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dbjc364's April 2010 Entries

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Apr 29, 2010 | 4:29 PM PST
Tag: relaxing day..
on me. I didn't get as far as I wanted to thats for sure. Now thursdays doings go onto friday. I did get to walmart, and did find a medium size bookcase on clearance for $15. They are changing our walmart to a Super walmart,and construction has begun.Sometimes mother nature just wants to screw with my day.I did bundle up & go out in the wind, and look at my flowers again later in the afternoon.The wind had toppled over the new grill-had to wait for Jim to get home to right it up,but no damage at least.We moved it up against the house in a more secure area.Landon and Missy came for lunch, but because we were getting some snow drops,hail and strong winds that cancelled out the strawberry planting.I had to put my winter jacket on again.After lunch she played on the comp.,Landon played games on his, and I took a nap on the couch.That was fairly productive.ok- I loaded the dishwasher too.I bought some pink hyacinths on clearance,very fragrant,and daughter is beside herself because thats all she smelt in the mudroom & she wants some.I did make a hair appt. for tomorrow morning.And I did go out and pick up the garage sale stuff that toppled over and re-fixed it. ok- thats all I did today-so I quess that was relaxing,and sometimes a day goes like that.We're going to attempt the strawberries tomorrow if the wind isn't too bad,but it is suppose to be warmer.

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A spruce-up..

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Apr 29, 2010 | 2:07 AM PST
Tag: the deck is calling..
I get to work on the spare guest room again this morning,I've got it torn apart,weeding out what I dont need, and general cleaning,and making notes of what I really do need,like a decent sized bookcase.Nothing like guests coming to spur one on.My sister & fiance' will stay with us for a weeks vacation.My nieces family will stay at my daughter's.The metal panel order came in,Jim picks that up tonite after work.Missy comes over after Landon gets out of school. We'll start with the strawberries,transplanting,the
n move onto the fence line.After she leaves for the day-I'll go to Walmart for some paint,I'd like to spray paint the headboard & footboard a white,and a wrought iron chair thats been on my list for quite awhile.Jim put a new seat board on it for me,now it needs a nice fabric from my stash.It's done raining finally,the sun reappears today,and we've got a good stretch of weather before us.He'll be able to get alot done on the deck if I resist the urge to bug him for other things.Well, I quess I have enough to do to keep myself occupied for awhile.I've been eyeing the "Endless Summer" Hydrangeas for 3 summers now,and would like to have 2 of them.I have the white "Annabelle".If I can find them for under the $28 ea. that I'm seeing,I'll put them in the holding bed.The long small hill in the back needs an improvement next year.We'll have to pick up some railroad ties, create steps,and put in some small shrubs,I think the hydrangeas would look good there. My female Holly is finally growing,but I lost the male twice.She wont give me the red berries unless I have the male.This time I'll pick up a bigger one,maybe they just werent big enough to weather out the winter..Well,I'm on my 4th rubarb plant-which finally took,and rubarb grows easy here,but some things I just completely bomb out on.After the tent is gone,and the hubbub is over, the "Espalier lines" will get built.The guys garage sale across the street has alot of hardware in totes,I picked up the first 8 ft.cable line to train the branches,but need more,as 2 row lines are going in.We'll hold off with the planting till next spring.I can't wait to start planting some veggies now,as the weather is going back to warm.We hear Vermont & New Hampshire got dumped with alot of spring snow,but our local mountain only got a few inches.The birds are making quite a ruckus frenzy.Our living room ceiling is only insulation right now. The birds broke thru the plastic on the one bay that didnt get boarded up,JIm had up on the outside,and have made a nest in the ceiling.They pecked and pecked,took out a small bunch of insulation-that was scattered all across the lawn,to make their nest.Since we had a leak there-it needs to be replaced anyways,so thats not a big deal.Now we have to wait till the young have hatched and flown the coop,then we'll board it up.In the morning,its like a bird aviairy,the loudest, you can see their little feet imprints walking across the ceiling and talking to each other, its quite comical to listen to them.How long does it take for the eggs to hatch? I think their swallows.

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Dorky Duck..

