Daily Ooos: Wednesday, June 12

[faerywings]

I just spent so much time in the Avatar Thread, LMBO! If you haven't gone through it, you have to. Tracy and I have been cracking up. Although, at least I am home and everyone here is used to me laughing at my computer. Tracy is at work so she'd better be careful or they'll be escorting her off the property soon

How was your Tuesday?
You all won't be even a tiny bit surprised by this but guess what? I totally can do the observation hikes. Why do I get myself all worked up and anxious? Silly Faery! The first group of kids were... something else. They screamed-- literally screamed- at ants and teeny moths. This school is also an inner-city school so nature is not as available to them and I get that. But ants?
The rest of the groups seemed to be really into it. We found some awesome things including a tiny brown snake which after a little research this morning, I believe to be an eastern worm snake. We usually see black rat and garter snakes, this little guy was new to me. I also learned that NJ puddingstone is purple because of the iron content in the soil and is only found in the West Milford/Ringwood/Wanaque areas-- nowhere else in the US. Two more little facts to add to my knowledge base.
I was also called "delightful" by the program director. (AKA my boss but she *hates* the word boss.) I joked that she needed to tell my family. They think I am annoying, not delightful LOL When I was telling Cait about that, she said I am "both delightful and annoying, depending on the day."
She and Tom had the menu tasting at the wedding venue, brought home leftovers, and gave us some to try too. OMG, everything was delish! People are gonna be surprised- a lot of my family has said that they don't think they will like vegan food. Guess what? They will.

I am cleaning for my friend this afternoon after I pay bills (and sob) this morning. My kids and their crew are off to Knoebels Campground for the next few days on their annual camping trip. I don't know how long they have been doing this, maybe 6-7 years? It used to be Sam and her fiance, Scott and his ex, Cait and her ex. Now it is Scott and Sam, Cait and Tom, and another couple that are best friends. I am thrilled that they still go after the whole crazy incident with the exes. They say they have so much more fun now without the losers. LOL

Let me post this and check on the dogs
BRB!

 

[JeanneMN]

@faerywings I have never found you to be annoying, of course I've never found myself to be annoying, so that has to mean we are deeeeeeeeee-lightful all the time. I HAVE to do financial stuff today, going to have dental costs coming up so I really do have to behave myself with the credit card and things have to be up to date. I hope to get back later.

 

[faerywings]

Puppies are little crescent rolls on my bed

@vickyday I would looooove to send you scrap mojo. I am all out ATM, only scrapped 1 page so far this month.
Hope you had a lovely walk and the stomach is hanging in ok.

@BrightEyes Phone calls at 5 am are not a good way to start the day! Eeep. I hope that DD#2 and SIL are doing ok. Is he the one who had the stroke? Lots of healing thoughts to your whole fmaily~~~

I love it when we see the @O Birthday Fairy here, we miss you the rest of the year!

@bcgal00 Are your dogs flipping out from the noise and workers? It's great that you can take them for walks to give them some quiet exercise. Awesome that you joined the senior center.
I would *love* to hear all about your friend and her classes! I'm being nosy but details, Rae!! I need details about it all. Hahaha! I could talk about nature and kids all day long. (and I do! sorry about that )

@Cherylndesigns Hi Theryl!
Did you figure out what plants you want to get for the arch?

@AK_Tracy *high 5!* That's awesome that you asked for help and got some. The new avatars are a hoot and a half, you must have gotten some odd looks (more than usual? LOL) at work as you were laughing at them.

@Terri M How exciting to be booking the excursions for the cruise, what did you decide to do?
I am glad that your mom will be settled into the new apt before you leave. Good luck and easy moving vibes sent her way~~~~

@JeanneMN good info on Wisteria for Theryl. So many plants sold at nurseries are invasive, I had no idea how *many* until I started working at Weis. I knew about knotweed and bamboo but a lot of the flowering plants are also invasive. I have dead nettle that I got at a reputable nursery last year and it's taking over already. Same with the fleabane from a packet of "bee-friendly" wildflower seeds. :/
I am superduper jealous of your pond and the tadpoles. Sorry that the little ones leave and never say goodbye. Ungrateful. Hmmph.
Whew!! You found a good dentist, I hope that the more you see here the less anxiety you have.


Oh, man! I was going to comment on Jeanne's tattoos but that has to be Ava's arm. These darn avatars are gonna be the death of me. I wil have to double-check who I am talking to for the rest of the month

 

[mimes1]

Good morning everyone! Getting in an early check in this morning! You all have me giggling all day long, especially with the avatar thread! The creativity and humor here is just so much fun. My kids tell me I'm not funny at all, except for when I'm laughing at my own jokes, at which time I'm hilarious. I'll tell them I'm in Humor In Training here at the O and see what they say.

Today should be another quiet day, hope to get more housework done and some early scrapping. Yesterday the dogs and me had a very good training session. The puppy (Reesie, 2 y/o and 92 #!!) listened very well and did exceptional, especially since we haven't done any formal training in a while. He's so big he MUST listen to me, because he's almost as big as me and I can't possibly control him physically if he decides not to listed. Today we'll have some more sessions and maybe throw in something new to try.

Can I just interject here how much I love my old dog Ike? He's glued to me and he's sitting here at my feet and I love this dog so much.

