Whatcha Doin' - 2022 Showing 701-750 of 1,312

[Shirley]

There’s something really wonderful about watching plants sprout from seeds, and grow successfully. Our Woolworths supermarket has had various collectibles earned by shopping for groceries. The most popular has been little pots of soil with seeds of herbs and flowering annuals. Supposed to be to help encourage children to get into gardening.

[Janice, Moderator]

I hated tomatoes when I was a kid. It wasn't until 8 years ago when I stood in my dad's driveway and feasted off the plants growing alongside the house that I was converted. :)

BTW, I meant to mention that those desert roses sound intriguing.

[Saar The Book owl]

@ Roz: that's a really cool project and super that you want to do the effort and time it takes. Gardening can be so relaxing and I also look everything up before I get started.

@Janice: my tomatoes are now starting to grow too. Last season we didn't had any, because of the wet and cold summer. They need warmth to grow, so the coming week it will be very hot. A little advice for watering tomatoes: tomatoes are lazy and if you water them direclty, their roots won't botter to go very deep in the ground to extract water ( a lot of plants/flowers are lazy). For tomatoes you can put a little plastic plant pot with holes in the bottom, into the ground, near to the stem. Once in a week, you fill the pot to the edge with water and the tomatoe plant will have a bit more effort with extracting his water. Also, as an alternative, you can put a plastic bottle upside down around the stem and the stick, so the morning drops will be caught for the plant. Hm, I hope I've explained it right ;)

I've harvested my first snack cucumbers yesterday :)

[Saar The Book owl]

Shirley wrote: "There’s something really wonderful about watching plants sprout from seeds, and grow successfully. Our Woolworths supermarket has had various collectibles earned by shopping for groceries. The most..."

In Belgium, we have that too. I've got a few collectibles, but I still need to put them in the soil.

[Saar The Book owl]

Gardening can be so rewarding and healthy for the mind. I rent a vegetable garden with my son, but we also have a frontyard and a backyard. I maw the grass not more than 3 times a year. So at the end of May, I maw it the first time and it reaches at my hipes. In the frontyard there is other soil than in the backyard and there we've counted up to 4 different grass sorts. We've got a butterfly bush, which is now above 2 meters, a piris carnivalis (a bush that turnes red when it blooms with a lot of beautiful white flowers. The branches bow heavy under the weight and the bumblebees are loving it), 2 different sorts of lavender, a hortense, a curry plant, and other which I don't know the English name of. We've got also a lot of clover that attracts the bumblebees. Every year I try to be as butterfy and bee friendly as posssible and to see that, is very rewarding.

[Rusalka, Moderator]

I hate mowing too, Saar, so do it very infrequently. Lexx is allergic to grass so it ends up in my bucket more often than not.

I agree about gardening. Massively good for the soul, particularly when thinking about other creatures. I am impressed you have a curry plant in the yard! They are considered pests here and you have to take off the berries and double bag them in the bin, as they will take over everything.

I am about to sow all my bee and butterfly friendly seeds for spring now, as well as the clucker tucker. Last year I noticed my bees loved the dill, zinnas, sunflowers, salvias, berries, oregano, and poppies. Rule of thumb for bees is that they can see blue as they see in ultra-violet. So anything blue like lavender, chicory, salvias, sage, rosemary, etc they will go bananas over. But they are not picky, so anything with nectar and flowers they will love :D Enjoy!!

[Janice, Moderator]

Thanks for the pointers Saar. I'm growing these in containers on the deck. Judy, one of our previous mods, told me that they need to be fertilized if growing in pots, so I've given them a couple of waterings with fertilizer. It's rather chilly this summer so I'm hoping for the best.

I hate mowing the lawn. My neighbor has my lawnmower in his shed as an agreement that he uses it to mow his lawn. He's been mowing mine as well! So great of him! I will give him a gas card as a thank you at the end of the summer. I think I'm getting the lion's share of this agreement since my lawn is bigger.

[Saar The Book owl]

Is Lexx mildly allergic? I understand it can be very difficult when having that. I've got severe hay fever, so gardening and mowing can be challenging. Well, I've got the curry plant a year now and it think he's 5 times the size then when I bought it! But it smells so good and I didn't thnik that it would've survived the winter.

Forgot to mention that I also got a passiflora. Hans accidently broke the stem last summer and because of it's fragility, I thought it would never grow back, but here its is. And I've got a strawberry plant. It survived the winter and is now blooming with strawberries.

