A Gardeners Forum Forums General Discussion The Banter Hall COFFEEHOUSE 2307 It's Nice To Talk Now & Then

Good morning. I have a slow connection this morning. It is driving me nuts. I am glad to see Tamara on though. And that most of the yard is mowed.

Good morning, everybody!

I'm having an unusual, sorta disjointed, morning.

I came on here to read up on everyone's doings. Maxi came home at 7:45 and we were fooling around with Google Earth5. My girl came at 8 and started breakfast. I wrote out cards for Sherri and Thorny and gathered the laundry. I had a low blood sugar after breakfast, so had to eat more carbs than I wanted... I hate when that happens! In a little bit I have to get ready to leave for dialysis but I did want to stop in and actually say "good morning" to everybody.

So Good Morning, everybody!





Tam, I don't have grandbabies yet so I can only imagine what you are experiencing. But I can get the idea of what you meant by getting very attached to the little one and having to leave to go home. That has gotta be really tough! How I wish they'd all move closer to you!!

Hopefully your house will still be in good order when you arrive back, just in need of a thorough sprucing up like only a woman can do. I'm glad at least some of the mowing was taken care of for you.


I hope Carol's sleep gets caught up.

I'm off and running! See you all later!

Good morning merme, I hope your blood sugar is balanced now.
Have a nice day.

I got 2 more hours sleep--so I am nearly all caught up now & feel pretty good.
Thanks for asking...
yep I see that BIll reminded us--
Happy Friday the 13th....

Merme, what did you do with those 3 beans Maxi harvested?

Hi all,
Well everyone is back to work now- I am starting to clean my house up.. do more laundry- why is it we have so much for 2 people? I got my suitcase back to basement again... stored the travel stuff... fixed my foil on the window- it faces east.. no way do I need light at 4:30 am... dusted my bedroom- got the vacuum ready to take up and finish it up..mop the bathroom too... fix up guest room some- it's a mess... I have company coming from Austraila so want to make it kind of nice - just don't know when yet.

Well off to finish - boys will be here soon too!
Nana

Nana! Is Isnoo coming to the USA?! Oh, if she is, please do tell her I said "hi!" and think of her often.

I'm glad Carol Jean is caught up w/ sleep. Sleepless night & interrupted slee is no fun.

Sheri ~ I fed Maxi his three string beans at dinner! He loved them!

I came in so starving from dialysis that I just had to slam together a 1/2 wrap w/ roast beef, a tiny bit of cheese, lettuce, tomato & horseradish. It tastes like the food of the gods. Man, I was hungry!

Hi again,
Yes Merme she is coming- don't know when yet but so hoping she can figure out how to get here too... I will tell her Hi for you.. she is on facebook too.
I have been cleaning today - the upstairs at least... doing it little by little till it's done right...
I had my hair cut the other day -- extra short cause it was way to long- this way it may last till Oct.. older I get the faster it seems to grow... may have to color it again soon too... don't like that grey stuff that appears in it.LOL!
Well I am tired and need to hit by pillows... I slept in till after 8 today ... still trying to get back to whatever normal is ... all that traveling made me lose my routine....
So nite all- got plans for making pancakes and french toast in the morning.. and cook up some ground turkey,,,, see you later,
Nana

Good night all. I am heading out too. Not sure how much is actually going to get done outside this weekend. We are facing triple digits. So water, water, water at the very least.

I have a pot of chicken vegetable stew bubbling on the stove. It smells so good I do not know how I am going to resist eating it until tomorrow!

This morning was one of those mornings I couldn't get a good cup of coffee for anything, so I'm going to make up for it now and make a nice fresh cup before heading for bed. YAY!

We have a busy weekend ahead so I don't know how much I'll be on.

I hope Carol sleeps okay.

I hope Tamara has a nice trip home, sad as it is to leave Baby Madisson.

I hope Nana remembers to rest in the middle of all that busy-ness.

Some rain on the west coast would probably be a nice thing right about now.

g'night from me as well....


1:00 am here.....
OK I am really going to bed now---nite nite.........

Good morning. Waiting for the sun to catch up to me.

Hi everybody!

Rough night here last night. The pain in my left hip came back again. So the treatment left me pain free for 36 hours. But oh what a pleasant 36 hours it was! The other trouble spots are still much better but this hip -- my oh my!

So UP and down all night.

I hope everyone else had a good night?

Good morning.

Sorry about your pain Merme. I had a long night, knowing I am going home today DH and I are coming back for a visit in three weeks but that's a long time, almost forever (well to a new grandma it is).

