What's everybody doing today?

[Weedygarden]

Today's funny... We had a panic today.
I was awakened from my noon nap by my wife shrieking:
"HAY SUPER! WE'VE GOT A SNAKE IN THE HOUSE!!!"
I put on my shoes and race into the kitchen thinking... which gun can I shoot in the house.
She is sitting up on the countertop, pointing at the fridge.
On the floor by the fridge is baby garter-snake, maybe 6" long.
I look at her and say: "That's it?". She was dismayed.
I get a paper towel, pick it up, and unceremoniously toss it into the back yard.
I'm her hero!!!

I've had garter snakes as classroom study specimens. When the school year starts, some children are terrified. We cleaned the cages every Friday and anyone who was interested could have a turn holding them. This example helped inner city children get over their fear of anything that moves is scary. But some of these children could never touch a hamster or other furry classroom specimen either.

 

[Neb]

@Neb Here's some info on your lawn tractor. Looks like it's a mid 2000s tractor

https://www.tractordata.com/lawn-tractors/000/1/2/124-john-deere-la130.html
I'm not totally sure but it looks like a model that was made to sell at the big stores like Lowe's and Home Depot. It has a stamped deck and a Briggs motor so it's not quite as heavy duty as the mowers like the Deere 425, but they're still good serviceable mowers. If it works, it's a good find...

Wow!

According to that Spec it may have PTO. I will have to look.

Ben

 

[Peanut]

Ordered a window a/c today, be here next week. My old one is on it’s last legs, thought I’d have to replace it last summer but it hung in there.

This new one is rated for 850sqft, I have 950sqft but the house sits back into a hill, doesn’t need a lot of cooling power. Besides I keep two room closed off, leaving about 750sqft that needs cool air.

Speaking of air… been enjoying all the fresh air the last few days. Mild temps, nice spring breezes.

 

[zannej]

From my experience, the patients who have people visit them frequently tend to get better treatment than ones who don't have anyone to check up on them.

My paternal grandmother liked snakes. She had a pet garter snake that she wore around her wrist like a bracelet. It freaked out the other teachers at school, which she found amusing. Her students thought it was neat.

Yesterday Mom mentioned she wanted some pudding "tomorrow". She thought I forgot but I remembered and made some.

I'm currently trying to get my brain to settle down so I can go get bloodwork in the morning. I'm having a bit of anxiety about it. I don't normally have anxiety over things, but I have a needle phobia and for some reason I'm apprehensive about it. It wasn't even bad the last time I had blood drawn but just thinking about it and waiting is giving me arrhythmia. I hate that my mind gets like this. I was so calm last time and now I'm a ball of nerves. And I forgot to take my meds and need to take them now.

 

[sonya123]

Today's funny... We had a panic today.
I was awakened from my noon nap by my wife shrieking:
"HAY SUPER! WE'VE GOT A SNAKE IN THE HOUSE!!!"
I put on my shoes and race into the kitchen thinking... which gun can I shoot in the house.
She is sitting up on the countertop, pointing at the fridge.
On the floor by the fridge is baby garter-snake, maybe 6" long.
I look at her and say: "That's it?". She was dismayed.
I get a paper towel, pick it up, and unceremoniously toss it into the back yard.
I'm her hero!!!

Our livestock dogs were barking like crazy at something in the goat pasture yesterday. They looked at something on the ground, must be a snake! Was a snake! HUGE black snake about 6 ft . We tried to get it out of the pasture ( because the dogs would bark all day) but the boy took it by the tail, shook it, and ran off with it....husband went after them and put the poor thing out of its misery. We try to only kill rattlers and other poisonous ones

Would you have picked up a 6 FOOT one?

 

[Pearl]

Our livestock dogs were barking like crazy at something in the goat pasture yesterday. They looked at something on the ground, must be a snake! Was a snake! HUGE black snake about 6 ft . We tried to get it out of the pasture ( because the dogs would bark all day) but the boy took it by the tail, shook it, and ran off with it....husband went after them and put the poor thing out of its misery. We try to only kill rattlers and other poisonous ones

Would you have picked up a 6 FOOT one?

Nope!

 

[Patchouli]

Yes, it’s only a black snake. I handled a 4 footer when I was little (4 yrs) in Northern Virginia. 6 footer isn’t too bad. Hope there are more snakes around, good ones. Aren’t you in Northern Virginia? @sonya123
@zannej sorry about the needle phobia. It helps when they’re good at doing it, I hope you get an experienced tech.
@Neb and @Wingnut you guys crack me up sometimes.

