I just wanna say -- the random comments thread

[canuk-gal]

@SparklieBug, Your new garden is going to be delicious. Is there anything you can use to keep the deer away from the garden? Can you plant marigolds around the vegetables? I read somewhere that deer are supposed to hate marigolds and avoid places where they are.

@canuk-gal, A big apartment with a deck sounds wonderful! The deck boxes planted with roses sounds really pretty. I love roses too. What color roses are you going to plant?

I bought the geraniums and ivy for the pots today. I was all happy and looking forward to the planting until I was driving home. Then it dawned on me this is probably going to kill my back.

Can your DH help plant?

I don't know what color roses, yet. I went back to look today after lunch out with a friend and I saw some options. I'll think on it, but I always tend to reds or pink reds.

 

[caf]

I'm just dropping this here. We lost one of our precious dogs last weekend in a traumatic way to congestive heart failure that became acute virtually overnight. Please research the subject if your dog has a persistent cough. Don't be in denial. Log you dog's respiiration at rest. It's a simple indicator. Over 30 is bad. Casper didn't reach that stage until the last 2 days of his life. YMMV all dogs are different. There are lots of treatments to try. He lived 1.5 years with it, but we feel we should have done more. He was on the top medicine all that time. We should have asked more questions and taken it extremely serious instead of just going with "but it's not a problem yet". It's always a problem with that diagnosis and emotional preparation is necessary. Take care.

I’m sorry @lyra. Losing any animal is so painful.

 

[VRBeauty]

Our gardening project of the week;

Our next door neighbor decided to replace their 4-5” cyclone fence with a 6-7” wood fence for more privacy. Paid for the whole shebang themselves, so we ended up with several hundred feet of the back side of the fence. In the picture below we’ve already covered the steel supports with redwood planks, which was in itself a 100% improvement, but it does give you an idea of what it looks like.



Not bad, but not great. My hubby, who loves to let in the light and really doesn't give a fig about privacy, was pretty upset about both the fence and the aesthetics of it. I’m a little more understanding about the privacy thing, but I agree that the fence left a lot to be desired on our side. Fortunately the neighbors spared no expense, and used top-notch materials and construction, putting the back side of the fence to use was an option.

We considered covering it with lattice, which would be a little more in keeping with the Victorian styling of my husband’s house. But the pre-made lattice generally very poor quality unless you make it yourself or get there-molded plastic stuff (uh, no). We ended up getting three pallets of inexpensive pickets, and this is what we’re doing to the fence in the back yard:



I absolutely love it! Because they were inexpensive the pickets are highly variable in about every way, but I think that just makes it all more interesting.

For the front of the house we’re going to play with cutting some pickets down to about four feet, painting them white, and mimicking an actual picket fence against the redwood fence. It’ll be a little quirky but it should look nice next to the house’s white trim… and it should make my hubby’s Victorian heart glad!

 

[SparklieBug]

@SparklieBug, Your new garden is going to be delicious. Is there anything you can use to keep the deer away from the garden? Can you plant marigolds around the vegetables? I read somewhere that deer are supposed to hate marigolds and avoid places where they are.

I've tried: Garlic (powered, and fresh); hot peppers mix (from a nursery); growing marigolds, garlic, chives around the veggie garden. I went out one morning to find that the little shites had eaten the marigolds. LOL! So that theory was disproved by the local deer punks. LOL! The garlic and peppers mix did work, but each time it rained...Had to apply again, and that got spendy.

I also put up a string (with flagging tape on it so it was more noticeable) on the outside of the fence as I'd read that deer like to jump high, not so much wide. So the stakes/string would force them to jump wide and high. That was fine until one of the local punks tripped in it, knocked it down, and then the crew came in and ate...everything.

I wanted to get a BB gun. DH said, No. Then I wanted to get a paintball gun. DH said, No. I wanted to put up an electric fence. DH said, No. Isn't he a stinkin' poor sport?

