Heather Shrinks in Houston! - Page 30

Zer · 02-19-2009, 07:36 PM

There is a couple in Maine who produce fresh herbs year'round in movable units that allow growth to go on even during winter months. Four Season Farm. Google it for all sorts of info on old-time farming, harvesting year'round.

I'm thinking that it may be possible for anyone to have a protective frame that lets sunlight in while it blocks frigid air. Might be interesting to hunt for online info on winter gardens, on basic frames that an individual can move as needed to protect growth or to work on a plot.

Houston Heather · 02-20-2009, 04:53 PM

I'm going to complain a little first.

Why does Ron say "I don't want to talk" and then, when I have my music turned up, entertaining myself, talk to me? I have to turn off my music, stop typing, go "What?" and listen to whatever it is. He got upset, didn't want to talk, so I started doing my own thing. Then he interrupted me 3 times in 5 minutes.

I asked him "Why do you say you don't want to talk, and then ask me questions?" He had just eaten, had plenty of stuff, I don't know what his motivation was...anyway he got furious. Started shouting at me "Leave me alone". Leave him alone? That's what I was doing!

I don't take the outbursts personally because it's directly related to the head injury... but

Then the salesman just knocked on the door. That's the funny thing about a sales pitch to someone with audio processing disorder. Here's a decent link, but the don't mention FAS, which is a major cause of the disability: CAPD (I have problems 1,2, 4, and 5). So, the guy is standing there. I told him "No thanks".

"It's a great deal... Sunday only... at the end... and then if you.... 26 weeks.....refund.... or keep it going..... pay for school.... if you want you can.... and get it back...."

Say wha?

If he had just said "I'm selling papers." and handed me a price list, I would have "gotten" it.

So, basically he wasted the whole sales pitch 'cause I only get about 1 word out of 3 when someone's "selling" like that.

It was very funny to me. I have to laugh at myself sometimes.

skeopple · 02-20-2009, 05:06 PM

so did you subscribe?

Houston Heather · 02-20-2009, 05:45 PM

Heck no. Newspapers BREED. Uh-uh. Besides, I read it online when I'm in the mood to read the paper. I have to deal with pop-ups and banner ads but it's a lot better than papers everywhere. I can barely keep up with the junk mail.

I am trying to tell Ron it is very hurtful when he complains about "How difficult" it is to deal with my disability. I don't complain about his! He says that because he feels it is that difficult, he's "entitled". Then I told him, I feel like it's all one way me, accommodating you. That you can complain, criticize me, talk about whatever you want, even if it is depressing or makes me uncomfortable, but I'm not "allowed" to complaing, but if I want to talk about something that interests me or a gripe, you shut me down. He has a very bad habit of interrupting and saying "That's not true". My parting shot of "I have a better time when you aren't around so please leave me alone!" said it all.

I'm not OhGodMyMarriageIsOver but it's just an ongoing issue. He can be selfish. I know that. I keep telling him, if you hate my disability so much you didn't have to marry me. You knew about it when we got married, and I even told him I'd call it off if he wasn't 1000% sure he wanted to commit to me, and my disability, for life. A couple months later...

I was actually pretty calm about it. I raised my voice, especially when telling him to leave me alone, but he was all "Why can't you be nice to me?" I said, "That's what I do all day long." I'm leaving it up to God.

I can't change him.

Enough complaining. I know what you want. You want GARDEN PHOTOS!

Houston Heather · 02-20-2009, 05:52 PM

Link to all photos and captions: Today's garden photos

You can double-click to make them bigger.

Zer · 02-21-2009, 01:18 AM

What if you and your partner use a timer when you need to talk about stuff that is "difficult"? Say you get 15mins to say what is important to you, then he gets time to respond. Then you both break and give it a rest. Would that work for a start on you getting equal time after you have done a day's work and been a faithful employee and companion?

Once you are home and wearing your wife hat, maybe your partner can find a husband hat that reminds him he vowed to be a supporter for you - just as you are a supporter for him in a lifelong marriage.

It might even help if you knit him a Hubby Hat he can wear when he's willing to be the man you married (for better or worse, not for worse and worser). Eh?

Houston Heather · 02-21-2009, 08:39 AM

You're going to love this, Zer.

The cats have a way of letting Ron know when he's a butt. They'll bring him dead rats, toads, etc. Last night Bubba puked outside Ron's door and Ron stepped in it.

I shouldn't laugh, but the cursing woke me up.

"Go to sleep, Heather! I'm OK! [muttered curses]". I took him at his word and went back to sleep.

This morning, the evidence was clear. Cat puke with a footprint in the middle of it.

I cleaned it up. I gave Frosty some canned food, but locked Bubba away from it. I think the moth he ate last night upset his tummy. A moth had gotten into my bedroom and Bubba captured and ate it. I love wool blankets, so I was happy to let Bubba get rid of the moth. I don't fear many insects or rodents, but I detest moths. They look like the critters in "Larva", a sci-fi movie.

Anyway, the weather people were WRONG about the rain, at least for now. It is really pretty out. I'm going to garden!

I'll try to get some better pictures of the baby red lettuces. I wasn't happy with how the photos came out. I'll be planting the asian greens and probably some red onions. Ron LOVES my onions, and so do I.

Anyway, I'm off for now! I just need to find my tunes in case some neighbor gets happy with the power tools.

skeopple · 02-21-2009, 08:43 AM

That's funny about the cat puke!

Enjoy your time outside in the garden. DH is plowing snow today. Just when the decks were all clear and it was looking like the future included some sun time. Oh well, it's only February!

Houston Heather · 02-21-2009, 11:59 AM

I only got a couple hours before the RAIN!

Oh, well, I don't have to worry about all my new transplants baking in the sun or drying out.

I'm going to take a nap and then watch some monster movies on sci-fi.

We're going to work for a bit tomorrow. Someone's going to get some lettuce and onion transplants. I have "leftovers" and I'd rather give them away than throw them away.

It's funny, I'm really wondering if 100 onions are "enough" for us.

Houston Heather · 02-21-2009, 03:41 PM

I had a good nap.

It's sunny now, and I just heard the ice cream truck go by.

I can tell I'm at a good lithium level. When I was sitting on my garden cart planting things, I shifted by weight frequently from one side to the other as I leaned forward. My weight would rest more on one leg than the other. As I did it, I consistently got the shakes in the leg.

Stupid lithium tricks

: "Shake, Heather, shake!"

I didn't hurt the plants or myself. I found it kind of cool, actually. It's a documented side effect "intention tremor".

Houston Heather · 02-21-2009, 04:27 PM

I won't say I'm bored. I know what'll happen.

I went to the Houston Chronicle board and posted on various news articles. I posted here. I posted on the Christian message board.

I'm gonna go knit and figure out dinner.

*Pear* · 02-21-2009, 11:21 PM

Hi hon, what project are you knitting on these days? I've picked up my needles again recently. Gotta work through all those projects. Not sure why I feel the need to get them done. What am I going to do with 15 knitted and felted purses?

I got into the garden today and finally pruned my roses, they were getting way out of control. I pruned back the one wisteria I have left and noticed lots of damage from the big snowstorm we had. Poor japanese maples. So much to do out there, and not enough time to do it.

Houston Heather · 02-22-2009, 01:12 PM

I found a taker for my leftover red lettuce, and I'm going to give him about a dozen red onion transplants. I have some scented geraniums coming in, and I need room.