 

[snappy1]

Good morning!
I will walk first.
Cook ham and side dishes. I'm making Easter/ Mother's Day dinner today with the ham I bought for Easter.
Nothing else on my list, but...

 

[Pearl]

I managed to actually have a day off again, third Friday in a row!! But ....I am going to run to town and make sure the restrooms in my building are stocked and everything looks ok, playing it safe since there is already a flash flood watch posted for the weekend! Will take Bear with me and run by Tractor Supply for his food and grain for Buddy! Going to do some laundry first! Got a list a mile long, will have plenty to keep me busy later, hopefully some pool float time!!

 

[Spikedriver]

Today's funny... We had a panic today.
I was awakened from my noon nap by my wife shrieking:
"HAY SUPER! WE'VE GOT A SNAKE IN THE HOUSE!!!"
I put on my shoes and race into the kitchen thinking... which gun can I shoot in the house.
She is sitting up on the countertop, pointing at the fridge.
On the floor by the fridge is baby garter-snake, maybe 6" long.
I look at her and say: "That's it?". She was dismayed.
I get a paper towel, pick it up, and unceremoniously toss it into the back yard.
I'm her hero!!!

You must be related to my ex wife. A little bull snake got into their front entry a couple years ago. So, my daughter had to message me about it. Did they kill it? Did they throw it outside?

Nope. They brought it inside and played with it, before gently taking it back out and sending it on its way...

 

[sonya123]

Yes, it’s only a black snake. I handled a 4 footer when I was little (4 yrs) in Northern Virginia. 6 footer isn’t too bad. Hope there are more snakes around, good ones. Aren’t you in Northern Virginia? @sonya123

We are in SW Virginia about hour and a half from Roanoke and I do like snakes. I would not have killed it, but the dog got it and hurt it already. The only ones we kill are usually rattle snakes. I had a pet snake as a kids too, and my daughter had one but it died

I don't think dogs know the difference between poisonous or not when it comes to snakes, all they know is they want it dead and gone....

 

[sonya123]

Waiting on my bread to bake. I am making less than usual because of the weather. Rain, thunderstorms and more rain ( It seems to always be on the weekend now , rained last weekend also

 

[Heartbroken]

Holding you up in prayer, ABR. Now the hard part begins. Glad you got the puppies while you could.
Amish, that is awful about your mom. Sounds like what was going on with my Dad before he passed. They simply plopped a food tray in front of him, no one helped him eat or made sure he was doing ok. I believe even though he was far enough into dementia that he didn't know us, he realized where he was and purposely quit eating. He was only in the home for a month or so, and it was a horrible experience for all of us. I miss him but I'm glad he's not suffering anymore.
Ben I have the same tractor. I've abused it for 20 years after my brother gave it to me used, and it's held up well. Just changed the oil and put two new tires on the front and cut the grass with it last weekend. I've used the poor thing like a brush hog in the fence row. I change the oil, filter, air filter, and fuel filter out once a year. Home Depot used to have all that in a box for 50 bucks, easier to find on Amazon now. A few tips - the deck was not well designed and will choke itself. If you're cutting heavy wet grass you'll need to stop and clear the deck every so often. The deck is also a real PITA to get on and off, so I found the tractor lift jack from harbor freight to be a back saver, I can simply jack it up and easily clean the deck. The deck will also rust out at the two front curves. Replacement spindles are available and can be found with grease fittings. Parts are pretty easy to get; my Husband replaced the ignition switch and the bar that pulls the springs for lifting the deck, and I think it's on it's third set of spindles. The transmission isn't designed to be maintained and is the weak link but you can pry off a grommet on the top of the housing and use a suction pump to remove the fluid and change it, so you can prolong the life a little. The motor is bullet proof, I put old gas in it one and gummed everything up. Took apart what I could reach and cleaned it out, got it running again. Realized later there was still a piece on the workbench, but couldn't figure out where it went so it never went back in and the thing is still running some 15 years later. Yeah, I'm dangerous like that. But if the transmission on yours will go uphill, and isn't growling too loudly, I'd say it's a good investment.

 

[zannej]

Thanks, Patchouli. Intellectually I know its not an issue, but I've had some bad experiences in the past that stick with me emotionally. It's just a nervous thing. The lady who usually takes my blood said she hates having her blood drawn too. She can give injections and take blood but hates when the do it to her. I'm procrastinating on going bc my stomach is not cooperating this morning. I think I'll go over there after they have lunch.