What *has* worked (oh, please don't let this jinx things!) is putting plastic chicken "wire" around the veggie garden. It's about four feet tall, and kind of prickly to touch. It's quite unobtrusive visually, and as a bonus, it keeps our wild little Jack Russell out of the veggie garden. I'd taken the fence down before the winter, and she took one look at the garden when she first arrived, and dove straight in. Nooope! The fencing went back up, and there has been peace in the garden.

 

[RMOO]

Our gardening project of the week;

Our next door neighbor decided to replace their 4-5” cyclone fence with a 6-7” wood fence for more privacy. Paid for the whole shebang themselves, so we ended up with several hundred feet of the back side of the fence. In the picture below we’ve already covered the steel supports with redwood planks, which was in itself a 100% improvement, but it does give you an idea of what it looks like.



Not bad, but not great. My hubby, who loves to let in the light and really doesn't give a fig about privacy, was pretty upset about both the fence and the aesthetics of it. I’m a little more understanding about the privacy thing, but I agree that the fence left a lot to be desired on our side. Fortunately the neighbors spared no expense, and used top-notch materials and construction, putting the back side of the fence to use was an option.

We considered covering it with lattice, which would be a little more in keeping with the Victorian styling of my husband’s house. But the pre-made lattice generally very poor quality unless you make it yourself or get there-molded plastic stuff (uh, no). We ended up getting three pallets of inexpensive pickets, and this is what we’re doing to the fence in the back yard:



I absolutely love it! Because they were inexpensive the pickets are highly variable in about every way, but I think that just makes it all more interesting.

For the front of the house we’re going to play with cutting some pickets down to about four feet, painting them white, and mimicking an actual picket fence against the redwood fence. It’ll be a little quirky but it should look nice next to the house’s white trim… and it should make my hubby’s Victorian heart glad!

Great solution to an ugly aesthetic problem. Now it can be a pleasant backdrop to your plantings. Could you possibly grow flowering vines next to the fence and let them use the spacing in the pickets to grow up and disguise the fence further?

 

[jeaniefish]

I'm impatiently waiting for the the planter boxes to be finished for the new greenhouse and to make it to the top of the project list of the painters I hired who will paint it the same color as the house and seal the cedar inside with teak oil. She's a cutie patootie greenhouse that could easily convert to a she-shed if I get tired of gardening.

Matata
I love this! Cutie patootie for sure!
Would you mind sharing the source? Was it a kit build? We did that with a garden shed and it turned out really well. Would love a green house too, if it was this charming!
P.S. your yard is gorgeous. We are doing this too, no more grass in backyard, due to the drought.

 

[jeaniefish]

Biggest bribe in US history, right out in the open. It's so big it has wings.
His US AG is a lobbyist(foreign agent) for them so she says it's cool, they pay her, too! Huzzah!


This wasn't a gift. It was a payment.

According to the local news, That” gift” is sitting in a hangar at our international airport. There is a special area for luxury, private planes. My question is..How much is this “free gift” going to cost the taxpayers.( AKA middle class) of our country?

 

[VRBeauty]

Great solution to an ugly aesthetic problem. Now it can be a pleasant backdrop to your plantings. Could you possibly grow flowering vines next to the fence and let them use the spacing in the pickets to grow up and disguise the fence further?

I rather like the clean, contemporary look! But… except for major things like hardscaping and trees, the backyard landscaping tends to be our tenants’ domain! My husband has two on- site rental unit, the studio-sized cottage that was the original building on the property, and a small downstairs studio that he built under the back part of the main house. The tenants have been planting and maintaining the back and side yards since long before I came on the scene. It works pretty well for all involved. I’ve reclaimed the flower beds in front of the house, and I think we’ll be planting something in a patch in the back that we recently cleared of volunteers (privets). We’re considering a multi-trunk, fruiting olive for that area. Very excited about that possibility!

 

[Matata]

Would you mind sharing the source? Was it a kit build?

