A sticky good morning! True New England summer weather is on tap for the weekend and the timing is perfect. Need to get some indoor stuff done but outside is just too tempting! Will undoubtedly spend some time inside then scoot out for as long as I can take 90deg heat with 70% humidity. A/C will be in use.

I knew I'd overdone the manners thing with Kyle when we were at a semi-formal house party. Ky was about 9 and one of three invited kids. After everyone else had left the table and the caterer was clearing, Kyle was still sitting at his place. Caterer asked why. Kyle's answer" "The hostess got up and never came back, so I couldn't ask to be excused." The hostess was summoned, embarassed that she didn't give him an opportunity to leave. Caterer found an extra dessert for him and he hasn't forgotten to this day.

Our manners philosophy was learn and use it until you're on your own, then it's up to you. At least you'll know "the rules" and if you ever need them, you won't embarrass yourself. For all the fidgeting when he was small, he's darn glad to know it now.

Yesterday was spent horizontally and of course, I dug out a vine book for additional inspiration.

Since I'm probably now officially the lone petless Idyll, Anita, I can't offer suggestions for puppy potty training, but can offer a sympathetic nod. I remember the days of "litter training" with my mom's dogs.

The CA fires are headlines here, Kathy. This is something I can't imagine but can only imagine how horrible it must be. Here's hoping the dry lightening becomes wet, soon.

There's a pepper on my red pepper plant!! Feel like a new momma :-)

Are your bees behaving like bees, yet, Saucy?? Since the lavs are now blooming I'm noticing a distinct decline in the population here. Typically by now they'd be humming around and they're not. Hmmmmmmm.

I think Nick needs a puppy to take care of, Sue ;-)

Isn't it about the time of year that we see Bella in the Garden photos??

And Babs' boys at Hocking Hills?

And Mary's kids at recitals?

And Reed back from the woods?

How great is it that you can plan a Florida trip, Michelle! I know the move will be hard for everyone, but at least you can have a Countdown to Kenzie Calendar!!

Glad to feel like heading to the office today. Never thought I'd say that, but the alternative is just plain UGH!

Everyone have a great day ...

Martie

Good morning

I have to confess to feeling really nervous this morning. After finally finishing all the prep work I'm laying the ceramic floor tiles today. I've read over and over what to do, watched instruction videos, have all the supplies asembled, but as you can see I'm stalling. It's taken so long to get to this point I'd hate to mess things up now. But all those condescending comments at Home Depot are echoing in my head - even DH said it would be too much to undertake. Arrggg!!! I guess I'll just have to try and prove them all wrong. Wish me luck ladies.

Mary

TGIF!

I'm slacking this morning until my appointment with the orthopedic surgeon at 8:30. His office called me on Tuesday to tell me the MRI report said I have a stress "reaction" and that the doctor wanted me on crutches until my appointment today. So I've been as good as I can be-crutches all day at work but not at home at night and I have to admit the pain is pretty much gone. The crutches are a major PIA though. On Wednesday I was at an all day meeting at the new MGM Grand facility at one of the state's Indian casinos. Had co-workers waiting on me hand and foot. A few of the big guys in fleet maintenance offered to carry me...lol.

Marie, I downgraded my newspaper service to three days a week-Thursday, Friday and Sunday because I wasn't reading it. It gets delivered somewhere between four and four thirty-long before the yipping starts. This morning it was five to five again. And Martie, why don't you get a puppy and bring him to Nick for playdates.

Last night I knocked a major item off my to-do list and cleaned and opened the screen porch. It was filthy with pollen. I vacuumed then washed the floor with a damp rag on my hands and knees. All I have to do now is clean the cushions on the furniture. They're covered all winter but get dirty during the season. The seat covers come off and can be tossed in the wash but are a royal pain to get back on. The backs I have to scrub with a weak detergent solution and a hose then let dry in the sun. Maybe I should hire Chelone to make me some new ones.

Deanne, I'm almost ready for a get together. Pick a date.

Kathy, that fire situation is nasty. Is it my imagination or is there much more of it in recent years?

I saw my first deer of the season this morning. Thankfully it was on the other side of the fence in the catch basin area. Guess I'd better get some spray.

Allrighty then, enough for now. It looks like hazy, hot and humid here for the weekend although they downgraded the temperature here today from the low 90s to the upper 80s.

Stay cool!

Sue

Morning all,

Well I guess I cant poke fun at Sue for her ruler in the garden because I use a level.LOL

Martie, the water method is ingenious. Its still a level, a clever homemade one but still a level. The one Doug bought me is just a foot long and lightweight, in fact I can tuck it into my pocket so its easy to have on hand when Im moving pots. ~~ Thanks for the link to the tuberous begonia site! I almost swooned at some of those flowers. You enabler you!

Mary, of course you can do the ceramic tiles!!!! It isnt rocket science. Do not listen to the condescending attitudes of male type persons over the lady of the house doing tile work. Toilet installations are more difficult. YOU GO GIRL!

Saucy, how have you made out with the T storms this week? Did you get any hail damage?

PM ditto above question?

Sue, guess what? I found that lovely variegated Dancing Flame Salvia this week at Mixed Border. They had a table full of interesting annuals that were pretty picked over but these didnt look too bad so I snapped them up. Now of course I had to buy a Begonia Bonfire to plant with it and a Blackie Sweet Potato Vine etc. So no there will be another container because I found a cool salvia and so it goes. ~~ So pick a date How about sometime during the forth of July weekend???? Id love for you all to come and see whats blooming here now too. Things are looking nice.

Bug, is that Aotearoa a type three clematis? Would you post another couple pictures of it for me please? I love that dark violet. Also, how large are those flowers? ~~~ You do need to get another Ville de Lyon. A fabulous cultivar.

Kathy, yes indeed, Id love any begonia cuttings youd care to fly my way. ~~ The fires out your way are just dreadful. So sorry.

Anita, I hope the pet works out. My experience with children and pets is right along Kathys lines of the Childrens Pets Inheritance Syndrome. Id have been not at all happy with having to get DD up at 5AM to deal with the dog. She should have been aware that the dog was disturbing your sleep.

Sue, Nick needs a therapist. Maybe he should go and live with Tom. ~~ You should see my P Painters Palette this year. Gorgeous. Did you say you had extra Tricyrtis? Ive got a couple spots that could use some.

Chelone, wish youd taken photos of those cushions.

