....

Yes - Betty doesn't usually hang out with the "Night Shift" but she certainly catches up with us early (when I am snoozing!).

I still am awaiting the "rest of her trip".

We are also at the end of Spring Break.... DH is concerned about the kids getting up tomorrow. My bedtime is 11p so I am up too late as it is.....

Hugs,
Mary

Hi All,
When we had the ice storm, one of my butterfly bushes was badly mangled, so after all the debris was gone, I had to trim what was left of it wayyyy back. I took three of the branches I had pruned from the bush, and just jabbed them into the ground. This was in early March. All three have rooted and are bearing leaves. They didn't miss a beat. And easy plant to start, but the timing has to be right I think.

I have a memory garden too, and one of the new bb starts is in it, all leafed out and looking very healthy.

Sharran...does that mean, if I sneak up to the house...in the middle of the night....and clip off one of the branches....wrap it in damp cloth til I get home....it just might root? LOL No worries...no intentions of going there, I would have nightmears for six more months...not worth it...but....I wonder if the neighbor would go over for me! LOL

Bet she would, and if she won't I'll send you one. I think you would prefer a cutting from your Mother's bush though. The one I took cuttings from is white, and really big and beautiful. Not so big now after the storm but it will be. I also have a dark purple one, but it is a younger bush, and I have not tried cuttings from it yet.

Morning All I'll be in the shop again today...Didn't come in till after 7 yesterday..Felt good working with out extra cloths on. Shirley was at work..Had 4 dogs & 3 cat for help..LOL Have you ever tried to get down on the floor and do something.with 4 dogs on ya..LOL

I'm sorry I have been keeping up reading all the post..
I hope all is well in your lives's

Tomorrow is the big day..Will find out what Dr says about transplant..I hope it's straight to transplant..Without pre chemo treatments..Crossing Fingers..LOL

Off to the shop now..Trying to not wake Shirley.Her was a tired girl last night...

Tubby

I always like math..My beeeeest attention getter..The other classes I tolerated..LOL



Don't tell me your age; you probably would tell a falsehood anyway -but the Hershey Man will know! YOUR AGE BY CHOCOLATE MATH


This is pretty neat.

DON'T CHEAT BY SCROLLING DOWN FIRST!
It takes less than a minute .
Work this out as you read .
Be sure you don't read the bottom until you've worked it out!
This is not one of those waste of time things, it's fun.



1.. First of all, pick the number of times a week that you would like to have chocolate (more than once butfewer than 10)




2. Multiply this number by 2 (just to be bold)





3. Add 5





4. Multiply it by 50 -- I'll wait while you get the calculator





5. If you have already had your birthday this year add 1759 ..
If you haven't, add 1758.





6. Now subtract the four digit year that you were born.






You should have a three digit number









The first digit of this was your original number
(i.e., how many times you want to have chocolate each week).






The next two numbers are

YOUR AGE! (Oh YES, it is!!!!!)

THIS IS THE ONLY YEAR (2009) IT WILL EVER WORK, SO SPREAD IT AROUND WHILE IT LASTS.
Chocolate Calculator.

Morning everyone! Love the sounds of all the memory gardens! I had originally planned one for my Mom. It was going to be all blue flowers, as that was her favorite colr. But then, I decided to make it an Angel garden. She was an avid collector of ANgels, especially ones with blue dresses, wings...
So this year I made an Angel garden. It started with 20 angel trumpet plants, and then I added some angel statues! As I find more statues, they will be added, and as I find more angel named plants, they will go in there also. So in the meantime, I have filled it with some small ground cover plants for color.
This is one end of the garden.

Morning..

Was so frustrated yesterday, having so many plans to finish my project and then run into all those difficulties that I plain just gave up, layed on the chesterfield all afternoon and evening watching movies..had painting to do on door trim and baseboards but didn't even have the energy or the will to do it..

this morning I could have kicked myself, knew it should have been done, so gave it all a 1st coat, will give another when I get home..

Packed up the rolls and left early, store was still closed but a man saw me at the door looking I guess a little pathetic so opened up for me..told him my story, he took in the rolls and not he's looking through 30 large bolts to find a semi gloss one and cut out the piece I need...

Know there is not sense in getting upset with them, mistakes happen, but I sure want to get the room done so I can clean the basement of all the craft tables/supplies and re-organize..