It wasn't a kit although I had one picked out but was hesitant to pull the trigger because I was worried about complications if it arrived with any damages.

My contractor was between big jobs at the time and he agreed to build it for me using the kit I was considering as a guide and I was able to modify the design to what I wanted. The cost of the custom build was about the same even though I added the concrete slab vs gravel base and cedar lined inside but it's solid and won't blow down like my old one. Here's the kit I was thinking about

Little Cottage Co. Colonial Gable Greenhouse10ft x 12ft

"Grow veggies, fruits, and plants year-round with our Little Cottage Colonial greenhouse kit! Quick assembly, shipped in sections. Free Shipping is included!

homesteadsupplier.com

 

[Matata]

P.S. your yard is gorgeous. We are doing this too, no more grass in backyard, due to the drought.

Oops forgot to say thanks and when we ripped out the grass I had help from a local nursery choosing native plants most of which are drought tolerant and all of which provide year-round food for beneficial insects and birds.

 

[jeaniefish]

It wasn't a kit although I had one picked out but was hesitant to pull the trigger because I was worried about complications if it arrived with any damages.

My contractor was between big jobs at the time and he agreed to build it for me using the kit I was considering as a guide and I was able to modify the design to what I wanted. The cost of the custom build was about the same even though I added the concrete slab vs gravel base and cedar lined inside but it's solid and won't blow down like my old one. Here's the kit I was thinking about

Little Cottage Co. Colonial Gable Greenhouse10ft x 12ft

"Grow veggies, fruits, and plants year-round with our Little Cottage Colonial greenhouse kit! Quick assembly, shipped in sections. Free Shipping is included!

homesteadsupplier.com

Thanks! I’m bookmarking it for future reference..love the upgrades you made. That must have been some wind ,to blow down your old shed!

 

[jeaniefish]

Oops forgot to say thanks and when we ripped out the grass I had help from a local nursery choosing native plants most of which are drought tolerant and all of which provide year-round food for beneficial insects and birds.

We are trying some bird and critter friendly plants too. Also, we have two fountains and a bird bath. The birds and bees love them . Have put some milkweed to encourage butterflies since I love them. We are in the migration path for the monarchs flying down to Mexico.Butterfly migration is such a miracle of nature!

 

[Matata]

love the upgrades you made. That must have been some wind ,to blow down your old shed!

The cedar inside wasn't my idea. My contractor, who retired 2 wks ago and is like family since he basically redid the entire inside of the house, whined and complained that unfinished inside walls would look cheap and "not up to the standard of the house". I explained that it's a greenhouse and doesn't need to look fancy but he wore me down in the end. I'm glad I caved because if it becomes my she-shed in future all I have to do is move in a comfy chair and a wine frig and I'm set

Our old greenhouse was made entirely of the material on the new greenhouse roof. It was a kit. After 3 yrs. the panels kept blowing off in wind no matter how many clips we put in, the roof vents wouldn't fully close which wasted heat in the winter and door kept falling off. Once a year we'd have to tighten all of the bolts and screws because they'd come loose. Too much maintenance but it was affordable at the time we were redoing the backyard.

 

[Matata]

Also, we have two fountains and a bird bath.

Niiiice. We have 3 water features. One near the greenhouse, one out front, and a huge one by the patio. We did the big one 3 yrs ago in an effort to drown out traffic noise as our yard faces a busy street. All the critters love the water features. We even had a fox come by once and we're in the middle of a neighborhood surrounded by busy streets.

Big mama. The awesome person who designed it installed lights and it's lovely at night.