Oh - and as of last night, my daughter and I decided to take a week trip to San Diego in July. I haven't been back since we left in March of 21. I'm looking forward to going to the zoo and visiting a bunch of friends. We have a lot of people to see and not alot of time so it will be a whirlwind. We're also going to NYC in November to see the Thanksgiving Day Parade. It will be Belle's 28th Birthday on 11/28 which is Thanksgiving this year, (she was born on Thanksgiving day so we call her our Turkey Baby), so she's been talking about this trip for literally 10 years. I've never been to NYC and the thought of the crowds and navigating the big city is very intimidating to me. We'll stay a night or two, Belle had originally planned like 8 nights - who can afford that??? So we're sizing it down, but still. Any of you up north have any suggestions on how to do the big city?

@Cherylndesigns @JeanneMN It was very informative reading all the info about the gardens yesterday. We've been here 3 years already and we still don't know what to plant. The info on wisteria was really helpful because Mark want's to build a shade structure over our patio, and put wisteria on a section of it to give a small section of privacy. I did not know it was that invasive so I'll share that information with Mark. Jeanne you lady slippers are spectacular!! I'll have to check to see if they'll grow in our zone. Our beds are pretty basic - I've managed to keep the mulched and sometimes weeded, but would love to get some color out there.

@bcgal00 As I read all your daily activities, I think #retirementgoals!! You're amazing how much you pack into a day!

@Cherylndesigns the tattoos in your photo caught my eye too! I never paid much attention to tattoos until both our daughters got one. (or two) Now we always ask people what the significance of the tattoos are. Or are those your tattoos?

@O Birthday Fairy it was fun seeing you around yesterday!! Being this is my first birthday party experience here at the O, I can see you all know how to have a hilarious good time. Can't wait for all the games and challenges to start!

Off to get going on the day! Will be checking back in later! Hope you all have a great one!

 

[BrightEyes]

Morning all. Going to be a hot day so plan on staying home with A/C running this afternoon. Tomorrow will be 101*F!!! Another scorcher so will hibernate for at least 1 more day. I can stay busy reading and LOL over the Birthday avatar/meme thread... and the kick-off Birthday Day 1 challenge. Going to be a fun-filled time here at the O! I have seen the Birthday Fairy flitting around spreading fairy dust and shhh (prizes). So get those party hats on and join in the fun.

@faerywings I knew you would do great on the hike... WOW... I am not fond of snakes... no matter if they are not poisonous/danger or are!!! Had a couple of very close calls with rattlesnakes in my youth. So glad the kids are going on their camping trip and have put the trip there with the horrible EXs behind them. So neat that you got to enjoy some of the 'wedding food samples'.

Oh - and as of last night, my daughter and I decided to take a week trip to San Diego in July. I haven't been back since we left in March of 21. I'm looking forward to going to the zoo and visiting a bunch of friends. We have a lot of people to see and not alot of time so it will be a whirlwind. We're also going to NYC in November to see the Thanksgiving Day Parade. It will be Belle's 28th Birthday on 11/28 which is Thanksgiving this year, (she was born on Thanksgiving day so we call her our Turkey Baby), so she's been talking about this trip for literally 10 years.

OHHHH... can't believe we share ANOTHER thing.... my DD#3 was born on Thanksgiving Day (Nov 26th) and we called her our Turkey Baby! Enjoy your trip to San Diego and visiting the zoo/etc. I know you will enjoy the Thanksgiving Day parade in NYC. And, yes, it is expensive to stay there so understand you cutting it back to just a few days.

@Cherylndesigns Love seeing your photos of the arch. Glad the gal warned you about the wisteria being invasive. My neighbor has a trumpet vine that has sent out vines into my yard and I fight a battle to kill them off every year. It is a never-ending battle.... even have vines popping up 50' or more from his plant! Is that a photo of your hand or Ava's?? Beautiful!

Time to close up the house and take my shower. HAGD

 

[JeanneMN]

@JeanneMN good info on Wisteria for Theryl. So many plants sold at nurseries are invasive, I had no idea how *many* until I started working at Weis. I knew about knotweed and bamboo but a lot of the flowering plants are also invasive. I have dead nettle that I got at a reputable nursery last year and it's taking over already. Same with the fleabane from a packet of "bee-friendly" wildflower seeds. :/
I am superduper jealous of your pond and the tadpoles. Sorry that the little ones leave and never say goodbye. Ungrateful. Hmmph.
Whew!! You found a good dentist, I hope that the more you see here the less anxiety you have.


Oh, man! I was going to comment on Jeanne's tattoos but that has to be Ava's arm. These darn avatars are gonna be the death of me. I wil have to double-check who I am talking to for the rest of the month

I have a load of wash going, all receipts & bills are ready to go into Quicken. I told myself, ONE reply before I get back to it.
@faerywings I have learned the hard way that when they say "native plant" it's a fancy word for an invasive weed. When we first had yard landscaped 35 years ago, they put in 4 columnar buckthorns, yah, lets talk invasive & then there was the burning bush that turned into about 6 more. My idea of a native plant is ladyslippers. Love hens & chicks because that's like having my own nursery, I pluck them out of the cracks between the path pavers, not where i planted them but I still like them and if a plant like sedum or hens & chicks start a colony there, they sign a waiver saying they WILL get walked on. Washer's done, back to work.

