Janie- I meant to say what gorgeous photos it looked like you were on top of the world!

V Im glad to hear Mystic is okay maybe hell start a new trend tongue piercing for animals? Yuck! It would interfere with dog kisses for sure.

Michelle fantastic sunrise! Really,from your own area? And I think your winter pics of your garden are beautiful- thats what Id like to accomplish some winter interest instead of a bunch of bare sticks.

T- those quilt squares are lovely youre really talented seriously, I cant put a thing together like that the colors look lovely together.

Congrats to all the Idyll children who have managed to make it thru their solos, science projects, and other school projects. That's one set of stress I am glad to be over!! I would love however to be a fond grandma watching (maybe some dayno rushing the "newlyweds").

Martie I do have to tell you DD went for jr. semester to Italy and while thats only half as far as Japan, and I knew I was being a worry wart (because she had just gotten over a bad case of mono), it turned out she really suffered some "angst" when she got there my phone bill for the first 2 weeks was Huge! It was nice to be "missed" but I was surprised she stressed as much as she did (esp. since shed been other places by herself over the years) so you just never know how you Or your kid is going to angst!

Deanne you look smashing quite "killer"!! I bet Doug was fending them off all nite! But you probably could NOT retain that gorgeous figure if you turned restaurant critic. They say thats a hard job but its one of those ones Id love to try, wouldnt you?

Grace, youre making us jealous w/ your gardening Ive really, really got the "itch" now but know it would be dangerous to do anything in my area yet with the 60s we got today, it truly feels like Spring is here but I know February can be fickle so have to restrain myself. O boy, the picture of going to a car wash & asking for a tomato juice "wash and rinse" comes to mind w/ the skunk story!! Eeek, I hope she finds something less drastic to get rid of the smell.

Yeona & Martie, isnt it interesting how depression is so much more prevalent almost everyone can detail a family member or relative who suffers in some fashion? Its very concerning I have several members who suffer my DD had it from age 8 on(diagnosed in her teens as probably the first occurrence instead of behavorial as it was originally diagnosed) the meds are so hard and such a trick to get right but when they work, they work. I always say one just needs to perserve just a little bit longer but I know thats easier for me to say than the sufferer to endure.

Honey thats terrific news re the lbs boy, some of these idyllers are really starting to make great strides. Im more in the babystep, painful babystep stage, but have lost a little bit by bit Ill get there I feel this year Im determined enough to do it.

Calling all OCD Lite Gardeners You need to order Greenhouses!! Fantatisc results but do you ever wonder if those plants are going to take over your house? Hehee. Those fuschias are amazing!

Happy Birthday, Zoe I think you need to talk to "Mom and Dad" about what a birthday week celebration should entail! They need lessons. Vet & Groomers cannot possibly be any dogs idea of fun for birthday!

I see Ive written a book I either need to write more or keep to gloss writer Im not.. but wanted to try to touch on most everyones comments for a change (Im sure I still missed people).
Ok - Im gonna go look at some photos at the otehr site - I find Im curious -- hmm, what's the thing about curiosity? I know it's gonna get me into trouble!
-Cindy

Here I am trying to post from my new laptop and found I have to login. Maybe it's the way I have it bookmarked. And I see Cindy just jumped in. Hi, Cindy, please tell me that you were only kidding about only having a few weeks left of winter!

I passed along your thots and commiseration to DH over his rotten day. He says "thanks". He told me that this afternoon after the morning's purge, the boss went to talk to one of the gals nearby DH's cube and he overheard the conversation. This gal was told to take over the entire workload of one of the folks walked out this am. She told them, "I'm already working (unpaid) overtime daily and weekends and even then can't keep up." The boss told her that she better figure out how to manage her time better. She said, "Fine, I'm resigning." He said, "So, you're giving me 2 wks notice?" She said, "No. I, too, am an 'at will' contract employee. I'm giving you exactly as much notice as you did everyone else this am. Goodbye". And she took her coat and left. Can't blame her.

V, sounds like your trip was hairy. I don't mind the snow, but the black ice scares the bejebbers outta me! Glad Mystic is healing well, poor guy.

Sue, Happy Birthday to Zoe. Her week is the pits! First the groomer and then the vet. Oui Vay! On your other comment, yes, I guess he is a hottie. Very, very, nice guy. Hope he has the stuff to pull the co. out of the doldrums.

Deanne, I've done french nails for years -- first when I still did the acrylic overlays, and now after going au natural when I retired. I still have a manicure twice a month as a treat to myself and to gab with the girls. My gal is a gardener, too, and understands when I show up with stubs. We talk about plants the whole time I'm there. Re the French, I prefer the off-white tips b/c they're more natural looking and when I mess them up it's hardly noticeable.

Your plants look so vigorous and they're huge! OMG! A few of my coleus are large. Do we have to pinch them?

Well, I'm going to submit before I lose this post. It's time for me to catch a little TV. Goodnight, everyone.
Honey

Having two forums to go to wears a person out. I like the other one and think the people seem pleasant , but I still like this format better. I do not have the time to contribute to both...Actually I haven't read much on either so can't comment too much except to say to Deanne..Your plants look great. Nice and healthy. I think my grow lights aren't as close as they should be. I have plants on every floor except the attic. In my back bedroom , I think I have about 15 because it has four windows w/ every exposure except north. Most of these plants will go outside. I have some Pentas..four in fact. They have flowers buds but are getting leggy. Should I cut them way back now? I was going to eventually ..was thinking more like close to when I took them outside. With our hot winter , they probably would've survived under a little mulch. I have a pretty impatiens which floats in a ring in the pond all summer.and a bunch of herbs and rosemary ..I have about 5 ivy plants in the bathroom and about about 10 in the front bedroom. In my big new kitchen window I have about 15 ivy topiaries and about ten plants in the sunroom including three amarylys...one of which is ready to bloom. Big pink bud on it, but the other bought at Xmas started foliage but alas it's a dud..no flower. ..Question. I bought a Xmas cactus at HD yesterday. I've never had one before, and I have it at an east window. No instuctions w/ it. Will it just bloom at Xmas? I am so into different ivies now...love the little leafed ones. I got one two years ago at the Phila flower show that turned out to be a real favorite..such a unique leaf.The rest of the plants, pond ones included are in the basement along w/ my 42 year old grapefruit tree.
Honey..Glad Bullet is better. Sounds like you're spoiling him. I have been doing that a lot w/ elderly Louie. ..Too bad about the job losses. My SIL had the same thing happen to him two years ago. He had a very good job as communications director of a huge health organization, and one day half the workers from secretaries to top level people were ushered to their offices and escorted to their cars...Humiliating treatment for good people who were victims of downsizing..But he got a way better job and can bike there from his house. ..
Martie and Yeona...Sorry about your siblings' problems..Depression used to be a taboo subject but it shouldn't be. No one wants to be depressed but stuff happens and it can get built into your genetic code. We have it in our family and altho no one ever talked about it..just looking at old pictures gives a clear picture. I think I was a depressed baby looking at some old snapshots. My cousin who was killed last year, was my age and there are a gazillion pictures of us. He's always happy and cheerful and I always looked glum. My dad never smiled in any of the pictures except a small one on his wedding picture. >>
50 degrees and raining here. I dread Wednesday because that's when the memorial service for my friend's husband will be. He was a prominent attorney and the service will be held at the Methodist church up the street. Her life will never be the same . He was a real good guy...Sylvia

Happy February 1st!!! Even just saying that makes the day better.

