sorry step families just don.t work
xcfhvb
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (6)
Related Discussions
Sorry about all the questions but if you don't mind...
Comments (16)Ezzirah, In general, my motto is "plant 'em if you've got 'em". Well, except when it is -22 degrees outside and sleeting....but I don't think anyone here would do that anyway. You could plant asparagus in January if you found it that earl.y and it likely would be fine, notwithstanding the fact that you live in a state where the temperatures can be 20 degrees below zero one day and then 60 or 80 degrees less than a week later. Almost any cold-hardy plants like asparagus, horseradish, rhubarb, strawberries sold bare root, etc., can be planted as soon as you see them in the stores. In fact, it is better for them to get out of those plastic bags and directly into the ground as soon as possible. Our Wal-Mart just got all their bare root stuff like that put out in the garden center within the last 3 or 4 days (seed potatoes and onion sets arrived a couple of weeks ago and then the rest this week), and their timing this year is pretty good because this week there is nice weather that will encourage people to plant the bare-root plants sooner rather than later. Bare-root plants left in the plastic bags too long often become diseased. I bought healthy, bare-root strawberries yesterday and will plant them later today to enlarge our small berry patch. I love planting season! I have put off planting asparagus forever because the bermuda and Johnson grasses encroach upon my garden from outside the fence continually. Because of asparagus' height, I've wanted to plant it along the north fence but know keeping the grass out will be a major ordeal. So, now I'm thinking I may plant in the bed that is second closest to the fence where the grass would be easier to keep out. Then, I could use the bed along the fence to grow something tall like pole beans that wouldn't be shaded too much by the asparagus. I hope your asparagus does well for you. Dawn...See MoreDon't read this, I'm just whining about a pet peeve
Comments (150)Lowspark - I love your widget. You have such lovely taste, You really do. However - just a tiny thought here (I have done a lot of decorating for my friends): Your widget placement bothers me. Could you possibly move your stove to the opposite wall? I'm thinking that the refrigerator which is currently there would look better closer to the sink anyway. Of course you'd have to remove the upper cabinet, but as you've said in another thread, the cab in your guest bath does need changing out. Then you could position your darling table against the empty wall. I'm wondering if the table should be pink, though. Could you repaint it? A cream paint with crackle-glaze would look lovely. Do you see where I'm going here? You could also repaint that wall - in a rich red, for contrast. Just thinking out loud here. Place the table against the wall, put your sweet widget on it, and that widget is going to pop! Then you wouldn't need so many hoo hoos, although I'd keep all the ding dongs. I don't suppose you'd change out your kitchen hardware to match the ORB of the widget, would you? Simply trying to be helpful (I am a decorator, of sorts). My rabbi agrees that if a widget is glass, it can definitely be kashered for Passover. But - not trying to be irritating - if the widget has plastic, it's never going to be kosher and also, it was made by DuPont, and we all know about them....See MoreI just don't understand it....long
Comments (27)Dottie, I can't imagine the past year that you and your family has endured, and again hope that this year is brighter. But I CAN understand the frustration you're feeling. I too think she may well have begun a relationship and is either embarrassed to tell you or not sure how to. I see this type of thing so often and I just don't understand it! To completely cut off communication is a terrible thing to do to someone without at least saying a reason. If you're angry with a person, tell them. If you don't feel comfortable with them, tell them. If you don't trust them anymore or whatever the reason, at least don't leave them hanging. It's a very cruel thing to do. It's natural for you to be concerned. If you're close to her mother, I think I WOULD call just to see if she's all right. If you're close to her mother she may share some info with you or at least give you a reason if there is one other than our suspicion. I can imagine your fear for her well-being. I have a cousin out state who cut off all communication suddenly for a couple years or more. I never understood it and it bugged me. I knew there were some marital issues and with such an abrupt cut off altogether, I was to the point I had a PI friend do a little checking to see if she was alive. I had a real bad feeling that something bad happened. Finally she got a hold of me and apologized and explained that she and her husband had been having rough times both marital and financial (which so often goes together) and she was too ashamed to tell me about it. There's been other times too and like I said, why can't people just open up a bit and say something? If you do contact either, I would suggest you not raise the grave issue. If there is a new person, there could be an issue with even going to the grave. Some people are strange. I imagine your first concern is her health and safety. I'm guessing she's just confused. Good luck and hope you find out something soon. And here's to a much brighter year for all!...See MoreSometimes I just don't know...