Today I think of several other things I could have gotten done yesterday..could have been the painkillers lol that took away the energy..

Enough about me,

Mary, I'm sorry about the loss of your friend, so very young..not a nice thing to hear via e-mail...

I'm so glad your vacation went well even though there were a few bumps in it..I have to agree, just sitting next to our loved ones grave site and talking can bring a lot of calmness to our lives...soothing almost isn't it..thinking they know what we are feeling...love to gab with you in the evening Mary, just fall asleep before I can post most nights..lol..

Sanford and Son, now that's a vision, couldn't you look to see what treasures he has that you can re-purpose?

Trisha, I've about 20 butterfly bushes the tallest being out on the roadside...it has to be about 12' high, almost a tree...think I'm suppose to be cutting it down about now at about 12" from the ground...the other morning I ran my hand where the flowers were, hand full of dried bits, scattered them all around..sure hope they are not seeds or I'd be in big trouble.. I'll go in search of knitting needles..how are you moving today, muscles sore? why are we all so hard on our bodies? half of it is thinking we're still 16...

Tubby, what are you working on outside today...and yes, I can so imagine the sight, you trying to do some projects with dogs, licking and jumping wanting to play...you love every minute of it I'm sure...

OMG Bev, your gardens are under water...will it destroy them...looking forward to seeing the 2 memorial gardens....how's the flooring going? what color did you pick?

It's beautiful LindaKay..lucky you to have color in your garden..I've no memorial garden but will take a lot of pride in my DG Friendship Garden, started it last year but this year I'll put a lot of energy into it..

For the bathroom got forest green marble tiles looks good. I will take a pic of the cute little door stop I found. The washroom floor is going to be light wood grain. Can't do it for a while. Scotty's sister is in hospital not too good. Please pray for her. Thanks and hugs to all. BEV

Bev, will add her to my prayers...is the hospital nearby, can you visit? Beautiful choice Bev...

Julie, forgot to say what a beautiful lady you are...you are right, DH doesn't look as though he's a happy camper...best we go on photoshop and add a smile...

Hello and Happy Monday to all.

Ok...I've been busy outside again, Aww it is so wonderful to work outside and be so tired at the end of the day.
Between the fresh, air sunshine(we Had) and lol getting filthy makes me feel exhausted and exhilerated at the same time.

So Friday, Anothony stayed with me. i asked if he could dig out the 4 Arbor Vitaes! So we yanked out the old eaten two up in the origional Wildflower bed and went next door and dug out the four. OMG, I am so glad I asked if i may take them. Offered to buy them but my neighbor wasn't having that! Planted the two up front. The other two are going in the backyard. I thought they would be pretty in front of the new Garden house. Whenever I get to that...but these will then force me into working on it.
Saturday, Sabrina decided she would like to help me! So we cleared all the junk from behind the house, tidied up the woodpile that Steves got going and raked out that section. then she ran off, lol...So I put everything back and t6argeted the trashed stuff.
We went to a 50th birthday celebration in the evening. It was a nice time.
Sunday, was rainy as well as today, so i am working on the inside again, time for dusting and thourough cleaning again.
Also, i am still trying to organize Steves stuff, today I'am planning to create some new temeplates for him and me. So I hope to accomplish that if it takes all afternoon...Good to have rain days for such things.

In the meantime, finished another good story(I am reading) and in between, reading the story that Shar and friends are writing. LOL, I print and read almost the minute they are posted!!

So last night I was up late(by choice)0 to catch up...

Betty, I so enjoyed the trip with the boys. What an incredible Journey that you all took! One they will remember forever, just beautiful.

Linda Kay, What a gorgeous Angel Garden. Very pleasing to the eye.
Also, I will keep your father in thoughts and prayers as well.

Mary, i am glad your trip went well...And what a joy for you to with the upcoming proms! So exciting, My Julia only attended her Senior prom and one other dance...Of my thrill was the Senior Prom. So I hope you will have alot of preparing for Proms too.

