What's everybody doing today?

[Peanut]

I had a quiet day. I’ve been trying to identify a species of Trillium that grows in my plant preserve. Yesterday I posted a pic in a southeastern native flora group. Trilliums are easy to recognize (genus). But it can be very difficult to identify which species a trillium is, the differences between them are very subtle.

I was getting great feedback and I had to make a couple of trips down to the bottoms to check the plants for specifics. It’s down to two possible species now. I just have to wait for them to bloom to nail which one grows here. They’ll bloom in 2 or 3 weeks.

I also identified a native species of violets that grow by my bees and the garden. They have a cute little bloom (Viola bicolor). I spent today doing what I find most relaxing and it was productive.

There are 7 different species in the pic… I’m referring to the blue and white blooms with the yellow dot in the center.

 

[The Innkeeper]

@Peanut we call those violas Johnny-jump-ups one of my favorite flowers because they are prolific bloomers and self seeders and pop up in the most unexpected places. They bloom early and are one of the last to stop blooming in the autumn

 

[Peanut]

@The Innkeeper they are also called Heartease... because of their ability to strengthen blood vessels. They are medicine...

 

[musketjim]

Restocked some of our food today, used sales and gift cards given to me and saved quite a bit. Bought some pullet grower chicken feed in damaged section. Don't have any pullets but I'll mix it with regular feed to stretch it out. Bought a can of wet dog food on sale for our puppy, if we weren't getting ready to take a trip I'd have bought a few more cans.

 

[The Innkeeper]

@The Innkeeper they are also called Heartease... because of their ability to strengthen blood vessels. They are medicine...

you are a fountain of knowledge my friend

 

[Sewingcreations15]

Rather and unexpected day here today when the real estate rang up and said we had go remove all of our firewood off the front veranda as an already broken support beam before we came here had broken through. We have around 2 years worth of firewood on there as well as kindling so it is now sitting on the side of house lawn but we did manage to stack all of the kindling under the house so far. We also got all of the bark and laid them as a garden path for one section between the gardens, picked up the wood chips from the veranda and put them into a bucket for the BBQ wood smoker and put finer pieces of bark and debris in a layer under the front stairs as a kind of mulch to stop the weeds coming through.

Needless to say we are exhausted and will continue tomorrow to stack the rest of the firewood under the side of the house that is on the lawn.

The real estate told DH it had to all be done today so a builder could come and repair the veranda. I rang them back and told them it was unreasonable due to my husband's injuries so they have given us till Wednesday. They have now back flipped on letting us keep firewood on the veranda despite giving us permission and telling us to do so previously but I will request that we can keep a little on there so we are not walking down and up constantly during winter to stock the fireplace.

I am not a happy camper let me tell everyone .

 

[gumpy]

Well as of this morning, hubby has trapped and disposed of 1 possum and 3 young skunks who had been coming into the garage and eating all the cat food. We'll keep the live trap up until nothing else goes in. I guess we had a litter of stinkers born close by.
Going to see our grandkids concert this afternoon. It will be our oldest grandsons last high school concert. He's off to college in the fall.
How far are you from Cleveland Gumps?

I'm about 180 miles from Cleveland. I was closer when I lived in Alabama(Hollywood). Y'all have a safe trip!

It is one of those cheaper China lathe/mill combinations (Smithy). It works ok and I bought it new in about 1988-89. I have owned two other lathes in the past but this one is the one I have always used the most and the only one I currently have. It can only handle lengths up to about 22"

I've read the specs on those before. They sound like a good deal! I'd love to have a small outside machine shop, with welding capabilities also. Talk about Gunsmithing! But then I want a woodworking shop also. I just like to build stuff!

 

[Dutchs]

Off to Tampa meetings all day today and tomorrow. Back to work Wednesday for a regular day. Off to Orlando all day Thursday for testing. Friday sit and catch up on paperwork all day. Oh the fun of it all. Gosh I can't wait to retire.

 

[Amish Heart]

What a pain, Sewing Creations. Moving that much firewood is heavy work. It sounds like in Australia you have landlord inspections alot. Not so much here, as I know of.