Deanne: The BBLLLLLIIIIIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNGGGGGGG is not just the baubles. You are one hot babe!!!! Love the cocked hip -- isn't it wonderful to feel as good as you look?????

Marie: Good to hear from you! Connecticut has announced that they will be vigorously fighting a floating natural gas providing monstrasity 3 football fields long and 100 feet tall in the Long Island Sound. This is the same body of water that the state has just spent 20 years resurrecting from the effects of the 1970's pre-ecology laws. Son had done a "day with your congressman" and has signed on to help do historical research of the sight lines from the Connecticut shore. They are obviously looking at every angle.

Sue: Son is at Central. UConn said he needed to spend at least his first year at one of the branches (no dorms and very little collegy activity) and Central gave him a full scholarship and let him declare his major so he could take 200 level courses first year. It was a no-brainer.

Yeona, Babs, Everyone who deals in some way with bi-polar: Stay Tuned!! It looks like a major pharm company has a "breakthrough" drug. We'll see ....

Grace: One word: Brandywine (its 85 day for ripening makes it tough here but it does adapt to container growth to speed things up a bit).

Mary: The concert sounds perfect! I hope someone records it well and provides CD's to everyone who participates as a keepsake .... That action is a tradition in my Mom's and Sister's music community and brings comfort for years after the last note is played at the concert.

Michelle: I like River Rock and the bonus is it's cost. Do the larger rocks on the side of your path keep the river rocks out of the planting area? Since it's been there for so long, do you need to replenish the rock from time to time?

EEEEEEEEk. Just looked at the time and gotta chug the coffee, start the shower, and find the gardener's Latin book I promised to lend to a client.

Good Day Friends!!

Martie

Good morning Idylls,

Well the weather here is awful!!!! Overcast with a spitting sky, rain and sleet and snow all day. Yesterday was very overcast all day and apparently the entire week is supposed to be like this. I dont know how folks in the Pacific NW deal with this ALL the time. Speaking of which, has anyone heard from Barb??? I know they were on notice to evacuate because of the excessive rain and danger of mud slides. I hope she can check in and let us know shes OK. ~~ Id be bonkers if I had to deal with that kind of overcast all the time. I must have sunshine or Id turn into a mushroom. Im actually going to paint today. Egad! Will wonders never cease?

Sylvia, I always keep all my plants pinched back. I pinch things every time I water. It sounds like you have a great collection of ivy. You must spend a lot of time watering.

Honey, my GF introduced me to this nails place over in Pepperell that is really reasonable so I can see a manicure a week in my future. I love to have my nails done but the place I used to go to was way too expensive. This set of acrylics was only $25! I was some surprised at the price. They do a nice pedicure too and I think Ill splurge in that when sandal season rolls around. Actually maybe Ill have one done for our party in two weeks. (Sure wish you could come) ~~ How awful about that poor woman who walked out on her job. I had a situation a bit like that work overload happen to me many years ago. The finished good inventory analyst left and they gave me all his work but I was still called and paid as a file clerk. The guy was making much more $$ than I and after doing his job and my job for six months I asked for a raise. I was fired with no notice. I cant tell you how glad I am that I dont have to work in that kind of environment anymore.

Cindy, you are so correct that one could not remain at a reasonable weight if one worked as a restaurant critic. But oh what fun and yes I agree, one Id like to try. I wonder if youd eventually get sick and tired of all that food and youd lose your interest in eating rich food?

Mary, youll have to let me know if there are any varieties of coleus or fuchsia youd like from me. I can bring them when we visit. Actually I could start rooting things now so you can give me a heads up. Ive got so much this year. Im out of space under the lights.

Eden, Im so happy you enjoyed the pics. I do love to putter around with my plants. Ill have to take a new photo of the iresine. You should see it. Talk about a happy plant. That is the one I started as a cutting from my DSs plant a year and a half ago. I pried it out of the pot where it was outside all last summer and really hacked it to bits but it has come back stronger and prettier than ever. I love it when an experiment works out. Im going to have to be very careful hardening it off this spring so it doesnt lose too much. I used to kill fuchsia on a regular basis and I really dont know what changed. All of a sudden they started doing well for me and Im still surprised that I can get them to winter over. My friend on a fuchsia forum said that every year you keep them they just get bigger and better the following summer. Pretty neat. She has some fuchsia bonsai that would knock your socks off. They really are amazing plants.

Sue, you are a HOOT! ROTFLOL I never even saw that vodka box. I had too look for it in the photograph after your post. ~~ OK thanks for the warning. Well have to put you in the front seat and make sure it isnt a bumpy day. When the weather is smooth it really is extraordinary and fun.

Michelle, yes, Eden is correct, we bought that cart at Sams and it really does make a terrific light stand.
Mary, you were able to go for a bike ride yesterday? You must have a lot less snow on your roads than we do here.

Martie you are a scream The last I checked today was Jan 31st? LOL In fact that is unless my 2006 calendar wizard was wrong and added a day. ~~ (well thank you, te he, I did, in fact, feel rather pretty going to that party Sat night)

OK now Im going EEEEeeeekkk look at the time. I have to get to the gym and get my day started here. Have a terrific day everyone.

Deanne

Martie must be on a different sort of leap year.

I went to Central for a while-just long enough to get all the hours I needed to sit for the CPA exam. It's actually quite good for a small state school. The professors who taught the night classes were all professionals who worked jobs in their field by day.

So Deanne are you watering with any of that vodka? Is that secret?

I'm expecting an auditor at any minute so I'd better get going. Later...

Sue

Good morning

a quick peek in before work. Annie got her results yesterday from Solofest and she scored 26/28 which is in the "outstsanding" category. She will have the opportunity to play with the All-county Orchestra one weekend in March. I really didn't expect her to get those sort of scores - we're all thrilled for her.

Martie - you had me confused but excited thinking January was over! I love the idea of making the CDs. We will also video the event and send a tape to Susan's parents in Taiwan.

Deanne - I would love, love, love any fuschia (or coleus) you could root. I've lost mine from last summer and they have become another favorite plant. I feel I'm returning to my roots as one of my very first paying jobs as a teenager was in a small nursery that propogated fuschia. Any of yours are gorgeous. I've yet to meet a fuschia I don't like, but then that's true for just about any plant which is why I get myself into trouble!

