It just goes on and on. We can hear the storms coming. First the thunder, then we see the lightening, and in a little while the rain starts---and it comes down very hard, and then it lessens, and then it's hard again, and it just goes on and on and on. We've been in a moderate drought, so I'm not complaining, but so much at once? It's very tiring. WHEW!
And then a little sunshine comes---very bright---but the rain continues even then. This is so weird.
The dogs are bored with being kept inside, but they definitely do not want to go out in the rain. On the other hand, the cats swat at me, meow, and run to the door when they hear the thunder, and if the door is opened will run out. I, however, do not want them to go out when the weather is so unstable.
Drivers keep driving into flooded streets and acting like it's a big surprise when their cars float off the road, or they lose control and careen into someone's house. Are they this desperate to be on TV? Does rain bring out the stupidity of the human race?
Another storm rolling in so I need to shut down and unplug AGAIN! Pitiful old computer that it is, I don't want it fried by the lightening. See ya!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Sunday, July 19, 2009
IT ALL STARTED WHEN . . .
Chill and Jaz were shopping at Sam's. This was about three to four weeks ago. According to her Chill dragged her half way across the mammoth shopping area to see this wonderful thing they had displayed. It had originally been priced at $799.00. The price had been cut to $515.00. Jaz said he thought that it would be great for them to go in on with moi (I'm feeling a little Miss Piggy-ish, I guess) and extend our gardening efforts. Apparently, those tomatoes, zucchini, basil, etc. are appealing. Anyway, she called me and described it, and we planned another trip to Sam's Club for another look and a conference. That was about June 30.
It looked really good, and I did some on-line research, and everything seemed to be just about what it said it was. The only down side was that the customer reviews were all done about one month after purchase, so there was no response about how things actually grew there; on the positive side they were all pleased with the assembly end of it. So, all things considered it seemed like an o.k. deal. The next hurdle was that we had to pick up the two LARGE boxes (one weighed 150 lbs. & the other 165 lbs.) from Sam's the same day as the purchase, and we couldn't seem to connect with Chill---he who has pick-up and muscles. It was finally resolved, and we made the purchase on July 9. Guess what! The price had been reduced to $398.00. YEA! YEA! And Chill even opted to hire a friend/customer to build it for us. Yesterday was the big day.
Doesn't this look like a giant Lincoln log set?
Our hired guy called the night before to say he'd be at my house at 7:00 a.m., and he was. I'm always surprised to see that people actually function at this hour, but they do---eventually. Come on, Jaz and Keith. Hands off hips, and apply to construction.
Well, one of them got the message.
BTW Keith was apparently feeling the pressure of the on-line information that said two people working together on this project should expect to finish in 6-8 hrs. (Of course, I think they meant ordinary klutzes who only half know what they are doing.) As he didn't seem to need any help from us for a while I commandeered Jaz to the front yard to help me trim away some hedge to apply a Y spigot attachment to the front outside water supply so we could run a hose to the new garden. Well, that woman is manic when it comes to cleaning out something. Pretty soon we were pulling out vines, weeding, pulling up volunteer trees, hacking out lantana that just won't give up, and we managed to harvest five yard bags of debris. (Unfortunately, this tells you something about the state of my alleged flower beds as well.) They haven't looked so good ever.
When we went back to the back yard this is what we found.
At this point we discovered between Keith's and my treasure trove of drill bits we didn't have one to make a hole big enough to put a garden hose through, and he had to make a run to a nearby hardware store for a bit, and I begged him to pick up the Y connection for the faucet as well which he did. He was a joy to work with.
Jaz did some helpful holding of things as work progressed and figuring out the placement of the plastic liners for this giant container for plants. She really did good things. And what did I do to help this process along? Well, my job was to get water for everyone. Did I mention it was hot? Ten degrees cooler than a week ago, but 90-92 is hot enough to keep a good sweat going. It is likely that each of us drank at least two quarts of water out there. I was also fetching things like soap for screws, band-aids and wound cleaning foam, an array of bits of wood for leveling, etc. We were a pretty good team. Jaz decided to go get us something for lunch (Church's chicken) as she and I were beginning to walk into walls. But Keith, the real competitor, just wanted a Coke. Here he is putting in the final screws.
