POZ Community Forums

Off Topic Forums => Off Topic Forum => Topic started by: mitch777 on April 11, 2013, 06:37:03 pm

Title: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on April 11, 2013, 06:37:03 pm
thought the "is winter over yet" thread should be dead. :)
(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/DSCN0525_zps78249a3c.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/DSCN0525_zps78249a3c.jpg.html)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Miss Philicia on April 11, 2013, 06:47:21 pm
Q: which is worse -- endless photos of unimaginative gardening concepts or photos of cats and dogs?
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Jeff G on April 11, 2013, 06:49:35 pm
Q: which is worse -- endless photos of unimaginative gardening concepts or photos of cats and dogs?

Its better than dishes and tea pots for sure .
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Miss Philicia on April 11, 2013, 06:54:22 pm
Its better than dishes and tea pots for sure .

No way.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Jeff G on April 11, 2013, 06:56:50 pm
No way.

WAY
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on April 11, 2013, 07:03:01 pm
waaaahhhhh. :'(

ps- Miss P. seemed to be pretty pretty pretty active on the winter thread.
(although much of her chatter was all about coffee. ::).)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: WillyWump on April 11, 2013, 07:32:12 pm
Mitchy those are some pretty flowers, I cant let you bitter queens out do me, I might have to plant some flowers this year!
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on April 11, 2013, 07:52:33 pm
Mitchy those are some pretty flowers, I cant let you bitter queens out do me, I might have to plant some flowers this year!
good luck with that. ;D

make me proud and P. groan.  ;)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Miss Philicia on April 11, 2013, 07:56:36 pm
If you're not careful I'm going to start putting up pictures of the joys of a Lotus Birth (https://www.google.com/search?q=lotus+birth&num=100&hl=en&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=ok1nUbSYDvi14APOj4DwBg&ved=0CAoQ_AUoAQ&biw=1184&bih=959) for all of you.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: buginme2 on April 11, 2013, 07:59:29 pm
If you're not careful I'm going to start putting up pictures of the joys of a Lotus Birth (https://www.google.com/search?q=lotus+birth&num=100&hl=en&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=ok1nUbSYDvi14APOj4DwBg&ved=0CAoQ_AUoAQ&biw=1184&bih=959) for all of you.

Gasp.  WTF is that....cow patty looking thing they are posing all those babies next to?
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on April 11, 2013, 08:02:47 pm
to help cleanse your minds of that last image...
magnolia blooming.
(hope it works as well as poppies. :).)

(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/DSCN0524_zps6d5aa8ac.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/DSCN0524_zps6d5aa8ac.jpg.html)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Miss Philicia on April 11, 2013, 08:04:12 pm
Gasp.  WTF is that....cow patty looking thing they are posing all those babies next to?

IT'S THE TASTY PLACENTA! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ceBxQSRLrg)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: WillyWump on April 11, 2013, 08:17:44 pm
If you're not careful I'm going to start putting up pictures of the joys of a Lotus Birth (https://www.google.com/search?q=lotus+birth&num=100&hl=en&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=ok1nUbSYDvi14APOj4DwBg&ved=0CAoQ_AUoAQ&biw=1184&bih=959) for all of you.

Yawn. Been there done that. Except we did not chicken fry the placenta. I did however get the distinct honor of watching my baby-momma shit out a huge hemmorhoid and squirt a stream of blood and shit about 1 foot while she was pushing. Good times.

PS- Mitchy, ARe you sure thats a magnolia? Doesnt look like any of our MAgnolias.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Joe K on April 11, 2013, 08:39:10 pm
PS- Mitchy, ARe you sure thats a magnolia? Doesnt look like any of our MAgnolias.

Hey Will,

I'm not sure about the main tree shown, but the one in the foreground, on the left is a Magnolia.

Joe
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: WillyWump on April 11, 2013, 08:50:16 pm
Hey Will,

I'm not sure about the main tree shown, but the one in the foreground, on the left is a Magnolia.

Joe

I'm still not seeing it Joe? This is what I call a Magnolia, we had one at the ranch when I was growing up. THey smell AMAZING, like a sweet perfume...

(http://i1018.photobucket.com/albums/af308/IwuvPhilly/mag_zps5a10a4ec.jpg)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Jeff G on April 11, 2013, 08:59:24 pm
Hi Will ...the magnolia , its between the houses .
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Dachshund on April 11, 2013, 09:12:12 pm
i'm with ms wump, that ain't no magnolia.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Miss Philicia on April 11, 2013, 11:57:26 pm
Poor Southerners -- always so self-centered. The magnolia grown in the South is the grandiflora magnolia, there are other types planted outside of that growing region. Though I will admit that the grandiflora is what comes to my mind but only because that's what I grew up with. Fortunately my horizons are more expanded after shedding the shackles of Southern mediocrity as a young man.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mecch on April 12, 2013, 05:34:02 am


MidAtlantic and New England folk know the "saucer magnolia".  The kind that loses it leaves in winter and has HUGE usually pink flowers. 

There are many clumps of big old ones in Prospect Park in Brooklyn, for example. One of the charms is watching those flower buds get bigger and bigger and bigger and bigger, and then bam, rather than the flowers, which bloom about same time as the daffodils, a snowstorm kills off the buds... 

But then, watch the trees carefully. There will eventually be new buds, here and there on the tree, and it produces singular blooms deep in the glossy foliage all through the heat of summer, and looks very tropical...

Also I keep my eyes out in Switzerland, there are some big camelia trees that bloom in late winter.

Lugano (and to a smaller extent Montreux) have Mediterranean gardens on the lakesides.






Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on April 12, 2013, 07:17:32 am
Yes, there are 2 magnolias in the pic.
The larger one in bloom is white and the smaller one on the left side in the pic is pink and is about a week behind in blooming.
I have pictures of the house when these trees were planted in the late 1960's.
They are very fast growers!
Miss P. and Mecch know their magnolias. :)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Dachshund on April 12, 2013, 07:28:17 am
Poor Southerners -- always so self-centered. The magnolia grown in the South is the grandiflora magnolia, there are other types planted outside of that growing region. Though I will admit that the grandiflora is what comes to my mind but only because that's what I grew up with. Fortunately my horizons are more expanded after shedding the shackles of Southern mediocrity as a young man.

Oh fiddle-dee-dee honey chile, you go full on antebellum when it suits you.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Miss Philicia on April 12, 2013, 07:33:51 am
The tree from the Deep South I really adore is the Spanish Moss. Those never grew in Virginia, and even the typical grandiflora magnolia only was found in the far coastal southeast of the state -- like Williamsburg.

Oh fiddle-dee-dee honey chile, you go full on antebellum when it suits you.

You like being fisted?
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mecch on April 12, 2013, 11:29:58 pm
Did you ever see one of the plantations in Michelle Obama's family history. Its really quite fascinating:

talk about spanish moss, the trees are fantastic here:

http://www.plantationservicesinc.com/property-detail.cfm?property=104
(seems like its for sale, 14 million....) 

(http://www.plantationservicesinc.com/friendfield15.jpg)


More detailed article ont the Obama connection:
http://edition.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/07/16/michelle.obama.slaveroots/


Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on April 14, 2013, 04:57:34 pm
getting antsy for warmer weather...
thought I would post some garden pics that I took last May.
something to look forward to. :)

(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/005_zps19168c2c.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/005_zps19168c2c.jpg.html)

(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/039_zpscda10c10.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/039_zpscda10c10.jpg.html)

(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/025_zpsd0c35851.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/025_zpsd0c35851.jpg.html)

(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/047_zps01d5d6f5.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/047_zps01d5d6f5.jpg.html)

(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/060_zpsed32c487.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/060_zpsed32c487.jpg.html)

(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/045_zps1a67a42a.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/045_zps1a67a42a.jpg.html)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Ann on April 15, 2013, 06:03:25 am

(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/025_zpsd0c35851.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/025_zpsd0c35851.jpg.html)


OH-EM-GEE! Your tree has warts!


Love the fern photos. :)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on April 16, 2013, 04:15:33 pm
OH-EM-GEE! Your tree has warts!


Love the fern photos. :)
lol!
everyone who walks by that tree comments on the trunk.
it's a curly willow tree.
(another cash crop)
I saw some curly willow branches yesterday at Lowes.
$9.98 for a skimpy handful. ::)

that last fern photo is my favorite. :)

got outside today to tie up the string supports for the peas.
got to get things done soon with surgery in less than 2 weeks.

also bought a seedless Concord Grape plant.
now the challenge is finding out where to put it.
I just can't restrain myself sometimes. ;)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: tednlou2 on April 17, 2013, 12:22:29 am
I want to plant this tree, called a Prairie Fire Crabapple.  It has these beautiful blooms in spring, then the leaves change from orange, red, purple, and green through the year.  In the winter, it has red fruit.  I've read it is one of the best crabapples, because it is resistant to many of the diseases many others get.  Some have told me it still has issues.  I think I will try it anyway. 


(http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/tedunk/photo_zps9a7958a3.jpg)


These are the fruit it keeps all winter, providing birds don't eat them all.


(http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/tedunk/photo_zps23ce4be4.jpg)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on April 17, 2013, 07:23:24 am
Ted,
That's a beauty!
The leaf color change sounds like an attention grabber. :)

We have a similar crabapple.
I don't know the variety as it was one of the few trees that were on the property when we moved here 17 years ago.
The bloom color looks the same and the foliage is deep greenish purple.
It blooms during the first week in May.
I'll try to remember to take a pic.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mecch on April 18, 2013, 12:23:08 pm
please offer your advice!

These concrete style planters that are the standard ones in Switzerland. They look like this
(http://www.garden-styling.ch/assets/images/gallery/8_balconia_1.jpg)


I will fill 3 big planters each with pines in a "thrill, fill, spill" arrangement.  I want a color that looks good in summer and winter.  I would paint them carnation pink but that wont fly around here.   :(   Yes I want the planter to be as noticeable as the plant.

Note: I am sorta red-green color blind....   

A color that looks really summery in the summer but won't be tacky in the winter when everything is grey...  And will mix with the pines, which mix both yellowy and blue greens. 

I think - celadon green??
 
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Jeff G on April 18, 2013, 12:31:23 pm
Hi Mecch , I guess plants in concrete planters fare better in your climate than they do here , concrete planters are a very good way to kill a plant here where I live because the concrete evaporates the moisture rapidly .

I had some really pretty concrete planters and had to admit after 3 seasons they were a waste even if I watered every day .  Best of luck with your project and pics or it didn't happen .   
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on April 18, 2013, 03:47:56 pm
please offer your advice!

These concrete style planters that are the standard ones in Switzerland. They look like this
(http://www.garden-styling.ch/assets/images/gallery/8_balconia_1.jpg)


I will fill 3 big planters each with pines in a "thrill, fill, spill" arrangement.  I want a color that looks good in summer and winter.  I would paint them carnation pink but that wont fly around here.   :(   Yes I want the planter to be as noticeable as the plant.

Note: I am sorta red-green color blind....   

A color that looks really summery in the summer but won't be tacky in the winter when everything is grey...  And will mix with the pines, which mix both yellowy and blue greens. 

I think - celadon green??
mecch,
are the planters pictured the ones you are talking about or just similar?
context (location and surrounding elements) would have to be taken into consideration.
the picture provided looks quite stately as is.
i'm not sure why in any case that you would want the planter to stand out as much as the plantings, but i've seen examples that work well.

another thing to consider is paint on concrete.
especially a planter.
I would think the constant moisture in a concrete planter (especially if no liner was being used) could be problematic with the paints ability to adhere.
you might want to get some expert advice from someone who knows painting concrete or you may be dealing with a peeling mess.


anyway...
the creeping phlox have started to bloom! :)
this is one of my favorite spring time bloomers.
the pics are from last year in late April of the lavender carpet beauties cascading over the stone walls around our garage.

(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/021_zps0892e603.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/021_zps0892e603.jpg.html)

(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/024_zpsb202edd7.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/024_zpsb202edd7.jpg.html)

(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/026_zps59f7310b.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/026_zps59f7310b.jpg.html)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Miss Philicia on April 18, 2013, 03:53:48 pm
Do you do all of that yard work yourself, Mitchell?
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on April 18, 2013, 04:06:38 pm
Do you do all of that yard work yourself, Mitchell?
yes.
I built the stone walls, cobblestone front driveway, the pond with stream, bluestone patio and walkways, and planted almost everything on the property.
I'm glad I did it when I was more physically able.
The last 3 years I had to hire someone to mow the lawn (and it's pretty small). >:( :(
Even a self-propelled mower is too difficult to handle.
I still get out in short spurts to weed and prune but have to drag hubby out by his ears (he is short on hair :).) to help with the heavy work.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mecch on April 18, 2013, 06:36:20 pm
mecch,
are the planters pictured the ones you are talking about or just similar?
context (location and surrounding elements) would have to be taken into consideration.
the picture provided looks quite stately as is.
i'm not sure why in any case that you would want the planter to stand out as much as the plantings, but i've seen examples that work well.

another thing to consider is paint on concrete.
especially a planter.
I would think the constant moisture in a concrete planter (especially if no liner was being used) could be problematic with the paints ability to adhere.
you might want to get some expert advice from someone who knows painting concrete or you may be dealing with a peeling mess.


anyway...
the creeping phlox have started to bloom! :)
this is one of my favorite spring time bloomers.
the pics are from last year in late April of the lavender carpet beauties cascading over the stone walls around our garage.


They are exactly the same planters. Its a Swiss company called Eternit. I have dealt with the paint type already. Or rather a swiss paint seller did. Everything in Switzerland is possible to the upmost compulsive detail - thats what they do well. They sold me gas permeable paint that works on Eternit and I've already had success over a few years, it works well. So far I have painted just neutral grey or beige. 

So - what colour?

I want the pots to be noticeable cause they are "mid-century" Willy Guhl and they please my own eye all year looking at them. I have a decent collection.  And also the balcony is small, so the pots will take up as much space as the pines for at least 5 years or maybe more. So the eye will enjoy the pots, if they are pretty....
 
And I "dramatically" light the whole affair sometimes at night, so that you can see the texture of the Eternit.  And designy friends notice my Eternit collection and it pleases them when they do. I don't sell it, its just for my pleasure, so I don't care if I paint it. People buying it 60 years ago would paint it too sometimes... 
http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willy_Guhl

So what colour??

Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mecch on April 18, 2013, 06:42:14 pm
Condolences to the East Coast for the loss of impatiens

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/18/garden/a-mold-devastates-impatiens.html?_r=0

http://www.mnn.com/your-home/organic-farming-gardening/stories/impatiens-disease-becomes-hot-topic

http://vivo.cornell.edu/display/individual15785

Every couple of years I will put in a lot of them. I like them in planters and to leave them thirsty many times in July and August... Just don't kill em. By September, you can have these strange bonzai looking impatiens...
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mecch on April 18, 2013, 06:44:10 pm

anyway...
the creeping phlox have started to bloom! :)
this is one of my favorite spring time bloomers.
the pics are from last year in late April of the lavender carpet beauties cascading over the stone walls around our garage.

(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/021_zps0892e603.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/021_zps0892e603.jpg.html)

(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/024_zpsb202edd7.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/024_zpsb202edd7.jpg.html)

(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/026_zps59f7310b.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/026_zps59f7310b.jpg.html)

So pretty.
What is the red tree please?
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: WillyWump on April 18, 2013, 07:43:01 pm
Mitch you have an amazingly beautiful place....do you need a houseboy? I'm availble.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: bocker3 on April 18, 2013, 07:47:15 pm
Mitch you have an amazingly beautiful place....do you need a houseboy? I'm availble.

Forget the houseboy Mitch (rumor has it that she is FAR from age where she should use the term "boy") -- come down to VA.  You can work with Sid in our gardens -- then he will go up to CT and work with you in yours.  This way your hubby and I don't have to do anything but enjoy the gardens!!!!

Mike
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Miss Philicia on April 18, 2013, 07:51:50 pm
Who wants an old troll for a houseboy ::)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: tednlou2 on April 19, 2013, 12:11:04 am
Mitch, you have a beautiful place.  We just planted some phlox around the pond.  We barely did anything to our home for 7 years.  After I was diagnosed, we've torn out almost every wall and done so much outside.  It is therapeutic.  I will have to post pics.  Oh, we just bought the Prairie Fire Crabapple today, that I posted the pic of earlier in the thread.  Going to plant it tomorrow. 

Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on April 19, 2013, 10:40:21 am
They are exactly the same planters. Its a Swiss company called Eternit. I have dealt with the paint type already. Or rather a swiss paint seller did. Everything in Switzerland is possible to the upmost compulsive detail - thats what they do well. They sold me gas permeable paint that works on Eternit and I've already had success over a few years, it works well. So far I have painted just neutral grey or beige. 

So - what colour?

I want the pots to be noticeable cause they are "mid-century" Willy Guhl and they please my own eye all year looking at them. I have a decent collection.  And also the balcony is small, so the pots will take up as much space as the pines for at least 5 years or maybe more. So the eye will enjoy the pots, if they are pretty....
 
And I "dramatically" light the whole affair sometimes at night, so that you can see the texture of the Eternit.  And designy friends notice my Eternit collection and it pleases them when they do. I don't sell it, its just for my pleasure, so I don't care if I paint it. People buying it 60 years ago would paint it too sometimes... 
http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willy_Guhl

So what colour??

My, my, what fancy pants planters you have. :)
Seems like you got the paint issue resolved.
Color, hmmm...
Celadon green is nice or maybe a warm taupey beige (unless that's too much like you already did).

What a beautiful balustrade!! Love the heft!
Sounds like a great spot too. :)

Ted,
Thanks. Can't wait to see some more pics of your work! It is therapy isn't it? :)

Wumpy,
Thanks.
I always thought the upstairs of the garage would make for a cute houseboy apartment.
Send me your resume and I will give it my due attention.
You DO shovel snow right? ;)

Mike,
My husband already does nothing outside other than enjoying the garden. ::)
Maybe Sid and I can relax and watch you and Kenny flounder around in the garden.
On second thought, I'm not so sure Kenny would know the difference from a weed and a boxwood. ::)

P.,
You may consider Wumpy an old troll but all that I am really looking for here is brawn and the ability to follow direction.
Would I be disappointed? :)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on April 20, 2013, 05:19:10 pm
Mecch,

I forgot that you asked about the red tree in the photo.
It's a Japanese maple.
I have 6 different varieties of them and saved all of the tags, but I didn't label which one was planted where.
That one is great!
I could narrow the odds to one of two.
Eenie Meanie...
Silly me. ::)
Space permitting, you could get a dwarf weeping variety and try planting one in a 10 gallon pot for your balcony. ;)


Today I went out shopping for short pants.
Knee length at my age and my toothpick legs. :P
Went wild and bought 7 pair!!
camo, powder blue, a couple of plaids, pale yellow, blue and white pin stripe, and something fun...
white with little navy lobsters embroidered all over. :)

Summer is around the corner!
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: tednlou2 on April 22, 2013, 01:39:12 am
Mitch, did you plant the phlox, or were they there already?  I was curious how many original plants were planted?  I know they grow quickly.  We planted some around the pond, but they don't have much room to spread like that, before running into other plants.  I may move the others to make room for the phlox to spread.

Also, what do y'all know about tulips.  I know serious gardeners plant new ones every year, to ensure beautiful flowers.  My mom had some for years, but each year the plants would produce less and less flowers. 

Here are some of mine.  Planting new ones around the post lamp wouldn't be much cost or work, but planting new ones around the trees would be expensive.  By the way, these tulips around the post were suppose to be all red, according to the package.  Obviously, something got mixed up at the tulip factory. 

The pansies were a surprise.  Planted them around the post last fall.  They lasted until January, and I thought they wouldn't come back.  Actually, you can get petunias to come back, by opening the seeds and spreading them.  But, the pansies didn't require any help. 

