1401. msgreer - Dec. 31, 1998 - 7:32 AM PT
you suggested to talk to my sister who #4 has developed a relationship with..I have. And don't laugh, when I wrote my sister, I even called her and made sure my letter was okay!!!
I didn't want to say anything or go anywhere with sister #4 that may set her off... It's not only me, cp, it is my other sisters also.
1402. ChristiPeters - Dec. 31, 1998 - 7:42 AM PT
msgreer -
I would say you have received sound advice and are following it well. I am happy you have so much loving support from your other sisters and your mother.
If I don't talk to you again, have a Happy New Year!
1403. toonces - Dec. 31, 1998 - 12:35 PM PT
Instead of waiting for us to meet them for dinner for their first Christmas in their new home, my son, his wife and their baby showed up unannounced before dawn on Christmas Eve, dumped snowboards in the entryway and set up camp in font of the TV before I could even vacuum up the cat dirt. They never want to stay in the guest room, they would much rather sleep in a pile in the livingroom/theater pit with the damned television chattering all night.
My Christmas gift was boxes of very nice but unconnected computer components, which my son spent the evening assembling into a very nice computer for me, to replace the laptop he “borrowed” about a year ago. There is still some problem with the modem configuration, but the rest of the system is very nice. I'm looking forward to spending a lot more time working from home this year, as well as taking some online certification courses.
1404. toonces - Dec. 31, 1998 - 12:40 PM PT
The computer also marks a turning point in my family's attitude about my internet use. Until a couple of months ago, all of my family was starting to show concern about the amount of time and attention I was paying to chatting online and had been discouraging me by making it difficult in subtle ways. I could tell I was being discussed, and I actually thought I might be about to undergo some kind of intervention. But I guess not.
1405. Judithathome - Dec. 31, 1998 - 1:34 PM PT
Arky:
I agree that you should not waste money on mixes...unless you need something in an emergency and don't have time to buy all the other stuff. Keep a few mixes on hand for those times but otherwise, be creative and save money by buying in bulk. We love our breadmaker but have slacked off on constant use since I've been watching my carbo intake.
The first year I got mine, tho, I bought this great red onion dip mix from Hickory Farms and used it in a bread with pecans...it was sooooo good and everyone loved it so much that I made loaves for all as xmas gifts. I make very good herb bread, also, and some wicked cheese and green pepper bread. The varieties are limited only by ones imagination where a breadmaker is concerned. (the Red Onion/Pecan bread can be made with Lipton Onion Soup mix if you can't find the red onion mix. Course, it's just Onion/Pecan then...) (g)
1406. Judithathome - Dec. 31, 1998 - 1:35 PM PT
Oops! I forgot:
Happy New Year to one and all!!
1407. seadate - Dec. 31, 1998 - 1:36 PM PT
Judith -
And also for You!
1408. ChristiPeters - Dec. 31, 1998 - 2:35 PM PT
H A P P Y N E W Y E A R
bye
1409. HCaulfield - Dec. 31, 1998 - 2:40 PM PT
Now for the third time have I celebrated my birthday/New Year by eating at a Japanese restaurant, so I guess that counts as a tradition. (The first time was in Las Vegas. It still seems like a dream.)
1410. arkymalarky - Dec. 31, 1998 - 3:42 PM PT
Thanks, Judith. Something I wondered about experimenting with ingredients is the measurements. Ad emphasized exactness of measuring and so did the instructions which came with the machine. Once you've added the basic ingredients can you just add others to it or do you substitute, leaving out some of the flour? I know fruits, eggs, and such will constitute part of the liquid, but what about nuts or the onion soup mix, etc?
I hope everyone has a great New Year.
1411. ScotusAntonovich - Jan. 6, 1999 - 1:27 PM PT
There really is only reason to celebrate the coming of a new year according to the Roman calendar.
Of course, that reason is black-eye peas and hog jowl! Hmm-mmm.
Raise your hand high if you had some as well!
1412. webfeet - Jan. 6, 1999 - 2:49 PM PT
Judithathome,
you are like the blue collar womans answer to Martha Stewart. bravo.
1413. arkymalarky - Jan. 6, 1999 - 3:55 PM PT
I had the peas, but not the hog jowl.
1414. chloel - Jan. 6, 1999 - 7:53 PM PT
Black-eyed peas and greens, among my pals. What else goes so well with champagne?
1415. toonces - Jan. 6, 1999 - 9:55 PM PT
*Everything* goes well with champagne.
So does nothing.
1416. toonces - Jan. 6, 1999 - 11:20 PM PT
Sweet dreams go perfectly with leftover champagne.
Good night!
1417. toonces - Jan. 9, 1999 - 2:09 PM PT
Crap. It's raining on the snow again. Global warming sucks.
1418. toonces - Jan. 9, 1999 - 2:35 PM PT
Aaaaakkkkk!!!! This is my Xmas present, get away, AWAY I SAY!!!! with your violent comupter games.