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Apr 28, 2010 | 3:38 AM PST
Tag: red tulips
is now framed and has a place of honor in my living room.He is so cute.The walls are {will be}a harvest gold color so he goes good with the color. Kids art is so cool I think.Sometimes I overwhelm myself with all that is going on,but other times I simply just get more fired up.Right now I'm in the fired up stage. Probaly because the front bed came out so good.The grill and picnic table are put together,soil was added in the strawberry bed,so I can start moving/planting them this weekend.Open the garage sale this weekend,and cut the grass out front.Once the rain stops today,a good stretch of 4-5 days they say.I found the blue flowers I wanted for the wedding,blue gingham plastic tablecloths.I shopped my garage sale yet again for baskets for the tables to put the stuff in.While we were at Agway for a few bags of coal to keep on hand, I told Jim I was going to check out the nursery prices on blueberries of course.Oh-ya same price as last year,so got a cart & bought another line {10}to go in.Somewhere in this next good stretch of weather, Jim will break open another line for me. Next year, another line and a half to go, and the orchard will be finally full !! We start planting carrots-potatoes-peas,celery & tomatoes within the next 2 weeks.Lov the spring flowers that have popped-the red tulips are stunning.

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Another gardener is born..

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Apr 27, 2010 | 2:01 AM PST
Tag: moving perennials..
It seems I was scattered a bit yesterday.Kinda bouncing all around the yard,so its a wonder I actually got anything finished.The front spring bed is now weeded-finished,with a few more new additions.Now is the time to add some mulch,but its basically a bulb bed,it has an incline to it for drainage,and I dont want to encourage bulb rot.What does the crowd think on this one? Do I add mulch or not? A few bulbs of each that didnt get in last fall were planted-Ivory Queen Allium,Globe Master,more daffodils,a few tulips,crocus, Muscari.The Mountain Ash tree next to it,is loaded on one side with Muscari-they are so vivid a color of grape their stunning.Thats a weed fest,so thats on the list..I'd like to weed the twins,both mountain ash,and have just Muscari underneath them,and a new rock circle border,,just one layer high,with those curved ones from Home Depot.Thats a fall project I think.It may take me the summer to buy the rocks and stack them till then.The garlic is growing at a phenomenal rate now, and its going to be an early harvest this year.Over the weekend, we helped the kids with their deck,since we're waiting for our metal skirting, replacing the bad deck boards,shoring it up to last them a bit longer till they can tear it off and build a new one.Our wedding present to ourselves was a new grill,and new picnic table.This time we went up a notch in size & quality for the grill,and have the side burner-which I lov.This is plenty big,and no need to upgrade again.The new table is not wood this time around,no maintenence,and will probaly last into Landons lifetime.He had made me a paper duck in preschool,such a dorky looking thing, so I bought a frame at the dollar store to mat & hang it.It deserves a place on the wall thats for sure.Missy is so excited-he goes all day next year.I picked up a preschool activity book,so he can practice his letters,numbers & colors over the summer.He's pretty much taken over her small raised veggie bed with trucks, since she hasn't planted anything yet in it.He's going to be totally bummed when she does.lol. Missy and I finally tackled the crab apple tree at her house,new top soil,and daffodils & crocus-some annual seeds she put in for some summer color,I'm not sure they'll take with all the summer shade from the tree,but it was a try anyways.Re-laid the rocks around it,now its 100% better.Since they didnt have a picnic table, we gave them ours,and it should last a few more years for them.I bought her a much needed wheelbarrow,she's been wanting for 2 years,she will work off the price of that working in my yard,as I have much to do even without a wedding coming up.No rain in sight for Thursday,so its planned we tackle the 2nd fenceline.That will take us longer to do,as we're going to take out the single perennials,but leave the 3 large groups growing of Roses,Rudebeckia's,and Iris for now. The Iris need to be divided also, but I will wait till next year for that.The spaces in between can get mowed of the tall grass,and be a bit tamer.The Rugosa Roses just want to go everywhere now,runners popping up where they shouldn't be.The gardenshed got cleaned up a little bit more-at least now its manageable.The strawberries are growing well and need to be moved,so I'm a bit antsy for some bed soil,especially since I have the extra help and I can cross that major chore off my list.And I need the bed that their in right now for the perennials.Well,if daughter doesnt fancy herself a gardener, she certainly will by the time we're done this year thats for sure.I was wondering where the heck I was going to move the Black Co-hosh to,now I know 2 sides of the deck will be perfect for that plus the Hosta that needs to be moved.The Hemlock beds are already built,we just have to carefully move them with the tractor.Oh,the wheels are turning in my head just over the anticipation of it all.We'll be able to redo the house skirting,once we move them,and Jim will like that their not in his way.We still haven't picked a spot for the frog water garden,that may not happen till fall,when more is moved around and in their final places.I can see a small greenhouse coming up,its not as far off as it once was,there is light at the end of the tunnel...