 

[hiwall]

I've read the specs on those before. They sound like a good deal! I'd love to have a small outside machine shop, with welding capabilities also. Talk about Gunsmithing! But then I want a woodworking shop also. I just like to build stuff!

I have many tools including an arc welder and a gas welder. This summer I will buy a wire-feed welder so I have more options! I also have a wood cutting band saw and a metal cutting band saw along with a table saw and miter saw. And of course my big drill press. Then many hand hand power tools. My wife sometimes thinks I have too many tools
But she has seen me use many different tools just to complete one small project for her.
Worked all afternoon Sunday moving more things from the storage shed into the shop and putting them away. I still have much to do.

 

[NannyPatty]

I had a quiet day. I’ve been trying to identify a species of Trillium that grows in my plant preserve. Yesterday I posted a pic in a southeastern native flora group. Trilliums are easy to recognize (genus). But it can be very difficult to identify which species a trillium is, the differences between them are very subtle.

I was getting great feedback and I had to make a couple of trips down to the bottoms to check the plants for specifics. It’s down to two possible species now. I just have to wait for them to bloom to nail which one grows here. They’ll bloom in 2 or 3 weeks.

I also identified a native species of violets that grow by my bees and the garden. They have a cute little bloom (Viola bicolor). I spent today doing what I find most relaxing and it was productive.

There are 7 different species in the pic… I’m referring to the blue and white blooms with the yellow dot in the center.

View attachment 4887

Peanut, is this the same thing as what's in your pic?

 

[Peanut]

Peanut, is this the same thing as what's in your pic?

Your photo ending in 812 is of Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule). It has the purple bloom and is in the mint family. It is very common in early spring and late fall. It’s mildly medicinal, make a tea out of it and you’ll feel better if you have a cold.

Henbit is in my photo as well but my posts were about the white and blue blooms with the yellow dot in the center, a different plant.

 

[txcatlady]

I retired 3 years ago with 36 years teaching. Husband had quadruple bypass 5 months later and hasn't worked since. I had to go to work and took a job part time as well as cleaning two houses a week. Only allowed 29 hours a week on part time. Since then my insurance has taken a hit. Not eligable for Medicare yet nor will I get social security. Insurance premium went up $200.00 in January. Meds have to be paid 100 percent until deductible met. Filled one in January for $1038.00. I have taken over all bills except house payment of $1331, his truck payment $787 and his auto insurance of $150.. He get a little social security since he was self employed and didn't pay in and a small oil check each month. Combined will not pay his bills and I can't do any more. I subbed at school 1 1/2 days last week. That check won't come til end of March. We are trying to sell our house and 28 acres and move farther back in woods. I don't want to build but buy a double wide. Probably won't live in it 20 years. If permanent it would take a year to build or my girls would have to pay taxes or sell it when we are gone. A double wide could be sold or burned. It will not be put on family land. On a positive note, I have 7 healthy calves on the ground. 4 bulls and 3 heifers. I am tired.

 

[Amish Heart]

Spent a long, long day in the hospital with husband. Another two days there to go, and then back home. Am getting alot of reading done this trip; finished the 2nd Prepper Chicks book. A great plot, but she went a little hog wild with the cussing in this one.
Enjoyed meeting Weedy Garden over Mexican food tonight! We lady preppers are awesome!

 

[user 55]

I retired 3 years ago with 36 years teaching. Husband had quadruple bypass 5 months later and hasn't worked since. I had to go to work and took a job part time as well as cleaning two houses a week. Only allowed 29 hours a week on part time. Since then my insurance has taken a hit. Not eligable for Medicare yet nor will I get social security. Insurance premium went up $200.00 in January. Meds have to be paid 100 percent until deductible met. Filled one in January for $1038.00. I have taken over all bills except house payment of $1331, his truck payment $787 and his auto insurance of $150.. He get a little social security since he was self employed and didn't pay in and a small oil check each month. Combined will not pay his bills and I can't do any more. I subbed at school 1 1/2 days last week. That check won't come til end of March. We are trying to sell our house and 28 acres and move farther back in woods. I don't want to build but buy a double wide. Probably won't live in it 20 years. If permanent it would take a year to build or my girls would have to pay taxes or sell it when we are gone. A double wide could be sold or burned. It will not be put on family land. On a positive note, I have 7 healthy calves on the ground. 4 bulls and 3 heifers. I am tired.

