My fondest good wishes for Marie's birthday! I picked this shot because this was the first year I've ever had any luck with lacecaps. My wish is that "Tokyo Delight" delights you, too, tres chere 'bug. :) :

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The tick bite is a teeny bit sore, but it's more about worry and timing the duration of the redness than discomfort. A minor annoyance, really. And a reminder to reapply the Frontline to feline and canine room-mates. Maybe to me, as well?

Mum is beyond appreciation. She lives from one moment to the next. Please and thank you are now puntuation; she couldn't tell me my brother's name yesterday, the day before she didn't know I was her child. Incontinence is becoming more frequent, 2 episodes last week. My brother had her for 2 months this summer; was shocked at how much work she was, but didn't hesitate to tell me he wasn't comfortable with putting her into a nursing home. Truthfully, neither am I. But I'm not comfortable taking care of her any longer, either! At this point, I'm not entirely sure it would matter if it was him/me/or a staffer that tended to her needs. Maybe I'm wrong. We are buttoning up final financial details and we've visited several nursing homes. Pending the trust lawyer's assessment, it will only be a matter of time before she is moved to a nursing home. I am alternately wracked with guilt/resentment over the time I've "served"/and gleeful anticipation of the "liberation date". Most days I don't know how I feel, I just get up, lower my head and pull into the yoke for as long as I have to.

I offer the following nugget for those who will face this in the future. I understand completely Norma's feelings about her daughter. I love Mum dearly, but she would never be someone I'd select for a friend. She was always remote, a bit formal, and had the unnerving trait of never letting on when she was angry. It was as though it gave her the "upper hand" (it did!), but it made for some tough times in my life and her own marriage. It was a shock for her to discover that I don't try to gloss over hurt/anger with a veneer of "politesse". If I'm mad, or you've offended me you will be second person to know it. I was done with BS the moment I moved out of the house. And I don't tolerate BS in my home. That was tough for her to accept when she came to live here; there were some "prickly" moments when I simply told her to "knock it off, we don't play that game here", doubly shocking when the helpmeet took her aside and told her the very same thing. Interestingly, the very same rule holds in my brother's home. We both live in bull**it-free zones. Anyway, traits that can be hidden quickly come to the surface when mental capacity wanes. More and more of her self-centered nature shines through because she now lacks the ability to camouflage it with smooth talk and a "poker face". But I still love her and always will. And I quake at the notion that what I have dealt with is what I will become, too... . The past 3+ years have changed me immeasurably. It's frightening and the reflection that shines back at me is not always pleasant.

I need to hang a load of laundry and take the "biggie boy" out for a "forced march". Woody., I a devotee of obedience training! it's the only thing that allows me to live comfortably with a dog (I hate dogs). It's about time (15-20 minutes/day), patience, consistency. And PRAISE, praise, praise... but, smaHt cookie that you are, I've little doubt you're surprised by that. :) I'm STILL dealing with Rex's lack of socialization with other dogs, but he's getting better! My go-to commands are "Heel!" or, "Leave it!" (my favorite). Compliance gets a "good boy!" and then a "watch me! GOOD BOY!" and a loving pat/hug and some time to play with the leash. He's great with people now; still would like to jump but knows that 4 on the floor gets more of the attention he really likes. I believe dogs prefer to be trained, too. Training gives them the attention they crave, and a trained dog gets to spend more time "hanging out" and interacting... something dogs love to do. Training defines "their job" and they're wonderful "employees". You'll get there!

Chatty Kathy here has to put Biggie on his string and get outdoors.

Just a quick post to wish Marie a vibrant birthday!

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And some other vibrant color on this cool, sunny October day:

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Chelone - I don't think you have any need to feel anything but proud of the care you have provided your mother. When 'liberation day' arrives, enjoy it to the full!

I agree with your dog training approach. Misty has been a real challenge and, while she is still pretty crazy at times, she's at least half-way civilized now. Bailey is a piece of cake in comparison!

(((Chelone))) good for you for the no BS zone! My FIL was the same way, and it drove me nuts. If you're ticked at me, tell me why, and we'll figure it out. You've done a great job taking care of your mum-I'm not sure if I would rise to the occasion as well as you have done.

What I popped back in for was to tell Sue..I don't think Survivor is as good this season, either. I haven't found my favorite person that I wanna root for yet-the people just aren't clicking. Tho, I was glad to see what's-his-face get the boot last night. He just rubbed me the wrong way. And, there's one guy (can ya tell I'm not into it..can't remember any names) he got sent to exile island once, and always wears a hat. Anyway, next time he's talking...close your eyes and try NOT to think of Alan Alda, lol! Drove me NUTS until I figured out why it seemed I knew that voice.

Okay, now I really GOTTA get off my butt-we're NO closer to having anything for supper ;)
Brenda

Evening, just wanted to pop in for a second. Brenda! I can't believe I did that??? Holy cow, I must be losing it. I've been typing half of my post at night before hitting the sack and I guess my brain is not 100% functional. Sorry!

Eden, Whoops, I guess I've overwatered one of those Rex Begonias and it probably is toast, or mush. I should probably can it now and cut my losses. Thanks for the input. They looked so beautiful all summer that I can't believe they've gone to pot so quickly and yes I do have them under the lights. Oh well, can't succeed with everything I guess.

OK I guess dinner is ready. Later all
Deanne

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARIE ! and many , many more!

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Chelone, I truely believe that when all is said and done you will be very glad that you have done all that you could for your mother. I do not think I could do as you have, for anyone. I am proud of you.

I have a lot more to say to each of you, in response to your posts, but I suffering from 'brain-fog' at the moment, so will attempt it later.

I drove us around a loop this morning. Nolon needed a haircut, I needed to go to Jasper for some business. His barber is in Harrison, so we went the loop. I was hoping to see some fall beauty, and took all three of my cameras. I never took a pic because there was NO fall beauty except in very isolated spots. The summer's drought has left the woods vegetation sparse and browning. Normally this area comes close to competing with the North Eastern States in fall colors....but not this year, unless something changes drastically. It is quite disheartening. When we got to Harrison I found they were in the middle of their annual Harvest Festival. The square was full of craft and food venders. Interesting, but I didn't linger long, since Nolon's barber wastes no time giving the haircut. After I got some groceries, we headed back home...stopping at the One Stop for lunch. I had a 1/2 thin crust pizza with everything on it. Nolon had his usual hamburger and fries. :-)

A nap felt good this PM.

Marian

Happy Birthday Marie! I guess I'm going to have to figure out how to get some pictures back online, huh? You've received some lovely cards.

