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Idyll #471 Will the REAL Idyll Please Stand Up?

saucydog
14 years ago

I'm glad Chelone found the Idyll in the haystack...what was that guy thinking? I don't need any Bamboo Floors today, thank you.

Carry on, friends!

Saucy

Comments (102)

  • flowerluvr
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Good afternoon, Idylls! My thoughts are going out to all who are buried in snow. I do enjoy being snowed in from time to time, but sounds like some of you are over-achievers ;)

    Cyn, what an ordeal! $700?? Sheesh! Lol, knowing my family, someone would just HAVE to get a good froth of toothpaste going just for a spoof. I just thought of the neti pot a couple of days ago. It took a bit to get things "percolating", but what wonderful relief, if only for a while!!

    Michelle, I've thought of you many times and wondered how things were going. Have a safe trip.

    Denise, I'm WANTING to build a new house. Right now, I'm in the convincing/planning stage. Lol, don't look for ground to be broken anytime soon ;) The real drag is that our house is currently sitting where the house needs to be. Much to be figured out before a move is made on it, but I really think it's the most practical thing to do.
    For what it's worth...as a Mom, I'm never offended when the kids ask me to cook for them-I LOVE it! DS sent a message yesterday that he needed a Mom hug and a breakfast. At 3:00 PM. Nothing in particular wrong, just a comfort thing in the hard world of being a grown-up.

    Kathy, I'm afraid he's on his own with grocery shopping and bathroom cleaning, though. Well, maybe if his arms and legs were broken, but for right now his beer cans and zig zags are his own problems to deal with. Lol, you gotta draw a line somewhere ;)

    Candy-neat picture! It looks like a coconut cake! That could be because I'm hungry, though. We're having an early afternoon breakfast, and I'd better go turn the eggs.

    See ya all later!
    Brenda

  • veronicastrum
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Quickie before we are off to a surprise birthday party. I'm amazed at the snow falling on our Virgina members! What a winter wallop! And the poor pups who can't figure out who stole their back yard.

    I've just ordered my beekeeping supplies! The potato boxes have been built and set in the garden, a local source of straw has been contacted, and we are getting close to ordering chicks.

    And this morning I EATed my way through the bathroom. OTC meds with an expiration date of 2006 or earlier have been disposed of!

    V., waving bye before she yells surprise

  • gardenbug
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Clear, sunny and cold here, but not much snow....yet anyway. I love seeing pictures of it elsewhere though!

    Garden catalogs are arriving...and yes, the colors are bright and cheery. A video arrived in the mail, something for DD & DSIL to view when I visit- concerning social competence. (Skyler...) Skyler had a tough week in some ways as he was being given a lesson in CONSEQUENCES. He had no electronic devises from Sunday until Thursday. Although he felt he suffered greatly, it was not bad at all really. He had lots more time to play with his Dad and do other things. DD commented on how much more calm his behavior was as well. She's been pushing for this for ages, but it takes a lot to convince his Dad....who also loves his toys. The hard part for him was that he was not allowed to play (Wii etc) at his friends' homes this week, but they could come to his house.

    Today, while DH was off to the dump, I visited the knit shop and got new needles and wool for hats. I'm teaching myself a few new tricks, one being making "bobbles". I'm keen on beginning right NOW. This is a problem for me. When I am eager to begin a project (or book) I don't want to do anything else but just dive in. That means I don't want to cook, clean or anything...

    Had a good phone call with DD this morning and Ms Ivy participated. ;) I shared the following article on lying with her...and we had some good laughs too.

    Tonight is a game party, but DH feels he can only make a quick appearance and then leave. We'll see how it goes. Don't want him hurting his throat. I'll be content to come back early and read more of my book on Champlain. (Champlain's Dream) It's a biggy!

    Enjoy your weekend!

  • jak1
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Hey Hey Hey!! You left me off the Grandma list!!! Have you forgotten TCS already (LOL)!

    TCS is now my Boost Boy, as he has little/no appetite due to his ADD meds. The specialist weighed him on Friday and he had actaully gained three pounds so my worries were dismissed.

    This has been a week of many crises for us, some large, some not so.

    First DS, who has many problems, had a crisis of his own and DD went to his rescue at 2 a.m. on Sunday. He is now here with us, dreadfully ill with the worst case of Strep Throat - a very sick man indeed. Quiet though :)

    Then the Beasts figured out how to open the gate and escape the yard. Being Terriers (terrors) we had several incidents of unfriendly dog-like behavoiur, culminating in a man ringing the doorbell and telling me he would boot my dogs to death (no kidding) if I didn't round them up within five minutes. Fortunately they do come when called and the five minute deadline was met. The gates have been repositioned and locked.

    The worst thing, though, was that a child on a school ski trip with TCS's school went out of control, hitting a treed area, and instantly killed. To add to that, DD was the ski patroller who went to her aid, and could not help her. The child was killed on impact. Not to be too graphic about it, the skil hill will be replacing all of DD's winter clothes. I was at the school on Friday (this happened Thursday afternoon) as it was hot dog day. Not many hot dogs were consumed. The school was full of subdued children, parents, counsellors, and of course, police and reporters. DD has yet to recover and is on stress leave from her job with the OPP. The little girl would have been twelve years old today. Pretty somber around her just now.

    At least we are not getting the ridiculous weather that some of you are, although it is cold. TCS went winter camping with the cubs today. His little cheeks are pink and he is feeling very good about himself. He has new meds - started this morning - and he seems much better. One step at a time I guess.

    Well, I am going to go and sit in the family room with DH and a glass of wine and relax. It seems like a long while since I did that.

    Cheers,

    Julie

  • chloehoover
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Julie - that sounds like you've had a stressful family week -- so sad about the skiing accident, and the terrible strep your DS is suffering. Im glad BB aka TCS is doing better - Im sure you are bit reassured to know he's gained some weight despite the meds; perhaps he's eating a bit more foods that are staying with him.

    'bug - that's amazing your DH is still only starting to recover his voice! I dont think I've ever heard of someone w/ laryngitis for a month -- golly....

    I shoveled for 2 hours, it was so discouraging because all the work of the day before looked for naught; after 2 hours, the walk I'd shoveled had 2 more inches of snow again; altho it is finally starting to finish up -- I'll try to take some final shots tomorrow a.m. - I dont have the heart (or back) to go out in it again today, LOL. It's going to be in the single digits tomorrow so not a good day for shoveling again, but has to be done. Im just very thankful for electricity!!!! There are lots of folks (a lot in MD) who lost their electricity. As a reward, I took a long nap today in true Slug fashion.