(http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/tedunk/20130421_172435_zps8ab2ca14.jpg)


(http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/tedunk/20130421_172500_zpseb4980eb.jpg)

I wished I had planted more on the upper row, but I would have to add more dirt, because you're hitting roots there. 
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on April 22, 2013, 08:49:05 am
Ted,

I think there was a few small patches of phlox when we moved here.
Over several years they grew pretty fast and I divided them several times.
They seem to have a strong spurt of growth in the spring with slow growth during the summer.
During the first year after dividing they need plenty of water and generally don't show much growth.
One of the nice things about phlox is that if it grows "out of bounds" you can easily control it.

Tulips?
While I love the beauties, I believe they are fairly short lived.
I don't even bother planting them due to the veracious voles that often will eat 90% of the bulbs before the first bloom appears. >:(
They say you could put down a layer of wire mesh around the bulbs when planting to keep the varmints from their lunch but the effort doesn't seem worth it due to the short life span of the plant.
Wish I had better news.
They are beautiful!
Bummer on the color mix up (although they still look great).

I bought mislabeled peppers 2 years ago.
I thought I was planting Cubenelle peppers but ended up with tons of banana peppers. :(

It would be a very rare event for Pansies to survive a winter here.
We do have what we call "Johnny Jump Ups" that are in the Pansy family which seed themselves easily.
The flowers are much smaller and are usually (if not always) purple and yellow.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff101/TheOriginalHag/johnnyjumpups.gif
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: weasel on April 22, 2013, 10:03:24 am


    I love all the pretty pictures

                                         Weasel 


    P.s.  Bob and I are working on a new Grape Arbor  :)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mecch on April 22, 2013, 12:54:55 pm
A lot of tulip varieties come up year after year after year.  They are not short-lived.  Course, if ravenous varmints are eating them up...
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Miss Philicia on April 22, 2013, 01:00:51 pm
Did Mitchell just say that tulips are plebeian? :D
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on April 22, 2013, 01:20:56 pm
A lot of tulip varieties come up year after year after year.  They are not short-lived.  Course, if ravenous varmints are eating them up...
I have never had any luck and rarely have seen the same tulips in the same garden several years in a row.
Maybe it's the voles but soil type, moisture level, and climate play a key role in success.
Also, tulips should be dug up each year and allowed to ripen in the sun after the foliage dies.
Work, work, work.

"Although tulips are a perennial, many gardeners treat them as annuals, to be planted anew each year. The North American climate and soil can't replicate the ancient Anatolian and southern Russian conditions of their birth. Gardeners in our western mountain regions come closest to this climate."

Did Mitchell just say that tulips are plebeian? :D

Nope, just can't be bothered with all of the work. :)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mecch on April 22, 2013, 04:41:14 pm
Ah maybe its the swiss soil, then.  I see all the same ones in the exact same spots coming up, all over the city.  Nobody digs them up every year, thats for sure. 
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: WillyWump on April 22, 2013, 05:57:36 pm
I love all the Pansies in this thread, and I'm not referring to the flowers.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on April 22, 2013, 07:09:18 pm
I love all the Pansies in this thread, and I'm not referring to the flowers.

Pansies are SO cute. ;) ;)
http://youtu.be/PaCPlKlFqXg
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: tednlou2 on April 23, 2013, 12:07:46 am
I love all the Pansies in this thread, and I'm not referring to the flowers.

That's why I have the Cards flag, so folks think me manly. 
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on April 25, 2013, 04:25:52 pm
More pics (weasel likes them ;).)of Magnolias, phlox, and a Robin (Connecticut state bird) nesting in a tree we call "Lurch". Two of the pics are sideways and I am blaming Photobucket. ::)

(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/DSCN0530_zps8de9e49a.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/DSCN0530_zps8de9e49a.jpg.html)

(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/DSCN0531_zpse5cfbd46.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/DSCN0531_zpse5cfbd46.jpg.html)

(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/DSCN0541_zps441c4aea.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/DSCN0541_zps441c4aea.jpg.html)

(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/DSCN0538_zps3db47b5b.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/DSCN0538_zps3db47b5b.jpg.html)

(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/DSCN0552_zpsd1e83394.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/DSCN0552_zpsd1e83394.jpg.html)

(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/DSCN0536_zps1741d6c7.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/DSCN0536_zps1741d6c7.jpg.html)

(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/DSCN0551_zps7cbb437c.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/DSCN0551_zps7cbb437c.jpg.html)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on April 27, 2013, 02:43:20 pm
Hmmm...

I thought 2 pics were going to show up sideways in the above post, as they appeared that way when I hit preview before posting.  ???

Many months ago I told Ted that I would post some better pictures of our pond.
The weather the past several days has been so beautiful.
Needed to get some things done outside before my "nose job" (as Kenny calls it) surgery on Monday.
Probably won't be able to do much outside for a week or two. :(
That blows! tee hee.

We built the pond about 12 years ago...

This is a view from the garage driveway.
You can also barely see (through the trees) the Connecticut River in the backround.

(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/DSCN0562_zps586df32d.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/DSCN0562_zps586df32d.jpg.html)

(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/DSCN0555_zpse63c20c1.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/DSCN0555_zpse63c20c1.jpg.html)

And here are some pics of the stream leading into the pond with waterfalls.

(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/DSCN0561_zpsf7f6ae0b.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/DSCN0561_zpsf7f6ae0b.jpg.html)

(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/DSCN0560_zps283eb518.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/DSCN0560_zps283eb518.jpg.html)

(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/DSCN0559_zps053fa7d6.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/DSCN0559_zps053fa7d6.jpg.html)

(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/DSCN0558_zps3bdde5f5.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/DSCN0558_zps3bdde5f5.jpg.html)

This was an ordinary Juniper bush until a few days ago.
I decided it needed an Edward Scissorhands treatment! 8)
Tried to make it into a "Japanese Bonsai Juniper".
I worked on it more today (after this pic was taken) but most of the clipping and snipping had been accomplished.

(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/DSCN0557_zpse260a8c1.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/DSCN0557_zpse260a8c1.jpg.html)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: tednlou2 on April 27, 2013, 03:40:53 pm
I love it!  That is my dream house and pond.  In our next home, I want a pond that looks like it is naturally there, with the surrounding mature trees.  Our property now doesn't allow for that.  It's still beautiful, but doesn't look natural.  We actually tore ours up and made it larger, this spring.  We made the mistake so many warned us about-- go larger than you initially think.  When the plants start looking better, I'll have to post pics.

But, I love your house and property.  I like a house that is established, instead of new homes with the tiny trees. 
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on April 27, 2013, 09:33:17 pm
I love it!  That is my dream house and pond.  In our next home, I want a pond that looks like it is naturally there, with the surrounding mature trees.  Our property now doesn't allow for that.  It's still beautiful, but doesn't look natural.  We actually tore ours up and made it larger, this spring.  We made the mistake so many warned us about-- go larger than you initially think.  When the plants start looking better, I'll have to post pics.

But, I love your house and property.  I like a house that is established, instead of new homes with the tiny trees.

Thanks Ted, it's nice to hear from another gardener! :)
Our lot really is quite small. (less than 1/2 acre)
Keep planting!!! :)


The work and just as importantly, the thought involved in transforming an almost vacant landscape into something tranquil has been a life dream come true.
The garden in many ways defines what I feel is an expression of my inner self.
I hope that more pictures posted in the coming months won't bore everyone.
Just trying to share with all of you what brings much joy to my life.

m.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mecch on April 27, 2013, 10:09:39 pm
Beautiful gardens, wow.

For the water feature, personally I'd be content with a old bird-bath and a blue mirror ball. 

If I had a garden in the States, I'd also want those rubber tire planters.
http://www.wuvie.net/tireplanter.htm
And those metal non-folding patio chairs you sill find sometimes at motels.
http://www.front-porch-ideas-and-more.com/vintage-metal-furniture.html
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mecch on April 27, 2013, 10:44:29 pm
I like small ceramic fountains. I think this one is pretty.
http://www.wayfair.com/Alfresco-Home-Camerota-Indoor-Outdoor-Fountain-74-9235-AFH2892.html

I guess if I had a big garden I would enjoy a big simple concrete fountain with mosaic tiles lining the basin, and one jet of water shooting up.


Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: tednlou2 on April 28, 2013, 12:02:10 am
I've been wanting Dave for awhile now.  I thought about asking them to cast one with tubing inside, so he can pee into the pond.  But, I think I would put him in the rose garden, replacing the bench.  Btw, I've been wondering why his hands are out of proportion. 


(http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/tedunk/01ba344b-0835-405b-a3ee-764baba71ced_zps15014b0d.jpg)


I like the bench, but so many ask whether it is a memorial rose garden.  I don't get that, but it is a good place to reflect, especially when the roses are in bloom.  The double knock-outs are amazing.  You can see what I mean about our property being so open.  I would like more mature trees.  We just planted the Prairie Fire Crabapple you see in the background.  I posted a pic of a mature one earlier in this thread. 

(http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/tedunk/20130421_171846_zps7c2961a6.jpg)


While I'm at it, this Eastern Redbud is one of my favorites.  I love the spring flowers.  A Redbud can get fairly large, but this has stayed about the same in three years, due to pruning and having a large maple shade it.  Yes, that is a "tacky" solar humming bird in the planter on the porch.  I like how it lights up and changes color at night.

(http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/tedunk/20130416_171212_zpsa2ff0c01.jpg)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: WillyWump on April 28, 2013, 11:20:47 am
It's kinda scary seeing Tedderz molest a defenseless statue, but I love the other pics especially the Redbud.

-Will
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on April 28, 2013, 02:57:23 pm
I love the redbud too! It always was a favorite but for some reason never got around to finding room.
The color and odd bloom placement is great.

The classic garden seat is neat but my bony butt and bad back would prevent me from using it much. :P
I only have one rose. It's a white climbing rose. Variety unknown. (here when we moved in)
Almost dug it out because I thought it was getting a bit too shady for it to survive but it climbed up to the second floor of the house and is beautiful to see out of the kitchen window.
What color are your roses? Share another pic when they are in bloom?

As for David, lol! Give him a hug (and a fondle) to him from me. ;D
We do have a little cement boy tucked in a shady corner.

(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/DSCN0567_zps447ea14c.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/DSCN0567_zps447ea14c.jpg.html)

Our lot is small but has an odd shape.
It is basically a "normal" rectangle but it also includes an "L" shaped long and narrow "tail".
The "back 40" is how we refer to it.
It is only 30 feet wide but about 170 feet long.
It stretches along the rear of the next two properties back yards.
Here is a pic of the "back 40" and in the foreground is a chair of the type Mecch mentioned.
I LOVE that chair!
It is comfy and you can sit and enjoy a gentle rocking. :)
Found it in Maine at an antique store.

(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/DSCN0548_zpsd43db7c8.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/DSCN0548_zpsd43db7c8.jpg.html)

And Mecch, as far as your other wish list items go...
I don't think I could cope well with the "tire planter" but here are pics of our birdbath (with seal  ;).) and the gazing globe.
Thought I would throw in a pic of our psychedelic mushrooms while we're on the topic. :)

(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/DSCN0564_zpsb2105fbc.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/DSCN0564_zpsb2105fbc.jpg.html)

(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/DSCN0563_zps9fd0fbfb.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/DSCN0563_zps9fd0fbfb.jpg.html)

(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/DSCN0566_zps9076417f.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/DSCN0566_zps9076417f.jpg.html)

Gotta have a little tacky indulgent touch. ;)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on April 28, 2013, 03:28:40 pm
Ugh!
I hate photobucket.
I edit the pic by rotating it, then I save it and replace original.
It gets corrected the my library but somehow it still ends up sideways here.
Not sure where I am going wrong.
It worked the last time, same process. ???
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: tednlou2 on April 28, 2013, 03:59:01 pm
It's kinda scary seeing Tedderz molest a defenseless statue, but I love the other pics especially the Redbud.

-Will

I am infatuated with The David.  I drive down the road next to the store, and I always look over at him.  Well, several hims.  I cropped that, because I don't want it to come back to haunt me, when I run for president.  There was a tongue involved. 

Mitch, why do I want to see the seal shoot water out of its butt?  We found some mushrooms like that.  I wanted them.  We argued they were tacky.  I think every garden needs something "tacky."  So, we settled on this glass-blown mushroom.  I am waiting for the price to come down.  I may be waiting. 

Modified because I realized I linked to my amazon account.

Here is the glass-blown mushroom I want.

(http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/tedunk/eec9d9d4-5dd4-4969-9ce1-ab43324cc1d6_zpse2a03b5b.jpg)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on April 28, 2013, 05:14:20 pm
bummer!
I wanted to see some tongue action.
And the seal is not shooting water out of his butt!
He is reclining in a bath filled with flower petals silly. ::)

What's the harm in a tacky mushroom or two?
Just tuck it away where only you and invited guests will see it. :)

Last year I bought this mushroom/mice thingy.
It gets semi hidden by the plants on the left.


(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/DSCN0546_zps47e3f064.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/DSCN0546_zps47e3f064.jpg.html)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Miss Philicia on April 28, 2013, 05:28:29 pm
those are horrible
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on April 28, 2013, 05:50:11 pm
those are horrible
Now what am I going to do with the other one I bought that is packaged and ready to go for your Mother's Day gift. ::)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Miss Philicia on April 28, 2013, 06:09:00 pm
I have just now sent Guilhermina a request for photos of his lovely landscaped Texas lawn. However, at the moment, she's busy trying to figure out that bruschetta isn't a sandwich.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on April 28, 2013, 07:12:12 pm
I have just now sent Guilhermina a request for photos of his lovely landscaped Texas lawn. However, at the moment, she's busy trying to figure out that bruschetta isn't a sandwich.
I think he is more concerned about his manscape than his landscape.
Trimming pubes can be so exhausting. :)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: WillyWump on April 28, 2013, 07:45:23 pm
I have just now sent Guilhermina a request for photos of his lovely landscaped Texas lawn. However, at the moment, she's busy trying to figure out that bruschetta isn't a sandwich.

the only thing I have of color in my yard is some Wandering Jew (the plant), I thought I posted a picture of it somewhere recently but I guess not in this thread.





Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Miss Philicia on April 28, 2013, 07:53:39 pm
the only thing I have of color in my yard is some Wandering Jew (the plant), I thought I posted a picture of it somewhere recently but I guess not in this thread.


So the remainder of your yard is the stereotypical tableau of drought stricken earth? Charming.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: WillyWump on April 28, 2013, 08:01:13 pm
So the remainder of your yard is the stereotypical tableau of drought stricken earth? Charming.

It is south Texas, we start running out of water every year about this time. We are only allowed to water once a week now between the hours of 8pm and 4 am. My neighbor just pulled up all his yard and put in rocks and cactus, Xeriscape or something. Im thinking about that too.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Miss Philicia on April 28, 2013, 08:14:42 pm
It is south Texas, we start running out of water every year about this time. We are only allowed to water once a week now between the hours of 8pm and 4 am. My neighbor just pulled up all his yard and put in rocks and cactus, Xeriscape or something. Im thinking about that too.

move into an apartment high rise
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: weasel on April 30, 2013, 03:44:40 pm

 Bob bought me a new Snapper mower  :)

   The grass is getting green !

     The grass is getting tall , Thank GOD  we only have to mow about 5 acres  ;D

     I need to find my linky think to post pictures !

    I love Summer  :)   Bob is Pissing and moaning already   :-X

                                               Weasel , off to mow   ;)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Jeff G on April 30, 2013, 04:54:28 pm
Bob bought me a new Snapper mower  :)

   The grass is getting green !

     The grass is getting tall , Thank GOD  we only have to mow about 5 acres  ;D

     I need to find my linky think to post pictures !

    I love Summer  :)   Bob is Pissing and moaning already   :-X

                                               Weasel , off to mow   ;)

If I had a bf that bought a lawn mower and told me it was a gift for me I would buy him a vacuum cleaner and some other cleaning supplies , smile sweetly and tell him , see , I think of you too .
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: weasel on April 30, 2013, 08:25:21 pm
If I had a bf that bought a lawn mower and told me it was a gift for me I would buy him a vacuum cleaner and some other cleaning supplies , smi ;D ;Dle sweetly and tell him , see , I think of you too .

  OMG !

  Bob is not amused  with high dollar Vacuum cleaners  :o

I have every one on the list !
Kirby generation 5
Filter Queen  :)
FairFax Speedy Clean  ;)
  He does not get the comedy of it  :-X

                                                                                  Weasel

 P.S.  company is coming I will suck the house clean   :o
   
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on May 01, 2013, 04:44:48 pm
Bob bought me a new Snapper mower  :)

   The grass is getting green !

     The grass is getting tall , Thank GOD  we only have to mow about 5 acres  ;D

     I need to find my linky think to post pictures !

    I love Summer  :)   Bob is Pissing and moaning already   :-X

                                               Weasel , off to mow   ;)

Geez LouWeaze!

Sounds like you have a huge lawn!
Do you do all of the mowing or does Bob help?
(I sense a chuckle. ;D.)

Anyway...
We had a birth here today! :)
The first robin hatched from the nest pictured above on this thread.
Pink, limp, and sprawled over it's unborn siblings.
I will try to get a close up pic next week of the sure to be hungry or sleeping group. :)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: WillyWump on May 01, 2013, 10:24:10 pm

We had a birth here today! :)
The first robin hatched from the nest pictured above on this thread.
Pink, limp, and sprawled over it's unborn siblings.
I will try to get a close up pic next week of the sure to be hungry or sleeping group. :)

Oh I just love little baby birdies. My son has a new nest of sparrows in his bird house and when you peak in the little hole their little yellow mouths open up (they think It's the mom I guess). I've got some babies in my attic vent above my bedroom window , I can here them peeping early in the morning, and you can always tell when the mom comes in because all hell breaks lose up there and they just start cheeping and peeping away. ;)

Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: weasel on May 02, 2013, 10:09:49 am


   
Geez LouWeaze!

Sounds like you have a huge lawn!
Do you do all of the mowing or does Bob help?
(I sense a chuckle. .)

   Hi Mitch ,
                 Bob and I  do pretty much an equal share  of the yard work ,   I like to mow , Bob likes to chop trees for the wood stove  ;)
 Bob plants a great veggy  garden , I plant flowers and bushes , Bulbs etc.   everywhere !
 
 We have 25 acres of pristine woods   and some wet lands .

    The humming Birds have showed up , Bob keeps them well fed   :)
 I should post a picture or two also .

                                           Weasel
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Miss Philicia on May 02, 2013, 10:33:21 am
Does this look like Spring? (http://www.accuweather.com/en/us/north-central-region/weather-radar?play=1)

ps: it will be six degrees warmer in Filthydelphia than it is in San Fartonia today. /FAILFAILFAIL
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on May 02, 2013, 04:33:08 pm

   
Geez LouWeaze!

Sounds like you have a huge lawn!
Do you do all of the mowing or does Bob help?
(I sense a chuckle. .)

   Hi Mitch ,
                 Bob and I  do pretty much an equal share  of the yard work ,   I like to mow , Bob likes to chop trees for the wood stove  ;)
 Bob plants a great veggy  garden , I plant flowers and bushes , Bulbs etc.   everywhere !
 
 We have 25 acres of pristine woods   and some wet lands .

    The humming Birds have showed up , Bob keeps them well fed   :)
 I should post a picture or two also .

                                           Weasel
You lucky ducky!

Sounds like the workload is split 50/50 (or at least 30/70). :)
Here (in the garden) it is more like a 95/5 split. ::)

We have a small veggie garden but I squeeze a lot into it.
Will take pics later in the season.

Sounds like you have a beautiful property!
Would love to see some pics from you!

It was a beautiful day today.
Mom flew back yesterday from Minnesota.
She just missed their foot of May snow. :o :o :o

UPDATE:

Birth #2 today with one more to go!

(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/DSCN0576_zps38fea694.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/DSCN0576_zps38fea694.jpg.html)

Also a pic for Ted of our crabbyapple tree.
It was planted in the late 1960's.
I think your variety looks like it might be a deeper shade of pink.
Great choice. :)

(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/DSCN0577_zps7ea683af.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/DSCN0577_zps7ea683af.jpg.html)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: tednlou2 on May 02, 2013, 10:38:12 pm
Mitch, I love the Crabapples.  I got the Prairie Fire.  It has those beautiful blooms in spring, then the leaves turn red/green/purple/orange, and then you have red fruit for color through winter, provided birds don't eat them all.  No apples will grow on mine.