We have a planned leaf peep for this weekend, perhaps I'll find card making material :)

Just want to let you all know that most of my problems with Nick are problems with myself. The things that bother me about him, bother me about Jake - that lets me know it's my own control issues. Now if they'd just conform to my little army, I'd be all set. I'm suffering major hormones this past few months, too....makes it tough to get things in perspective. Anyway, we talk really good after I "lose it" so he's doing what I need right now, and actually seems to be enjoying my happy reaction.

Just didn't want you all to think that he was sitting on the internet enjoying his porn and poker, LOL!!!

I took an indulgent shower today and what a dummy - I forgot to rinse the conditioner out of my hair! My hair looks wet, but it's not! We're having company, so I have to go take another shower. Geez!

I'm still itching to get out and plant the stuff I received from Deanne and Wendy. I had lots of reporting to do for Nick's company this week, then I had to go and get 8 copies made and sent out. At last it is DONE.

I'm dog sitting and he's SO ANNOYING! He follows me everywhere and sits at the door if I close it behind me! He sits facing me and stares! (He's reading this post right now :) If my big Zeus did this, I'd pull my hair out. Hanging out is one thing....this guy is weird :)

Saucy

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Happy Birthday Marie

Hi everyone

Just getting packed up ready to leave for Camp Testosterone. (For those who didn't see my earlier lament, I'd signed up to accompany David on a Cub Scout Camp and discovered (too late) that I will be the only female there.) I'm seriously considering smuggling in a little wine to sip in my sleeping bag. Oh well, at least the weekend promises to have gorgeous weather. I'll try not to think about how much I'd rather be gardening:0(

It's lovely to hear from everyone and see all the beautiful cards. I'll catch up with you all upon our return. I need to help a very excited Cub finish packing his fishing tackle and mess kit.

Mary

Good luck, Mary. I sure do not envy you. You are very brave to go through with this.

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Better you than me, Mary! Maybe I'll take an extra sip or two of wine tonight in your honor...oh what do you know, I already have...lol. My excuse is it's been a looong week.

So, I guess the BD girl plans to swoop into this party fashionably late?

Sue

Happy Camping Mary and David, Looking forward to big fish tales. LOL

I think I did a boo boo on Bug's card. I just remembered she does not like red flowers. Sorry Bug.

Yeona Thanks for the Birthday wishes.

I don't know about "fashionably" late, but late I am! It is wonderful to see all the great flower photos..the red ones too...and read all the kind wishes. Really lovely when life gets complicated...as it still does when you reach your 'Beatles birthday', the 64th.

Had a wonderful phone conversation with new GS (7) who tells me his goal is to be a millionaire. He assumes you simply go to the bank and they hand out money. I suggested there were a few more important things.
"Naaaw" says he laughing. "Money is everything!"
I asked, well what about tickles? Wouldn't the world be empty without tickles? Silence. "OK, tickles and money are both important!" I don't know if I won or lost that round! :-) Anyway, the trio sang HB to me. DGS asked what I was thankful for for Thanksgiving, which they will celebrate on Sunday. I suggested having him in my life.
"Oh brother! No really, tell me!"
"Well I meant it, but also for Charlotte too."
"Will you send me a picture of Charlotte?"
"Absolutely! Look for it in a few minutes on the computer, OK? Before you go to bed."
"Really? Oh good!"

Thanks for everything friends!
'bug

Hope she likes red skies at sunset...

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But in case not, here's the scene from my back deck a few minutes before...

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Glad you had a good bbday gardenbig

Norma, I meant to tell you how lovely I think your wheel barrow of red salvia are ! I wish I could grow them like that.

Brenda,raised beds would be just the thing for me, if I could keep the varmints out of them. I would like to still be able to grow tomatoes and peppers. I love using green peppers in casseroles, and sure do miss having my own.

Chelone, I love that Hydrangea. It looks an awful lot like my Blue Bird. I am concerned about that tick bite! I sure hope you put triple antibiotic on it. I don't know if that would prevent Lyme disease, but it couldn't hurt.

(((((Yeona))))) I wish I could help you with your anxiety attacks. I can imagine how miserable that makes you.

Martie, it sounds as though you are having an interesting evening. We haven't had young 'non-family' house guests since our son was a teen. I don't know how I would handle that. I am such an old fuddy duddy anymore.

Deanne , I have tried rex begonias more than once, and never succeeded with them. I think they are very finicky.

Honey, your BD pic for Marie is gorgeous! Is that a current scene?

Kathy, cute kitty. I am afraid to leave my large watering can full of water for fear one of the cats will get it's head caught in it. They like to find the most unusual places to drink. :-)

Woody, your flowers are beutiful! Thanks for sharing. And the butterfly! I could not get the one in the pic that I posted for Ei's BD to open it's wings. It would fly away everytime.

Hmmm, it's past my bedtime....night, night, all !

Marian

bbday gardenbig

translation: Beatle birthday gardenBUG lol!

The Beatles - When I'm Sixty-Four
(Lennon/McCartney)

When I get older losing my hair,
Many years from now.
Will you still be sending me a valentine
Birthday greetings bottle of wine.
If I'd been out till quarter to three
Would you lock the door,
Will you still need me, will you still feed me,
When I'm sixty-four.
You'll be older too,
And it you say the word,
I could stay with you.
I could be handy, mending a fuse
When your lights have gone.
You can knit a sweater by the fireside
Sunday mornings go for a ride,
Doing the garden, digging the weeds,
Who could ask for more.
Will you still need me, will you still feed me,
When I'm sixty-four.
Every summer we can rent a cottage,
In the Isle of Wight, if it's not too dear
We shall scrimp and save
Grandchildren on your knee
Vera Chuck & Dave
Send me a postcard, drop me a line,
Stating point of view
Indicate precisely what you mean to say
Yours sincerely, wasting away
Give me your answer, fill in a form
Mine for evermore
Will you still need me, will you still feed me,
When I'm sixty-four.

A little birdie told me someone was having a birthday today....

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Happy Birthday!

Sorry I'm so late, but so glad you had the kind of lovely day you deserve...Happy Birthday!