Michelle, good grief! You had hail big enough to go through a roof!!!!! Holy cow! ~~ So how do you make your strawberry smoothies? Sounds yummy. Good for you with the veggie garden being weed free. ~~ I still need to design a stained glass piece with a brug on it. I didnt forget the trade we talked about last year. In fact, I should show you the paintings I have available so you can pick one out and Ill send it to you then Ill make sure to make the time to get my stained glass piece designed. LOL

Brenda, You are too funny, my kids had weird, horribly strict, borderline abusive parents ;) I sometimes think we werent horribly strict enough with our DD.

My neighbors daughter starts working for me this morning and Im really hoping this works out. Shes a great kid and I hope the numbers of containers I have to water dont scare her off. LOL

Later
Deanne

I too thought of Chelone & advice the other nite when my Dad called asking for advice on replacing his cushions on his Molla patio furniture -- my Mother had bought a bolt of Sunbrella years ago to redo the cushions and he was contemplating finding someone to make them for him (he has the original cushions still). Then, after I suggested he take the measurements and see what he could find ready made in stock somehwere, he ended up surfing the 'net and finding a place that makes replacement cushions w/ a choice of fabrics - he's color blind so that is always interesting to see what he "picks out" -- I thought he was ready to make the commitment to the site & order (altho I thought it was a bit pricey) then I called last nite for an update and he'd found some site that claimed to make the cushions for Molla furniture... egads.. this may be his whole project for the summer and he'll have it all ready by the time it's ready to put away for the winter, LOL -- I've learned it's easier to just let it all work itself out w/ him - he'll spend more money than he should, but it's his money. He's been nattering away at me to come visit -- but Im not sure Im ready for that - and it would have to be staying at a hotel... maybe in another couple of months; I'd rather enjoy my summer selfishly without any more intense family drama -- from afar it's much easier to don that kevlar garbage shield and laugh it all off...

Sue, I confess ignorance about stress fractures and relative ailments - what causes them? You should let everyone wait on you and endulge -- take it while you can; folks' attention span can be short-lived and you'll end up 5 weeks into the crutch doing it all solo -- very hard -- I do feel for you and totally understand the harsh problems of dealing w/ those things. Had a broken foot w/ boot & crutches one winter & had to commute to D.C. on the metro - it's one of the worst memories I have -- hope you get some better news from the surgeon.

Mary - Im sure you can do the project - you're so handy and talented (& hey, if it goes wrong, rip it out & start over - just dont tell anyone!!!); I do find that Im much better when someone personally shows me those types of projects in person; Im a visual person I guess.

Im not sure Im ready to do patio shots of my place - it's a mess! altho I just bought another plant stand to see if I can organize all the agaves better out there (they're suffering w/ transition from indoors to out and little shade or moderate temps - sad looking they are at present) and it's been too stinking hot to get any good shots of any plant lately -- I've got a really nice accidental combo of Geranium Rozanne and Stokesia Purple Parasol w/ lychnis coronaria Angels Blush that is lovely -- but I can't get the blues - they all look white in a camera -- but it's really pleasing to the eye in person.

Anita - I echo the idea of the crate for the puppy at nite in someone's room -- Chloe started out w/ me that way (I even badly slept w/ the crate on my bed for weeks -- shush, we wont tell anyone right? Im single -- I can do what I want in my bed!). Your puppy sounds pretty young and at that lb it's so easy for humans to step on or not see where she is. Just think how small her bladder must be -- they have to relieve it frequently! They are wonderful loving dogs though - I heartily second the choice of breed.

Well, it's freaking friday;Im hoping for NO repeat of last friday which was a real stresser...

Thinking of Kathy and the terrible smoke -- so scary even if traditionally the winds go the other way -- it must not feel so good to breathe, yikes!

Cindy

I broke down and watered some of the gardens this morning. You'd think with all the thunderstorm warnings we would have had some rain, but no. Just drama for weather these days. I did a quick pruning of the Ravenswing and Sweet Cicely, pulled a few weeds and then came indoors exhausted at 8:30AM! Sheesh. I guess it will be exercise class and indoor stuff for me today!

For Deanne, Aotearoa blooms are about 4 inches across I'd say... Chalk Hill has a few left I'm told on their going out of business sale.
Starting to open
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Close-up
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Sue...hope you get some good news at the doctor's this morning. I've never had to use crutches, but they look like the most uncomfortable things.

Deanne...yes, I know all about the CPIS and that's why I waited until DD turned 18 to let a pet in the house. I am trying to stay out of it (hard to do with such a cute thing), and let them handle the important items...like medicine, feeding, training, etc. I'm putting my kid's old baby blankets to use and swaddle the puppy in it...I'm adverse to getting peed on.

Mary...good luck with the tiles. You're awesome for attempting this, and OF COURSE you can do it!!! Can't wait for the before and after pics.

Martie...stay cool!

Have a breezy day everyone,
Anita

We received a wonderful soaking of 1.45" last night. I was just about to consider some watering.

That Aotearoa reminds me a lot of the clematis that grew by my front door. I bought it as Multi-blue but it certainly isnt that. Its a very vigorous grower. Because it was by the front door I brutally chopped it to the ground in the fall and it grew 10 or more in a season. I called it the monster clematis because it got wide as well. This spring in prep for the front yard redo, it got moved to the Secret Garden. The root ball was monstrous as well.

My Ville de Lyon is climbing its tree quite nicely this year.

I stopped at the farm store on the way home last night and took advantage of 30% off perennials and annuals. bugs beautiful delphs encourage me to grab the one that was left. I had a nice stand that seems to have dwindled to one plant with small spires. I also picked up a boltonia, which Ive always thought would be a great plant for my space. Another geranium Roseanne and a few small sedums and some annuals that were dirt cheap. I was able to get more ornamental kale to replace the ones the rabbits ate for 75 cents for a 4 pack. All veggies were 75 cents so I picked up another ornamental pepper Medusa. I think they are quite fun. I have several varieties that I wintersowed this year.

Cindy, good for your dad for using the internet to get things done. My dad at 72 has never touched their computer.

Deanne, I have very loose recipes for my smoothies. Basically what ever is in the fridge or freezer. These had vanilla yogurt, strawberries, ice cubes and orange juice. If I had a banana it would have went in. Milk works just as well as oj and any flavor of yogurt or even frozen yogurt works.

Kathy, the smoke sounds awful to deal with.

Mary, you will do just great, Im sure. My mom and I laid a ceramic tile floor in the bathroom of my previous house. I can imagine its a little more intimidating by yourself.

Martie no peppers here yet. The rabbits like those too ;o) Ive never had this much problem with rabbits.

Im trying to get a good dose of Kenzie before she moves LOL She is coming tomorrow and again on the 4th. Her daddy handles the catering that the restaurant he manages does in the summer. This restaurant is on the edge of an amusement park and lots of companies host employee outings there and he likes DD to help with the catering events.

Im off 2 hours early today. Enjoy your Friday.