I tend to give away just about everything I knit or crochet, Pear. My exceptions are the afghan I knit Ron, and a crocheted throw I made myself. I also have a lot of leftovers.

I'm using up the brightly colored leftovers, they are variegated and solid. I mix the warm and cool, solid and variegated, and put a little bit of black in between each. I just use garter stitch, about 30 stitches wide, and I knit until I run out of the colors, then I do 4 rows of black, and something complementary above it. It looks really great. I plan to keep it for myself. It'll be bright and cheerful, and have all the love I put into my giveaways. It's easy to tote around, I work it on a 16 inch circular. I just finished the bright yellow, and after the black rows I started turquoise. I'll have to get a picture.

I have all the scrap yarn in a gallon ziplock in my tote bag, and plenty more in my closet.

I also have some pastels and cream, I plan to do the same thing with them eventually.

I planted all my thyme (4 plants into 80 square feet, you can tell I love the lemon thyme!) and some onions. I also cleaned up around bed 5, which was a MESS! I'm thinking of planting some pineapple mint behind it. It'll be stubborn enough to choke out the bermudagrass, look awesome, and smell great. It'll also attract good bugs, and I know the neighbor will ruthlessly weed-whack anything that gets over to his side.

My hips were 40.75 inches this morning, less than an inch from goal! Wow! And I haven't even started my period.

My neighbor's dog really loved the beef bone I snuck him this morning. He didn't even bark at Frosty.

The cats are behaving now that I've planted the garden beds. Good kitties.

We went to work today and I got most of snacks. I'm glad they're buying SOMETHING - even soda sales were pretty dead. Good thing I can live on the cheap, and discovered Foodtown!

I have to get up at 3 AM tomorrow so this may be it for me today.

Houston Heather · 02-22-2009, 04:48 PM

Last post before bedtime.

I had a good nap. Something I said - and didn't even realize - made Ron realize I felt a little unappreciated. He says he is going to do more for himself and try to be more grateful.

He gave me a pay advance so I can go do my shopping on Wednesday.

Wednesday I'm off, and Thursday we donate blood. If they'll let him.

Last time his blood pressure was too low.

I checked the weather channel. Even though the neighbors are barbequing, it's sunny and nice, and the weather is mild, we're getting a low in the mid 30's. Boy, I'm glad I checked! I covered up all the tomatoes and made sure they're all nice and snug.

All my transplants look good, I won't lose a one. I guess love really matters.

"Barky" gave me a licking through the knothole in the fence. He's a good doggy.

Both cats are asleep in my bed, I took my pills, and I'll be going to bed in about 20 minutes when my pants are dry.

I gardened in my work jeans. Ooops. Had to wash 'em.

skeopple · 02-22-2009, 06:05 PM

Pear, I'll pm you with my mailing address if you're up to gifting those felted purses

just kidding, I'm sure you have plenty of friends/family that would love them as gifts. They also sell great at yarn shops.

Heather, you're doing awesome on the gardening AND your way of eating for life. Good for you. Glad Ron is realizing how much you actually do for him. Sleep well cuz 3 am is really early.

*Pear* · 02-22-2009, 10:53 PM

I just got a great deal on a greenhouse on ebay. I'm actually getting excited about gardening now. Last year's garden was quite the failure due to the short growing season and lack of sunshine, I'm hoping to do my veggies mostly in pots. I think the tomatoes will do well in a greenhouse.

I may sell my purses at cost plus shipping so they find good homes. I'll post them all on a webpage when I get a selection done. I'm working now on #3 out of 15 of this batch. It will likely be my last batch of purses. They are my own creation and I always get compliments on them when I'm out.

Zer · 02-22-2009, 11:28 PM

Will you have grow-lights in your greenhouse?
Not sure where you live, but nice to have a
greenhouse extension on your house, as a
sunny room in winter weather, a solarium.

skeopple · 02-23-2009, 05:21 AM

Thinking of you Heather, as I know you've already been up for hours. Hoping you have a great day!

Houston Heather · 02-23-2009, 01:31 PM

Put up a link, Pear, when you get it! About 10 years ago, Ron built me a plastic covered greenhouse. I was able to grow some nice sugar snap peas.

Today was good. I slept HORRIBLY. I woke up, hips were 40.75 (goal is 40!). Got to work, did my worky thing. Got deliveries, put up half a pallet of soda. Normally we get about 100 cases of soda, but things are so quiet we only bought about 70. I was very nice to the driver and teasingly asked him "Show me where you took off that fruit punch and I'll pay you!".

I told him I'm married to my boss, and if I screwed up I had to live with him.

Ron was really cute, doing as much as he could for himself so I don't get "homegiver" (caregiver) burnout. He made sure to let me know he appreciates me.

My back freaked a little when I shifted some pastries, but it's OK now. I just told Ron "I can't do anymore lifting until we go home". He was fine. He'd much rather brute some sodas himself than risk permanent injury to me. Not much to do, I had plenty of time to get everything accomplished.

Yesterday I had promised my leftover lettuce transplants to a guy at work. He saw me out on the loading dock and followed me back to the stockroom. He was very cute asking "Did you bring it?" When he saw the lettuce transplants, onion plants, organic fertilizer in the baggie, and a garden book with the "lettuce" and "onions" chapters marked, AND my hand-written planting instructions... it made his day. Mine too.

I'm delighted they got a good home.

I just don't have that much room, and I've got scented geraniums coming this week - a pine, rose, and spice scented. I've already got their "rooms" ready.

I really love having scented plants in my garden.

After work, on the way to Walmart, I got my period! Oh, fun. Agonizing cramps, because I have been drinking aspartame again. Still kind of icky. We stopped at Chick-fil-a so I could "Go wee-wee" as Ron phrased it, and on my way out I saw they had a bunch of ready-to-go sandwiches. I got a chicken biscuit for Ron and one for the driver. Chick-fil-a uses peanut oil, a migraine trigger, so I couldn't touch it. Also, I'm not a huge chicken fan.

Ron was delighted to discover he could eat it, and the driver tucked his away for later with a big grin. I love to spoil people!

I left Ron, sitting on his 8 inch tall (20X20 inch) pillow, happily gnawing away on his biscuit. I got our pills. The poor pharmacy assistant kept trying to give back the snickers bars! I told her to ask the other lady about me. She did and was told "Ms. B always gives us candy". Poor thing! She was sure happy to get 'em! Over a month of pills costs me about $80, a lot better than my all-time high of $240. I can certainly afford $2 worth of candy!

I looked at the garden center and bought some Okra seed. If I like it in the veggie soup, I'll probably grow some this year. It does well in our area, I'm told.

I ran into a wierd guy over by the feminine supplies. He kept going on about how he's been buying "supplies" for the women in his life for over 40 years. Where was his cart? :twitch: Why did he start to follow me? Are we bipolar?

I don't know. I should have offered him a lithium.

I got myself a decaf 2 liter soda, and Ron his Hot Pockets. He is very partial to the Hot Pockets, and he takes a multivitamin, so I don't worry too much about nutrition. It's not like he can eat anything in the world. He was thrilled about the chicken.

I came home, put away the groceries, unwrapped my tomato plants, and checked the garden. Everyone looks great. Then, naptime. I was awakened by bad drumming and resurrected cramps about 30 minutes ago.

I'm just going to take it easy today. All I have to do now is figure out dinner.