Ei

I was in such a rush to make sure my card got here in time that I didn't get a chance to look at all the beautiful bd cards when I posted. What a treat...so many gorgeous birthday pics for Bug! Of course I knew there would be lots of eye candy to enjoy, that's the main reason I came back! :-) I love Idylls Birthdays! :-)

Marian...I *loved* my butterfly! Although Woody's is gorgeous too! :-) BTW Babs, Marian's voice reminds me of my Mrs. Shack, a sweet little bit of southern, but not very strong, just enough to bring a smile to your face. And I *love* your laugh Marian! :-)

Will try to pop in and write a post this week-end, but tomorrow Mom & I are going through Dad's stuff in the storage shed (I guess it's time). I can't believe Dad's been gone for almost been a year now. I guess I try not to think about it. Sunday will be a cheerier day. I am looking at a hall with DS and his Fiance & future MIL. :-)It will be a busy week-end, so if I don't catch up with you guys until Monday...Have a great week-end all! I'll be thinking of you!

Ei

Oh and Bug...I couldn't go to sleep cause I got to thinking...I hope Bug heard the song in the spirit in which I was sending it...I *love* that song, so when you mentioned it, I just wanted to post it for you.

Okay, gotta go to bed and *stop* thinking!

Good Night All! Ei

Good morning everyone. It's all peace and quiet here; 3 kitties have ventured outdoors for their morning foray. The fourth is, I suspect, cuddled up with our attorney friend who arrived after we'd gone to bed. Yeah, I guess the place will always be a bit of a "flophouse"; not unlike Martie's digs :). Anyway, I hope she's enjoying a nice snooze, cuddled up in flannel sheets under a down comforter... with an affectionate kitty.

I have windowbox maintenance planned for today; I'll keep the flowers going for as long as I can. And then there will be some lawn mowing. It looks like green velvet right now, lovely background for the yellow birch leaves that are scattered across it. And I'll spend some time pulling roots and neatening up the area where the Amelanchier will go.

So what's the traditional Thanksgiving meal for Canadians? turkey? haggis? ;) I suppose the real trick is to simply count your blessings and that could be done with saltines and a glass of water, huh?

The forecast for the weekend is lovely. That will be good news for area merchants, but it will make Rex's "forced march" difficult. The traffic will be heavy on the road and that takes a lot of the enjoyment out of it. And the golf course will be teeming with recreationists. All will be back to normal on Tuesday. The foliage is really rounding into splendid form, if the weather holds I think it will be hitting peak in the next week/two.

I think I rustle up last night's dishes now. And think about what to serve my good friend for breakfast. She has a busy day of painting planned on her home in a neighboring town (it's rented, so she "flops" here when she's in town).

Morning everyone,

Well we just dodged a bullet last night and came within an eyelash of our first frost. They werent predicting it so I just wasnt ready but tonight is probably going to be the end here so Ive got a VERY full day of dismantling containers and chopping back and repotting anything I want to keep like my half a billion abutilons, iresine and plectranthus, fuchsias. (Well maybe not half a billion but it seems like that many)

Marian, if you cant grow Rex Begonias then I should just forget about trying! LOL Oh yes, Im planning on bringing in that lovely Streptocarpella and perhaps taking a few cuttings if youre interested.

Bug, I LOL about GS thinking that they just hand out money at the bank. When DD was that age she wanted something and when we explained that we couldnt afford it she told us to just go to the bank to that machine. ROTFLOL. She thought that anyone could just go up to the ATM and ask for moola and theyd hand it out. WE still laugh about it.

Sue, that banana is flipping enormous!!!! Im just panting to get my hands on that orange splashed Acalpha. LOL Ive been thinking of it for a week now and planning on what to plant it with next year. You do know that Im absolutely hopeless. It is a sorry state of affairs now that I crave an orangey Acalpha more than I do a nice piece of bling. Te he

Oh Mary! This is that weekend. Ill be thinking of you and wishing you luck. You are such a trooper and fantastic mom. Id have found a way out of that dilemma.

Saucy, hang in there lady! It really sounds like a round of counseling would be a good idea right now. I worked with someone at one time in my life and it made a world of difference for me. Sometimes getting a different perspective on our situation really helps a lot.

Woody, really beautiful pics and I especially love the butterfly photo.

Chelone, nice lacecap. Ive never gotten one to bloom so I gave up on them a while ago.

Brenda, how about a picture of you up on your big machine???? Do you think youve have a moment to get your DH to snap a pic. I love hearing about your very different way of life and cant ever imagine myself in your shoes.

Honey that fall photo of your back gardens is beyond gorgeous! What is the silver plant between the Cotinus and Chamaecyparis pisifera filifera? Anyway that whole composition is just lovely. ~~ RE Brugmansia, last year I took mine into the garage, withheld water, let them drop all their leaves then brought them into the dark, cool corner of my basement. I repotted it in the spring.

Norma, love that wheelbarrow!

Ok Im off to start hacking things back. Have a great day. Hmmmm maybe Ill take a couple pics before I cut stuff back so I can remember what it looked like.

Deanne

Gorgeous sunsets and wee birdies are always a treat too! Thanks Taryn and Ei! The frame of your bird photo is amazing!

I'm off to my 9am foot doctor appointment, but thought I'd share the view from "Sue's window" this morning...FROST on the grass and the swamp beyond the pond...
Guess I'll have to post that later as the university computer is not working this morning. Blargh....

Got the pie made last night, but when my brother phoned I forgot about it and it is a very rich brown color... ;-) Hope it tastes OK tonight. This afternoon I prepare a Maroccan beef stew.

DH goes flying with a friend in his small plane this morning...a beautiful day for that.

Yesterday I forgot to tell you that friends cleaned up the vegetable garden. Bundles of peppers and eggplants now...what to do with them all??? Anyway, all the messy melons, vines, nasturtiums, weeds and things are gone and the rosemary is potted up to bring indoors soon. :-)

Later!
'bug

Good Morning, Crisp autumn day here. David and I are going to take Bella to the apple orchard later today if it warms up. Bummer that Brad has to work. Looking at the weather forecast it's going to be getting cold next week so tomorrow will be devoted to getting the rest of the plants inside. I'm so ready to be done with that.

Deanne, I know you can grow the rexes. You just have to get the hang of it. Anyone who can grow orchids and fuschias like you can do just about anything.

Mary, you are an awesome mom. Honestly I have to admit I would have backed out. I bet you have fun though once you get there.

Time for coffee and backgammon. If I get any good pictures of Bella on our field trip I'll post them later.

Here's to a great Saturday.

Eden

Oh come on now, Deanne, even Monique and I can grow rex begonias inside...lol. Put them in the bathroom for the hunidity. They don't need to be under lights...minimal water. Yes, they will drop leaves and lose some of their brightness but will take off again when you put them out in the spring.