Michelle

Don't have time for a "good" post, but had to stick in my two cents ;)
Mary, you can do the tile. I laid tile in our laundry room several years ago..it turned out fine and the world didn't collapse upon itself, lol! DH and not-so-DFIL were just sure I was gonna screw it up, so I threw them outta the house and went about my business. I have no patience for condescending male types. Now, keep in mind, the more stuff you let people KNOW you can do, the more they want you do do ;)
Michelle, soak up all the Kenzie you can, hope you girls have a wonderful time!
Gotta run, HI to everyone!
Brenda
PS. Talked to Tucker's "dad" last night. We've all come to the conclusion that he's going to have to get a serious haircut and some more bathing. I've never known skunk to hang on a dog for as long as it has on this poor guy...I don't know how he stands himself!

Brenda, do you have the peroxide recipe for skunk stench? It works really well! I can send it to you if you need it. I keep the supplies on hand because I'd never have that much peroxide etc on hand in an emergency. And those are TRUE emergencies!

So humid here. Even poor Phoebe is sleeping by the fan in my study. (Sue's room!) I picked up a funny item to support a clematis while I was out at the nursery...and love it! Also got a few dark lilies for behind clematis Niobe and another Ragged Robin plant too. They look really nice in front of blue hostas.
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By the way Michelle, Polish Spirit and Warsawska Nike are two possibilities for the monster clematis you moved away from your front entry.
http://www.clematis.hull.ac.uk/new-clemdetail.cfm?dbkey=579
http://www.clematis.hull.ac.uk/new-clemdetail.cfm?dbkey=593
And Michelle, I follow the same "recipe" for DH's smoothies.

I'm eager to see Mary's before & after photos of the new powder room. I KNOW it will be grand, even if not lime green!

The California fires' smoke is making photos of the sun look like the moon. I hope your lungs are holding up OK Kathy!

Lucky lucky Deanne and Sue to be able to get together and inspect each other's fantastic gardens! Sue, I had to use crutches for a few days...and I agree, they're a total nuisance, though sometimes necessary. I was so glad to get a walking cast instead!

I need to defrost shrimp for a cold dinner tonight, then more mowing is in my future.
'bug

Bad news from the doc this morning. I have a stress fracture on the front of my lower tibia. The treatment-agressive rest for 6-8 weeks. He took a baseline xray and scheduled me to go back in four weeks for another one. They fitted me with a boot and I'm supposed to continue to use the crutches for the entire time. I neglected to ask how you push a wheelbarrow full of mulch on crutches. Cindy, I guess they happen from overuse. Prior to this happening I had just come off a winter of five to six day a week treadmill use with interval running alternating with hour and a half walks outside. It seems like the healthier I get the more I fall apart...lol.

Needless to say this is not good news but I'll work around it. He said I could swim, stretch, do Pilates and upper body weight training, just no weight bearing on the right foot. I'll use the boot for light walking around the house. The big question is what to do about IU5. At this point I'm thinking it's out but I haven't made a final decision.

So...is it wine night yet?

Sue

Good afternoon

GB- I did toy with the idea of lime green with the white wainscoating LOL! I settled for warm earth tones instead. I love the Clem pics. I remember really enjoying your "Clematis a day" a few years back and am delighted to see more.

Sue - what a bummer. For someone as active as you it must be hard news to hear. However, I've no doubt that you will become an Olympian swimmer adn weight lifter if that is where you are dedicating your work-outs. Are there any neighborhood kids you could hire to push your cart? I give David 50c to load my cart with mulch and wheel it to me. He loves the fact that he is making money (at 11 there aren't many other options) and calls himself "Mulch Boy" LOL!! It might be worth asking around.

Well, the floor is done. Thank you all for your encouragement. The jury is out on how it's turned out till everything sets and I can walk on it. From the doorway it looks fine. I'm a little worried as I don't think I used as much thin-set as I should have on the first few tiles. My skills definitely improved as the job progressed. I did become rather a dab hand with the tile nippers, cutting out a pretty nifty circle for the toilet flange. I'm looking forward to using them for some mosaic making once this endless project is done.

Michelle - enjoy every moment of your Kenzie time!! And getting off early today. As Sue reminded us it is definitely wine night.

Thinking of Kathy and the smoke and all those I've missed commenting to.

A dip in the pool has given me just enough energy to tidy our bedroom before DH arrives home tonight. It feels as though he's been gone forever. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon.

Mary

We just got back from a 3-day/2-night mini-vacation in Prince Edward County at the east end of Lake Ontario. I will try to get caught up and be back tomorrow...

Wheelchair? I'm only half facetious; look, we're a fairly rugged group and could muscle your sorryass around with little difficulty. Maybe I could heist one of the rugged wagons used for shrubs from the helpmeet's employer, it would travel on the rack on my wagon with no trouble. Dollars against doughnuts the public gardens are largely or fully accessible. And a looky-see at the Garden Conservancy tour will provide the same information. Perhaps judicious use of crutches could overcome minor difficulties? It's going to be too much fun for you to miss!

Mary, I meant to comment a long time ago on your bathroom project. GOOD FOR YOU, I was raised by two 'rents who firmly believed that the ability to read and follow directions coupled with attention to detail, and a good sense humor made all things possible. I loathe the condescending tone and look, too, nor do I suffer it gladly (surprising, I know). Over the years I've surprised more than a few of the male persuasion with my mechanical aptitude, and ability to organize, prioritize, and complete work. Another thing that has "surprised" them is my ability to measure accurately... like it's brain surgery?? I'm sure the floor will be fine and if it isn't you already know what went wrong and will quickly learn how to effect the needed repair properly! I have complete faith in you. :)

The fabric for the cushions (which are in a sunroom) was a handsome brocade, traditional gold design on a black background. The dining chair cushions were lustrous copper jacquard, with quilting to highlight the traditional pattern. The furniture was an inherited metal "patio set" that had been a flat grey and has just been repainted in a glossy black with gold flecks (automotive paint). I probably should have photographed the cushions, but so much of the effect is lost in a workroom. At least to me; what do you guys think about that?

I'm glad this week is over; it was a tough one and next week could be tough, too.

Oh my Sue! that's just dreadful! So sorry about that. At least now you know exactly what's been going on all this time so that should be a relief. It will heal up once you give it some rest. I can imagine though what a PIA crutches are going to be during garden season. Let us know if you need help with anything.

Mary, neato! Glad to hear the tiles are finished. Can't wait to see the finished project. I'm sure it's lovely.

Gorgeous Hosta Bug! That is a behemoth. ~~ Thanks for the Aotearoa pics. That's a lovely variety. I'm going to have to look for that one.