1419. thoughtful - Jan. 15, 1999 - 8:17 AM PT
Hi everyone. I've proposed this be the new/old House & Garden thread, especially since, if anyone else is like me, I've about had it with holidays.
Hopefully Irv will change the name soon or post a new thread. I've promised a low-fat potato-leek soup recipe, but I'll wait til the thread is official.
Anyone got any suggestions on tracking a leak that can't be found? We have a finished basement and the area of the ceiling under the bathroom was soaking wet. We broke through the ceiling and have a good size 2'x2' hole. Above are some of the old cast iron pipes that lead from the sink to the septic, and nearby is the pipe from the toilet. The sheet rock and tile we tore down were clearly wet. This area has now been open for over 2 weeks, and despite all our looking and probing, everything looks dry and the floor under the opening is dry. We've looked when it rains, when we've flushed, showered, run water in the sink -- all to no avail. The pipes and all look bone dry.
ERRGH! I hate plumbing!
1420. Judithathome - Jan. 15, 1999 - 8:35 AM PT
thoughtful:
I know nothing of plumbing but I know a good idea when I see it and yours about reclaiming this thread for Home & Garden is definitely a good idea. After all, isn't everyday spent in the home or in the garden a holiday of sorts?
1421. thoughtful - Jan. 15, 1999 - 8:43 AM PT
Judith, and the reverse -- aren't holidays usually spent in the home or garden?
Especially since this thread was dying a slow death anyway --it'd been about a week since the last post, so let's stake the flag and
post away!
1422. bubbaette - Jan. 15, 1999 - 8:52 AM PT
Thoughtful
Thanks for the squirrel prevention tips. But I want to hang the bird feeders from the dogwood tree outside my kitchen window (she pouts), since that seems to be where I spend the most time when I'm home these days.
1423. Judithathome - Jan. 15, 1999 - 8:52 AM PT
Okay...my first hint is to Irv:
It's so easy to make a new heading out of the old one; just take the portion "for the Holidays" and twist it around with some pipe cleaners, add a few letters, and viola! you have "and Garden"!!
Trust me, it's easier than you think...and after all, I HAVE been dubbed the "blue collar version of Martha Stewart" elsewhere in this thread. (I chose to take that as a compliment at the time...)
1424. Judithathome - Jan. 15, 1999 - 8:56 AM PT
bubbaette:
Last night my son mentioned red fox urine as a squirrel retardent but I have no idea how you could utilize that info wrt birdfeeders. Nor do I know where one could obtain red fox urine. Or how one would KNOW it was from a red fox as opposed to a grey one.
1425. Ronski - Jan. 15, 1999 - 8:58 AM PT
thoughtful,
Is the water still coming down from somwhere? Or has the area entirely dried up? Could it be that there was water in the area from a particularly bad snow/ice/rain condition that is not likely to repeat for a while? Could water be coming through an exterior wall through capillary action? That sometimes happens only when water is trapped, or dammed up, by a temporary ice or snow buildup, or by a heavy rain hitting the mortar sideways for an extended period.
Could there have been a toilet overflow that another household member failed to acknowledge (not wishing to cause trouble here)?
1426. bubbaette - Jan. 15, 1999 - 9:30 AM PT
Judith
Well evidently the squirrels (aka Tree Rats) can tell the difference.
I'm thinking about investing in a bb gun.
1427. ChristiPeters - Jan. 15, 1999 - 9:44 AM PT
bubbaette -
this is what my Grandfather did to keep cats out of a particualr tree he wanted to put birdfeeders in. Maybe it will work for squirrels, too.
He put a metal band around the tree trunk so the tree couldn't be climbed up from the ground. Since the band remained on the tree for thirty years that I know of and the tree looks fine, it doesn't hurt the tree. The band has to be wide enough and high enough off the ground so the cat/squirrel can't jump past it to climb the tree. This won't work for squirrels if the tree's branches mingle with another tree's branches (or even get within jumping distance of each other). However, it should work if your tree is standing in semi-solitary glory.
bark --> | |
----------------
metal -> | |
metal -> | |
metal -> | |
metal -> | |
----------------
bark --> | |
bark --> | |
bark --> | |
bark --> | |
ground---------------------
1428. thoughtful - Jan. 15, 1999 - 9:48 AM PT
Ronski, it was (is) very wet outside today so I took a look before I left for work and the whole area is completely dry. The leak -- or at least where it appears -- is about 4' away from the nearest outside wall so I doubt it's from the walls. At lunch a buddy suggested the leak may be from around the toilet vent pipe and seeping down to the basement from there, so I'll have to check that further.
But the spots on the ceiling have been there for years. At first, without tearing the ceiling down, we guesstimated it was under the toilet and changed the wax ring, but the watermarks still got worse. We finally decided to tear the ceiling down, but since then, nothing.
