My Federal and State Income Taxes were just e-filed at 5:55 PM. Shame, shame on me!! I started the taxes in January. Then I wrote that I was Jinked, and speculated on a Domino Effect. (Interesting reading as I look back on those blog messages.) Well, the April 15th deadline forced me to resurrect the paperwork and reopen the computer file (Turbo Tax).  Bravo, one less concern!! ~~ I missed supper in the Dining Room; I’ll heat a can of soup.

Trimming the grass and weeds is my new concern. Because of frequent rain, the unwanted vegetation is ankle-deep. (And I’ve been busy with other projects and neglected the task.) So now that the CARE garage sale is history, I wanted to “tidy up” my yard. The used Black & Decker Grasshog String Trimmer gave me frustrating problems. BUT, truthfully, it was only my second use so a learning experience. However, I came to the conclusion that it will need repairs so I went to the Internet for answers. Now I have the parts in a bag ready for a trip to Lowe’s. If they can’t accommodate me, I can order on-line. When I get to Lowe’s I’ll look for a new pump for the garden fountain, and some long slender bolts to repair two well-used, inexpensive, aluminum and plastic lawn chairs. I’ll return the product described to kill “over 65 insects.” (I don’t want that in my garden!!) ~~ I’ll probably purchase another Mandevilla because I have prepared a site, and planter, for one.

This evening, I climbed the ladder, opened one door of the Bluebird house and took a picture. When I looked at the picture–after moving it from the camera to Picasa software–I became concerned. The babies were not “gaping” and I feared they might be dead. So I got out the ladder and checked the house again. This time I had on an apron with pockets and I carefully transferred the babies. They are all healthy, as far as I can tell, but “Mama Blue” and “Papa Blue” were really angry with me  for invading their space.  For over an hour, I’ve watched them sitting on a nearby limb. They are “carrying on a noisy conversation” that I surmise is heard by the babies. Neither has entered the bird house with live mealworms that I provided. ~~ I hope and pray I haven’t frustrated the parents so they abandon the nest!! ~~ In North Carolina–viewing the nest with the spy camera–the babies were always hungry, they were always gaping. Both times I’ve taken pictures (recently), the babies were resting quietly.

I’m such a proud Grandma!! I am constantly telling people about my Bluebird babies. Yesterday (at the CARE garage sale) a lady told me she had five babies but when she checked a couple of days ago they were dead. That prompted my concern.

The CARE garage sale winds down tomorrow afternoon. It has been a long, tiring week. It appears we may take in close to $5,000.

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Postscript, Sunday, April 13, 2014, 9:00 AM: The Bluebird parents did not abandon the nest and the babies. Furthermore, I have them trained to come to the feeder for mealworms when they hear the “tap, tap, tap” of plastic container against the plastic feeder.

Up to my earlobes in trash. “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” The large “living room” of the CARE Center has a dozen long tables, and yards of improvised clothes poles. Everything was full yesterday and more things arrive today. The area in front of the building has an enormous number of large items and electronics.  It’s an interesting challenge!! And we haven’t started pricing yet!! (This is “fun,” not work.) ~~ Thus an explanation why I’m not posting blogs this week. 

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.