 

[Wingnut]

Non-venomous snakes are good to have around, they help control the rodent population. I don't see many snakes here, except rattlers in the desert, and I just go around 'em or give 'em a moment to skedaddle. Same goes for tarantulas, which are basically harmless unless ya rile 'em... Zen Buddhist principles taught me to respect other life forms, unless it's some venomous critter I don't want near my home & my cats. Even with livestock or fish & game, I try to treat the animals well, and when it's time to kill something, I'd rather do it quickly and be done with it... no suffering.

Today I believe I'll tackle the remainder of the painting project... I was just checking what needs to be done, and I'm actually farther along than I previously thought, I forgot that I went ahead and laid down some Behr topcoat on much of the trim in the smaller bathroom. All I have to do is the area behind the toilet (already primed), and some lower trim and corners which I didn't get to last time. I also have to touch up a few small areas in the master bathroom. I won't bother rolling out the Kilz2 on the floors today, I'll do that this weekend... it shouldn't take long, as I already cut in the edges.

Otherwise, this being Friday, I'm just gonna take it easy and hang out here at the ol' hacienda. Weather is pretty nice, no high winds, just plenty of sunshine. I might BBQ this afternoon or early evening, I never did buy a beef brisket at the store, I opted for a large value pack of chicken and another large Angus London Broil (for sandwiches). I'm gonna buy a brisket later and smoke it with wood chips in the BBQ, I just gotta watch the money, ya know? The way I buy meat is to get whatever is the best value... been doing that for years, and the system works for me, lol. Why change it?

Since I knew I'd be doing some stooping & bending to finish this painting, I had a light breakfast of juice, followed a little later by fresh blackberries. Now I'm having a cold beer, and I'll probably have a couple more before I even get started with the painting, lol. I'm not burned out on the project yet, but there's no point in pushing my luck, aye? I think I can get the job done today, then roll out the floors this weekend, no worries. Even with two coats, those floors wont take long, and I already put down one coat in the master bathroom, many months ago. So that should be an easy task...

 

[sonya123]

Done baking
here is some of my bread, couldn't get it in one photo
Now I still have to package some of it label it and package the pastries I made ( not in photo) . Debating if I should wrap them in foil or put them in sandwich baggies

 

[dademoss]

Watching the occasional showers come down. No playing outside for me, still have a couple things to put in the ground. On the bright side, the roof doesn't leak and the gutters are clean

 

[sonya123]

Thanks, Patchouli. Intellectually I know its not an issue, but I've had some bad experiences in the past that stick with me emotionally. It's just a nervous thing. The lady who usually takes my blood said she hates having her blood drawn too. She can give injections and take blood but hates when the do it to her. I'm procrastinating on going bc my stomach is not cooperating this morning. I think I'll go over there after they have lunch.

I feel for you, every time I have to get my blood drawn they miss 5 times first and I end up with black and blue arms . Ivs in the hospital are the worst. When I cut off half my foot and they had to stitch it back on the freakin IV was the worst part of it
I hate going to any doctor or hospital, any of it makes me have a panic attack. Only thing just as bad or worse is flying
My suggestion if you can, smoke some weed before you go. It does help definitely

 

[LadyLocust]

Done baking
here is some of my bread, couldn't get it in one photo
Now I still have to package some of it label it and package the pastries I made ( not in photo) . Debating if I should wrap them in foil or put them in sandwich baggies

Sandwich bags will sell better

 

[snappy1]

We have termites. Sigh. I have 4 companies to call.
A friend came over and talked to us about treatment. While he was here, he bushogged the edge of our property. We gained about 12 feet all around. I am ecstatic!

I did deliver 4 meals to shut in ladies.

 

[ABR]

Ran a few errands in town and then picked up dog food and chick feed. Got everybody fed and watered. I'm beat now. Gonna rest a bit before I take a shower.

 

[Pearl]

Sandwich bags will sell better

I agree, the visual thing is a selling point!

 

[Wingnut]

Thinking about firing up the BBQ in awhile, as soon as the shadows get a little longer... I'll let the air cool down a bit outside, then rack that yardbird which is marinating in BBQ sauce as I key this post, lol. Should've picked up some ears of corn at the store, but I can live without 'em... honestly, just BBQ'd chicken and some cole slaw sounds good tonight. I have primo salad makings too, but can't be bothered with making salad, lol. Meh, maybe I'll change my mind later, right now I'm enjoying this rest and cold beer after painting... I can always slice some fresh Italian bread and use it with the yardbird, swapping one starch for another, lol. After I eat & water the new plantings, it'll be an early night... maybe watch the rest of 'CHARLEY VARRICK' or read a Western. Probably be sound asleep by 2130 or 2200 hours.