When it was done he asked, "What time is it?" I immediately looked inside at the clock in the kitchen and reported it was 2:00 p.m. Seven hours from the time he arrived which included getting the boxes into the area from the carport, opening, reading instructions, cutting a finger, conversation, and just being pleasant and courteous the whole time, and working mostly alone. I love it when people know what they're doing.
So what does this new construction look like? Well, it's gorgeous. Just take a look! (It's not tilted; I think I was.)
This afternoon, the day after, I was doing even more yard work; I won't bore you with what that included, but when I was taking out all the stuff to the curb for trash pick-up in the morning my backdoor neighbor was doing the same. I invited her to come see what we'd built. As she came up the drive she asked, "Oh, are you going to raise chickens?"
It looked really good, and I did some on-line research, and everything seemed to be just about what it said it was. The only down side was that the customer reviews were all done about one month after purchase, so there was no response about how things actually grew there; on the positive side they were all pleased with the assembly end of it. So, all things considered it seemed like an o.k. deal. The next hurdle was that we had to pick up the two LARGE boxes (one weighed 150 lbs. & the other 165 lbs.) from Sam's the same day as the purchase, and we couldn't seem to connect with Chill---he who has pick-up and muscles. It was finally resolved, and we made the purchase on July 9. Guess what! The price had been reduced to $398.00. YEA! YEA! And Chill even opted to hire a friend/customer to build it for us. Yesterday was the big day.
Doesn't this look like a giant Lincoln log set?
Our hired guy called the night before to say he'd be at my house at 7:00 a.m., and he was. I'm always surprised to see that people actually function at this hour, but they do---eventually. Come on, Jaz and Keith. Hands off hips, and apply to construction.
Well, one of them got the message.
BTW Keith was apparently feeling the pressure of the on-line information that said two people working together on this project should expect to finish in 6-8 hrs. (Of course, I think they meant ordinary klutzes who only half know what they are doing.) As he didn't seem to need any help from us for a while I commandeered Jaz to the front yard to help me trim away some hedge to apply a Y spigot attachment to the front outside water supply so we could run a hose to the new garden. Well, that woman is manic when it comes to cleaning out something. Pretty soon we were pulling out vines, weeding, pulling up volunteer trees, hacking out lantana that just won't give up, and we managed to harvest five yard bags of debris. (Unfortunately, this tells you something about the state of my alleged flower beds as well.) They haven't looked so good ever.
When we went back to the back yard this is what we found.
At this point we discovered between Keith's and my treasure trove of drill bits we didn't have one to make a hole big enough to put a garden hose through, and he had to make a run to a nearby hardware store for a bit, and I begged him to pick up the Y connection for the faucet as well which he did. He was a joy to work with.
Jaz did some helpful holding of things as work progressed and figuring out the placement of the plastic liners for this giant container for plants. She really did good things. And what did I do to help this process along? Well, my job was to get water for everyone. Did I mention it was hot? Ten degrees cooler than a week ago, but 90-92 is hot enough to keep a good sweat going. It is likely that each of us drank at least two quarts of water out there. I was also fetching things like soap for screws, band-aids and wound cleaning foam, an array of bits of wood for leveling, etc. We were a pretty good team. Jaz decided to go get us something for lunch (Church's chicken) as she and I were beginning to walk into walls. But Keith, the real competitor, just wanted a Coke. Here he is putting in the final screws.
When it was done he asked, "What time is it?" I immediately looked inside at the clock in the kitchen and reported it was 2:00 p.m. Seven hours from the time he arrived which included getting the boxes into the area from the carport, opening, reading instructions, cutting a finger, conversation, and just being pleasant and courteous the whole time, and working mostly alone. I love it when people know what they're doing.