    I suspect I may lose a few things -- my cornus Wolf Eyes was almost to the ground yesterday, and the crape myrtle is bent even more this afternoon; that Boulevard Chamaecyparis now has one of those splits on the ground... well, I will be happy if no major damage of fences, roofs, etc.!

    I need more purple...

    so I found this, I think it qualifies:

    {{gwi:148845}}

    Cindy

  • chelone
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    The snowy pictures are so pretty. How much have you gotten so far, Cindy? I caught a little bit of the news this morning and the shots of the DC area were pretty cool. So the snow is sort of wet and heavy, huh. That can be bad news for powerlines. Not sure if you've been hit with an outage or not. I wouldn't bother with the shovelling until it's stopped. It's not going anywhere on its own, afterall. It must be pretty funny to watch Chloe's reaction to it.

    Julie, I cannot imagine the horror of losing a child that way. Trauma for all involved and a truly shocking experience for kids. Life can be tough sometimes and the trick is to talk about it openly and honestly and as much as required. Burying it will do no one much good. My heart goes out to your DD, she must be devastated. Good to know TCS is hanging tough. And I had to laugh at the dogs making good their escape, lol. I know it's not really funny but since nothing tragic came of the jail break it did make me chuckle. Esp. the neighborhood guy's reaction... Sure, they shouldn't have gotten loose but for Pete's sake, they weigh maybe 20 lbs., how much damage can they wreak in the a short period of time. I dunno, I think it's my decided redneck exposure in a very small, rural community that makes me roll my eyes at how quickly people flip about stuff that's really pretty dumb.

    Cold this morning when we went out with Rex for the pre-prandial pee. I didn't bother with a hat and instantly regretted the oversight. The snow is very crusty and there are large patches of bare ground. No snow in the the immediate forecast.

    Cyn., I'm appalled at the $700 visit to the emergency room. For nothing! Yeah, baby, the finest health care in the world, for those who can afford it. I was thinking that toothpaste hijinks would be part of the drill here, too... ;)

    Lovely to see Brenda pop in, too. Every minute you put into thinking about a building project pays dividends. And I completely understand "starting over". My FIL was an architect and while our home is no showplace it's well designed, has a ton of room, and it's because we stuck to our budget and kept it simple we were able to move in for a very modest price. Of course, we've done all the finish work ourselves and have "paid as we go" which has not always been easy. You must be pretty close to "out of your mind" with the blessed event so close at hand. :)

    Kathy, the line about the empties and the zig-zags cracked me right up. Nothing like the 'noids when the 'rents were standing next to the cabinet with the bong in it... . Ahh yes, really takes me back to my misspent youth, lol.

    Gotta go.

  • gardenbug
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Centaurea 'Amethyst in Snow'
    {{gwi:148846}}

    Oh Julie! Next week HAS to be better! Giant hugs to you and yours.

  • dodgerdudette
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Well, Im not going to complain about the all-day rain here after viewing Cindy pics (and Cynthias too, over on FB) . No rain tomorrow (allegedly) but Ill be spending most of the day inside the convention center in SF . Im going to take next Friday off, so I have hopes that I will have a productive three day gardening weekend.

    My word Julie, what a load of trouble around your house right now. (((Julie, TCS, DD, DS ))) , I hope things settle down for you soon. Step throat is just one nasty malady isnt it ? I havent had it since my 20s thank goodness . I hope all of you are keeping your distance from DS. Enjoy that glass of wine friend !

    Encouragement from this quarter for Brendas building project ! How awesome it would be to bulld the house you want , that meets your particular needs. Im afraid custom built homes out here in Fantasy Land are far out of the reach of those without a ton of $$.

    Im able to report that Marian is ok, and once again has her computer in the shop , I saw a post on her profile page on FB from a friend who spoke with her on the phone.

    Cindy what a glorious shot of that Clem ! I wonder if you will be able to get to the awfice on Monday ?

    Ok, this is not purple , (but purple and yellow do look nice together) but I will share none the less. I took it this morning in the parking lot of Whitehall Lane Vineyards during the 5 minutes today that it was not raining. {{gwi:148847}}From 2010-02-07

    Kathy in Napa

  • woodyoak zone 5 southern Ont., Canada
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    ((Julie and family!))

  • triple_creek
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Julie,What a time of it your family has had. So sad about the girl. Her poor parents.
    And very hard on your DD too.
    I hope DS improves soon,TCS continues to gain weight and the Terrors don't escape again.

    Kathy thats a pretty picture. I'm not a fan of mustard here I always tried to keep it out of my pastures,but its pretty there.
    Good to know Marian is ok. Darn computers. They can be so touchy.

    More pretty purples. Love it.

    Saucy I do like the harmonica. Kudos to Jake for learning.

    V, Are you going to grow your potatos in the boxes with straw?I have grown potatos in leaves before. I may try that again this year. It was pretty easy.

    I hope Michelle is not stuck on the road somewhere.

    Not much going on here. Norma

  • gardeningmary
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Good morning

    Julie, what a terrible week - your poor DD. My heart goes out to the family of the girl - having been a parent on the recieving end of a ski patrol phone call I can only imagine their devastation at at hearing the unimaginable. Very sadly a wonderful young man (teenager) from our community was killed this week in a ski accident. Hope DS is feeling better and you have a peaceful week to all recover.

    Yesterday, in between driving everyone to where they needed to be, I found myself immersed in two books I purchased on heirloom tomato recipes. I am inspired to try harder with tomatoes this year this year and am excited about ordering seeds. Aunt Ruby's Green. Kellog, Cherokee Purple, Ildi, Stupice, Gardens Delight and of course, Brandywine are definites. Any other suggestions?

    Cindy - take care during the big dig! Amazing that you have had more snow than we this year. Ruth's children are loving it.

    Last night I took Annie and her BFF to see An Education. It is a delightful, poignent film we all loved and highly recommend.

    Off to google potato boxes - V has piqued my interest.

    Mary

  • gardeningmary
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    This is so cool - I'd never heard of potato boxes before. I'll be building a couple of these as soon as it warms up. This is why I love this forum - so many neat ideas come from this group!