Not to be mean here but I have some questions here.

36 years of teaching where I am at is a lot of money and then some. A house payment of $1331.00? A truck payment of $787.00? Really? Something is out of whack here. I'm not going any further in my comments but it might be time to evaluate what is really needed.

 

[gumpy]

Off to Tampa meetings all day today and tomorrow. Back to work Wednesday for a regular day. Off to Orlando all day Thursday for testing. Friday sit and catch up on paperwork all day. Oh the fun of it all. Gosh I can't wait to retire.View attachment 4894

@Dutchs is getting a short-timers attitude! Lol. Getting anxious for retirement.

I have many tools including an arc welder and a gas welder. This summer I will buy a wire-feed welder so I have more options! I also have a wood cutting band saw and a metal cutting band saw along with a table saw and miter saw. And of course my big drill press. Then many hand hand power tools. My wife sometimes thinks I have too many tools
But she has seen me use many different tools just to complete one small project for her.
Worked all afternoon Sunday moving more things from the storage shed into the shop and putting them away. I still have much to do.

As soon as this house is completed I'm building a small shop. I won't have any metal working tools though. To expensive!. Just some woodworking tools. Don't forget to post pictures when you get set up.

I retired 3 years ago with 36 years teaching. Husband had quadruple bypass 5 months later and hasn't worked since. I had to go to work and took a job part time as well as cleaning two houses a week. Only allowed 29 hours a week on part time. Since then my insurance has taken a hit. Not eligable for Medicare yet nor will I get social security. Insurance premium went up $200.00 in January. Meds have to be paid 100 percent until deductible met. Filled one in January for $1038.00. I have taken over all bills except house payment of $1331, his truck payment $787 and his auto insurance of $150.. He get a little social security since he was self employed and didn't pay in and a small oil check each month. Combined will not pay his bills and I can't do any more. I subbed at school 1 1/2 days last week. That check won't come til end of March. We are trying to sell our house and 28 acres and move farther back in woods. I don't want to build but buy a double wide. Probably won't live in it 20 years. If permanent it would take a year to build or my girls would have to pay taxes or sell it when we are gone. A double wide could be sold or burned. It will not be put on family land. On a positive note, I have 7 healthy calves on the ground. 4 bulls and 3 heifers. I am tired.

My heart and prayers go out for you, your husband, and your family.

 

[Peanut]

A bad day health wise, bad headache all day (symptom), muscles felt like Jell-O (symptom) but I had things to do anyway. What’s the old sayin’? Suck it up buttercup!

I’d been getting pixilation on my tv screen for a few weeks (satellite). Last week I kept getting a blue screen error “Complete signal loss”. I got the satellite box 7 years ago, it was a refurb then. Saturday morning, I had signal loss for an hour so I called tech support.

The service rep thought the sat dish may have moved over 7 years, was misaligned. I thought it was the box on its last legs, we compromised. He sent a tech out this morning to replace my box with the latest, greatest. I really like it already and I haven’t even figured out everything it can do. It has many more capabilities to make watching tv easier like keeping up with the few shows I like to watch. It was $7 a month increase in my bill, I’m okay with that.

The tech was supposed to check the alignment of the satellite dish. As we talked inside the house while swapping boxes, he said he thought the problem was the big water oaks in my yard blocking the signal sometimes.

It’s winter… there are no leaves on the trees. Last summer when there were leaves I didn’t have this problem (can you say “moron”). Anyway, we finished up the paperwork, signed the new 2-year contract.

He went outside. I thought he was going to check the sat. dish alignment. A couple of minutes later I went out to see how he was doing. The only thing I saw was the back of his van pulling out of the driveway.

I learned many things servicing CT’s and MRI’s. One of them is that being thorough doesn’t cost you time… it saves you time! No repeated service calls!

Tonight, there was a big rain storm, with the old box I wouldn’t have been able to get a signal. Tonight, I didn’t even know it was raining until I went out to check on the dog. I'm happy with the new boxes.