Ok, we were doing work around the pond.  We had to dig down to a utility box we buried.  I opened the lid and was sticking my hand down into the box, when I saw this gal.   I have no idea what she was doing there, buried under the ground.  How was she getting food?  Perhaps she had a secret passage.  Last fall, I fell asleep after doing yard work.  I woke up out of a deep sleep by something crawling on me.  It was a baby Black Widow.  I guess it wasn't big enough to bite.  This one would probably require a trip to the doc. 


(http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/tedunk/20130502_164520_zpsbb1004e7.jpg)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on May 12, 2013, 05:45:31 pm
Yikes Ted!
Stay away from her!
(sorry, I thought I had replied to this earlier ::).)
A crabapple with no apples? One less mess to clean up. :)

So, here are two babies growing up. (the third one never hatched. :(.)

(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/DSCN0597_zpsce4694f6.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/DSCN0597_zpsce4694f6.jpg.html)

The party is over. (flower blossom confetti)  Note the bust of Nathan Hale in the backround.
He taught in a one room schoolhouse a mere block from my front door and yes, the building still stands.


(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/DSCN0584_zpsad26077e.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/DSCN0584_zpsad26077e.jpg.html)

The blue flowers in the foreground are forget-me-nots that were given to me from a neighbor that died last fall from lung cancer.
Thanks Laurie! :-* :'(
Also note one of my favorite garden pieces.
A pagoda from Bali.

(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/DSCN0595_zpsd7715dd5.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/DSCN0595_zpsd7715dd5.jpg.html)

The azaleas have started to bloom! :)

(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/DSCN0596_zps68486a96.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/DSCN0596_zps68486a96.jpg.html)

Worked the past few days on replacing this sign as the old one I made about 8 years ago rotted. :P
The rabbits are cast iron and are from the 1920's or 30's and have a slot in their feet designed to hold a sign. I love them. :)
They sit in our veggie garden. Radishes are up!!

(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/DSCN0598_zps912e5ad5.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/DSCN0598_zps912e5ad5.jpg.html)

And for the ha8ter in Miss P.
Another pic of my mushrooms. ;)

(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/DSCN0594_zpsbfac180a.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/DSCN0594_zpsbfac180a.jpg.html)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: WillyWump on May 13, 2013, 06:00:02 am
I love the bird pics. So cute  ;) I've been following this lady who has a Hummingbird nest in her back yard. The same hummingbird , they call her Phoebe, has been nesting in her yard for like 4 years. The lady has set up a webcam and has a facebook page, etc.. It's pretty cool seeing the baby hummingbirds hatch, fledge and "fly the coop" . http://phoebeallens.com/

Again, amazing garden there Mitchellina.

-W
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on May 13, 2013, 03:50:41 pm
I love the bird pics. So cute  ;) I've been following this lady who has a Hummingbird nest in her back yard. The same hummingbird , they call her Phoebe, has been nesting in her yard for like 4 years. The lady has set up a webcam and has a facebook page, etc.. It's pretty cool seeing the baby hummingbirds hatch, fledge and "fly the coop" . http://phoebeallens.com/

Again, amazing garden there Mitchellina.

-W
What a cool site!
Over 17 million views!!
Just saw my first hummingbird of the season yesterday. :)
One flew into our house through a door not knowing that he/she couldn't fly through the window.
She fluttered at the window like a moth.
I gently cradled my fingers around her and set her free.
(I think she peeped "thanks" as she flew away but it might have been an obscenity.) ???
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: tednlou2 on May 13, 2013, 11:34:17 pm
We use to have hummingbirds visit us.  We also had what I think is a hummingbird moth visit us at night.  It looked like a hummingbird, but wasn't.  It would come around about 11pm. 
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Miss Philicia on May 14, 2013, 12:16:08 am
We have widespread frost and freeze warnings throughout the northeast tonight into the morning.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Theyer on May 14, 2013, 07:32:58 am
London is wet and chilly , I have the heating on , I am longing for 7 constant days off 70+ blue skies , so off course I leave for Orkney on Tuesday, idiot.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: WillyWump on May 14, 2013, 07:03:06 pm
London is wet and chilly ,

Well at least MissP will feel right at home when she gets there in 2 weeks  ;)

Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Miss Philicia on May 14, 2013, 07:08:28 pm
Well at least MissP will feel right at home when she gets there in 2 weeks  ;)



I'm not going to London darling. I will be in the Rhône-Alpes (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rh%C3%B4ne-Alpes) region and the forecast is for a lovely, sunny, slightly above average daily high of 75F with nighttime lows of 55F. I'm sure we'll make a jaunt to Arles and Marseille on the Mediterranean where it will be even warmer and full of bouillabaisse and Algerian cockage.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: WillyWump on May 14, 2013, 07:16:31 pm
I will be in the Rhône-Alpes (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rh%C3%B4ne-Alpes).

Oh! You are gonna be fairly close to Mecch! Are you going to trot over there and stay a few days?
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Theyer on May 15, 2013, 08:18:23 am
After the midday weather forecast on BBC Radio 4 the announcer without a trace off energy said

winter in summer----pause---- oh what joy.

added----foody heaven Miss P
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: tednlou2 on May 16, 2013, 12:35:51 am
I feel so violated.  Two fish have been abducted from our pond.  We just got them.  They did have some white coloring in them, which I guess caused them to stand out.  The others are all orange, which makes them harder to see.  Today's abduction happened in the blazing sun, so I doubt a cat is responsible.  Probably a bird.  I am setting up a camera to catch the murderer. 

Last year with the early spring, we already had much of the surface covered by lilies and other plants.  All they have now for protection is their cavern.  I feel bad about it.  We had just fed them and then left.  I will now not feed them, unless I can sit there until they're done.  Netting is ugly, but may have to do that when plants aren't covering the surface.  We enlarged our pond this year, which makes it more attractive to animals.  We've had ducks swimming in it.  Perhaps they came back and ate them.

Do those big plastic owls or hawks work to scare off other birds, or do they just laugh at those?  I know they are just fish, but I feel bad.  Good thing I have therapy Friday..lol.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Theyer on May 16, 2013, 06:30:02 am
Hope your therapist has a better grasp off Nature than you have at the moment.

Now its time to put on my Canines couture and go walkies.

m
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Jeff G on May 16, 2013, 07:54:16 am
Hope your therapist has a better grasp off Nature than you have at the moment.

Now its time to put on my Canines couture and go walkies.

m

LOL , Thanks for the giggles Theyer .

Ted , I have had two friends who ran into trouble with ponds and alien abduction of fish . One pond was in the city of Chicago and the other Montgomery Alabama . It turns out that the abductors were terrestrial in nature , they were racoons and possums .

The pond in Chicago had the big Koi that cost big bucks and all that was left every morning was the head and bones , a rather cartoon looking carcass ... the only way they stopped it from happening was to instal a metal wire mesh just below the water line securely attached to cinder blocks .   
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: WillyWump on May 16, 2013, 08:12:29 pm
  I know they are just fish, but I feel bad.  Good thing I have therapy Friday..lol.

I feel bad too. that's sad.

I passed a squirrel that got ran over today, It looked like his hindquarters were smashed but the rest of him looked fine. he was just laying in the road, kind of like he was just chilling there. But clearly he had been hit. I could have sworn he blinked his eyes when I passed. I almost turned around to check on him. I mean he was probably still alive but just paralyzed. I thought maybe I could rescue him and bottle feed him. But then I would have a paralyzed squirrel in a box that relied fully on me, which is scary. Anyways, I decided against it and kept going. I feel bad about it. Maybe I need to start going to friday therapies like you.

-W
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on May 17, 2013, 09:28:46 am
I feel so violated.  Two fish have been abducted from our pond.  We just got them.  They did have some white coloring in them, which I guess caused them to stand out.  The others are all orange, which makes them harder to see.  Today's abduction happened in the blazing sun, so I doubt a cat is responsible.  Probably a bird.  I am setting up a camera to catch the murderer. 

Last year with the early spring, we already had much of the surface covered by lilies and other plants.  All they have now for protection is their cavern.  I feel bad about it.  We had just fed them and then left.  I will now not feed them, unless I can sit there until they're done.  Netting is ugly, but may have to do that when plants aren't covering the surface.  We enlarged our pond this year, which makes it more attractive to animals.  We've had ducks swimming in it.  Perhaps they came back and ate them.

Do those big plastic owls or hawks work to scare off other birds, or do they just laugh at those?  I know they are just fish, but I feel bad.  Good thing I have therapy Friday..lol.

Lol Ted! :)

We bought 4 koi the first year of the pond. They were about 4" when we got them but they grew to around 8" during that summer.
We were buying fish food in 5 gallon containers! (we had goldfish as well)
It didn't take long before I was able to "train" the koi to eat out of my hand.

Then autumn came, and with that the herons came. ???
I noticed 2 missing one day and the following day saw the culprit fly away with the last one in his beak. :o >:(
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n571/urbana_2011/DSCN8778_zps6ec963d0.jpg

We also had a seagull one year who was snacking on the goldfish. He arrived late in the season and one day discovered a thin coat of ice had formed.
He tilted his head looking through the ice at the fish below.
Determined, he tried pecking a hole and when that didn't work he tried to "body slam" the ice by flying with a preplanned hard landing.
He did this about a dozen times over in an hour!
I was quite funny to watch. 8)
(he did not succeed) :)

Never tried the plastic owl thing. (might work?)
I just vowed to myself to stop buying fish food and fancy fish.
Went to the pet store and got "feeder fish" (goldfish)... 12 for a buck! :)
2 years later, the 12 bred into a fish family of about 75!

Hope your therapist helps. ;)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on May 17, 2013, 09:36:36 am
Oh, forgot to add...

The baby Robins are gone!
I hope they were old enough to fly.
They weren't small but I didn't think they had grown to that point yet. :-\
Maybe I should discuss this with my psychiatrist. :)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mecch on May 18, 2013, 09:47:58 pm
You guys with your fabulous Winterthurs and Taras have the lux.  Jealous! I got to manage it all on a balcony, 4 window boxes, and some reserve in the common courtyard!

I went summer annual shopping for the window boxes and bought dozens of navy blue petunias. It was 8 pm at the garden center and the petunias were putting out a heavenly scent. I was listening to the groovy new analog Daft Punk. I hear the fushia can smell, but not the one's I found.

i've never worked with so much blue before. I'm going to mix in cascading geraniums in bright true red, and zonal geraniums in fuschia. 

I bought impatiens in candycane red/white stripes, and we don't have the blight here, so I might mix them in as well. But they look like a tall growing variety so I fear they could overwhelm the blue petunias, so I dunno.

Id like to get some mornyglory at all the windows, and moonflowers on the balcony.

I have new climbing white perfumed roses and two, 2-meter banana trees that did well over the winder inside. A Washigton silvery palm, and a new palm not sure what it is, a sort of tree palm, feathery but no thorns.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Theyer on May 19, 2013, 06:10:01 am
Oh, forgot to add...

The baby Robins are gone!


Do you have cats ?
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Theyer on May 19, 2013, 06:14:38 am
You guys with your fabulous Winterthurs and Taras have the lux.  Jealous! I got to manage it all on a balcony, 4 window boxes, and some reserve in the common courtyard!

I went summer annual shopping for the window boxes and bought dozens of navy blue petunias. It was 8 pm at the garden center and the petunias were putting out a heavenly scent. I was listening to the groovy new analog Daft Punk. I hear the fushia can smell, but not the one's I found.

i've never worked with so much blue before. I'm going to mix in cascading geraniums in bright true red, and zonal geraniums in fuschia. 

I bought impatiens in candycane red/white stripes, and we don't have the blight here, so I might mix them in as well. But they look like a tall growing variety so I fear they could overwhelm the blue petunias, so I dunno.

Id like to get some mornyglory at all the windows, and moonflowers on the balcony.

I have new climbing white perfumed roses and two, 2-meter banana trees that did well over the winder inside. A Washigton silvery palm, and a new palm not sure what it is, a sort of tree palm, feathery but no thorns.

 red white and blue--------feeling home sick meech ?
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on May 19, 2013, 07:25:51 am
Do you have cats ?

No cats but a couple of years ago I caught a black snake (too late) in a Robin's nest. :(
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on May 19, 2013, 07:30:19 am
You guys with your fabulous Winterthurs and Taras have the lux.  Jealous! I got to manage it all on a balcony, 4 window boxes, and some reserve in the common courtyard!

I went summer annual shopping for the window boxes and bought dozens of navy blue petunias. It was 8 pm at the garden center and the petunias were putting out a heavenly scent. I was listening to the groovy new analog Daft Punk. I hear the fushia can smell, but not the one's I found.

i've never worked with so much blue before. I'm going to mix in cascading geraniums in bright true red, and zonal geraniums in fuschia. 

I bought impatiens in candycane red/white stripes, and we don't have the blight here, so I might mix them in as well. But they look like a tall growing variety so I fear they could overwhelm the blue petunias, so I dunno.

Id like to get some mornyglory at all the windows, and moonflowers on the balcony.

I have new climbing white perfumed roses and two, 2-meter banana trees that did well over the winder inside. A Washigton silvery palm, and a new palm not sure what it is, a sort of tree palm, feathery but no thorns.

Sounds like you are using every available square foot on your balcony!
Love the idea of banana trees and palms. TropiCAL! :)
How bout a pic sometime?
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on May 20, 2013, 04:48:27 pm
A beautiful day here today. A touch warm (86 degrees F.) and muggy.
Wish I could say the same for those in Oklahoma. :(
Tornados did horrible damage.
Hope for no loss of life.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on May 25, 2013, 05:34:32 pm
gegegegegeeeez it's cold here!
cloudy, windy, and drizzlin' all day.
high temp today 49 degrees F. :(
normal high 74 degrees F.
could use a bit of southern warm breezes about now please.
brrrrrr......
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: WillyWump on May 25, 2013, 06:58:34 pm
gegegegegeeeez it's cold here!
cloudy, windy, and drizzlin' all day.
high temp today 49 degrees F. :(
normal high 74 degrees F.
could use a bit of southern warm breezes about now please.
brrrrrr......


Nancy please. you've got it good. We are floating frogs and turds down here. 11 inches so far. My power was out for  few hours, and when I got out to go to my fave Chinese food place the bridge was flooded over!! Pure hell down here.

I got 11 inches and im not happy at all about it :P

Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Miss Philicia on May 25, 2013, 07:34:56 pm

and when I got out to go to my fave Chinese food place the bridge was flooded over!! Pure hell down here.

Heaven forbid you not be able to go to Wok This Way (http://wok-this-way.com/) twice in one week, seeing as how you were just there on Wednesday (on a late-night snack-meal no less, not even dinner). Did you order Jumbo Orange Beef-for-two again?
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on May 25, 2013, 08:10:58 pm

Nancy please. you've got it good. We are floating frogs and turds down here. 11 inches so far. My power was out for  few hours, and when I got out to go to my fave Chinese food place the bridge was flooded over!! Pure hell down here.

I got 11 inches and im not happy at all about it :P
boo hoo.
if you are complaining about 11" and not being happy...
ta-dum-dum (vaudeville drum beat) ::)

Heaven forbid you not be able to go to Wok This Way (http://wok-this-way.com/) twice in one week, seeing as how you were just there on Wednesday (on a late-night snack-meal no less, not even dinner). Did you order Jumbo Orange Beef-for-two again?

just wondered if you might be able to tell me when Wumpelina had her last bowel movement. ???
(never mind)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Miss Philicia on May 25, 2013, 10:24:29 pm
Some weather person I follow on facebook said that 1967 was the last time the northeast was as cold as it is now. While Mitchell is complaining nothing is like northwest Pennsylvania where tonight they're having a second night of freeze warnings spanning over a dozen counties. For some reason it's colder there than northern Maine.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on May 26, 2013, 12:22:12 pm
Wumpy,
Saw that 2 women in SA died in the flooding! :(
Also evacuations on the south side of the city.
A city bus was swept off of the street and about 130 people needed to be rescued.
Sounds like a mess.
(Hartford Courant article)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on May 26, 2013, 06:18:53 pm
Some weather person I follow on facebook said that 1967 was the last time the northeast was as cold as it is now. While Mitchell is complaining nothing is like northwest Pennsylvania where tonight they're having a second night of freeze warnings spanning over a dozen counties. For some reason it's colder there than northern Maine.
frost advisory tonight in NW CT. (although the local weather guy says it might hit most of the state other than the shoreline)
just came in from covering my tomatoes, basil, and cukes. :o
what strange weather.
I babied those tomatoes from seed since early March.
Not gonna let mama N. give them hypothermia! :P

PS- forecast by the end of this week is for highs in the 90's! (maybe even three in a row which officially counts as a "heat wave" here.
(Wumpy is LHAO now. ;D.)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: WillyWump on May 26, 2013, 08:03:32 pm
Wumpy,
Saw that 2 women in SA died in the flooding! :(
Also evacuations on the south side of the city.
A city bus was swept off of the street and about 130 people needed to be rescued.
Sounds like a mess.
(Hartford Courant article)

Yes it got pretty bad here. But this is South Texas and when life gives us lemons....we grab the fishin pole.

(http://i1018.photobucket.com/albums/af308/IwuvPhilly/x3x67b3c47524d7ff6ba995922918dad5fc_zps4d52218a.jpg)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on May 26, 2013, 08:14:28 pm
so what are you fishin fer?
(and more importantly, would you eat the catch?)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Miss Philicia on May 27, 2013, 08:50:32 pm
3 feet of snow in the Adirondacks/upstate NY this weekend: http://youtu.be/6WI4_OzdX0A
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mecch on May 27, 2013, 08:53:07 pm
Same crap here in Switzerland. Coldest spring in decades. Snow last weekend.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Habersham on May 29, 2013, 09:44:41 am
Here where I'm at it is 78 degrees at 9:00 AM

Only 78% Humidity Today

We had a dish of California weather for the Holiday

50% humidity and Low's in the 50"s @ night

We all talk slow here cause we're hhhhhhottt
(I sound more like Andie MacDowell all the time)

The Newbie
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: britchick on May 29, 2013, 10:47:35 am
Really strange weather here  in Scotland!
Snow in the last few days right up north.....around Inverness and Aberdeenshire....bright sunshine here in the lowlands and 19c....believe you me thats warm for here!!!!!
My mum headed up north today.....with clothing for sunshine/snow etc...LOL!!!!!!!
North Wales had a mini earhquake tremor this morning....just 3.8 on the Richter scale
Britchickx
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mecch on May 30, 2013, 07:33:09 am
Public pools opened on teh 15th!  It's the 30th and cold and grey.  >:( ??? :(

Look at all these beautiful pools and beautiful people:
http://popcurious.com/socalpools
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: WillyWump on May 30, 2013, 08:50:02 pm


Look at all these beautiful pools and beautiful people:
http://popcurious.com/socalpools

wow @ Liberace.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on June 04, 2013, 01:31:18 pm
Since I am laid up at the moment I thought I would bore you all with some more pics of the garden. :o
This is really my most favorite time of year. 8)

The poppies and iris are blooming!
This poppy plant is a beauty. The flowers are about 6" across but sadly only last 2 or 3 days.
There are about 25 patches of iris scattered throughout the garden.

(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/DSCN0621_zps46a10bb8.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/DSCN0621_zps46a10bb8.jpg.html)

(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/DSCN0615_zpsc4be52b0.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/DSCN0615_zpsc4be52b0.jpg.html)

(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/DSCN0613_zps0dced563.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/DSCN0613_zps0dced563.jpg.html)

(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/DSCN0608_zpsb11a0df6.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/DSCN0608_zpsb11a0df6.jpg.html)

(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/DSCN0617_zps597e94ec.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/DSCN0617_zps597e94ec.jpg.html)

Here are the large bearded iris. I chose these 3 colors (peach, white, and burgundy) to compliment other plantings. Love the peach with the purple accent. :)

(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/cpixirises3color_zps7d83495e.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/cpixirises3color_zps7d83495e.jpg.html)

And this is the view to and from the garage.
We built the trellis last year. Clematis (white and purple) are planted and climbing.
The rhododendrons are a bloomin' too.