I hate plumbing!
1429. bubbaette - Jan. 15, 1999 - 9:48 AM PT
Good idea Christi!
I'll give it a try. Any particular type of metal? Maybe we have some old heating duct.
1430. thoughtful - Jan. 15, 1999 - 9:52 AM PT
ChristiP, I'd be concerned about that band if it's around anything less than a very mature tree. I've seen trees killed by cables wrapped around them. I would suggest, if doing that, that one check at least once a year to see that the band isn't too tight or causing damage either to the tree's growth or insect damage if they get underneath the band.
1431. Ronski - Jan. 15, 1999 - 9:57 AM PT
thoughtful,
Sounds to me like the vent pipe idea is a good one. Good luck.
1432. glendajean - Jan. 15, 1999 - 10:02 AM PT
I think a metal band around a tree, personal story aside, can be quite damaging to a tree, particularly if the band is so tight that it cuts into the tree as it grows.
Perhaps if you expanded the band ever so often, it wouldn't harm the tree. (God it sounds like we're talking about rock and roll).
1433. marjoribanks - Jan. 15, 1999 - 10:06 AM PT
If this thread is going to be occupied, I insist that there be a place to talk about restaurants and food as well.
I have recently discovered the Italian restaurant of my dreams here in NYC, and visited one of Ruth Reichl's new faves (and Danny Meyer new project) and want to write about both.
Hence, I suggest this place be less 'Home and Garden' and more 'Food and Drink'.
1434. marjoribanks - Jan. 15, 1999 - 10:10 AM PT
Best of all, of course, would be a 'neighborhood' thread.
1435. thoughtful - Jan. 15, 1999 - 10:10 AM PT
majori, home & garden *includes* food, recipes, restaurant reviews, sewing tips, laundry care, etc., etc. In other words, anything you'd be likely to see in a H&G mag. Whether it be *more* food or *less* depends solely on the will of the participants.
Post away.
1436. thoughtful - Jan. 15, 1999 - 10:12 AM PT
majori, we've already got the corner as the "neighborhood" thread so I'd prefer to see this one stick to the H&G theme. Otherwise, we'll find the neighbors in here wonder what we're wearing too!
}:-)
1437. Judithathome - Jan. 15, 1999 - 10:13 AM PT
marjoribanks:
In the immortal words of Jean Luc Picard, make it so....I think a Home and Garden thread could very well accommadate Food and Drink, also. Besides, I love hearing about Italian Restaurants!
1438. TheDiva - Jan. 15, 1999 - 10:18 AM PT
Speaking of plumbing (were we?).....
The faucet in my bathroom drips, but only from the hot water line. Any ideas about how to fix it?
1439. marjoribanks - Jan. 15, 1999 - 10:20 AM PT
Well, I will post about the fabulous Da Beco (I've been waiting for a place like this for at least a decade) when I get back from lunch.
1440. bubbaette - Jan. 15, 1999 - 10:22 AM PT
Diva
No, but I'll ask DH -- he can do anything.
1441. TheDiva - Jan. 15, 1999 - 10:24 AM PT
Bubb
I was thinking about you two on my way in this morning....when are Sweetie and I going to get to meet him?
1442. Ronski - Jan. 15, 1999 - 10:29 AM PT
Speaking of home, I've spent the first few days living on the sunny side of Buck Mountain in S.E. New York, and, despite a temperature of 0 degrees F. for 48 hours, the plumbing held nicely. (The local contractor plowed the place three times in less than a week, almost overkill, but much better than never showing up.) The best thing, however, is that the land surrounding the place is of as great a beauty in the dead of winter as when we first we saw it last summer. We are blissfully happy with the new abode. Next effort, getting the satellite dish to work; then into the hot tub (we thought we'd let the weather warm up just a tad). We are somewhat farther from NYC than we originally wanted to be, but any closer and we couldn't afford to have a place like this; and so far, we do not feel any loneliness, just delight. I'll ask some of the locals about squirrel recipes. Oops, wrong thread.
1443. Ronski - Jan. 15, 1999 - 10:31 AM PT
marjoribanks,
And the name of the Italian restaurant? Please do not keep us in suspense. Pasta means life.
1444. thoughtful - Jan. 15, 1999 - 10:45 AM PT
Diva, it depends on the type of faucet you have. There are those with washers and those without. If it's with washers, then the washer needs replacing. If it's a washerless, there are usually cartridges that can be replaced, but they can be expensive. Our kitchen faucet is a single-handled washerless type. I watched while hubby carefully pulled the thing apart, making sure to lay down all the little pieces and parts in order so you can put them back together again. There are little rubber rings and gaskets and things in there. Ours had some junk on it -- rust or whatever from the pipes -- just enough to keep it dripping. We cleaned those parts off, reassembled, and voila, no more leak.