Michelle, glad you are going to get some Kenzie time in. I know you are going to have a great time. ~~ Do you use the smoothies as a substitute for dinner or lunch?

Cindy, after all the stuff you've dealt with in the last year or so I totally agree that you need to have a stress free summer. (as much as that's possible with your job)

Some random pics from the last few days. I found that Illustris at Loews and plunked in the pond and it's quite happy with its location there.
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Asiatic lilies 'Lollipop'
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LA Hybrid Lily 'Manhattan'
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The divine 'Vyvyan Pennell' (I'm totally into gaudy)
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'Endless Summer' is beginning to color up. Looks like this plant is continuing to be half pink and half blue. Go figure?
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AStilbe after the rain
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Globemaster seed heads
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OK I'll stop now, I've got thousands of them! I can't seem to stop taking pictures this year.

Time for that Friday glass of wine, enjoy the evening all
Deanne

Just skimming and saw Mary's floor angst. Time for wine yet Mary? The 'condescending comments at Home Depot' are evidence of the speaker's insecurity. By that I mean that they may get their sense of pride from being able to complete particular tasks and if some cute little woman can do them, maybe it isn't as hard as they think :) It lowers their self esteem.

Lovely photos everyone. That diamond of water is a stunner Deanne.

Sue, Glad you have an answer and hope the boot and crutches solves it for you. Injuries should be scheduled for winter! Throw some garden parties and pour wine from chair while supervising garden maintenance. ('Aggressive rest' is fun turn of phrase.)

We've been having storms without rain here, and just had a good thunderstorm with driving rain. This was needed and hot enough that it should dry by mowing time tomorrow.

I've had a brutal work week so it's really nice to drop into this ....enchanted place :)

Later - Cynthia

My favorite clematis for today.

Is it Pagoda?
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Or perhaps Odoriba...
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Melting here....
bug

Seems like several of us had rough weeks at work. My highlight was on Monday morning when I was out of town. I got a very angry phone call from the office stating that an office was locked, they needed access and no one there had a key. I said I was assuming someone had tried turning the doorknob, and in turn there was a long pause, then an, "Oh, never mind..." Funny how easy it is to waste all that energy getting agitated but how hard it is to turn a doorknob. We really need to get some personality issues sorted out at the office, or I will give serious thought to something of some other sort!

It has turned sticky and itchy here. I have a low-key weekend planned, so hopefully I can get some outside work down in dribs and drabs. I suspect I'll need long sleeves for planting, though.

Sue, what a bummer about your leg. I'm pretty sure we can put you in a wheelbarrow and roll you around the gardens! I hope you decide to come. I'm sure we can accommodate you in some way (I'm really kidding about the wheelbarrow) and I think the getaway will be a good tonic for you if you can make yourself take it easy. Like Cynthia, I got a chuckle out of "aggressive rest". Just remember, you need to work as hard at recovering from this as the hard work that led up to the injury.

I thought I would share a couple of pics from an Enchanted Place not too far from me - Lurie Garden in Millennium Park. This is on the lakefront in downtown Chicago and is really quite amazing. Piet Oudolf designed most of the perennial gardens.

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I love this shot with the highrises in the background. I used to work on the 66th floor of the building in the upper left.

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I fell in love with this plant, which was new to me. But a google search on Phlomis 'Amazone' turned up the fact that gardenbug had given hers away in 2003 because it never performed this well.

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Finally, can anyone id this flower? It was about four feet tall and quite stunning. My guess is an annual sunflower, but it seems to be blooming quite early and I didn't see anything close on the garden's plant lists.

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V.

V,

Inula?

Hi to everyone!

Eden

So now Deanne is growing diamonds in her garden ;o) Great shot! "The divine 'Vyvyan Pennell' (I'm totally into gaudy)" Me too! Although, some of the smaller ones bug is showing are so elegant.

Mary, I eagerly await the tile pictures.

V, I love the Phlomis and Lurie Garden.

'bug, here's several pictures of the mystery clematis from a couple of years ago. The flowers do a fair amount of dangling.
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nighty night

Michelle

An early good morning to all! Don't ask me why I'm awake this time of day, I have no idea. Waiting on a pot of coffee and I will then crawl back to my nest and read for a while.
Bug, I've never heard of the peroxide recipe, but would love to try it! Thank you SO much. You should be able to send it through the email on my page. Between the heat, humidity and the fact that we seem to get a rainshower every afternoon, that dog is darn near intolerable.
Mary, glad to hear you got the floor done! Try anything at least once-you'll be surprised what you can do.
The pictures are so, so beautiful this morning! V, I have no idea what that plant is, but I do like it!
Sue, bummer about the stress fracture. Behaving is always difficult this time of year. Wish I was closer, I'd come pull some weeds for ya. I'm all tuned in to pull the big 3 footers now. It's been like living in London around here this year, and weeds are lovin' it.
Okay, coffee pot beeped. I'm going to head back upstairs. Later, all!
Brenda

Hello :-)

Had to pop in to say I am loving all the photos being posted! Have been immersed in a research project but up too early this morning, so now I have time to read posts too.

Hi Brenda...I have been up since 2am...going to be a nap day today. No way I am going back to sleep now. It's going to be a warm day and the only tolerable time to get out in the garden is going to be between 6-9am. :-)

V...you are SO lucky!! I am a big fan of Piet Oudolf. I had not seen those gardens in Chicago and I wish he would come to Boston and do some of our public gardens. What a really amazing space that is. Right in the city. I wonder, do people just love it there?

Gardenbug....It would seem that the open clematis blossom is only half the fun. Love the way the Aotearoa opens it's flowers. The Pagoda is so unique in it's form and larger than other bell types I have seen. But, oh that Odoriba...now that is one that I could really get excited about and I will have to look for it. Gorgeous!

Is anyone using their shrubs as support? How do you get it started, isn't it too shady under the shrub for them? Has anyone ever tried making a copper obelisk or similar?

Anita...congratulations on the newest member of the family. I hope you will post a photo to the Idyll Pets thread. I am glad to hear the Liquid Fence is working for you. I have heard people complain about the odor. Do you have a large enough property to keep the odor away from your main garden areas?

Sue....Sorry to hear about the news from your doctor. Not what you wanted to hear I am sure. I hope that someone can help you out at home to keep up with at least the bare minimum without too much angst for you.

Brenda...I haven't seen a skunk around for such a long time. You have brought back memories of one of our dogs who was sprayed. So has Tucker received his hair cut yet? [g] Did you try the tomato bath that is always recommended?