(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/DSCN0611_zps0c8cee7a.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/DSCN0611_zps0c8cee7a.jpg.html)

The urn sits in front of a wall of ivy that the deer like to chomp on in winter.

(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/DSCN0612_zps88eba156.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/DSCN0612_zps88eba156.jpg.html)


Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mecch on June 05, 2013, 04:13:54 pm
Well after weeks of cold and mostly grey, and no spring, the warm sun shone yesterday, and my glorious pansies, living on borrowed time, well, clumps of them got that wilt that just waits for this sun. Its a quick sad death. The small violas are doing fine, however.  Best year ever.  I'm late to put in the summer flowers but will do so this weekend. 
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: WillyWump on June 05, 2013, 06:34:25 pm
Mitchylinapoo, Your house looks like it belongs on the cover of Home and Garden. And yes I hate you for it, cause I cant grow diddly-sqaut.

-Will
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on June 05, 2013, 08:54:29 pm
Mitchylinapoo, Your house looks like it belongs on the cover of Home and Garden. And yes I hate you for it, cause I cant grow diddly-sqaut.

-Will
Will,
Thanks.
Your wise ass compliments mean more than you know because you know how much my efforts mean to me.
All of my work over the years has been my way of keeping myself balanced.
Hope to continue as long as possible. :)

m.

ps- Mitchylinapoo? LMAO! ;D
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Habersham on June 05, 2013, 09:21:52 pm
Mitch doesn't know it yet but I have moved into that garage.

Shhhhh!
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: tednlou2 on June 06, 2013, 12:33:37 am
Will,
Thanks.
Your wise ass compliments mean more than you know because you know how much my efforts mean to me.
All of my work over the years has been my way of keeping myself balanced.
Hope to continue as long as possible. :)

m.

ps- Mitchylinapoo? LMAO! ;D

More beautiful pix.  I have gone overboard doing things around the house.  Ever since my dx, we have redone just about every part of the house-- inside and out.  Before, I just didn't care that much.  Plus, we didn't have the money then.  It gives me things to accomplish.  It takes my mind off negative thoughts.   I should buy stock in Lowes.  We are there almost every day.  It is my favorite store.  It is very therapeutic.  If I didn't have something to do everyday, I would probably just sit inside watching TV.  I like that my DVR is full of shows I haven't gotten time to watch yet.   I also feel it is an investment.  Everything we do will help sell the house, when that time comes.  And, I hope I'm helping my very low Vitamin D levels.  I got burned on my head, though.  I wasn't out very long, so I didn't feel I needed to wear a baseball cap.  Other than that, I'm starting to get some good color. 
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on June 07, 2013, 06:15:54 pm
Mitch doesn't know it yet but I have moved into that garage.

Shhhhh!
I hope you brought your own port-a-potty. :)

  It gives me things to accomplish.  It takes my mind off negative thoughts.  It is very therapeutic.  If I didn't have something to do everyday, I would probably just sit inside watching TV.  I like that my DVR is full of shows I haven't gotten time to watch yet. 
Real life therapy=good. :)
Getting your hands dirty can do wonders.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Habersham on June 08, 2013, 09:17:03 am
I hope you brought your own port-a-potty. :)
Real life therapy=good. :)
Getting your hands dirty can do wonders.

How come everyone takes all my scathingly brilliant ideas and rips them to shreds?
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: WillyWump on June 13, 2013, 03:55:43 pm
That's just how Mitch is...always dashing our dreams :(
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on June 13, 2013, 04:08:33 pm
yup, they call me Dream Killer Nancy. 8)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Habersham on June 14, 2013, 08:59:26 am
I've Moved on Nancy!

I came to my senses and realized I couldn't possibly spend the summer in a Garage!
Though the landscaping is lush!

Perhaps I'll invite you for tea at my Newport cottage
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: WillyWump on June 14, 2013, 09:45:12 am

!
Though the landscaping is lush!


Oh but you should see it in the Winter... all barren and cold.

Oh wait I just happen to have a picture...(and there's our Mitchylina, doing what he does best)

(http://i1018.photobucket.com/albums/af308/IwuvPhilly/BJ_zpsf1b08e5a.jpg)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on June 14, 2013, 09:57:30 am
Oh but you should see it in the Winter... all barren and cold.

Oh wait I just happen to have a picture...(and there's our Mitchylina, doing what he does best)


LOL!
yes, free. I just work for "tips"

Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Habersham on June 14, 2013, 10:33:13 am
Perhaps it will be less "unsavory" to Winter at home?

(http://i1295.photobucket.com/albums/b624/mrhabersham/pauladeen668x419_zps8a32696c.jpg) (http://s1295.photobucket.com/user/mrhabersham/media/pauladeen668x419_zps8a32696c.jpg.html)

Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: wolfter on June 14, 2013, 10:57:13 am
That's absolutely beautiful mitchypoo.  I have absolutely no abilities when it comes to non vegetable gardening.  I once thought I was being productive and helping with the yard work.  I was banished from the weed eater as I thought I was ridding the yard of weeds which turned out to be some sort of exotic grass.  For me, if it doesn't have flowers on it, it's an unwanted weed.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on June 14, 2013, 06:26:09 pm
Hab,

Me thinks Wumpy forgets.
His photoshop job hides the real truth. :)
(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/DSCN0477_zps889217e8.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/DSCN0477_zps889217e8.jpg.html)

Wolfie,
If you ever come visit and get ANYWHERE NEAR a weed eater I will have to take it away and apply it to, well, let's just say you won't be dating for awhile. :o
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on June 15, 2013, 03:33:35 pm
It is a BIG day in town today!
The town is celebrating the 100th year since the East Haddam swing bridge opened and the 50th anniversary of the Goodspeed Opera House opened as a theater.

The bridge is a "draw bridge" the swings open instead of lifting open. A span of over 400 feet opens on a pivot point.
The entire left side with the peak in the pic below is what rotates to allow water traffic to pass.
(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/DSCN0674_zps42c2906b.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/DSCN0674_zps42c2906b.jpg.html)
The celebration was marked with the local drum and fife corps boys along with a procession of about 40 antique cars.
There was a crowd of about 400 people on our side of the bridge

(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/DSCN0650_zpsace69475.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/DSCN0650_zpsace69475.jpg.html)

(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/DSCN0675_zpsdae32719.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/DSCN0675_zpsdae32719.jpg.html)
(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/DSCN0663_zpsdccf83cf.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/DSCN0663_zpsdccf83cf.jpg.html)

(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/DSCN0658_zps848b29b8.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/DSCN0658_zps848b29b8.jpg.html)

After the parade ended I took an "official" tour of the Goodspeed after living here for more than 35 years. ::)
Built in 1876, it fell into disrepair by the 1940's.
The state Department of Transportation took over the building and actually used it to park huge trucks where the current front doors are now. (they were big ugly garage doors)
The building was to be demolished by the late 1950's.
Many contributions saved it and it opened as the Goodspeed Opera House in 1963.
They produce 3 musicals per year (no operas) and 19 of them have gone to Broadway over the years.
"Annie" was their most well known hit. (so you can blame it on us if you wish :).)

(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/DSCN0676_zps339b63f3.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/DSCN0676_zps339b63f3.jpg.html)

Entrance and stairway to the 398 seat theater.
(they didn't allow photos in the theater. >:(.)

(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/DSCN0682_zps770d9e15.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/DSCN0682_zps770d9e15.jpg.html)

River side. It is 6 stories tall.

(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/DSCN0678_zps834746ef.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/DSCN0678_zps834746ef.jpg.html)
Tents were set up for dance lessons, costume try-on photo ops, a sing along, and hat decorating for the kids.
(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/DSCN0680_zps261710da.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/DSCN0680_zps261710da.jpg.html)

And the Gelston House Restaurant is next door overlooking the river.
They were giving out free hot dogs all day. :)
(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/DSCN0679_zps5f716cdd.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/DSCN0679_zps5f716cdd.jpg.html)

What a thrilling day. ???
This is about as exciting as it gets here folks.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Miss Philicia on June 15, 2013, 03:35:50 pm
Do you only allow white people into East Haddam?
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on June 15, 2013, 03:41:22 pm
Do you only allow white people into East Haddam?
What can I say?
I wasn't the one who sent out the invitations. ::)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Miss Philicia on June 15, 2013, 03:52:54 pm
That town looks like a giant Norman Rockwell suppository.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: buginme2 on June 15, 2013, 04:09:32 pm
That theatre is awesome looks a bit American.Gothic.

Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: BT65 on June 15, 2013, 05:25:26 pm
Impressive. I would love to see the inside of the theater. 
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on June 15, 2013, 05:35:07 pm
That theatre is awesome looks a bit American.Gothic.
It is beautiful and one of Connecticut's prime tourist destinations.
The shows are often pretty hokey but very professional none the less.
The stage is the smallest in the country for a musical theater.
Something like 21'X29'! :o
They also have the largest costume collection in the country other than Lincoln Center.
I'm not a huge fan of musical theater but every once in awhile it's fun. :)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on June 15, 2013, 05:38:11 pm
Impressive. I would love to see the inside of the theater.
It is neat and I was disappointed that they wouldn't allow pics. :(
With less than 400 seats, it's an intimate experience.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: WillyWump on June 15, 2013, 06:29:44 pm
Oh it's just so darling  :)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Miss Philicia on June 15, 2013, 06:47:04 pm
Oh it's just so darling  :)

*yawn* (http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-it8B-JY07Io/Twi2nf1uVDI/AAAAAAAACMk/Wvc3Cno5vgE/s1600/AM+interior.jpg)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on June 15, 2013, 08:54:38 pm
*yawn* (http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-it8B-JY07Io/Twi2nf1uVDI/AAAAAAAACMk/Wvc3Cno5vgE/s1600/AM+interior.jpg)
I guess some people don't appreciate quaint.
Bigger is always better. ::)
well, sometimes...
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Miss Philicia on June 15, 2013, 09:48:19 pm
I guess some people don't appreciate quaint.
Bigger is always better. ::)
well, sometimes...

It's 20 years older than yours too (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Academy_of_Music_(Philadelphia)).
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Jeff G on June 15, 2013, 11:20:21 pm
I think Mitch has the prettiest Theater in his town by far , the whole town is something to be proud of . 
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on June 21, 2013, 04:35:51 pm
Early bounty. :)
So far picked about 8 times more snow peas than shows in the pics!!
Had to blanche and freeze most of them. Amazing what $1.00 packet of seeds will produce.
Yum!

(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/DSCN0643_zps962ba870.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/DSCN0643_zps962ba870.jpg.html)

Just 2 short rows of peas planted. One row is on the right in this pic.
On the left is the garlic minus the scapes. Tomatoes behind the peas and corn behind the tomatoes are a bit slow due to cooler and wetter weather.
It's starting to heat up so I have hope yet.
(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/DSCN0632_zps3d1fd210.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/DSCN0632_zps3d1fd210.jpg.html)

and radishes.

(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/DSCN0641_zps00545e4d.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/DSCN0641_zps00545e4d.jpg.html)

The clematis is in full bloom. One of my favorites.

(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/DSCN0687_zps0c419ede.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/DSCN0687_zps0c419ede.jpg.html)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: WillyWump on June 21, 2013, 06:43:45 pm
Oh Dawlin just Divine! Divine I say!

-W
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on June 21, 2013, 06:48:26 pm
Oh Dawlin just Divine! Divine I say!

-W
Divine, ok. Too bad the Spurs were not divine. :( (no sarcasm intended)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: WillyWump on June 21, 2013, 06:52:06 pm
Divine, ok. Too bad the Spurs were not divine. :( (no sarcasm intended)

et tu Brute? Ive been getting texts and messages all day rubbing my nose in the Spurs loss :( San Antonio is very quiet and somber today. sigh.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on June 21, 2013, 06:57:21 pm
et tu Brute? Ive been getting texts and messages all day rubbing my nose in the Spurs loss :( San Antonio is very quiet and somber today. sigh.
been a MN Vikings fan my entire life (yes, I know it's a different sport.) (Nancy speaking here :o.)
so I know what it feels like.
well, not really but I know you have a pain in your gut.
don't worry though. it will get better. :D
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: WillyWump on June 21, 2013, 07:03:06 pm
... I know you have a pain in your gut.


That's from the gas station Burrito I had earlier

been a MN Vikings fan my entire life (yes, I know it's a different sport.)


I'm impressed you can even put those two words together "Minnesota Vikings" and use it correctly in a sentence
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Habersham on June 21, 2013, 07:16:49 pm
Willy - I was thinking of you this afternoon. I met this very nice lady at the bus stop who proceeded to tell me all about the Spurs. I just happened to log on ....well, here you are. Please don't let it ruin your weekend.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on June 21, 2013, 07:37:54 pm
That's from the gas station Burrito I had earlier

I'm impressed you can even put those two words together "Minnesota Vikings" and use it correctly in a sentence
LOL!
Too bad your new avatar wasn't able to help your team.
(sarcasm intended. :).)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: BT65 on June 22, 2013, 07:46:26 am
Well Will and Mitch, I'm a life long Chicago Cubs fan, so know all about the pain from teams losing.  As they say "maybe next year." ;)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on June 22, 2013, 08:15:50 am
Well Will and Mitch, I'm a life long Chicago Cubs fan, so know all about the pain from teams losing.  As they say "maybe next year." ;)
Betty, I see your Cubs won the World Series in 1908. (had to google it. :).)  You have hope!
Vikings, No Super Bowl Championship wins. :(
Spurs, 4 NBA Championship wins. (had to google that too.  ::).)

Yup, maybe next year. :)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Jeff G on June 22, 2013, 09:59:39 am
I don't particularly care one way or the other for baseball but I loved going to Cubs games . You could see Wrigley Field from my apartment window so when I scored tickets it was an easy walk and great way to spend the afternoon .

Not being a sports fan it took me awhile to appreciate what the Cubs and Wrigley Field meant to the fans , series or not .

The story of the curse of the billy goat was way cool to me also but the story was better than the cheeseburgers at the Billy Goat Tavern . Chicago felt more like home than anywhere else I ever lived and I still miss being there .
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: GaryTP on June 22, 2013, 10:32:32 am
Jeff,  I can't figure out any other way to reach you.  This is Gary, on the forums as Lou-ah-vull.  A few days ago, I got a new email address and changed it on my profile.  The result was I got locked out of my account.  I repeatedly asked for activation emails and they never arrived at either my new or old email address.  I was finally able to start a new account using this name GaryTP at a yahoo email address.  I was hoping as a moderator you could figure out how to find out what has happened with my Lou-ah-vull account.  It seems i have successfully changed the email address but what has NOT happened is the activation email so that I can click on it and finish the registration process.  What a mess!  I also can't seem to find the private message function so this is the only way I can reach someone who may be able to do something.  Thanks...  Gary (Lou-ah-vull, but currently GaryTP)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on June 22, 2013, 10:42:08 am
Welcome to the forums GaryTP! :) tee hee.
I'm sure Jeff will get this all fixed up for you soon.
In the mean time, now is your chance to become someone else for a few minutes.
Have fun with it. :)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: GaryTP on June 22, 2013, 10:43:19 am
Kind of creepy to have the ability to create an alter ego! 

 :)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Jeff G on June 22, 2013, 10:50:58 am
Jeff,  I can't figure out any other way to reach you.  This is Gary, on the forums as Lou-ah-vull.  A few days ago, I got a new email address and changed it on my profile.  The result was I got locked out of my account.  I repeatedly asked for activation emails and they never arrived at either my new or old email address.  I was finally able to start a new account using this name GaryTP at a yahoo email address.  I was hoping as a moderator you could figure out how to find out what has happened with my Lou-ah-vull account.  It seems i have successfully changed the email address but what has NOT happened is the activation email so that I can click on it and finish the registration process.  What a mess!  I also can't seem to find the private message function so this is the only way I can reach someone who may be able to do something.  Thanks...  Gary (Lou-ah-vull, but currently GaryTP)

Once your post count reaches 3 post you can PM . I can fix this by having Ann fix this LOL ... I haven't a clue what to do , we will get you fixed up .   
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: GaryTP on June 22, 2013, 10:52:47 am
No wonder I couldn't find it!  Been driving myself crazy the last three days.  I had no idea this would happen with a simple change of email address.

Thanks for the help.  I have turned on email notification in this thread so that I will know when things are happening.

Gary
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: GaryTP on June 22, 2013, 10:53:52 am
Not to mention, but for the first time in all my seven years on AMG, I am hijacking a thread!   

Gary
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on June 22, 2013, 10:56:42 am
Not to mention, but for the first time in all my seven years on AMG, I am hijacking a thread!   

Gary

Gary, remember, it's not you. It's your alter ego. :)
The original "Gary" still has a clean record.
As the OP of this thread, I will deal with GaryTP later! ;D
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: GaryTP on June 22, 2013, 10:58:27 am
It does push my "shame" button....lol.  At least I did it in an off topic forum.  LOL
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Jeff G on June 22, 2013, 11:01:06 am
Kind of creepy to have the ability to create an alter ego! 

 :)

Funny thing is I approved the account and your old account came up as a duplicate ... but I thought Gary wouldn't try for new account and rubber stamped it . I have never encountered this so it could maybe be my fault ... Do you still love me any way ?

Ann has been notified so you will be back on track soon .
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: GaryTP on June 22, 2013, 11:02:52 am
I still love you more than my luggage!  I am now confident it will all work out.  Appreciative of getting help...

Gary
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Jeff G on June 22, 2013, 11:08:49 am
I still love you more than my luggage!  I am now confident it will all work out.  Appreciative of getting help...

Gary

I think Gary just called me an old bag but I'm not sure .  ;) . 
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: GaryTP on June 22, 2013, 11:10:25 am
That would mean you don't recognize the obvious reference to "Steel Magnolias."  This would seriously jeopardize your gay credentials!

 :D

Gary
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on June 22, 2013, 11:46:07 am
I think Gary just called me an old bag but I'm not sure .  ;) .
I think he did! >:(
My, for a new member, that GaryTP is on the fast track to be banned. ;D
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: BT65 on June 23, 2013, 08:51:23 am
I don't particularly care one way or the other for baseball but I loved going to Cubs games . You could see Wrigley Field from my apartment window so when I scored tickets it was an easy walk and great way to spend the afternoon .

One of my favorite memories of Wrigley is meeting Harry Carey.  My brother and I were at Wrigley, going to get, probably some beer, and Harry was on a golf cart on his way up to the recording booth.  He saw us, stopped, shook our hands and greeted us.  It was pretty cool.

That was in '84, one of the Cub's greatest seasons-they won their division and almost made it to the World Series.  Ah, the memories.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: WillyWump on June 23, 2013, 07:26:23 pm
I finally got up enough spirit to get out of bed after the Spurs choked and lost the Championship last Thursday... Was feeling pretty good until I turned on the TV and saw the Dallas Cowboys training camp was starting in 1 month. I am back to depressed...As much as I support the Cowboys they always Choke in the playoffs. :(

However I do see the San Antonio Womans Basketball season starts up now...maybe I will go get a "San Antonio Silverstars" T-shirt and go hang with all the Lesbians at the games.

-Will

Ps - LOL @ Gary!
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on June 23, 2013, 07:50:01 pm
I finally got up enough spirit to get out of bed after the Spurs choked and lost the Championship last Thursday... Was feeling pretty good until I turned on the TV and saw the Dallas Cowboys training camp was starting in 1 month. I am back to depressed...As much as I support the Cowboys they always Choke in the playoffs. :(

However I do see the San Antonio Womans Basketball season starts up now...maybe I will go get a "San Antonio Silverstars" T-shirt and go hang with all the Lesbians at the games.

-Will

Ps - LOL @ Gary!
The "Cowgurls" cheated the MN Vikings (see, I put those two words together in a sentence again) in a BAD ref call in the late 70's. Still not over it. tee hee.

And yes, Gary is a hoot. 8)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: WillyWump on June 23, 2013, 08:03:11 pm
The "Cowgurls" cheated the MN Vikings (see, I put those two words together in a sentence again) in a BAD ref call in the late 70's.


