Happy Birthday to two very special people!

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1957

1964

“Love is…” my first homegrown tomato in 2015.

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Friends of the tomato–regulars in my home.

On a chilly morning, while wearing a jacket, I started a project I’m labeling an experiment. The plastic webbing was cut away from the chair–and inserted in the bottom of the crate. Two objectives: Cover the bottom of the crate, plus additional drainage benefits. As I said, “an experiment.” Next: Coco fiber around the sides. Coco fiber did not work well here in Texas last year (okay in planters in North Carolina). I’m recycling the used fiber. Then I added the last of a bag of organic planter soil (from last year). The crate-planter needs a lot more soil. I intend to insert a Tristan Strawberry plant in this peculiar chair-planter. See the fraternal twins (ha): Cucumber seeds planted in orange-color crate. ~~ “An experiment” because the soil in both crate-planters may dry out too quickly (as the soil dried out too quickly in coco fiber Texas hanging flower baskets). I’m hoping the roots of the plants will be very happy with good drainage and ventilation. I’m hoping…. ~~ I can re-position the chairs for sunshine or shade depending upon the weather. Trust me: You’ll learn more about this experiment as the months go by.

One-twenty-five (now) and time to continue in the yard. Bird feeders empty in one day’s time (!!) so that task awaits my attention.

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Afterthought: The type of hanging basket that did poorly last summer.

Another incredible day!! It’s  4 o’clock and time for a break. I’ve accomplished much and earned some “sit down” time. The afternoon was spent in the yard–of course. I purchased planter soil this morning; transplanted three plants this afternoon. I did the transplanting in their respective locations because too heavy to lift otherwise. I think “they” are still dormant enough that they will not sense any transplant shock. The Cape Honeysuckle has taken abuse this Winter so will thrive with fresh soil and more room for the roots. ~~ It’s only money (LOL): $20.00 worth of planter soil (and it wasn’t Miracle Gro–the expensive one)!! At Lowe’s, it appeared everything was twice as expensive as last year!? Bedding plants were admired but none came home with me.  ~~ (See my blog message Gardening Vicariously. Per a phone call 2/12/15, the plants won’t be shipped “until Spring” [because their nursery is in Illinois]. Frankly, I’ve been waiting patiently, anticipating their arrival, preparing the planters and soil. Oh well, I’ll turn my attention to other yard projects.)

My neighbors have their air-conditioner running!! Not me; I have the door and one window open. I worked in the yard yesterday afternoon–and this morning. ~~ All the miserable weather across our Nation but Spring-like temperatures in Texas. I’m incredibly happy working in my yard!! I’m incredibly thankful for WiFi again. Several days without….

An awful lot of time goes into planning what I’ll plant and where I’ll plant it. I had the bright idea, this afternoon, to use a heavy plastic crate as a planter in the chair. I lined it with coco fiber salvaged from last year’s planters (so lots of drainage but soil isn’t falling through the holes). I planted cucumbers in some of last year’s previously unused organic soil. The cucumber vines can climb around the back of the chair!! ~~ This morning I trimmed back old dead growth on two plants given to me by a departing volunteer. (And lots of other superfluous tasks!!) ~~ See my first tomato??

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FYI: The plastic woven seat become brittle and not safe to sit on. Although the problem isn’t critical, I’ll cut away the plastic (on second chair) and use a similar crate for the strawberry plant. (Pictures later.)

Last night I stumbled across Legends of the Fall on TV. It is curious (to me) that I come across movies I’ve never heard of.  Twenty years ago I had my head buried in family history, glued to my computer evenings and weekends. 

Please watch this video.

We have talented people at our CARE Center but nothing that comes within a country-mile of the talent demonstrated in the video.

I sincerely appreciate items brought to my attention via email messages. Thanks Patty!! 

Don’t let Obama take over the Internet.

I received the above link in an email message. I signed the petition.

I spend so much time on the computer, on the Internet. If you have followed my blog messages, you know I have more month than money. I gave up a Verizon Hot Spot because too expensive. I purchased an antenna so I could view television “over the air” because Direct TV and Dish Network is too expensive. I don’t want to pay to use WiFi and the Internet!!

The laptop and yours truly trudged through the rain to the CARE Center. WiFi and computer started working perfectly!!! I tried several experiments and had no problems. The laptop and yours truly trudged through the rain to our trailer home. Everything came to a screeching halt; we faced the same frustrating problems that plagued us yesterday and this morning. I’m back in the CARE Center (3 o’clock) and will attempt to resolve our WiFi problem.

Recently, CARE received a new larger router that provided–temporarily–a boost in signal strength. It’s a mystery to several of us why things changed. ~~ It’s a relief to realize my computer doesn’t need to go to the shop. Repeat: It’s a relief to realize my computer doesn’t need to go to the shop!!

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Postscript, Friday, Feb. 6, 2015, 9 o’clock: Four hours (yes!!) working with the problem. I thought I’d have an advantage attempting connections prior to CARE employee log-on and resident usage. I thought… wrongly!! Full disclosure: While waiting for web sites, “testing,” etc., I made coffee, and old-fashioned oatmeal, washed the dishes, etc., etc. I wasn’t sitting in front of the computer screen when the little “buffering” icon was spinning.