**Caution #1** Before attempting this, be sure to cover all sink openings -- drains and such. They are notorious for swallowing little pieces and parts.
**Caution #2** If you are going to attempt to replace any plumbing parts yourself, a) do the job only when plumbing parts stores are open and b) take the old parts with you so you are sure you are getting *exactly* what you need. Parts is parts to me, but to the folks in plumbing supply, they are very different.
1445. TheDiva - Jan. 15, 1999 - 10:50 AM PT
Thoughtful
I'm thinking it's one with a washer, but then why would it only leak from the hot water line? Very weird.
1446. bubbaette - Jan. 15, 1999 - 10:54 AM PT
Deeve
I don't know, my life is a bit hectic at the moment. In fact, if I don't get the hell off the Fray and get back to work, I'll be at work til midnight tonight.
I *do* know that I'll be back in the NOVA area in Late May/Early June with those Freedom of Information Act seminars we'd talked about. They're coming together nicely with cooperation between local govmt, press assn, broadcasters, Attorney General's office and Assn of Local Government Attornies.
1447. glendajean - Jan. 15, 1999 - 2:45 PM PT
Since we're talking about plumbing. I have a bathroom faucet (off of a pedastal sink)where the core stem is broken. My plumber here went to supply places and couldn't find a replacement. He suggested going with a new faucet. I found a place in New York on the internet that advertised that they could replace almost anything or make a replacement. I eagerly shipped it off, and they quickly returned it with a note scribbled across my letter, "can't supply part."
I assume the faucet is original to the house (built in 1935). I assume at this point I am edging over to making this faucet a hobby (as a handy man friend tells me), but I really would like to keep this set of facets working. Any suggestions?
1448. ScottLoar - Jan. 15, 1999 - 2:50 PM PT
Get and install new faucets, retain old faucets in some quiet corner until you one day discover them and throw them out.
1449. bubbaette - Jan. 15, 1999 - 3:51 PM PT
Scott Loar
Spoken like a true man!
1450. Judithathome - Jan. 16, 1999 - 8:12 AM PT
Scott:
I would add, spoken like a true owner of an older home. We have gone thru phase one of your advice...currently waiting to re-locate the hiding place of the old parts so we can put phase two into practice.
1451. ScottLoar - Jan. 16, 1999 - 9:14 AM PT
There is much worth saving in an older home (our condo was built in 1917), but plumbing sure ain't one of 'em. In one bathroom I retained the 6'6" long tub as it is a genuine rarity that was easily reporcelainized (but not by me! of course, I had a professional do it right), but all cabinetry and plumbing was changed out, and the second bathroom is next to go (I'll keep the clawfoot tub, but everything else goes out the window). The cabinetry in the kitchen was made of common birch badly warped and more heavily painted; it went, saving only the original built-in ice box. The dining room will be completely gutted, even the windows, and replaced with a better design. I say save worthy details that can be saved but be ruthless about plumbing, fixtures past working, and cabinetry of common woods no longer fit for practical use. Save floors by all means, and retain them by not wearing shoes in the house. There is no more disgusting practice than wearing street shoes in one's home; that is a worse sin than leaving an empty toilet roll for guests.
1452. Judithathome - Jan. 16, 1999 - 9:52 AM PT
Scott:
I heartily agree wth you about the shoes...my husband is Hawaiian and we've lived in Japan so we follow the "no shoes in the house" policy.
We inherited the house my father built in the late 40s...it has lovely tiger oak floors and is very well constructed. We opted to keep the knotty pine kitchen cabinets which have developed a gorgeous patina but re-did the tile countertops in black and white. I cook on my mothers Magic Chef stove from the early 50s; it is in mint condition. We had the dining room made larger and the kitchen made smaller (yes, smaller!) and had two lovely corner cabinets made for the dining room where I have an art deco table, chairs, and buffet.
Our home is quite eclectic but it reflects our interests and everyone feels *at home* here.
Our next project is to turn the master bath into a Japanese ofuro, a bath with a soaking tub and a bench built into the wall for the soaping faze of the bath, a drain in the floor so one can rinse off after the soaping, and then soak in the tub...get out and repeat soaping and rinsing. It's ideally suited to "tea for two" !
1453. ScottLoar - Jan. 16, 1999 - 10:49 AM PT
Judithathome, your home sounds inviting and distinctive which, oddly it seems to me, is not common to most modern American home interiors which seem to lack any identifying personality. Our apartment is also often called "eclectic", most definitely reflects our interests, and even occasional visitors find it comfortable. I think you'd feel right comfortable in our living room where my wife has over 15 orchid plants of which 3 or 4 are always in bloom. In Chicago, in the winter, this is no mean feat.
Shoes are never worn inside, and slippers are always just inside the door. There is a dark presence, one black cat, who quickly and quietly removes himself from any room in which there are strangers. We've close friends who've never seen The Cat.