Still no frost here and none in the forecast. Tom is off for a day of golfing so I have the whole day to myself. I'm thinking of dashing out to a nursery about an hour away-maybe stopping for lunch at the Vanilla Bean. Although it's chilly now, we're supposed to hit the mid 60s F and the sun is shining.

Deanne, the banana is big but I doubt it will make it to the top of the garage roof before frost gets it. Tom was looking at everything around the patio this morning and said he was thinking what a shame it seems to be that all this just disappears and that how amazing it is that it all grows back from nothing in just one season. He's right.

Allrighty then, get out there and enjoy the day!

Sue

Its quite windy here and supposed to hit 80. I'm really supposed to be outside painting the house. The plan is to finish today, so I'd better keep it short. I sure enjoyed 'bug's birthday with all the great pics, I hope she did. Its good to "see" so many this a.m. Other than the painting, I plan to bring in all the potted up plants to be held over and bake an apple pie (frozen crust)

Eden, the secret is to take lots of pictures. I hope you have as much fun at the orchard as we did. Give Bella her own container to pick apples because they tend to want to pick the ones from the ground that you'd rather not purchase. LOL

It sounds like gramma 'bug is enjoying her new role ;o)

I have one rex this year. We will see...

Later friends
Michelle

Hola!!! The masses moved themselves back to college this morning in time for homecoming weekend. None of them have classes on Friday but they all had major reading/thesis work to do and appreciated a place to spread out. It's too quiet, all of a sudden!! Rich is at three appointments (more about that later) and I have the whole day to focus on nothing but "chlorophyll laden matter." (Compliments of the Bio major who had some really good suggestions for companion plant combos.)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARIE!!!! I'm sending you the gift of gratitude for being such a steward of your property. Each picture I see reveals more and more astonishing views!!!

Scored a bunch of deals yesterday while on the road. Found four Viburnum carlesii babies that had been nurseryed then forgotten for $2 each!! Also got an apple tree grafting lesson at the UMass research orchard because I got there just as a field class was starting. An older woman in business clothes couldn't just join in unobtrusively, so I asked, "If I get a bushel of apples can I listen??" Will probably never use the knowledge (it's painstaking work!!) but it's fun to know.

Also -- to Deanne especially -- stopped at Goodwill and found a Pendleton wool suit, great condition/color/right size and fluffy light sweater to match, for a grand total of $10.

My head is bowed that I did not remember that Canada has a Thanksgiving. Hope you don't eat Haggis as the main dish! As a child was determined to be one of the "big people" and try it, despite my Grandmother's stern warning that it may turn me off to it forever. She was right. When faced with a ceremonial Haggis offering, I admit outright that I pretend :-)

To all my Canadian friends: Happy Thanksgiving! Since it's my fav holiday I've decided to celebrate right along with all of you this weekend, and will do a ham on the grill :-)

I'm so glad, Taryn, that you spiffed yourself up and went for some retail therapy. It's a struggle to be "up" sometimes, I know. Been there, done that, do everything in my power to avoid letting myself slip to true "down."

Marian: Get an animal. My mom, at 72, adopted a year-old Cairn Terrier. Animated doesn't begin to describe this dog. He is a true benefit in her life and she has made sure that if "something happens" to her he has a place to go. My dad, who hates dogs just like Chelone;-O, even lets him climb all over him and uses a lot of energy to resist smiling when that happens.

To all who have started harvest: May it be Abundant!!! It is a tradition here (don't know if it came from the Caribbean culture or if it is a New England thing I didn't know about) to leave one small patch of harvested plants standing in the middle of the field to thank the earth for the harvest. I find that very cool no matter what beliefs one has.

Rich and I are breathing again. While still pursuing Florida licensure as a back-up, he has booked contracts that will take him through Christmas and has a lot on the back burner for Spring. WHEW!!!!! His teeth are coming along nicely (three hours in the chair, yesterday. SHUDDER!!!) He extends his appreciation, again, for the warm wishes send his/our way. He knows from Logee's that this is a "safe" group and really wants us to be more involved, but it takes a lot to set foot out the door. I'm hoping against hope that the next few months will make it easy to take that step.

Just realized that it's warming up enough to get outside and get going. I plan to be covered with mud, dead stems, and corn stalks in just a few minutes.

WOOPEE FOR SATURDAY!!

Martie

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Happy Birthday Marie!

Hope you enjoyed your day!

Pretty chilly here this AM, and the house was chilly too - 62 when we got up! I refrained from turning the heat on since the guys are spending the weekend camping in the woods with the scouts and will sleep colder than that tonite. DH said it was 32 up in NH where they are headed this AM. Had a very excited Cub here last night too! One of the planned activities is BB gun shooting, all I could think of was that Christmas movie with that little boy "You'll shoot your eye out!" but DH assures me it is perfectly safe and well supervised.

Deanne, I thought of you when I saw the frost advisory on the forecast last night - I ran out and took some coleus cuttings before dark. You do have an awful lot of work to do! So beautiful all season though, definetly worth it. The brugs will survive a light frost, won't they? I know the abutilon will. I'm not ready to deal with them yet - have to make room in the basement.

Ei, that salvia in your b-day card is perennial, salvia forsskaolii. It is also called the woodland sage, it will grow in part shade. I got it at a plant swap and it is the only perennial salvia that does well for me.

Norma, so sorry to hear about the loss of Keebler. I enjoyed the pics of him, he looked like a great dog.

Honey, your new front beds are stunning. What a lot of work you have done, and it has really paid off.

Well, I have to sign off now - the "late seating" (DD) is asking for her pancake breakfast. Then I'm free for the day! I asked DD if she'd work in the garden with me today, she said "only if you pay me". Maybe I can get her to rake up the pine straw for $1?

Have a great day everyone!

-Wendy

Someone please help me out because I need an intervention. So we went to HD to pick up another six cubic feet of potting soil to get me through this fall's potting up activities and lo and behold, they still had those three and a half foot phormiums that were only $39.99. Well, I'd been drooling over those babies since they first got them in but talked myself out of buying them because it was the end of the season and the very last thing I needed was yet one more plant to bring in the house. Well, guess what? They were marked down 50% off!!!!! Holy cow, HUGE pink stripe phormium for $20.00!!! I simply could not resist putting that on my cart with the potting soil so now I'm faced with findind a cool window to winter it over. It really is one handsome plant and just imagine how good that is going to look planted with some fuchsias in the spring? LOL I did good though, I didn't buy the other larger one that was the chartreuse color. Heaven help me if it gets marked down even more.