    M

  • gardenbug
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I haven't read your link yet Mary, but DD has used stacked rubber tires (not beautiful) and half barrels for potato growing. Their season is short, but it worked well. She grew potatoes, carrots and sunflowers for her September wedding in 2006...enough to serve 100 people. (DH's job was to dig them up!)

    Last night I dragged DH to the game party and he lasted longer than he anticipated. Must have been the food....

    Another clear sky but frigid day here. I've done breakfast, treadmill and now for knitting!

    Iris Dardanus
    {{gwi:148848}}

    Later,
    'bug

  • veronicastrum
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Mary, that's exactly what our potato boxes look like. I will put some soil in the bottom but then add straw on the top as they grow. DH has the boards all cut and ready to go, as I may need to start adding them before he returns from NZ.

    Denise, you asked about our NZ trip. DH is required to take a one month sabbatical every five years, and he figures if he doesn't plan something he will spend a month on his tush, so five years ago he went to Africa and climbed Kilimanjaro. This time, he is going to NZ for five weeks and I am going for a little over a week on the front end of the trip. After I return home, he will do the Milford Track and he is setting up a farm stay program as well.

    Yesterday we made a trip to REI, where he got a some supplies and I got a nice new pair of hiking shoes. Also got some more hiking socks. I think good hiking socks are worth every penny! I also got a hat, and some snowboarding gloves that work very well for winter photography.

    Julie, sorry to hear about your tough week! What a terrible experience the ski accident was for all involved. Hope you have a much better week ahead.

    We're off to SIL's for a Super Bowl party. Anticipating many yawns tomorrow morning!

    V.

  • chloehoover
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    V -- that sounds so lovely re NZ -- too bad you cant do 5 weeks there with DH -- but I imagine even 10 days will be mighty neat; I've always wanted to go to NZ and Australia - some day perhaps...

    It's been a beautiful sunny day here -- 2 more hours of shoveling this a.m. got the car finally dug out but it's pretty cold. I think the final verdict was somewhere in the range of 32 to 34 inches for the Chantilly/Dulles area, which is near me.... the most I recall in a long long time. And another storm headed here Tuesday nite! The amazing news is that they have announced the awfice will be closed for Monday -- the world has stopped, I do believe.... glad someone got sensible. Tuesday should be a venture back there; Im certainly feeling a wee bit of cabin fever but a walk outside usually cures that.

    Golly, I hope Cyn got power back if that's why she's been absent.

    Mary, I agree - there are so many imaginative folks here and I love their ideas, garden combos, etc. I miss the folks who have wandered away too as they are so amazing and FB definitely doesnt offer much by way of sharing indepth ideas....

    Im concentrating on making notes of things to be moved in the garden - dreaming there will be an early thaw and Spring -- gotta stay positive!

    -cindy

  • chelone
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I've noticed a lot of Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland members missing on other sites I frequent, too. I suspect power outtages are taking their toll.

    That's a lot of snow, Cindy. The key is to clear a walkway out and free up the car. And chip away at it from there. Are there no enterprising teenagers in your compound? is there any sort of boys/girls club that could be contacted for some "slave labor"? I'll bet you're glad the powers that be came to their senses and cancelled work tomorrow!

    I like the potato cages; I've seen the same idea done using hardware cloth. In my library here is a wonderful little book, "The Postage Stamp Garden Book" by Duane Newcomb. It's full of cool ideas on how to maximize production by planting closely and double-digging the vegetable beds.

    I miss the many who've gone to FB. I just can't get into it, though Lord knows I've tried. Too much like "sound bytes" and nothing that conveys the essence of the person. I feel as though I'm eavesdropping a bus... :(

    I spent a pleasant day out in the Salon. I did some work and listened to "A Prairie Home Companion". I fired up the stove and it brought the temperature up to a comfy 70 degrees in not much time. I can't wait to get the file cabinets back and set my computer up out there. That'll raise it to true, "clubhouse" status. And I've been meaning to say this for some time now, I particularly like, "The Vinyl Cafe" with Stuart Mclean. This show is a just another jewel from our Canadian friends. Witty, funny, replete with tender stories and great music, it's something I wish American broadcasting did more of! I wouldn't be listening to that stupid football game if the computer was out there now. Of that you may rest assured!

    I've been thinking of Michelle's progress south with the car and all the attendant worries. Wishing her good speed and an uneventful trip to and from. And some special moments with her favorite little girl. ;)

    Thanks for the update on Marian. (she doesn't call, she doesn't write, the nerve of little old biddies these days!). :)

  • gardenbug
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    "The Vinyl Cafe" with Stuart Mclean...and there are books too! DD & DSIL & Skyler went to his show a while back. Lo and behold, there was DD's ex! And you can be sure there's a story in there someplace....

    Today we delivered a donation for my friend. She has bone cancer ...and is such a strong happy woman. The whole town (almost)has come together for a party next weekend with a great meal, music and silent art auction to help her with funds. She has a pension, but her career as a sculptress is on hold now and her strength diminishing. Life is so very unfair. When I am in charge of the universe....watch out!

    DH decided he wanted marmalade today. So off we went to collect some. I hope it soothes the scratchy throat!

    I took a break today and read a children's book. I do love them too. My fancy green hat is progressing. Here is a look-see for you:

  • gardenbug
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I just wanted to add this part. My friend who is so sick with cancer and therapy visited her two adult sons in BC over Christmas. While there she enjoyed reading and relaxing and felt quite well. This inspired her to paint a picture for them. Can you imagine what that gift means to them? I'm so amazed.

  • dodgerdudette
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Good Sunday evening Idylls. I have the game on in the background with no volume, just to track the scores in case I win any money in the pool, lol Monique is doing the same thing.

    Went to the SF gift show today with two of the garden center dudettes, we were trying to find a couple of vendors for garden décor that is not some of the absolute crap offered to us day in and out. We think we scored a couple of good ones. The show was at least 25% smaller than in years past by my reckoning. Probably many wholesale gift businesses have fallen by the wayside , and the garden related offerings were disappointingly small. I wish Id had my camera with me today; San Francisco was at its most glorious, no fog, sun ..what a beautiful city she is when shes on.

    Mary , I would love to grow potatoes ! Im going to bookmark that site . If I get my concrete removal done , I will have a spot. There is an organic farm in Marin County that is also a Zen Buddist center -they are associated with Greens Restaurant in the city which is a landmark gourmet vegetarian restaurant and they have beautiful potato fields, The climate on our coast is excellent for spuds.