1454. ScottLoar - Jan. 16, 1999 - 10:52 AM PT
Your Japanese tub sounds deliciously decadent.
1455. Judithathome - Jan. 16, 1999 - 11:04 AM PT
Scott:
I know I'd feel comfortable in your home and my husband would most definitely appreciate your wifes orchid growing prowess; his grandfather grew a multitude of orchids in Hawaii, much easier than in Chicago, to be sure, but beautiful anywhere.
We have a Third in our home, too...Klaus, named so because he was obtained on 23 Dec and is part dauschund(?)thus "Santa Klaus" but pronounced like Klaus Von Bulow because he has a Sunny disposition. That is meant to elicit groans from persons who catch my drift but not many do...not even when my dog Klaus smiles in greeting!
1456. Judithathome - Jan. 16, 1999 - 11:10 AM PT
We are hoping the tub will be so...ha! But it will be utilitarian, too, and you've given me a terrific idea...I think I'll have some glass brick put in and some high glass brick shelves upon which I can place some orchid plants! Lots of humidity, at least.
This tub is going to be so wonderful because we are getting to that "age" where the idea of soaking ones bones appeals almost as much as the decadence.
1457. patsyrolph - Jan. 16, 1999 - 11:21 AM PT
JudithAH
Re:soaking one's bones. Long ago when I was a forty year old student nurse I was taught to give bed baths.
I quickly learned that this procedure was an indication of somatic age. Friskier folk would purr at the back rub. Older persons would say "oh, that feels so good" when their feet were immersed in a bowl of warm water.
1458. Judithathome - Jan. 16, 1999 - 11:27 AM PT
patsy:
I hope we have enough friskiness left in us to enjoy both..ha!
1459. jkuzmak - Jan. 16, 1999 - 7:01 PM PT
I live in Pennsylvania where we love our Spring. Inhabitants like to go out and hump among the daffodils.
1460. RyckNelson - Jan. 17, 1999 - 5:20 AM PT
Judithathome,
I'm wondering if you are doing this new idea yourself? That is the glass block. It's quite expensive to have done. One 36" x 72" wall, perpendicular to the main wall either in the shower or for asthetics is between $850 to $1,100 installed by a professional.
I should now, I do the designing for remodels in many, many homes. I've chosen a new career recently. I've gone to a builders design showroom. I run the entire showroom and I help all the clients. We all help walk-ins. We're open to the public.
I just helped a client with her new home. She wanted a glass block wall in her shower which would share the end of her soaker tub/deck. This cost $900 and the price reflects a builders discount to some degree. We low balled it because it was the builders first house, ever. We aimed to please.
1461. RyckNelson - Jan. 17, 1999 - 5:22 AM PT
Properly preparing oneself to do these projects can save hundreds and many times thousands of dollars. I suggest learning how to do it and doing it yourself. BUT, do it right, ask questions of every little silly thing you come accross. If something comes up, STOP and find the answer before proceeding. New mortar is cheap the block isn't.
1462. RyckNelson - Jan. 17, 1999 - 5:25 AM PT
I've forgotten this thread. Man, how could that happen. I guess I thought it had been retired and had never noticed. I'll stop pontificating my insipid innuendo in Iraq and International and stick to what I know best.
But, I'll not stay away from International, just Iraq.
1463. bubbaette - Jan. 17, 1999 - 11:28 AM PT
Eureka!
I've solved my squirrel problem! Inspriation struck at the grocery store this morning when I passed the aluminum pie tins. When I got home, DH drilled holes in the middle of two tin pie plates I never use.
I used steel wire to rehang the feeders and half way down the wire put on an inverted pie plate, knoted the wire underneath it and then hung the feeders another 4 inches or so below that. Now when the squirrels try to jump down onto the feeder, the pie plate dumps them off.
1464. Judithathome - Jan. 17, 1999 - 12:50 PM PT
Bubbaette:
Brilliant! Like they say, necessity is the mother of all invention...you could probably market this idea on Home Shopping Network and make a fortune..ha!
Ryck:
We aren't going to do this ourselves. We've had extensive remodeling work done by some guys who not only did superb work but treated us fairly. Since my father originally built this house, I wanted someone who would respect the integrity of the original design and do what I wanted, not someone with their own preferences.
The guys who are going to do the ofuro are very good and I have complete trust in their abilities...besides, I know their mom!
I know the glass block is quite costly. I'm thinking more in terms of a glass brick window area, with an overhang shelf type arrangement to hold plants. This is all new territory, we're still in the very early planning stages. There is no rush..we plan to live here til they cart us away to the old folks home.
I've enjoyed your posts in other threads so don't give up on them but you will be a great resource for those of us in this thread for sure!
1465. patsyrolph - Jan. 17, 1999 - 1:04 PM PT
Bubaette
Great squirrel solution but I have this mental image of squirrels at play. "Let's all go over to bubaette's place and play on the slide".