Sue - have fun with the auditor (if thats possible).

Oops - need to skedaddle

Mary

Good Morning, So Martie, we're starting Feb. a day early? That's fine with me, lol. I was reading on Accuweather that February is supposed to return to more normal winter temps. I'm just glad January is over. We're a little colder here today and had some flurries over night, just enough to coat the grass. It's supposed to be a dry day though.

Sylvia, I loved hearing about all of your houseplants. I didn't realize you had so many. Do your cats bother yours? I have to be careful what I put in the rooms mine frequent because they've been known to eat them. I love ivy too and have a couple of topiaries.

Deanne, I'd love to see the iresine. I didn't overwinter the one I had but ordered another for this season. I'll have to try saving mine next time. I sure wish I had your luck with the fuschias. I'm a plant pincher too. I like to keep them nice and bushy.

Cindy, I would love to have a greenhouse. But the problem is where would I put it?

Mary, can't wait to hear what David chooses to put in his planter box this summer. You'll have to take a picture of it to share.

Bella will be here everyday for the rest of the week through Sat. and will be spending a couple of nights so my computer time may get scarce. I'll try to drop in as much as I can though. I'll need the break, lol. Have a great day everyone.

Eden

Mary, just read your post and wanted to say congratulations to Annie. She must be very pleased and you must be so proud of her. That's a great score. All of her hard work paid off. We had something when I was her age called Honors Orchestra that we had to audition for and was a one weekend event. It was city wide so you got to play with others from all the other schools in the district. There were practices on Friday night and all day Saturday and then a concert on Sunday. We always had a guest conductor come in for these. It was lots of fun. Is her All- County Orchestra weekend something like that?

Eden

Hi garden peeps!

I am indeed around but too busy to yap: ( In lurk mode hopefully for a short while-I'm working on the teacher luncheon but had to catch up on the laughs and pics here. Sue lentils,huh? lol(good to remember-kinda like brussel sprouts?)They go great with vodka...Deanne!
Mary will you tell Annie I said WAY TO GO! That is certainly an excellent score-I know she worked hard for it too. I think the memorial concert is a perfect idea-what compassionate kids-that's also good closure for them.

Good thoughts to everyone having challenges right now-Honey I've been thinking about the difficult time Tom must be having right now.

Off to grocery shop-does anyone need anything?

~Babs

Mary, how exciting for Annie. I just knew that she would do well.

Eden, I really admire how much you are doing to help your DD with Bella.

Deanne, the fuchsia bonsai made me laugh. I havent been able to keep one over the summer, let alone long enough to be a bonsai.

Martie, I do have my paths in that area lined with field stones and they do a great job of keeping the path stones in place. I have never added any more stones.

Sylvia, you had better get your camera out. I also love to see your ivy topiaries.

Its supposed to be 44° today and the sun is shining. I really should spend more time pinching my plants. Funny how I have so much gardening time in the summer and during the winter I barely find time to water the ones I bring in. Maybe its the outdoor experience that I enjoy.
Our bathroom project isnt going very quickly, as it seems like everything has a snag.

Michelle

Sylvia - 11 ivy topiaries? Neat - would love to see photos also - I have 1 very sad and lonely one that never seems to fill in much (loses more leaves than it grows I think). With all those houseplants you too much have a huge amount of windows (all facing the right direction) or a greenhouse, or are a lite gardener too - which is it?

Mary, congrats on Annie doing so fantastically -- next time you'll have to listen!

Michelle - isnt that the way, always a redo project is more involved than one expects or plans for - what a hassle, though. You guys appear to really great work, so Im sure it will all be great when it's finished.

It's stopped raining here and Sun is out -- maybe it's heading up the East Coast to you, Deanne.

--Cindy

It's crappy out there-37 F and sleeting, yuck! I decided it was a good day for soup from Panera and as luck would have it today is one of the days they have cream of chicken and wild rice in the lineup. Let's see, how would Deanne put it...a most scrumptious creamy soup brimming with plump wild rice and gorgeous chunks of chicken served with the most beautiful whole grain baguette I've ever laid eyes on.

Congratulations to Annie!

Babs, thanks but the grocery store was on my lunchtime errand list. I needed to stock up on apples for "apple a day" campaign. It's my afternoon snack.

So far I seem to be able to keep up with all the garden boards I want because they all seem to be pretty dead right now. Maybe it's the time of year or maybe I just have too much time on my hands being in work avoidance mode.

Sue

Mary that's wonderful for Annie. A big congratulations to her. I'm glad all her practicing paid off. Nothing like success to keep a child going, and music is a wonderful thing to keep doing.

Martie, lol, I had to check that you were wrong, and was so relieved that you were. If today were Feb 1 then I'm in trouble. Dorthe's BD is Groundhog Day, Feb 2, and I've been too sick to shop. This is probably stress sickness, but still bad, bad timing. On top of Dorthe's birthday, today GST taxes are due by 5 pm and the house inspection is at 4 pm, and I'm nowhere finished either the taxes or the house. :(

Have a great day all.

Yeona

Here's some of my houseplants for your viewing pleasure, a little green on this last day of January.

Some in the kitchen...

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A few in the bedroom window, but don't pay attention to the bedroom, it's under construction...

{{gwi:148658}}

And some in the livingroom...

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Eden

Afternoon everyone, Im really being BAD. Im supposed to be painting and cant seem to sit down at my painting table and get to work. I keep telling myself soon, soon.

Eden, love, love, love all the lovely photos of your houseplants and all your lovely color in your home. What is that cute little evergreen plant next to the little angel statue? It looks like a microbiota. I love your ivy topiaries. So nice. Thanks for posting color here on a dreary day.

Yeona, hope you are feeling better soon. Sorry youve been sick. Taxes are enough to make ANYONE sick. LOL

Sue, Woohoo!!! Youve made me salivate. We should become a traveling road show of food descriptions. LOL ~~Weather here is pretty nasty here also, it has been flirting with 32 all day and drizzling so all surfaces are collecting ice. They didnt predict an ice storm here. Whoops, just looked out and it is snowing like blazes. What next? A thunderstorm? ~~ So youve figured out my secret ingredient for plant success? ROTFLOL Nope not really. Never have put vodka in the fuchsias.

Cindy, no sun here today and there is none in the forecast for the rest of the week. I hope they are wrong about that and you send me your sunshine.

Mary, Kudos to Annie!!!! That is fantastic. You must be so proud of her! Im going to go and take a bunch of fuchsia cuttings after Im done this post. Ill bring you a selection.