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I'm liking this yard progress

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Apr 22, 2010 | 2:05 AM PST
Tag: green green grass..
As there's much to get done.Since we had done the one stretch of fenceline in good time,when the daughter came yesterday afternoon after her workshop class,I fed her lunch,then handed her a claw & trowel.We headed for the front rock garden.Huge dandelions had taken over last fall,then under snow- and now their just picking up where they left off.The front bed was a mess.All the spring bulbs are ready to pop open and strut their stuff.She worked at the top, me at the bottom,and we got 3/4 done.A huge difference.She's out of work and a paycheck,needs gas to get around during the week,owes me a little bit of money,so I'm keeping track of her time and she's working it off,so it works out for both of us. 3 to 4 hr. stretches of an extra pair of hands is very productive,and I could just get so used to that...lol.The bed we did is the problem bed as far as the amount of weeds growing.The other 8 beds only have a few weeds so their easier for me to keep up..If I had spent the afternoon in that bed by myself,it would have taken me 2 days to make that kind of progress,plus all the soreness that goes with it.Then we tackled the one hosta bed which was fairly quick.I even had time to mow areas where the grass was high and ready to cut.Brother showed up in the afternoon,Jim already had the piers in,so he hopped on the carport roof to seal that for leaks.I checked it after we got home from supper for leaking,and it was dry,as it had started raining.It might need another application,but so far its ok.His sister had called to see if we wanted to come for supper,and I said hell-yes.They had a nice patio built last fall,with a small firepit, and it came out so lovely.We had a nice visit,and it was good to get away for a few hours.I do really hope it is rainny today- as tomorrow it'll be so much easier to pull those weeds-and their saying sun tomorrow.With this extra help, I'll be able to get back to the painting of the chairs,as it was looking iffy before.I think today is inside work, catch up on laundry,then outside tomorrow.I have some bulbs in the shed that never made it into the ground, and I checked them and their still ok, and starting to sprout in the package,so they'll get planted tomorrow.2 rows of blueberries are loaded with blossoms,and just loving this rain.Since I've stockpiled 12 bags of pine needles,that'll be one chore the daughter can help me with next week,and the berries will be so very happy.

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The yard..

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Apr 21, 2010 | 2:56 AM PST
Tag: gardening..
Jim loves a good party.Well,you got your wish,babe. I moved the circle of flowers out of his way,as the deck comes right to the edge of the bed, and they'll get trampled.Missy helped me with that.Lots of Iris,crocus,the other type of Iris,Muscari,daffodils. I think I got them all,but if not- next year I'll get out whatever else pops up.She wants some,as their a pretty yellow,and I have plenty.As a wedding gift, my siblings are together renting the tent for us.This morning we measure for that,and see if anything else needs moving.I received a card from my sister yesterday-she's coming from Pennslv. also,whoo-hoo! to celebrate, so we're delaying our coast trip till the following weekend,so we can visit.I'm so happy they can come. We're out back yesterday-moving Landons swingset,got that moved,and Missy says,are you going to rake or anything?I looked at her,and said I need to be running that garage sale now,do you have a pocketful of little people that will do that? Like I have time...anyways, I walked over and got the tools out, and handed her one.I said as long as you're available,then it'll get a spruce-up,otherwise I need to concentrate on the more important things.We did the worst side of fenceline,raked,pulled out all last years stalks,and mowed the strip.It took us 3 hrs.Now, if she helps, then 3 more times plucking away at it,and it'll look good.After talking to my brother last night, we have to move Landons swingset again,a few more feet over.Jim got his framework for the skirting done under the deck,and this morning I have Landon while mom goes to a career workshop,so I'm sure I'll be out back instead of the garage sale,as he'll want to be riding his John Deere.He couldnt wait for me to hop on my mower and ride the first ride of the season yesterday.He's all charged up for today again.He gave me his report of how the blueberry bushes were doing,and helped us with the raking.He was right in his glory riding all day.It was partly sunny and when the sun came out-it was hot and temps shot up.It ended up being 67*,instead of their forecast of 60*.I thought I moved all the tulips from the fenceline-but there's still at least 9 of them,almost ready to pop.I think those are the red ones,so they'll stay put for this year.What was suppose to be a heavy gardening year is now not.I'll get some veggies in,but with building,garage sale,moving flowers and getting married,next year will have to be it. The beds aren't even completely filled yet with soil.It'll all happen eventually..

