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When DH proposed he pulled out a cheap amethyst ring (with an adjustable band!) as a joke. Looking back it was actually pretty funny as I can imagine the look on my face.😵💫 Then he pulled out the real ring. Forty nine years for us in November, and I still have that darn amethyst ring!
Last night I planted Clematis durandii behind the Peony Sorbet I has put in the day before.
In the previous day in another redo bed I also planted a Clematis Multi Blue that I moved from too much shade. Then added a Peony Catherine Fontaine along with 3 each of Pycnanthemum virginianum, Stachys o. Rosea, Achillea p. The Pearl, Penstemon hirsutus & Linum perenne. So happy to have this done.
A whole bunch of native perennial plugs plus 6 native small-ish shrubs (2 Kalmia latifolia, 2 Ceanothus americanus and 2 Itea virginica). It is all for the front yard. Can't wait for spring even though the drought has been hard on some of the shrubs despite watering.
You'll be ok, especially since you took it for a short time. Might take 24 hrs-one week, but probably not longer. There are other treatments for your back if you're still in pain such as massage, acupuncture, tylenol, ibuprofen, or muscle relaxants which would require a prescription. Also heat or ice. Good luck!
It was prescribed to me once, not to reduce pain, though, but for inflammation. It made me very irritable. I had been warned about unpleasant side effects, so figured it would wear off, and it did. Hang in there.
@cyn427 NoVaZone7 We picked up my prescription at our neighborhood CVS and they attached a drug interaction warning for ""elderly patients" but I tend not to read all of the scary stuff because I don't want to anticipate bad reactions. However, this was a warning well acknowledged. I feel like a Zombie.
Aw. That is wonderful.
Pal, your tiny shoes are precious! Especially the sandal.
Mom had saved her red tap dancing shoes, a tad larger than your dad's and falling apart (I think because they were spray painted for recital). I decided not to keep them and no one else wanted. I have my bronze baby shoes, and those of my children. Name plates are on the bottoms of mine, but not theirs.
I purchased these pointe shoes at an antique store and they sit on a night table. Every time I see them, I just think how pretty they are. They belonged to a young girl, as they are not adult size.
Chispa, I thought it was about earth born fossils too. Have you seen the fossilized sand dollars? The one next to it is also a fossil.
Allison, very pretty. Lots of shark/Megalodon teeth hunting in many SW FL beaches. My dental hygienist dives in the gulf for the Megalodon teeth and has found some large and quite valuable ones. I think he sells them to pay for the boat upkeep!
C'mon and take a chance and get-a with this dance -
The Wah Watusi - The Orlons
Time for Part 2, you think?
Know them all and have used them all at one time or another.
Does that make me a geezer - or just a nerd?
“I got no time for the jibba‑jabba.”
Some seem to be old hat, but more recently several have made a real come back. It would be very easy today to create a sentence to include a few of them. For example :
A certain Nincompoop continues to Bamboozle people with his Shenanigans, Malarkey, and Tomfoolery as more are wishing that he would Skedaddle before everything becomes totally Discombobulated.
I like the Chat photos. I especially like that the chair is gone.
It’s a beautiful front hall! Just for a zhuzh I would try an area rug and it would soften noise also. The table/“stool” is really nice but a larger table like AI showed would be more useful (and something to shop for!) If the chair isn’t there to sit on it should go.
I guess in early days there might have been a round table in the center?
Delete their account
Take some ‘magic’ supplement
Try a new beauty product
Make their own dinner
Make their own stink bomb, hornet spray, fish cakes, hot rod.
One thing in your pictures that jumped out at me is the flexible extension on your downspout. The rainwater will collect in that low spot. Not so good unless you like mosquitoes, but maybe you don't have them where you are. I would remove it or run it to the side.
I think your choice between a landscaper and a lawn service (what I assume you are thinking of) is driven by budget. There are some terrific lawn service companies that have very knowledgeable owners/employees. However, if you go that route, I would encourage you to check out other gardens, books, local native plants, online garden plans for your area, so you are able to explain exactly what you want and listen to any other suggestions. Many landscapers with come to evaluate the yard and then they will create a plan which they will run by you for input. Some will let you pay for the plan alone without their installation of the plants. You could also find the Master Gardener program near you. They can also give you guidance.
Whichever you choose, it is always a good idea to get several (three at least) estimates.