    NZ ! Oooh V, we will need a boatload of pics. I would love to go there , its in my top 5.

    Hooray for you Cindy, and the sensibility of the awfice folk. Its downright ridiculous to try and travel and conduct business in the type of weather you are having.

    How admirable your cancer-struck friend is bug. I really cant think of anything wise to say about it. No rhyme or reason to it is there ?

    All for me tonight ..wishing a cozy and warn evening, hunkered down for our mid-Atlantic friends.

    Kathy in Napa

  • cyn427 (z. 7, N. VA)
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Now I have (sort of) caught up after having no power. Cold, but reminiscent of losing power as a child-always fun with board games and candles and sandwiches for dinner. We kept a fire going and stayed right near it. We listened to the radio (Prairie Home Companion here, too!) and read by candle and lantern (battery-run) light. Our neighbors across the street headed to the local Hilton-no sense of adventure!

    Cindy, I heard two hangars at Dulles had collapsed roofs. Haven't seen the news since power came on though-that was from a neighbor. We measured our snow at 22" this time. Glad the awfice is closed. School is, too, and I would be surprised if we go in Tuesday. I suspect we will lose some, if not all, of our Spring break. I am, however, very much into instant gratification in situations like this. Who knows what might happen between now and spring break.

    Chelone, DH and I have been wondering about the dearth of young people offering to shovel us out. Around here, it is all middle-aged Hispanic men who come with shovels asking to dig us out. We actually have neighbors who make excuses for why their kids couldn't possibly help their parent shovel the walks and driveways. Don't even suggest that they do so for elderly neighbors who could use the help. It really is absurd. One said that, well, yes, she has a 12 year old, but he is small and doesn't want to help his dad let alone a neighbor. I was disgusted. I know this kid-he could easily shovel out his parents and a couple of neighbors. Not at all like when we were growing up.

    V, you will love NZ, I am sure. We went for two weeks five or so years ago. I would move there in a second. It is an amazing place. I hope we get back someday in the not-too-distant future.

    'bug, I am sorry to hear of your friend's cancer. Life just isn't fair, is it? Being with her sons must have been a wonderful gift for her as well. I would happily vote for you to head the universe!

    I know I wanted to say more, but I am fading fast this evening. I think having a warm house is tiring me out! Have to say, I am pleased that the Saints won.

    Talk to everyone tomorrow. Hugs to all.

  • flowerluvr
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Just popping in to keep up on my reading, but I gotta give Julie a hug! (((JULIE))) What a week! I can't even imagine, a happy little girl one minute, gone the next.

    I'll go back to my reading.
    Brenda

  • chloehoover
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Kathy -- do you recall the last house we visited on the open day in Maine? They had the new maze and combo classic ornaments/country garden -- with a ton of ornaments? I managed to discover a few of their things -- by a company called Elegant Earth in Alabama... I liked the small bench they had against the house and a couple other things that are apparently made by them.. trying to locate a source in this area who carries their stuff (altho I suspect it's not cheap).. Glad you had a fun day in SF if nothing else...

    Glad to see you made it okay, Cyn -- Im sitting here in amazement -- they're saying another 5 to 10 inches starting mid-day Tuesday.... as long as Metro above ground stays closed, I have no choice but to stay home; Im pretty sure the awfice will open tomorrow no matter what - I hate to use my leave this way, but prefer to have a longer life and less stress, so if I have to I will.

    'bug - as others echoed, so sad about your friend -- but it sounds wonderful that you have a town that draws close for friends and Im sure she gains strength from such generosity and the love of her children.... I barely even know my neighbors... as Cyn mentioned, there is not a single kid/person in my neighborhood who's interested in making some money shoveling -- I did have one neighbor across the street come to help me dig my car out on Saturday -- but that was it. There's a 16 yr old 2 doors down and his father... neither did an inch of sidewalk past their property line.... well, more importantly, I just wanted to say how wonderfully fortunate you are to live in a place that does special things for their residents in need....

    Brenda - I hope you'll keep popping back in to tell us of your dreams for building a house -- that would be neat; could you not build the new one just adjacent to the present one or add some new big one floor wing. I know what you mean about needing different things as we age - living in a 3 story townhouse is likely a challenge if I were to stay in it thru my old age....so I'll probably need to move in another 5 to 10 years...

    Sounds like you had a pleasant weekend, Chelone -- I agree re stupidball (er, football)...something I enjoy being ignorant of, LOL...

    --Cindy

  • drema_dianne
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Hi Everyone.

    We have been really busy the past week or so, and it will continue through this week too, but I wanted to say Congratulations to Cindy on the grandbaby news. How exciting!

    Julie, I also wanted to say how sorry I am to hear of the skiing accident. I hope your daughter is doing okay. Hopefully her employers have a program to help her deal with the emotional aftermath. The hospital where I used to work had such things for employees. I forget what they are called, but it was to deal with trauma, and the people I know who attended said it really helped. How awful for all involved.

    'Bug, your friend sounds like a very strong person. One has to admire that.

    We had a lot of snow over the weekend, and I hear we are getting another foot tommorrow. For those of you in the Washington DC area, it must be really tough. We borrowed the kid's snowblower yesterday, and it really makes a huge difference. I always worried about Skip shoveling when it gets really high. He isn't as young as he once was, and forgets it sometimes. I have noticed if he starts huffing and puffing,he just goes harder to push himself beyond it.

    Brenda, don't get me started on a new house. I would love to tear mine down and start over. It needs so much work. We were looking at 12 acres right before Christmas, of course the housing market is awful here, so I couldn't sell mine right now, but I was dreaming and found this company. They put together the house, and send it to you to put together. I sent for a catalog, and they have a lot of different kinds. Just a dream for me, ..but fun to look at. I didn't know there was anything like this out there in "prefab."

    I have to run, and help Skip do something right now. Stay warm!

  • cyn427 (z. 7, N. VA)
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Julie, should have said how sad your news about the 12 year-old is. Things happen so quickly and I always take a deep breath when I think about how we skied when we were young. Even when DS was young, we just didn't think about how dangerous it can be. John is a much better skier than either DH or I are and I suspect he can still be reckless at 30 years old. It's one reason we always end every conversation, no matter how mundane, with "I love you."