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Something old,something new,something borrowed,something blue",, the wedding preparations..

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Apr 20, 2010 | 12:17 AM PST
Tag: hydrangea's...

are well underway.Trying to keep it simple with just a few decorations to set it apart from an ordinary barbaque.First,I decided to shop my own garage sale for any goodies,and while going thru the boxes for my garage sale,I came across the small white wedding bells in a craft box.So I added some blue lace I also found to hang them,for the"something blue". I have quite a few candle holders to put on the tables,and plenty of cream colored lace material from the fabric pile.My 2 rustic gardening things{I cant think of the word}their square with the handles,we'll fill with ice for beverages.The little satin pillow for the rings,is the "something old",was used by my brother when he and I were flower girl and ring bearer when we were 4 yrs old.Our rings of course, is the "something new".And the "something borrowed" my niece is mailing her wedding pearls to me.She also called me yesterday to tell me she's taking a weeks vacation,and flying up with hubby & kids. We haven't see their second child,but I hear her on the phone quite a bit,and she's also trying to talk my sister into coming,but not sure if she can get the time off.As I'm taking off from work for a week and 1/2,I offered her our 2nd car to avoid the rental fees,as I wont need it.Her little girl will also be the flower girl,who is 6 months old ahead of Landon.So I picked up her little flower basket and petals,and the deck lights.She's wearing her new Easter dress,and niece sent me the link to match up Landons shirt to her dress color,which we'll order today.He will be one handsome dude.I do lov the blue Hydrangea's,so will probaly pick up a couple more plants for the wedding,and add them later to the one I have in the ground.They should be in bloom,but with the weird weather,they'll probaly bloom a month earlier in the ground.Daughter is getting the scoop on table-chair rentals this morning before coming over,and I'll do the tent canopy.I reserved a Porta Pottie,even though the system was recently cleaned,as brother feels its too much on the system,so I'll go with him since he installs them alot.My mom invited her old friend,who is a hot ticket,who plays the guitar,so I do hope she comes,as I haven't seen her for years.ok- the head count is at 51..

Landon helped plant the string beans with his mom this year,and I'll have him help me plant the carrots and anything else he'll participate in.But it will have to be a day when Jims not here and on the tractor, else we'll never get his attention away from that.When Jims here,he pretty much doesnt want to hang out with us ladies.The sun reappears today,my Alliums should be up higher now,and time to check the fartherest line of shrubs,and find something to put the flowers in to move them out of the small circle.

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Weird weather,,

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Apr 18, 2010 | 3:02 AM PST
Tag: ceremonies..
this weekend. It actuallly dipped down low enough, to snow quite a long time,but quickly melted as it fell most of the day.Huge snowflakes,spring fertilizer.Today the temps slowly start going back up to the 60's this week.The kids came over saturday afternoon, and we had a turkey dinner,with most of the fixings.The turkey came out very good, and made the gravy from scratch this time,which came out real good also.I think it came out even better than in November.I printed off the recipes for my recipe book,and another for the daughter,since she always asks questions about the whole turkey cooking process time.The son-in-law raved about the gravy,since he's mostly a canned gravy guy,but he also likes to cook,so he will probaly attempt it next year.I just used a simple herb rub,and didn't have the recipe seasonings for the gravy,but it turned out the herbs from the turkey were just enough for the flavor.A big yard sale a few towns away starting Monday,that she wants to go to, then we'll come back and work on ours for the afternoon.It was decided since Landon insists Pappa- me, and him are getting married,that he should be the ring bearer.We told him what his duty was going to be-holding the little satin pillow with the rings on it,and he had to be very quiet during the ceremony,which would only last a few minutes.His participation should make him feel like he's a part of it,even though he feels he should be getting a ring too. lol. If he doesn't talk during the ceremony,that will be a record of silence for him.We haven't had a chance to be together at the same time in a store,to get rings,but had enough time sat. morning after breakfast out,to buy nice bands,and Landon couldn't wait to see them.Jim got a much needed nap in,the kids dropped Landon off early,because he wanted to be here,but had to be quiet while Pappa napped.He played on his computor the whole time,while I cooked,till it was time to wake Pappa up.He's a picky eater,but finally got him to try a bite of turkey,which he liked.We're making a rule, that he has to try new things,if he really doesn't like it, he can spit it out in the trash,but he has to at least try.We don't give him anything like brussel sprouts or liver,but the peanut butter/fluff sandwiches have run their course.Of course, he's a cheese head. Loves cheese,a few different kinds,but we have to be careful how much he eats of it.Banana's he'll do and sometimes a few pieces of apple,but to get him to try other fruit is another matter,and forget about the vegetables.We started buying the juice thats a fusion-fruit & a serving of vegetables in one.You'd think with all the energy they expel,that they'd eat just about anything to refuel,but most kids are picky.Course, once his love of food kicks in, we'll probaly have a hard time keeping food in the house.I'm curious as to how tall he'll end up being. His mom is short 5' 2"-and Dad is tall-6'2".His 1/2 brother is entering his teens,looks like he's going to have some height on him,and he looks so much like his brother,whom he adores.As with most kids,Landon outgrew his clothes before he destoyed them,so we had a huge counterful for the garage sale.They've just about all sold.I know it'll swing the other way soon, and he'll destroy them before outgrowing them.Its cloudy out this morning,but looks like I'll get out there again today,and I can start staining/sealing my bench.I'm finally getting spring flowers popping..the climbing rose likes its new home on the front trellis,and strawberries are coming to life.