If the sprinklers weren't working, the grass dried because it was too dry. You can reseed/resod and water and that will solve the problem. The tree looks lovely and you'll probably want the shade in Southern California. I'd plan to revive the lawn (probably a lawn service will do) and live with the yard for a full year. Then, you'll know if the tree is a wonderful source of shade, allowing you to enjoy your backyard or just too much. You can also get your tree pruned, for more light. Even if you cut down the tree, it will take years before the roots break down and it would be very expensive and/or time consuming to get rid of them.
In my area, gardeners tend to fuss over flower gardens, rather than get yards looking good.
Is there any posibility of changing the stairs to face forward? If you did that it would create planting possibilities on both sides and make a more welcoming entry.
Thanks for the calculator Dave. I work compost from food waste into my soil (arell clay), but this will come in handy for top dressing. I will head to the nursery and calculate how much I need and how much $ I will need.
I’m not asking you to, Tina Marie. No need to apologize for disagreeing. 😊
I live on quite a limited income that has lately become much more limited as prices go up and up, especially health insurance. Whilewhat I have is enough for me needs, I know very clearly that even just a little more money to draw on would make my life easier in so many ways. It would be wonderful not to worry about my 16 year old car needing major work or a set of tires. Or deciding to stay with socks that have seen better days rather than buy new, warmer ones. Or not going somewhere because I don't want to use the gas. Or wearing clothing that looked good on me 10/15 years ago but no longer looks right on an 82 year old. Or having to weigh costs when I buy birthday/Christmas presents for my grandchildren. And worse, dreading rather than enjoying when it's time to buy those gifts for my 2 sisters' 4 grandchildren. (My sisters and I are close, the children are still very young and stopping the gifting is out of the question) And every winter I dread even more keeping the house too cold for this old woman because I just can't afford to keep it comfortable.
I also would like to be able to give more to those in real need through charities.
And yet, I know full well that I am so much better off than far too many. I can still afford to buy decent food. And my health is good enough that I grow and put up most of the vegetables I eat. But still... it means that money is always, always on my mind.
I also don't read posts anymore that focus on what others are doing/buying.
cyn, I don't either. I don't feel envious of how others are spending their money, but I just don't relate/aspire to that anymore. I've reached the point where I'm content to spend time with friends, eat healthy food, walk outdoors, dabble in art projects, and give thanks for all the above.
You all have covered the things money can't buy. I agree with you. I give thanks for a roof over my head, food in my fridge, a decent car to get me from A to B, clean water to drink and for bathing. My clothes are getting a little shabby but I hate shopping more than looking spiffy and being sharply dressed really means nothing to me.
What a thoughtful question, Petalique! For me, having worked so many years in hospitals, especially ER, my good health as well as my family’s brings me so much comfort. And, just sitting out here on our (thankfully covered) back portal. tonight with my Teddy during our first real rain in much too long, watching the mountain and listening to the rain is such a joy! It’s the little things that I especially appreciate.
Oh it's so annoying. I can't get at DH's Rx orders on a phone call. They say I have to fill out a form, but then they can't check to see if the form is there unless they have his permission to access his information!!! Funny. They never have that issue when I go to pay his bill!!
I keep trying to get all bases covered, we have our health care POAs, and yet is seems every time I go someplace else, I run into roadblocks again.
I think I'm going to make a recording of DH saying that I am his wife and he gives his permission for them to share all info with me. That would seem to be the only thing that works. I mean we're ok for now while he can speak for himself, but if that should change, then I'm in trouble. A lot of the time he wants me to do the calls as with his hearing situation, he can't understand a lot of the folks on the phone, especially if they are soft spoken or have an accent.
In my state, you have to be certain to have a Durable Power Of Attorney for Health Care in order for it to remain in effect if the person giving it becomes incompetent. A regular Power of Attorney is only in effect while the giver is competent, only the Durable will be honored. Not sure if this is true in other states but worth investigating. Most places would require a notarized original, not sure a photo would do. If your health system uses MY Chart, it can be entered there. Otherwise, maybe keep in a safe place and be sure someone else knows where and can access it. In case you are both in a car accident or something, or you can’t get home to get it. Good idea to both have back up people with DPOA, too.
...my all girls’ camp required uniforms at dinner, navy shorts and midi blouses with a tartan tie from one’s clan.
Were all the girls at your camp from Scottish or Irish (tartans by county) families?
That is so fun, kswl. My son still keeps in touch with friends from his camp and they have reunions, too. Good memories
Cyn, yes!—such good memories. My daughter went to the same camp for years and also had many wonderful experiences. It’s my hope that Lucy will be a third generation camper there.
Maybe some people don’t like having things delivered to their homes? Sketchy neighborhoods, people steal packages? That’s all I can think of.