Deanne

Deanne, you aren't going to find intervention folks on this forum my friend! I had to smile when I read your comments to Brenda about her very different way of life and how you cant imagine yourself in her shoes. What comes to mind is the photo of you taken years ago driving the huge horses with skill and pride. You chose a different road, but you would be skilled at any path you took.

I am home with new insoles in new shoes. They say I can slowly work into treadmilling again, but that I shouldn't expect more than 50% recovery in the next month. I can deal with any % recovery!

DH is off flying with his buddy above our house. I can hear them, but the tree leaves are still hiding them from view.
DH also delivered a bunch of sunflowers [still stretching out the wedding mood...:-)] and a huge chocolaty nut filled diet catastrophe of a cake.

Better start cooking soon..

Enjoy this fabulous perfect autumn day!
'bug

Well off I went after skating practice with DH to a nursery. This HUGE phormium jumped out at me and said, "Sure, you have room in your house for me!" So for $12 I am the new owner of a plant I know nothing about. It is beautiful, repotted from its bursting container, and about to come indoors along with the rosemary.
OK experts, how does one care for this guy???? Temperature? Light? Watering? etc....

A few 50% off astilbes followed me home as well.
Now I MUST make that dinner.

'bug

Dear Marie,

I'm sorry I missed sending you birthday wishes on *your* day. I hope you had a wonderful birthday!!!!

My best,
T.
(Hello to all---haven't read since Thursday night, but scanned and saw Marie's lovely cards.....hope to read and play catch up later tonight).

Happy Saturday all from pacific time !
Sounds like there has been lots of shopping going on today!I'm having my 2pm Saturday afternoon beer(Scrimshaw from North Coast Brewing Co. in Mendocino today)after a busy morning of grocery shopping, farmers market and double digging.I pulled up few of my basil plants to make room for lettuce and arugula which I will plant from seed tommorow.They will become the edging plants on one of my perennial beds. I also got my Maryotts daylily order in the mail yesterday and potted them up in gallons while I finish digging and soil prep in my front yard.

What great birthday cards you guys come up with ! That close-up brug shot is very cool Wendy. I better get my own camera and quit borrowing my son's so I can practice at will.
Deanne, I had over 25 fuchsias till this spring when I tossed all but 3 of them (Voodo, Winston Churchill and Featherduster) because of the terrible problems with fucshia gall mite we have out here. I decided to keep only those that seemed to be resistant and then start over again next year. Grrr...

Well, my beer is done, so I need to go back out and finish up the chores. Must be about cocktail hour for most of you !

Kathy in Napa

Hi, everybody!!
Another quickie.........
Deanne, yes, I'll get DH to get a pic this year. I really meant to do that last year-lol, oh, well, this year I'm skinnier ;) Oh, you'd have no problem being in my shoes....they're 11W, LMAO! Just too bad you guys aren't in the area-I'd give ya all a ride!! There's a buddy seat in the combine, so you can have someone ride along and be comfortable. I've taken a LOT of little kids (and a few big ones) and they love it. My mom came and rode with me a few years ago-that was a pretty cool day.

Martie-we don't leave any crops standing out in the middle of the field, but I always leave a little around the woods' for the deer. Figure they'll miss their free food source once we've got all the corn picked!
Wow, 3 hours in the dentist's chair?? Bet he was glad to get outta there!

I didn't get any outside time today. DD came over for a while-well, we did do a "flower walk" and sat outside for a while. After she left, I was faced with a whole beef rib-eye and two pork loins to hack up and get ready for the freezer. Lol, they may WORK me to death, but I ain't gonna starve, anyway!
Gotta run, DD is on her way back over. She meant to borrow my three hole punch and forgot it. It amuses me how she'll drive 1/2 hour to get here for the least thing. I avoid "road work" at all costs :)
Have a great rest of the weekend!
Brenda
PS Marian, you'd LOVE the raised beds! The only critters that give me any trouble is our one dog, Sarah. When stuff is small, she likes to get up there and stand and look around. She's a pretty good jumper. The beds are sitting on an old concrete slab, so nothing has been able to tunnel under them........so far, anyway.

I tried to open two pages and comment on everyone's posts and it felt so forced for me. I'm sorry. I wish I could do that, and I admire those who can.

The stuff I came up with was pretty funny.....funny enough to delete.

I went shopping today which was fruitless, but I got a lot of good ideas. My empty house is starting to scare me as we go into the cooler seasons. You need creature comforts to get you through. I don't know if I told you, but we kind of gutted our first floor.

I hear bedtime stories going on...don't mean to be short but I'm not feeling chatty.

Saucy

PS, not only does the dogsat dog stare, he snores (rather obnoxiously)

Lol Deanne and Bug,still buying plants eh? I have to confess I bought pansies yesterday. I had to water everything today. It is so dry again. I still haven't brought much in yet but it got pretty chilly last night.

Marian, would you believe all those plants in the wheelbarrow are volunteers from last year? I even transplanted a bunch of plants out of there. While going through snapshots the other day I ran across a picture of another planting I had in it years ago with marigolds. I haven't planted it every year but someday I would like to find pictures of all the different versions. Bob thought I was crazy when I payed $20 for it at a yard sale. But if you look at the prices of flower containers I consider it was a bargain.

Ah ha Kathy, another beer drinker. While I enjoy a little glass of wine like several others here, I love a good cold beer when I'm really thirsty. I don't do either in excess. (anymore anyway) LOL

T did you babysit yet? I can't remember if you were to start this week or next.

Wendy I like the artistic view of your brug.

Martie, I'm happy to hear that Rich will be able to work near home. I hope many more jobs line up for him.
Did you take pics of the shucked corn?

Sue sounds like you have converted Tom into a gardener. Or at least a garden appreciator. Bob and I had a good laugh the other day. I am always getting him to help me move big rocks into the gardens,he sometimes grumbles about it. We were driving by a landscaped area the other day that had a lot of big rocks in it and he said "that looks neat". I did a doubletake then laughed out loud. He hit himself in the head and then said" oh my lord now you got me doing it.

I did a little work in the yard after I watered, but I'm having a hard time being motivated to do the dozens of things that need to be done before frost.
Guess I better try harder. Norma

So Saucy just comment on what you want to and that is fine with us. Did you mean you just got rid of most of your furniture? I had a terrible time finding stuff we liked, but finally did. We redid our floors this spring too. I really like them. I don't always feel chatty either. Norma

I bought plants today too, well only one-a Japanese maple 'Fireglow'. Now to find a spot. It wasn't the most productive day as weekend days go. After pooping around the house for most of the morning I went out nursery hopping. The selection wasn't great so the maple was the only puchase. I spent maybe an hour in the garden then went out for my walk. Unfortunately, an annoying cold seems to have settled into my head and the runny nose and post nasal drip is driving me nuts. Since I rarely get sick I have little tolerance for it. Time to swill some Nyquil and hop into bed.