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Improve your system..

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Apr 16, 2010 | 3:40 AM PST
Tag: kindergarden
A small major set-back with the deck.First the minor error on Jims part-measuring wrong,and getting two concrete piers in the wrong spot.Not to worry he says,all will be fixed by next week.ok- that made me nervous.He can work on other things while he waits for tuesday to roll around again.Now Home Depot called, and our order for the metal roof panels is delayed. The so called special order{ a standard 8 ft size} but not stocked in the store,was placed incorrectly.Instead of ordering 10 panels-they ordered 1.The panels are needed for the little carport roof project,plus using the panels for the house skirting under the deck,which has to be done before the actual building of the deck begins.We picked the metal as we'll never have to replace it in our lifetime and don't have to be concerned about rot or rodents chewing thru it,and it can be painted any color. Ok,so that made me even more nervous.An experienced carpenter can whip together a deck in no time. Jims built one deck,and it came out just fine,I have no qualms about his ability.I have faith that he'll do a good job,its the "is it going to be built on time for the wedding"? part that makes me nervous.So while he was ordering at the desk,he's on one side,the guy is ordering on the computor on the other side,typing away.Jim can't see whats being typed in,to double check his materials list for errors before they put the order in. Jim says all they need to do at the ordering desk, is have a small display monitor facing the customer,and then the customer can double check that all is good,and cut way down on human error.It just might cost them a $100 bill is all.I've seen some places where they can swivel the monitor around to the customer.Anyways if it happpened to us,its happened to others.People that are working on time sensitive construction projects need certain materials at certain times.So they need to improve upon their system,and I'm not mad about the goof up,because we are all human,but I do want to know who I can talk to affect a positive change in their procedure.Well, the order also wont be in till the end of the month.Well,the first order was only going to take a week,,now its taking longer.Jim says he's got plenty of measuring-preparing to do anyways to while away the time.The lumber is here under cover,thank god.They no longer do the hourly rental trucks,so we rented a U-haul ourselves,and got the whole lumber order in one shot.The kids were here when Jim showed up,and helped us unload it all.I'm doing the garage sale at least 2-3 afternoons a week,plus weekends as long as its decent weather. I have the mornings to straighten it out and price items,then opening in the afternoons.Plus by then its always warmer.Or I can work on my own housework,or do my regular job. 3 months we have to get this deck done,and I've been picking up the ususal barbaque items each time ,only in bigger quantities when I go into a store.I measured my 2 chairs for new cushions.The first chair redo got "Krylon paint" for plastic. Lov that stuff.It did a good job, and looks like a new chair.The cushion fits perfectly.The wooden bench got a new cushion also, but is getting a new stain/seal job-hopefully today.The cafe' sets were located in a town near my dad at another Home Depot,as ours was sold out within 2 days of the promotion.And I didn't want to just give up without trying to find a store that still had some.You just know they probaly only had 2 sets in the store for that sale anyways.After many phone calls flying back and forth,Dad picked up the sets for me and stored them in the spare bedroom,till we go down there to set up his new computor. Its 2 chairs and a small table in each set.It gives me 4 new chairs for the dining table at a reasonable price,and small tables next to sitting chairs on the deck.Ok, I looked at everything they had in store & online,and didnt like the styles or the prices for our budget,so now thats all taken care of.Its probaly a good thing I have to fuss about the furniture stuff, & the garage sale,else I'd go bonkers before July.Landon says to me the other day,"Meme,, You & Pappa & me are getting married".I said "we are"? yes. he says, a very definitive,"Yes, we are getting married.".That cracked us up.He had his screening for kindergarten yesterday.Whoo-hoo,that was a hoot.Appartently,he made an impression upon the {people-teachers} that check to see where he is in his learning.My daughter says,the reaction of the majority of the kids were hiding behind their mothers,acting like they were going to some awful place.She said you should have seen the look of fear on most of their faces, and one boy in particular,had such a look of fear on his face,she thought he was going to burst out crying.All they were doing was testing them to see if they knew their shapes,colors,numbers,alphabet
,throwing a ball- etc.Just normal stuff to see if they were ready for kindergarten.I said its quite possible alot of parents just dont talk to their kids to let them know,or just dont explain it well.Well,Landon was sure ready.He wants to go and start tomorrow.lol. As soon as they told us last week,Missy and I prepared him,telling him what it was all about.Missys been working with him with his numbers and he counted for me up to 30,missing a couple of numbers.He didnt hide behind her,instead she says he was off and running to greet the testers,and tell them just what he knew,and she had to slow him down.He did just fine,she watched for a little while,then left before they tested him on the throwing the bean bag.I said to her "Did you warn them about his throwing arm"?...Even though he was wobbly,I would prop him up at 7 months,and roll the ball to him,and its been all about balls since then.Or for that matter anything he can throw,darts,frisbee,etc.He was quite happy to impart his almost 5 yr. old knowledge to his audience,and had them laughing,with his line of "ya-right"...when they told him he got something right or doing a good job.Missy was listening to some of the other kids, she said they barely made it to counting into their teens.I said, "well,alot of parents like I said,barely talk to their kids,never play games with them,dont supervise what they watch on tv or what their eating,,etc for many different reasons.Right now, Landon has the spark of a leader,not a follower." And remember he's got 2 mothers,constantly talking to him. Depending on life's circumstances,his attitudes & his challenges,will determine that quality.Even though its not the only thing thats important,a whole lot does depend on the mothering,no matter what anyone says.A child is connected to its mother,thats basic biology stuff,and no matter how much we evolve or invent technology that will never change,and their brain development is just waiting to be nurtured.Kids are simply like gardens,waiting to be fed good food,give them sunshine,water & love, and watch them grow.