 

[jeaniefish]

The cedar inside wasn't my idea. My contractor, who retired 2 wks ago and is like family since he basically redid the entire inside of the house, whined and complained that unfinished inside walls would look cheap and "not up to the standard of the house". I explained that it's a greenhouse and doesn't need to look fancy but he wore me down in the end. I'm glad I caved because if it becomes my she-shed in future all I have to do is move in a comfy chair and a wine frig and I'm set

Our old greenhouse was made entirely of the material on the new greenhouse roof. It was a kit. After 3 yrs. the panels kept blowing off in wind no matter how many clips we put in, the roof vents wouldn't fully close which wasted heat in the winter and door kept falling off. Once a year we'd have to tighten all of the bolts and screws because they'd come loose. Too much maintenance but it was affordable at the time we were redoing the backyard.

Obviously,you made the right decision! Always listen to the experts!

 

[missy]

“
“I am older and I look like a woman my age. Some mornings, when I look at myself in the mirror I think: “What if I have surgery?” But I always exclude it because surgery is like when they sold feet to women in China, a new consequence of misogyny. If I did I might look 56 years old, but when I'm 76 I'll look 66... It's winning a battle to lose the war. Besides, in the long run, beauty is mostly about elegance and intelligence. I think of Maria Callas, Frida Kahlo, Anna Magnani... At 20 we all look good in jeans and t-shirt. But then, beauty is a matter of style, personality, charisma... You don’t need to hide the flaws, but transform them to be unique. Now I’m no longer trying to be sexy, but finding the best expression of myself. When you are young you have a lot of pressure: work, money, children... But as you get older you feel more free and secure and you do what you want. Nobody talks about how wonderful it is to get old! ”.
Isabella Rossellini, 71 years old

 

[stracci2000]

“
“I am older and I look like a woman my age. Some mornings, when I look at myself in the mirror I think: “What if I have surgery?” But I always exclude it because surgery is like when they sold feet to women in China, a new consequence of misogyny. If I did I might look 56 years old, but when I'm 76 I'll look 66... It's winning a battle to lose the war. Besides, in the long run, beauty is mostly about elegance and intelligence. I think of Maria Callas, Frida Kahlo, Anna Magnani... At 20 we all look good in jeans and t-shirt. But then, beauty is a matter of style, personality, charisma... You don’t need to hide the flaws, but transform them to be unique. Now I’m no longer trying to be sexy, but finding the best expression of myself. When you are young you have a lot of pressure: work, money, children... But as you get older you feel more free and secure and you do what you want. Nobody talks about how wonderful it is to get old! ”.
Isabella Rossellini, 71 years old

I really like Isabella. She seems very kind, wise and down to earth.
As a woman of a certain age, I think this is a statement we can all identify with.

 

[Calliecake]

Oh @Matata, This is beautiful!! The building, the landscaping, EVERYTHING, it’s all beautiful!

 

[Matata]

Oh @Matata, This is beautiful!! The building, the landscaping, EVERYTHING, it’s all beautiful!

Thank you. It's very attractive to snails and weeds both of which I was battling this morning. The weeds are winning for now but the snails were tossed over the fence as snacks for the birds. If they decide to return, they'll be crunched under my shoe.

 

[Calliecake]

Too funny @SparklieBug, Local Punks LOL! I’m glad the plastic chicken wire worked. They really do eat everything. We had a problem with deer when we first moved to our home. I used a few deer sprays but they only worked until it rained and I’m not sure it even worked then. One morning as the sun came up there were 3 deer in the backyard having breakfast. After a couple years they just stopped coming around.

@canuk-gal, I still haven’t planted the plants in the pots. We had my grandniece for the weekend and planting flowers wasn’t on the list of things she wanted to do LOL. DH is going to help me plant them. It’s cold and rain here for the week. I had to laugh when we were out at one of the garden stores, the woman working was listening to DH “suggestions”. In 34 years DH has never made a potted plant arrangement. DH walked away to get something and the woman looked at me and said “I’m so dreading my husband retiring in a few months”. I started to laugh and said it’s really been easy. She said she’s known for months it won’t be easy for her.

 

[missy]

“
LIFE IS SHORT — LIVE IT WHILE YOU CAN.
The morning has barely begun… and suddenly it’s night.
Monday fades into Friday. A whole year disappears in a blink.
Time flies — and people we love slowly slip away...
parents, friends, moments... gone.