Later,

Sue

Good Morning, It's very foggy here this morning but is supposed to be a warm day and no rain in the forecast so I plan to work on bringing in the rest of the tropicals and getting Brad to plant a few shrubs that I have lying around in pots. It seems that I've hurt my foot. Yesterday when I woke up it hurt a little to walk on it and today it's worse. I don't have any idea why though. Very strange. So I'll be hobbling around on it today.

Saucy, I've been getting a chuckle out of hearing you talk about the dog your sitting for. I keep thinking of the dog that used to be on the TV show Frazier that used to sit and stare at him. How's Jake's arm doing?

Marie, your grandson sounds like such a sweetie. I hope you're able to find a way to spend time with him. Maybe he could come and stay on the farm sometimes during school vacations and come over the summer for visits.

Deanne, no intervention here. In fact I think I'll run over and check out our Home Depot this afternoon. I think all you'll find on this forum are enablers.

Martie, I'm so glad that Rich is getting work near home. I just hated hearing that he might have travel so far away. I hope the trend continues. Great news about his dental work too. I really hope I get to meet you both in person one day. You're such a great couple.

So T, how did the first week on the job go? I know those babies kept you busy. They are fun though aren't they?

Sue, sorry to hear you have a cold. You're getting quite a collection of Japanese maples aren't you?

Norma, it's much harder to get motivated to do the autumn garden chores than the spring ones isn't it. I just loved the wheelbarrow planter!

Brenda, looking forward to seeing the picture of you on the combine.

Kathy, I looked up those banana slugs you mentioned and I don't want any of those, lol. They're monsters. Bet they're able to eat a whole plant in just a couple of bites!

Honey, My dbl. white brug didn't give me but a couple of blooms last year when it was new either but this year it's bloomed well. I would just wait and repot them in the spring. I have a pink one called Isabella I can save a cutting of for you if you want. It's very fragrant!

Wendy, just about every weekend you make me want pancakes. Wish you were here to make them for me!

Ei, I hope yesterday wasn't too hard a day for you. Have fun with your son and his fiance today.

Chelone, beautiful lacecap! So how'd you get it to bloom? No luck here with those unless we have a really mild winter.

Michelle, I took all of your advice at the orchard. Thanks. Did you get all that you'd planned done yesterday? Painting the house, bringing in all of the plants and baking a pie should have kept you busy.

Hi Marian, wondering what you're up to this weekend?

Ok gotta go if I'm going to get things done today. Oh I almost forgot to tell Mary that I'm thinking of her on the camping trip! Hope she's having fun!

Eden

A few photos are possible at last! Here is how yesterday's frost looked. (It looks very similar today too!)
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And with the sun, there was then mist:
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Fortunately we picked the vegetables before frost struck:
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I'm not the expert on what is typical Canadian Thanksgiving food, but there is usually turkey and dressing, cranberry sauce, vegetables etc and pies. Turnips seem to be an essential aspect of the meal, but I never grew up with that.
We celebrated yesterday although the holiday is actually on Monday. Ours was very un-traditional, with hors d'oeuvres of fresh figs stuffed with cream cheese, watermelon bites and a drink of choice. Dinner was a very good Moroccan stew (a new recipe for me) with crusty bread. Dessert was an apple/cranberry/raisin pie, although some folks also wanted birthday cake before their coffee. A fire in the fireplace too. A good time had by all.

Saucy: For the first year we were in our new house, we had cheapo plastic lawn furniture in what is supposed to be our formal dining room. Instead of trying to fill the house up, we rearranged. I made some humungo pillows to throw on the floor, got some cheapo ugly tables and covered them with pretty cloths, and was grateful for the house itself. As we found what we wanted on a more permanent basis, we actually started to miss those big pillows ..... You're right, an empty house can be darn depressing, but so can spending too much money on stuff purchased just for the sake of filling rooms up. The right stuff will come .......

Sue -- I HOPE against HOPE that you don't have the four-week cold. I'm just now feeling truly better from the nasty that started on Labor Day weekend. Water -- drink lots and lots of water -- and take whatever time you need to take off work to rest. People who did that were only sick for two weeks, those of us that didn't, four. Do the two.

Plant Purchasers -- Good for You!! Intervention???? Here????? Are you out of your minds???? LOL Did a bunch of bulbs yesterday and pansies, here, too!! Moved some annual-type daisies that last year didn't get frost bitten until November, cleaned up, put out pumpkins, generally decorated the house for autumn. Am saving the big scary spiders and other Halloween stuff for later -- No hints to the kids about what might be around that corner!!!!

Hope all "up north" have a wonderful rest of the Holiday weekend.

Marie -- Loved the story about your DGS. Did he get is picture?

Kathy: Having been brought up in an avid Mets fan family on my mother's side (my great aunt got the first New Jersey vanity plate every issued: METS 1) my sympathies to you for yesterday's game;-) The REALLY GOOD NEWS is the Yankees are Gone and Outta Here!!!! Who'dathunk that I'd ever be rooting for the Tigers? In the midst of worldly chaos, I'm glad we all have something relatively inane to cheer about! (Sorry, again, Kathy for thinking that baseball is "inane." We live smack dab in the middle of Red Sox/Yankees territory and are Red Sox fans at heart, so this year the playoffs don't hold as much dazzle :-)

Need to get food shopping and then to my Moms and Dads for weekly tomatoe drop off. Expect to take some pics this afternoon and if I can figure out how to upload them, there should be some design questions waiting for all of you tonight.

Best -

Martie

Good morning all, Well there is a white coating of frost on the lawns on the hill across the street but it looks like most of the plants here escaped by a thread. I was so tired last night we ordered a small pizza for dinner. You know, I didnt even really like it and it used to be my favorite food and then I got heartburn when I went to bed. Well, I havent had a problem with heartburn for four years so now I really have no desire to eat any pizza again. Today is going to be another heavy cutting back and disassembling the pots day here. Doug was such a peach yesterday and helped me dump the old soil out of the pots then he washed them out and put them away in the shed. That saved me a ton of time. Im hoping I can lure him out to help me again today. Im in a quandary as to whether or not Im going to save my original Abutilon pictum Thompsonii. The trunk on it is about the size of my thumb and is going to be enormous next year if I keep it over. Will I or wont I? Do I need a variegated abutilon that size? Im having a real problem throwing away all those potential nice looking cuttings. Im telling you, Im hopeless. Today is going to be worse when I start really cutting back my large fuchsias.