J Crew had a LD sale that I think ends tonight. I ordered this cropped cashmere cardigan. The color is called Snow, so I assume it is less pink than it appears here.
and this exciting shirt
and a pink tank top for layering.
And of course I had to order something ”excluded from sale” but it looks so cute I had to have it. It is also cropped, hopefully a good length for me.
I am justifying every purchase this month by saying ”it’s almost my birthday” in my head as I add to cart.
I'd move the TV to the door wall and place the sofa on the long wall (where TV is now mounted). A good edit of things you don't use or need.
Remove all the little decor items, if you are going to include a fresh coat of paint.
Hang the curtain rod at the break point between the wall and ceiling and extend it beyond the window trim (Replace the drapery panels with simple panels the same or similar color to the wall color.
I'd paint the base of the island a color you want to incorporate into the rooms color scheme.
Are the non-white ones all the same variety?
All look extremely close to the house foundation which may develop into an issue at some point but that doesn’t explain why the last one is has a different appearance. Since it is around the corner, is it catching more shade than the others? Or, more moisture? It looks washed out and I see it’s receiving more water during this picture-taking.
Sephia, I grew up in Gladwyne and I suspect someone else here may chime in to say she still lives there. Can't help but love the city and its teams.
I am an Eagles fan and a Phillies fan. My son (lived there until he was 13) and his best friend since the age of 1 are as well. I have a t-shirt: It's a Philly Thing. I think that was created because of the huge celebration by the fans after the Super Bowl (2018 against the Pats or 2025 against the Chiefs-I suspect the latter).
Lily, we are also die-hard Tour de France fans and watch every stage start to finish, then go into withdrawal even though we watch the two other Grand Tour races and all five Monuments races.
My husband watches some of the NFL games if he happens to be at home. I’ll watch, too, as I’m his Yoko Ono. 😉
Tonight I’m watching the Buffalo/Detroit opener as the Bare Naked Ladies will be singing ”O Canada”.
Good luck to Detroit fans!
Good luck to Buffalo fans!
Just had to briefly switch to baseball…DODGERS CLINCHED NL WEST TODAY!👍🏻⚾️👏🏻
The person in the horror movie who opens basement door & starts down the stairs into the dark basement - “don’t go down there….oh, noooo!”
What a pretty house and yard (lots of potential there). I am not in your area, but maybe another flowering small tree in the sunny part behind shaded area on the right in your photo.
I have a hedge of Limelights which I adore, but bear in mind they can reach 8' tall. They also like full sun-unusual for Hydrangeas. Maybe three curving from the mailbox toward the Dogwood and behind where your hostas will be next to the driveway. I am not sure I would center the Limelights on the mailbox, but I prefer plants (and most things) arranged asymmetrically. That is just me.
You have a good space to work with there. Have fun with it.
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Ok...well thanks for that but that's not happening. I get that some on here have unlimited resources, but I don't...and I'm sorry if I was unclear. I'm asking for ideas for other plants to work in that will provide flowers throughout the season.
I think you've done a nice job so far!
As MG said, it would be helpful for us to be able to make suggestions if we knew where you were - zone 7 covers a wide area! We don't need your address, lol, just the general area. For instance, I'm in zone 6 CT between New Haven and NYC.
I also agree with moving out the sidewalk, but I also know how reality affects our gardens. I've been wanting to move MY front sidewalk for 30 years now. :) Barring that, I think I would make the bed between the sidewalk and the street deeper/wider, at least if you want to add plants. I'm really not sure you have much room to add anything else as it is now.
My first thought on seeing your photos is that you need height. I think you've already done a good job addressing that with the trellises. When your clematis grows in and fills the trellises I think it will make a big difference. I also think that was a good way to address the height issue considering the bed along the front is so narrow. Two birds with one stone, and all... And for next year, some nice annual trailers in the window boxes would help soften all that brick too. You could intertwine some annual vines for longer-season color on the trellises too.
You don't need a LOT of height in the front beds (and probably wouldn't want it, as it would hide the bed along the house, but perhaps just some variation in the heights of your plants - some one-footers, two-footers, three-footers, etc. And you've got a start on that with the irises, for instance.
Another thought - how about some evergreens? What does this whole area look like in your winters? I believe liriope is evergreen (I'm not sure as I've never grown it and I'm in a different zone...?) There are lots of wonderful smaller evergreens out there if you want to keep things low. There are hollies and boxwoods that stay at about 3 feet high (although I personally would stay away from boxwoods due to blight issues - hollies are a nice substitute), and some thujas/arborvitaes that get about 2-3 feet tall, dwarf yews, etc. Even one or two of these strategically placed would give you some winter interest. And perhaps some evergreen growers on the trellis... eunonymus? Maybe on one trellis?