I took the baby for pictures at Walmart but didn't buy many, just for myself, DD and my mom...they wanted over $300 for the full package I was beyond shocked. I had coupons for different things so I ended up getting $100 worth for $50(which was my budget...so it's alright) I can't wait to get them so I can scan and share with you Extended family will not be pleased but oh well.

My sis-in-law is coming for a visit so I'll take the free trip home. It's going to be a long three weeks wait.

Tina, hoping the heat dies down a bit for you. I don't know how you manage it, the weather this summer here has been one of the hottest on record, and it's mild compared to your area. Oh well, I'll be seeing snow flurries in less than two months.

Well, the next time I talk with you all, I'll be home..probably crying but it's got to be done.

Tam I think you did well w/ the Wal-Mart photos. Professional photos are so pricey! The only time I've done better is when I've gotten a private photographer. Then I got 12 beautiful photos of Maxi for $25. They were so good, I decided to get copies AND several enlargements. I won't tell you how much I spent from there! But anyway, your daughter might look around for a photographer just starting out who would like to do Madisson on a fairly regular basis. You never know what a good deal OR a good photographer you might find that way.

I know it is going to be a very long three weeks, Tam. I'm sorry you have to go through that.

A free ride home is nice though.

Today I worked out the details of a surprise for Maxi. He leaves for his special teen Christian camp program on Tuesday. He doesn't know it yet, but after all the workshops they do (which he has already signed up for) he will have the option of standing up in front of everyone and pledging to live by what he's learned. Our Bishop will be there to hear the pledges and bless the kids. And of course, parents are invited for that part although the kids aren't told that! He knows he is riding home from camp w/ a priest & her son. He will be so surprised to look and see me in the congregation!

On Tuesday we are taking the priest's son up to camp w/ us because she has to go a day early to set up and for some reason, they won't allow her son to be there yet. She is the Vicar* of two small parishes and is a very nice person.



*for anyone unfamiliar, a "Vicar" (pronounced to rhyme w/ "flicker") means "anyone who serves in place of another" and both in the Catholic & Anglican traditions, a Vicar serves on behalf of a bishop. But notice its similarity to "vicarious"? the words are related. In the Lutheran tradition, a Vicar is a person serving an internship before ordination.

Good Morning all...
We had a storm her last night (finally after several just missed us)

We ended up with 2+ inches of rain.--sure AFTER I had given up & watered everything lsst night.
Today is supposed to be another hot one with high humidity & then it is supposed to cool down some.
"cool" being a relative term in this case.

Merme Thanks for all of the information--& yes you are correct on the Lutheran useage of the term Vicar. Our current one looks so young you would guess him to be about 16. he looks even younger in "street clothes".

Sounds like Maxi is going to have a nice time at his camp. The surprise will be ever so nice for him--and for you to see his pleasure at you being there. Kids so like to know that their parents are at such things, even if they do not say so openly. It was so good that it could be worked out. These are the things that kids remember.

Tamara: Yes I too think you did very well on the pictures.
You must watch for holiday specials at Walmart & some of the other stores.

You do not want to even know what we were charged for my 2 DD's H/S grad pictures. I will tell you that when the younger one wanted more pictures I found a person just starting out, who sold me each sheet of photos (any sizes I wanted) for $5.00 each. (1 8x10, 2 5x7--etc.) Those photos were as nice as the costly ones from the "professionals", & I think she had more fun having them taken too. (she got to bring her Dog along) So yes shop around.

Sorry that this time with your new grand DD and of course your DD must end for now. 3 weeks will go by before you know it---besides I know you will be in contact with them both. She wil be needing her mom's advice.

Jonni had Grad pictures. I bought the cheapest basic picture. On graduation day a teacher of hers took more relaxed pictures and those are the very best ones. With her gown hanging open and a big grin on her face. Those are the 'Jonni' that belong on a wall.
I have been outside working. Mostly moving and setting sprinklers and such. I need to work before the heat. I guess our short heatwave will begin tomorrow and begin to fade by the end of the week. Thank you Mother Nature for the weather blessings I have been showered with.

Sounds like we have the same heat wave, although your temps are much higher I'm sure. Our heat wave starts today and we start cooling off again on Tuesday.

I have a couple of happy things to share. First, Aros got a job! A plumbing company about a mile from our house was very interested in an email Aros sent them. He went in for an interview on Thursday and he said it was the best job interview he's ever had. He's supposed to start on September 13th. He wanted to wait until the kids were back in school before going back to work. They're paying him what he was making at his last job plus they have very good quarterly bonuses. He's also getting serious about looking into sleep apnea treatments. His mom and I have both expressed our concerns about it and now he's finally ready to do something about it. Of course, he has to wait until he gets insurance but at least he's thinking of doing something for his health.

