What's everybody doing today?

[Tank-Girl]

My plan for the weekend is to finally get the rest of my firewood under the house and locked away.

I'm trying to build my strength because the effort takes a lot out of me.
After that, if I'm still feeling human I may drag out the whipper snipper and cut my front weeds.
I hit it with blackberry strength glyphosphate and it was scorched earth and then we had rain and it greened up extremely quickly.

 

[Amish Heart]

Working on getting the seeds out of the mammoth head sunflowers. Did four heads and have a gallon zip of seeds drying. A good thing to do while we were watching tv with a tv tray. Showed little granddaughter earlier, and she saw a small bug, and that was the end of that! We have so many mammoth heads right now, that I figure I'll do a few a night.

 

[Bacpacker]

Working on getting the seeds out of the mammoth head sunflowers. Did four heads and have a gallon zip of seeds drying. A good thing to do while we were watching tv with a tv tray. Showed little granddaughter earlier, and she saw a small bug, and that was the end of that! We have so many mammoth heads right now, that I figure I'll do a few a night.

I enjoy sitting under a shade tree shelling beans. shuckin corn, breaking green beans. Reminds me of days with parents and grand parents when gardens came in.

Split work from home and at work part of the day all week. Working out pretty well so far. Use my drive time as my lunch break. More or less home on time. Got in tonight and after supper and clean up the kitchen, I cut up a BIG cantaloupe my dad gave us. Bagged and in the fridge for snaking. Then set up a station to slice up a bunch of ripe maters to dehydrate.
Taking a half day vacation tomorrow to get the wife out of the house for a while, vote, bank, we'll see what else.

 

[Amish Heart]

I never mind doing those shelling, shucking, chopping chores. The mammoth heads are kinda fun to do, too. Neighbor came to visit and brought a few dozen ears of sweet corn.

 

[jishinsjourney]

Cooked breakfast. Started some cashew cheese that we intend to smoke in a few weeks. Went to PT. Came home, did a metric ton of dishes, made lunch, did another metric ton of dishes, got a roof inspection post the sideways-hail, made a call to the insurance company, spent five hours working on the game jam. Bedtime now, I’m beat.

 

[Magus]

Hey! W/B dude, thought we lost you.

 

[zannej]

I did have GIMP many years ago. I just looked and it says nothing about vector design, it is mainly for pictures and images. Thank you though, I appreciate the suggestion. I use the CorelDraw to make vector designs that are needed for clean, crisp lines that have no pixilation. The image that prints on the clear transparencies must have perfect lines or I wont have clean lines when I make the silk screens or print on the shirt. Anything else would give the print a blurry look. I just got my retirement check and when I wake up my Home Depot check will be deposited so I will probably bite the bullet this weekend and buy the new program.

I hope its ok to post this link reviewing software for vector graphics. 10+ Best And Free Vector Graphics Software For 2022

I do like MSPaint. There is a 3D version of it now. Speaking of 3D, I miss having 3DSMax. Got it from my college classes back in the day & it was great. All the subscription stuff is annoying. Even Microsoft Office is now subscription based. $100 a yr. I need to learn how to use Blender. I used Milkshape3D for many years but the creator stopped updating it.

I can't remember if I posted it yet but my desktop crashed on me. It started making crackling noises that I thought was maybe something with the fans when I was using graphics intensive programs. Then I started smelling something like shorted wires or electrical burning. Shut the programs down that used most graphics and it subsided. It was getting the smell again randomly along with the sound. Then the computer rebooted on its own when I wasn't in the room. Started using it again and it froze up. Couldn't shut it down with reset button, nothing was responding on it. I had to turn the manual switch off at the back. Waited a minute & turned it back on. More crackling and bad smell. I then saw smoke coming out of the back of the APC power backup unit. Not sure if something in the PC is shorted and overtaxing the APC (bc its working fine for my fans and laptop) or if the APC is sprocked & can't handle too much power draw or if something is wrong with both of them. Gonna get a surge protector strip to plug in elsewhere and see if it still messes up. I asked my sister if she knows anything about the issue (I'll see if she e-mails back). Her husband knows how to put computers together and just had to replace stuff in his pc because his liquid cooling system ruptured. She's more of a programmer (programmed software for nuclear missiles) so I don't know if she's kept up on the parts.