Liz, Yep, got to say was thinking of you rushing me along with digging tree! LOL. Always fun to blab and laugh with you. Wait till you hear rendition of the General!! ROFLOL. We were digging out the old ones from out front, he kept coming out to see what we were doing. Finally took a break after they were out and then Anthony got started on the "new ones" LOL, The general couldn't see anymore because it was now the side of the house. While Anthony was doing that I went to pull things from the shed to get at my tiller, LOL I was thinking I wonder how long it will be before he "visits" my other neighbor...hahahah, it wasn't even 10 minutes, came out of the shed in time to see him casualling saying hello to neighbor!! All the time breaking his neck to see where Anthony was...Was so funny! Oh then the kids came home home and between the the three Anthony, Julia and Jacob...They wrestled the other two!
So how are you and what are you up too?

I know I need to chat with outhers too, forgot what everyone is upto...lol getting people mixed up, going to have to take notes or something...lol.

In the meantime I hope you all are enjoying the day.

Betty, please put some ice on your knees! Maybe you need to get those gel-knee pads, they really do work well...Steve gives me his when I weed out the sidewalk...Lovely piece of flooring by the way.

Bev, prayers added for Scotty's sister.
Bathroom sounds pretty!

Was just going to put the search party out looking for you Judy..wow you have been busy..imagine it looks lovely..think that young man has a real liking for Julia, trying to make the best impression on her mom..take all the help he has to offer...

Laughing at the General..old busybody..having to know what you are up to...shucks, you will be able to sit and enjoy your gardens with all the clean-up done..

Think we are all in the purging mode .. not even finished with the disaster of the craft room and I am thinking of measuring the woodworking area and laundry room so I can purchase flooring for it...

Must be something in the air...

I have been making a dump pile just outside the back door, now to find someone to take it to the dump..lucky you, you have Steve just for that purpose..lol...

Judy, Noah spent Saturday night with me and he was gabbing about the trip so yes it did make memories...

I will have to call Kyle and get him to forward photos...keeps saying he is making me a cd but want them now...am I not terrible..

Paul just came in, he was in Aruba last week..he is nicely tanned...

I have promised myself that this summer it will have scheduled a sitting in the sun time, must get tanned like everyone else..

Just popping in for a bit! Hello To All....

LK - love the angel garden. Love the celosia! (Boy am I proud of myself right now for knowing what that is!) wouldn't have known what to call it a short while ago!
I planted 2 by the pool....well actually planted 3. One died, one thriving, one barely hanging on. But I have to try because DH told me that they wouldnt grow here. :) or at least that he's never gotten them to grow. Anyway I love the vibrant colors.

Hey Bev, Judy, Betty, et al......

Yes - I love the kids getting dressed up for the dances. No more till October/Homecoming. We're slammed through the end of school, tennis regionals, band "state" competition, DD1 in School Drama play "Dracula", Band Banquet, graduation...etc.etc.etc.

Judy - glad you're getting some good gardening weather!

Betty - Noah just hasn't had enough time with Grandma - even after your trip! Now that says a lot for Grandma!

Tubby - Please keep us posted....

Hugs,

Mary

Mary, find that as each of the boys go thru different stages, grandma is put in high ranking, guess it's Noah's turn..he came by bike but told me he wasn't allowed to do any jumping because of hitting his head..he was quite upset about that...

Think he came to show grandma his war wounds and his new helmet..very flexible..maybe Trisha could explain how it can be road worthy safety wise when it's so think and flexible..something new I guess (for me because I've never had to wear a helmet)..new age creations...

Mary, you say DH is the gardener but I've a feeling that you'll soon be teaching him a thing or so about gardening...isn't it grand..

Would have to know the brand and ask my DH about it....I just take what he gives me and tells me to wear.....they do seem to work well....thankfully I have never personally tested their durability....

Tubby, with you in thoughts and prayers. Please do let us know.

I have already worn out a pair of gardening gloves today, and they were new. I told somebody that I am going to have to take up a collection just to keep me in gardening gloves. Shoes last, my gardening gloves don't!! But is sure is fun to play in the dirt.

I found a bag of potatoes growing in my lower cabinet. I cut them up and planted them. Ha ha! I will have a mess of potatoes in the fall. It has been years since I grew potatoes. Now if I can only get these seed beans to grow......and peppers, and tomatoes....ahhhhhh.

Back outside now, cannot waste a minute of this gorgeous day.
Hope pretty weather is in your day, too.

This is my Dads cherry tomatoes in the topsy turvy container. he picked, and ate the first one yesterday!
LOL, He said YUM!!!

LK

I'm jealous!!!!

I'm jealous, too.....