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Garage saleville..

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Apr 9, 2010 | 3:18 AM PST
Tag: rainboots today..

I do lov garage sales too. I have a feeling I won't get to go to many this summer though.The fella across the street is also set-up for the summer,so thats where I'll keep checking things out.So many things are needed to set up a house when one is first starting out,and most of us, don't have alot of money when we're starting out.So many nifty things aren't ready for the dump either.I have a wide assortment,including a few antiques, those are the pricier items,but the rest of the stuff,is very reasonable,or cheap is the word,way,way under the retail stores.I dont want to hang onto this stuff thats for sure.The daughter and I just got the middle bay situated,and decided it was snack/break time. A message on the machine from Mom, chomping at the bit for me to take her stuff-which was planned for friday & saturday morning.Could I come over earlier,and take the stuff? Yup, of course,its now piled up in my fuel shed.Her garage echo's now.Mine sure doesn't.One of the items is her loveseat.Although the little couch has some age on it-she had it professionally redone over recently, and its in mint condition.A solid cranberry color,structurally sound, and a pull-out twin bed.And hefty.We parked that in the middle bay,and covered with a blanket,to keep any dust off it,but I will cut a piece of plastic to fit,and make a sign today.Jim moved the fridge thats for sale,out for me and put that in our bay, as I decided I will need that for the wedding food and supplies.My house fridge wont hold any extra ice,and extra meat for the wedding, as I have my normal stuff to deal with,so that worked out good. I can sell it after the wedding.I have a spot cleared for my top load washer to go out now.The long bench also has to come back in for extra seating for the guests-then I can sell that also.His boss offered to marry us,she's a notary,so I dont have to go chasing all over for a JP. Even though this is a simple barbaque wedding,there's still alot to it.I'm sure I'll have some flowers in bloom at that time in the yard-but how many is in question.So I'll put some in vases,but decided to check Walmart for some plastic.I couldn't believe the price of one stem of flowers.Five dollars.They can keep them,I put it back.Better yet, I could probaly get a fresh vase of flowers for what they wanted,and probaly cheaper.The ten totes stacked in back of the garage last year,covered with a tarp over the winter,was brought around front.I went thru all of them,stacked them up according to what was in them and labeled.Now to start the pile thats there.I'm quessing there's another 20 totes to pack up & stack up.Other than whats slated to arrive, I'm not accepting anymore for this summer,till the pile goes down.And my daughter wondered what she was going to do with all her free time...lol.My garlic is looking good,at 6 inches high now,and another walk around today.A circle of flowers and an Arbor has to be taken down for the deck,so its gathering time for some buckets to move them.Rain due in today,and I have to make sure no garage sale stuff gets wet,so a little shuffling around also.I'm waiting for the first tulip to pop...