 

[Magpie]

Son and OH are off to collect turf today, so a weekend of stacking ahead. Once that's done we'll be cutting wood for winter. Yesterday got away from me- decided to mow a few paths, when I got to the fruit bushes I realised how overgrown they were, some of the branches down to the grass, so picked the rest of the gooseberries and blackcurrants and trimmed everything back. A job I won't have to do in the fall now. Picked tomatoes and watered, painted some doors. The place is starting to look a bit better. We put an extension on 16 years ago, and never had the time/money/energy to paint and finish it. OH set up scaffolding to do the gable end today. Heading out to water the outside veg and plan on weeding the flower beds, and setting up more rain collectors- it's a bank holiday here, and it's giving rain on Sunday. Trying to source a sheep for the small paddock so will be ringing around some local farmers.

 

[Tommyice]

I have a day that I'm not working. Can't really call it a day off.

Will be taking Dad to the oral surgeon today. His four front, capped teeth broke off and can't be reattached. He also has bridge work that attached to them. Poor fella only has one of his own teeth still in his uppers. Everything up top comes out today--the good tooth and all 6 of the root stuff left behind from previous dental work. When they remove those they will also be putting in four receptor implants for the full lock in dentures. Needless to say, he asked to be put out for this work.

This afternoon I'll try to get him to sit outside while I mow the lawn and do other garden work.

 

[Pearl]

My day has gone to the dogs, or at least the dog! Bear is up ready to run, so limited activity is going to be a challenge! Starting on his front yard expansion project today. My back does not feel like doing fence work, but it's got to get done while he is recovering. Hubby has my little car in his shop to look at the tranny today. Will probably junk yard another one! Would like to get rid of the front wheel drive piece of crap, but that's probably not happening!! So I'm exhausted and stressed!! Glad I took a few days off after Bear's neutering!!

 

[Pearl]

I have a day that I'm not working. Can't really call it a day off.

Will be taking Dad to the oral surgeon today. His four front, capped teeth broke off and can't be reattached. He also has bridge work that attached to them. Poor fella only has one of his own teeth still in his uppers. Everything up top comes out today--the good tooth and all 6 of the root stuff left behind from previous dental work. When they remove those they will also be putting in four receptor implants for the full lock in dentures. Needless to say, he asked to be put out for this work.

This afternoon I'll try to get him to sit outside while I mow the lawn and do other garden work.

He is blessed to have you!!

 

[Tommyice]

He is blessed to have you!!

Thanks Pearl. We're blessed to have each other. It's just he and I left in the area. My brother is 325 miles away. He does have a cousin around the corner, but she's in her 90's so we look out for her. All of the other family has either left the area or passed away. A lot of my reliable friends have also either moved far away or passed away. I had two really good friends die in the last two years. Neither of them was from Covid but because of Covid.

God doesn't give us more than we can shoulder. He must think mine have extra padding. C'est la vie.

 

[Pearl]

Thanks Pearl. We're blessed to have each other. It's just he and I left in the area. My brother is 325 miles away. He does have a cousin around the corner, but she's in her 90's so we look out for her. All of the other family has either left the area or passed away. A lot of my reliable friends have also either moved far away or passed away. I had two really good friends die in the last two years. Neither of them was from Covid but because of Covid.

God doesn't give us more than we can shoulder. He must think mine have extra padding. C'est la vie.

I know the feeling!!

 

[goshengirl]

@Tommyice, I'll be thinking of your dad today. That's a lot of dental work, and a long time to have one's mouth cranked open, even if he is out for the procedure!

@Pearl, sending support across the miles!

@Magpie, I've got an ignorant question for you - what does OH stand for? I can guess the H, I think, but it's better that I not make assumptions.

 

[Tommyice]

I appreciate the thoughts and prayers.
I think OH means Other Half.

 

[Magpie]

@Tommyice, I'll be thinking of your dad today. That's a lot of dental work, and a long time to have one's mouth cranked open, even if he is out for the procedure!

@Pearl, sending support across the miles!

@Magpie, I've got an ignorant question for you - what does OH stand for? I can guess the H, I think, but it's better that I not make assumptions.