So what does this new construction look like? Well, it's gorgeous. Just take a look! (It's not tilted; I think I was.)
This afternoon, the day after, I was doing even more yard work; I won't bore you with what that included, but when I was taking out all the stuff to the curb for trash pick-up in the morning my backdoor neighbor was doing the same. I invited her to come see what we'd built. As she came up the drive she asked, "Oh, are you going to raise chickens?"
Sunday, June 21, 2009
LIFE IS INTERESTING, ISN'T IT?
Friday I had a call from my friend, Travis, a retired airline pilot. He was wondering if I could drive him to the airport to start his journey to Stockholm to join Janie, his significant other. Since I owe him two or three favors I told him yes. When I picked him up a half hour later he related that he'd been to the airport the night before (driven by a neighbor) but had missed the flight. Fortunately, the neighbor had waited to make sure Travis was on his way, but, obviously, that had not worked out. He had called me at one in the afternoon.
Travis outlined his expected itinerary, but the catch is he has to fly standby. It's apparently part of his retirement package---free, but with hitches. The plan was he would be flying from here to Dallas; from there to Heathrow, and from there to Stockholm.
Friday night I had just stripped out of my clothes and about to put on the nightie when the phone rang. It was eleven p.m. Travis asked if I was in for the night through much static. When I finally figured out he needed assistance I learned he had been to Dallas and was back here. Donning a jumper Plug made a hundred years ago and gave to me when she outgrew it but serves as something I wear in the yard when I have to wear something other than night gown, I returned to the airport to give Travis a ride back home. He was really depressed about the whole adventure which I understood. Lest it sound like I was a big martyr in this scheme, not true. Though I don't live close to the airport, thanks to the freeway, I was back home at 11:45. Moved pretty well for an old lady, don't you think? Travis said he would be back to the computer to try to figure another route.
All through Saturday I kept wondering how he was rerouting and where he might be and hoping everything was working out. Finally, Saturday evening I wrote an email:
From: LIT
Sent: Jun 20, 2009 8:15 p.m.
To: Janie
Subject: PLEASE tell me
when Travis gets to Stockholm. Was the third time the charm?
Also, Janie, let me know if you, or you and Travis, need a ride from
the airport on the 30th. And let me know your air line & flight
number so I can check online to see when you'll arrive. My two
grandchildren from Tx will be here, but they would be delighted to meet
you, and we can handle the drive---day or night. It would be an
adventure.
LIT
Today I was delighted to receive an answer. Here it is:
From: Janie
Subject: Re: PLEASE tell me
Date: June 21, 2009 4:10:36 PM CDT
To: LIT
Reply-To: Janie
Hi LIT,
I am here! Went to LGA and taxied to JFK to catch an 11:30pm departure, but it all worked. I had so little confidence I would actually leave, I drove myself so will incur the tremendous parking fee, but all seems minor compared to the time I lost with Janie here. Thanks so much for the rides and offer of more, but we will have to just drop by to meet the kids.
See you in early July,
Travis
I can't believe he finally made it. J
So, you're wondering why Janie was in Stockholm ahead of Travis. Well, here's the skinny. She was presenting her data to a group of scientists there, and her ticket was paid for by the scientists. She's not really expecting a Nobel prize from this, but they were excited about seeing Stockholm and environs together. I'm excited about having such interesting friends. They also play musical instruments at Renaissance fairs, and their appearance reflects that era. Travis is also as addicted to estate sales as I am, and she is a fantastic cook. Very interesting people.
None of this would have been available to me if I'd stayed in the little town where I retired. There were those who couldn't understand why I'd want to move at that point in my life, especially to a place where I knew no one but one son and one daughter. But I think life is interesting--- especially when you go out and look for it.