Tomorrow is just Sam's Club (I need candy for the vending machines), work, and home. I'll probably go to Foodtown and get more groceries. I really love that turkey and it's so affordable! It isn't stalling me, either.

The tape measure doesn't lie!

Houston Heather · 02-23-2009, 01:43 PM

I forgot to mention something that happened at work.

I talk to everyone, I'm pretty outgoing by nature. Ron's more introverted now.

A guy at work kept asking me about dialysis. I was very clear, it is horrible, in my opinion, not far from death, I've never met a happy person on dialysis. Someone on dialysis spends at least 12 hours a week in the chair. If they don't get it, they'll die within a few days. They're all on a waiting list for a kidney transplant. I was fairly brutal when he asked why people end up on it. I told him, some genetic conditions but most people ate themselves into kidney failure with bad food choices. His wife is very obese, food-addicted, and can't even really walk anymore. She is extremely defensive, so I've given up even a casual mention of my WOE. She sees me getting thinner and healthier. She knows low-carb works.

I thought maybe he had met someone on dialysis or knew someone. He got very serious and grim. "My wife's doctor mentioned she may have to start dialysis soon and he told her to stop taking painkillers because they are toxic to the kidneys". I told him it's true.

"What can I do?" I told him, she's gotta go low-carb. If she ends up on dialysis no more cruises, no more long vacations, it'll be a daytrip now and then if she feels up to it, lousy quality of life (in my opinion), and she will still have to eat a special low-protein, low-phosphorous diet.

"You've got to get her off the sugar, [name]".

"I know"

Houston Heather · 02-23-2009, 04:55 PM

I just can't have a boring day.

After I got up, I went outside to check on the garden, the transplants are fairly fragile right now. I'd hate to find out tomorrow that someone got dried out.

I said hi to Barky, the neighbor's dog (my name). I got a licking through the hole in the fence, he sure likes me and my goodies.

I decided to work on cleaning up the house. I walked around with a trash bag, throwing things away until it was full. I noticed as I looked out the front window that someone was directly across the street, parked.

After I finished picking up, he was still there. Hm. I did the dishes. Still there. I had Ron call the police. What is a 20-something year old white guy doing sitting in an old Honda across from my house?

Stalker? Hit man? I only knew he wasn't interested in me. He was looking towards the cross street.

Right after Ron called the police, the school bus came. An assortment of teenagers got off. A Latina girl, about 15 saw the car and ran over to it, getting inside.

Oooooooooooooh. I wish I'd called the cops sooner!

Probably some internet pervert!

*Pear* · 02-23-2009, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zer

Will you have grow-lights in your greenhouse?
Not sure where you live, but nice to have a
greenhouse extension on your house, as a
sunny room in winter weather, a solarium.

Wow, nothing that fancy.

This is the greenhouse: Greenhouse 12'x7'x7' LARGE Green Garden Hot House NEW! - eBay (item 250378963539 end time Feb-26-09 20:51:15 PST)

skeopple · 02-24-2009, 06:18 AM

I'm just running around the threads, visiting everybody. Hope you have a terrific Tuesday. I'll be back later.

Houston Heather · 02-24-2009, 03:54 PM

I just know you'll have loads of fun with your "house" Pear!

I had a good day. We got up early and went to Sam's Club, buying candy for the business. Got to work, not much to do besides candy, but we did sell some bottled drinks and sandwiches. I managed to snag $4 in sales by digging some chili cheese dogs out of our fridge - he asked me if I could get him another one.

Got the milk, came back, put it in the vending machines. You might find this interesting: The sell by date is only printed on one side of the carton, at the top. I "face" all the sell-by dates so they face the same direction (the front of the fridge) and put them away. When Ron needs to do milk, he knows which way the codes face so the customers can see the dates on every carton of milk in the machine. It works great.

We only had a couple hours at work, and frankly, that's all we needed. Ron surprised me with a trip to a good seafood place. It's very casual, the kind of place that has a roll of paper towels on the picnic tables outside. It's a nice day today, low 70's, sunny, breezy... really beautiful.

Ron asked me why I was the only woman sitting outside. I told him the wind was probably at a hair-wrecking level, but he didn't mind if I had messy hair.

We had a good laugh. We really had a good date.

We had a good trip home, and I took a nap. I had a nighmare I was suicidal but other than that it was a good day.

I went outside and checked on my plants, the wind ensured that they needed a drink. I set them up

, uncovered a lettuce plant Frosty had buried in wood mulch, and came inside.

Tomorrow will be nursery and Foodtown. I don't know what order yet.

Houston Heather · 02-25-2009, 08:04 AM

Bad news first. I dropped my spending money somewhere... I was looking all over for it.

Turns out it was hiding under the bed.

I was actually very proud of us. Years ago, Ron would have been furious, I would have been hysterical, but we were both calm. I figured, if I didn't find it then God wanted me to drop it so some needy person could find it. I did tell Him, if I can't find this money then that's my charity contribution for the month!

I found it, right about the time I was contemplating the parable of the lost coin - Jesus mentioned how when you lose a coin (or rubber-banded roll of bills) you will hunt all over, trying to find it, and when you do, you celebrate. When a soul is lost God rejoices when it is "found" and He and the angels celebrate. Then, I found my money.

I was a little freaked out about going out today. A woman had been abducted and murdered recently, not far from where I'm going. They arrested the bad guy last night - it was someone who knew her.

Poor family.

Anyway, off to Foodtown for me, then home. Then off to another grocery store and the garden center (I'm getting non-perishables at grocery store #2).

Measurements are still down! Allergen levels are up.

I'm a little itchy, watery, and sneezy. Apparently I don't like very high levels of tree pollen. If it gets really bad I can try some Zyrtec. From what I read, it might make me manic, but I can cut it in half.

I'd try that.

Zer · 02-25-2009, 08:48 AM

Glad you found your "lost" money. Glad too that R is treating you to seafood and a fun date - with laughter about the wind, messy hair. What fun, you two!

Houston Heather · 02-25-2009, 03:56 PM

He had even more fun today, loafing in bed and eating Hot Pockets while I went shopping.

First I went to Foodtown. I bought all kinds of stuff, pounds of cheese, some ends and pieces of roast beef (Yum! Full of delicious flavor enhancers!), bacon ends, Ron's processed crap (Hot Pockets and Don Miguel Saltillo dinners), and some cleaning products. I like the lavender stuff but it makes Ron gag, so I got citrus. I love citrus too.

Funny thing about the memory holes Ron has since the accident. He had an ex, named "Jane" who used to go nuts with the pine-sol, cleaning, every time they had a fight. Ron HATED the smell of pine sol. One day I bought some pinalen, forgetting, and used it to mop that floor. Ron raved about the wonderful smell!

Later on, I remembered. I won't remind him.

I like piney scents.

I got myself some bunless burgers and Ron some tacos, and headed to the bus stop. Now, Houston Metro bus system has two kinds of buses, the double buses that have 3 steps up, and the more usual "flat" buses that are basically at curb level. When I've got my cart loaded up, I prefer the flat buses.

The bus was late, which meant I caught it. The driver had a HUGE attitude about my cart. "It'll be in the way. I can't let you ride with it..." I told her, I am DISABLED and I am only going ONE MILE.

I waved the disabled card at her. I thought, go ahead and call dispatch. Let's see what they say if you refuse to accomodate a person with a disability. Go ahead, call it in.

She didn't peep after that. That's the first time I've had an unpleasant driver in the months I have been riding. It's the first time I pulled "disabled" in my life.