I’m really tempted to teach that young punk a lesson in how to properly service equipment…

My day got worse after the kid left, I had to go to the big town for groceries …

My head still hurts… How you feel can really twist your perception of events…

Sorry for my mini-rant, I’m hurting tonight!

 

[gumpy]

A bad day health wise, bad headache all day (symptom), muscles felt like Jell-O (symptom) but I had things to do anyway. What’s the old sayin’? Suck it up buttercup!

I’d been getting pixilation on my tv screen for a few weeks (satellite). Last week I kept getting a blue screen error “Complete signal loss”. I got the satellite box 7 years ago, it was a refurb then. Saturday morning, I had signal loss for an hour so I called tech support.

The service rep thought the sat dish may have moved over 7 years, was misaligned. I thought it was the box on its last legs, we compromised. He sent a tech out this morning to replace my box with the latest, greatest. I really like it already and I haven’t even figured out everything it can do. It has many more capabilities to make watching tv easier. It was $7 a month increase in my bill, I’m okay with that.

The tech was supposed to check the alignment of the antenna. As we talked inside the house while swapping boxes, he said he thought the problem was the big water oaks in my yard blocking the signal sometimes.

It’s winter… there are no leaves on the trees. Last summer when there were leaves I didn’t have this problem (can you say “moron”). Anyway, we finished up the paperwork, signed the new 2-year contract.

He went outside. I thought he was going to check the sat. dish alignment. A couple of minutes later I went out to see how he was doing. The only thing I saw was the back of his van pulling out of the driveway.

I learned many things servicing CT’s and MRI’s. One of them is that being thorough doesn’t cost you time… it saves you time! No repeated service calls!

Tonight, there was a big rain storm, with the old box I wouldn’t have been able to get a signal. Tonight, I didn’t even know it was raining until I went out to check on the dog. I'm happy with the new boxes.

I’m really tempted to teach that young punk a lesson in how to properly service equipment…

My day got worse after the kid left, I had to go to the big town for groceries …

My head still hurts… How you feel can really twist your perception of events…

Sorry for my mini-rant, I’m hurting tonight!

Pain can distort your sense of humor pretty badly!
Praying for your relief, my friend!

 

[TMT Tactical]

Peanut, sorry you are hurting. yes your wellness or moods can and do alter our perceptions, Never talk with me when I have run out of coffee (never happens -- I have a two year supply). The desert will run dry before I run out of coffee. Do you think it is a flu or some type of allergy? Hope what ever it is , it goes away faster than it came.

 

[The Innkeeper]

@Peanut pain has a purpose but chronic pain is an enemy of rest and healing. Praying for relief and healing for you

 

[Peanut]

Thank you all…

@TMT Tactical

@gumpy

@The Innkeeper

22 years ago, I came down with an illness modern medicine can’t cure, just treat a few of the symptoms. The CDC describes it as “debilitating” and “all encompassing”.

Ironically one of the 20 or so major symptoms is that I’m highly sensitive to pharmaceutical medications. I’m the poster child for side effects, that 3-page print out of side effects of meds at WM… I’m it! I’ve had all of them! I can’t take so much as a chemically synthesized aspirin.

Now you know my secret… It’s why I had to learn plant medicine. Fresh plants don’t give me side effects. I treat all my symptoms with plants to good effect but some days… nothing helps.

 

[The Innkeeper]

@Peanut I can’t fully understand your illness as I haven’t experienced it but as someone who has suffered constant pain for nearly 30 years I can relate somewhat to the struggle. I do not have all the side effects you have battled but know how wearying it can get

 

[TMT Tactical]

Thank you all…

@TMT Tactical

@gumpy

@The Innkeeper

22 years ago, I came down with an illness modern medicine can’t cure, just treat a few of the symptoms. The CDC describes it as “debilitating” and “all encompassing”.

Ironically one of the 20 or so major symptoms is that I’m highly sensitive to pharmaceutical medications. I’m the poster child for side effects, that 3-page print out of side effects of meds at WM… I’m it! I’ve had all of them! I can’t take so much as a chemically synthesized aspirin.