1466. Fraaank9 - Jan. 17, 1999 - 1:52 PM PT
Patsy,
Good.I'm glad you are over here in the Garden section of the Fray ( By the way,watch what you step in.I think a neighbors dog paid this garden a visit last night ).
I just want to ask you -- a fellow southern Californian that you are -- a question as to when is the best time to prune dem rose bushes...I have a Double-delight that is still putting out.They're beautiful.
Well ? When do you pull out the shears ?
Frankus
1467. patsyrolph - Jan. 17, 1999 - 2:35 PM PT
Francus:
Oh, roses are a hard call here. I do a lot of "swlective" pruning which means I cut back at random throughout the year. Climbers and roses with old wood I take waaaaay back about now. My garden needs a lot of work at the moment. I'm lucky things are still alive since I keep going away and neglecting it. The good news is I'm currently in my Voltaire phase and intent on making my garden grow.
1468. arkymalarky - Jan. 17, 1999 - 2:54 PM PT
What about getting rose cuttings started? Can anyone tell me how and when? Do I start them in a pot and transplant? I had some given to me last year, but we had puppies(thankfully gone now)that dug them up. Also, is it too early to plant shrubs, esp azaleas?
1469. patsyrolph - Jan. 17, 1999 - 5:00 PM PT
Arky:
awe have totally differnt climates but I suspect th basic rules work everywhere. Take cuttings from new growth and start them in a pot. All new plants need a chance to develop a root system so ground temperature is my guideline for planting. Here I can't successfully plant (except in containers) after April because the ground will get too hot
In Arkansas I'll bet it's "after all danger of frost" and when the soil is not too cold for happy roots to spread. And to think my late husband worked so hard to teach me the simple phrase "I don't know".
1470. arkymalarky - Jan. 17, 1999 - 5:15 PM PT
Thanks, Patsy. I'm thinking about starting my pots in the next two or three weeks so I could transplant them on my spring break, and I was considering taking some rose cuttings and trying to start them very soon. I've also got a lot of transplanting to do.
1471. bubbaette - Jan. 18, 1999 - 6:22 AM PT
Patsy
I don't mind if we maintain the neighborhood playground for squirrels. I like watching them as long as they're not chewing through my birdfeeders. Besides, I spread plenty of seeds for the ground feeders.
I saw a squirrel last week with no hair on it's tail. At first I thought it was a big rat, but it was holding it's cord of a tail right up against it's back with a curl in the end. Since then I've noticed a few other squirrels who look like they're loosing the hair on their tails. Maybe we have some kind of epidemic going around.
1472. bubbaette - Jan. 18, 1999 - 6:24 AM PT
Patsy
I don't mind if we maintain the neighborhood playground for squirrels. I like watching them as long as they're not chewing through my birdfeeders. Besides, I spread plenty of seeds for the ground feeders.
I saw a squirrel last week with no hair on it's tail. At first I thought it was a big rat, but it was holding it's cord of a tail right up against it's back with a curl in the end. Since then I've noticed a few other squirrels who look like they're loosing the hair on their tails. Maybe we have some kind of epidemic going around.
1473. ChristiPeters - Jan. 18, 1999 - 7:27 AM PT
thoughtful Message #1430 - I think that must be what my grandfather did. That particular tree had a band around it as long as I can remember. The band he put around the tree was a thin metal of some type. I recall it having more than one section - as if it been removed and added to over the years.
1474. ChristiPeters - Jan. 18, 1999 - 7:38 AM PT
bubbaette Message #1463 - Not only brilliant, but less expensive and less work than what my grandfather did! You clever, clever woman! (must be the muumuu)
1475. Jonesatlaw - Jan. 18, 1999 - 9:12 PM PT
Arky- are you actually doing this rose thing from taking your own cuttings through planting? Be sure to get rooting hormone for the project. I don't have my rose book with me at the office, but will check when I get home.
As for when they should go out, I'd try to start hardening the cuttings for a least a week. I'd plant according to the batchelor farmer's test. Find a part of the field where ya can't see the road, drop yer bibs and sit down. If it's too cold for your bare-a#* after 4-5 minutes, it's too cold for your plant.
Seriously, check out when the local garden centers are selling their POTTED roses, the ones with current growth, not bare-root, and plant them. Bareroots will just stay dormant if its a little cold, but actively growing roses might suffer.
1476. arkymalarky - Jan. 19, 1999 - 6:23 AM PT
Jones, I don't like to set foot outside in weather under 68 degrees F, so I'll get my husband to do that experiment for me. Can I start them in pots indoors and then transfer them out? My parents have a particular rose that is a beautiful coral color which I simply must have.
1477. Judithathome - Jan. 19, 1999 - 7:04 AM PT
I know this is mundane but has anyone tried those shower sprays...Clean Shower, Daily Shower, etc.? I've bought 2 so far, one for hubbys shower and another brand for mine. I'd be interested in knowing if they're any use or if I just tossed my money twice. Course, I shoulda posed this question prior to buying the first one but.....