It is massively good for the soul. It gives a lot of energy and fullfillment. I've got sunflowers too, but the smaller ones. They are not open yet and I also got a Morrocan minth plant. I think I forget a lot of plants that are growing here.

Yes, that's right about bees and colours. I thought reading somewhere that bumble bees see purple, but I'm not sure.

I've got a lot of birds also in the garden. In the Spring, the chicks leave their nest and we see the coal tit parents show their chicks where they can find their food in the garden. A few years ago I've got a magpie sitting at the windowsill looking inside our house.

[Roz]

Curry plant is a new one for me. But it likes full sun and is drought tolerant. Perfect for where I live now. I'm going to have to check the local nurseries in the fall / spring to see if I can get one to go near my lavender and santolina.

[Christine]

I’m getting my second booster shot this Thursday

[Margo]

Christine wrote: "I’m getting my second booster shot this Thursday"

Good luck Christina :-)

@Roz, we have a heatwave too - thermometer hit 28C (82F) yesterday. Bit of a difference there! Sometimes its good to live in my small, damp, corner of the world. Best of luck with that excessive heat.

Listening to you all talking about you gardens has made me very jealous. Where I lived in the UK we had a very mature garden with every type of berry and plant you could think of, the guy we bought from was a very keen gardener. It was so much fun the first year seeing what popped up! He even left us with a curry plant. It had a very strong smell but it didn't spread at all. Could be the difference in climate?

[Rusalka, Moderator]

Christine wrote: "I’m getting my second booster shot this Thursday"

Twinsies! I'm getting my fourth shot on Tuesday. Thank goodness, as our cases here are skyrocketing.

[Rusalka, Moderator]

Margo wrote: "He even left us with a curry plant. It had a very strong smell but it didn't spread at all. Could be the difference in climate?"

Possibly. Possibly the fact that very few invasive species came in before 200 years ago. Possibly the fact our parrots are insane at eating and pooping any berries they can find. I shall look into it.

That said, I LOVE curry leaves. They make most curries better, and deep fried in oil and sprinkled on top of things (potatoes is a winner) is amazing. I always have a bag of them in the freezer (along with makrut lime leaves, chillies, and fresh tumeric).

[Janice, Moderator]

I understand the 4th shot is only available here for those living in a communal setting like a nursing home for seniors. I should check to see if the regulations have changed.

[Christine]

Thanks Margo and lol your funny Rusalka lol and oh ok Rusalka and I agree with you Rusalka and yeah I know Rusalka and I didn’t know that Janice and that’s a good idea Janice

[Rusalka, Moderator]

Janice wrote: "I understand the 4th shot is only available here for those living in a communal setting like a nursing home for seniors. I should check to see if the regulations have changed."

Lexx had his fourth dose about 6-8 weeks ago as an immunocompromised person. The gov just changed the rules on the weekend for encouranging people over 60 to get a fourth dose, but allowing over 30s to get theirs. I am obviously not first in line for being 9 days out from the announcement, but pretty damn close. So do double check. We are usually behind the times here.

I do not want the bastard, particularly with people catching it and influenza at the moment - either both at same time or one after the other. My colleague knows two (unrelated) super healthy, late 20 year olds who have been out of work for 5 weeks now from a super combo of covid and the flu.

[Janice, Moderator]

Our book club host emailed this morning to say Thursday's meeting is postponed because she has a really bad cold and no energy to host, then proposed Aug 4 or 18 for alternate date. That sounds like a pretty severe cold to me that it requires a 3-5 week delay. Yikes!

[Shirley]

I sympathise with her Janice. I am only just feeling better after a cold that lasted nearly 4 weeks. I had a Telehealth call from the doc because we can’t go to the doctor’s surgery with COVID-like symptoms. I have no idea how the doc could diagnose a cold without a physical examination. I did about 4 RATs thinking it must be COVID.
On a sad note, we had to say goodbye to one of Harrison’s dogs. She had cancer and would not have lived much longer whether she had treatment or not, so we made the decision to have her put down. Lots of tears in our house tonight.

[Janice, Moderator]

I've heard that there is a nasty cold going around, and I'm grateful that she postponed so as to not pass her germs around. I hope she feels better soon.

I checked an apparently, I can book for my 4th booster as long as it's been 6 months. I got my last booster in December, so I think I'm good to go.