 

[taxed4ever]

Good Morning everyone, its going to be quieter day for me today, finally and I hope that I can even start working on a layout, if I remember how!! Its been so long, it might take me days to complete one. MIL and FIL are busy puttering around their new house and putting things where they need to go. The new chairlift got installed yesterday and so MIL is very happy with that! They are off to do some shopping for new medicine cabinets for the bathrooms and new shower heads for both bathrooms upstairs. I offered to take them, but I think they want to do this on their own. FIL should not be driving, but his licence has not been taken away from him yet, at least its just navigating a few places here in town and not out on the very busy highway. We will see how things go, he hasn't been driving at all since the move, which is good. I have to go over there at some point and set up the new soundbar that they purchased for MIL's tv in the kitchen, but other than that I think most of the work that I can help with is done. We will have to talk to them about a schedule for us to come and clean and SIL Linda has gotten some of the weeding and pruning done. My Gary has cut the grass for them and there are still some large boxes to get rid of in the garage, but its looking like a cute little place for the two of them.

@faerywings - Of course you did great on your observation hikes, we all knew that you would! How great is it that your kiddos are still going on their annual camping trip together and having so much more fun without the losers . I agree with @JeanneMN you are both deee-lightful!!

@mimes1 - How nice that you and your daughter will be going on a trip together and then a trip to New York, lucky you!! I have never been there either and the big city and large crowds would be intimidating to me also. Although I lived through meandering through Paris with a gazillion people and even managed to not have my pocket picked on the subway.

@BrightEyes - Love your Meme!! I need to work on one today also. Sounds like a hot day for you, so a good day to stay inside with the AC and have fun here at the birthday party!

@Cherylndesigns - Reading your post about your hydrangea I just wanted to throw my two bits in... If you cut back your hydrangea in the fall and remove all the dead blossoms, they will not bloom again for you in the spring. You have to wait to trim it back until the spring when there is new growth on it and trim it back no further than the the first growth down the stem of the plant. If you do this you will have beautiful blooms every year! I have a huge one in my front yard and it has gorgeous blooms every year. I hate that I have to look at dead blossoms all winter though.
Ok better hit the shower before my DD calls this morning, darn the lake is like glass this morning, I should be out there in the kayak. So many things to do and not enough days to do it all. I should be on a hike today also, but its a really tough one and I haven't been hiking for a few weeks. Not sure that my life will ever get back to normal but we are seeing some light at the end of the tunnel. Have a great Hump Day everyone!! Enjoy the Party!!

 

[Cherylndesigns]

Good morning all,

Wow, what a great start to the birthday celebration with the Pre-Party Avatar Challenge and the Birthday Fairy flitting around sprinkling fairy dust and having fun with everybody. I'll bet her little arms were tired.

Chris @faerywings, I decided to NOT plant Wisteria - not sure what I'm going to plant yet, but it won't be that. I have enough invasiveness in my gardens already. My zebra grasses are huge and have just about squeezed our little tree out. I need to nail Braden down to come dig one of them up for me. I'd like to move at least one of them over to the side of my house. They make great privacy and grow so fast. I also fight that danged Johnson Grass, I think it's called. It grows wild and boy is it ever invasion. Some people actually like it because It does eventually give privacy, but it's a nuisance.

That tattooed hand is Ava's. Amy @mimes and Chris @faerywings you both asked about it and I'm not sure who else. She almost has a "sleeve" on one arm and is working on the other one. She plans hers very meticulously and they all have meaning. One arm is all of our favorite flowers (mine is the Cala Lily) and they're all shaded so beautifully together. She's designing her next one right now. It will incorporate a big Hummingbird for Chuck and it will be drinking out of another flower. She showed me the design that she's come up with so far. She started her journey with a quote on her inner arm, in my handwriting. I always said "enjoy the little things" and that was her first one:



Her "sleeve".
. .

She has a big one started on her other arm and her side, hip and thigh and a big medallion on her stomach. These girls are crazy over them. Alyssa is starting her collection now and Aly has them almost all over. I like them a lot and only have one, but want another one and that's about it. We ALL have at least one - even Roger succumbed and got a big one on his back.

Kay, @BrightEyes I agree about learning of the invasiveness of the Wisteria. Great info. Stay cool for the next few days.

Wow, I wrote a book today. Hugs to all and I might pop back in later. My fingers are tired. LOL

XOXO

 

[vickyday]

I just spent so much time in the Avatar Thread, LMBO! If you haven't gone through it, you have to. Tracy and I have been cracking up. Although, at least I am home and everyone here is used to me laughing at my computer. Tracy is at work so she'd better be careful or they'll be escorting her off the property soon

How was your Tuesday?
You all won't be even a tiny bit surprised by this but guess what? I totally can do the observation hikes. Why do I get myself all worked up and anxious? Silly Faery! The first group of kids were... something else. They screamed-- literally screamed- at ants and teeny moths. This school is also an inner-city school so nature is not as available to them and I get that. But ants?
The rest of the groups seemed to be really into it. We found some awesome things including a tiny brown snake which after a little research this morning, I believe to be an eastern worm snake. We usually see black rat and garter snakes, this little guy was new to me. I also learned that NJ puddingstone is purple because of the iron content in the soil and is only found in the West Milford/Ringwood/Wanaque areas-- nowhere else in the US. Two more little facts to add to my knowledge base.
I was also called "delightful" by the program director. (AKA my boss but she *hates* the word boss.) I joked that she needed to tell my family. They think I am annoying, not delightful LOL When I was telling Cait about that, she said I am "both delightful and annoying, depending on the day."
She and Tom had the menu tasting at the wedding venue, brought home leftovers, and gave us some to try too. OMG, everything was delish! People are gonna be surprised- a lot of my family has said that they don't think they will like vegan food. Guess what? They will.