Wow! You are a hardcore Football Nancy aren't you! I'm impressed.

oh and Gary is even better in person, just wait till AMG  ;)

-W
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: GaryTP on June 23, 2013, 08:15:40 pm
Will,  Flattery will get you everywhere!

Sure hope I can get my old account back...it still feels super weird using this one.

Gary
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: WillyWump on June 23, 2013, 08:17:17 pm

Sure hope I can get my old account back...it still feels super weird using this one.

Gary

Me too, because everytime I see  GaryTP I think Gary Toilet Paper  :-\
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on June 23, 2013, 08:25:23 pm
Me too, because everytime I see  GaryTP I think Gary Toilet Paper  :-\
LOL! That is exactly what I was thinking but didn't want to offend Gary having not met him yet. :-[

And yes Will, there are many aspects of "Nancy" yet to know. 8)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: GaryTP on June 23, 2013, 10:21:36 pm
LOL... I hadn't thought of the rather obvious TP = toilet paper.  I will be happy to return to good ol' Lou-ah-vull  (I do wonder what is taking so long...and I especially don't want to re-enter all those medical tests since 2005 that were in my first footnote.)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: GaryTP on June 23, 2013, 10:22:48 pm
By the way Willy, I am returning to the Stratosphere the last week of September with three of my friends... and no jumping off the top of the tower either!
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Ann on June 24, 2013, 07:55:39 am
Gary, don't make me ban you! you should be able to log into your old account now. ;D ;) :)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Miss Philicia on June 24, 2013, 09:56:08 am
ON TOPIC: 4-day heatwave in the Northeast begins today! Thankfully we will top out at only 95℉/35℃ on Wednesday. I hate when it gets this hot.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: WillyWump on June 24, 2013, 06:28:52 pm
ON TOPIC:  Thankfully we will top out at only 95℉/35℃ on Wednesday. I hate when it gets this hot.

Uhh Pumpykins, that's not a heatwave  ::)

By the way Willy, I am returning to the Stratosphere the last week of September with three of my friends... and no jumping off the top of the tower either!

I love it! I was there last November, and went and had a Cosmopolitan in our "Booth" at the Cbar and sat back and just reminisced about the good times we all had. Be sure you do the same!
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Jeff G on June 24, 2013, 06:36:07 pm
Gary TP mysteriously disappeared from the forum and wont be coming back so
forgetaboutit . His spokesman Lou-ah-vull can answer any questions you may have .
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: WillyWump on June 24, 2013, 06:50:26 pm
Gary TP mysteriously disappeared from the forum and wont be coming back so
forgetaboutit .

Sigh. Just like all the men in my life...suddenly they dissappear
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Lou-ah-vull on June 24, 2013, 07:41:28 pm
This is much better though.... I like the "old" me better!
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on June 28, 2013, 06:56:09 pm
High temp in Death Valley, CA today... 130 degrees F.
The all time high ever recorded on earth was on July 10th, 1913 in Death Valley, CA at 134 degrees! Yikers!
Keep your parasols up! 8)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: WillyWump on June 28, 2013, 06:58:50 pm
High temp in Death Valley, CA today... 130 degrees F.
The all time high ever recorded on earth was on July 10th, 1913 in Death Valley, CA at 134 degrees! Yikers!
Keep your parasols up! 8)

118 in Vegas (but its a dry heat), 114 Phoenix, 101 on my front steps.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: WillyWump on June 28, 2013, 07:00:44 pm
PS - Austin jsut checked in at 106!!! Oh lawdy be! Henry, Creighton and all them queens's are gonna melt 8) I bet their Anti-wrinkle cream is just a dripping off their faces right now
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on June 28, 2013, 07:07:00 pm
PS - Austin jsut checked in at 106!!! Oh lawdy be! Henry, Creighton and all them queens's are gonna melt 8) I bet their Anti-wrinkle cream is just a dripping off their faces right now
Happy summer! It has just begun.
We have high humidity but temps in the mid 80's for the next week. Not too bad. 8)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Jeff G on June 28, 2013, 07:17:40 pm
I visited Death Valley once , it was very pretty there at the time because of a spring rain , all of the desert and mountains looked barren until the sun hit it just right , then it was a blaze of tiny purple flowers .

The guy I was dating at the time took me to Death Valley for my birthday and we flew from Chicago to Vegas on the day of the Oklahoma city bombing . I had an omen it wasn't going to last between the two of us .   
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on June 28, 2013, 07:22:59 pm
I visited Death Valley once , it was very pretty there at the time because of a spring rain , all of the desert and mountains looked barren until the sun hit it just right , then it was a blaze of tiny purple flowers .

The guy I was dating at the time took me to Death Valley for my birthday and we flew from Chicago to Vegas on the day of the Oklahoma city bombing . I had an omen it wasn't going to last between the two of us .
was it Friday the 13th and a full moon? tee hee.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Jeff G on June 28, 2013, 07:27:36 pm
was it Friday the 13th and a full moon? tee hee.

Yep ... and I know what you did last summer  :o
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on June 28, 2013, 07:35:06 pm
Yep ... and I know what you did last summer  :o
I won the Miss Croker Pageant. :)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: buginme2 on June 28, 2013, 07:55:22 pm
118 in Vegas (but its a dry heat), 114 Phoenix, 101 on my front steps.

Ahhhhhh its a sweltering 86 in Seattle today!  I need a parasol and a fan.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Calison on June 28, 2013, 09:49:27 pm
116 Fahrenheit degrees here today. It is some little solace that forecast temperatures for Death Valley Ca. are 130 degrees.  8)  somehow... some solace... I'll take it.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on June 28, 2013, 10:14:43 pm
116 Fahrenheit degrees here today. It is some little solace that forecast temperatures for Death Valley Ca. are 130 degrees.  8)  somehow... some solace... I'll take it.
how awful! I forget where you live. Palm Springs?
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: WillyWump on June 29, 2013, 11:29:43 am
Ahhhhhh its a sweltering 86 in Seattle today!  I need a parasol and a fan.

I had to laugh when the news reported that Seattle is going through a heatwave ( high 80's). They were also warning against people jumping into the rivers to cool off because the rivers were still Ice cold.

but anyways, I know you light weights up in Seattle arent used to a high 80's, so be careful Bugsy, drink lots of water (no vodka).
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Calison on June 29, 2013, 03:45:20 pm
how awful! I forget where you live. Palm Springs?
With a little imagination, a wet cloth, and a breeze or electric fan, a lot can be done about this heat!  ;)

Yes I live in a rural area exactly 20 miles from the Indian Canyons of south Palm Springs near north Palm Springs. We are surrounded by Open Desert and many wild life preserves where I enjoy walking about... however this season only sees me walking at dawn or under the shade of an umbrella.
Pleased to Meet you! My ancestors on one side of my family were early Americans in Windsor. Loomis is the last name.We have been long gone south and west more recent generations. Lemonade Cheers to the 4th of July To You! And All!
Cali
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: skeebo1969 on June 29, 2013, 04:03:51 pm


  Mitch, You have a very nice yard.  It kind of makes me miss the nice things about Massachusetts.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on June 29, 2013, 04:20:33 pm
With a little imagination, a wet cloth, and a breeze or electric fan, a lot can be done about this heat!  ;)

Yes I live in a rural area exactly 20 miles from the Indian Canyons of south Palm Springs near north Palm Springs. We are surrounded by Open Desert and many wild life preserves where I enjoy walking about... however this season only sees me walking at dawn or under the shade of an umbrella.
Pleased to Meet you! My ancestors on one side of my family were early Americans in Windsor. Loomis is the last name.We have been long gone south and west more recent generations. Lemonade Cheers to the 4th of July To You! And All!
Cali
Palm Springs is SO beautiful!
We have been there twice. (about 4-6 years ago) Of course it was March, the "cooler" season but we had record heat on one visit (I think it was around 108 degrees) and the other visit it was very windy for several days. Steady strong winds.
Seemed like the businesses were struggling in the downtown area. :(
We stayed at Inndulge.
Took the tram to the top of the mountain. So cool. Also drove around that same mountain. I think they filmed the opening scenes of Bonanza there? Explores canyons and deserts. Neat to see the microclimates.
I would consider retirement in PS but not so sure I could handle the heat. Also not sure about the healthcare for us poz folks.
As an avid gardener, I doubt I could get too excited about planting cactus but I guess that won't be an issue down the road a bit. Having a hard enough time keeping up with it here but it's hard to let go.
geez, I'm writing a book! :-[ :)
Have you lived there long?
m.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on June 29, 2013, 04:24:24 pm

  Mitch, You have a very nice yard.  It kind of makes me miss the nice things about Massachusetts.
Thanks! It has been a passion of mine my entire life. Maybe a titch OCD about it but to me it is a living work of art in collaboration with Mama Nature. Sometimes she can piss me off but generally we see eye to eye. :)

PS- She DOES seem to have a particular fondness for plants most of us would consider to be weeds.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Calison on June 29, 2013, 04:48:49 pm
I was born and grew up 30 miles from Palm Springs and left in 1977.
 I returned to Southern Ca. in 2003.

 I think they like the "shabby effect" Palm Springs business has in Downtown lending to a "promiscuous" vice like atmosphere so folks will drink and eat more.... Kinda like "Slumming It". ;D
 I hear of great wealth in the village.They just don't want to show too much of it. Just Joking... Not to tied to economic mindsets so I am not sure... but yes, lots of real estate opportunities here.
I love the whole region including the coast. I never thought I would return. I enjoy the heat up to about 105 as long as it is not humid. :'( ...and I have shade.

Today's Chore is Laundry and I am hanging the laundry to dry outside on the line. It took just 10 minutes or less to dry thick cotton today! I like the energy savings from not using an electric dryer. 8)
I admit Primal need to be outside and take advantage of the weather!All Year!
  Today Inside the thermostat stays put at 80 degrees and I am comfortable with little costume.Less laundry that way too. ;D
 
I had a better doctor situation in an even smaller California town than Palm Springs before I decided to move here. I miss that Doctor.  I am new here. Have I highjacked anything here? tee hee. You may PM me if You wish.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on June 29, 2013, 06:06:35 pm
I was born and grew up 30 miles from Palm Springs and left in 1977.
 I returned to Southern Ca. in 2003.

 I think they like the "shabby effect" Palm Springs business has in Downtown lending to a "promiscuous" vice like atmosphere so folks will drink and eat more.... Kinda like "Slumming It". ;D
 I hear of great wealth in the village.They just don't want to show too much of it. Just Joking... Not to tied to economic mindsets so I am not sure... but yes, lots of real estate opportunities here.
I love the whole region including the coast. I never thought I would return. I enjoy the heat up to about 105 as long as it is not humid. :'( ...and I have shade.

Today's Chore is Laundry and I am hanging the laundry to dry outside on the line. It took just 10 minutes or less to dry thick cotton today! I like the energy savings from not using an electric dryer. 8)
I admit Primal need to be outside and take advantage of the weather!All Year!
  Today Inside the thermostat stays put at 80 degrees and I am comfortable with little costume.Less laundry that way too. ;D
 
I had a better doctor situation in an even smaller California town than Palm Springs before I decided to move here. I miss that Doctor.  I am new here. Have I highjacked anything here? tee hee. You may PM me if You wish.
Very funny! Love your description of PS! :)
And wearing "less costume" is cute.
Highjacked THIS thread? LOL! It has become a mixmaster of alphabet soup. Can't really delve into HIV issues here as it is "off topic" but I would be interested to hear more in another area of the forum.
Seems like PS is a big retirement community aka. "gays and grays" and hearing about your experiences would be helpful to myself and many others. :)

PS- Heavy cotton drying on a line in 10 minutes scares me! :o
m.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: WillyWump on June 29, 2013, 07:28:33 pm
Umm, it's 109 on my porch.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on June 29, 2013, 07:41:45 pm
Umm, it's 109 on my porch.
Well, stay off your porch. :)
This is payback for your laughter and lack of rushing to my aid this past winter.
Be sure to put plenty of ice cubes in your margarita.  ;)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on July 05, 2013, 05:30:59 pm
Corn knee high by the 4th of July! :)
(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/DSCN0693_zps8473960b.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/DSCN0693_zps8473960b.jpg.html)

oops. wrong pic. PHOTOBUCKET! >:( ::)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on July 05, 2013, 05:36:09 pm
(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/DSCN0692_zpsc446c4a4.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/DSCN0692_zpsc446c4a4.jpg.html)
Ok...
Since photobucket decided to post the wrong pic first...
I bought a one gallon pot of the yellow Coreopsis about 12 years ago.
Spreading like mad as you can see. :)
Hope to get at least a few good ears of corn this year. (never planted corn before)

It's been so wet, (second wettest June on record here) hot and humid the past few days with more to come. Still can't complain after last winter. :)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Jeff G on July 05, 2013, 05:48:39 pm
I buy my corn that's been imported into the Wall-Mart mere blocks from here . Its 0.30 cents an ear and delicious .

The back of my yard was set up for growing veggies but the expense of raising my own didn't justify doing so . I planted the first year living here but it just wasn't for me .

I love your property , its like a post card and you can tell the love and attention you have put into it .   
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on July 05, 2013, 06:21:13 pm
I buy my corn that's been imported into the Wall-Mart mere blocks from here . Its 0.30 cents an ear and delicious .

The back of my yard was set up for growing veggies but the expense of raising my own didn't justify doing so . I planted the first year living here but it just wasn't for me .

I love your property , its like a post card and you can tell the love and attention you have put into it .
Thanks. OCD I guess.
The nearest Walmart is a mere 17 miles away.
I spent a grand total of $3.50 on manure and seeds for the corn crop. So, if I get 12 ears of corn and I'm ahead of the game by 10 cents. :)
On the other hand...
I spent the same amount on the peas and have reaped at least 10 pounds so far. Yaaaah! (and Huzzah!)
It's really all about the challenge... and fresh stuff plucked a mere moment before eating it.
Just wait til you see my cucumber crop. 8)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: WillyWump on July 05, 2013, 06:53:15 pm
Corn knee high by the 4th of July! :)


 
[/quote]

Sometimes at my Walmart I can get my corn for 5 for $1. Which works for me since I don't have to fertilize, hoe (although I really don't mind the hoe'ing), plant, reep, and whatever else you farmers do. :-*
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on July 05, 2013, 08:54:41 pm



Sometimes at my Walmart I can get my corn for 5 for $1. Which works for me since I don't have to fertilize, hoe (although I really don't mind the hoe'ing), plant, reep, and whatever else you farmers do. :-*
enjoy your wallymart corn and your hoe'ing...  especially the hoe'ing.  :)

Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: buginme2 on July 05, 2013, 09:16:04 pm
Mitch your yard is so awesome. 

Where has Miss P been?
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: tednlou2 on July 05, 2013, 10:48:54 pm
Ok, there is a huge (huge) difference between homegrown tomatoes and store bought.  What other fruits and veggies do y'all think are much better homegrown?  I tried growing corn, but just got tiny corn.  They looked like baby corn, even though they were suppose to be big.  So, not sure if corn would taste much better.  I suppose strawberries, but wasn't a huge difference, for me.  We grow blackberries.  They do seem to taste better than store bought, but not as much as tomatoes.  If you did a taste test, I'm not sure most could tell the difference.  We make jam with our blackberries.  They are expensive in stores. 

I want to know if a ripe banana will just blow your mind..lol.  They are picked neon green for stores, obviously.  I've always wanted a fresh-picked banana.  Would it be so much better, like a fresh-picked tomato is? 
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Jeff G on July 05, 2013, 10:55:31 pm
I buy field peas , squash , okra and whatever freezes well from the farmers market .

I have some fresh white peas I'm making tomorrow , with a little corn bread that's all I will eat for dinner .
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: WillyWump on July 06, 2013, 10:36:53 am

Where has Miss P been?

MissP has quit the forums, and as such I've been tasked with dishing out the bitchiness around here. She has sent me all her files she has compiled on each of you over the past years. So bare with me as i brush up on them.

Truly yours
-Will
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: tednlou2 on July 06, 2013, 05:33:06 pm
MissP has quit the forums, and as such I've been tasked with dishing out the bitchiness around here. She has sent me all her files she has compiled on each of you over the past years. So bare with me as i brush up on them.

Truly yours
-Will

Lol.  I use to think the note cards were just a joke.  She said how she keeps notes on all of us.  I thought it was a joke.  However, I believe it now.  She always seemed to be able to pull up, instantly, things members said in the past.  She found my vacation pics and my pee-pee pic from a hook up site.  I still don't know how she found that.  I used a totally different screen name on that site.  No identifying info.  My face pic was a side profile pic, so it would have been difficult to look through all the Louisville profiles and pic me out of the photos.  I think she works for the CIA.  Perhaps that recent trip was a spy mission.  And, that IPad belonged to a target.   ;)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: WillyWump on July 06, 2013, 06:04:21 pm
and my pee-pee pic from a hook up site. 

Ok now Im a bit miffed as she usually sends me all those pics of our members "member", but clearly she is holding out since I've never seen yours. >:(
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on July 06, 2013, 06:28:27 pm
lost power here about 4 hours ago. it is a sunny calm humid 92 degrees. :(
don't know what the cause is but we just got the generator going. guess it's pizza tonight.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Ann on July 07, 2013, 08:09:17 am

MissP has quit the forums


Swan-song by proxy? That's a new one! ::)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on July 18, 2013, 02:44:05 pm
Test post... hosta pic.
(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/DSCN0709_zps26e88b5f.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/DSCN0709_zps26e88b5f.jpg.html)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Ann on July 18, 2013, 02:47:51 pm
Test post... hosta pic.
(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/DSCN0709_zps26e88b5f.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/DSCN0709_zps26e88b5f.jpg.html)


Love the hostas, but ... maybe it was just you hitting the wrong buttons (http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=41078.msg595836#msg595836). LOL ;D
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: skeebo1969 on July 18, 2013, 06:28:10 pm


  Mitch,

    Your yard is something else.  Thank you for sharing the pictures of it with us.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: bmancanfly on July 18, 2013, 07:09:56 pm
Beautiful.  Can I come live with you?  ;)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: WillyWump on July 18, 2013, 07:23:39 pm
Again, just lovely Mitch. Is there anything you cannot grow?

Thanks for sharing the pics, all I see when I look out my window is dying brown grass. and dust. :P
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on July 18, 2013, 07:49:13 pm
Thanks again! I hope this doesn't come off as self indulgent. I really wanted to tell a bit of a story of "Gardening with Mitch" but am currently having problems posting more than one pic at a time. Ann is working on it. (or better said, Ann is getting the tech guys working on it)

Anyway, the sponsor of my episode (when I am able) will be my fertilizer company.
MO. Their slogan is "The MO the Better". :)

 (http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k325/tangi-pangi/V8655B.jpg) (http://media.photobucket.com/user/tangi-pangi/media/V8655B.jpg.html)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on July 19, 2013, 09:59:45 am
Again, just lovely Mitch. Is there anything you cannot grow?


Yes, I cannot grow hair on my chest. :)


 all I see when I look out my window is dying brown grass. and dust. :P

Texas. "God's country"  ;)  ;D
I can't remember hearing much talk of a heat wave in Texas so far this year but I suspect it's been dry.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: wolfter on July 19, 2013, 10:41:06 am
Goodness Mitchypoo, aren't you guys suffering this heat wave also?  I've only planted 5 lilies in my "Lily Garden" and it's all I can do to tend to them.

It's been too hot to spend time in the sun so I might have to return to tanning...in the damn summer time no less.

Wolfie
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on July 19, 2013, 01:26:07 pm
Goodness Mitchypoo, aren't you guys suffering this heat wave also?  I've only planted 5 lilies in my "Lily Garden" and it's all I can do to tend to them.

It's been too hot to spend time in the sun so I might have to return to tanning...in the damn summer time no less.