Travis outlined his expected itinerary, but the catch is he has to fly standby. It's apparently part of his retirement package---free, but with hitches. The plan was he would be flying from here to Dallas; from there to Heathrow, and from there to Stockholm.
Friday night I had just stripped out of my clothes and about to put on the nightie when the phone rang. It was eleven p.m. Travis asked if I was in for the night through much static. When I finally figured out he needed assistance I learned he had been to Dallas and was back here. Donning a jumper Plug made a hundred years ago and gave to me when she outgrew it but serves as something I wear in the yard when I have to wear something other than night gown, I returned to the airport to give Travis a ride back home. He was really depressed about the whole adventure which I understood. Lest it sound like I was a big martyr in this scheme, not true. Though I don't live close to the airport, thanks to the freeway, I was back home at 11:45. Moved pretty well for an old lady, don't you think? Travis said he would be back to the computer to try to figure another route.
All through Saturday I kept wondering how he was rerouting and where he might be and hoping everything was working out. Finally, Saturday evening I wrote an email:
From: LIT
Sent: Jun 20, 2009 8:15 p.m.
To: Janie
Subject: PLEASE tell me
when Travis gets to Stockholm. Was the third time the charm?
Also, Janie, let me know if you, or you and Travis, need a ride from
the airport on the 30th. And let me know your air line & flight
number so I can check online to see when you'll arrive. My two
grandchildren from Tx will be here, but they would be delighted to meet
you, and we can handle the drive---day or night. It would be an
adventure.
LIT
Today I was delighted to receive an answer. Here it is:
From: Janie
Subject: Re: PLEASE tell me
Date: June 21, 2009 4:10:36 PM CDT
To: LIT
Reply-To: Janie
Hi LIT,
I am here! Went to LGA and taxied to JFK to catch an 11:30pm departure, but it all worked. I had so little confidence I would actually leave, I drove myself so will incur the tremendous parking fee, but all seems minor compared to the time I lost with Janie here. Thanks so much for the rides and offer of more, but we will have to just drop by to meet the kids.
See you in early July,
Travis
I can't believe he finally made it. J
So, you're wondering why Janie was in Stockholm ahead of Travis. Well, here's the skinny. She was presenting her data to a group of scientists there, and her ticket was paid for by the scientists. She's not really expecting a Nobel prize from this, but they were excited about seeing Stockholm and environs together. I'm excited about having such interesting friends. They also play musical instruments at Renaissance fairs, and their appearance reflects that era. Travis is also as addicted to estate sales as I am, and she is a fantastic cook. Very interesting people.
None of this would have been available to me if I'd stayed in the little town where I retired. There were those who couldn't understand why I'd want to move at that point in my life, especially to a place where I knew no one but one son and one daughter. But I think life is interesting--- especially when you go out and look for it.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
TAKE N. KOREA SERIOUSLY
Seldom do I enter political statements, but sometimes I feel prodded to do so. This time the prod is a vegetable.
As you know I belong to the local orchid society, and we recently visited the greenhouses of one of our members who happens to come from S. Korea. She is married to an American who was in the service there, and I assume is now a citizen since she works at the local Air Force base. They have a son who graduated from high school this year. In addition to the impeccable greenhouses she also had a vegetable garden in the back yard with four cucumber plants growing along the fence. She said they were Korean cucumbers; she had brought the seeds here.
My cucumber plant label said to harvest when the cuke was 3-4 inches long. Well, I was a little over eager, and the one I cut was 2 1/2 inches long. I stand corrected. However, I think you will agree that another half inch would not have made it look anymore impressive.
American cucumber on the left; Korean cucumber on the right. (The Korean cucumber has a very tender skin. No peeling necessary.)
Now if the Koreans are growing cucumbers like this without genetic engineering, etc., don't you think it's time to consider their exploration/building of nuclear weapons very seriously?