1478. Ronski - Jan. 19, 1999 - 7:16 AM PT
Speaking of bathtubs, I once had the pleasure of viewing the first indoor tub recorded in the town of Middlebury, Vermont. (No one was in it at the time.) It was made of wood, and presumably still is, since I don't think anyone would ever rip it out. It was painted white, as so many things in Vermont are. The boards were bent, like the bow of a boat. It was sunken in a kind of cabinet, which was lined with what could be called wainscoting. Very pretty, and it looked comfortable, too.
1479. Ronski - Jan. 19, 1999 - 8:24 AM PT
arky,
Unless you have a very cool room that also gets a lot of light, I think starting rose cuttings indoors is not a good idea. Also, I remember that friends of my grandparents out in Pattenburg, NJ (zone 6, near zone 5) used to start rose cuttings all the time, and would place them out fairly early, under glass, usually a big ol' pickle jar or mayonaise jar.
As Jones points out, rooting hormone is essential. I managed to get an orchid that I thought was close to dead revived with rooting hormone recently.
I would not worry too much about the soil being too cold; roses prefer a moderately cool climate, and we really stress hybrid teas when we grow them in the many parts of this country that have hot summers. Btw, is the coral rose "Tropicana?" It is one of the great standbys.
My favorite hybrid tea rose is 'Silver Shadows.' It is a very pale lavender that is almost white, with a pearl grey cast. It may be related to 'Sterling Silver,' which is truly lavender. I also like 'Smoky,' from Jackson & Perkins, which is a changeable smoky red, sometimes slightly purple, sometimes more maroon or even coral. Then I also like the red "Margaret Chase Smith," one of the Brownell's Sub-Zero roses, and "Medallion,' from J&P, which is a fragrant apricot color. And I like "Patsy Cline," very fragrant and multicolored, but I have not seen it sold or listed in catalogs recently. It may have proven a weak cultivar and was withdrawn.
1480. Jonesatlaw - Jan. 19, 1999 - 9:38 AM PT
Arky- if the coral rose you want to take cuttings from is Tropicana- hack away! It's pretty, its nicely shaped and is tougher than nails. Ronski is right about not starting indoors unless you really want to mess with hardening them off slowly. I forgot that you were in Arkansas, (dopey me) and he's right about heat stress. In Nebraksa we're more worried about cold stress in the early season, but your long season can "wear out" some of the daintier cultivars.
Jackson and Perkins catalogue seems especially good about noting what roses do well in the different climates, not just whether it will survive, but how well and what to watch for. Besides, its a wonderful way to look forward to spring on cold winter nights!
1481. thoughtful - Jan. 19, 1999 - 10:16 AM PT
OK, as promised, here's my low-fat potato-leek soup recipe. Take 3 medium leeks and slice about 1/4" thick (white parts only, discard tops and be sure to rinse well as leeks like to hold dirt). Saute with 2-3 crushed cloves of garlic in 1 Tbls of olive oil. (You can use less oil if in a non-stick pan, though olive oil is good for you anyway.) Saute until wilted. Add 2 cups chicken broth (low-salt if it's a concern) and 3 medium peeled potatoes that have been sliced 1/2" thick. Cover and simmer for 30 min. until potatoes are tender. Pour half of contents of pot into a blender and blend until smooth. You can add 1/4 c. fresh parsley at this point if you wish. Then put in a bowl. (My blender can't hold the whole potful.) Put the rest of the pot in the blender and add 1 c. of skim milk. Blend until smooth and add to the bowl. Stir and adjust seasonings as you wish. I always add freshly ground pepper and dill. Serve warm. Soup is thick and luscious like a cream-based soup, but without the fat and calories. Yum!
1482. Judithathome - Jan. 19, 1999 - 12:18 PM PT
thoughtful:
That sounds great! I just love leeks...I make a mushroom & leek rissoto that is good but it's time consuming. Leeks provide more iron than liver; hard to believe but true. (Perhaps in the interest of science(ha) I should admit I got that from Sophies Choice!)
1483. arkymalarky - Jan. 19, 1999 - 4:06 PM PT
Thanks, guys. I don't know what kind of rose it is, since it was there when my parents bought their house, but it seems to do fine with no attention from them. It's been beautiful the last several days here with highs in the 60s and 70s, so I may just give it a shot this weekend.
1484. Ronski - Jan. 20, 1999 - 6:42 AM PT
arky,
It is likely that the Pacific jet stream configuration will cease at the end of January, with normal winter weather returning for February. This probably has to do with the lingering, though much reduced el nino which has coexisted with a moderate la nina.