    Drema, those Connor houses are lovely. Wouldn't it be terrific to be able to completely redo. I would have all glass in the back-we have a wall of windows/doors in the living room and dining room, but I would like that in all the bedrooms and down in the library, too. I would make the deck a screened in porch, redo all the baths and kitchen-wow, what fun it is to dream.

    Cindy, we may both be home for a while. Fairfax has already announced it is closed through Wednesday. The news just said 8"-12" more. So far, I am still enjoying it. As long as we have power, that is! DH has been walking to the store, ATM, dry cleaners (really? That was an emergency????). I fear he has a bad case of cabin fever. No foaming at the mouth yet, though, and no report from the health department yet.

    Also, Cindy, there is a source for the Elegant Earth here in Old Town Alexandria according to the website-116 King Street. Forget the name of the shop. We should do a weekend expedition with lunch.

    V, do you know where in NZ you will be going? Christchurch has wonderful botanic gardens and wonderful city gardens along the canal. It is a very English city. Of course, the entire place is incredibly beautiful. We loved the wild places.

    I am trying to convince DH to sculpt the huge snow piles at the end of the drive into something wonderful. So far, he is not taking me up on that. Oh well. He is so artistic and I thought it would look rather cool to have a couple of trolls or something guarding the castle.

    Time to start marinating the tuna steaks. Then, a glance at the new plant catalogues-yippee.

    Wishing everyone warm toes and spring dreams.

  • chloehoover
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I guess we Virginians get to share the four letter word with lots of idyllers this time; we may not even get the worst of this storm -- PA and New England watch out...

    I will say I think I am suffering a bit from cabin fever but didnt feel it enough to try to pull the car out and go see how bad the secondary roads were - I even talked myself out of a quick trip to pick up some things - I find I end up buying more carb, fattening things for "comfort" so I will do better having to eat thru all the celery and carrot sticks. I am suffering from some chocolate deficiency tho; I may have to improvise as I do have some old chocolate chips.... Chloe's got a good stash of her special dog food and special treats, so she's mostly suffering from indooritis -- the 4 foot part of the patio I cleared did not meet with her approval -- she went out to check it out and then looked at me as to why there seemed to be huge white fences all around it -- clearly some sort of weird cage.

    Drema, you got a fair amount of snow too, didnt you? Those are neat houses -- it's easy to get sucked into that daydreaming thing isnt it? I've become enamoured of home decorating mags for some reason...

    I hope everyone is in good hunkerdown stage -- hoping Kathy and Denise are not suffering from terrible rains.

    --Cindy

  • denisez10
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Oh my goodness, Cindy, you are a saint to be worried about our weather! I'm so glad to hear you and Cyn are hanging in there. I hope it clears soon for restocking chocolate provisions. We had one solid night of rain, with standing water the next morning in the garden, a rare sight since most of the paving is permeable. It was drained through in an hour. But that was the night of rain that caused mudslides in the recently burned areas.

    Julie, so sorry to hear of the tough times for your family. What a horrific accident. I hope your daughter gets the comfort she needs to continue her rescue work.

    Thanks for the NZ trip info, V. I heartily endorse the five-year sabbatical program.

    Cyn, for some inspiration for your DH, I'm linking some ice sculptures.

  • triple_creek
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Denise , The ice sculptures are beautiful. That would be fun to see for real.

  • dodgerdudette
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    The expensive Dowdeswell Delphinum seeds were in my mailbox today when I got home from the awfice, complete with very detailed germination instructions, that I may actually be able to follow. Included was a packet of freebie seeds which effectively assuaged my remorse over spending almost more for these seeds that I would have for a flat of 6-packs. I will start them this weekend !

    Also got a Bluestone catalog, much to my surprise. I have not received one for many years; places like ForestFarm and Digging Dog are so much closer , it makes little sense for me to order from the Midwest (is Ohio considered the Midwest ?) unless they have something I just cant get west of the Rockies. A great reference though I must say.

    Speaking of mail order, I placed an order with DD this past Saturday; Baptisia Australis minor, as per our previous discussion, Penstemon Raven (already have one, needed another) and 3 Teuchrium Purple Tails . I will probably receive them this week.

    What Denise said Cindy ! Rain is a fact of life here in the winter (although Denise less so) and we are glad to have it after the three years of drought. Our season normal rainfall here in the Napa Valley is between 25 and 35 inches , all falling for the most part between November and April, with the majority in Jan and Feb. I think Denises average is about 12 if Im not mistaken. We sure have been dumped on this January, and Feb is shaping up to be pretty wet too. What nice stuff in the Elegant Earth catalog ! I wish I could find a source like that out here-freight on these types of products is a real deal-killer as it adds big bucks to landed cost. I noticed they did have some dealers in California. How in the world did you figure out the stuff in that Maine garden came from them ? I remember that bench , maybe I took a pic of it, Ill have to look.

    No power ..wow Cyn. Glad you are back on the grid-at least for now. Its pretty humbling to find out how dependent on it you are when you lose it.


    No pic of the bench I fear Cindy, but here is another fabu-urn from the same garden, and purple to boot ! {{gwi:148850}}From Idyllunion 6 July 2009

    Kathy in Napa

  • saucydog
    Original Author
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I feel like I have no time lately, or perhaps I'm spending it unwisely. The kids have things to do at night and work has been busy.

    Anyway, I wanted to say that I'm thinking of you and your family, Julie. What a terrible thing for your daughter to experience.

    I am off to the orthodontist this morning, so I have no time...but I am thinking of each and everyone of you and what you've written! I've gotta get my Idyll time back :)

    Saucy

  • chloehoover
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I do think I would prefer rain if I had a choice; aside from the shovel hand and arm aching, Im sitting here being worried about ice dams on the roof, the frozen lake of my front steps that is a hazard for anyone, me included, who wants to go up or down to the front door, etc. Of course, I'd be worrying about lots of rain and flooding, LOL....

    Cyn - I'd be happy to meet you for a shopping/wandering tour in Old Town; I did note the various local stores mentioned, altho most of them dont really look or mention this manufacturer; but one never knows what treasures could be found! The hunt is part of the thrill I think.

    Kathy, yep, pretty bowl - they had many lovely vignettes; I think as a whole tho it suffered; too many vignettes perhaps or too much of a mix - they couldnt decide what style they wanted. We've seen others that blended a bit more smoothly I think - it could be it was a case of him versus her too - I wondered about that.