I am cleaning for my friend this afternoon after I pay bills (and sob) this morning. My kids and their crew are off to Knoebels Campground for the next few days on their annual camping trip. I don't know how long they have been doing this, maybe 6-7 years? It used to be Sam and her fiance, Scott and his ex, Cait and her ex. Now it is Scott and Sam, Cait and Tom, and another couple that are best friends. I am thrilled that they still go after the whole crazy incident with the exes. They say they have so much more fun now without the losers. LOL

Let me post this and check on the dogs
BRB!

Mark found one of those brown worm snakes before.

 

[vickyday]

Puppies are little crescent rolls on my bed

@vickyday I would looooove to send you scrap mojo. I am all out ATM, only scrapped 1 page so far this month.
Hope you had a lovely walk and the stomach is hanging in ok.

@BrightEyes Phone calls at 5 am are not a good way to start the day! Eeep. I hope that DD#2 and SIL are doing ok. Is he the one who had the stroke? Lots of healing thoughts to your whole fmaily~~~

I love it when we see the @O Birthday Fairy here, we miss you the rest of the year!

@bcgal00 Are your dogs flipping out from the noise and workers? It's great that you can take them for walks to give them some quiet exercise. Awesome that you joined the senior center.
I would *love* to hear all about your friend and her classes! I'm being nosy but details, Rae!! I need details about it all. Hahaha! I could talk about nature and kids all day long. (and I do! sorry about that )

@Cherylndesigns Hi Theryl!
Did you figure out what plants you want to get for the arch?

@AK_Tracy *high 5!* That's awesome that you asked for help and got some. The new avatars are a hoot and a half, you must have gotten some odd looks (more than usual? LOL) at work as you were laughing at them.

@Terri M How exciting to be booking the excursions for the cruise, what did you decide to do?
I am glad that your mom will be settled into the new apt before you leave. Good luck and easy moving vibes sent her way~~~~

@JeanneMN good info on Wisteria for Theryl. So many plants sold at nurseries are invasive, I had no idea how *many* until I started working at Weis. I knew about knotweed and bamboo but a lot of the flowering plants are also invasive. I have dead nettle that I got at a reputable nursery last year and it's taking over already. Same with the fleabane from a packet of "bee-friendly" wildflower seeds. :/
I am superduper jealous of your pond and the tadpoles. Sorry that the little ones leave and never say goodbye. Ungrateful. Hmmph.
Whew!! You found a good dentist, I hope that the more you see here the less anxiety you have.


Oh, man! I was going to comment on Jeanne's tattoos but that has to be Ava's arm. These darn avatars are gonna be the death of me. I wil have to double-check who I am talking to for the rest of the month

Thanks. I guess the mojo will return eventually. The tummy is better but still iffy. I have been enjoying my walks!

 

[vickyday]

Quick note. I'll try to be back by later.
Mine and Ilene's dear friend Carolyn passed away this morning. Please pray for her family.

 

[BrightEyes]

Quick note. I'll try to be back by later.
Mine and Ilene's dear friend Carolyn passed away this morning. Please pray for her family.

Vicky, so sorry for your loss.

 

[Celestine]

I don't recall that I have participated here before, so hello everybody! Do we just tell about our day and respond to others? So nice.

Well, I am late getting going on looking at Oscraps today since I watered our plants and did the first big picking of black raspberries of the year before it hits the predicted 91F today. I picked 1.5 gallons of raspberries, with more than a few passed along to our dog. There is nothing like warm black raspberries, fresh off the vine. It was nice to have our 11.5 year old, 105 lb Goldendoodle, Chief, join me. He is now quite blind and deaf and we need to use a lift harness to help him stand and maneuver steps. I don't think he will be with us much longer, but he loves berry season and we wanted to make sure he got to enjoy it one last year. We are treasuring every last day we get with him, so I understand the joy of having your Ike sitting at your feet @mimes1 ! Also - enjoy NYC it should be a treat!

@faerywings your hike sound interesting! I met with an old friend for lunch yesterday, and she was telling me a little bit more about how her husband was hospitalized with sepsis, which likely came from a virulent bacteria strain from a deer tick bite. He was simply following their dog into some tall grass as they were stopping at a rest stop along the Interstate highway, and came out with several ticks on his legs and pants. So be careful on your hikes this year, everyone!