Eden, so instead of painting I went and took some more photos of my indoor babies for you. Here is the iresine, a lovely, lovely plant. I have quite a few rooted cuttings of this if you want me to mail one to you.
{{gwi:148664}}

And just look at this cute hypoestes
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This has to be my favorite fuchsia. Im going to do a bunch of cuttings from this later on. Who needs flowers with leaves like this?
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Here is this plant from last summer in the container garden it was in on the front steps.
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and a couple combinations. You know how I cant resist
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Now this one is very special, I got the large coleus from Sue, I think is it Alabama Sunrise or something like that, I bought the abutilon when I when shopping with her at Comstock last summer, the Kiwi Fern coleus came from Eileen and the two smaller chartreuse Pineapple Wizard coleus came from Babs. Now how cool is that????
{{gwi:148669}}

OK now Im really going to get to work.

Later
Deanne

Eden, I love the pictures of your plants and your house. What a fun and cheerful home you have.

Deanne, wow is all I can think of to say. I really should show you my sad 'Kiwi Fern'. I do have some white/green hypoestes that I cute way back and they are looking good. I really like the pink variegated fuchsia. The foliage is fabulous. Your plants probably like your light setup better than mine like my card tables in front of south windows.

I wish we had a Panera here. The closest is 40 min. away.

Michelle

Wow, and wow -- as Michelle has already said - Im pretty speechless guys -- once again the "OCD's" have it -- those houseplants put mine to shame. Eden you have them squirreled away in wonderful places around your house & they look smashing!

Deanne - the question re that variegated fuschia should be -- Who does NOT want cuttings from that???? Incredible.
Plus I love the "Plant Idyll Union" groupings -- very clever!

Sue - Panera's is one of my most favorite "quickie" lunch places - when I worked in the 'burbs that was almost a daily spot for me -- dont hit it as often now that Im in D.C. - there's one in walking distance but Cosi's is right in the building sooo..... Love that Wild Rice Soup at Panera's though.

Almost quitting time - yippee -- then off to the Metro. It did get cloudy for a bit here - but we are not supposed to have rain until I think Friday again....
-Cindy the Houseplant Diploma Program Drop-Out

Quick post before I get Bella ready for bed...Wow Deanne, those lite garden combos are to die for. I especially like that last Idyll combo. I think your iresine is the one I was going to order from Singing Springs, i. herbstii. I'd love a piece of yours instead if you don't mind sending it. I think the variegated leafed fuschia is f. firecracker. I just love that one. It's one of the ones I managed to kill last summer along with gartenmeister and a few other victims. Your's is gorgeous. Thanks for taking the time to post these. I loved seeing them.

Sue, hoping to see Zoe's birthday picture after her evening at the beauty parlor. Wouldn't mind seeing brother Nick too...

More comments later though I'd love to stay and chat. Have a good evening everybody.

Eden

You guys would fall over laughing at my houseplants. Deanne you will be amazed at how mammoth that pineapple wizard will get in summer-I was constantly pinching mine back-I just love that plant. OK so I killed my Annebelle fuchsia-over watered most likely. My gartenmeister is still kicking after three years now-I'm only good at the hardy ones. Lol I have a croton plant from my mom and I have to admit it's looking alive but they take neglect in stride anyway. Deanne do you notice if there's a certain part of the winter season when your fuchsia cuttings root better? Did I read somewhere that they root best when they begin a growth spurt(that would make sense huh?). In fall I tried to root some with no success but this past week I was able t get a stem to root after a few days or so-maybe the days getting longer helps?
Eden I love your whimsically painted rooms-that Shaker check pattern looks so cool on your cupboards/drawerfronts. Did you do that yourself?Thanks for the pics!!!I see Bella up there on the shelf-that cutie.

Sue-you're a good apple...a slogan for your apple a day campaign: ) Thanks for reminding me I forgot to buy apples lol.

Ooops gotta go-Amer. Idol is on....Sue are you watching?

~Babs

Yes, Babs, but it's painful. Who tells most of these people they can sing? Some of them are just bizarre. My ears are starting to hurt.

If you all want to feel a little better about your indoor plants, I'll post a few pictures of mine. In fact, just the other day I was wondering why I even bother. I have zero interest in gardening in the winter and it shows.

Eden, your house is so cool. Decorating just doesn't seem to be my forte so I live vicariously through others. Zoe and Nick are still at the groomer. I'll be leaving in a half hour or so to pick them up. With luck the black ice will hold off until I get home.

Did you all know that GW now has a "Hot Topic" forum where discussion of religion and politics is allowed? Check out the link. They actually have a conversation area where the old rules still apply-seems odd. Whatever.

Nite for now.

Sue

Evening everyone,

Ahem, dont ask how much painting I got done today. But I did catch up on my bookkeeping and balanced the business checkbook that I hadnt been able to for a month. So the slate is clean in the office and all I have to do tomorrow is get downstairs and get the brushes out. That is unless of course I have to wash the toilets or something like that. Oh yes, I got the second floor completely vacuumed today also. Plats

Babs, I really love the PW coleus. It is a beauty. Funny you should mention rooting fuchsias right now. I have a couple cuttings I threw in water a couple weeks ago and they were completely rooted up when I checked them today. I think they do in fact root really well this time of the year. Ill trade whatever you want of mine for a cutting of your gartenmeister???

Eden, Yep, Ill be happy to send you some rooted cuttings of that iresine. I think Ive got a dozen or so going right now and know Ill never be able to use them all. Thanks so much for the Id on the F Firecracker. Id lost that tag and was ripping my hair out over it. I should have known just to ask you! LOL

Michelle. The lights I have those particular plants under are a set up with four, four-foot bulbs per shelf so it has lot of light.

Eden, are those containers in your last photograph from Home Goods? They look familiar and I think I might have one of them here. Thanks again for posting those pics Ive been scrolling back and forth all afternoon and enjoying the view!

OK NCIS is on and Im going to catch it.
Nite all,
Deanne

Oh good - I'm so glad we still get to see great photos here at the Idylls. Eden, your house simply exudes charm and warmth. I remember loving your teapots on the kitchen cabinets when I was there. What a creative person you are!

Deanne - ooh, ooh, keep them coming! Your combinations are luscious. The Idyll combo is very special indeed. Hope tomorrow is a productive painting day (unless of course you'd like to stop by here for some more vacuuming).

Eden - the All-county orchestra sounds exactly like the one you used to play in. There will be children there from all over the area. We have the music already and one of their selections is from Harry Potter. I hope it will be fun for Annie - I think it will certainly be a good experience.

Babs - hope the teachers lunch goes well.