Michelle..how are things in Iowa? Have they had more rain? Yes, I see quite a bit of damage from the hail. Hydrangea leaves are pretty ripped up and I need to get out and trim. Between the necessary deadheading and weeding I am actually not looking forward to getting out there this weekend. Very muggy here. I can't believe you actually had hail large enough to go through the roof!! Has the playhouse received it's coat of paint yet? I know the weather has not been very dry here, same there?

I am the only one in the house who has smoothies regularly. Digestive problems will leave me needing something easy to digest pretty often and that seems to fit the bill. Frozen bananas are the trick for me. Mango smoothies with just mango and non fat yogurt are good too. Pineapple/frozen banana. Frozen strawberrie/frozen banana/1/2 orange is a nice combo. Blueberries are my least favorite although they are so good for you. We make our own yogurt.

Kathy....Has the smoke dissipated at all?

Martie...we are also 'pet-less', so you are not alone. :-) I can't believe you have a pepper. I've actually given up on growing peppers because I don't think I get enough sun for them. I usually will get a few peppers on a plant, but not worth the wait. This year, we finally got tomato plants in the ground but much too late and I doubt I will even get a tomato. So we are heading to a local Farmer's Market this morning, to see if we can find a good source for buying tomatoes etc. this year. We put some pole beans in and at least, they are taking off quite rapidly. We have to do better with the veggie garden next year.

Mary...you are so ambitious to tackle your bathroom that way! I am looking forward to seeing photos of the completed floor. What does your husband think of you getting the job done?

Chelone....We hear so much about all the sewing projects you work on, I for one, would love to see more photos of your work. :-) I find it very interesting and wish I had better sewing skills. We have an old wrought iron patio set that has sat in the basement for years, wishing for a redo. I have created quilts in the past and followed directions well enough to make some neat pouffy valances that I was so proud of, but really, that is your basic straight sewing.

Deanne...Lollipop Lily..one of my favs. I think it was Wendy who had photos of it that first interested me. That photo of the Globemaster alliums with the rain drops on them and the astilbe....wonderful shot! Which variety of astilbe is that? That is an enchanted photo!

No enchanted garden here lately. Just not looking as good as I was hoping it would be. Some disappointments and unfiinshed projects made worse by weeds. I haven't taken a photo in awhile either. So....looking for my enchantment in other places...

:-)
pm2

{{gwi:164865}}

Fog envelops the southern Adirondacks at sunrise.

(Photograph shot on assignment for, but not published in, "Adirondack High," June 1998, National Geographic magazine)

It's very clammy and very dank outside my windows. It doesn't bode well for lawn mowing. The humidity and frequent showers in the past week has spurred the grass to new heights. I'll probably have to mow it really high and bag clippings then go back over in on a lower setting mulching. The Compound is looking really fine these days, you guys. Lawn is unkempt, weeds taking over in the area along the road that needs to be planted with shrubs, partially painted house, no window boxes, trellises tipped forward... . Very discouraging. Thank heavens for lovely vignettes (vine-ettes from 'bug) from all your lovely gardens.

I don't take pictures of a lot of what I'm working on because, frankly, much of it is pretty dull! And, as I mentioned the other night, it seems sort of pointless to me take pictures of something in a workroom where much of the subtlty and "look" are really lost. But perhaps I ought to reconsider that logic. PM2, all sewing is pretty much "simple straight seams" ;) .

It's definitely time to turn off the TV and move to NPR. I think the Today show is about the dumbest thing on in the morning; I'd rather watch the Power Rangers, lol.

Later.

Chelone, I just want you to know that cameras lie. That is the beauty of them! Many vine-ettes from me exclude the weeds, yellow leaves, etc. This year's weed crop is out of bounds. I simply CAN NOT CATCH UP! It is weather related, but also has to do with biting mosquitoes and black flies. I have not weeded "the flats" since April! The vegetable garden is a disaster area. Hence, close-up shots! Today things are looking quite sad too. Thunderstorms (last night) knocked over many things. I dare not look at the delphiniums....

A large BANG at 4:30 woke me. I am exhausted now...but will move forward dealing with garbage collection, kitty litter, the dump, and perhaps an exercise session since Tuesday is a holiday and I'll miss that day's workout. Sue, all my sympathies. I know so well that getting healthier has its dangers. I'm still afraid to use my treadmill after the plantar's fasciitis last year. I think you should find a way to take part in IU5. It wouldn't be the same without YOU! Besides, you know Idylls will help out if necessary. It is hard to accept help, I know, but sometimes you just have to cave in.

V, I adore your Oudolf park photos. Fantastic! And your door knob story as well. You must have found the solution very satisfying, LOL. I agree, Inula.

Better start up my motor and get busy!
'bug

Inula it is! Inula magnifica 'Sonnestrahl' to be exact. The link from the on line plant guide is below; you'll understand why I didn't make the connection.

'bug, I agree with your comment about vignettes. It can be easy to find lovely little spots in the garden even though the broad sweep would reveal lots of problems. I have one great small combo going on right now, and I hope that there is enough left today to get a good photo. I haven't been able to do it sooner because I would have been shooting straight into the evening sun.

We're going to the farmers market this morning, then I am planning on getting the deck straightened up again. We have no big plans for next weekend, but may have the in-laws out for a dinner so I need to get things under control again. I think I need to stop thinking about the things that need to be done and just dive in and start doing.

Chelone, I caught a bit of the Today show on Monday morning. I never watch the morning shows, but my roommate does and since I had made her watch baseball the night before, I yielded to her choice in the morning. Seems like it more about the people jumping up and down and waving than about the news. Now I sound like on old f**t.

Okay, time to stop procrastinating.

V.

I must be channeling Sue...I woke this morning and can't WALK! I've been battling plantar fasciitis and yesterday my ankle began to hurt - I iced it and it felt better. I woke up this morning and it is too painful to walk! I pushed it yesterday morning with a walk with my friend....

I see a doctor's visit in my future....

V., I would have relished a moment like the "key" moment :) Probably evil of me....but it's my kind of evil :) Did you long for the garden in the 66th floor window? Or did they stick you in an office with no view so you wouldn't drool :)

Why did we chuck the Phlomis, bug? Cause now I want one, too!

Deanne, you are a master of your domain with that camera! Wow, wow, wow!

So many beautiful pictures and I feel really behind here. I have too much going on, but I'm desperately trying to hang on to the new things which are making my life happy, like spending time here and in the garden. I think I'm almost to the point where I need an assistant for data entry.

Speaking of assistants....how did it go Deanne? Will she be a good protege?

Sue, I second Mary's suggestion, as Jake is a good hard worker for other gardeners....I think he likes to impress his clients for the $$$ :) I saw an ad in the local paper last week, "son for hire..." Wonder if you could do a want ad without looking creepy :) I wouldn't use craigslist for this one :)

Well, I'm gonna figure out what to do that doesn't involve walking, ARGH! The office chair's wheels are looking tempting....