Sue, bummer about your cold. Ive used the Zicam rapidmelts the last couple years and Ive never been sick longer than a week. I hope you get better really soon. So now where the heck are you going to put another Japanese Maple? You are too funny. Advice please, Ive got that JM Viridis that I bought with you last spring. Well it was in that pot on the patio and I need to find a place to plant it in the ground. Where do you think that would look good and do well here? ~~ BTW I think that is absolutely terrific that Tom thinks its a shame that the patio garden disappears. I think he is enjoying the gardens more than he lets on. LOL ~~ So next year that banana will get to the top of the garage you think? Just in time for the Conservancy tour?

Eden, just love the apple orchard pics from yesterday. So much fun with the littles. So maybe you can get someone to snap your pic with Bella sometime? ~~ Sorry about your foot. If that doesnt get better really soon you should have it looked at. My mother actually broke a bone in her foot once and didnt even remember how it happened. Just woke up with a sore foot one day. Hope it heals up soon.

Norma, LOL about Bob admiring landscaping with large rocks in it. Our guys certainly are good sports arent they? ~~ RE beer, I only like it when the day is really hot and Ive been working outside in the heat and at the end of a day an iced cold, I mean frigid cold beer is the very best thing on the planet. ~~ RE the phormiums after hearing Bugs story I decided that it was a great phormium conspiracy. Ill bet we arent the only ones who were lured into buying phormiums yesterday.

So Saucy, how long are you going to have to take care of the annoying, snoring dog?

Brenda! 11Ws!!! Wow, I thought I had large feet. Im just a size 10 medium. Interesting factoid, my feet used to be a double wide but have gotten smaller since I lost weight. It is so nice to be able to fit into a medium width shoe now. ~~ Id love to come out and have a ride on your combine!

Kathy, I googled the fuchsia gall mite!!!! OMG that is just terrible! Thank heavens we dont have that horrible thing here. They just ruin your plants. I did read about one person who was able to save her plants by spraying with SEvin on a four day schedule for three weeks. So once you eradicate the mites can you get new fuchsia and they will stay free of the pests? Id be devastated.

So Marie, I laughed so hard when I read your post about buying the huge phormium! I have NO idea how to winter it over but we can share our experiences this cold season. What kind did you get? Ill have to get a pic of mine with the pink stripes. It really is a pretty plant and Im thinking Im going to put it on the landing on the stairs to the second floor. ~~ So what are you going to do with all that eggplant? Im still drooling over that grilled eggplant Mary fixed for us when we visited. Speaking of Mary, I sure hope she is doing well with her camp out! ~~ Just love all the photos of the farm especially the on of the sun streaming through the fog. Lovely!

Wendy your brug photograph is beautiful! You are a tease though, we can only see small glimpses of your garden behind it. Id love to see more of your gardens. Is that a Ligularia Brit Marie Crawford I see peeking under the flower? ~~ The house was 61 degrees this AM here too. We still havent turned the heat on either. The longer we can put it off the better.

Martie, how great to hear that Rich has gotten work locally! Poor guy with the dental work. I have such a phobia about dentists just hearing about three hours in a dentist chair gives me the heebie jeebies. So maybe you both can come up for our February party in 07? ~~ You rock lady! A Pendleton suit and sweater for $10.00! Woohoo!

Hi Michelle, Im looking forward to seeing some fall pics of your gardens??? ~~ Did you finish painting the house yesterday?

And last but not least for our northern Idyllers

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Martie, does more nursery crawling today qualify as rest? lol It's all relative I guess. The option is planting and moving stuff. Unfortunately I'm not good about sitting around and I can't take any time off from work this week til at least Wednesday. I'm supposed to have the financials done by the sixth workday and that's tomorrow. Oh well I am moving slower than usual so that's like rest too, right?

Ooops, Marie, I guess it's all over for you til next year. Since last night was the full moon and we only got as low as 42 F, we may have just bought ourselves another couple of weeks. The downside to that is I have trouble cutting stuff back when it's still green and need to get started on cleanup. I always wait to long and end up decorating for Christmas with one hand and raking with the other. Deanne is coming down next Saturday to take plants and cuttings so that seems like a good time as any to start dismantling the containers. Of course we have to fit eating and drinking in there somewhere too...

Happy Thanksgiving to all our Canadian friends! Before you know it we'll be celebrating it here too. Egads, did anyone ever figure out where the year went?

Sue

Sue I SO know what you mean. I'm having a heck of a time making myself cut down these beautiful plants but if I don't get this done soon I'll be crazy trying to get it in at the last minute.
Deanne

We painted all day yesterday except when I had to run to the store for more paint. It is finished though. I was wishing that I had Marie's brick house yesterday. What a terrible wind we had yesterday. The temps were very pleasant, but the wind blew like crazy. Today will be colder with a strong NW wind.

The plants didn't make it in yesterday, so maybe today as it is supposed to get cold this week with frost predicted for several nights. The end has come. No pie got baked either. I always plan more than I can accomplish.

Marie, have you thought about getting web cams for your computers? It's a more interactive way to communicate. Your produce looks just lovely. We just love eggplant. We got very few this year for some reason. The picture with the mist is just wonderful.

Deanne, my gardens have gone downhill after the frost, dismantled containers and lots of leaves around. I did take a video with my digital camera that I uploaded to Photobucket that I thought I might share but I'm not sure. I should have done it when the garden looked better.

Deanne, Sue and Bug, you are all beyond help. LOL

Saucy and Norma, sometimes I don't feel like saying anything, but that is rare. LOL Actually, I'm not nearly as chatty in person.

Brenda, it sounds like your DD likes to find excuses to come visit you. That is really nice.

Wendy, I second Deanne's request for more garden pictures.

Martie, you do seem to find the bargains. That wouldn't happen around here.

I'm cooking a turkey breast for dinner today and will think of the Canadian Thanksgiving while we eat it.

Waving hi to all.

Michelle

Well Saucy, I'm not the one who opens a second window and manages an individual response to each one. I hope you all realize that I love you each in your own way. Sending a line to each person, at least from me, just sounds dull and repetitive. So I write what my old brain thinks of at the moment.