I am.

I thought about "calling in" on her, but decided not to do it. I mean, you've seen my cart. It takes up maybe 1 square foot. A walker would take up as much room, and I handled it myself.

I think she was just having a bad day and I was in the line of fire.

Of course, as a Christian, I have to pray for her now.

Matthew chapter 5.

"Pray for those who are unkind to you" - paraphrased.

Anyway, I came home, put up my stuff. Gave Ron his tacos, watched him make yummy noises as he ate them in bed, dropping crumbs.

I turned around and went out. I wanted to get some Silk Unsweetened soymilk in the Tetra pack - the shelf stable form. They had some, good news it was on sale. Bad news it goes out in a month.

I got 2 quarts. It's really good in my coffee and very low carb. I got some decaf coffee and some stevia. I don't have it with me, but it's named "something sweet". It's basically just white stevia, zero carb. It's got a little bitterness to it but it went great in the heavy whipping cream thing I got after the second grocery store.

Then it was off to the garden center. All my other bus drivers were wonderful, by the way.

I got off and headed over. It's a little challenging cutting through the vacant lot, but do-able.

They were very nice at the garden center and said I was free to give the cat as many treats as I wanted. Of course, it's a cat. I'm sure it knew I had treats, so it refused to make an appearance.

They had pepper transplants. I called Ron and found out he didn't care, so I got a pimento. I looked at the mint. I really liked the "Colonel" mint - it's a hybrid between a spearmint and a pineapple mint. It's got a delicious, fruity mint fragrance. I got 2, one for the front and one for the back.

I also got a lemon balm for out front. It'll be lovely to open the front door, to the fragrance of lemon and mint. [happy sigh] And they don't mind shade. They're invasive, so they'll probably escape into the grass, but a nice minty lawn sounds fun, too.

I don't need another scented geranium, but it was cute. So I got it. A "Clorinda". I named it "Linda". Sometimes I name things.

They also had some vining squash seeds. I planted 2 in garden bed 3, in the center of the bed, inside the tomato cage. They can use the cage to start, and get ahold of the treillis. I plan to put some cucumbers on the other side of the squash.

I haven't had much luck with squash, but maybe that's 'cause I got the wrong variety! I'm stubborn, and if it just doesn't work than that's room for a tomato, or more cucumbers, or something.

I had an interesting wait. If you recall, last time I went north of the garden center, about 1/2 a mile or so, and waited by a vacant lot, after being menaced by a growling stray dog.

I decided to wait under the freeway this time. Big mistake. My parents used to call them "Bums" when we went to the big city. "Don't look at the bums, Heather."

3 of them, absolutely filthy, and somewhat rowdy. They stayed on their side of the feeder road and I stayed on mine. I called Ron and explained the situation. He stayed on the phone with me until the bus came (I had just missed one, getting to the stop). As I boarded the bus, one bum was unfastening his pants and beginning to squat. YUCK!

Next time, I'll wait at the "North" bus stop!

I just CANNOT have a dull day.

Ron didn't realize when he made the blood bank appointment, that we'd be getting our junk food delivery 12 hours later. I'm going to see if he can wait a week. I hope so, wait on the order I mean.

SOMEONE out there needs blood and I'm sure they can't wait!

Houston Heather · 02-25-2009, 07:32 PM

The Clorinda scented geranium I bought was so little and cute.

Now, doing research in the internet, I've discovered it's a good thing I put it in the back of the garden bed!

It's gonna be a big 'un!

I figure I'll be tired tomorrow, when my new plants arrive, so I already prepped garden bed 5 for them. I just have to dig holes, drop 'em in, and water them in.

Houston Heather · 02-25-2009, 08:06 PM

Ron woke up.

MOST LIKELY we will not be getting up at 2 AM to get our food delivery - because we honestly don't need it. We can buy bottled water from the other vendor, they won't mind throwing it in their order.

Zer · 02-26-2009, 01:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Houston Heather

I haven't had much luck with squash, but maybe that's 'cause I got the wrong variety!

Might want to look at chayote, a vining pear-shaped squash that is featured as an apple substitute in LC recipes. A neighbor of mine planted it against a chain link fence and it went all over, vining and twining and bearing LOTS of green nobbly pear-shaped fruit that I had no idea what to do with. Turns out it's a LC ingredient. Who knew?

Wow, just added a link to Wiki's article on chayote - what an amazing food!

02-19-2009, 07:36 PM	#871
Zer Guest Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: SoCal (N.San Diego) Posts: 9,146 Blog Entries: 43 Gallery: Zer Stats: 5'10"; 65; 508.7/_320.0_/199 WOE: Atkins: <5%Carb; J-UD/DD(<2798/560cals); 128ozH2O Start Date: Got scale at 432.4(2/8/08); 376.8(2/8/09)	There is a couple in Maine who produce fresh herbs year'round in movable units that allow growth to go on even during winter months. Four Season Farm. Google it for all sorts of info on old-time farming, harvesting year'round. I'm thinking that it may be possible for anyone to have a protective frame that lets sunlight in while it blocks frigid air. Might be interesting to hunt for online info on winter gardens, on basic frames that an individual can move as needed to protect growth or to work on a plot. Last edited by Zer; 02-19-2009 at 07:50 PM..

02-20-2009, 04:53 PM	#872
Houston Heather Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Houston Posts: 8,904 Gallery: Houston Heather Stats: 228/169/160 Waist: 42/31/31 WOE: Atkins 2002 Ongoing Weight Loss/pre maintenance Start Date: Feb 26, 2008 (second and last time)	I'm going to complain a little first. Why does Ron say "I don't want to talk" and then, when I have my music turned up, entertaining myself, talk to me? I have to turn off my music, stop typing, go "What?" and listen to whatever it is. He got upset, didn't want to talk, so I started doing my own thing. Then he interrupted me 3 times in 5 minutes. I asked him "Why do you say you don't want to talk, and then ask me questions?" He had just eaten, had plenty of stuff, I don't know what his motivation was...anyway he got furious. Started shouting at me "Leave me alone". Leave him alone? That's what I was doing! I don't take the outbursts personally because it's directly related to the head injury... but Then the salesman just knocked on the door. That's the funny thing about a sales pitch to someone with audio processing disorder. Here's a decent link, but the don't mention FAS, which is a major cause of the disability: CAPD (I have problems 1,2, 4, and 5). So, the guy is standing there. I told him "No thanks". "It's a great deal... Sunday only... at the end... and then if you.... 26 weeks.....refund.... or keep it going..... pay for school.... if you want you can.... and get it back...." Say wha? If he had just said "I'm selling papers." and handed me a price list, I would have "gotten" it. So, basically he wasted the whole sales pitch 'cause I only get about 1 word out of 3 when someone's "selling" like that. It was very funny to me. I have to laugh at myself sometimes. __________________ Don't just weigh, measure too! I'll be praying for you! (James 5:16) "From the beginning, you have made a refreshing jug of lemonade from all the lemons that life pitched your way."Zer "Look at you! You're a walking picnic!" - looking in my purse Learn about Bipolar Disorder Learn about Fetal Alcohol Syndrome I have tested thee in the furnace of affliction - Isaiah 48:10 Perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed 2 Cor. 4:9 Last edited by Houston Heather; 02-20-2009 at 04:56 PM..