Other half! Not sure what the code was here

 

[goshengirl]

Trying to not be at the hospital. DS is coming into the really rough period now, and it's hard not to be with him, but I respect his need for space. There's a fine balance between needing to know people care, needing their support, and needing space from people because communicating is exhausting at this stage. His brothers will be with him, as well as a friend, and that's enough for today. But I'm going to send his brothers in with a bunch of MegaMillions lottery tickets, just for fun.

So I'm home for the day, and a little discombobulated by that. Not that there aren't plenty of things to do! Just trying to reorient myself.

 

[goshengirl]

Other half! Not sure what the code was here

Oh that makes total sense! I like that one.
I'm not sure what the code is anywhere (because I'm not very forum savvy) - that's why I asked.

 

[Chaosdawn]

@Tommyice That's a lot of work, your poor dad. I hope it goes well.

@goshengirl I'm glad things seem to be going well for you son, it must be so tough for you all.

@Pearl Hopefully he calms down soon but I had the same issue with mine when he was fixed. Vet told me to not let him jump and the second we were home he was jumping all over the couches. lol


So I'm at work now, then I'm swinging by my parents'. Flying out tomorrow to FL for estate stuff then DH and I are driving back up the east coast with FIL's truck and bass boat, which are now ours. Trying to remember everything I need to do and pack. lol Son is staying home to take care of dog since he needs two meds daily and still isn't eating well. Have to stop and get more soft food for son, he's not up to eating real food yet after wisdom teeth were removed. I know I'm going to forget something.

 

[goshengirl]

I know I'm going to forget something.

Even if you do, you'll be fine - there's nothing you can't handle from the road if you need to.
Wishing you safe travels!

 

[joel]

Ordered Cherokee garlic for this Fall.
http://bobbettsgarlic.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=37

 

[UrbanHunter]

I'm off today, went grocery shopping, picked cucs, tomatoes, and squash from the garden. I splurged at the grocery store a picked 2 live rosemary plants, I can kill those things better than anyone I know...

 

[Pearl]

@Tommyice That's a lot of work, your poor dad. I hope it goes well.

@goshengirl I'm glad things seem to be going well for you son, it must be so tough for you all.

@Pearl Hopefully he calms down soon but I had the same issue with mine when he was fixed. Vet told me to not let him jump and the second we were home he was jumping all over the couches. lol


So I'm at work now, then I'm swinging by my parents'. Flying out tomorrow to FL for estate stuff then DH and I are driving back up the east coast with FIL's truck and bass boat, which are now ours. Trying to remember everything I need to do and pack. lol Son is staying home to take care of dog since he needs two meds daily and still isn't eating well. Have to stop and get more soft food for son, he's not up to eating real food yet after wisdom teeth were removed. I know I'm going to forget something.

Dogs don't know they need to be calm! Have a safe trip/adventure! Sure you'll see wet and hot weather!!

 

[Pearl]

Got a long way on the fence project with hubby's help. Tranny is definately shot in the car. Hub is going to hunt a junkyarder tranny! Bear is doing better, he can eat regular again so that helped the mind!! I get to eat something and take a shower while dog face is napping in his crate!

 

[jishinsjourney]

@Tommyice Sending well-wishes for both your dad and you. That’s a rough set of stuff to go through.

Today’s work for me is a second batch of cashew cheese, meant to be turned into “fresh mozzarella” and “cheddar”, and forming the ones that are going to be aged and smoked. Plus PT (I’m so tired of PT) and more game jam. It’s coming to a rapid close and I’ve enjoyed it but I’ll be glad when it’s over. My to-do list has gotten really stacked up.

 

[Amish Heart]

My heart goes out to you Goshen.
Other Half is alot better than what I was guessing. In ham radio it's YL for Young lady, OL for old. Was assuming OH was old husband, ha ha. Sorry.
Animal chores and garden work early today, saw my first cantaloupe. Off to Aldi at the bigger town. I have alot to date and put away now. Neighbor boy Levi is over slip and slidding in the front yard with little granddaughter. Will be going to the little farmers mkt and the amish discount this afternoon.

 

[Bacpacker]

Worked till 11. Went and voted, hit up wifes bank, then looked at a new laptop. Still debating that one.
Grabbed a bite of lunch then headin off to an afternoon matinee. We haven't done that in many years.
Back home and chill out after thar

 

[Neb]

A tree came down across the access path leading to The Ridge.

I opted for the saws-all over the chainsaw because the trunk was levered over the hill and was going to move once I start cutting it up.