For full season color, even edging the front of the beds towards the street with annuals would look great. I line most of my (mostly shade) beds with white impatiens and I feel like it gives some cohesiveness and ties things together, and they are easy and reliable for the most part, and make the beds look decent even when nothing else is really going on. A house in the neighborhood does a similar thing with a split rail fence they have along the street. Daffodils in spring the entire length of the fence, and then annuals - this year it's red impatiens I believe (I drive by so I can't stop to look lol) (the New Guinea ones which usually get bigger) and even this small touch makes it look really pretty as you drive by.
The mention of daffodils reminds me that you can use bulbs to start your early spring season... and also for later season interest, like alliums, as sherrygirl mentioned, or fall-blooming crocus.
Lastly, some garden art maybe? Even just a birdbath might look nice and add some interest.
Good luck and keep us posted. We all love to see before and after photos!
:)
Dee
edited to add - a nice obelisk or one of those pyramidal obelisks with an annual vine would add some nice, eye-catching interest and height without being big and heavy and blocking anything visually, and it wouldn't be permanent if you wanted to move it around or changed your mind. They could be nice elegant metal ones, or I'm thinking of someone here on the forums who has a very lovely garden, and she has three wooden ones which are painted in shades of purple and pink, which look gorgeous in her garden and tie into her color scheme. They really add to the feel and look of a garden and give it color even in winter. Gosh I wish I could remember who it was so you could find her posts.... but anyway, just another thought!
Thanks for these ideas...we're in southeastern PA if that helps.
A not-so-good cook
Really don't like cooking much
Calling take-out now
Sweetened on the vine
Warm, plump, juicy tomatoes
Savored with basil
-that was lunch-
No cookies with lunch
No eating after seven
I weigh in this week!
Very funny. Feels good to laugh for a change.
@rubyclaire YES! that is the one I saw! I'm going to replace mine with yours, if you don't mind, as it's the one I wanted to post. Thank you!
@mtnrdredux_gw the guy watching is pasted in but the water jet is not AI. Take a look at the edited link I posted...Ruby Claire found the video I saw originally and posted it - it's much better than the one I found, so I changed to hers.
@bpath, I think the jet ski is powering the water spout. Take a look at the video again, I reposted the one Ruby Claire found (the one I originally saw but couldn't find again) and watch for the sports car in the background!
Are you set on the cedars? A mix of evergreens would be much more attractive than a line of matching plants. If in the future you lose one, there would be no way to replace it with a matching sized plant.
Agree-your pets, but I would specify dogs. If other person does not like them, I considerate it a deal-breaker, not just an ice-breaker. :-)
Agree with pets and/or family
Your favorite foods and not so favorites
What alcoholic drinks you like
Your crazy friends
Favorite restaurants
Items that are biodegradable need the appropriate environment to degrade, don’t they? Including oxygen? That’s why ventilating and turning or stirring a compost heap or bon is necessary. Landfills compress and the contents don’t have the environment needed to break down.
We like a certain dessert from a nearby grocery store, and it comes in little glass dishes with a plastic lid. Win-Win! We now have over a dozen that we use for fruit, desserts, prep bowls, parties, dipping sauce. But we don’t need more! We haven’t bought the dessert in a while partly for that reason. I have been seeing them at the thrift store now. Like those little glass French yogurt cups.
People interested in responsible recycling, check to see if Ridwell is in your community. Read about their philosophy and what/how they recycle. Every pick up they have a rotating featured hard to recycle item that they have arranged recycling for - from christmas lights to plastic political yard siigns They take plastic bags and food packaging, clam shell boxes that greens come in, plastic bottle lids, small electronics, styrofoam, unwearable textiles, etc. https://www.ridwell.com
edited to add a video link about the multi layer plastics they recycle...I was so surprised at how much of this stuff I accumulate: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1HWVQ1S1hR/
This probably varies from place to place. In the two populated places I spend my time, there are many choices of where to take items not permitted in the general trash pickup stream. Styrofoam is but one example of special waste. Both special waste and hazardous wastes are handled separately and where I am, both kinds are easy and convenient to dispose of properly.
We have the Waterhog mats from LLBean. They come in a few colors. They have lasted forever and have been best for us.
I had a coir mat a long time ago and never wanted another because the coir fibers broke down underneath it. Maybe it was of a cheap quality. (?) For the last five or more years I've been using a half-round rubbery mat that looks like a wrought iron design, likely made from old tires. It's effective and still looks new.