Saucy

If Sue's front legs are still good, she could use Katie's unappreciated chair :) So I checked Wave Hill, and they have a 'courtesy cart available by request' at the main gate. Probably one of those motorized things, NY Botanical gardens has wheelchairs available on request at the ticket booth. So I expect the other destinations do as well. Check 'accessibility' on the websites. May need one for Saucy and one for Sue!

I never use my cell phone, it's an emergency device, cell signal is non existent at my house and I'm not a phone person anyway. So a week ago I picked up a GOPHONE and managed to release it from perma-steel-plastic packaging and activate it this morning. $100 is active for a year, and with cost of phone and taxes that comes out to about $11 a month $135 a year vs the $400 a year I've been paying now for a cell phone I never use.

I have Phlomis tuberosa and it never looks as good as V's photo. Sun deficiency. I used to grow a few from seed every winter because I love the leaves at all stages. I get maybe 5 stalks from each plant in a sunny year. The Phlomis russeliana does better for me, but it seems to MOVE in the garden. I think the roots must spread. It's been moving to the right for a few years and at the moment has practically buried itself under a threadleaf Chamaecyparis.

Windows are buttoned down here and air conditioners are squeezing water out of the air. Looks like it will be a sorting and cleaning kind of day here.

Chelone, you should be taking photos of your creations for your portfolio. And yeah, share them with us too.

Stay cool!

Cynthia

LOL! Here's what Anita and I need. Turn on your speakers.

More later.

Sue

Morning all,

Well I put this one together yesterday, somebody stop me! LOL
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This container with the Souvenir de Bonne used to be on my patio last summer but I thought Id try it in the front to see if the Abutilon blooms better with a bit more sun.
{{gwi:164867}}

Cynthia, you always amaze me. You access information so quickly and do problem solving at the speed of light.

Sue. See, Cynthia has figured out how you can come.

Saucy, good grief, sorry you are having orthopedic problems. Hope your foot is better soon, soon, soon. ~~ Thanks for asking, Michelle (next door neighbors daughter) is fabulous! Turns out that she is planning to study to be a dentist/orthodontist and not a dentil hygienist. She is an extremely intelligent and amazing young woman and I hope she will work for me the rest of the summer. Im thinking Im going to give her a raise. She asks intelligent questions and I only had to show her how to do things once. She is worth her weight in gold. LOL

PM that is Astilbe japonica 'Deutschland'. I just love those Lollipop lilies as well. I think I first saw them at Sues.
~~ What are you researching? ~~ so sorry about the hail damage. Thats so discouraging.

Chelone, same sort of weather here. Pretty gloomy and damp but Ill take this over high 90s anytime. ~~ No kidding about the Today show. I HATE that program. All those people acting like nu-nus leaping about and screaming. Whats with that? I cant take all that screaming in the morning, makes me crazy.

Michelle, what a lovely clematis! More pics please?

V. thanks for posting those photos of Lurie Garden. What a gorgeous spot! Lucky you to be so close. ~~~ I ROTFLOL over the doorknob.

Bug, Odoriba is one of my all time favorites, this week. LOL

OK must get out and get a bit of work done. Hmmm have a couple more pots to get done.
Deanne

Just back from "morning" (more like afternoon for me) errands; a trip to a greenhouse that carried Browallia in years past with dire hope of scoring a 6-pack/(2?). Hit the jack pot, you guys... 6 6-packs! Mission for the dank week end is to get the final coats of paint on the new windowboxes so the helpmeet can put them up on Monday/Tuesday. Deanne, my combinations are nothing in comparison to your's, but for someone with limited time to water and fuss they're pretty much "idiot-proof".

And here is my shameless yearly pitch for the very "old-fashioned" annual, Browallia... . Uniformly wimpy and scrawny by Memorial Day, it is too often passed over and subsequently languishes to die an unmarked death on the compost pile. But it's a WINNER in every sense. It puts on amazing growth when the weather warms up. It prefers filtered sun or shade and it will grow until the first killing frost cuts it off at the knees. Available in deep blue, pale blue, and white it develops into a nicely rounded plant, roughly 1'x1'. If you deadhead it it will flower more abundantly. I LOVE it combination with good ol' Impatiens or Begonias. It is probably my favorite annual, but because it's so scrawny early on and "out of favor" it gets passed over. Deanne, I suspect you could do wonders with this little confection... in combination with your beloved Fuschias it would be smashing.

Wrecks looked so mournful as I was preparing to leave I had to take him with me. He was so good in the car, passing several dogs on the sidewalk with nary a whimper (this is "huge" for him, you gys). He did his usual "bark-thang" when I "abandonned" him in the car but settled down in 30 seconds when the protest went unheeded (just as it has for past 3 1/2 yrs., lol). As I was leaving a man waved me down and remarked that Rex had barked at him as he'd passed the car. I was ready for the "you should train your dog" harangue, but NO... he asked if he could meet my dog. He'd wanted to greet him but didn't want to approach the car without first speaking to the owner of it/the dog. Naturally, I took full advantage of an opportunity to practice our "good boy" manners. :)

But I was reminded that rainy/cloudy days in a resort community are fraught with traffic nighmares... (no wonder I prefer to get up/out/underway early) we cruised down the main drag on our way home; it was thrilling for Rex, though... moving between lowered backseat windows to monitor the activity (or lack thereof) for the crawl home. Pretty cheap laughs for me, too, actually. LOL

I have to finish up a small project in the "lab." and then deal with the windowboxes.

I'd really like to hear an update on Katie and the unappreciated wheels, Cynthia. No luck on that front... not even a little? I'm so sorry to hear it, I know how much she means to you.

Hi Marian!

A brief check in this morning while I suck down some coffee.Saw a bit of blue sky last evening and this morning, and the smoke smell has lessened quite a bit. There is a very light offshore breeze this morning which is no doubt pushing the smoke inland.
This weekend will be laundry and pre-packing for our trip up to the Oregon Coast we will drive up to Yachats on Wednesday , and are renting a house on the beach. Wonder if the gas to get up there will end up costing more that the house rental ?

Great pics everyone !

Ok, time to go WALAT

Kathy in Napa

I'm a wilted mess....This weather must break some week soon, no?

Made it to the dump & grocery store. Finding fuses has turned into a mission in our community. No one but us needs them I guess, but ours is an 1871 house and that's what we need! Today DH finally scored and came home with dozens of packages of them.