The path is clear now.

Since I was there I took walk to what I could see. The 2 English walnuts to the left (see caution tape) were transplanted last winter are hanging in there. The brush in the center will be cleared for the vineyard I have been cloning grape vines for.

Everything is green and lush.

I stopped at the pond to see how it and the springs are doing. Springs running good lily pads starting 5o come up. I didn't spot any of 5he fish but I did see a frog jump in as I approached.

See the garden 2022 thread for updates about the gardens.

Behave!

Ben

 

[Faez]

Going back to the goatheads, I am now a bit confused, for some of the plants have the nasty goatheads developing while the others look similar but have no goatheads. Some of the plants *might* be purslane, but I'm wondering if there are any other similar-looking plants in that family? I don't like using poison (including weed-killer) in my yard, mainly due to the cats, but what about a backpack flamethrower to burn any questionable plants while they're not yet fully developed? I have a lot of questionable plants in the yard that *look* like they might be goatheads, and I don't care about "losing" plants that aren't actually goatheads... I was watering this morning and inspecting more of these plants, and I'm thinking some might be "ringers" for goatheads, but I'd like to burn 'em ALL off just to be sure. I'm gonna look up backpack flamethrowers and see how much they cost... maybe the Depot rents 'em, I'll have to look into that as well. I did identify a few heavy mats of puncturevine which I am going to remove this week, probably tomorrow morning, as they have goatheads galore developing on the vines... I don't want those things multiplying in my yard. I take it the goathead itself is actually a seed pod of some sort? Or are the seeds found elsewhere on the vine? Thanks in advance for any & all info.

Each burr has 5 seeds. If you pull up one plant and the other 4 seeds from the 1 burr haven't sprouted yet, you will have 4 more coming up. Burning does little good even if you rake up the burned plants. If any of the burrs fall off they may still sprout. Also, goatheads can grow from a partial part left of the roots. Unless you get the entire tap root, then pulling alone may be a losing battle. The best way is to hoe them up as they sprout. Don't let them ever make a burr. It may take you 5 years, maybe longer since burrs buried a foot down can sprout even up to 10 years depending on the soil and moisture.

The 5 seed in one burr is why even Roundup sometimes won't kill them unless used double strength. Pulling is by far the safest way if you don't want to disturb other plants around them. If others in your neighborhood have them, then you will be fighting an ongoing battle. The weevils will work if released every year for 7 years and there are enough goatheads to support the weevils. Then all it takes is animals dragging in more burrs and there you go again.

 

[Wingnut]

Yeah, it's a tough plant, and it thrives in a hot & generally dry climate like I have here... but I'm happy with the progress I made today, many of the vines pulled had heaps of goatheads on 'em, still too green to simply fall off, so they made it into the trash bin. I scraped a hundred or more smaller vines (sprouts) at ground level with the hoe, whether they come back or not remains to be seen. Thanks to yesterday's rain, many of the larger vines pulled right up, long taproot and all... so I made a dent in the rather large puncturevine population. Clearly, this is a problem I inherited with the home, the old folks who were here before probably couldn't keep up with the damned vines.

I'm still gonna try burning layers of needles over the 'carpets' of young puncturevines... I have needles galore to burn, so why NOT give it a shot? If the vines are damaged or destroyed to the point where no goathead development occurs, that will surely reduce the overall vine numbers. I'm talking about a lot of young vines, so if I can make a dent in the overall population, I'll be doing alright. Better than just leaving them to explode into even greater numbers next year. Luckily, my timing was good in this endeavor, and I caught the larger mats of puncturevine before the hundreds of goatheads on them were "ripe" enough to fall off... the burrs were still firmly attached to each vine, so into the trash bin they went!

I certainly do NOT want to use Roundup or any other poison on my property if I can help it, no future in that, lol. And I don't want to waste money on a flamethrower UNLESS burning works with the needles... and if it does, I'll probably just use more needles, there's no shortage of those here, including needles from last fall which are still under the trees out back (or to the west). I raked up heaps of needles in February & March to start fires in my stone fire ring out front (east side), and they burned like nobody's business... as long as these needles out back are dry when I torch 'em, they should go up just as quickly. Again, even if I slow or reduce the puncturevine population explosion, I'm ahead of the game, lol.