And then we realize — we can’t rewind.

So why wait?
Do what brings your heart joy.
Bring light into your grey days.
Cherish the simple things — a laugh, a hug, a sunset.

Don’t keep saving things for "someday."
Because "someday" might never come.
The best parts of life — family, friends, time spent together —
they don’t wait.

Life moves fast.
Health fades.
Children grow.
Parents age.
Dreams drift away.
One day… it's too late to do what we could’ve done.

So do it now. Say it now. Live it now.
Because life is a short journey.
And there’s no going back.

“

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Some nice stuff here! Any takers??

Important Jewels | Dupuis Auctions

Dupuis Auctioneers is very pleased to invite you to enjoy the plethora of delightful treasures that span both contemporary luxury and historical eras, all on offer in the upcoming June Important Jewels Auction. Diamonds can be yours in a variety of shapes and sizes, sparkling with weights of...

auctions.dupuis.ca

cheers--Sharon

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

my favourite crackers have been discontinued
they are a Woolworthe own brand - Woolies is a supermarket in our part of the world
its odd, the other flavours they are keeping

i ordered 20 in the groceries
they just rang up to see if it was a mistake
for some reason i have Gary's phone number on the contacts
he goes
no- i did not order 20 packets of biscuits
da uh
its ok, i got there in time
they are so good i serve them on xmas day

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

i was just out hanging out the washing
due to a failure to understand the fine print i was hanging out a lot of flannels (face clothes), i know i checked the sizes but they must have been mm not cm - yes they were cheap but they said end of line only 2 sets left
i learn my lessons very slowly, see just like the howlite tourquise, the french jet, the Italian and the quartz larima and the fake malachite
thank God i am not buying saphires or rubbies
well i did buy an art deco glass aquamarine & glass peridot ring and the bakealite cherry amber
i am not a cheap skate, i just am hopeful for a bargain as every on else seems to get bargains

 

[Matata]

Update on the greenhouse -- It's finally done. Boxes and dirt were delivered yesterday and I planted everything today. Still waiting for the arrival of the lemon and lime trees. Also introducing Crown Prince Friedrich von Bazil of Gardenstein (that's Freeedrrrrick von Baaaahzil) who is Guardian of the Basil. I call him Baz.

 

[Calliecake]

OMG!!!!! This is gorgeous @Matata. You did a wonderful job. I hope you are as excited about your greenhouse as I am looking at the picture of it. I’m thrilled for you.

 

[MissGotRocks]

Update on the greenhouse -- It's finally done. Boxes and dirt were delivered yesterday and I planted everything today. Still waiting for the arrival of the lemon and lime trees. Also introducing Crown Prince Friedrich von Bazil of Gardenstein (that's Freeedrrrrick von Baaaahzil) who is Guardian of the Basil. I call him Baz.

Very nice!

 

[Matata]

I hope you are as excited about your greenhouse as I am looking at the picture of it. I’m thrilled for you.

Thanks Calliecake. Even though I've had a greenhouse for 6 years, I'm like a kid with a new toy with the new one. I'm leaving town this weekend for a couple of days and put hubby in charge of giving the daily pep talk to the plants to keep them from getting lonely.

 

[Calliecake]

I would be like a kid with a new toy too @Matata. If I lived close to you I’d volunteer to talk to your plants for you while you were out of town. Hell I’d be giddy just being in the greenhouse. For a lot years it was a dream of mine to have one. I was so excited when you got the last greenhouse.

 

[Brigid]

@Matata Oh, I’m so jealous of your greenhouse! I talk to my inside & outside plants and by doing this I’ve developed a green thumb (sounds slightly crazy). We have the land to build one but we’re worried that it wouldn’t work well with our landscaped pool/garden area. Anyway, lucky you with your lovely garden and greenhouse!