Today I grow the yellow phlomis. Perhaps it is time to try the pink again??? Sure looks gorgeous! Great to know I'm famous for my failures. LOL

Deanne, nice to hear about your new helper! I love good news stories about young people. So often people put kids down from the moment they turn 12. Folks can sure be negative.

Saucy, the only thing that helped my Plantar's fasciitis was time and old lady shoes with insoles. It was a horrible pain and I had to wear shoes even to go to the bathroon in the middle of the night. Not fun. I did have physiotherapy for it, but I couldn't detect any improvement, though I went faithfully. (It was paid for!)

Sue, that clip makes me think that if I ever get another dog I'll go for the sleepiest pup! Do you suppose they sleep to block out the voice? Hmmm. LOL

Chelone, at a previous home, blue browallia was used a great deal. It was a shady garden and those were the days when even hostas were unusual! I remember being excited when impatiens was introduced at our nursery back then. Now, I yawn over most impatiens. I did perk up when I saw it in Costa Rica growing wild...but it looked very little like the familiar garden plant. I am a member of the club who'd like to see the Ho-Hum fabrics you work with and some of your tedious jobs.

Funny to read about opinions on the Today show. I NEVER watch TV. Can't even tell you the year I last saw any TV. It was during an exercise class and it was inflicted on anyone who used the treadmills and rowing machines. UGH!

OK, Been up since 4:30am, so time to be horizontal for a bit. Cynthia, though I disapprove, a window air conditioner is turned to ON in one room of our home. The weather stinks quite frankly! Sort of like my days in Nigeria at 95F and 95% humidity. But at least I had a cook/housekeeper in those days...
'bug

OK, Im trying to catch up here but will no doubt miss a lot due to quick skimming so apologies to those I miss.

On the name thing, Im not named after anyone in the family (thank goodness! There are a few Mildreds and Berthas in the fairly tree:- ) But I did end up with a name both first and last - that is so common that there was always at least one other kid with my name in school. In fact, at my university undergraduate graduation, I was given the wrong diploma as the person with the almost same name who should have been in front of me was absent and they gave me her diploma and then realized their error before I left the stage and took it back! It sort of looked like they were taking my degree away from me!! My sisters name is also not a family name but was picked to reflect my fathers Scandinavian roots. Randys first name is pretty common and he has an uncles middle name. But his last name is so uncommon that if you do a Canada-wide 411 phone search, all the people with that last name are close relatives! People are never sure how to spell it or say it. Quite often he uses my last name when doing things like dropping off dry-cleaning or photos for printing. Its much easier to use mine because he doesnt get that blank Huh?! Look from the sales clerks :- )

Leaky hoses/watering wands etc. are a curse here too!

Mary youve got to post pictures of the bathroom project! Im very impressed that you did it all yourself. We need to replace a toilet and, having looked into the specifics of that, its a bit complicated. Those male sales clerks at home improvement places drive me nuts too. I think the young ones are the worst usually I know more than they do about whatever it is Im looking for. The older ones usually are quick to catch on once youve asked a few reasonably intelligent questions and then they seem to really get into the spirit of helping this unusual customer do whatever it is that is on the agenda. In a few places, some of the staff recognize me now and I dont have to deal with silly, annoying attitudes.

gb Very cute car; I love the color! Watch out for speeding tickets apparently most people drive faster in a red car

PM2 yes the Vyvyan Pennell clematis is a long bloomer. It opens slowly with the first layer of larger tepals opening a week-10 days before the center ones. It is just starting to drop the tepals now but, once that happens, it happens fairly quickly. It will have finished the bloom by the end of the weekend I think. The culinary sage is just about finished blooming too (thats the spiky flowers on the right in the second picture) so those two companions are another nice happy accident with coordinated bloom times. In August VP puts out some single flowers on this years growth but the June display is the main one. The white flower in the picture is Rodgersia aesculifolia. I much prefer it to the more commonly available R. pinnata and have it in may places in the garden, including all across the front porch where it goes nicely with Emeral Gaiety euonymus. It does suffer from scorch there because the conditions are too dry but I like it anyway.
{{gwi:164395}}

Deanne I take no credit for the VPs showing :- ) Its all entirely accidental. It was one of the two first clematises planted here (The President being the other) and I knew nothing about clematises at the time. Before it got winterkilled back a few times and gave up on growing tall, it used to be about 8 up the lattice. It bloomed well then but not as densely as now. Maybe its blooming densely due to age or perhaps more likely due to the repeated killing-back. Similarly, I hadnt planned the sage and the Rodgersia specifically as companions for the clematis they are there for other reasons. But I am very happy with the accidental grouping.!

Anita Ill bet a 2lb Maltese is as cute as can be where are those pictures?!

Sue use those crutches! I know how frustrating they can be I broke both bones in my left leg in the early 1990s when I was still otherwise healthy and active. I had a 3 different types of cast plus a brace it took 5 months to heal. Think of your time on crutches as upper-body exercise time! Hauling your weight around using your hands, arms and shoulders with the crutches does wonders for upper body strength! Someone suggested swimming as suitable exercise that sounds like a good idea if you doctor would approve. At the time I broke my leg, horseback riding was my main exercise. Once I graduated past the full-leg cast stage, I was able to ride again (bareback). Definitely check out the locations for IU re wheelchair accessibility. The advantage of crutches + wheelchair is you actually have a reasonable amount of mobility where the wheelchair cant go, you can just switch to crutches while someone lugs the wheelchair up or down stairs etc. Youll be surprised where you can get to if you want to.

Im being a very slow typist and have run out of steam so will have to catch up on the rest later.

Just a quick check in. I have had some really great night photos that I thought might be fun to share. Saturday night is the perfect time to...I'll be back tomorrow ..

:-)
pm2

{{gwi:164868}}

Bright-blue Earth looms over the oldest known planet in the Milky Way. The ancient planet is thought to be about 13 billion years old, more than twice as old as Earth and a mere billion years younger than the estimated age of the universe. Its discovery, made using NASA's Hubble Space Telescope, is evidence that planets began forming soon after the big bang and may be very abundant in our galaxy.
Photograph courtesy NASA/Brad Hansen (UCLA)/Harvey Richer (UBC)/Steinn Sigurdsson (Penn State)/Ingrid Stairs (UBC)/Stephen Thorsett (UCSC)

Morning all, a rainy morning here and they are predicting Heavy T storms for later this afternoon.

Woody, do you have a photo of the VP before it leafed out this spring? I'd like to see what the plant looked like. I've got mine in a huge pot but need to move it in the fall. Also, how much sun does it get in that location? I'm going to try to replicate your conditions in hopes I might get a display like that. Thanks!