    Here's a photo of their bench - it was a small one, which is one reason I noticed it:

    {{gwi:148852}}

    --Cindy

  • gardenbug
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Yes Saucy, we do think of our Idyll friends whether or not we have time to post!
    Guess which Idyll came to mind as I read this!

    Champlain's father's first cousin-in-law, Jacques Hersan or Hersaut, was given a special position in the Royal Household, with the wonderful title of "picqueur de chiens de la Chambre du Roy; chief whipper of dogs in the royal kennels."

    Another gloomy day here, with treadmill, mealprep, knitting and DH's doctor's appointment scheduled. BORING!!!

    Enjoying the photos though!
    Here's another- Berberis and Allium Purple Sensation.

    {{gwi:148853}}

  • triple_creek
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    OOh la la bug. I like that combo. LOL on the dog whipper. Thinking Chelone of course.

    Cindy the picture of the bench has planted a seed of an idea in my head because of the area it is on.

    Kathy, I need to winter sow some seeds now. Need to get on that. Like the urn too.

    More snow , more cold. I'm ready to be done with this.

    Saucy busy is good. We know you will be back.

    norma

  • flowerluvr
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Hm, we're in line for a winter storm. 9-14" possible with winds gusting to 35 mph. tonight. That child SURELY wouldn't, would he??? I guess it IS our turn, so many of the Idylls have been hammered by the weather. Thank goodness we have 4WD. I'm not missing this for anything, and it's good to know that we can get DD to the hospital if need be.

    Bug, I'm so sorry to hear about your friend. What a wonderful gift the painting is. I have a letter that Chuck wrote to me, and there is something so very comforting about it. Far more than any of the "things" I have that were his. Please know I'm thinking of you. ((Bug))

    We have some options on the siting of the house. We could build behind the current house. If we do that, the shop and the machine shed would need to be moved, as they would be our "view" from the porch. We'd also lose the benefit of the evergreen windbreak to the west if we did that. We own land, so we could go to a different location, but I'd really rather not do that. I don't see building onto this house as an option. At least, not a cost effective one. The plumbing is ancient, and the wiring upstairs is a nightmare. The house was built in the 1800s. It's a classic 8 room farmhouse. Sounds charming, and in some ways it is, it's just not terribly practical. Coming down the stairs is almost like walking frontways down a ladder. I've come down those stairs the hard way a couple of times. Not something I want to do again, especially not in my 70s :) There are a few landscape features I'm not willing to part with. There are the old lilacs, the magnolia the kids got me the year my favorite dog died-he's buried beneath it, and the "stump" bed. I enjoy daydreaming and doing research, and Jim does not. So, I will do both, and present Jim with a logical plan. Fortunately, he's married to a woman who has no need for a golden fountain in the foyer, lol!

    I've finally gotten my garden seed ordered. I'm going to start a few things from seed this year. I haven't done that in ages, and miss it. I just can't find some of the varieties of peppers and tomatoes that I want at the nursery. I'm looking forward to getting my hands in the dirt this year, and enjoying it. Last year in the garden was just too sad. Time for renewed hope, and the understanding that there's no reason to feel guilty for being able to do the things I love. The year of firsts will be over before I know it, and that will be okay, too.

    Here it is, 11:00, and I'm still in my robe, watching the today show. Before I go shower, I've just got to ask. Did anyone else see the story about the lady who swallowed her earring?? They mentioned that it was by accident, lol! It was on her nightstand, and she swallowed it with her vitamins. As someone who takes a handful of vitamins a couple of times I day, I still don't see how you didn't know you were holding a good sized, pointy fleur de lis earring in your hand. That said, if I DID manage to swallow it, I really don't think I'd go on the Today Show and tell everyone I did it ;)
    Okay, folks, I need to pull it together for the day. Have a good one all, and good luck on the weather. Spring is on the way, I just know it!
    Brenda
    PS. Thanks for that link, Drema. I'm bookmarking it in my research folder. The house on the home page is amazing! Not at all what I'd think of in thinking of a pre-fab home!

  • chloehoover
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Another gorgeous combo from Gardenbug -- that is so cheery.

    Norma, I think that's why I take so many photos on IU - I re-visit them especially in winter and get all sorts of ideas. I thought the container combo in the bench photo was really lovely too -- the heucheras and euphorbia diamond frost (I think)... they had some great containers that were not overly fussy; but good singles or maybe 3 types of plants.

    Here's a purplish plant in that same garden - not sure what it is (I recall the owner couldnt recall what it was either):

    {{gwi:148854}}

  • cyn427 (z. 7, N. VA)
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I noticed that raised spot for the bench, too, Norma. Ideas are percolating-it's all this free time. DH is getting tired of hearing, 'Hey, I have an idea..." That is a wonderful bench. Maybe we should become suppliers for Elegant Earth, Cindy-lol. My DS could do our marketing!! I would probably end up with profits going to buying more for our yard-teehee.

    My idea this morning was to finish clearing the 20 inches of snow off the deck before the next batch falls. So, I spent about 20 minutes and DH is still out there. No wonder he views my ideas with the wary eye of a skeptic. We have ice today as well. The mailman almost fell yesterday. I threw down some birdseed after that-not that it will help much.

    Saucy, I understand about time. I am not one to use it as wisely as I could, but you can be excused. Having kids at home does that to us, I think, because of all the transitions and small bits of time which don't leave good long periods free.

    Kathy, can't wait to see your pics of the delphiniums when they come up. Anticpation...It is wonderful that you can already order and get plants and seeds this time of year. I can hardly imagine how you could make your garden prettier, but it sounds as if you will!

    Denise, surprisingly (not), DH did not jump on the chance to outdo the Chinese-lol. He did, however, pick up some dark chocolate when he walked to the store yesterday, so I will overlook his reluctance. Doesn't Montreal have an amazing ice festival, too? Seems I have seen pictures. The lights in China made for spectacular shots.

    Woody, thinking about you and sending especially good energy and thoughts through the storms to you.

    'bug, fun fact. That is one of those things that will stick in my head. I remember studying Champlain in elementary school and would love to teach about him so I could share that!

    Hope Michelle's trip has been uneventful (safe) and fun.

    Well, I'm off. I think I will suggest that WE try to clear the ice off the gutters a little before the new snow hits-teehee (not really, because he will do it and I don't want him falling off a ladder).

    Hope our West Coast Idyllers are dry and everyone else, warm.