Wolfie
Yes, it's been H.O.T. hot! In the 90's for I think 6 days now with another to come tomorrow. (Today it's supposed to hit 98 degrees with high humidity.) Cooler weather to arrive on Sunday. :)
I don't do much in the garden in this heat. Might putter for a bit early in the morning but today it was 93 degrees at 9:30 AM! :o

PS- I just looked at our thermometer... 100 degrees!
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on July 19, 2013, 05:51:17 pm
The peas are done for the season...finally! I think I picked about 20-25 pounds!! The garlic was harvested 2 days ago. It always puts a smile on my face. :)<see.
Behind the garlic is rainbow swiss chard. Had some for dinner the other day. Swiss chard, BACON, onion, garlic, hot pepper flakes, and balsamic vinegar. Sautéed. Yum!

(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/DSCN0705_zps9b47d579.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/DSCN0705_zps9b47d579.jpg.html)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on July 19, 2013, 06:01:07 pm
The corn and tomatoes love this heat!
Corn Fun Fact: many of you probably knew this but I didn't...
Each strand of corn silk corresponds to a kernel of corn. If a strand of silk doesn't get "lucky" the cob will be missing that kernel. So sad. :'(
My favorite tomato is "Brandywine". An Heirloom variety. Big and juicy with great tomato flavor. Hope to get a few in a couple of weeks.

(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/DSCN0706_zps8ccee4fa.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/DSCN0706_zps8ccee4fa.jpg.html)

Gardener Mitch signing out .

This episode was sponsored by MO. Remember... "MO is better"
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: WillyWump on July 19, 2013, 06:32:04 pm
I see a Volvo!
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Habersham on July 19, 2013, 06:54:52 pm
Gentlemen Farmers!
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on July 19, 2013, 07:10:47 pm
I see a Volvo!
That's my old car. still love it. 2004 and it had 60,000 miles on it a year ago when I got my "new" used car.
Kenny's truck was getting up in miles. He still has it for Big Green Egg deliveries (and brush) but uses the Volvo now.
Better gas mileage.

Heat index in Hartford was 110 degrees +!                                                 
Gentlemen Farmers!

Well, one farmer anyway and I'm more of a Lady Farmer. :)
Not sure if Kenny knows the difference between a corn stalk and crab grass. ::) ;D
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: WillyWump on July 19, 2013, 07:24:58 pm
Is that a speaker in the corn? GHURL!

Do you play "Dancing Queen" while you're weeding?
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on July 19, 2013, 08:46:28 pm
Is that a speaker in the corn? GHURL!

Do you play "Dancing Queen" while you're weeding?
Yes, it's a speaker and I DO play "Dancing Queen". I pick up the pooch in my arms and dance the night away! Then Kenny will take the lead... with Oliver.  ;) ???
He (Oliver) loves it.
The excitement never ends around here.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Ann on July 20, 2013, 08:54:35 am
I see a Volvo!

Wanna see a vulva? ;D
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: WillyWump on July 20, 2013, 09:50:17 pm
Wanna see a vulva? ;D

No thank you. everytime I look at Vulva the end result is me having to pay 18 years of child support.

But it's very kind of you to offer. That's our Ann,  always going above and beyond!
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Ann on July 21, 2013, 04:13:07 am
No thank you. everytime I look at Vulva the end result is me having to pay 18 years of child support.

But it's very kind of you to offer. That's our Ann,  always going above and beyond!

Ah, see? I just knew you wouldn't be able to resist one if you saw one. Wise of you to decline then.

And you're welcome. I try to do my bit.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: wolfter on July 21, 2013, 08:36:53 am
Wanna see a vulva? ;D

Vulvas are so 80's. ;D
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Ann on July 21, 2013, 08:51:42 am
Vulvas are so 80's. ;D

80s? Mine was built in the 60s! A classic in pristine condition, one careful driver. Sorta. :o
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on July 21, 2013, 10:40:39 am
80s? Mine was built in the 60s! A classic in pristine condition, one careful driver. Sorta. :o
How many miles do you have on it? ;D
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: WillyWump on July 21, 2013, 11:05:26 am
How many miles do you have on it? ;D

Oh the gauge on that thing has rolled over several times  ;D
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Ann on July 21, 2013, 11:18:50 am
How many miles do you have on it? ;D
Oh the gauge on that thing has rolled over several times  ;D

~sigh~

No feckin' secrets around this place, eh? >:(
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: tednlou2 on July 21, 2013, 03:18:10 pm
The corn and tomatoes love this heat!
Corn Fun Fact: many of you probably knew this but I didn't...
Each strand of corn silk corresponds to a kernel of corn. If a strand of silk doesn't get "lucky" the cob will be missing that kernel. So sad. :'(
My favorite tomato is "Brandywine". An Heirloom variety. Big and juicy with great tomato flavor. Hope to get a few in a couple of weeks.

(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/DSCN0706_zps8ccee4fa.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/DSCN0706_zps8ccee4fa.jpg.html)

Gardener Mitch signing out .

This episode was sponsored by MO. Remember... "MO is better"

Ok, Mitch.  Let's test your knowledge, without google.  When I was in middle school, I worked 2 summers detasselling corn.  Man, that was some of the hardest work.  Well, picking up hay bails from the field and stacking them in a barn was also very hard work.  With the corn, we would start about 6am, walking the corn fields and pulling out the tassels, or whatever they're called.  I didn't even know the reason for it, at the time.  They always hired young kids to do it.  Lucky kids got to ride on this machine, where you don't have to walk the field.  The farmers were suppose to always have our water at the end of the row, but so many times we would have to wait until we returned to where we started.  We would get desperate and suck on the liquid in the tassels we removed.  In the morning, we would be soaking wet from all the dew, and then soaking wet from the heat. 

So, what is the purpose for detasselling corn? 
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on July 21, 2013, 04:54:59 pm
Ok, Mitch.  Let's test your knowledge, without google.  When I was in middle school, I worked 2 summers detasselling corn.  Man, that was some of the hardest work.  Well, picking up hay bails from the field and stacking them in a barn was also very hard work.  With the corn, we would start about 6am, walking the corn fields and pulling out the tassels, or whatever they're called.  I didn't even know the reason for it, at the time.  They always hired young kids to do it.  Lucky kids got to ride on this machine, where you don't have to walk the field.  The farmers were suppose to always have our water at the end of the row, but so many times we would have to wait until we returned to where we started.  We would get desperate and suck on the liquid in the tassels we removed.  In the morning, we would be soaking wet from all the dew, and then soaking wet from the heat. 

So, what is the purpose for detasselling corn?

OK. I promise I didn't google it although I have been looking at a few youtube videos about hand pollinating corn since I only had space to plant 2 rows.
My guess (probably wrong) is that it might have something to do with trying to prevent cross pollination of different varieties of corn. (leaving a several rows of corn detasselled between varieties)
Again, I'm probably wrong but I did see that on youtube .

Growing up in Minnesota all of the kids were paid pretty well to do this. Not me. I was to wimpy to consider it. I stayed home and played ping pong instead. ;)
We lived in farm country although my parents didn't farm the land. Out in the boonies. We had a large barn with 4 Morgan horses so I did more than my fair share of hard work. Hay bails. UGH! AND I think I got paid 50 cents an hour from my parents to clean out the manure from the stalls. It was a BIG job! I saved my money to buy my own black and white TV... 9" diagonal screen. Yay!
We also had exotic chickens, mallard ducks, guinea hens, rabbits, a Saint Bernard and a Siamese cat.
Plenty of work!

BTW-
Fun fact about eggs...
I used to collect the eggs from the chicken coop and on the short walk back to the house I would throw the eggs as high as possible into the air to land on the lawn. Unless the egg lands on a bare spot, twig, or stone, the egg will not break! It always amazed me. :)

Going off on a few tangents here. ::) ;D

Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: WillyWump on July 21, 2013, 05:46:46 pm
UGH! AND I think I got paid 50 cents an hour from my parents to clean out the manure from the stalls. It was a BIG job!


Oh please Nancies, Why dont yall talk to me when at age 16 you and 3 farm workers (who couldn't speak english) had to unload an 18 wheeler of hay and stack it in the barn. Took all day. And guess what I got paid...nothing. I was earning the right to live under my parents roof ::)

I was overjoyed when I had to only muck the horse stalls, a much easier job  ;D I think this is why I love the smell of horse manure even today
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on July 21, 2013, 06:01:04 pm
Oh please Nancies, Why dont yall talk to me when at age 16 you and 3 farm workers (who couldn't speak english) had to unload an 18 wheeler of hay and stack it in the barn. Took all day. And guess what I got paid...nothing. I was earning the right to live under my parents roof ::)

I was overjoyed when I had to only muck the horse stalls, a much easier job  ;D I think this is why I love the smell of horse manure even today
I didn't get paid for hauling hay into the barn and while it was probably only 1/2 of an 18 wheeler the "crew" was Mom, Dad, me and the farmer who delivered the load. I think I weighed about 115 lbs. at the time.
PLUS... we had to walk 1/4 mile each morning through snow and ice in below zero weather in the winter to catch the school bus.
(I hear you laughing. :).)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: bocker3 on July 21, 2013, 06:19:23 pm
PLUS... we had to walk 1/4 mile each morning through snow and ice in below zero weather in the winter to catch the school bus.
(I hear you laughing. :).)

You left out the "up hills in both directions" part of that classic!!   :P

M
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Habersham on July 21, 2013, 06:38:13 pm
That's about 10 blocks in Philadelphia or 2 avenues across in NY

I walk that far to have lunch where I live now!   lol
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on July 21, 2013, 08:25:01 pm
That's about 10 blocks in Philadelphia or 2 avenues across in NY

I walk that far to have lunch where I live now!   lol
You left out the "up hills in both directions" part of that classic!!   :P

M

My memory must be getting foggy. Yup, uphill in both directions and it was really 6 miles in minus 40 degree weather. The sleet at times froze me solid half way home. The good part about that was it saved me half the trip home. :) My sisters made it somehow and would pour buckets of hot water on me the next morning so I could get back on the bus.
Upon arriving at school, I would be bullied and beaten by thugs 3 times my size for my hot lunch token in my pocket. :'(
The rest of the details are repressed.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on July 21, 2013, 08:44:48 pm
Oh please Nancies, Why dont yall talk to me when at age 16 you and 3 farm workers (who couldn't speak english) had to unload an 18 wheeler of hay and stack it in the barn. Took all day. And guess what I got paid...nothing. I was earning the right to live under my parents roof ::)

I was overjoyed when I had to only muck the horse stalls, a much easier job  ;D I think this is why I love the smell of horse manure even today
Are you implying that I was overpaid? LOL!
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: WillyWump on July 21, 2013, 10:33:56 pm
Are you implying that I was overpaid? LOL!

Yes. I am.

You were overpaid then, and are overpaid now in your current position as street hustler..

(http://i1018.photobucket.com/albums/af308/IwuvPhilly/BJ_zpsf1b08e5a.jpg)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Habersham on July 22, 2013, 06:33:13 am
Some people think it is always cold in New England. I heard they just had a perfectly awful heat wave!!!
Some people forget the name of this thread is "Spring into Summer".
Street hustlers in New England aren't wearing heavy coats and scarves right now. Drag Queen prostitutes from up there are dressing more like this:

(http://i1295.photobucket.com/albums/b624/mrhabersham/Brittania_zpsa427549a.jpg) (http://s1295.photobucket.com/user/mrhabersham/media/Brittania_zpsa427549a.jpg.html)

Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on July 22, 2013, 08:33:18 am
Yes. I am.

You were overpaid then, and are overpaid now in your current position as street hustler..

LMOA! One of these days!  >:( ;)

Street hustlers in New England aren't wearing heavy coats and scarves right now. Drag Queen prostitutes from up there are dressing more like this:

I'll have to post an updated summer pic. Mmm... what to wear, what to wear.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on July 22, 2013, 09:35:26 pm
Hey Ted! Woohoo. You left me hanging after your corn quiz. I've already lost a night of sleep.  ???

 
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: tednlou2 on July 22, 2013, 10:33:43 pm
Hey Ted! Woohoo. You left me hanging after your corn quiz. I've already lost a night of sleep.  ???

Well, I had to double check.  It's been many years.  I knew it had something to do with hybrids and all that.  I cheated.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detasseling
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on July 24, 2013, 05:14:48 pm
Well, I had to double check.  It's been many years.  I knew it had something to do with hybrids and all that.  I cheated.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detasseling

I've been a space cadet lately. ::) Sorry so slow.
I guess watching a youtube video paid off! I was sort of right on my guess.

Nobody seemed to be impressed with my "egg fun fact". I honestly don't know why it works but it amazed me. Not much luck on Google.

Back to a couple of pics. (one per post as I'm not sure yet if the double pic posts are still a tech problem)

These are my purple pole beans growing up a tripod of rebar. I like that the beans are purple because it makes them easier to find when pickin'. (they turn green when cooked) :(
Some years the deer chomp them. So far so good.
First try at growing leeks (in foreground).

(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/DSCN0707_zps742453ca.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/DSCN0707_zps742453ca.jpg.html)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on July 24, 2013, 05:21:59 pm
The cucumbers love heat and water. Looks like a good batch. Picked 8 so far and will probably pick another 80 by summers end. I give most away and make fridge pickles with some and cuke salads of all types. I plant dill amongst the cucumbers. It just seems appropriate. :)

(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/DSCN0708_zps8c04f384.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/DSCN0708_zps8c04f384.jpg.html)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: tednlou2 on July 25, 2013, 01:13:33 am
Mitch, another quiz.  Do you know of some lilies that bloom later in summer?  We have some asiatic that bloom early.  I have heard of Fooled Me Lilies, that I think are suppose to bloom later.  Of course, Stella de Oro lilies bloom early and then later, from my understanding.  Those are those yellow ones you see in so many landscapes.

After our asiatics bloom in spring, I would like to plant some next to them, that will fill the void. 
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: tednlou2 on July 25, 2013, 01:22:59 am
Oh, we made our first batch of blackberry jam.  All this came from a colander of berries.  We are worried about our grape crop.  They aren't looking so good.  We usually keep a couple jars for us, and give the rest away.  We have some, who act like it is crack.  They ask us in December, whether they can get just a little more. 

Last year, we entered both in the state fair.  Ok, go ahead and laugh.  We took 2nd place for our grape jelly.  We want that blue ribbon!  Brian ditched our regular recipe for this batch, for one by the USDA.  It called for 2 cups more sugar.  I think it is too sweet and it isn't setting as well.  We will go back to our regular. 


(http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/tedunk/photo_zps64b21309.jpg)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on July 25, 2013, 11:33:51 am
Mitch, another quiz.  Do you know of some lilies that bloom later in summer?  We have some asiatic that bloom early.  I have heard of Fooled Me Lilies, that I think are suppose to bloom later.  Of course, Stella de Oro lilies bloom early and then later, from my understanding.  Those are those yellow ones you see in so many landscapes.

After our asiatics bloom in spring, I would like to plant some next to them, that will fill the void.
Well, I had to cheat on this quiz.
I tried planting lilies but it seemed they were short lived in my garden. It might have been those rascally moles or voles so I've learned to give up. :P Daylilies present another problem for me. The flowers and buds are like candy for the deer. Some years I get lucky that they don't discover them. This year they ate almost every one. >:( Daylilies are one of the few plants I have that the deer eat. If I were to add more it would become a smorgasbord.
I like the Stella de Oro for their long and prolific blooming but the color is a bit too bold for my garden's palette. Yes, I'm a picky garden Queen. ::)
Anyway, this link lists a lot of late bloomers.
http://plantlilies.com/

Blackberry jam. Yum!
Congrats on your 2nd place win! I would never laugh as this is serious competition! Tee hee. (Oops) No, really, it's what state fairs are about. Maybe one of these years Clara won't beat Aunt Bea.  :)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: BT65 on July 25, 2013, 04:54:38 pm
That jam really looks good Ted.  And Mitch your yard is gorgeous.

I planted flowers this year and will never do it again.  The upkeep....
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on July 25, 2013, 05:20:47 pm
  And Mitch your yard is gorgeous.

I planted flowers this year and will never do it again.  The upkeep....
Thank you Betty and LOL!
Like everything else, practice can teach one how to avoid the upkeep. Don't give up!!! :)
If you are referring to weeding the bed and watering, a good coat of mulch does wonders. I look at it like this, a few bucks spent on flowers in the garden that last all summer and put a smile on your face is far less expensive than spending the same amount on cut flowers that you enjoy for a week or 2.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: BT65 on July 26, 2013, 04:45:11 am
Oh, I rarely do cut flowers.  I won't be planting flowers again.  The watering is enough to sour the experience.  I suppose I could invest in mulch if I was planning on doing it again (which I am not).  Summer is almost over, so I'm not going to try to save everything now.

I had issues with bugs eating the flowers, so a friend gave me some insect repellant and that turned things around for a while.  Just not my thing.  I know gardening is therapeutic for some, but it's not for me.  I do like to gaze at other people's, though.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: wolfter on July 26, 2013, 07:04:31 am
That jam really looks good Ted.  And Mitch your yard is gorgeous.

I planted flowers this year and will never do it again.  The upkeep....

In agreement 100%!  I must be the only gay man in the Midwest that doesn't partake in this activity.  I'd rather work on cars or build something.

It does look beautiful Mitchypoo, I hope to find another husband who has those abilities.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Miss Philicia on July 27, 2013, 05:29:03 pm
I purchased some blood orange marmalade yesterday :P
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: WillyWump on July 27, 2013, 05:46:05 pm
I bought some Smuckers.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: ds4146 on July 27, 2013, 09:43:58 pm
I bought some Smuckers.

Your such a smart ass! You crack me up and so I guess I will grudgingly say thank you :P!

Mitch, your garden is BEAUTIFUL and today, thanks to you I went and bought some plants to replace some that on their way out. You are costing me money, quit posting.

I make incredible pickles and just maybe I will post a picture where I get there. They are bigger, juicer, sweeter and more satisfying then Miss Willy's!
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: tednlou2 on July 28, 2013, 12:27:06 am
I bought some Smuckers.

Smuckers?  You need to put some of my jam in your mouth.

About the upkeep of plants-- it is a big job.  We are still in the process of planting.  Our landscape consisted of those giant bushes in the front of the house, when we bought it.  I think once we are done planting, it shouldn't be as much work.  Mulch and fertilize.  Well, some plants need dead-heading.  The big thing is planting annuals.  I planted begonias along our front walkway.  I'm getting where I can't be on my knees like that--don't go to the glory holes anymore.  My knees, thigh muscles, and back hurt for several days.  I have lost a little more weight.  I just need to workout more, and I think I won't be so sore. 

It does seem like a lot of work for plants that will die and won't come back.  I've tried to get as many perennials as possible.  I've had success, in the past, getting petunias to come back.  In early spring, we tear the seeds out.  They came back. 
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Miss Philicia on July 28, 2013, 01:00:47 am
I bought some Smuckers.

u so nasty

I also have passionfruit champagne preserves from a kibbutz in Israel and a jar of blueberry pomegranate jam!
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mecch on July 30, 2013, 01:52:56 am
hmmm, who doesn't love a delicious "waste" of champagne

the French 75:
http://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/2011/10/french-75
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on July 30, 2013, 03:12:17 pm
This morning I decided enough is enough! Kenny and I worked hard this spring dividing the pot bound water lilies. We were looking forward to seeing them revived and blooming. Someone else had other plans. Mr. Snap. >:(

A snapping turtle decided to take up residence and has spent all summer eating a water lily salad. It had gotten to the point that had he continued, the lilies wouldn't have survived. Water lilies are people too so Mitch to the rescue!

I had to drain most of the water in order to capture the little bugger. >:(

His new home will be on the other side of the Connecticut River. :)
Here he is in a 5 gallon bucket.