I took a few photos of my phormium bargain plant. Looking at Google, I have no idea which one it is, but like it no matter. I'll post a site below for you to read up on them, but I didn't really find great information. So here is my new baby:
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The coleus here are all soggy and gone. There are lots of odds and ends to plant, perhaps this afternoon. I need a huge saucer to put under the rosemary plant. Maybe I'll go check out the only nursery around that might possibly have one. I should mow as well, but somehow, on a holiday, I feel like just having fun!

We have loads of wasps and other insects enjoying the sun and trying to get inside. Lots of spiders too.

DH is trying to figure out what's up with our basement heaters...and we have turned the heat on occasionally when it gets just too cold. Basically the three cats have been our heater so far this Fall!

I'll confess to eating the last piece of pie for breakfast, but I did start back on the treadmill for 15 minutes. We'll see how that goes.

'bug

Good morning!

Deanne, we will only enable you here...can't wait to see what you & 'bug do with your phormiums next season! I have a book called "Hot Plants for Cool Climates" and it says re: phormium "plants may be overwintered as houseplants in a cool, sunny setting or kept dry and cool in a low-light setting." I had one in the basement last year, dry and low light, and it survived but it sort of shrunk. The cool, sunny thing might be better.

I cut back and re-potted some fuchsia per Deanne's demonstration, and it was heartbreaking - they still looked good! Now they are sticks in a pot. I left a few still flowering, couldn't bear to cut them all down now.

DD did come out and try raking pine straw yesterday, but it was like doing yard work with Goldilocks - "this rake is too tall, these pine needles are too pointy..." and so it went. She raked an area about 5' x 5' and gave up. She says she'll do more today, but we'll see. She'd much rather clean inside, which is not a bad thing.

I opened up some potpourri that my mother gave me and filled a glass bowl in the dining room with it. The flavor is "paperwhite", and it may be a little strong - I can smell it in here, 2 rooms away. Will it fade after a while?

Deanne, that plant in the pic is a sweet potato vine called 'Ace of Hearts' - it has overflowed the pot and spread out for several feet along the ground.

Saucy, I find it hard to comment to everyone; especially when I don't check in daily and have a lot to read. I do "talk" to you guys in my head when I have down time, like sitting in traffic. Then by the time I get back to the computer, I forget what I wanted to say!

Martie, glad Rich found work close to home. Hopefully he'll be able to stay nearby, but the Florida thing sounds like a good back-up.

Marie, the web-cams are a good idea - you'd get to actually see your family while you talk to them. I like your frosty pics, and the striped eggplant are cool.

Sue, nursery crawling is more restful than digging - make sure you have some soup at the Vanilla Bean. Hope you feel better soon.

Kathy, roses, daylilies - you are changing my perception of gardening in California. I love daylilies too - which ones did you get?

Why do I have a strange urge to go to Home Depot?!

Well, I think it is time to head outside - I'm going to do some digging today and see if it is a large rock or ledge in the weedy area that I cleared in back. My neighbors found ledge and huge rocks when they had the foundation dug for an addition. There were some rocks so large the dump truck guy refused to move them, said they were too heavy. Wish me luck!

-Wendy

'bug, those pictures are gorgeous-you really have a good eye for a photo op!

Deanne, I'm pretty sure me feet have gotten narrower since losing weight, too. DH looked at me like I was crazy when I said I thought my feet were getting smaller, then gave a meaningful look at my feet. CREEP, lol! I've always "gotten by" with the biggest shoes I could find in the store, which is usually a 10W. Of course, I've always had problems with ingrown toenails, corns, etc. because of it. So, I got my feet measured and 11W it is. I'm ending up ordering all my shoes online, cuz I can't find them in the stores. What did I ever do before the internet????

My hat is off to those of you still buying plants. I'm hoping to get the last few pots stuck in the ground today. I haven't even checked any websites to see if they're having sales, and drove right past the big nursery sign that said perennials were marked down.

I'm expecting DD again today. My mom called her while she was here yesterday, and said she knew someone who had lab mix puppies for free. Christina had a puppy that died of either parvo or e. coli just a little while back. She had decided she wasn't going to get another until spring. So, when grandma called, she was all fired up about going and seeing the puppies today. Then, when she came over the second time, she said she had decided to wait until spring. The vet had told her that unless she really got everything disinfected really, really well, the next puppy could get it if it was parvo. And, they said that it can live in the environment for up to six months. Christina said she just wasn't comfortable with putting a puppy at risk like that, and just couldn't take losing another one. I was very good...was noncomittal about the whole issue. I think she should wait, but didn't tell her that. Lol, of course, she could change her mind and pull in the driveway, ready to go get a puppy today. Who knows?? Yesterday, when she left the first time, she was going to go home and scrub the house down with the bleach solution the vet reccommended. Don't know if she did that or not, and I don't know what you'd do about carpeting. Wouldn't think a bleach solution would be a good idea there. Pretty sure her landlord wouldn't appreciate it.
Okay, gonna get outside and play in the sunshine-have a great day, everyone!
Brenda

Well I opted for working in the garden at home today. With all there is to do it just seemed like the sensible choice. Usually I spend all kinds of time shuffling plants around but this year I decided to get ruthless and have been tossing stuff right and left. All the short bloomers, crappy foliage, no impact plants have been hitting the trash-a bing, a bang, a BOOM! All the stuff that wants more sun than I can provide...goodbye! It actually feels good. I feel liberated! lol

Time to get back out there...

Sue

OMG, someone else wears an 11 (I'm ready to go to 12 for walking shoes!) and why aren't I at Sue's with a trash bag???

I did the coolest yard work today! Remember when I used to post pictures of the view overlooking the wetlands when there'd be frost or fall foliage? Today we bought our first chainsaw and cut a "window" into the woods.

My new bay window has a nice view now :) It will need a bit of sprucing up, but the major removal is done. We can now see a beautiful hill side on the other side of the wetlands (think lots of cat tails) and there are no houses to "spy" on us :)

I don't think I told you all that I lost my pear tree about a month ago. It fell into my garden - nothing lost - it was a garden that the guy before me planted, mostly orange ditch lilies. Anyway, I've never seen anything like it, the tree was hollow down to the stump! We sliced a piece. I'm thinking that a bird might like one tacked to the tree for a house.

I'm about to come down from my yard work high into my "I have to cook dinner" low :) I'm roasting a chicken, but we'll call it a mini turkey for the really northern bunch :)

Lemon thyme and lemon zest are being stuffed under the skin! My own version of lemon chicken.

Saucy

ps, he poops tootsie rolls in the house after a 2 mile walk. He goes home tomorrow. He and I will be happy :)