  • gardenbug
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Boy Cindy, that purple plant is wonderful against the rocks! Looks like a sedum in a way...If someone knows, spill the beans please!

    Hi Brenda! Time to get out of those jammies. ;)

    'bug

  • triple_creek
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    The Pond . Will these coleus cuttings make it till spring.
    {{gwi:148855}}

    The front yard with the small pond. The water is still running in this one.

    {{gwi:148856}}

    And Niki being Niki
    {{gwi:148857}}

  • chloehoover
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    'bug -- I thought it might be allium senescens var. glaucum (peruvian allium), if not a sedum.... but Im still not sure. It was a very cool plant and I regret not getting a better close-up. I seem to recall our time was a bit limited and it was the end of the day - we were all kind of tuckered by then, werent we?

    Amazing ice sculptures -- the Chinese do like to do everything in a big big way, dont they? Wow.

    I looked at those houses from you, Drema -- amazing! I see they have a location in Leesburg, which is not too far from me -- it's kind of the newest sleeping hub for DC, LOL... (that and Gainesville, VA)... my next place would need to have a first floor master bedroom tho - a must for transitioning seniors.

    Sounds like you've got lots of ideas for the house, Brenda -- I too think that renewed interest in gardens, seeds, etc., is a reaffirmation of life and helps with grief immensely. Something folks hooked into blackberries, iphones and ipods really miss out on.

    Saucy -- I agree re Cyn's advice re parenting/children -- it's the height of multi-tasking and you deserve whatever little down time you get, that likely comes in very small windows of minutes or an hour...perhaps why FB works for those of us starved for free minutes as opposed to hours -- this is the longest time I've had lately to look at garden blogs and do some online searching, etc.

    Back to plant hunting....(I just need to win the lottery).

    --Cindy

  • saucydog
    Original Author
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Great pictures...and I think I know one!!! I think that purple in the rocks is a type of argeratum...no? One of the old fashioned ones...not the new low annuals that are sold for bedding plants.

    Back to work! Thanks for the great lunch break :)

    Saucy

  • dodgerdudette
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Cindy that plant looks like a Thrachleium, a great plant, I have 3 currently . The stems are dark bronze and look fabu with the purply flowers

    Sneaking out

    Kathy in Napa

  • Lara Noles
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Afternoon Idyllers, I'm another one in the midst of the snowstorm. Not too bad yet, we've probably got less than an inch of very fine, powdery snow, but more to come. I'm home alone today and have everything I need, even made a trip to Whole Foods and Barnes and Noble yesterday in preparation, and I'm enjoying my solitude. My only worry is Brad driving the 25 miles to and from work and my kids out on the roads. I've been puttering around doing a job here or there and am really thinking about organizing all of our childrens books by author this afternoon. Bella takes books from the shelves, but piles them next to it for me to put back, so it wouldn't be hard to keep them organized and we'd be able to find specific books so much easier than way. I took a quick count and estimate our count to be over 400 assorted books.

    I've enjoyed so much looking at all of the photos on this thread. Those last ones of the beautiful garden ornaments really struck a cord with me. We have a shop near here called Detroit Garden Works with so many similar beautiful benches, fountains, urns etc. Pricey, but I love to go in there and dream. The owner lives in my town and has a beautiful garden too. She has a great blog, one of my favorites, I'll link it below.

    Kathy, Wondering what instructions you're following for the delphinium sowing? I used to grow them from seed but got tired of all the staking when the plants bloomed. Very labor intensive I thought and we'd always have a storm blow through just when they were beautiful that would break over the stalks no matter how well I thought I had them secured. I did the Pacific Giants and would sow the seeds, put them in the frig for 2 weeks and them put them in a dark closet until they germinated. I'd get really great results with that method. The first time I sowed them I did a whole flat and had so many plants I couldn't give them all away.

    Brenda, interesting that you're thinking of building a new house. How exciting for you! Though, truth be told, I always tell Brad I never want to live in a house that's younger than me. I grew up living in new houses but the architecture lover in me can't get enough of the old ones, even with all of their quirkiness. They seem to have a soul to me. We looked at an old schoolhouse that had been converted into a home not long ago. Beautiful architecture...and a great price but small and oh my, it was full of 1970's "improvements" and was in such disrepair. We decided we were too old and tired to tackle something that labor intensive, lol. I'm thinking I'm stuck here in my little house for awhile with this economy. Bright side, at least it's paid for:)

    Norma, I really love the coleus cuttings in the bottles on the windowsill. I'm so going to do that next year. Maybe I'll take better care of them that way too. You're Nicki looks just like my Esther. She's a character, huh?

    A couple more conservatory pictures for Candy. It's hard to take pictures of the inside. It's tiny in there and there's all that reflecting glass. Last year I filled it with annuals in mostly pinks and purples, a couple of cannas, one of which was Tropicana, a big Boston fern on a plant stand, and a couple of garden gnomes. I put a white wicker chair I found on the curb in one corner with a big purple pot of flowers in it. Other urns and pots on the floor in front...not sure what I'll do in there this year.

    {{gwi:148858}}

    Here it is at night

    {{gwi:148859}}

    Enough blabbering from me. Thinking of Julie and family and Woody too.

    Keep the pictures coming. We're going to need them!

    Eden

  • chloehoover
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Norma - I want to tell you how much I enjoy seeing your gardens/ponds from a different perspective - esp the view from inside -- it put them both into an entirely different light for me. It's so wonderful you have views of them both from in your house. I like the coleus color too -- I threw mine out in the late autumn when I started to worry about fungus gnats - I had such a terrible time w/ those things last year, I think I got a little paranoid about them this year.... But it's nice to see them like little stainglass ornaments on your window sill.

    Eden - I have come across that blog and spot in my ever eternal search for unusual ornaments - I've cruised both the gardenworks and the blog -- she's an extremely clever designer. One can tell it's pricey but wow, so worth it. I suspect that's why I am enamoured of these Elegant Earth items -- I did locate a price on one little basin online and it wasnt too expensive; so it gives me hope that some of the other stuff might not be too bad. I think also it's because so much of the stuff is very classical -- that appeals to the "classic" bones in my body, LOL....

    Kathy -- interesting call on that trachelium caeruleum I think you meant? I've grown it as an annual (mine were very sky blue I think) -- for some reason I recall those plants in the rockery to have a more glaucous/sedum like leaf, and they were definitely small sprawly plants -- about 6 inches... I suppose they could have just planted them in the cracks.. maybe there are some other types of tracheliums that are smaller and thicker leaves...