The other thing, not so big but still fun. The girls are 15 today! FIL and a good friend are coming over later this afternoon and we're going to have a little mini party for them. Can't afford to do too much, we still don't have child support because we still don't have anything finalized but hopefully in the next couple weeks all of that will be done with.

Tamara, I would cry too. Hope you have a safe trip home and that the next three weeks fly by for you.

Gotta get ready to go shopping for a birthday party, see you all later!

Happy birthday to your girls, Cheryl. It is an exciting time for them. A little acknowledgement is better than nothing.
I am most happy about Aros going back to work! That is exciting!

Well we have cooled off here ..it's nice for a change,, got house opened up to take advantage...LOL!
I had a bad night- dreams- don't usually let that get to me but stayed up for a while after - then slept in till after 10 - needless to say not much has gotten done- guess I needed it though- feel better today.
We are going grocery shopping tonight- so have to get my list and coupons done... always a fun job- did finally go thru them and get rid of expired ones... been a while since I did that.
Well off to get some of this stuff done ...

Nana

I finished preparing the chicken stew this morning & so we had it for lunch. We spent the afternoon on Maxi's monmouth homework project. He is making progress!

It is still cold here.


Cheryl how happy I am Aros has a good job which begins soon. That is the best news, ever. And the girls are 15, wow! Happy Birthday, Girls!!

I hear a nap calling to me....

The girls mom called them today and that made them very happy. Glad she made an effort to talk to her kids since she hasn't done that yet.

That is a good thing, Cheryl. I am glad she did that for them.

Happy Birthday to the girls, Cheryl.

Congratulations on Aros getting a job. That is esp. wonderful with today's market being as it is.

So glad to hear that the kids mom thought to call them. Esp. in view of the girlls B-day & all.

I just finished with supper here----I so wish I didnt want to wand wash so many of my dishes.--ah well--I guess I could do the hand washing tomorrow after all...

Does that mean that you have a dishwasher that you do not like to put some of your dishes in, Carol?

I just got up from a little nap and made a delicious fresh cup of coffee. I'm in heaven!

Carol I have an older dishwasher so I can't put any food debris inside mine. And I do not put in my antique china or fine crystal pieces (such as I still have). But lemme tell ya, my friend, I run that dishwasher at full capacity every load -- to make it cost effective to run -- and I put everything in it. Bakeware, cookie sheets, pots and pans, plastics, ceramics, porcelins -- generally speaking if I've got it, it goes in. I do use a high quality power tab dishwasher detergent & I also treat the dishwasher to a run on empty w/ citric acid every six months to keep it running well, but man I do not wash anything by hand if I can help it.

My philosophy is *use it if you've got it*


Maxi's stay over buddy fell asleep so early, it was hardly a sleep over. The boys barely had time to do anything before Dom was out cold for the night! He does tend to fall asleep fast, just like Maxi does, but Maxi has learned to stay away later.

Ok ladies here is the deal.

I have a new, when we bought this house, whirlpool dishwasher. It works like a charm.
But I do not put in the following: my good dishes, my crystal, my good table service, anything aluminum, some of my pots & pans, my tuppeware, my good cutlery, nor anything antique into it. SO, as a result I end up doing a lot of my dishes by hand.

on to a sad note. last week my MIL bought me 2 solar flowers for my flower bed.---well one didnt work so I fooled around & didnt return it until today. well sad to report they were all sold out--now my flowerbed is lopsided-- :

They say they may get more in---so I will hope that is the case....

I guess I'll see ya all tomorrow some time

I don't have a dish washer at all, Carol. Everything is washed by my hand around here.
Good night. I am going to bed early on this Saturday night.

And good morning. I so want to work as it lightens before the heat sets in.

Good morning, everybody!

I have scratch biscuits in the oven & fresh coffee brewing. I think some people call my scratch biscuits "baking powder biscuits". It is a great way to start the day with something baking!



My trouble is, I make them far too large although I always intend to make them smaller!

Carol I put nearly everything in my older dishwasher just because it is too hard for me to either a) stand on one foot for long periods of time handwashing or b) getting my lap soaking wet handwashing from my wheel chair. Just the very most fragile things do not go in.

I also believe it is more sanitary -- especially in my house where so many people w/ various skill levels do dishes -- to run the dishwasher. It runs at a much higher temperature than anyone could stand on their hands. And with these uncertain days with so many food borne bacteria around, it makes sense to me.

Today I am taking Maxi & his friend Dom to the beach to do some boogie boarding if the surf is co-operating. The water has been really rough as of late & they may not be able to use their boards. But they'll still have fun!