02-21-2009, 08:39 AM	#877
Houston Heather Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Houston Posts: 8,904 Gallery: Houston Heather Stats: 228/169/160 Waist: 42/31/31 WOE: Atkins 2002 Ongoing Weight Loss/pre maintenance Start Date: Feb 26, 2008 (second and last time)	You're going to love this, Zer. The cats have a way of letting Ron know when he's a butt. They'll bring him dead rats, toads, etc. Last night Bubba puked outside Ron's door and Ron stepped in it. I shouldn't laugh, but the cursing woke me up. "Go to sleep, Heather! I'm OK! [muttered curses]". I took him at his word and went back to sleep. This morning, the evidence was clear. Cat puke with a footprint in the middle of it. I cleaned it up. I gave Frosty some canned food, but locked Bubba away from it. I think the moth he ate last night upset his tummy. A moth had gotten into my bedroom and Bubba captured and ate it. I love wool blankets, so I was happy to let Bubba get rid of the moth. I don't fear many insects or rodents, but I detest moths. They look like the critters in "Larva", a sci-fi movie. Anyway, the weather people were WRONG about the rain, at least for now. It is really pretty out. I'm going to garden! I'll try to get some better pictures of the baby red lettuces. I wasn't happy with how the photos came out. I'll be planting the asian greens and probably some red onions. Ron LOVES my onions, and so do I. Anyway, I'm off for now! I just need to find my tunes in case some neighbor gets happy with the power tools. Last edited by Houston Heather; 02-21-2009 at 08:40 AM..

02-22-2009, 11:28 PM	#887
Zer Guest Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: SoCal (N.San Diego) Posts: 9,146 Blog Entries: 43 Gallery: Zer Stats: 5'10"; 65; 508.7/_320.0_/199 WOE: Atkins: <5%Carb; J-UD/DD(<2798/560cals); 128ozH2O Start Date: Got scale at 432.4(2/8/08); 376.8(2/8/09)	Will you have grow-lights in your greenhouse? Not sure where you live, but nice to have a greenhouse extension on your house, as a sunny room in winter weather, a solarium. Last edited by Zer; 02-22-2009 at 11:30 PM..

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02-20-2009, 05:06 PM	#873
skeopple Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Northern Wisconsin Posts: 3,682 Gallery: skeopple Stats: 336/269/159 WOE: Low Carb, forever Start Date: 1/14/08	so did you subscribe?

02-20-2009, 05:45 PM	#874
Houston Heather Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Houston Posts: 8,904 Gallery: Houston Heather Stats: 228/169/160 Waist: 42/31/31 WOE: Atkins 2002 Ongoing Weight Loss/pre maintenance Start Date: Feb 26, 2008 (second and last time)	Heck no. Newspapers BREED. Uh-uh. Besides, I read it online when I'm in the mood to read the paper. I have to deal with pop-ups and banner ads but it's a lot better than papers everywhere. I can barely keep up with the junk mail. I am trying to tell Ron it is very hurtful when he complains about "How difficult" it is to deal with my disability. I don't complain about his! He says that because he feels it is that difficult, he's "entitled". Then I told him, I feel like it's all one way me, accommodating you. That you can complain, criticize me, talk about whatever you want, even if it is depressing or makes me uncomfortable, but I'm not "allowed" to complaing, but if I want to talk about something that interests me or a gripe, you shut me down. He has a very bad habit of interrupting and saying "That's not true". My parting shot of "I have a better time when you aren't around so please leave me alone!" said it all. I'm not OhGodMyMarriageIsOver but it's just an ongoing issue. He can be selfish. I know that. I keep telling him, if you hate my disability so much you didn't have to marry me. You knew about it when we got married, and I even told him I'd call it off if he wasn't 1000% sure he wanted to commit to me, and my disability, for life. A couple months later... I was actually pretty calm about it. I raised my voice, especially when telling him to leave me alone, but he was all "Why can't you be nice to me?" I said, "That's what I do all day long." I'm leaving it up to God. I can't change him. Enough complaining. I know what you want. You want GARDEN PHOTOS!

02-20-2009, 05:52 PM	#875
Houston Heather Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Houston Posts: 8,904 Gallery: Houston Heather Stats: 228/169/160 Waist: 42/31/31 WOE: Atkins 2002 Ongoing Weight Loss/pre maintenance Start Date: Feb 26, 2008 (second and last time)	Link to all photos and captions: Today's garden photos You can double-click to make them bigger.

02-21-2009, 01:18 AM	#876
Zer Guest Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: SoCal (N.San Diego) Posts: 9,146 Blog Entries: 43 Gallery: Zer Stats: 5'10"; 65; 508.7/_320.0_/199 WOE: Atkins: <5%Carb; J-UD/DD(<2798/560cals); 128ozH2O Start Date: Got scale at 432.4(2/8/08); 376.8(2/8/09)	What if you and your partner use a timer when you need to talk about stuff that is "difficult"? Say you get 15mins to say what is important to you, then he gets time to respond. Then you both break and give it a rest. Would that work for a start on you getting equal time after you have done a day's work and been a faithful employee and companion? Once you are home and wearing your wife hat, maybe your partner can find a husband hat that reminds him he vowed to be a supporter for you - just as you are a supporter for him in a lifelong marriage. It might even help if you knit him a Hubby Hat he can wear when he's willing to be the man you married (for better or worse, not for worse and worser). Eh?

02-21-2009, 08:43 AM	#878
skeopple Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Northern Wisconsin Posts: 3,682 Gallery: skeopple Stats: 336/269/159 WOE: Low Carb, forever Start Date: 1/14/08	That's funny about the cat puke! Enjoy your time outside in the garden. DH is plowing snow today. Just when the decks were all clear and it was looking like the future included some sun time. Oh well, it's only February!

02-21-2009, 11:59 AM	#879
Houston Heather Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Houston Posts: 8,904 Gallery: Houston Heather Stats: 228/169/160 Waist: 42/31/31 WOE: Atkins 2002 Ongoing Weight Loss/pre maintenance Start Date: Feb 26, 2008 (second and last time)	I only got a couple hours before the RAIN! Oh, well, I don't have to worry about all my new transplants baking in the sun or drying out. I'm going to take a nap and then watch some monster movies on sci-fi. We're going to work for a bit tomorrow. Someone's going to get some lettuce and onion transplants. I have "leftovers" and I'd rather give them away than throw them away. It's funny, I'm really wondering if 100 onions are "enough" for us.

02-21-2009, 03:41 PM	#880
Houston Heather Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Houston Posts: 8,904 Gallery: Houston Heather Stats: 228/169/160 Waist: 42/31/31 WOE: Atkins 2002 Ongoing Weight Loss/pre maintenance Start Date: Feb 26, 2008 (second and last time)	I had a good nap. It's sunny now, and I just heard the ice cream truck go by. I can tell I'm at a good lithium level. When I was sitting on my garden cart planting things, I shifted by weight frequently from one side to the other as I leaned forward. My weight would rest more on one leg than the other. As I did it, I consistently got the shakes in the leg. Stupid lithium tricks : "Shake, Heather, shake!" I didn't hurt the plants or myself. I found it kind of cool, actually. It's a documented side effect "intention tremor".

02-21-2009, 04:27 PM	#881
Houston Heather Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Houston Posts: 8,904 Gallery: Houston Heather Stats: 228/169/160 Waist: 42/31/31 WOE: Atkins 2002 Ongoing Weight Loss/pre maintenance Start Date: Feb 26, 2008 (second and last time)	I won't say I'm bored. I know what'll happen. I went to the Houston Chronicle board and posted on various news articles. I posted here. I posted on the Christian message board. I'm gonna go knit and figure out dinner.