    Cant wait to see what you do with your conservator this year, Eden. Hope all your dear ones are safe and sound in the nasty weather, as well as idyllers....

    here's another prett vignette w/ a basin and plantings at the same garden.

    {{gwi:148860}}

    and closer of the basin:

    {{gwi:148861}}

    They had put foliage or flower cuttings into most of their water features, which I thought was a lovely touch for the garden visitor; some were simple leaves w/ combo colors - just like a flower arrangement.

    -Cindy

  • veronicastrum
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    One advantage of an Idyllunion is that you know there will be more than one photo of something that's really attractive. I've cropped the photo of the plant in the rocks so that you can see the foliage better. I do believe that Kathy is correct on the id.

    {{gwi:148862}}

    We are supposedly in the midst of Snow-mageddon, but it doesn't seem to be more than a typical winter storm. I may sing a different song in the morning, but so far, so good. The only thing that has me concerned is that DH took my car on his annual snowmobiling trip so I am stuck with the glorified roller skate for the rest of the week. And it does handle like a roller skate on snowy roads. :(

    Time to rustle up some dinner!

    V.

  • dodgerdudette
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Well Cindy, you have so many interesting observations on That Garden in Maine..I need to review my mementos so see if I can find the name. You are right, they did try to do lots of different thingskind of reminds me of my garden , lol ! I spent all last fall trying to improve the flow, and connect the various areas. Its hard to make a transitional space in such a small garden. The below pic is one of my favorite objects from the garden. And the plant ID ..I was wondering about the size too. Mine are about 12 to 18"s , and if the leaves are succulent I may have it wrong. The flowers sure look it though. Refreshed and there is Vs pic .. maybe the cool weather last summer kept them shorter than normal ?

    Ahh Norma ! Great shot of the pond ! I never envisioned it being viewable from your window. A very nice feature. I do love Nikis colors.

    Eden, Dowdeswell gave several different options for germinating. I think the seeds are pre-chilled, though I have them in the fridge right now per their instructions. They geminate them on heat mats with the flats covered with newspaper. They take the newspaper off after 5 days and when the seedlings emerge (another 5 days) they take them off the heat. This sounds pretty close to what you did I think..the purpose of the newspaper is to block light and retain moisture. Delphs are high maintenance I agree, but I love them and am willing to fuss over them as needed. I have certainly had storm and wind accidents plenty of times . I get 3 blooms a year usually from each plant , so even if the spring storms lay them low , they will return to glory eventually, and summer an fall are pretty much storm-free here. I had a meeting with our Kellogs sales rep today (I buy soil amendments and all the Dr Earth products from them ) and they have a new snail product..those da*m things are what give me the most agony with my Delphiniums. This product is a spray that can be applied directly to the snail, or to the plant. The active ingredient is cinnamon oil. I cant wait to try it. Its not cheap but I have a very large defense budget when it comes to snails.

    All for me tonightthis Idyll is drawing to a close ..I wonder what 472s color will be ?

    Kathy in Napa {{gwi:148863}}From Idyllunion 6 July 2009

  • Lara Noles
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Kathy, that is a similar method. I kept mine covered with one of the plastic domes that come with the flats to hold in moisture. I'll be interested to see how yours do. Wishing you success! Yes, there's nothing like delphiniums. One of my favorite flowers. I think I've just cut down on the higher maintenance flowers due to lack of time without really even realizing it. These days my mantra is "The less I have to take care of the better.".

    I never did get to alphabetizing the books. Instead I spent at least a couple of hours searching for play food for Bella's birthday gift. That's what she asked for. I ordered a bunch of things but also ran across felt food for which there are lots of patterns I discovered. I think I may try my hand at something and see if it turns out recognizable:) I couldn't help but think that this craft would be something Mary would be great at making.

    Nice to see more picture of the Maine garden. They must have had quite a collection of ornamentation. Really cool things! Thanks for sharing them.

    Still snowing here. It's not accumulating very quickly. I'd say we don't have even 4 inches yet but I hear it may intensify until about midnight. Morning will tell what we end up with. I've got some laundry to finish up and then I'm going to bed a bit early tonight. The rest of my week is shaping up to by busy.

    I'm going to start out with some of the free patterns I found but here's a link to some of the felt food patterns for purchase I ran across in case anyone else is interested too.

    Eden

  • veronicastrum
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Kathy, I was looking closely at the photo and noticed that the mystery plant looks like it was rather freshly planted, so perhaps the reason they are shorter is that they are rather young plants?

    In fact, I would almost bet good money that there were pansies planted there that were hanging on later than usual because of the cool weather, but then they decided at the last minute that the pansies looked a little too tired for the garden walk. So off to the nursery to get trachelium.

    And another close look reveals a mystery guest in the trachelium!

    The winds are howling outside, which means our snow is a-driftin'! I have a "late start" tomorrow - I have to go to a meeting outside of the office that doesn't start until 8:30. In better weather, I would go to the office for an hour first, but I told them today that I wasn't going to try that tomorrow. It will give the plow guy ample time to get my driveway in shape!

    V.

  • dodgerdudette
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Logical explanation V, and mystery guest id duly noted !

    Eden, your name was mentioned more than once in that garden..we all thought it Eden-esque !

    Kathy in Napa

  • triple_creek
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Certainly has been lots of interesting things to look at on this thread. I love when you all post things from the IU tours.

    Thinking of Michelle, Woody and Julie among others.
    Goodnight all. Norma

  • veronicastrum
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I think this idyll now should sit down as the ground is shaking - or at least it was here at 4:00 am! We had an earthquake that woke me up out of a sound sleep. I thought my driveway was being plowed but couldn't understand why the whole house shook. A little investigation showed that there was no truck in the driveway. Only a 4.3 but pretty exciting for the Midwest.

    The funny thing is, when I was in a 7.0 quake in California in 97, it took about 20 to 30 minutes before there was coverage on TV to confirm that it was a quake. This morning, the radio station was immediately flooded with text messages and they were reporting a possible earthquake within 5 minutes. After another 5 minutes, the quake was listed on the USGS website. Information does move much faster today!

    V.

  • gardenbug
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    And this Idyll ends with earth shaking DRAMA!!!!!!

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