I just saw on the news that Phoenix is at 113 today! I could not live in an area where temps climbed so high!

I finished reading The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth Speare early this morning. It is a good little read for anyone who enjoys stories set around the time of Jesus. I'm always fascinated by how the ancient peoples lived.

Just a note to say I am home..very busy with haying(and being sad)..I'll be back later to read back and catch up.

Morning,
I too use my dishwasher for just about everything- except the fragile and some my good silverware... when we bought a new one I made sure it was would do pots and pans too.. love the thing when we have the whole family over...

It has cooled off nicely here this week.. the air outside is actually cool this morning.. nice after all the heat.. when we were in Yuma it was 115*... it just about did me in... hard to believe we used to deal with that all the time...

Tamara you will enjoy your visits with baby Madisson even more when you do get to visit...though believe me I know how hard it is not to be with them all the time...

I need to get my french toast and pancakes made today- and bake some banana bread- must have 15 frozen nanas ready ... got to get ready for school to start...will be different this yr for me- all of them in school all day... empty nest all over again...LOL !
Nana

O.k. well DH did a pretty good job at the house keeping..should only take me one real full day tomorrow to give a good scrubbing, dusting and vacuuming(He hates the vacuum )This house needs to be mopped so bad..ugh.

Today I am getting caught up with laundry and unpacking and sorting papers and mail and such. No one went to the mail for two weeks, I got a note saying that they'd leave my packages when someone emptied the box first The mailwoman knows me and knows I was gone.

My lawn and garden are just awful, apparently we had a dry spell while we were gone..no watering was done or any weeding at all. What a mess..that's gonna take me a few days work to straighten out and see if anything can be saved..and i can also see frost damage to my peas and rose bushes. Yup, Fall is really on it's way.

Oh well, there's always next year...Spending time with Madisson was worth it all. Still not caught up on here yet either I'll try read back tonight..busy, busy, busy..

I took the boys to the beach for the morning. It is a gorgeous day out there! They had a good time.


Tam I'm glad things were not as bad as you feared back at the house. And you are right: being with Madisson Layla was worth a much bigger mess than what you found waiting! I'm happy for you.

Hi everyone! Work today but only for a half day. We upgraded the girls phones yesterday and Ashley's phone has a problem so we gotta take it in. It's hot here. We're under heat advisory until 10pm tomorrow night. Ick, we did a pretty good job keeping our house cool yesterday. Not cooking helped a lot I'm sure. Tonight I'm not so lucky and have to cook. At least it's an easy dinner. The girls had a very nice birthday and they even got to each pick out their own cake. Amanda picked banana cream pie and Ashley picked the leaning tower of chocolate, which was layered caked about five fairly thin layers but the thing was a good six inches tall and was filled with chocolate whip and a custard cream with fresh fruit on top.

Tamara, it is nice to see you back.
Cheryl, I want a leaning tower of chocolate too.

Cheryl, Tell the girls I'll take a piece of cake from each of them, OK.. Sounds like they had a nice b-day..I am sure tehy are in love with the phone upgrades...

merme glad the boys, and you I am sure, had a good time at the beach.

Tamara---yea!!! I am so glad that things were not as bad as you feared they might be at your house
when you got home---I figured your DH would try to do his best. I will also hope that the yard/garden are mainly ok & can be saved.

Now you know that you can go away for short periods & all will be ok at home---

and since there is some that needs done by your hand, , you also know that you are needed there.
so it is a win-win situation!!!

I am so sorry that you have to miss your beautiful little grand daughter.--maybe they will move closer to "home" one day.

hopefully 3 weeks will pass soon. You DO have photos at home right?? & one for your wallet???

O.K. things weren't as 'well' as I thought I'll be cleaning, weeding and fixing for a few good days. I should have known.

Happy belated birthday to the girls Cheryl.

Tina, It feels good to be back on the forum, hoping to get more time to chat and catch up now. Have to keep busy..time passes faster that way.

Yes Carol, I videotaped her as well.
Hi Merme and Nana.

Now I want cake

glad to hear that---so now we BOTH want cake.---But pie would work too.... :wink:

Tam: sorry to hear about the garden ---but hey---hopefully when you are done straightening things up, it will not be as bad as you first thought.

I still have so much preserves left from last year..I made over 100 bottles so we are good for this winter...just gonna try get some beets at the farmers market for pickling..ran out of those. My beets didn't do well with the rain this year.

Still wanting cake

I asked DH if I should make some jelly--he said NO----so now I am torn---

I will freeze some tomaotes & possibly some corn.

I will also make some zucchinni breads but other t han that probably nothing much more.

Did I hear someone mention cake????