[Christine]

I’m not getting my second booster shot today

[Rusalka, Moderator]

I'm so sorry to hear about Harrison's dog, Shirley. It's so very hard. I do understand though, and think you made a very hard choice. I had one dog to the end of life with cancer, and it's just not fun. Thinking of you all.

And also very glad you are still covid free.

Great to hear you can get a booster, Janice.

[Margo]

So sorry to hear about Harrisons dog Shirley. I had to have my little one put to sleep years ago and I still remember it vividly, it was one of the worst experiences of my life. Sometimes it is the kindest thing a person can do though. Hugs.

[Janice, Moderator]

Apparently, my friend couldn't get hers yesterday. She was told you have to be over 70.

The website I read said the western provinces were good to go, but apparently the mandate to provide them hasn't hit the pharmacies yet. I think the government is playing politics.

[Saar The Book owl]

Margo wrote: "Christine wrote: "I’m getting my second booster shot this Thursday"

Good luck Christina :-)

@Roz, we have a heatwave too - thermometer hit 28C (82F) yesterday. Bit of a difference there! Sometime..."

Maybe it's the climate, indeed. My curry plant doesn't spread, but it smells so good!

[Saar The Book owl]

Shirley wrote: "I sympathise with her Janice. I am only just feeling better after a cold that lasted nearly 4 weeks. I had a Telehealth call from the doc because we can’t go to the doctor’s surgery with COVID-like..."

I'm sorry to hear about the dog. My thoughts are with you, Shirley.

[Saar The Book owl]

As from next Monday or Tuesday we will have the heatwave that is hitting Spain at the moment. It will be around 38° and more. I don't look forward to that. I have my garden to take care of, but most of all my animals and especially my horse in the pasture. I need to look how I will get it comfortable for him. Next weekend (not this weekend) I finally be home for 3 weeks from work and I hope we'll have nice weather, no heatwave.

[Shirley]

Thanks for your kind thoughts about Harrison’s dog Toffee. She is very much missed.

[Christine]

I’m so tired of COVID and I’m very sorry for your loss Shirley

[Margo]

Saar The Book owl wrote: "As from next Monday or Tuesday we will have the heatwave that is hitting Spain at the moment. It will be around 38° and more. I don't look forward to that. I have my garden to take care of, but mos..."

It's hitting us from sunday. our predicted temps are only 32C so not as bad as you all but us irish can't take the the heat! I hope your animals don't get too uncomfortable Saar. I think about the animals a lot inthese weather extremes.

@Christine - I'm tired of covid too :-(

[Rusalka, Moderator]

Sounds like the heatwave is going to get you all pretty bad in Europe. Please look after yourselves!!

If you are able to, try and put a bucket of water outside in the shade with a large stick in the water and sticking out of it. There will be so many animals, birds, and insects looking for water who will greatly appreciate it, and for the little ones, the stick will allow them to crawl out if they fall in. As soon as it hits December I leave at least one bucket in my front and back yards for this reason and see all manners of creatures using them on hot days.

[Janice, Moderator]

Rusalka wrote: "Sounds like the heatwave is going to get you all pretty bad in Europe. Please look after yourselves!!

If you are able to, try and put a bucket of water outside in the shade with a large stick in t..."

What a thoughtful idea, Rusalka!

[[deleted user]]

I'm going to a church wedding today and then to the evening do. Luckily it isn't too hot yet. I think it will read 26 or 27 C. Tomorrow we will start the heatwave in the UK.

[Saar The Book owl]

That's a good idea, Rusalka, I already have a bird bath through the whole year, but I will get an extra one.

I'm at work, but almost finished. There are 2 mosquito's under my desk, biting me the whole morning in my legs. I can't stop scratching. The little horrors, haha.

[Peggy]

We also have a bird bath. I see birds use it for bathing and drinking, and I've also seen a cute mouse drink from it, and lately wasps have been using it too. And that's just what I see when I'm outside, I'm sure many more use it. I love having it in our garden :)

[Christine]

I’m so happy that your on my side Margo

[Margo]

@Janice - I had my eye test this morning and I aced the lateral vision part part. They have changed the machine and it is so much easier! That must be the machine that they showed you. Apparently there were too many complaints from HGV drivers losing their licences.