1485. thoughtful - Jan. 20, 1999 - 12:17 PM PT
We just put a new motion detector light switch in our kitchen. We had one a while back but it didn't work very well. We'd sit at the table reading the a.m. paper and the light would go out. We'd wave the paper around and still we'd be in the dark. The new one is much better. It seems to pick up our movements well, but doesn't "see" the cat at all. It's a real marriage saver -- I was always yelling at hubby to turn out the light, as I'm the one who pays the electric bill! Now it's on and off only as needed. I love it!
1486. Ronski - Jan. 20, 1999 - 12:32 PM PT
thoughtful,
Don't you know that cats are not of this Earth? Their molecules vibrate at a completely different frequency than those of all other creatures. That is why no sensor will ever detect them.
I have three kitties: Mumsie, Harold and Dexter. I detect them often, especially before dawn when they have decided it's time to ask a biped for breakfast.
Scratching the furniture is their favorite means of communication at this hour for two of them, and my least favorite. These two are overnighting in the laundry room of the new house for that reason. (It's okay; its heated.)
1487. bubbaette - Jan. 20, 1999 - 1:06 PM PT
Ronski
My Lefty kitty sits on my pillow above my head and very gently touches my face with his paw to let me know it's time to get up.
1488. Judithathome - Jan. 20, 1999 - 1:19 PM PT
Bubbaette & Ronski:
I'm not a cat person but can appreciate them, nonetheless.
We have a furry wake-up call, too...my dog Klaus. He stands on my husbands chest and shakes his head while smiling this big toothy grin until my husband gives in and gets up. Then Klaus snuggles up on the bed and goes back to sleep.
Once he nearly gave a house guest a heart attack. He decided our guest needed to get up, nudged the door open, and pulled the old paws-on-chest, toothy grin routine. Our guest screamed in fright, awaking to what he thought was a snarling beast on his chest! All was forgiven later but needless to say, everyone was up early that day.
1489. bubbaette - Jan. 20, 1999 - 1:21 PM PT
Judith
Great story! Klaus knows that you have to train your houseguests or they'll start acting like they live there.
1490. Judithathome - Jan. 20, 1999 - 1:41 PM PT
bubbaette:
Boy, are you ever right! These people were from Greece and stayed with us for 6 weeks!
1491. bubbaette - Jan. 20, 1999 - 1:54 PM PT
Judith
Lefty and Callie have a fairly low tolerance for houseguests. The dog's always happy to see people she already knows, but doesn't relax til they're gone. Lefty just disappears til they're gone. So I couldn't have house guests for six weeks or the cat would die.
1492. Judithathome - Jan. 20, 1999 - 2:00 PM PT
Well, I'm sure that's too much to ask of any cat...and besides, the cat is probably better company than any houseguest bent on staying six weeks....!!!!
We have friends who offer to stay at our house and house-sit Klaus. He's a popular little guy. We even have friends signing on to *adopt* Klaus if anything ever happens to us. Pets certainly enrich ones life, don't they?
1493. Ronski - Jan. 20, 1999 - 2:07 PM PT
bubaette,
I had a very beloved cat named Seacliff (he was from that town on Long Island). He would very gently paw my arm from his place on the floor next to me. Harold and Dexter, the two current critter culprits, used to defer to him as the living wake-up call. When he passed on to his reward (it's been years and I still grieve a bit), Harold and now Dexter decided to use a more heavy-pawed approach, though they are presently paying for it.
1494. bubbaette - Jan. 20, 1999 - 2:09 PM PT
At one time I had a black male cat who was a pet to the neighborhood. In fact, I'm his namesake, since his name was bubba. We had one lady who would bring her little girl by to visit bubba, and one little boy dressed up as bubba for halloweeen (right down to a red coffee lid that said "bubba" on a ribbon around his neck.)
I agree that they enrich our lives, while impoverishing my budget. I just spent $65 for pet food and a couple of toys this weekend. And that doesn't count the vet bills.
1495. Judithathome - Jan. 20, 1999 - 2:14 PM PT
You should have a kennel bill for the 3 weeks you were in Hawaii....
1496. bubbaette - Jan. 20, 1999 - 2:33 PM PT
Ha! I should have 3 weeks in Hawaii!
1497. Judithathome - Jan. 20, 1999 - 2:42 PM PT
Well, I must admit: it was great!!
1498. thoughtful - Jan. 20, 1999 - 3:20 PM PT
Glad to see I spurred all this pet talk with my light switch.
Truly a mystery -- and it's true of cats & dogs I've had -- they know when you're awake. Casimir doesn't dare bother me until I'm up. But how he knows I'm awake is beyond me. A friend of mine noticed the same thing with her dogs. She used to say they heard her eyelids open.
1499. jkuzmak - Jan. 20, 1999 - 5:39 PM PT
I have trained my squirrels to stay off my feeders by shooting the little arrogant little bastards. Any objections?
1500. jkuzmak - Jan. 20, 1999 - 5:40 PM PT
We have come to a very good understanding, the squirrels and I.