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In the land of garage sales..

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Apr 8, 2010 | 2:30 AM PST
Tag: life in the yard is waking up
The days are full lately,and now extend to about 8 pm. most nights,before sitting down to some supper.I know that there will be days in the future when its more normal,like 8 to 5pm.Get it done while the getting's good, they say.I got my groceries,and all put away and by that time the girls showed up after Landon got out of school.I fed them a good lunch & by golly they put in 5 hours helping me shuffle stuff around better.Missy brought a girlfriend, and of course 4 more boxes and 2 large trash bags of clothes.Landon stood in the driveway with a garage sale sign, yelling"Garage Sale!",even though we werent open.We were setting up tables,moving stuff, and pricing.He wanted the guy across the street to come buy his plastic school bus toy,which didnt even work with batteries.lol. By golly, the fella came over, and asked Landon how much he wanted for it.Landon in his somewhat broken english,said $3.00.The guy got him down to $1.00, and Landon was just tickled pink, he made his first dollar.He put it into the cash box, then wanted to sell more.Then the fella sent a lady customer over to my sale,to get back at me for sending a customer over there the other day when they hadn't even had a chance to set up yet.He thought that was the funniest thing.She ended up buying quite a few clothes for a great deal less, and was tickled pink.The school said they would provide some speech therapy for Landon,but the year is almost finished, and by next year, he will probaly have outgrown it,and be able to pronounce words much better.He's having some trouble wrapping his tongue around some letters,but it certainly doesnt slow him down in talking one bit.I ended up using 2 totes stacked for the end of the counter, to hold it up,as its not a heavy counter,so Jim didnt have to attach it to the wall at all.We put up the other long shelf over that,so now thats all set for today.3 more tables were set up outside,lined up in a row- so its easy to cover at night.The ladies said they'll be back today after Landon gets out of school again, and today will be easier with just pricing stuff. I told Missy I had another pick-up truck load coming Friday.I have about 30 boxes & totes full now,ready to be priced.Missy and her friend, walking around all bugged eyed,and mumbling oh-my god every 1/2 hour,is pretty funny.It kinda snowballed all by itself,and this is the 3rd summer we'll do it..Last year though, I only opened a 1/2 dozen times, but this year,it'll be every weekend we're here, and some weekdays.She said she could be here to run it when I had to go out for my cleaning jobs,as she's laid off anyways.She has the morning to get her stuff done-then Landon gets out of school, and she can be here in the afternoons,so that works out good.The wedding guest list is about 35 people,so its a good thing we have a long stretch in the front to park.Jim's employer is a Notary, and offered to marry us,so we added 8 more people {co-workers}to the list.Thats a good size barbaque.I sure do hope the weather is dry and sunny.Since our season is ahead of schedule,the nurseries are gearing up already.I'll be on the lookout for a sale on another line of blueberries.Yesterday was partly cloudy with temps into the 70's,same today.I have 3 white crocus blooming,they look so lovely.We had rain the other night, now the grass is all green and I'm sure its ready to mow-but I'm not ready,so it can wait a bit more.And the spring peepers are now peeping like crazy.An absolutely huge bumblebee went whizzing by Landons head yesterday,thats all he talked about for 15 minutes..I thought it was going to carry him off..

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Busy weekend..