02-21-2009, 11:21 PM	#882
Pear MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Safe in the atkins fruitbowl. Posts: 1,658 Gallery: Pear Stats: 216/203/199 first goal ~ ONEDERLAND WOE: Pearkins Start Date: 10/18/2009	Hi hon, what project are you knitting on these days? I've picked up my needles again recently. Gotta work through all those projects. Not sure why I feel the need to get them done. What am I going to do with 15 knitted and felted purses? I got into the garden today and finally pruned my roses, they were getting way out of control. I pruned back the one wisteria I have left and noticed lots of damage from the big snowstorm we had. Poor japanese maples. So much to do out there, and not enough time to do it.

02-22-2009, 01:12 PM	#883
Houston Heather Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Houston Posts: 8,904 Gallery: Houston Heather Stats: 228/169/160 Waist: 42/31/31 WOE: Atkins 2002 Ongoing Weight Loss/pre maintenance Start Date: Feb 26, 2008 (second and last time)	I found a taker for my leftover red lettuce, and I'm going to give him about a dozen red onion transplants. I have some scented geraniums coming in, and I need room. I tend to give away just about everything I knit or crochet, Pear. My exceptions are the afghan I knit Ron, and a crocheted throw I made myself. I also have a lot of leftovers. I'm using up the brightly colored leftovers, they are variegated and solid. I mix the warm and cool, solid and variegated, and put a little bit of black in between each. I just use garter stitch, about 30 stitches wide, and I knit until I run out of the colors, then I do 4 rows of black, and something complementary above it. It looks really great. I plan to keep it for myself. It'll be bright and cheerful, and have all the love I put into my giveaways. It's easy to tote around, I work it on a 16 inch circular. I just finished the bright yellow, and after the black rows I started turquoise. I'll have to get a picture. I have all the scrap yarn in a gallon ziplock in my tote bag, and plenty more in my closet. I also have some pastels and cream, I plan to do the same thing with them eventually. I planted all my thyme (4 plants into 80 square feet, you can tell I love the lemon thyme!) and some onions. I also cleaned up around bed 5, which was a MESS! I'm thinking of planting some pineapple mint behind it. It'll be stubborn enough to choke out the bermudagrass, look awesome, and smell great. It'll also attract good bugs, and I know the neighbor will ruthlessly weed-whack anything that gets over to his side. My hips were 40.75 inches this morning, less than an inch from goal! Wow! And I haven't even started my period. My neighbor's dog really loved the beef bone I snuck him this morning. He didn't even bark at Frosty. The cats are behaving now that I've planted the garden beds. Good kitties. We went to work today and I got most of snacks. I'm glad they're buying SOMETHING - even soda sales were pretty dead. Good thing I can live on the cheap, and discovered Foodtown! I have to get up at 3 AM tomorrow so this may be it for me today.

02-22-2009, 04:48 PM	#884
Houston Heather Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Houston Posts: 8,904 Gallery: Houston Heather Stats: 228/169/160 Waist: 42/31/31 WOE: Atkins 2002 Ongoing Weight Loss/pre maintenance Start Date: Feb 26, 2008 (second and last time)	Last post before bedtime. I had a good nap. Something I said - and didn't even realize - made Ron realize I felt a little unappreciated. He says he is going to do more for himself and try to be more grateful. He gave me a pay advance so I can go do my shopping on Wednesday. Wednesday I'm off, and Thursday we donate blood. If they'll let him. Last time his blood pressure was too low. I checked the weather channel. Even though the neighbors are barbequing, it's sunny and nice, and the weather is mild, we're getting a low in the mid 30's. Boy, I'm glad I checked! I covered up all the tomatoes and made sure they're all nice and snug. All my transplants look good, I won't lose a one. I guess love really matters. "Barky" gave me a licking through the knothole in the fence. He's a good doggy. Both cats are asleep in my bed, I took my pills, and I'll be going to bed in about 20 minutes when my pants are dry. I gardened in my work jeans. Ooops. Had to wash 'em.

02-22-2009, 06:05 PM	#885
skeopple Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Northern Wisconsin Posts: 3,682 Gallery: skeopple Stats: 336/269/159 WOE: Low Carb, forever Start Date: 1/14/08	Pear, I'll pm you with my mailing address if you're up to gifting those felted purses just kidding, I'm sure you have plenty of friends/family that would love them as gifts. They also sell great at yarn shops. Heather, you're doing awesome on the gardening AND your way of eating for life. Good for you. Glad Ron is realizing how much you actually do for him. Sleep well cuz 3 am is really early.

02-22-2009, 10:53 PM	#886
Pear MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Safe in the atkins fruitbowl. Posts: 1,658 Gallery: Pear Stats: 216/203/199 first goal ~ ONEDERLAND WOE: Pearkins Start Date: 10/18/2009	I just got a great deal on a greenhouse on ebay. I'm actually getting excited about gardening now. Last year's garden was quite the failure due to the short growing season and lack of sunshine, I'm hoping to do my veggies mostly in pots. I think the tomatoes will do well in a greenhouse. I may sell my purses at cost plus shipping so they find good homes. I'll post them all on a webpage when I get a selection done. I'm working now on #3 out of 15 of this batch. It will likely be my last batch of purses. They are my own creation and I always get compliments on them when I'm out.

02-23-2009, 05:21 AM	#888
skeopple Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Northern Wisconsin Posts: 3,682 Gallery: skeopple Stats: 336/269/159 WOE: Low Carb, forever Start Date: 1/14/08	Thinking of you Heather, as I know you've already been up for hours. Hoping you have a great day!