@JeanneMN interesting what you are saying about invasive plants. We had our own go around with burning bushes! Right now I am battling Sweet Autumn clematis. We planted it along our old fashioned wire fence many years ago, and it is beautiful and fragrant, but we have to REALLY watch it. That darn perennial vine spreads everywhere and can choke out anything.

@taxed4ever we are in the same stage of life with my in-laws, except they refuse to move. My FIL voluntarily gave up his driver's license last fall, but MIL refuses to leave their very, very large home. The raised 11 children there, and it is on a hilly 3.5 acres where they had large gardens and orchards. Both the property and the house are far beyond them. The five "kids" that live in the area (some of whom are now senior citizens themselves), try to keep it up the best they can between their own families, homes and jobs, but it is A LOT. I am so happy the transition is easier for your family.

Geesh, sounds like I am in complaining mode...so on to better, happier things. Six week old Grandbaby is doing terrific. Full of cuteness and baby coos. All the Ooosss! Chief is barking like he needs to go do some business outside, and the old man needs help, so I gotta go!

 

[O Birthday Fairy]

I just wanted to stop by and say Hi to all of y'all on this beautiful day!

 

[Terri M]

It's so helpful to hear from many of you about moving your parents. My mom took over her new apartment in Independent Living today. The movers come Friday so she'll be truly there after that. My sister says she didn't get rid of nearly as much as we had hoped. Apparently she even went through trash bags and "rescued" some items. So sister thinks I need to go down to Florida next week to help with the unpacking and try to talk her into less stuff in a smaller space. I worry that Mom feels like we're bossing her around, but we're doing our best to let her feel in control, while recognizing that this change just hast to happen. At least she's still fine driving, so she has that sense of independence, for now. anyway.

Not much happening here this week, so it's nice to have time to catch up on some knitting, scrapping, and emails. We've had pretty mornings on the deck for breakfast, but the forecast calls for hotter days coming up, so back to the AC.

 

[AK_Tracy]

Tracy is at work so she'd better be careful or they'll be escorting her off the property soon

The good news is there is only one person here besides me. Small office. He's young so laughing at a screen is normal. No escorting today, keep the white jacket and padded room ready though just incase.

I totally can do the observation hikes. Why do I get myself all worked up and anxious?

See!!! I knew you could do it!!!!!!

I am "both delightful and annoying,

So do that make us delightfully annoying? Or annoyingly delightful?

I am so loving the memes and yeah having a great laugh.

I love all the plant talk, but I kill plants with a look and so I dont understand half the plant talk

@Celestine good to see you here! And yep, jump in and talk about your day and laugh with us. This is the most addicting part of O. The chats and laughs.

All the talk of elderly parents is hard. I know that day is coming soon. My mom is independent but knows she's slowing down nd moved into a retirement community but I fear in the next 5 she'll need to move over to the assisted side. The sad news is she is the only one I have to worry about. My dad didn't make it to the point of needing to move to assisted living.

Another day at work. Laughing at my screen. Thanks Chris for the reminder to pay the bills. THere's one that is due at a different time then the rest and I need to get that one done. Better do it now before I forget.

 

[taxed4ever]

I don't recall that I have participated here before, so hello everybody! Do we just tell about our day and respond to others? So nice.

Well, I am late getting going on looking at Oscraps today since I watered our plants and did the first big picking of black raspberries of the year before it hits the predicted 91F today. I picked 1.5 gallons of raspberries, with more than a few passed along to our dog. There is nothing like warm black raspberries, fresh off the vine. It was nice to have our 11.5 year old, 105 lb Goldendoodle, Chief, join me. He is now quite blind and deaf and we need to use a lift harness to help him stand and maneuver steps. I don't think he will be with us much longer, but he loves berry season and we wanted to make sure he got to enjoy it one last year. We are treasuring every last day we get with him, so I understand the joy of having your Ike sitting at your feet @mimes1 ! Also - enjoy NYC it should be a treat!

@faerywings your hike sound interesting! I met with an old friend for lunch yesterday, and she was telling me a little bit more about how her husband was hospitalized with sepsis, which likely came from a virulent bacteria strain from a deer tick bite. He was simply following their dog into some tall grass as they were stopping at a rest stop along the Interstate highway, and came out with several ticks on his legs and pants. So be careful on your hikes this year, everyone!

@JeanneMN interesting what you are saying about invasive plants. We had our own go around with burning bushes! Right now I am battling Sweet Autumn clematis. We planted it along our old fashioned wire fence many years ago, and it is beautiful and fragrant, but we have to REALLY watch it. That darn perennial vine spreads everywhere and can choke out anything.

@taxed4ever we are in the same stage of life with my in-laws, except they refuse to move. My FIL voluntarily gave up his driver's license last fall, but MIL refuses to leave their very, very large home. The raised 11 children there, and it is on a hilly 3.5 acres where they had large gardens and orchards. Both the property and the house are far beyond them. The five "kids" that live in the area (some of whom are now senior citizens themselves), try to keep it up the best they can between their own families, homes and jobs, but it is A LOT. I am so happy the transition is easier for your family.

Geesh, sounds like I am in complaining mode...so on to better, happier things. Six week old Grandbaby is doing terrific. Full of cuteness and baby coos. All the Ooosss! Chief is barking like he needs to go do some business outside, and the old man needs help, so I gotta go!