(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/DSCN0719_zps015d4ae0.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/DSCN0719_zps015d4ae0.jpg.html)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on July 30, 2013, 03:18:29 pm
And since I am still not able to post more than one pic per post (ahem...tech guys!!) here is a pic of what's under the surface. There is another deeper tier that you can't see. (about 30" total depth so the fish are able to survive the winter)

(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/DSCN0718_zps8dbeca57.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/DSCN0718_zps8dbeca57.jpg.html)

PS- By this time of year the lilies should be covering about 1/2 of the pond's surface.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: WillyWump on July 30, 2013, 08:32:26 pm
Incredible stuff Mitch! very lovely.

and are you sure you didnt flush Snappy down the toilet?
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on July 30, 2013, 09:24:00 pm
Incredible stuff Mitch! very lovely.

and are you sure you didnt flush Snappy down the toilet?
Lovely??
My poor chomped lilies?  ??? ;D

The idea of Snappy in my toilet sends shivers down my _ _ _ _!  :o :o
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Ann on July 31, 2013, 06:27:11 am

The idea of Snappy in my toilet sends shivers down my _ _ _ _!  :o :o

Shouldn't that be "sends shivers UP my _ _ _ _!" ;D

That critter was a bit big for flushing anyway. You would have had to get the plunger out and battle it out with him. I hope he likes his new home. I'm surprised he didn't decimate your fish population as well.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on July 31, 2013, 07:12:36 am
Shouldn't that be "sends shivers UP my _ _ _ _!" ;D

Yikes! BOTH I guess! ;D


 I'm surprised he didn't decimate your fish population as well.
Me too. Maybe he was a vegan. :)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: wolfter on July 31, 2013, 08:06:51 am
That's a lovely mosquito pit Mitchy. ;D  I'd love to post pics of my Lily Garden, but I'd just be laughed at thanks to your exquisite works.  I now have 6 lilies that are around 6" tall.  My entire garden is 3' by 2'.  Even that takes too much work for my liking.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on July 31, 2013, 08:14:47 am
That's a lovely mosquito pit Mitchy. ;D
lol.
 Actually, the fish take care of the skeeters. We don't often have much of a problem with them here compared to Minnesota...land-o-lakes. Fun fact: The Mosquito is Minnesota's state bird. :)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: wolfter on July 31, 2013, 08:19:13 am
lol.
 Actually, the fish take care of the skeeters. We don't often have much of a problem with them here compared to Minnesota...land-o-lakes. Fun fact: The Mosquito is Minnesota's state bird. :)

We live in an area where nobody would ever have a water pit of any sort.  Our entire community sits about 15' below the lake.  Therefore, we basically live in a marsh and already have mosquitos the size of bats.

I bet our mosquitos are bigger than yours. :P
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Jeff G on July 31, 2013, 09:09:57 am
We live in an area where nobody would ever have a water pit of any sort.  Our entire community sits about 15' below the lake.  Therefore, we basically live in a marsh and already have mosquitos the size of bats.

I bet our mosquitos are bigger than yours. :P

Im not certain but if you have fish and circulating water skeeters wont be a problem ?

I want a fish pond by my back patio , its screened in so no bug worries . My biggest problem is getting the hole dug LOL . Im at the point where it kills me to do work like that and it kills me to have to pay to have it done .   
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on July 31, 2013, 10:22:34 am
Im not certain but if you have fish and circulating water skeeters wont be a problem ?

I want a fish pond by my back patio , its screened in so no bug worries . My biggest problem is getting the hole dug LOL . Im at the point where it kills me to do work like that and it kills me to have to pay to have it done .   
Have a hole digging party. BYOS. (bring your own shovel)  :D
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Buckmark on July 31, 2013, 10:46:45 am
I want a fish pond by my back patio , its screened in so no bug worries . My biggest problem is getting the hole dug LOL . Im at the point where it kills me to do work like that and it kills me to have to pay to have it done .   

I'll come and dig a hole in your backyard, if you cook me up a chicken-fried steak.  ;D

Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Jeff G on July 31, 2013, 10:50:34 am
I'll come and dig a hole in your backyard, if you cook me up a chicken-fried steak.  ;D



Done ! ... I think Im getting the better deal though , you might want to reconsider or up the ante .
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mecch on August 01, 2013, 08:01:45 pm
http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-clean-a-turtle/

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/foodnation-with-bobby-flay/turtle-soup-recipe/index.html
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on August 01, 2013, 08:13:24 pm
Thank you kindly Mecch. :) Kenny asked if we were having turtle soup for lunch that day. I told him I didn't have a good recipe. NOW I'm prepared! Turtles beware!!! :)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: tednlou2 on August 02, 2013, 12:34:31 am
Im not certain but if you have fish and circulating water skeeters wont be a problem ?

I want a fish pond by my back patio , its screened in so no bug worries . My biggest problem is getting the hole dug LOL . Im at the point where it kills me to do work like that and it kills me to have to pay to have it done .   

We used our tiller, shoveled, tilled, shoveled, etc.  I saw a back-ho for rent at Home Depot for like $150 a day.  I wished we would have gone that route.  We could have had it done in no time, and got to 3 feet, like I wanted.  We got to 2 feet. 


We have a turtle, too.  But, he is a pet.  Brian, my partner, brought him home for the summer.  I hate that he is caged up, so I let him out. 


(http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/tedunk/20130801_200313_RichtoneHDR_zpsad246c4d.jpg)


(http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/tedunk/20130801_201504_RichtoneHDR_zps1d138d73.jpg)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Jeff G on August 02, 2013, 12:43:02 am
We used our tiller, shoveled, tilled, shoveled, etc.  I saw a back-ho for rent at Home Depot for like $150 a day.  I wished we would have gone that route.  We could have had it done in no time, and got to 3 feet, like I wanted.  We got to 2 feet. 


We have a turtle, too.  But, he is a pet.  Brian, my partner, brought him home for the summer.  I hate that he is caged up, so I let him out. 


(http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/tedunk/20130801_200313_RichtoneHDR_zpsad246c4d.jpg)


(http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/tedunk/20130801_201504_RichtoneHDR_zps1d138d73.jpg)

Sweet looking dogs ! .... My days of using a shovel are over , even if I had a backhoe I would have to use one and it aint happening LOL . I hurt my neck and back windexing my car windows 3 weeks ago so I may fall apart if I pick up a shovel . I think I'm going to buy a big fountain instead . 
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on August 02, 2013, 07:51:19 am
I think I'm going to buy a big fountain instead .

Jeff, here's one for you. It could double as a urinal too! :)

http://www.houzz.com/photos/126895/Times-Three-Fountain-eclectic-outdoor-fountains-los-angeles

Ted, did you let the turtle have a little swim? I bet he thinks he's at summer camp. :)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mecch on August 02, 2013, 01:33:48 pm
If I had a garden and the cash, I'd have coloured dancing waters like in Vegas or Dubai, or a black glossy resin replica of this Roman beauty from the late Renaissance:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fontana_delle_Tartarughe
I also think it would look smashing in chrome.

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4e/Fotothek_df_tg_0005280_Architektur_%5E_Mechanik_%5E_Wasserförderung_%5E_Wasserkunst_%5E_Springbrunnen.jpg/397px-Fotothek_df_tg_0005280_Architektur_%5E_Mechanik_%5E_Wasserförderung_%5E_Wasserkunst_%5E_Springbrunnen.jpg)
There's a replica in SF on Nob Hill - the cable car (I took to work) goes right by it.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: WillyWump on August 02, 2013, 08:17:46 pm

We have a turtle, too.  But, he is a pet.  Brian, my partner, brought him home for the summer.  I hate that he is caged up, so I let him out. 



I love that you let the poor turtle out, looks like he is loving the grass!
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: tednlou2 on August 03, 2013, 01:54:08 am
I thought this was a good place to share this pic I took.  We thought we were seeing our first tornado.  Many called 911 and TV stations.  They say they think it was just a low-hanging cloud.  They had some fancy name for it.  It happened during a bad storm.  Some meteorologists thought it may have been a tornado that dropped down and went back up, but most said just a low cloud. 


(http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/tedunk/20130618_195420_zps68981ef3.jpg)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Jeff G on August 03, 2013, 09:06:53 am
When Jan  , Jen and I were on our road trip to Memphis we got caught in a storm on the Interstate after seeing a cloud like the one ted put up . The car was rocking back and forth and the rain was blinding and going in circles .

I was very afraid we had driven right into a tornado , almost convinced in fact . Im from the south where we all know what these storms can do , I didn't want to scare them but it got so bad I finally told them that if I said so  , to get out of the car and run to the ditch and not ask questions . They got a little quite after that .
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on August 03, 2013, 03:37:51 pm
Sure looks like a tornado to me. Did you happen to see any sharks flying about?
Maybe it was a sharknado. :o
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: tednlou2 on August 03, 2013, 03:43:53 pm
Sure looks like a tornado to me. Did you happen to see any sharks flying about?
Maybe it was a sharknado. :o

Lol.  Tara Reid did land on our car.  I just saw she was in that movie.  Actually, we were transporting a new fish for the pond. 
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on August 03, 2013, 03:46:15 pm
Lol.  Tara Reid did land on our car.  I just saw she was in that movie.  Actually, we were transporting a new fish for the pond.
maybe your fish was a spy for the sharks. be careful!!!
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: BT65 on August 03, 2013, 05:16:23 pm
When Jan  , Jen and I were on our road trip to Memphis we got caught in a storm on the Interstate after seeing a cloud like the one ted put up . The car was rocking back and forth and the rain was blinding and going in circles .

I was very afraid we had driven right into a tornado , almost convinced in fact . Im from the south where we all know what these storms can do , I didn't want to scare them but it got so bad I finally told them that if I said so  , to get out of the car and run to the ditch and not ask questions . They got a little quite after that .

When I lived in Tuscaloosa there was a tornado.  Frightening experience, and one of the reasons I moved back North.  We have increment weather, with wind and lots of water, and there have been tornados here; just not with the numbers there are in the South.  Far fewer. 
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on August 06, 2013, 05:31:11 pm
News Flash! We had our first corn this week!
I know, not too exciting to most any of you but this was the first time I grew it. (I went with the sugar and butter variety) My hand pollination proved to be successful. Yay! :) No missing kernels and it was the most tender corn I've had since I was a kid.

On another just as intriguing front... the cukes are now overwhelming. Just gave away another dozen yesterday. I really should learn how to can pickles. I can't say that I've tried too many home canned dill pickles that impressed me. My mom did make some pretty good bread and butter pickles but I honestly didn't trust her ability to can safely. When opening a jar a year after they were canned I usually saw some sort of black mold on the underside of the lid. Scary. :o
She would give us jars and we just couldn't eat them. Shhh.... 
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: WillyWump on August 07, 2013, 06:29:04 pm
Screw the Torndados and corn sightings, It's 106 on my porch right now.  Too hot to even rock in my porch rocking chair and whistle at the cuties this afternoon :(

Lawdy be!
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on August 07, 2013, 06:41:54 pm
Screw the Torndados and corn sightings, It's 106 on my porch right now.  Too hot to even rock in my porch rocking chair and whistle at the cuties this afternoon :(

Lawdy be!
Is that a heat wave for SA? Seems like this summer was pretty pretty mild for you so far. I was really looking forward to shedding croc tears after your commentary about our blizzard last winter. SO disappointing. :(
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: WillyWump on August 07, 2013, 06:46:26 pm
Its been fairly mild until last week, we'll be in the 100's for about 10 days. You can shed your tears over my situation when you are sipping Mimosas in 72 degree weather on the banks of Lake Michigan  ::)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on August 07, 2013, 06:51:23 pm
Its been fairly mild until last week, we'll be in the 100's for about 10 days. You can shed your tears over my situation when you are sipping Mimosas in 72 degree weather on the banks of Lake Michigan  ::)

You just made my day. ;D
Do you have snow envy now?
Hunker down with your air conditioner. Maybe you could leave a trail of ice cubes to attract the cuties. 8)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on August 07, 2013, 07:03:11 pm
Just a reminder.
(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/DSCN0480_zpscd739c64.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/DSCN0480_zpscd739c64.jpg.html)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on August 07, 2013, 07:09:21 pm
Oh, and this. (one pic at a time STILL >:(.)
(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/tumblr_mede7tAh661rkp3avo1_250_zps2252a378.gif) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/tumblr_mede7tAh661rkp3avo1_250_zps2252a378.gif.html)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: WillyWump on August 07, 2013, 08:40:56 pm
1st pic - RUDE. 2nd pic- where can I get one?
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on August 07, 2013, 08:47:15 pm
1st pic - RUDE. 2nd pic- where can I get one?

1st REply:  :)
2nd REply: Home Depot :)

ps- I want your avatar. *giggle*
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: ds4146 on August 07, 2013, 08:47:25 pm
2nd pic- where can I get one?
You do realize it for corn and not other misbehavior, right?  ::)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: WillyWump on August 07, 2013, 08:56:01 pm
You do realize it for corn and not other misbehavior, right?  ::)

How can you call it misbehavior when it feels so good?
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on August 07, 2013, 09:00:49 pm
How can you call it misbehavior when it feels so good?
I'd have to agree. :)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: ds4146 on August 07, 2013, 09:18:37 pm
Little Willy I could excuse, but Ms. M. your pleasant :P, courtesy :-X, quaint :'( demeanor in other postings does not allow for this inappropriate chat. You should be ashamed, I hope your sweet peas wilt and die!
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on August 07, 2013, 09:21:15 pm
Little Willy I could excuse, but Ms. M. your pleasant :P, courtesy :-X, quaint :'( demeanor in other postings does not allow for this inappropriate chat. You should be ashamed, I hope your sweet peas wilt and die!
LOL!  :-[ :-[ :-[ Ha!
Just call me Cybil. ;)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on August 15, 2013, 04:50:11 pm
came home to this from Chicago! :) Yum!
lot's more corn to pick yet.
some of these cucumbers were the size of, um... well, they were HUGE!!! :o ;)
(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/024_zpse7b111e7.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/024_zpse7b111e7.jpg.html)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Habersham on August 15, 2013, 04:57:56 pm
That's quite a pretty stillife. Where did you hide the ones the worms were chewing on?  I hate to say it but they look better than any purchased at a local farmers market!
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on August 15, 2013, 05:05:38 pm
That's quite a pretty stillife. Where did you hide the ones the worms were chewing on?  I hate to say it but they look better than any purchased at a local farmers market!
Worms are not permitted above ground level in Connecticut. (I think Martha Stewart put up a stink about it) :)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: BT65 on August 15, 2013, 05:13:06 pm
That looks really, really good.  I went to the local farmer's market today and picked up some tasty treats.  Luckily there's several farms in the area, so everything is fresh.  Even though fall is my favorite season, I love this time of year for all the fresh fruit/veggies!  (plus the farmer's market has organic beef, free range chicken and turkeys).
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on August 15, 2013, 05:21:07 pm
  (plus the farmer's market has organic beef, free range chicken and turkeys).

Our neighbors raised chickens this year. Maybe I will set them free and cook them in our range. ;)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Jeff G on August 15, 2013, 05:33:33 pm
The term free range livestock and poultry crack me up . It would only be truly free range if it was far enough from humans as to not end up on a dinner table .

Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Habersham on August 15, 2013, 05:40:49 pm
My neighbor about 4 blocks down raises chickens. Usually the rooster hangs out in our backyard. Today though, he took a walk down the middle of the street.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: BT65 on August 16, 2013, 04:43:04 am
I guess what I should have said is-none of the meat sold there has antibiotics/hormones/etc, that have been injected into the animals.

One of my co-workers told me about a documentary he watched.  One of the things Europe will not import from the US is meat.  Allegedly that is because 75% of the antibiotics used in the US have been injected into farm animals that are going to slaughter. 
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on August 21, 2013, 05:42:32 pm
The joys of an old house. ::)
After 153 years the soffit boards have started to rot on "our watch" of this beautiful money pit. The gingerbread has a million layers of alligator paint and it's time to do some fun repairs. Kenny is working on the section along this side of the house now. The rest will have to wait til next year. He is replacing the gingerbread as well. Lots of cutting!! Here's a pic of our little handsome "helper" who really wasn't much help. :-\
Poor photo. :(
(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/DSCN0698_zps939725af.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/DSCN0698_zps939725af.jpg.html)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on August 21, 2013, 05:45:07 pm
Lots of bees to contend with in them rafters! Notice the main power lines attatched to the house at the peak. Yikers!
(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/DSCN0699_zps19a54d54.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/DSCN0699_zps19a54d54.jpg.html)

oops, I guess the power lines got cropped out after review of the pic. The line at the corner is just the cable line.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Jeff G on August 21, 2013, 06:01:34 pm
The joys of home ownership ... Trips around the world are traded for trips to Home Depot for some of us .   
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on August 21, 2013, 06:06:31 pm
The joys of home ownership ... Trips around the world are traded for trips to Home Depot for some of us .   
We could have taken a luxury yacht cruise. Too late now. >:(
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: tednlou2 on August 21, 2013, 11:40:04 pm
We had a huge bee hive, in the house we rented years ago.  You could hear them buzzing.  When they began making their way inside, we called a bee guy.  He got lots of honey. 
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: wolfter on August 22, 2013, 07:14:33 am
The soffits appear to be in good order.  It looks like just the facia needs replaced.  And I see the main power lines come in through the peak.  If you have the time, now would be the time to reroute them through a mast head a few feet above the peak.

Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on August 22, 2013, 08:02:19 am
We had a huge bee hive, in the house we rented years ago.  You could hear them buzzing.  When they began making their way inside, we called a bee guy.  He got lots of honey.
We weren't so lucky. Yellow Jackets. :o

The soffits appear to be in good order.  It looks like just the facia needs replaced.  And I see the main power lines come in through the peak.  If you have the time, now would be the time to reroute them through a mast head a few feet above the peak.

The soffits are rotted on the sides of the house but seem ok at the peak end. We're not touching the peak end until next year. We actually talked about a mast head and moving it over to the corner of the house with the chimney. (not seen in pic) We also need to replace our menagerie of circuit boxes and fuse boxes.
I think there are about 5 or 6 in total and we have 2 separate 100 watt systems and 2 electric meters. This tiny house was a duplex in the 1940's. Pricey job. ::)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: wolfter on August 22, 2013, 08:32:28 am
I believe you're talking about 2, 100 amp services. ;D  Before installing a new electrical mast head, check with zoning.  Most times, it requires it to be installed 2 feet above the highest point (the peak). 

We just updated my brother's 1950's cape code house with 200 amp service and new wiring and mast head.  A few hundred dollars, but totally updated.

I can't imagine needing to recreate all the intricate scroll work.  That'll be very labor intensive but is needed in keeping with the style of the house.

BTW, my Lily garden still looks like grass?  I'll have to post a pic to get your take.  Perhaps I planted the wrong thing and am just watering some fancy grass. :o

(http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad246/wolfter/001_zps4b85f56e.jpg)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on August 22, 2013, 09:50:45 am
I believe you're talking about 2, 100 amp services. ;D  Before installing a new electrical mast head, check with zoning.  Most times, it requires it to be installed 2 feet above the highest point (the peak). 

We just updated my brother's 1950's cape code house with 200 amp service and new wiring and mast head.  A few hundred dollars, but totally updated.

I can't imagine needing to recreate all the intricate scroll work.  That'll be very labor intensive but is needed in keeping with the style of the house.

BTW, my Lily garden still looks like grass?  I'll have to post a pic to get your take.  Perhaps I planted the wrong thing and am just watering some fancy grass. :o

Ha! Yes, I screwed up. Actually we have 2, 200 AMP services. I know as much about electricity as I do brain surgery. ;D We got the OK for relocating the mast near the chimney. It would extend above the peak.

The gingerbread is a must! It's what adds the most character to the house and we are in a historic district.
We have a plaque on the house listing it as a historic district property from The National Register of Historic Places. People here would freak out if the gingerbread wasn't replaced.

As far as the lilies go. They are daylilies. Did you buy them as 6 individual plants? If so, I've never seen that before. If you divided them it was a mistake. They will still be OK but it will probably take several years for them to amount to a decent clump. Planting one clump in the center would have produced much faster results. It's impossible for me to know the variety but most daylilies bloom in July here in CT. Good luck and be patient. :)

Edited to add:
Daylilies are one of the easiest plants to grow so it was a good choice! Just keep that weed whacker away!!
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: BT65 on August 22, 2013, 10:16:22 am
I bought an orange watermelon today at the Farmer's Market.  The gentleman who was selling the melons said they are sweeter than the red.  So of course when I got home I had to see if he was telling the truth-he was.  It is sweeter than red.  Looks the same on the outside. 