I'm about to get ready for bed - nite all

Mary

Okay..just had a hard time logging on and forgot my password which they are supposed to remember...Deanne...Those are some lovely plants...particularly the iresine. I must confess my ignorance. Never heard of it..Your indoor green thumb is as proficient as the outdoor one.lol..I water my plants once a week ..always on Sunday. Not too rigid , am I?
Mary..Great results for Annie. You must be proud.
Eden..Enjoyed seeing your lovely plants. Most of the cats leave plants alone except for Phoebe. I can't get poinsettias any more because they shred the leaves immediately..even before I place them in a safe place. One year, Pumpkin a long deceased cat, ate a leaf and lost his "voice" for a day. I am an Ivy freak now and it used to be Boston Ferns which always looked so lovely till I got them home. I have 12 windows in the sunroom and I had 12 ferns at every window. They were much too dirty and I was always overflowing when I watered. I just went and counted and I have 32 ivies. Most are just plants and only a about four or five are actual topiaries.
Michelle. I will try and post a picture of my kitchen window plants tomorrow.I suffered w/ a crappy little window for 21 years in my kitchen when all 45 of the other windows are period and long and nice sized. So this box Pella architectural one was a high priority and it has a copper seamed roof on the outside. They installed it three years ago after cutting a hole in the house in 7 degree temps. They had made the window in the craftman's shop and it was a tiny bit tight which freaked me because there was a big beam on one side and the kitchen cupboards on the other, but he made it work. Husband is miffed I clutter it up w/ plants and spoil his view, but hey, it's not like it's an ocean view..just a side street.
Sue ..Love Panera and eat there regularly. Always get 1/2 a turkey artichoke panini and chicken noodle or vegetable soup.. Love their coffee..Always have three big cups. Anyone wired????
Cindy..I think I mentioned that I have 45 windows not counting attic and basement. Back bedroom is the brightest and some people who lived here used this a a master bedroom because it has the view of the garden and ponds and the magnolia tree practically hits the window in the spring and I can open the window and cut lilacs then as well. We've used the front bedroom w/ the fireplace as the master..
Babs..Wouldn't miss American idol. Some of those people are delusional, aren't they? Love all the judges. Simon cracks me up...I'll write a note to myself to post a few ivy pictures tomorrow. It's hard to compete w/ Deanne and Eden tho..Sylvia

[[Chin up with no embarrassment whatsoever]] Happy February 1!! Really!! In TV land one is always a day ahead for placement reasons and I had just finished entering my stuff for the day so yesterday for me was February 1. Now that it is truly officially February 1, I'm waiting for the Groundhog :-)

Anyway --

Thrilled to hear about Annie's results,

Deanne's Irisine (one of my favs but have never overwintered),

Michelle's neglect in watering (a common bond but this year I'm getting much better since Rich is adding up the $$ spent),

Sue's lunch (I love the Panera Cinnamon Bagel for lunch -- that and a cup of coffee keeps me going 'til at least 6p)

Eden's contentment with Bella (can't wait for my turn),

Seeing everyone's pictures (still haven't replaced the drowned digital), AND,

Knowing that the Idylls as I know them are intact.

My Big Event of the Day: Bring pizza lunch to 18 hungry Motorcycle Mechanics and the rest of the crew at a Harley- Davidson dealership. Get to wear serious leather to work -- it can't be bad!! (Am leaving the halter top at home -- 35degF weather is not condusive to any sense of modesty and I am, after all, a Professional. LOL)

Martie

Morning check in here. Just finished my oats and am enjoying my first cup of French Roast for the day. Yum! I've been splurging and going out to Starbucks every day lately. The new store is only five minutes from here and it makes a great coffee break in the afternoon, not to mention I received $90.00 worth of Starbucks Gift Cards for Christmas. Do people know me or what. ~~ On another note, I'm going to have to get these acrylic nails off! They are driving me nuts. Even though I had them make them not too long it is still too long to be functional. ~~ I took ten cuttings off that Fuchsia Firecracker this morning so that plant doesn't look as good this morning as it did yesterday.

Martie, I'd love to see you in your Harley Leather Outfit! Inquiring minds want to see. ~~ I can put your name on one of the Iresine cutings if you'd like.

Sylvia, that is once a week whether they need it or not? LOL I usually do mine a couple times a week and right now the coleus need it even more often than that because they are terribly root bound and need to be potted up. I have a serious dilemma, I'm completely out of light space and haven't even started the dahlias up yet. ~~ Looking forward to seeing your ivy plants.

Mary, I have to agree with you that Eden's home is about the most creative and charming I've ever seen. It should be in a decorating magazine.

Has anyone heard from Eileen? I really do miss her lovely chatty posts and am hoping she is OK. And how is Ms Chelone doing these days, not to mention Taryn, is her house sold?, and is Barb and family and their new home OK. And so many others MIA....

Have a great day everyone.
Deanne

Good morning

Happy Goundhog Day!

Martie - and you left your leather halter behind? lol. The only leather in my wardrobe was a rather nice pair of beige suede pants I managed to spill paint on when decorating our room - they were toast. Oh well, I guess I know where to borrow some from should an occasion arise.

Deanne - I'm just enjoying a cup of Cafe au Lait (I frothed the milk with a litle whisk) - cheers!

January was one of the warmest on record, but we are predicted colder than usual weather the first half of Feb, with high snow fall. Guess I can put the bikes away again.

I too am missing absent friends and hope all is well. I think we need to talk Cynthia into just an occasional visit over here.

have a good day

Mary

Now it's Mary on the alternative calendar...Martie, what have you started...lol. I must say January was a very easy month to take this year. Usually it drags but I'm sitting here right now wondering where the hell it went. In general, we don't get much in the way of extreme cold any other month but January. So far the coldest it's officially been in the Hartford area this year is 6 F but it hasn't been that cold at my house-a good year to winter over a new Musa basjoo.

And today we have another gorgeous Marchish day on tap. The best part about that is it's not March. Tomorrow is supposed to be cloudy though so no shadow for the groundhog, supposedly a good thing. I need to keep an eye on my witchhazel. It's covered with buds and if the mild weather keeps up it will probably start flowering soon.

Sue

Good morning!

Some serious morning face happening here. I could not believe that it was morning when DH woke me getting dressed for work. I completely missed the noises associated with the alarm, DH getting out of bed & getting ready for work. I think another couple of hours of sleep would have been ideal!

Deanne, you looked great for the weekend festivities! Your plants are so lush & healthy......you have the 'touch'.

Eden, your home is very fun & just lifts the spirits to see. I loved the touches of whimsy and I am a fan of Mary Englebreit's colors, patterns & decorator touches....so seeing your photos was eye-candy---loved it! Thank you for the spirit lifting & smile forming photos.

I was glad to see GB here once again.....add my name to those who miss seeing our friends.

Mary, I love seeing your notes. Congratulations to Annie! You're often on my mind. :o)

On the news last night it was mentioned that we had 224% more rainfall than our normal for January. 224%! Yesterday was another stormy day with lots of rain & wind. Lovely weather------if you are a duck.

I spent yesterday with a quilting friend. We spent the day shopping (Costco warehouse shopping) and visiting a couple quilt shops. She drove and I bought us lunch at a BrewPub. Service was terrible but the food was good. It is one of DH & my favorite places to eat, but if the service is that lousy next time......a line shall be drawn through their name. So there!