Yes its very hard to move our elderly parents and actually get them to part with so much of their "Stuff". Especially when we are senior citizens ourselves Unpacking in the new smaller house has made MIL realize that she has simply brought too much with them. Thankfully they have a huge crawlspace that a lot of boxes have gone to and will probably never see the light of day again.

 

[taxed4ever]

Quick note. I'll try to be back by later.
Mine and Ilene's dear friend Carolyn passed away this morning. Please pray for her family.

Ohhh Vicky what sad news!! You will surelly miss Carolyn so much, but at least you know that she is in a much better place and has no more pain. Sending you lots of gentle hugs and Condolences on the loss of your dear friend

 

[Cherylndesigns]

Quick note. I'll try to be back by later.
Mine and Ilene's dear friend Carolyn passed away this morning. Please pray for her family.

I'm so sorry that you lost Carolyn and will keep her family in my heart.

 

[mimes1]

@vickyday I’m so sorry for your loss. May God wrap you and Carolyn’s family in His loving arms as you navigate these next days and weeks. I’m so sorry.

 

[AK_Tracy]

Oh @vickyday I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet friend.

 

[vickyday]

I don't recall that I have participated here before, so hello everybody! Do we just tell about our day and respond to others? So nice.

Well, I am late getting going on looking at Oscraps today since I watered our plants and did the first big picking of black raspberries of the year before it hits the predicted 91F today. I picked 1.5 gallons of raspberries, with more than a few passed along to our dog. There is nothing like warm black raspberries, fresh off the vine. It was nice to have our 11.5 year old, 105 lb Goldendoodle, Chief, join me. He is now quite blind and deaf and we need to use a lift harness to help him stand and maneuver steps. I don't think he will be with us much longer, but he loves berry season and we wanted to make sure he got to enjoy it one last year. We are treasuring every last day we get with him, so I understand the joy of having your Ike sitting at your feet @mimes1 ! Also - enjoy NYC it should be a treat!

@faerywings your hike sound interesting! I met with an old friend for lunch yesterday, and she was telling me a little bit more about how her husband was hospitalized with sepsis, which likely came from a virulent bacteria strain from a deer tick bite. He was simply following their dog into some tall grass as they were stopping at a rest stop along the Interstate highway, and came out with several ticks on his legs and pants. So be careful on your hikes this year, everyone!

@JeanneMN interesting what you are saying about invasive plants. We had our own go around with burning bushes! Right now I am battling Sweet Autumn clematis. We planted it along our old fashioned wire fence many years ago, and it is beautiful and fragrant, but we have to REALLY watch it. That darn perennial vine spreads everywhere and can choke out anything.

@taxed4ever we are in the same stage of life with my in-laws, except they refuse to move. My FIL voluntarily gave up his driver's license last fall, but MIL refuses to leave their very, very large home. The raised 11 children there, and it is on a hilly 3.5 acres where they had large gardens and orchards. Both the property and the house are far beyond them. The five "kids" that live in the area (some of whom are now senior citizens themselves), try to keep it up the best they can between their own families, homes and jobs, but it is A LOT. I am so happy the transition is easier for your family.

Geesh, sounds like I am in complaining mode...so on to better, happier things. Six week old Grandbaby is doing terrific. Full of cuteness and baby coos. All the Ooosss! Chief is barking like he needs to go do some business outside, and the old man needs help, so I gotta go!

Yup! That's about the size of it. Talk about what is happening in your life! That's how we share here! And, Welcome, Celestine!

 

[vickyday]

Good Morning everyone, its going to be quieter day for me today, finally and I hope that I can even start working on a layout, if I remember how!! Its been so long, it might take me days to complete one. MIL and FIL are busy puttering around their new house and putting things where they need to go. The new chairlift got installed yesterday and so MIL is very happy with that! They are off to do some shopping for new medicine cabinets for the bathrooms and new shower heads for both bathrooms upstairs. I offered to take them, but I think they want to do this on their own. FIL should not be driving, but his licence has not been taken away from him yet, at least its just navigating a few places here in town and not out on the very busy highway. We will see how things go, he hasn't been driving at all since the move, which is good. I have to go over there at some point and set up the new soundbar that they purchased for MIL's tv in the kitchen, but other than that I think most of the work that I can help with is done. We will have to talk to them about a schedule for us to come and clean and SIL Linda has gotten some of the weeding and pruning done. My Gary has cut the grass for them and there are still some large boxes to get rid of in the garage, but its looking like a cute little place for the two of them.

@faerywings - Of course you did great on your observation hikes, we all knew that you would! How great is it that your kiddos are still going on their annual camping trip together and having so much more fun without the losers . I agree with @JeanneMN you are both deee-lightful!!

@mimes1 - How nice that you and your daughter will be going on a trip together and then a trip to New York, lucky you!! I have never been there either and the big city and large crowds would be intimidating to me also. Although I lived through meandering through Paris with a gazillion people and even managed to not have my pocket picked on the subway.

@BrightEyes - Love your Meme!! I need to work on one today also. Sounds like a hot day for you, so a good day to stay inside with the AC and have fun here at the birthday party!