Edit: And now, just to enhance my appetite, I believe I will take a shot of Cuervo agave juice with lime & salt, lol...

If ya don't know what "agave juice" is, see avatar, lol...

 

[joel]

We are in SW Virginia about hour and a half from Roanoke and I do like snakes. I would not have killed it, but the dog got it and hurt it already. The only ones we kill are usually rattle snakes. I had a pet snake as a kids too, and my daughter had one but it died

I don't think dogs know the difference between poisonous or not when it comes to snakes, all they know is they want it dead and gone....

I had a green snake as a child, but my mother said "Let it go, you have enough pets here on the farm, she meant ponies. I killed a rattler snake with a button. I mashed its head flat, & carried it to the house, still wiggling in my bare hand. Today I would have let it go out on the farm, away from anyone.

 

[Spikedriver]

Took my daughter out as a reward for all the successes she has had lately. We went to Jordan Creek mall in Des Moines and she got a book she had her eye on. Then we went to Cheesecake Factory. That was expensive but worth it. Then we got a message from her mom asking to pick up some MSM for her old Appaloosa mare that was having troubles. That horse is 35 years old. So, we cut mall time short and headed over to Fleet Farm. Got the MSM and while there I picked up a card of small pistol primers, a card of small rifle primers, and a box of .224 52 grain match hollowpoints. So all in all, I'd say it was a pretty damn good day!

 

[Amish Heart]

I had plans to stay home and clean, but husband wanted to go into the bigger town to surprise me with flowers he ordered, ice cream to bring home, and a gift card for Tractor Supply. So that was sweet, and we did all that. Did get a bit of cleaning done. Then picked up 400 lbs of chicken feed at our local feed (yesterday was game bird feed). Unloaded and done.

 

[zannej]

Thanks, Sonya. I also have this weird psychosomatic reaction where my hands, arms, and legs hurt if I think about needles or see them. Or think about veins & arteries being stuck with anything. Sometimes it makes my whole body jittery. I hate when I get like that bc it seems so stupid but I can't help it. Weed is illegal here and the one time I was ever exposed to it I got a migraine. I'd be like the one in a million people who has a bad reaction. LOL. Stuff that is supposed to relax me makes me jittery or agitated.

They couldn't take my blood bc they were booked up. I had to schedule an appointment for it and move my appointment back to the 25th. That works fine for me. More time to work on my arm and get my bathroom fixed up so I can take a shower. I may even take a bath when I'm done.

Finally got the nerve up to try the mudding of the cement board. Mixed results. Didn't go as well as I'd liked. Stuff hardened too fast despite having a lid on the bucket. I dropped a bunch of it all over myself (good thing I had coveralls), and it was a hot mess. But I got some of it done and need to work on more of it tomorrow or Sunday. Friend won't be able to come over until Monday so it gives me an extra day or work to get the walls ready for the surround to be glued up.

Good thing I taped the begeezus out of the side of the tub bc I dropped so much mortar on it. LOL.

 

[Pearl]

Home today!! Going to feed all the small critters and get Bear outside one more time before the rain starts again. Spoiled Buddy will wait in his shed until I bring his hay and grain to him!! None of that getting wet stuff for him. Making a big breakfast, cleaning, napping, trimming Bear's nails. Working on my inside to do list!! Hope everyone has a great Saturday!!

 

[Tommyice]

I’m home. Well, I feel like I’m home. I’m at the cabin and listening to the red-winged blackbirds singing as they sway on the cattails. Sun is shining making the lake look like diamonds sparkling. Enjoying my coffee as the dog snores curled up next to me.

that idyllic image I just painted will be shattered shortly when I get to work cleaning the place from it’s winter slumber. First task will be food shopping, visiting my brother and getting some of the spring water from the local spring. Brought 3 WaterBricks up with to add to the Aquatainers already here. The WaterBricks are easier to handle, so I’ll eventually replace the Aquatainers. Next Will be picking up all the sticks that fell during the winter so dad can mow the lawn and start using the strimmer to clean the edges.

 

[dademoss]

Kinda depends on the scatterred showers today. Might go to the local nursery and get some annuals for the "tarp weight" planters and pick up a couple peppers or a tomato plant.