02-23-2009, 01:31 PM	#889
Houston Heather Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Houston Posts: 8,904 Gallery: Houston Heather Stats: 228/169/160 Waist: 42/31/31 WOE: Atkins 2002 Ongoing Weight Loss/pre maintenance Start Date: Feb 26, 2008 (second and last time)	Put up a link, Pear, when you get it! About 10 years ago, Ron built me a plastic covered greenhouse. I was able to grow some nice sugar snap peas. Today was good. I slept HORRIBLY. I woke up, hips were 40.75 (goal is 40!). Got to work, did my worky thing. Got deliveries, put up half a pallet of soda. Normally we get about 100 cases of soda, but things are so quiet we only bought about 70. I was very nice to the driver and teasingly asked him "Show me where you took off that fruit punch and I'll pay you!". I told him I'm married to my boss, and if I screwed up I had to live with him. Ron was really cute, doing as much as he could for himself so I don't get "homegiver" (caregiver) burnout. He made sure to let me know he appreciates me. My back freaked a little when I shifted some pastries, but it's OK now. I just told Ron "I can't do anymore lifting until we go home". He was fine. He'd much rather brute some sodas himself than risk permanent injury to me. Not much to do, I had plenty of time to get everything accomplished. Yesterday I had promised my leftover lettuce transplants to a guy at work. He saw me out on the loading dock and followed me back to the stockroom. He was very cute asking "Did you bring it?" When he saw the lettuce transplants, onion plants, organic fertilizer in the baggie, and a garden book with the "lettuce" and "onions" chapters marked, AND my hand-written planting instructions... it made his day. Mine too. I'm delighted they got a good home. I just don't have that much room, and I've got scented geraniums coming this week - a pine, rose, and spice scented. I've already got their "rooms" ready. I really love having scented plants in my garden. After work, on the way to Walmart, I got my period! Oh, fun. Agonizing cramps, because I have been drinking aspartame again. Still kind of icky. We stopped at Chick-fil-a so I could "Go wee-wee" as Ron phrased it, and on my way out I saw they had a bunch of ready-to-go sandwiches. I got a chicken biscuit for Ron and one for the driver. Chick-fil-a uses peanut oil, a migraine trigger, so I couldn't touch it. Also, I'm not a huge chicken fan. Ron was delighted to discover he could eat it, and the driver tucked his away for later with a big grin. I love to spoil people! I left Ron, sitting on his 8 inch tall (20X20 inch) pillow, happily gnawing away on his biscuit. I got our pills. The poor pharmacy assistant kept trying to give back the snickers bars! I told her to ask the other lady about me. She did and was told "Ms. B always gives us candy". Poor thing! She was sure happy to get 'em! Over a month of pills costs me about $80, a lot better than my all-time high of $240. I can certainly afford $2 worth of candy! I looked at the garden center and bought some Okra seed. If I like it in the veggie soup, I'll probably grow some this year. It does well in our area, I'm told. I ran into a wierd guy over by the feminine supplies. He kept going on about how he's been buying "supplies" for the women in his life for over 40 years. Where was his cart? :twitch: Why did he start to follow me? Are we bipolar? I don't know. I should have offered him a lithium. I got myself a decaf 2 liter soda, and Ron his Hot Pockets. He is very partial to the Hot Pockets, and he takes a multivitamin, so I don't worry too much about nutrition. It's not like he can eat anything in the world. He was thrilled about the chicken. I came home, put away the groceries, unwrapped my tomato plants, and checked the garden. Everyone looks great. Then, naptime. I was awakened by bad drumming and resurrected cramps about 30 minutes ago. I'm just going to take it easy today. All I have to do now is figure out dinner. Tomorrow is just Sam's Club (I need candy for the vending machines), work, and home. I'll probably go to Foodtown and get more groceries. I really love that turkey and it's so affordable! It isn't stalling me, either. The tape measure doesn't lie!

02-23-2009, 01:43 PM	#890
Houston Heather Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Houston Posts: 8,904 Gallery: Houston Heather Stats: 228/169/160 Waist: 42/31/31 WOE: Atkins 2002 Ongoing Weight Loss/pre maintenance Start Date: Feb 26, 2008 (second and last time)	I forgot to mention something that happened at work. I talk to everyone, I'm pretty outgoing by nature. Ron's more introverted now. A guy at work kept asking me about dialysis. I was very clear, it is horrible, in my opinion, not far from death, I've never met a happy person on dialysis. Someone on dialysis spends at least 12 hours a week in the chair. If they don't get it, they'll die within a few days. They're all on a waiting list for a kidney transplant. I was fairly brutal when he asked why people end up on it. I told him, some genetic conditions but most people ate themselves into kidney failure with bad food choices. His wife is very obese, food-addicted, and can't even really walk anymore. She is extremely defensive, so I've given up even a casual mention of my WOE. She sees me getting thinner and healthier. She knows low-carb works. I thought maybe he had met someone on dialysis or knew someone. He got very serious and grim. "My wife's doctor mentioned she may have to start dialysis soon and he told her to stop taking painkillers because they are toxic to the kidneys". I told him it's true. "What can I do?" I told him, she's gotta go low-carb. If she ends up on dialysis no more cruises, no more long vacations, it'll be a daytrip now and then if she feels up to it, lousy quality of life (in my opinion), and she will still have to eat a special low-protein, low-phosphorous diet. "You've got to get her off the sugar, [name]". "I know"

02-23-2009, 04:55 PM	#891
Houston Heather Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Houston Posts: 8,904 Gallery: Houston Heather Stats: 228/169/160 Waist: 42/31/31 WOE: Atkins 2002 Ongoing Weight Loss/pre maintenance Start Date: Feb 26, 2008 (second and last time)	I just can't have a boring day. After I got up, I went outside to check on the garden, the transplants are fairly fragile right now. I'd hate to find out tomorrow that someone got dried out. I said hi to Barky, the neighbor's dog (my name). I got a licking through the hole in the fence, he sure likes me and my goodies. I decided to work on cleaning up the house. I walked around with a trash bag, throwing things away until it was full. I noticed as I looked out the front window that someone was directly across the street, parked. After I finished picking up, he was still there. Hm. I did the dishes. Still there. I had Ron call the police. What is a 20-something year old white guy doing sitting in an old Honda across from my house? Stalker? Hit man? I only knew he wasn't interested in me. He was looking towards the cross street. Right after Ron called the police, the school bus came. An assortment of teenagers got off. A Latina girl, about 15 saw the car and ran over to it, getting inside. Oooooooooooooh. I wish I'd called the cops sooner! Probably some internet pervert!

02-24-2009, 06:18 AM	#893
skeopple Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Northern Wisconsin Posts: 3,682 Gallery: skeopple Stats: 336/269/159 WOE: Low Carb, forever Start Date: 1/14/08	I'm just running around the threads, visiting everybody. Hope you have a terrific Tuesday. I'll be back later.

02-24-2009, 03:54 PM	#894
Houston Heather Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Houston Posts: 8,904 Gallery: Houston Heather Stats: 228/169/160 Waist: 42/31/31 WOE: Atkins 2002 Ongoing Weight Loss/pre maintenance Start Date: Feb 26, 2008 (second and last time)	I just know you'll have loads of fun with your "house" Pear! I had a good day. We got up early and went to Sam's Club, buying candy for the business. Got to work, not much to do besides candy, but we did sell some bottled drinks and sandwiches. I managed to snag $4 in sales by digging some chili cheese dogs out of our fridge - he asked me if I could get him another one. Got the milk, came back, put it in the vending machines. You might find this interesting: The sell by date is only printed on one side of the carton, at the top. I "face" all the sell-by dates so they face the same direction (the front of the fridge) and put them away. When Ron needs to do milk, he knows which way the codes face so the customers can see the dates on every carton of milk in the machine. It works great. We only had a couple hours at work, and frankly, that's all we needed. Ron surprised me with a trip to a good seafood place. It's very casual, the kind of place that has a roll of paper towels on the picnic tables outside. It's a nice day today, low 70's, sunny, breezy... really beautiful. Ron asked me why I was the only woman sitting outside. I told him the wind was probably at a hair-wrecking level, but he didn't mind if I had messy hair. We had a good laugh. We really had a good date. We had a good trip home, and I took a nap. I had a nighmare I was suicidal but other than that it was a good day. I went outside and checked on my plants, the wind ensured that they needed a drink. I set them up , uncovered a lettuce plant Frosty had buried in wood mulch, and came inside. Tomorrow will be nursery and Foodtown. I don't know what order yet.