@Cherylndesigns - Reading your post about your hydrangea I just wanted to throw my two bits in... If you cut back your hydrangea in the fall and remove all the dead blossoms, they will not bloom again for you in the spring. You have to wait to trim it back until the spring when there is new growth on it and trim it back no further than the the first growth down the stem of the plant. If you do this you will have beautiful blooms every year! I have a huge one in my front yard and it has gorgeous blooms every year. I hate that I have to look at dead blossoms all winter though.
Ok better hit the shower before my DD calls this morning, darn the lake is like glass this morning, I should be out there in the kayak. So many things to do and not enough days to do it all. I should be on a hike today also, but its a really tough one and I haven't been hiking for a few weeks. Not sure that my life will ever get back to normal but we are seeing some light at the end of the tunnel. Have a great Hump Day everyone!! Enjoy the Party!!

So glad to hear things are calming down somewhat for you and that the in laws are liking the new home!

 

[vickyday]

Good Afternoon to all!
Checking in before I take my shower for church.
Yesterday and today I walked 2 miles in just over 30 minutes each time! The mornings have been beautiful this week at 8:00.....low humidity and moderate temps with plenty of sunshine!
Mark and I went to lunch yesterday and then went to Ruby Tuesday last night to finish up a gift card we had. Tonight I cooked for a change. Chicken drumsticks, baked potatoes and honey glazed carrots.
Ilene and I cried together this morning over the passing of our sweet Carolyn.
I have been working on putting a Bible Journaling Bundle together for Facebook Marketplace this entire afternoon! I have a ton of scrapbooking stuff laying at my feet to go through and decide how further I want to bundle it. Practically everything is new and I don't want to give it away, but I guess it is a fine line between over-pricing and under-pricing. Can I get your opinion on the Bible Journaling Bundle?
OK, I need to get ready for church.
Have a great evening!

 

[mimes1]

I don't recall that I have participated here before, so hello everybody! Do we just tell about our day and respond to others? So nice.

Well, I am late getting going on looking at Oscraps today since I watered our plants and did the first big picking of black raspberries of the year before it hits the predicted 91F today. I picked 1.5 gallons of raspberries, with more than a few passed along to our dog. There is nothing like warm black raspberries, fresh off the vine. It was nice to have our 11.5 year old, 105 lb Goldendoodle, Chief, join me. He is now quite blind and deaf and we need to use a lift harness to help him stand and maneuver steps. I don't think he will be with us much longer, but he loves berry season and we wanted to make sure he got to enjoy it one last year. We are treasuring every last day we get with him, so I understand the joy of having your Ike sitting at your feet @mimes1 ! Also - enjoy NYC it should be a treat!

@faerywings your hike sound interesting! I met with an old friend for lunch yesterday, and she was telling me a little bit more about how her husband was hospitalized with sepsis, which likely came from a virulent bacteria strain from a deer tick bite. He was simply following their dog into some tall grass as they were stopping at a rest stop along the Interstate highway, and came out with several ticks on his legs and pants. So be careful on your hikes this year, everyone!

@JeanneMN interesting what you are saying about invasive plants. We had our own go around with burning bushes! Right now I am battling Sweet Autumn clematis. We planted it along our old fashioned wire fence many years ago, and it is beautiful and fragrant, but we have to REALLY watch it. That darn perennial vine spreads everywhere and can choke out anything.

@taxed4ever we are in the same stage of life with my in-laws, except they refuse to move. My FIL voluntarily gave up his driver's license last fall, but MIL refuses to leave their very, very large home. The raised 11 children there, and it is on a hilly 3.5 acres where they had large gardens and orchards. Both the property and the house are far beyond them. The five "kids" that live in the area (some of whom are now senior citizens themselves), try to keep it up the best they can between their own families, homes and jobs, but it is A LOT. I am so happy the transition is easier for your family.

Geesh, sounds like I am in complaining mode...so on to better, happier things. Six week old Grandbaby is doing terrific. Full of cuteness and baby coos. All the Ooosss! Chief is barking like he needs to go do some business outside, and the old man needs help, so I gotta go!

Welcome Celestine! So glad to see you here! You’ll be giggling with everyone in no time.

 

[Cherylndesigns]

I don't recall that I have participated here before, so hello everybody! Do we just tell about our day and respond to others? So nice.

Well, I am late getting going on looking at Oscraps today since I watered our plants and did the first big picking of black raspberries of the year before it hits the predicted 91F today. I picked 1.5 gallons of raspberries, with more than a few passed along to our dog. There is nothing like warm black raspberries, fresh off the vine. It was nice to have our 11.5 year old, 105 lb Goldendoodle, Chief, join me. He is now quite blind and deaf and we need to use a lift harness to help him stand and maneuver steps. I don't think he will be with us much longer, but he loves berry season and we wanted to make sure he got to enjoy it one last year. We are treasuring every last day we get with him, so I understand the joy of having your Ike sitting at your feet @mimes1 ! Also - enjoy NYC it should be a treat!

@faerywings your hike sound interesting! I met with an old friend for lunch yesterday, and she was telling me a little bit more about how her husband was hospitalized with sepsis, which likely came from a virulent bacteria strain from a deer tick bite. He was simply following their dog into some tall grass as they were stopping at a rest stop along the Interstate highway, and came out with several ticks on his legs and pants. So be careful on your hikes this year, everyone!

