That old Amish saying “Too soon old, too late smart.” Today I learned how to start a mealworm farm. It is so-o-o-o simple!! I was so gullible for so many months, in North Carolina. I was paying as much as $11.00 for 500 live mealworms. I finally relied on packaged dried mealworms but they, too, can be expensive. Had I done my research (!!), my precious Bluebird families would have enjoyed live mealworms all the time. Today I learned how to start a mealworm farm AND found this source for 500 worms for $9.95 with free shipping. ~~ My Bluebirds will be pampered!!

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On Friday, from Lowe’s, I purchased a product advertised to kill “over 65 insects.”  I already have flying insects on some of my flowering plants. It’s 11:30 and I’ve been using a magnifying glass to read the fine print on the package. Then, armed with the name of the ingredients, I searched the Internet. From information, I will be returning the unopened container to Lowe’s. Not only a health hazard to the young and elderly, I’ll bet it is a health hazard to the birds!! ~~ Back to the Internet to see if I can find an organic deterrent.

Twelve-thirty PM and I’ve discovered so much interesting information on the Internet. Here is the very best of six or seven web sites: Old-fashioned Wisdom. I’m putting Ivory soap on my shopping list. (I found these vintage images while searching for clip art.)

…there are five baby Bluebirds in the nest!! I’ve been involved with so many activities lately, I haven’t checked to see if the eggs had hatched. Indeed, they hatched and the babies are about a week old. It won’t be long until they fledge (and “Mama Blue” builds a new nest). In the near future, I want to set up the spy camera in the Bluebird house. Last year, I got so much enjoyment watching the progress from fresh-laid egg to hatching, to progressive growth, to vacating the nest. This year, I haven’t gotten “a round tuit” (LOL).

Four-thirty PM and I need a break. I’ve been working in the garden all afternoon!! Two six-pack of Verbena were planted plus two other “mark downs” from Lowe’s two weeks ago. Furthermore, three Calibrachoa planted from yesterday’s shopping trip. “Mama Blue” and “Papa Blue” sat on a nearby branch and watched me work. Occasionally I would step out-of-sight and they would enter the bird house with food for the babies. Several times today, I put live mealworms in their feeder. My presence–in the yard–kept all the birds at a distance. Almost as soon as I came indoors, there were about one-hundred birds on the various feeders and on the ground beneath the feeders. A Hummingbird came to its feeder, too.  Oh, happy day!!

Several large planters were re-positioned; several never-used were given plants. The water fountain was moved to a new location. I had to dig around a tree stump, elevate some bricks, top with a large cement slab. I hope the “camouflage” serves well. I ran an electric line to the fountain and it worked for a while. But, too much water around the cord plug-in and I suspect I’ve tripped a breaker somewhere. I’ve searched, and searched…, and checked the owner’s manual, and can’t find the panel. I’ll ask the RV repairmen, on Thursday, when they come to repair my roof.

I’m headed for the shower because I am very “stinky” from handling compost (rotted garbage)–and “poop” from Nature’s Head. I’m believing information in the Owner’s Manual of Nature’s Head: The “composted” solid matter is good for plants (but never use with edible plants). ~~ I have two tests underway: Identical plants (from same six-packs) in two planters. One set has the advantage of composted materials and Miracle Gro planter soil; the other is limited to Miracle Gro planter soil only. Verbenas in one test, Calibrachoa in another.

This morning a curious thought came to mind–and I’m sharing it. My new next-trailer neighbor (twenty feet away) is having some repairs on his awning. I watched Lee get a tool (or bolt?) from the storage. Unlock…, retrieve…, lock…. They usually spend their day in the CARE Center and I watch the ritual every morning: Lock their trailer as they leave. Are they afraid I’ll slip in while they are gone and steal something? Question: Who’s paranoid: The neighbor’s distrust in our small CARE community or Lorraine for thinking they don’t trust her??  ~~ Right here–where the whole wide world can read it–I state that I have never locked my trailer when I leave. (Yesterday, five hours shopping in Livingston.) I have never locked the storage building behind my trailer. (Yes, I lock the mini-storage unit several miles down the highway. Yes, I lock my car now that I have to park it away from my site.)  ~~ Just a “curious thought” so I wrote about it while having my breakfast cereal and coffee.  ~~  Have a great weekend!! I will!! More gardening!!

Occasionally, I make a trip into Livingston. I don’t make a trip for groceries for myself; I make a trip to buy bird seed!! As usual, I spent a lot of time and money at Tractor Supply, and Lowe’s. Finally, to the market for food for myself. It’s 6:00 PM and the birds are happy!! I’m exceptionally happy because I saw Hummingbirds in my yard for the first time this season. (I’ve been watching for them.) “They” were quick to visit the three new Calibrachoa plants I brought home from Lowe’s. I know (from experience in North Carolina) that Hummingbirds are attracted to this colorful, prolific flower. These three plants aren’t in planter soil yet; they are simply sitting in a large planter waiting my attention!!

First stop, in town: Habitat for Humanity Re-Store with a car-full of donations!!

…and on the advice of others: Please do not attend the movie Noah. I rarely attend a movie; I’m an “old fuddie duddie” about the television programs I watch. I am concerned with “truth,” not entertainment. Why would a Christian attend a movie written and produced by an avowed atheist??

Breakfast is over;, time to go to work. My ritual morning visit to read email messages, and prepare a blog, is history. I made great progress yesterday!! I want to keep going while I have the momentum!! ~~ Lots of birds on the feeders; weak sunshine at the moment but 60% chance of rain.

OK, in the interest of telling the “truth,” watching The Pretender is entertainment for me. I’ve been viewing the series, on DVD, the last few evenings. Soon I will watch The Walton Family Easter.

Yesterday–almost April first–was spent in front of the television set in the living room of my Carriage 5th-wheel trailer. I love the picture quality of the Samsung TV–and I love Michael T. Weiss as The Pretender. It was a beautiful day–weather-wise–and I should have been busy planting the remainder from purchases a week earlier. There I was, gliding in my easy chair, watching programs (on DVD) that aired almost twenty years ago (as though I was retired and didn’t have a thing in the world to do [LOL] ). ~~ This is not a joke!!

A dark gloomy morning as I prepare this message (at 9:30). I’m having breakfast as I write… and will soon turn my back on the computer and begin neglected projects. Wishing you, and yours, a very happy April Fool’s Day!!

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Kudos to Lorraine!! It’s 5:00 PM and several boxes were transported from the mini-storage.  Most were unpacked; one large container of “kitchen” awaits my attention.  I stayed focused on necessary projects and accomplished a lot (no joke). Many items, and a couple of boxes, were loaded into the car and are destined for the local Habitat for Humanity thrift store. My dilemma: Where do I put these kitchen items? I’ll try to decide tomorrow.  I’m ready for “sit down” time!! I’m reheating homemade veggie soup (from the freezer). Time to eat.