As you know I belong to the local orchid society, and we recently visited the greenhouses of one of our members who happens to come from S. Korea. She is married to an American who was in the service there, and I assume is now a citizen since she works at the local Air Force base. They have a son who graduated from high school this year. In addition to the impeccable greenhouses she also had a vegetable garden in the back yard with four cucumber plants growing along the fence. She said they were Korean cucumbers; she had brought the seeds here.
My cucumber plant label said to harvest when the cuke was 3-4 inches long. Well, I was a little over eager, and the one I cut was 2 1/2 inches long. I stand corrected. However, I think you will agree that another half inch would not have made it look anymore impressive.
American cucumber on the left; Korean cucumber on the right. (The Korean cucumber has a very tender skin. No peeling necessary.)
Now if the Koreans are growing cucumbers like this without genetic engineering, etc., don't you think it's time to consider their exploration/building of nuclear weapons very seriously?
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
The Cucumber-Zucchini War
So how many of you were holding your breaths waiting for Jaz and me to admit we knew next to nothing about planting a garden and how it would grow? You could have warned us at the outset that we were embedding those transplants too close together when we still had time to move them. Are you just maniacal? Go ahead and get your "tee-hee-hee's" over with.
However, we will learn from this (as I said at the outset), and we will probably have to provide purple hearts and medals for bravery to the pepper plants and the yellow squash. The tomatoes are also taking a battering from these aggressive plants. This picture is from a couple of weeks ago.
The zucchini has the enormous leaves, and the cucumber is to the left with a little lighter green leaves. The tomatoes are at the back. What you can't see is that the cucumber is stretching out its tendrils to everything around it and growing, and growing, and growing. We'll probably never find all the cucumbers. Anyway, I've had a small harvest. Take a look.
You see a couple of Swiss Chard leaves, parsley, zucchini, oregano, and lettuce (in a pot---not in the garden). I've also had a couple of grape tomatoes ripen. Anyway, that night this was my dinner.
You know what? Michele Obama is quite correct. It does taste better if you grow it yourself.
I am a little concerned about how many times a week I can eat zucchini and how many different ways to prepare it. Good news though. Dogs like zucchini.
More about cucumbers another time.
However, we will learn from this (as I said at the outset), and we will probably have to provide purple hearts and medals for bravery to the pepper plants and the yellow squash. The tomatoes are also taking a battering from these aggressive plants. This picture is from a couple of weeks ago.
The zucchini has the enormous leaves, and the cucumber is to the left with a little lighter green leaves. The tomatoes are at the back. What you can't see is that the cucumber is stretching out its tendrils to everything around it and growing, and growing, and growing. We'll probably never find all the cucumbers. Anyway, I've had a small harvest. Take a look.
You see a couple of Swiss Chard leaves, parsley, zucchini, oregano, and lettuce (in a pot---not in the garden). I've also had a couple of grape tomatoes ripen. Anyway, that night this was my dinner.
You know what? Michele Obama is quite correct. It does taste better if you grow it yourself.
I am a little concerned about how many times a week I can eat zucchini and how many different ways to prepare it. Good news though. Dogs like zucchini.
More about cucumbers another time.
Friday, June 5, 2009
OH, HAPPY DAY!
Because of a need for mailing supplies I dropped in on the local son at work to finagle bubble wrap from him. Achieving that goal I came home to work on the package. The phone rang, and it was my Texas son calling to give me good news. Following that conversation I called the local son to pass along the good news. We celebrated via Ma Bell.
Then I called the D.C. daughter to send the good news even farther. More celebration. Then, guess what! The Illinois daughter called me (really to get D.C. daughter's phone number; I am Information, please), and I got to tell her the good news too.
I got to talk to all four of my children (adults though they are) on the same day. What a great day!
Then I called the D.C. daughter to send the good news even farther. More celebration. Then, guess what! The Illinois daughter called me (really to get D.C. daughter's phone number; I am Information, please), and I got to tell her the good news too.
I got to talk to all four of my children (adults though they are) on the same day. What a great day!
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