I ordered 2 carseats & a double stroller for DD & SIL. We provided those items for our other DD when she was expecting so we wanted to buy those for these new babies too. DD picked out what she wanted and I shopped around online.....$400 later (gulp) they are on their way. While at the warehouse grocery store yesterday, I got the great idea of beginning to buy some big boxes of disposable diapers for the babies' early weeks (to help the new parents out). Each box was almost $30. I didn't buy any but will be more prepared (mentally) next time.

I need more coffee....

L8r....
T.

It was a false alarm. I still need to log in every durned time I post here.

I've been reading along, so am up to date with the doggies, Eden's adorable home, the indoor gardening crew..which does NOT include me, Annie's stupendous accomplishments, etc.

I am about to begin priming the litchen cabinets and see that this will take an eternity to finish. Yesterday I bought the cabinet hardware...50 knobs! It is amazing how many a kitchen uses up. I was sent to this amazing store, a liquidation place, and so got a very good deal on them. Nevertheless, nothing is free.

I also poked around another amazing shop which I pass many times a month but never explored before. WOW! Four floors of antique junque. I bet some could be used in the garden, so I will be back there for sure!

Friends from England write me about all the pruning they have finished...and so I am feeling way behind even before the season starts. Oh dear....

It's a busy busy time here, still with many stresses. Those sunny days are very much needed. I still am faithful about using the treadmill, but the scales are awfully slow at showing any difference.

Later,
'bug

Yesterday I bailed out of the office by 1:00, climbed into bed and succumbed to the flu. Yuk! Fever all night long and now I have an achy back. Still home in my jammies sipping my coffee.

Deanne, I love Starbucks but it's usually my weekend treat. It's my DD's version of Cheers, though - they all know her name!

Mary, what great news about Annie and her solo!

I also enjoyed the house plant photos. Maybe if I feel a little perkier later on I'll take a photo of my split leaf philodendron. It's really flourishing this year and I keep waiting for Gaugin to pop up from behind it.

Since I am in serious work avoidance mode, I know I'll be back later!

V.

I forgot to tell you guys my coffee horror story yesterday-I shiver when I recap the event in my head. Anyway, it was 7a.m.-ish and my bag of coffee was bare so I crawled to the leftovers of yesterday's pot(I'm not too proud to drink yesterday's coffee). I find my favorite coffee cup,pour the remains of java nectar from the gods and proceed to place it in the microwave to nuke it. All this time I'm groggy as ever and I lean forward to put the cup on the oven deck...there's a glassy sounding [clink!], the cup, coffee and all fall to the floor. I was so tired and I should of known it would happen. Coffee splatters everywhere, MY FAVORITE CUP has holes punched out in two places but is otherwise intact(hmmm)but of course not useable anymore. I have NO more coffee anywhere in the house and I'm yelping as if wounded by a garden spade slicing into my foot(I knew you'd get that analogy; ) It was the most helpless I've ever felt that early in the morning in a very long time-maybe ever.(LOL) This whole scenario actually seemed to go on much longer and slower than my description here(really). I'm glad I can laugh about it now though. Oh and it gets worse,Chris doesn't immediately offer to zip over to Arabica down the road so I'm sulking, yet knowing very well I can go myself. Finally I mutter,"do you know what love is? It's when your wife has lost her last cup of coffee,is writhing in discomfort and you instinctively just know you gotta make a trip to Arabica for a capaccino with foam but no syrup and just a small one is fine"...I am TERRIBLE!!! And he went and got me one: ) Are you guys thinking what a snot? Yeah but we had a big laugh about it later and today when I was making coffee(that was FIRST on the shopping list)he said "but I was going to go get you coffee at Arabica's...."good save, Chris but a little late!lol

So anyway, Yes, Deanne I can get you a cutting and would love some of that variegated fuchsia. Gartenmeister has such great dark olive leaves. I know you'll find a great way to use it. Even being indoors in my cave of a house it flowers-it's interesting though because they get much more washed out and look peach instead of red-orange.
I have a polkadot plant cutting in a cup of water and the roots are almost two feet long!! Think I should pot it up?lol

LOL about those acrylic nails!!! I would be the same. I wore press on nails when I was younger and I used to trim them down so much because I felt like I couldn't do anything with my hands having them long;I don't know why I wore them! ALSO I stopped wearing them when once I was at a party and one popped off and I couldn't find it. For all I knew it was stuck somewhere in my hair or on my rear end or who knows where else. The silly things we do-shoulda used superglue to keep them on...lol

Sue-you're right idol is painful but some of those people have to know they can't sing. It's weird when they try to justify their flop or they blame things on the judges but it's quite obvious they just can't sing. I always know when someone is gonna make it-I get goosbumps hearing them. This time there doesn't seem to be many great singers-so far.

Amazing that T is getting our precipitation(and everyone else's!)-we are way below ave. I'm just waiting for the bottom to fall out here-we can't get through a whole winter with NO snow,can we?

Honey-thanks about my forum banner. I'm flattered that you think I have graphic design experience. I did start a degree in it but didn't feel it was a good fit for me. I'm not good with deadlines and high pressure in regard to my artistic side...I wonder if I'd be less whimpy now. Also back then I knew *nada* about computers-who knew I'd be able to type let alone post pics here. Sometimes I surprise myself.

I'm procrastinating(Deanne has taught me well?)so now I need to finish the prep for the luncheon,do laundry, & tend to Ryan-he woke up with a cold lastnight-I'm on booger patrol today.

Sorry for the fly-by I missed some comments I needed to make. They'll have to wait till later.

Hi Michelle!

Hey AJ got an A+ on his sci-project: )

~BAbs

p.s. Mary,lastnight I got out AJ's clarinet and somehow was able to locate my solo pieces from my contest days deep in a closet. Lol boy I must have been proficient then(the music seemed difficult!)-I'm not as good anymore and I could hardly see the music...I bet I need glasses. The cool thing was that my dad's writing is all over the music and it brought back fond memories of when he taught me each piece. I think I need to get back into playing my instrument for kicks.

Sorry you are sick V: (.....last one to get out of jammies and into presentable clothing wins-on your mark get set.......: )

...and I'm not even sick-it's just one of those days; )Get better dear...or just idyll all day. We'll call it the "V Show".

~B

V, sorry to hear that you are sick. I felt a sore throat starting last night, I am following Deannes advice and am using the Zicam.

When Rick asked if I was up to working in the bathroom, I couldnt turn him down. I want it done! We got the light/fan up, fixed the trap under the sink, worked on the subfloor and put on the new showerhead. Sounds impressive doesnt it.

Marie, I am looking for cabinet knobs for my bathroom vanity. Locally they are more than I want to pay. I need a liquidation place. I only need 6.

T, ouch on the diaper price. They sure are nice though. Funny but I have that feeling each time

I too miss all the missing Idylls.