02-25-2009, 08:04 AM	#895
Houston Heather Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Houston Posts: 8,904 Gallery: Houston Heather Stats: 228/169/160 Waist: 42/31/31 WOE: Atkins 2002 Ongoing Weight Loss/pre maintenance Start Date: Feb 26, 2008 (second and last time)	Bad news first. I dropped my spending money somewhere... I was looking all over for it. Turns out it was hiding under the bed. I was actually very proud of us. Years ago, Ron would have been furious, I would have been hysterical, but we were both calm. I figured, if I didn't find it then God wanted me to drop it so some needy person could find it. I did tell Him, if I can't find this money then that's my charity contribution for the month! I found it, right about the time I was contemplating the parable of the lost coin - Jesus mentioned how when you lose a coin (or rubber-banded roll of bills) you will hunt all over, trying to find it, and when you do, you celebrate. When a soul is lost God rejoices when it is "found" and He and the angels celebrate. Then, I found my money. I was a little freaked out about going out today. A woman had been abducted and murdered recently, not far from where I'm going. They arrested the bad guy last night - it was someone who knew her. Poor family. Anyway, off to Foodtown for me, then home. Then off to another grocery store and the garden center (I'm getting non-perishables at grocery store #2). Measurements are still down! Allergen levels are up. I'm a little itchy, watery, and sneezy. Apparently I don't like very high levels of tree pollen. If it gets really bad I can try some Zyrtec. From what I read, it might make me manic, but I can cut it in half. I'd try that.

02-25-2009, 08:48 AM	#896
Zer Guest Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: SoCal (N.San Diego) Posts: 9,146 Blog Entries: 43 Gallery: Zer Stats: 5'10"; 65; 508.7/_320.0_/199 WOE: Atkins: <5%Carb; J-UD/DD(<2798/560cals); 128ozH2O Start Date: Got scale at 432.4(2/8/08); 376.8(2/8/09)	Glad you found your "lost" money. Glad too that R is treating you to seafood and a fun date - with laughter about the wind, messy hair. What fun, you two!

02-25-2009, 03:56 PM	#897
Houston Heather Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Houston Posts: 8,904 Gallery: Houston Heather Stats: 228/169/160 Waist: 42/31/31 WOE: Atkins 2002 Ongoing Weight Loss/pre maintenance Start Date: Feb 26, 2008 (second and last time)	He had even more fun today, loafing in bed and eating Hot Pockets while I went shopping. First I went to Foodtown. I bought all kinds of stuff, pounds of cheese, some ends and pieces of roast beef (Yum! Full of delicious flavor enhancers!), bacon ends, Ron's processed crap (Hot Pockets and Don Miguel Saltillo dinners), and some cleaning products. I like the lavender stuff but it makes Ron gag, so I got citrus. I love citrus too. Funny thing about the memory holes Ron has since the accident. He had an ex, named "Jane" who used to go nuts with the pine-sol, cleaning, every time they had a fight. Ron HATED the smell of pine sol. One day I bought some pinalen, forgetting, and used it to mop that floor. Ron raved about the wonderful smell! Later on, I remembered. I won't remind him. I like piney scents. I got myself some bunless burgers and Ron some tacos, and headed to the bus stop. Now, Houston Metro bus system has two kinds of buses, the double buses that have 3 steps up, and the more usual "flat" buses that are basically at curb level. When I've got my cart loaded up, I prefer the flat buses. The bus was late, which meant I caught it. The driver had a HUGE attitude about my cart. "It'll be in the way. I can't let you ride with it..." I told her, I am DISABLED and I am only going ONE MILE. I waved the disabled card at her. I thought, go ahead and call dispatch. Let's see what they say if you refuse to accomodate a person with a disability. Go ahead, call it in. She didn't peep after that. That's the first time I've had an unpleasant driver in the months I have been riding. It's the first time I pulled "disabled" in my life. I am. I thought about "calling in" on her, but decided not to do it. I mean, you've seen my cart. It takes up maybe 1 square foot. A walker would take up as much room, and I handled it myself. I think she was just having a bad day and I was in the line of fire. Of course, as a Christian, I have to pray for her now. Matthew chapter 5. "Pray for those who are unkind to you" - paraphrased. Anyway, I came home, put up my stuff. Gave Ron his tacos, watched him make yummy noises as he ate them in bed, dropping crumbs. I turned around and went out. I wanted to get some Silk Unsweetened soymilk in the Tetra pack - the shelf stable form. They had some, good news it was on sale. Bad news it goes out in a month. I got 2 quarts. It's really good in my coffee and very low carb. I got some decaf coffee and some stevia. I don't have it with me, but it's named "something sweet". It's basically just white stevia, zero carb. It's got a little bitterness to it but it went great in the heavy whipping cream thing I got after the second grocery store. Then it was off to the garden center. All my other bus drivers were wonderful, by the way. I got off and headed over. It's a little challenging cutting through the vacant lot, but do-able. They were very nice at the garden center and said I was free to give the cat as many treats as I wanted. Of course, it's a cat. I'm sure it knew I had treats, so it refused to make an appearance. They had pepper transplants. I called Ron and found out he didn't care, so I got a pimento. I looked at the mint. I really liked the "Colonel" mint - it's a hybrid between a spearmint and a pineapple mint. It's got a delicious, fruity mint fragrance. I got 2, one for the front and one for the back. I also got a lemon balm for out front. It'll be lovely to open the front door, to the fragrance of lemon and mint. [happy sigh] And they don't mind shade. They're invasive, so they'll probably escape into the grass, but a nice minty lawn sounds fun, too. I don't need another scented geranium, but it was cute. So I got it. A "Clorinda". I named it "Linda". Sometimes I name things. They also had some vining squash seeds. I planted 2 in garden bed 3, in the center of the bed, inside the tomato cage. They can use the cage to start, and get ahold of the treillis. I plan to put some cucumbers on the other side of the squash. I haven't had much luck with squash, but maybe that's 'cause I got the wrong variety! I'm stubborn, and if it just doesn't work than that's room for a tomato, or more cucumbers, or something. I had an interesting wait. If you recall, last time I went north of the garden center, about 1/2 a mile or so, and waited by a vacant lot, after being menaced by a growling stray dog. I decided to wait under the freeway this time. Big mistake. My parents used to call them "Bums" when we went to the big city. "Don't look at the bums, Heather." 3 of them, absolutely filthy, and somewhat rowdy. They stayed on their side of the feeder road and I stayed on mine. I called Ron and explained the situation. He stayed on the phone with me until the bus came (I had just missed one, getting to the stop). As I boarded the bus, one bum was unfastening his pants and beginning to squat. YUCK! Next time, I'll wait at the "North" bus stop! I just CANNOT have a dull day. Ron didn't realize when he made the blood bank appointment, that we'd be getting our junk food delivery 12 hours later. I'm going to see if he can wait a week. I hope so, wait on the order I mean. SOMEONE out there needs blood and I'm sure they can't wait!

02-25-2009, 07:32 PM	#898
Houston Heather Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Houston Posts: 8,904 Gallery: Houston Heather Stats: 228/169/160 Waist: 42/31/31 WOE: Atkins 2002 Ongoing Weight Loss/pre maintenance Start Date: Feb 26, 2008 (second and last time)	The Clorinda scented geranium I bought was so little and cute. Now, doing research in the internet, I've discovered it's a good thing I put it in the back of the garden bed! It's gonna be a big 'un! I figure I'll be tired tomorrow, when my new plants arrive, so I already prepped garden bed 5 for them. I just have to dig holes, drop 'em in, and water them in.

02-25-2009, 08:06 PM	#899
Houston Heather Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Houston Posts: 8,904 Gallery: Houston Heather Stats: 228/169/160 Waist: 42/31/31 WOE: Atkins 2002 Ongoing Weight Loss/pre maintenance Start Date: Feb 26, 2008 (second and last time)	Ron woke up. MOST LIKELY we will not be getting up at 2 AM to get our food delivery - because we honestly don't need it. We can buy bottled water from the other vendor, they won't mind throwing it in their order.