Deanne

Deanne - I don't have any pictures of it before it leafs out unfortunately. It's sort of a tangle of heavy older woody stems overlaid with the lighter stems of the more recent growth. The leaves persist long into winter so there are also lots of brown leaves still attached which hide the basic fromework of stems so it's hard to see it clearly. Other than cutting back the winterkilled stuff, I've never pruned it. When it grew taller and then winterkilled, we cut it back starting at the top - we cut it back a few inches at a time, checking to see what the color of the wood in the stems was as we went. When we hit green wood, we stopped. It looks like a spill of lavender-blue off the end of the porch this morning. The color fades as it's starting to drop the tepals but it's still so pretty.

Finally had to cut the delphiniums back last night after the rains. Made FOUR large bouquets. There are many vertical ones remaining outdoors still thank goodness.

{{gwi:164870}}
Oh! Look, there's Deanne's blueberry painting in the shot! It even matches!

DH sent me this article posted below: The Value of the Bra. Pretty scary tale actually! I'd have fallen to my doom.

OK. Got to get rolling here. It is cool and cloudy, though srtill very humid.
'bug

Good morning. I spent most of my day yesterday working on the deck and got a lot accomplished. It would not have been a productive garden day as the ground was bone dry. Almost hard to believe after all the rain we have had this year, but things were dry indeed. Then last night it rained a nice, steady, gentle rain all night. We got almost an inch of rain, but now the sun is shining. I should be able to get the last (last? hah!) plants in the ground a pull couple of the larger weeds today.

I'm tired this morning, though. Not a good night's sleep. DD came home about 12:30, DH got up at 5:00 for an early flight, and in between I seemed to go from too hot to too cold at record speed.

Deanne, last week my SIL tried to tell me that I am the container queen, but I politely deferred to your expertise and would accept nothing higher than "container princess".

Well, I need to move or I will fall asleep here. Pretty sad when you want to take your first nap before 9:00 am!

V.

V -- o dear, you echoed my thoughts entirely ! Im ready to go back to bed too; I worked outside repotting and cleaning a bit more on the patio and before I knew it it was 90 degrees out; I forgot it got hot - you know how that is.....then I did some errands (looked for a couple of plants to fill in a sedum planter; nothing I was supposed to do like buy shampoo, egads..).

My area got no t-storms yesterday; Cynthia was probably deluged; they are promising more of them this evening; hope so as I have not watered anything, including the repotted agaves.

Yes, I think I will use Deanne as an effective defense against any comments about having too many pots or plants, LOL -- there is simply no comparison from here.

I should DO something; but I may end up sitting on the bum thinking about those tasks instead. I know that's not SALATing; maybe it's TALATing?

O, forgot -- Sue that's terrible news -- I too urge you to
come to IU and just do what you can; we'll all take turns waiting on you.

Saucy, get the foot better soonest too. We need you at IU as well.

Cindy

Good morning all!
Yoga is done, breakfast is over, dogs are fed, watered and medicated where needed. Sarah has been on fish oil and prednisone for a scaly, rashy looking situation on her nose. DH is off going about his business, so I may have a few consecutive minutes of peace.

'Bug, I think I forgot to mention...WOO HOO on the car! Your delphiniums are beautiful and look so nice next to Deanne's blueberries..you have a wonderful eye for photos. Okay, not funny that the girl fell, but I did have to LOL that she attracted lumberjacks with a bra...no quicker way to get their attention, I'm sure.

To go way back to the name thing, I'm not named after anyone in the family. As a matter of fact, I'm pretty sure they made up my middle name, Shirleen. I've never met another, anyway.

Deanne, how you managed to "put this together yesterday" and have it look like it's been in the container for a month is beyond me. My hat is off to you, and I hail you the Queen of Containers! Glad to hear you have a helper. Lucky helper, if ya ask me!

PM2-Tucker hasn't had a haircut yet. I have the same policy with kids and dogs..their parents are in charge of haircuts, lol! The smell is fading a bit, but you still know he's around.

Chelone, Browallia, eh? In the midst of my insanity with a zillion plants on the porch that need to be planted, I'm actually looking to see what I want to order for fall. It's on my list to hunt up!

They are talking about the possibility of rain this afternoon, so I'll try to get some more weeding done. Made good progress yesterday, and have one more area that's full of BIG lamb's quarters to go through. Then I can get to the enjoyable job of putting new plants in.

DH is back, I'll go make his lunch and head outside. Bless his heart, he picked a bunch of black raspberries!! I think I'll keep him ;)

Brenda

Hi everyone

Thought I'd tuck this in at the end of a thread as I just need to vent. I'm trying to figure out why my kind, funny and supportive spouse who appreciates everything I do becomes insufferable when it comes to DIY projects. Here was our exchange when I showed him the bathroom.

Me: So what do you think?
DH: (Examines surfaces carefully). Did you sand the walls before painting them?
Me: Of course do you like the color?
DH: Mmmm. How will you attach the wainscoting to the walls? (Weve had this conversation 3 times by phone)
Me: Adhesive on the walls then nails. Dont you think the cabinet turned out nicely? (Ive sanded and repainted a hideous brown wall cabinet white and added handles).
DH : You might have trouble with these walls.
Me: (Sigh) I know. I took the toilet out all by myself.
DH: Will you get everything done before Mum arrives?
Me. Im trying.
DH. What will you do with the electrical outlet? What about the wire from the old light fixture? Arent you going to fill the holes from the old towel rail?
Me: (Walking away) I just wanted to know if you liked it so far, especially the floor.
DH: Of course I do. I just have questions.
Me: Id be feeling better if youd said something like "Wow it looks great in here, youve been working really hard, what a transformation."
DH: Youre over reacting, its much better than before. But are you sure you know how to grout?

Perhaps he should get a job at Home Depot.

Mary

Mary.......What are you doing married to MY husband, lol!?!?!

Brenda - Snort!!

I'm really concerned that you are both married to MY husband! ROFL!

Jerri

And mine too. He's all yours!

Now I know where my DH goes when he travels - he has another wife in NY state!

V.

OK I almost wet my pants laughing Mary. I guess you are the proud owner of ten or more husbands. As much as a peach as Doug is he'd do exactly the same thing and check the toilet installation on top of it to make sure it worked properly. Not trusting that I'd be capable of it of course.

Jeesh!
Deanne

DH had the courtesy to laugh when I read him Mary's dialog. Then he washed the dishes, unasked! I didn't tell him how either. He still doesn't know where to put them though when they are dry. After all, we've only lived here 11 years.

Thanks to all for a much, much needed laugh today.

Sue

GB, I'm speechless. DH has no idea where to put dishes either. How is that possible? Is it steroid induced brain damage from testosterone? LOL

Jerri