Now you know my secret… It’s why I had to learn plant medicine. Fresh plants don’t give me side effects. I treat all my symptoms with plants to good effect but some days… nothing helps.

Wow, that is certainly an incentive to learn herbal medicine. My hat is off to you. Many would have just become a professional victim but you took control of your life and muscled forward. Not sure I could have done as well. Hang in there, hope it all improves quickly.

 

[Sewingcreations15]

@Peanut hope you are starting to feel better now .

 

[Sewingcreations15]

Still raining here and we have had just over 2" of rain over the last 2 days.

So in our wet weather gear down we went to load all of the large firewood under the house and that is now done and we created another bark path on a gushy lawn area along the fence leading from the front yard to the side of the house and have to say it looks pretty good.

In between rest sessions I put on a load of washing in the washing machine and it has now been in the dryer and it will be just about dry and DH has posted a internet sale that we had too.

Tonight's dinner is sausages, eggs and steamed veges and we currently have the fireplace burling too as it is so cold and damp here this evening and the fire will pull out some of the high humidity in the air and warm our wet and cold bones from being outside all day in the rain.

 

[Resto]

Went to town, Dr APT. Sinus Infection, Got Shots. Asked Doc For Cure for "Yellow Fever". He looked at me. I wont tell you what he said. Went to Fave Chinese Eat. Owner Beautiful Female. Knows me. Offers me what she is eating, I accept. Am I married Now? I Hope so. I am Done with This. I AM NOT DOING THIS AGAIN! IS THERE ONE CHINES MALE THAT HAS SOME BALLS ,TO RePRESENT< AND MAKE A COVENENT?

 

[Peanut]

currently have the fireplace burling too as it is so cold and damp here this evening and the fire will pull out some of the high humidity in the air and warm our wet and cold bones

Even a small fire can sooth the soul sometimes… Good for you!

 

[Sewingcreations15]

@Peanut it does indeed sooth the soul and arnica cream on our sore back, knees, legs and arms helps as well after a good work out and a nice warm shower.

 

[txcatlady]

Not to be mean here but I have some questions here.

36 years of teaching where I am at is a lot of money and then some. A house payment of $1331.00? A truck payment of $787.00? Really? Something is out of whack here. I'm not going any further in my comments but it might be time to evaluate what is really needed.

I agree. When we built our house, money was flowing but yes, bad decisions were made. He fell in love with this red dually and had to have it. ( has 3 just like it in boneyard) More money borrowed to buy himself cows and then he borrowed more to buy a bull dozer. It was not my choice and I don't want to sound bitter, but am very disappointed. He has always had money and at one time he was a good manager. Not anymore. We are trying to get out of all of that, but I know that a lot will not be paid off in my lifetime. When he broke his leg, had surgery, had knee replacement and was disabled for 18 months it was a struggle 15 years ago and I paid bills with a credit card. The house started as a barn, then became barn with living quarters and then a house. Our house was paid for that we were living in on his land on other side of county. The new house was near my property and is totally wheel chair available. He sold his cows when he needed money and then borrowed and bought more. He just knew he could make money using the bulldozer ( no trailer to haul it) even though every guy laid off from oil field has a bull dozer now. I can't say I told you so. Every time he mentions Divorce, I am almost relieved. Of course after almost 45 years I have heard it a lot. Here I am venting about personal stuff on a public site. Life insurance wont pay off all the bank notes. My truck and tractor will be paid off in 5 months but wont even pay truck payment if it is not repossed next months. I read on here about people who work together and I think it is great that you can. We can't and don't. He has come to appreciate my pantry now. Except when he finds I can't keep it stocked like I did and he is a little wasteful. Sorry for long explaination!

 

[Meerkat]

I'm about 180 miles from Cleveland. I was closer when I lived in Alabama(Hollywood). Y'all have a safe trip!


I've read the specs on those before. They sound like a good deal! I'd love to have a small outside machine shop, with welding capabilities also. Talk about Gunsmithing! But then I want a woodworking shop also. I just like to build stuff!

Well thats probably cause your so good at it. Still keeping you and Carlyn in thoughts and prayers.