Deanne, I too water my plants once a week. You have inspired me though. Last night I took a bunch of cuttings from my one remaining coleus Kiwi Fern. I place them under the fluorescent under cabinet lighting in the kitchen. I showed Rick your light stand and your beautiful plants. He was thinking that I should try it. He was coming up with several lights that we just have laying around, including the one that we took out of the bathroom. I have started seeds indoor a couple of years with just 1 8 light fixture. You all may get me interested again.

Babs, I had pineapple wizard last summer in several containers and really liked it. It was one that didnt survive the hail.

Mary, my children participated in a multi-school band and also choir which when they gave the concert was very impressive.

Wow, Sylvia 45 windows. Im sure glad that I dont have to clean those.

Martie, what a fun day you have planned. LOL

Babs, congrats to AJ A+ is fabulous. Sorry, but I did get a chuckle out of the coffee story.

Back to work

Michelle

Hello everyone,
Thought I'd better check in. Deanne, I saw you mention my name twice and felt guilty I've been reading but haven't popped in to say hello.

We are all good but crazy crazy busy right now and I'm running on empty trying to keep it all together.

Just had the gloomiest and rainiest January on record - it rained 29 of the 31 days! and even the 2 days it didn't rain I believe it was mainly cloudy then too. So we've literally been living in the dark for over a month and a half. It is making even the most ardent PNWer depressed.

The evacuation alert was lifted a few days after it was issued but they continue to vigilantly watch the slope as we've had so much rain and Feb/Mar/Apr can also be very wet here. The upside to the rain is the skiing conditions are the best they've been in more than 10 years. Piles and piles of fluffy snow and we've been taking advantage of going after work and on weekends to enjoy the conditions.

I too am hoping that Taryn will pop in and update us on her house. Anxiously have my fingers crossed for her.

GB - sorry to hear about all the stress going on for you...I hope it improves soon.

T - congrats on the wonderful news. Twins is very exciting but makes me tired just imagining it. So happy to hear they were successful when they wanted a child so much.

Yeona - so you haven't floated away yet either?

Deanne - looking fabu fabu in that dress? You should feel very proud of yourself for all of the positive change you've accomplished. How is Doug's foot doing? Will you guys be back to dancing soon?

Well, now over an hour has passed and I still haven't been able to finish and post this.

Wanted to say, I love all the stories and pics of Bella and 'Kenzie. Fun to see how their 'grandmas' are enjoying them so much.

And I know I'm missing out on posting comments and encouragement to lots of others but I've got to get some of this work done. Hope to be back soon for a longer visit.
Barb

Just a quickie --
If I were using the alternative calendar I would declare it April 1 -- do you think that would work to bring Spring for certain?

Quick note re the Zicam -- not trying to start anything inflammatory (no pun intended) here but for people who may not have seen this info re the product (I had not until my DD sent it to me) -- Please check this out before using ....
--Cindy

Back again for a quick note-

Sue, on closer inspection, the Farrow & Ball paint COSTS A FORTUNE. I only need a small amount of it for above the cabinets so am plowing ahead. I primed the kitchen window today, a finicky project. Now to change from painting attire into my leather halter. Just kidding, I wouldn't do that to my friends....

So glad that 'bug is not wearing a leather halter. Although our weather is almost mild enough to do that...

My fever just doesn't want to quit. And the sympathy is definitely lacking on the home front.

Babs, your coffee story had my chuckling. I can just see me ding something like that!

Also glad to hear that Barb is safe. Now if we could just get this weather to even out a bit!

Back to my book. To cheer me up, I am reading a novel about four people who want to commit suicide. :-0

V.

Fly-by note to myself.

Have a second cup of coffee before posting.

Chelone ... Never got to see the pics of your Christmas arrangements .... am out container looking and need some inspiration.

Night! Martie

So now I can post without log in again, so will stop by to say I heard from Chelone and she is looking forward to a breathing space soon when her brother will care for their Mom. It is such a tough situation. One of her young kitties is off to the vet's which is always a concern.

Got a nice catalogue in the mail today, so may just do some serious research with it now. ;-)

Gnite!
'bug

I've been reading along but not feeling terribly communicative. I have enjoyed learning to play the banner game :-) on the other site. It's a promising site and I feel a bit more comfortable about pictures there but the conversation aspect hasn't developed there yet.

My mind is too scattered today to make much in the way of coherent comments on what has been happening here. T's exciting news about twins-to-come sticks in my mind as does Annie's stellar music performance. DH can identify with Honey's DH - my DH was one of those people escorted out about 10 years ago - actually, in his case, the whole place was closed down so they all got tossed at once! And, where he works now, has gone through regular down-sizing so it has happened around him a lot and it never gets easier to watch happen. ((Yeona)) such a lot to deal with...

The reason I'm a bit scattered tonight is we had the follow-up visit with my neuro-surgeon re my January MRI this afternoon. The brain tumor on the right (my 'good' side...) has grown 2mm. That's not a lot but it's a worry because it's the first time in 10 years or so that it has changed in size. The doctor will schedule another MRI in a year 's time to see how much it grows in that time. He will also schedule an appointment with a radiologist at the Gamma-knife unit (fancy radiation treatment that didn't used to be available in Canada but is now at the hospital where my doctor is..) to assess whether that is a possibility. It may not be because of the previous radiation I had in 1996. I have always been sure in my mind that that radiation was done improperly - I was the first patient on the equipment and the doctor and technicians had just finished their training. I should not have lost my hearing on the right side. It was explained as an auto-immune reaction - which is rare but possible - but I think the most likely explanation was that the dose or target was miscalculated because of inexperience. My doctor today said he thinks I'm probably right because he didn't see any radiation damage on the tumor he removed on the left (which was the tumor that was supposed to be targetted) and that the fact that the right side tumor has not grown before now may be because of radiation it received in 1996. If it was radiated in 1996, it may complicate, or even prevent, radiation treatment now. I asked him not to schedule an appoinment with the radiologist until the summer so I can have time to go to McMaster University medical library and do some research to see what current medical studies on my condition are saying. I go every few years and look up what is new so I can ask more relevant questions when I see the doctor(s). I also want to get my family doctor to refer me to a hematologist. There is an odd finding on my standard blood test that has shown up for a while now. Neither my family doctor or my specialist today knows what - if anything - it might mean in the context of my overall problems so I probably need to see a blood specialist to find out. If I'm going to worry about something, I might as well make sure I'm worrying about the right thing! (One possible interpretation of the blood finding is early stages of the leukemia that my mother died of...)

Sorry to be depressing on the end of the thread but I'm trying to absorb what all this means to me and writing it down helps me sort out my thoughts a bit.

Woody, would it make you feel better if you knew that your story makes me feel much better, despite a nagging fever that won't quit? I don't mean to sound flip, but I have found that the quickest cure for a pity party is to realize just how damn lucky you are after all. I do hope that you get some better news soon!