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Apr 5, 2010 | 1:28 AM PST
Tag: blue Hyacinth..
Two days of garage sale. Jim worked on the OSB in the front,while I ran that. Still moving stuff around and pricing stuff. Didn't open the middle bay, as I'm still working in there.Dad also came for a visit on Friday. 2 days on a cement floor has made my feet and back do some screaming.Apparently my body just doesn't like cement floors.Well, did pretty good on the sale, $128.00,and both days we opened late,and closed by 5pm.It was a bit of a wreck after those days, then Dad decided to stay over, and wanted me to open again on Monday,and I told him I didnt want to because my body was a hurting unit, and I had way to much in the house to do, plus another job to go to for 4 hrs that day.He said he'd run it.So I helped set him up,and off I went.I got home and it was very windy, there was alot of traffic, but he had only 2 customers,so it was time for lunch.My second bite,customers started coming in.After they left, I felt some sprinkles, so we covered everything over, and closed up. Then the sun came out.But I didnt want to do anymore that day.I made $15, enough to go shopping across the street where another guy is doing his seasonal garage sale, and bought saw horses,much needed,another 50 ft. outdoor extension cord.Both those items would have cost me well over a $20 bill,but I purchased them for $6. Gotta lov it!! Tuesday, back to cleaning up the messes from my sale,and got much done, going thru 7 more totes full of stuff and priced it.My mom decided in the meantime,she's not going to do her garage sale, and wants me to sell her stuff. Its 2 pickup trucks worth.Last nite we went and got the long counter that they took out of her kitchen for the remodel, but that will be used to hold the stuff, then be sold after.Tonite Jim and I will put that in place and another long one right above it.Brother Rick came down tuesday to help Jim break ground, and they got the four cement piers in for the deck, and finished the front of the garage with the OSB. Two majors projects down,and that in itself is awesome!! Now to pick out an accent color, as they are just primed.Daughter will come for the afternoon today, and help me clean out 2 large areas where the shelving goes.This morning its -go get some groceries for this house,else we'll be eating dandelions only.I also got my plastic lawn chair done,that was peeling,a new coat of paint.I used "Krylon paint",which is for plastic.The color is "Blue Hyacinth".I wanted to make sure it got a new paint job for the wedding day,and now thats done.Two cans of paint cost me $8,and I could have bought a new chair for less, but certainly not that color.Besides I like to spray paint.I sold just about all the childrens clothing, and I had quite a bit,a counter full.I had a big sign up, "Fill a bag for 99 cents!",,and its amazing how many people didnt see the sign, and only bought a couple items, I had to send them back to fill their bags. lol. I dont want to have to repack any of these for the winter. I told my daughter when setting up, all clothes have to be in good condition,no rips,stains,all buttons and zippers have to work,else they go in the trash.I now have 7 racks of clothes and their still coming.Last year I sold some, but am selling more clothes this year,and thats probaly because of the economy.The sun is out today,my tulips are finally getting taller bit by bit.Jim is happy he got that first part of the deck done-now back to his drawing board to figure out his wood underneath.Time to start the day and get cracking...and finally take some pics.

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Moving a head,,

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Apr 1, 2010 | 2:55 AM PST
Tag: the daffodils are up..
in more ways than one.Landon came down with a good head cold,which turned into pnuemonia something, broncitis something, and an ear infection.He's now on antibiotics, and doing better,but still eating very little,but that will pick up as he gets better.No school for him this week,just stay at home with mom and watch movies.I picked him up 2 more puzzles as he seems to love putting them together,and will get over there today at some point.My tentative garage sale that was suppose to go from thursday till sunday has ended up,only for saturday and sunday,because of forgotten appts for thursday and friday.I started out yesterday,going out to look at the front flower bed, within a couple minutes,only to be distracted by a too large a lake in back of the tractor barn.So to Home Depot for another sump pump,and now its better.That was a bit too close,getting ready to go under the sheafing and flood that area.Moving the tractor to higher ground, and pumped it out a few inches,the ground situation will need some redoing this summer to improve that situation thats for sure.I did get to spend a little more time in the garage,the middle bay is much better now,and I'm ready to get back to some painting and pricing.We start the back deck soon,hopefully start digging holes next week,after some sunshine rains upon us.I did have just enough time to notice that most of the flowers were at least 3 inches high in the bed,the Camassia flowering,so once that sun comes out today,they should all start going crazy.The back yard is flooded good in many small areas,but not where the deck is going at least.I can walk around again today,and enjoy the green sprouts of spring.By saturday,the temps are suppose to climb up to 75*.Moving off of the dating game decade,Jim asked me to marry him last nite.A July date has been set,as we would like to get married on the new deck,stoking up the grill with family and a few close friends.So we have 3 1/2 months to build this.Time sure does fly when your having fun,so after 10 years together,and not succumbing to the occasional kidding pressure from everybody else,we decided it was time now.I noticed its April fools day,but its not a joke-really.We're happy we waited,and got some more age,patience and/ or wisdom-? on us.Thats all for today,as my day starts early...

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