I would make a comment about the house stuff, but that's something way outside of my scope.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on August 22, 2013, 06:08:47 pm
I bought an orange watermelon today at the Farmer's Market.  The gentleman who was selling the melons said they are sweeter than the red.  So of course when I got home I had to see if he was telling the truth-he was.  It is sweeter than red.  Looks the same on the outside. 

I would make a comment about the house stuff, but that's something way outside of my scope.
Never heard of an orange watermelon. Will be on the lookout! :)

It reminds me of when I grew different colored tomatoes (green, orange, yellow) and my friends at the time thought they would taste bad. I had them do a blind taste test and they all liked the non-red ones best.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Jeff G on August 22, 2013, 06:19:26 pm
I forgot about orange watermelon , they were my favorite as a kid . The seeds are different than regular melons too ... amiright ?
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on August 22, 2013, 06:36:50 pm
After reading this I may just replace next years cucumber crop with Orangelo melons. :)

http://www.motherearthnews.com/real-food/orangelo-watermelon.aspx#axzz2cjvKDwgv

Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: BT65 on August 22, 2013, 07:28:35 pm
After reading this I may just replace next years cucumber crop with Orangelo melons. :)

http://www.motherearthnews.com/real-food/orangelo-watermelon.aspx#axzz2cjvKDwgv

Yes, that's it!  Delicious.  By the way, I was tempted to buy different colored tomatoes. 

I forgot about orange watermelon , they were my favorite as a kid . The seeds are different than regular melons too ... amiright ?

It's a seedless.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Jeff G on August 22, 2013, 07:33:31 pm
I haven't had any melon this year but I bet I can find one of the orange ones at the farmers market . My to do list is growing too big for this weekend LOL .
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: BT65 on August 22, 2013, 07:39:58 pm
I started buying locally grown berries and corn, because of the cheap price right now, and have been freezing them for winter months (cooking the corn, cutting off the cob, and swirling in butter prior to freezing).  Will save on costs.  And be a nice treat.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: tednlou2 on August 22, 2013, 10:54:14 pm
We are blackberry rich!  Blackberries at the store are $3 for a tiny package.  It looked like less than 10 berries.  We've let hundreds of dollars go to waste, as we couldn't keep up with picking them.  We should set up a roadside stand. 

We have more coming in.  I think we will make more jelly.  This was the first year we made blackberry jelly, as we always made jam.  I like the jelly better.  Since our grapes didn't do that well this year, the blackberry jelly tastes similar to the grape jelly we make.  I wish I could send all y'all a jar. 
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Jeff G on August 22, 2013, 11:11:53 pm
We are blackberry rich!  Blackberries at the store are $3 for a tiny package.  It looked like less than 10 berries.  We've let hundreds of dollars go to waste, as we couldn't keep up with picking them.  We should set up a roadside stand. 

We have more coming in.  I think we will make more jelly.  This was the first year we made blackberry jelly, as we always made jam.  I like the jelly better.  Since our grapes didn't do that well this year, the blackberry jelly tastes similar to the grape jelly we make.  I wish I could send all y'all a jar. 

You could put all our names in a bucket and pick 5 lucky winners for a jar of jelly ... or not LOL .
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: tednlou2 on August 23, 2013, 12:14:34 am
You could put all our names in a bucket and pick 5 lucky winners for a jar of jelly ... or not LOL .

That's not a bad idea.  But, can y'all handle it?  "I don't think you're ready for this jelly."   I always sing that part, while making it, even when I thought it was "...for this journey."  Yes, my life is sad..lol. 

http://youtu.be/IyYnnUcgeMc
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Jeff G on August 23, 2013, 12:24:45 am
So your saying your jelly brings all the boys to the yard   ;) .
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: buginme2 on August 23, 2013, 01:12:29 am
But, can y'all handle it?  "I don't think you're ready for this jelly."   I always sing that part

http://youtu.be/IyYnnUcgeMc

I had no idea that's what they were saying in that song.  You do learn new things on Poz.com
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Miss Philicia on August 23, 2013, 03:09:07 am
I have all melons.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mecch on August 23, 2013, 07:11:13 am
We've let hundreds of dollars go to waste, as we couldn't keep up with picking them.  We should set up a roadside stand. 

Put up "pick your own" signs.  People will pick em and pay you a few coin.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Ann on August 23, 2013, 07:23:55 am

The gingerbread has a million layers of alligator paint and it's time to do some fun repairs. Kenny is working on the section along this side of the house now. The rest will have to wait til next year. He is replacing the gingerbread as well. Lots of cutting!!


If the wood of the gingerbread is sound (other than all the layers of paint), it may be worth it to look into having them dip-stripped professionally. It could end up costing you less, and of course you would then still have the authentic, original gingerbread. Some places that dip-strip will also spray paint fiddly items like gingerbread once it's stripped. I think dip-stripping may also be called vat-stripping.

So, you know, I'm wondering. Since you and Kenny live in a gingerbread house, do you also have a child-sized very large oven? ;D



I haven't had a really good piece of watermelon in like forever. The watermelon we get here is usually from Spain and it's just not as tasty as I remember. :-\ Nothing to do with Spain, you understand, I think it's just the long time from field to table (and possibly being artificially ripened) that makes it bland. It's also generally expensive.

Another summer food I miss from the States is corn on the cob, where you buy it from a road-side stand (or pick it yourself) at a farm and take it home and put it directly in the pot. I grew up in Ohio, where the saying was that corn had to be "knee high by the fourth of July". You can buy frozen corn on the cob here, but it just isn't the same.

I remember one summer when my step-sister and her family were living out in the country, and their house was in the middle of corn fields. That was the best corn ever. The farmer was her landlord and he allowed us to pick corn once a week - sometimes we boiled it, sometimes we grilled it outside, in the husk.

The farmer also had a pond where we were permitted to fish, so we'd have fresh fish, fried green tomatoes and corn on the cob at the weekends. My step-sister kept Great Danes and one of them was mad about grilled corn on the cob - he'd munch on them like they were bones. Good memories!
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mecch on August 23, 2013, 07:38:20 am
Yes corn on the cob sucks in Switzerland.  And watermelon usually sucks.  And both are crazy ass expensive... 
There are delicious melons of all sorts coming in from Italy and Spain sometimes France.  But they haven't mastered watermelon...  Im sure sweet corn and watermelon would grow fine here in Switzerland but no farmers bother...
When I was a kid my french teacher who was from exotic France told us little kiddies that corn on the cob was for pigs, and that football was for gorillas.  This, from the lady who told us the gross "waste management" techniques of Tour de France cyclists.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Tool man on August 23, 2013, 08:46:02 am
Summer is in full force here in Arkansas as it will reach 100 again soon.
We are too fatigued to clean the pool, it will be forever green!

TM
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on August 23, 2013, 10:11:16 am
That's not a bad idea.  But, can y'all handle it?  "I don't think you're ready for this jelly."   I always sing that part, while making it, even when I thought it was "...for this journey."  Yes, my life is sad..lol. 

http://youtu.be/IyYnnUcgeMc
Forget the jelly, I want a video of you singing that song! ;)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on August 23, 2013, 10:36:06 am
If the wood of the gingerbread is sound (other than all the layers of paint), it may be worth it to look into having them dip-stripped professionally. It could end up costing you less, and of course you would then still have the authentic, original gingerbread. Some places that dip-strip will also spray paint fiddly items like gingerbread once it's stripped. I think dip-stripping may also be called vat-stripping.

So, you know, I'm wondering. Since you and Kenny live in a gingerbread house, do you also have a child-sized very large oven? ;D



I haven't had a really good piece of watermelon in like forever. The watermelon we get here is usually from Spain and it's just not as tasty as I remember. :-\ Nothing to do with Spain, you understand, I think it's just the long time from field to table (and possibly being artificially ripened) that makes it bland. It's also generally expensive.

Another summer food I miss from the States is corn on the cob, where you buy it from a road-side stand (or pick it yourself) at a farm and take it home and put it directly in the pot. I grew up in Ohio, where the saying was that corn had to be "knee high by the fourth of July". You can buy frozen corn on the cob here, but it just isn't the same.

I remember one summer when my step-sister and her family were living out in the country, and their house was in the middle of corn fields. That was the best corn ever. The farmer was her landlord and he allowed us to pick corn once a week - sometimes we boiled it, sometimes we grilled it outside, in the husk.

The farmer also had a pond where we were permitted to fish, so we'd have fresh fish, fried green tomatoes and corn on the cob at the weekends. My step-sister kept Great Danes and one of them was mad about grilled corn on the cob - he'd munch on them like they were bones. Good memories!
The original gingerbread had some rot in it but it was very brittle and had several chunks missing. I would have liked to keep it authentic but it just wasn't practical. We bought redwood of the same thickness and used the original as the template. I'll post a pic when we get this section done. We bought the wood about 5 years ago but the carpenter (who built our garage) took off with my deposit and disappeared. >:(

We don't have an oven. We just keep the room temperature at a steady 3500.  Now you know why I was tormented in school in the showers after gym class. Everyone laughed at my 3 raisin belly buttons.

It pains me to hear that you are watermelon and corn deprived. So sad. :( Frozen corn on the cob? Yuck!
If you ever come for a visit I will treat you to the good stuff and a cookie for dessert. :)


Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Jeff G on August 23, 2013, 10:59:08 am
When I was looking at houses to buy I really wanted a craftsman style home . I found one that I could afford that had been totally updated and went back three times to make sure I was making the right choice . The third visit was the the deal breaker . They had put heavy layers of new paint on rotting wood and gingerbread and its was starting to show just months after the rehab . Im sure the appraisers caught it because this reasonably priced gorgeous house sat empty for 3 years .

I still wish I had an older home but the one I settled on is cheap to keep ... It was a case of sometime you get what you need instead of what you want . 
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on August 23, 2013, 11:10:06 am
When I was looking at houses to buy I really wanted a craftsman style home . I found one that I could afford that had been totally updated and went back three times to make sure I was making the right choice . The third visit was the the deal breaker . They had put heavy layers of new paint on rotting wood and gingerbread and its was starting to show just months after the rehab . Im sure the appraisers caught it because this reasonably priced gorgeous house sat empty for 3 years .

I still wish I had an older home but the one I settled on is cheap to keep ... It was a case of sometime you get what you need instead of what you want .

Smart move!
I was never really interested in Victorian houses and still am not. My mom inherited this house from her best friend and the price seemed right. BOY, was I wrong! We've since put 2 1/2 times more $ into it than what we paid for it. Even after living here for 17 years we wouldn't break even. (hitting my head against the wall)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Jeff G on August 23, 2013, 11:44:57 am
Smart move!
I was never really interested in Victorian houses and still am not. My mom inherited this house from her best friend and the price seemed right. BOY, was I wrong! We've since put 2 1/2 times more $ into it than what we paid for it. Even after living here for 17 years we wouldn't break even. (hitting my head against the wall)

You have a wonderful home and I love the fact that your saving it for others to enjoy in the generations to come . If I were a jealous man I would envy you for your home . 

Make a little time capsule and put it somewhere to be found later as a reminder to some one that one day its their turn . 
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: tednlou2 on August 24, 2013, 12:21:58 am
Jeff, I love Craftsman style homes, too.  I love the way the porches look.

Ok, is this a weed?  Last year, we planted one of those purple Coneflower plants in the exact spot.  We thought it had come back.  It is obviously very tall, but some are suppose to get that tall.  The leaves are identical, but no flowers.  It is like the plant lost its ability to make flowers.  Or, it is a weed.  I think we have been raising a weed.  By now, it should have bloomed. 


(http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/tedunk/20130823_181546_zps84e75fe9.jpg)


We put our gnome under it.  His name is Pat McGroin. 


(http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/tedunk/20130822_174258_RichtoneHDR_zpsb5bc910b.jpg)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Jeff G on August 24, 2013, 12:39:19 am
Pat McGroin is very handsome . I bought a marked down Gargoyle at Lowes yesterday , it scared the crap out of a stray cat that keeps getting in my garbage cans at night so its doing its job . 
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: wolfter on August 24, 2013, 05:49:46 am
I'd rather do all that intricate wood work than what I'm dealing with yesterday and today.  My little sister moved back to Ohio after her divorce and needed to buy a new home.  Even though the house passed inspection, I cautioned her about many things that have mainly come true.

The house is almost 20 years old and therefore, all the mechanicals will probably start failing.  One issue that I immediately recognized was the low water pressure.  She's on a well since it's even more rural than we are.

Sure enough, I got a call 2 nights ago that she had no water.  Off I went with my voltage tester and my worst fears came true.  She had power on both the load and line sides of her pressure tank switch.  BAD PUMP!

Not sure how many of you have ever replaced a submersible pump, but it's not a fun task.  We called every plumber we could locate and they're all scheduled up because of the recent freak storms we were pounded by.  So, I took on the task.  We had no idea how damn deep the well was until we finally managed to get it pulled.  250' deep and it only had .5 hp pump. 

Went and got a 1 hp replacement last night and will be installing it at day break. 
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on August 24, 2013, 09:08:12 am
Jeff, I love Craftsman style homes, too.  I love the way the porches look.

Ok, is this a weed?  Last year, we planted one of those purple Coneflower plants in the exact spot.  We thought it had come back.  It is obviously very tall, but some are suppose to get that tall.  The leaves are identical, but no flowers.  It is like the plant lost its ability to make flowers.  Or, it is a weed.  I think we have been raising a weed.  By now, it should have bloomed. 


(http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/tedunk/20130823_181546_zps84e75fe9.jpg)


We put our gnome under it.  His name is Pat McGroin. 


(http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/tedunk/20130822_174258_RichtoneHDR_zpsb5bc910b.jpg)

Um, Ted, I hate to be the bearer of bad news but you have grown a weed. The good news? I would bet you will see it bloom in a week or two. :)

Give Pat a pat for me. :)


@Wolfie - nothing worse than a bad pump. :D
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: wolfter on August 24, 2013, 12:21:12 pm

@Wolfie - nothing worse than a bad pump. :D

Yes there is.  We discovered her well is bone dry which is what caused the pump to burn out.  Guess I'm having house guests for a few days. :o

Plus, I have to be at work by 2:00 and am working straight through til Monday Morning.  YIKES. Then back in Monday night.  And then Tuesday to finally finish a beautiful deck I've been building for a customer. 

So Cheers and will see you all someday.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on August 24, 2013, 12:47:57 pm


Plus, I have to be at work by 2:00 and am working straight through til Monday Morning.  YIKES. Then back in Monday night.  And then Tuesday to finally finish a beautiful deck I've been building for a customer. 

So Cheers and will see you all someday.

Everything in moderation includes work. Your health comes first. ::)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mecch on August 28, 2013, 11:47:02 am
Its a big handsome weed, so enjoy it. Hope it flowers for you too.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: wolfter on September 04, 2013, 08:04:47 pm
Another bad aspect of summer is all the work after harvest season.  I detest store bought salsa.  I use quite a bit of it as I use it on my salads instead of traditional dressing.  Just doesn't seem right to work all day and only get 12 pints!!!!

All of the ingredients came from the family farm so at least it's cheap to make.  I helped mother can about 140 quarts of tomatoes.  It's actually quite cute to see her pull up with her truck bed piled sky high with produce.

(http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad246/wolfter/002_zps3a000156.jpg)

Wolfie
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on September 04, 2013, 08:43:44 pm
Another bad aspect of summer is all the work after harvest season.  I detest store bought salsa.  I use quite a bit of it as I use it on my salads instead of traditional dressing.  Just doesn't seem right to work all day and only get 12 pints!!!!

All of the ingredients came from the family farm so at least it's cheap to make.  I helped mother can about 140  :) of tomatoes.  It's actually quite cute to see her pull up with her truck bed piled sky high with produce.

(http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad246/wolfter/002_zps3a000156.jpg)

Wolfie

I really would have proffered a pic of your mom and the truck full of produce. In any case I want those canned tomatoes!!! :)
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: tednlou2 on September 04, 2013, 11:10:22 pm
I just discovered Mexican Lasagna.  You simple replace your regular tomatoe sauce with salsa, and add in some spices.  I was doubting it, but it was actually very good. 
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: wolfter on September 04, 2013, 11:17:29 pm
I just discovered Mexican Lasagna.  You simple replace your regular tomatoe sauce with salsa, and add in some spices.  I was doubting it, but it was actually very good.

I'll have to try that as I wouldn't have to spend more time cooking down sauce and adding all the other veggies and spices.  My hot salsa required a plastic grocery bag full of jalapenos to complete my level of hot that I like.  I only made 2 milds in case some sissy requests some.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: BT65 on September 05, 2013, 04:21:48 am
I'll have to try that as I wouldn't have to spend more time cooking down sauce and adding all the other veggies and spices.  My hot salsa required a plastic grocery bag full of jalapenos to complete my level of hot that I like.  I only made 2 milds in case some sissy requests some.

The older I get, the more I like spicy foods.  More than when I was younger.  I bet your salsa is delicious! 

Oh, and my mom used to can also.  We didn't have a farm or anything like that, but she would can peaches, tomatoes; she would also make this applesauce that was fantastic.  Wish I had some now! 
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: wolfter on September 05, 2013, 10:02:32 am
Not sure what I'd do if it was ever indicated that I couldn't have spicy foods.  It's basically what makes food palatable for me.  I put hot sauce on everything.

Growing up, we canned everything.  We'd spend a great portion of the summer doing this.  I have never come up with a good canning recipe for jalapenos.  They just never have the same taste as the ones I get from the store.  I have been buying them by the gallon for years and putting them in smaller containers.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on September 23, 2013, 06:02:36 pm
Final report from this years garden. (very small space)
(cost=C is based on amount invested this year. seedlings, seeds, manure)
(harvested=H)

Rhubarb: C- 0
               H- I crunched on some raw stocks. sour. yum.
Asparagus: C- 0
                  H- One side dish. Not a great year this spring.
Garlic: C-0
           H- Enough to last until next year with plenty to replant. Gave some away.
Corn: C-$4.
          H- about 20 ears of great organic corn picked at the peak of tenderness.
Peas: C- $2.
         H- about 20 lbs.! Blanched and froze most. Gave some away.
Cucumbers: C- $6.
                   H- about 80. Gave most away. Not sure why I keep planting so many.
Beans: C- $3.
           H- had 2 side dishes. too tired to pick on a regular basis.
Radishes: C- $2.
               H- more than we could eat.
Swiss Chard: C-$2.
                    H- One side dish with more to come. again, to tired to keep up.
Leeks: C- 0 (gift from dear friend)
           H- about 10.
Lettuce: C- $3.
             H- 0 (some darned critter ate it all >:(.)
Tomatoes: C- $3. (manure only... started from saved seeds)
                 H- About 7 times more than you see in the following pic. Gave many away. Cooked and froze many.


So, the final cost tally is......
Drum roll please.....


$25.00

(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o745/mjm711/DSCN0827_zps415bc00a.jpg) (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/mjm711/media/DSCN0827_zps415bc00a.jpg.html)

Oh, forgot the $30. cost of salt marsh hay to make weeding a non-issue.
Still a good deal for fresh picked organic produce from the garden to the table. :)



Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: BT65 on September 24, 2013, 06:42:01 am
I'm jealous, Mitch, because I am not talented when it comes to gardening.  I wish I knew how to do all that! 

Like currently, people are talking about planting bulbs.  I have no idea what they're talking about...which bulbs? 

Those tomatoes look good. 
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Miss Philicia on September 24, 2013, 07:28:27 am

Like currently, people are talking about planting bulbs.  I have no idea what they're talking about...which bulbs? 


Bulbous plants like tulips -- you plant the bulbs in the fall and they come up in spring.
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: Theyer on September 24, 2013, 09:12:15 am
Advice needed ---when is the best time to serverly reduce a lilac tree?
Title: Re: spring into summer...
Post by: mitch777 on September 24, 2013, 09:29:05 am
Advice needed ---when is the best time to serverly reduce a lilac tree?

I would do it in late winter or early spring before the foliage comes out. You will be losing blooms until the new growth matures but it's good for lilacs to get rid of old growth from time to time.

 http://gardening.about.com/od/pruning/a/Pruning_Lilacs.htm