Comments (7)Definitely, back into counseling for this little guy. He's got so much to deal with and needs to learn effective coping strategies to replace the ones he's using now. One specific suggestion for the mean outbursts: Help him phrase his statements/requests/complaints in ways that are more positive and less hurtful. If he mutters "Move your fat butt!" respond "That didn't come out right. Please try it again using nice words and a nice voice." (Adjust to your child's age and understanding.) The key is to keep it short, NOT negative (he's already in a foul mood), but get him to express himself in ways that are socially acceptable. Help him find the words to say what he means, but in ways that are kind and polite. If he actually says the words (with proper inflection), it'll make a big, big difference. It's really hard to stay angry when your tone of voice has to be pleasant. The first few times, you may need to add explanations like "Your words and tone of voice were rude and hurtful. When you're asking someone to do something for you, you need to ask nicely" - but not for long. If SS sees you and Dad speaking kindly and respectfully to each other, he will know what's acceptable. He'll just need to be reminded that it applies to him also. When he rephrases his request nicely, praise him. If it's only marginally acceptable or still rude, have him try it again. Seriously! It'll get boring and ridiculous fast, but so what? The idea is for the kid to learn that if he asks nicely, he gets what he wants. If he's rude, he doesn't, and he has to try again (over and over) until he does ask nicely. (My kids are rarely rude to me anymore because it's just such a pain in the behind for them if they are.)...See MoreKaren Peltier
6 years agolast modified: 6 years agoxcfhvb
6 years ago
Related Stories
ATTICSA Family Steps Up to a Cheerful New Attic
A converted attic becomes a bright and playful multipurpose room for a Portland family
Full StoryDECORATING GUIDESRevive Your Room’s Look in Just 5 Steps
Not in total-makeover mode? Give your space polish and a pulled-together look with this easily doable plan
Full StorySTUDIOS AND WORKSHOPSStudio Tour: Architects’ Office Just Steps From Their Home
Heidi Seemann and Peter Rush designed and built this backyard studio to house their Sydney, Australia, architecture firm
Full StoryHOMES AROUND THE WORLDMy Houzz: A Family’s Rustic Refuge for Travelers in the Italian Alps
High up in the Dolomites, a mountain dairy farm and restaurant offer up old-fashioned hospitality, memories and tranquillity
Full StoryKITCHEN ISLANDSPlan Your Kitchen Island Seating to Suit Your Family’s Needs
In the debate over how to make this feature more functional, consider more than one side
Full StoryDECORATING GUIDESHow to Focus Your Family Room on Family
Reclaim your room from screens and headphones with these ideas for fostering family togetherness
Full StoryECLECTIC HOMESMy Houzz: Family’s Personal Style Warms Up a New House
A Northwest family seeks out a kid-friendly neighborhood and makes a ‘development home’ their own
Full StoryBATHROOM WORKBOOKA Step-by-Step Guide to Designing Your Bathroom Vanity
Here are six decisions to make with your pro to get the best vanity layout, look and features for your needs
Full StoryDISASTER PREP & RECOVERYFamily’s New Style Rises in the Aftermath of a Flood
After their damaged walls are demolished, homeowners realize they like the open space and decide to keep it
Full StoryHOUZZ TOURSMy Houzz: ‘Everything Has a Story’ in This Dallas Family’s Home
Gifts, mementos and artful salvage make a 1960s ranch warm and personal
Full StorySponsored
More Discussions
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)