It's been a pretty quiet day of just reading, playing on the computer and then reading some more. I think I'll wrap it up and go to bed! I really need to be into work tomorrow to deal with payroll.

It will be nice to see Chelone back again. I miss her when she's busy with her mom.

Deanne, I'm getting pretty excited about the weekend of the 18th!!!

V.

((Woody)) Wow to have to wait and watch over such a long time span must be difficult. I'm sorry your initial radiation treatment was botched. Good for you that you are keeping ontop of the research behind whatever treatment you recieve-it does pay to know what the heck they are doing or what alternatives there might be. How unsettling that you were a 'practice run' of the newer radiation technique. Good luck with your decision making and research. As always we are here with support whether you are up or down so don't worry about that.

V are you better yet? Ryan caught your fever! I knew he was too close to the monitor; ) It was only a fever of 100.0 so hopefully it won't spike. The odd thing is that last year this time he was also sick with a fever...the day of the teacher's luncheon! How weird that it's almost to the date that he's sick like this. I am supposed to meet with commitee peeps tomorrow and do lunch monitoring all with Ryan under tow...not sure what will actually happen. The luncheon is Fri.

Michelle-I'll never forget those pics of the hail smothered plants you showed us. I'd send you a coleus...but Deanne has the only remaining live offspring of the ones I killed lol.

Time to hit the hay...

~Babs

Im sorry to hear V, Michelle and others are under the weather - felt that way myself last week. Dug into bed & vegged for 2 days on the weekend and managed to "kick" it - hope you guys can do the same.

Woody, of course, you must be concerned and wrapped up in this most recent news -- and sounds like it's something you'd like to have it all checked out sooner than later. Im a bit surprised that the dr. did not suggest another MRI in 6 months? rather than a year? I only know this because my SIL had an brain "anomaly" discovered last year just 6 months after they were married -- it was in fact orginally suggested to be a vestibular neuroma (weird thing I'd never heard of til we started researching) - one of the treatments is the Gamma Knife as is another of somewhat similar type laser surgery. The point to all this that I've been trying to make is that the physicians at Johns Hopkins have been doing MRI every 3 & 6 months - lo and behold it did not grow any and other MRIs confirmed it was not a tumor nor the type originally hypothesized (it was extremly small)... & the other point re the gamma/surgery treatments here in the States we were told that success is made all the more likely -- key question is how much experience & how many of those types has the surgeon/ center done - this is key. So, I guess if I were to try to make you feel a bit better would be to say -- you've got time to investigate these various options and places -- and I hope you do. And perhaps it's possible to push for MRI in 6 months instead? Not being familiar with the health care system in Canada, I realize I may be saying things that are not possible -- but just thoughts. It sounds like you know how to take the proactive stance in any case & Im sure you'll go in the right directions. In the meantime, I quite understand why you would find it hard to want to chatter or even think of gardening -- altho we know that helps us all in comfort and distraction. Thinking good thoughts for you.

Babs - I've had a bad coffee morning - but that's quite something -- but you've got that DH trained real well!!!! What a swell he is! Wow. And glad you guys could laugh all about it.

Guess the rest of us are waiting to hear about MartieinLeather's Day....? How'd it go w/o the halter?
LOL....
--Cindy

Woody.......thinking of you!

It has been a quiet day here, nothing to share.

Just thought I'd send my best to Woody and the rest of the Idylls.....

T.

Sugars! V, hope you feel better soon and Babs.....hope Ryan gets better soon too!

Anyone else that is feeling punky? Hope you feel better soon too! My memory is rotten!

g'night again....

T.

(((Woody))) hey, we are here for you. Were your friends and care very much about the difficulties that you face. Please write it out to us if that helps you.

Barb, glad that you popped in. How great that there is a positive side to all the rain.

Cindy, thanks for the Zicam info. Figures just when you find something that might work.

Looking forward to Chelone posting again when she gets her break.

Get well to V and Ryan and I hope those who are in a funk feel better too.

Gosh, I got a new printer and the thing talks to me. It tells me to add more paper and when it is starting and finished. How weird.

During my lunch hour I went to my parents house to check it. They are in Texas. I spent a little time in a shop called The Garden Gate. It is a fun place to shop. The owner is a long time friend of my sister and a very creative person. The place is an old farm with 3 floors of decorative items.

Good night all

Michelle

Thanks for the good thoughts. It's a little hard to get focused yet. On the one hand, I was sort of expecting something like this but , on the other hand, it still throws you for a loop! Cindy - these are slow-growing tumors that rarely metastasize so one doesn't have to rush into decisions and annual MRI's are usually fine once the nature of the thing is established. Back in 1990 when they were first diagnosed, I had MRIs every few months but it became obvious that they were the slow-growing type so it was not necessary to monitor them so often. It was 6 years after the diagnosis before I had the radiation and 8 years before I had the surgery. It is now 8 years after the surgery and 16 years from the initial diagnosis. The right side tumor has essential been dormant for all that time so it is disquieting but not surprising that it has finally 'woke up'. It's a bit nerve-wracking though to live with ticking time bombs in your head for so long. I wish spring was closer - I'm in need of distraction!

Morning all,

Woody, so sorry for your continued troubles. ((((Woody))))). You know we are all here for you.
You are such a strong person and I've always admired your positive attitude not to mention your determination to be educated on all the aspects of your condition. Thanks for sharing with us. Your situation makes me count my blessings and focus on what is important in life.

Michelle, you made my day! How neat you are thinking of a light garden. It really makes the winter more fun to have all those green things to take care of, I'd be happy to send you lots of coleus. I'll go and root a few more cuttings today.

V Me Too!!!!!I've already started to excavate this house in preparation. I still haven't planned a menu yet but whatever it is will be good and the company will be better. I sure hope you are feeling better today. I'm hoping you've gotten your winter viruses over with so there won't b any problem with your visit. BTW that is the weekend of the NHOS Orchid show. Would you be interested in coming with me?

Cindy, I'd heard about that situation with the Zicam. I've been using the product for two years and haven't had any problems with it. It actually does shorten the duration of my colds big time. I wonder if it is just the product that you spray or swab your nose with? I use the chewable tablets. I'll have to do a bit of research on this.

Barb, thank you for checking in. The last we'd heard waw that you were on the evacuation alert and then nothing so my imagination was going wild. Glad to hear all is OK except for the lousy weather. How great you are taking advantage of the great skiing though. I think Sue needs to go out for a visit.

Hi Babs, Sorry Ryan is sick. HOw is MIL doing now? Is she able to start using her prosthetics again?~~ Let me know if you can't find that PW coleus variety and I'll send some and whatever else you'd like when it warms up.

OK time to get off this computer, get to the Post Office, get to the gym and get painting. I'm working on a Monarch butterfly. I might have already mentioned that but I don't have time to check.

Have a great day everyone,
Deanne

I was looking for info on Pella doors..? What on earth does this have to do with home improvement?????