@JeanneMN interesting what you are saying about invasive plants. We had our own go around with burning bushes! Right now I am battling Sweet Autumn clematis. We planted it along our old fashioned wire fence many years ago, and it is beautiful and fragrant, but we have to REALLY watch it. That darn perennial vine spreads everywhere and can choke out anything.

@taxed4ever we are in the same stage of life with my in-laws, except they refuse to move. My FIL voluntarily gave up his driver's license last fall, but MIL refuses to leave their very, very large home. The raised 11 children there, and it is on a hilly 3.5 acres where they had large gardens and orchards. Both the property and the house are far beyond them. The five "kids" that live in the area (some of whom are now senior citizens themselves), try to keep it up the best they can between their own families, homes and jobs, but it is A LOT. I am so happy the transition is easier for your family.

Geesh, sounds like I am in complaining mode...so on to better, happier things. Six week old Grandbaby is doing terrific. Full of cuteness and baby coos. All the Ooosss! Chief is barking like he needs to go do some business outside, and the old man needs help, so I gotta

I don't recall that I have participated here before, so hello everybody! Do we just tell about our day and respond to others? So nice.

Well, I am late getting going on looking at Oscraps today since I watered our plants and did the first big picking of black raspberries of the year before it hits the predicted 91F today. I picked 1.5 gallons of raspberries, with more than a few passed along to our dog. There is nothing like warm black raspberries, fresh off the vine. It was nice to have our 11.5 year old, 105 lb Goldendoodle, Chief, join me. He is now quite blind and deaf and we need to use a lift harness to help him stand and maneuver steps. I don't think he will be with us much longer, but he loves berry season and we wanted to make sure he got to enjoy it one last year. We are treasuring every last day we get with him, so I understand the joy of having your Ike sitting at your feet @mimes1 ! Also - enjoy NYC it should be a treat!

@faerywings your hike sound interesting! I met with an old friend for lunch yesterday, and she was telling me a little bit more about how her husband was hospitalized with sepsis, which likely came from a virulent bacteria strain from a deer tick bite. He was simply following their dog into some tall grass as they were stopping at a rest stop along the Interstate highway, and came out with several ticks on his legs and pants. So be careful on your hikes this year, everyone!

@JeanneMN interesting what you are saying about invasive plants. We had our own go around with burning bushes! Right now I am battling Sweet Autumn clematis. We planted it along our old fashioned wire fence many years ago, and it is beautiful and fragrant, but we have to REALLY watch it. That darn perennial vine spreads everywhere and can choke out anything.

@taxed4ever we are in the same stage of life with my in-laws, except they refuse to move. My FIL voluntarily gave up his driver's license last fall, but MIL refuses to leave their very, very large home. The raised 11 children there, and it is on a hilly 3.5 acres where they had large gardens and orchards. Both the property and the house are far beyond them. The five "kids" that live in the area (some of whom are now senior citizens themselves), try to keep it up the best they can between their own families, homes and jobs, but it is A LOT. I am so happy the transition is easier for your family.

Geesh, sounds like I am in complaining mode...so on to better, happier things. Six week old Grandbaby is doing terrific. Full of cuteness and baby coos. All the Ooosss! Chief is barking like he needs to go do some business outside, and the old man needs help, so I gotta go!

Welcome, Celestine. We're so glad you've joined us. You can talk about anything in here.

 

[JeanneMN]

@mimes1 The last time I got emotionally attached, to a dog it belonged to a friend and I just loved that dog, and when he got older , I would come over & dog sit for them. Loved that dog, HATED the screeching blue macaw, the small green parrot was as funny as Chris, Amy & me together, but good grief feeding the birds took more work than fixing a meal for myself. Anyway, I went with the dog to the vet for the goodbye & just sobbed. Hubs says NO dogs, so I have fish & tadpoles. After my SIL's maniac of a German Shepherd bit me over 40 yrs ago , I know life is filled with goodbyes, but dogs are just too people for me. I've been scared of big dogs if that's her idea of a "friendly" dog. Can you tell Charlie Brown & I were born in the same state? We both have a plethora of phobias.

@Cherylndesigns Darlin' ladyslippers are native to Minnesota, so they should survive most places, but they wouldn't know what to do with continual warmth, 5 min. of what we have for summer is what they like.

@bcgal00 My energy suitcase is not nearly as full as yours. Mine fits in a coin purse & some days a thimble.

Whoever thought, can you tell, so many quotes, I'm confused, but then I'm confused about why I went downstairs. Anywho, whoever, whom?, thought the tats were mine, has never met my hubs. I've seen some beautiful ones, but you'd be down one O member if I got one. As many times as my skin has stretched shrunk and now that it no longer contracts my arm tats would be knee tats.

@BrightEyes Yikes that is a scorcher, definitely stay with the AC kind of day. We get maybe one of those a summer, and sometimes zero 101 days but plenty of 0 days and below 0 days

@Celestine Best place EVER to babble and share about absolutely anything, safely, no judgment, unconditional support.

This is my first birthday bash too, and the O is such a fun party place ! It's truly heppenin' here !!

 

[AK_Tracy]

my arm tats would be knee tats.

This totally cracked me up!!!!!!