Three years ago I was on the verge of losing my licence. Since then I've been so worried about my peripheral vision. Today, on the new machine, I was bang in the middle of the normal range - go figure! Anyway, I just wanted to set Janice mind at rest - piece of p*@# :-D

[Rusalka, Moderator]

Lol great work, Margo! Glad to hear you passed with flying colours :D

[Janice, Moderator]

Margo wrote: "@Janice - I had my eye test this morning and I aced the lateral vision part part. They have changed the machine and it is so much easier! That must be the machine that they showed you. Apparently t..."

I'm not sure if I mentioned that my driver's license was reinstated. I got the letter from the government a couple of weeks ago. They seemed to base their decision solely on my doctor's report. They didn't mention the driver's evaluation I had, nor did they require anything further - like a road test, or optometrist report. I cancelled the appointment with the optometrist because I just had my eyes checked in December.

I've got a new card with an expiry date of my birthday 2027. I'm thrilled to have it back, but I've lost confidence in driving. I hope that will come back once I'm driving more.

[Sharon]

I am headed to the ortho today for another X-ray to see if my broken ankle is healed enough to come out of this boot. I am taking The Last Flight with me.

[Kristie, Moderator]

That is wonderful news, Janice! I'm sure your driving confidence will return in time.

[Kristie, Moderator]

Good luck at your appointment, Sharon.

[Janice, Moderator]

Good luck at your appointment, Sharon. It would be such a relief to have the boot off, especially in the hot weather.

[Shirley]

Thinking of you all in the Europe, and particularly the UK. I hope you’re all managing to keep cool.

[Saar The Book owl]

@Margo: super that you've passed the test!
@Janice: I'm sure your confidence will turn back. Maybe it needs a bit of time.
@Shirley: the past 2 days were unbelievably hot. We've got lots of rain today and it's about 10°C cooler. The first day we hit the 35°C and the second 40°C But, that's nothing compared with what is happening in South Europe.

[Margo]

@ Janice - super news! I always lose confidence when I haven't been able to drive for a while but it's surprising how quickly it comes back once I'm on the road ;-)

@ Sharon, I hope you escape the dreaded boot! I was in one over xmas and I can confirm that it isn't fun :-(

@Saar - glad you got though it safely. My neighbour is Portuguese and she has been so worried for her family. Thankfully they are safe now but it was a close one.

[Odette]

Also, thinking of you all in Europe and the UK. The heat is very hard to cope with, and here I am complaining about the cold!

Sharon, I hope your broken ankle has healed sufficiently to escape the boot. I had a plate put in several years ago after breaking my leg bone just above the ankle, and had plaster on it to start with, which was terrible. Then graduated to the boot after the operation,

Janice, pleased to hear that your driver's licence has been reinstated. Does not take too long to get your confidence back. My car was at the dealership for 2 weeks waiting for a part to arrive. They very kindly organised a rental car for me to cover that time. After requesting a small sedan or SUV (I live off unsealed roads). I turned up at the Airport and there was an enormous Mitsubishi Outlander (can seat 7 people) waiting for me! Driving home in this large strange car was a great confidence booster!

[Janice, Moderator]

In 2015 Joni Mitchell suffered a stroke from a ruptured aneurysm. It's a different type of stroke that what I had. Mine was a result of clots. Still this performance touched me deeply. I've watched it several times today and cried each time. It's so amazing!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aqGj...

[Sandra, Moderator]

That video is fantastic, Janice. She performed remarkably considering she had to learn to speak again after the stroke. Inspiring. And the song was perfectly chosen.

[Margo]

Wow, that's a powerful performance! Her singing voice hasn't suffered much either.

[Sarah]

I hope everyone is doing well.

That's great to read about your license being reinstated Janice!

I did my farewell boat trip at the weekend. It reminded me of why I loved boatlife so much and at the same time showed me why I was leaving the canal, so a perfect boat trip really. I put an ad up on Facebook today to sell it. Had loads of work done on it over the last few weeks and it is finally ready. I really hope it sells quickly, I can't be arsed with all the viewings lol

Work is going well. Had a few wobbles this week as I've had some difficult patients but my boss and colleagues have been fantastic. They are supportive and encouraging. My boss also said I could make changes where I see fit to ensure I enjoy my job and don't burn out. So that's really great.

I started reading again, a bit more consistently, which I'm really pleased about. Still on the fluff (Mercedes Thompson series) but it feels good. My concentration still isn't what it was but it is definitely improving.