You can never have enough...

[popeye333]

Morning everyone

Warm this morning.

Shopping at some stage today. Don't need much. but Ill get gas for next week. 20 cents off today. Which is good considering it went up yesterday to $2-81..

Had another pick up last night. so that makes things nicer for next week. Dianne and I will eat out somewhere. Probably KFC as we both like it.

Started my Stained Glass window Iris picture last night. Im in love with it. Even tho Ive only done the darkest colour. No black in this one. I have 6-7 window ones and I do have some big walls I could put them on too. Ill save up and buy the same frames or maybe just canvases and frame them with paint.

Ive decided to give mum one of my other floral ones, so Ill put that on a canvas too. We will have to change her paintings around a bit She cant see any of her pictures as they are at the mo.

Had a shortened painting day. I was home just after 2pm for a change.

Have a fab day everyone

[Oh_hunnihunni]

I have been neglectinging my back garden, but did a little wander round there last evening and was rewarded by an early ripened and fallen peach, which despite its bruise and bird peck was deliciously juicy. The fruit is much larger this year than it has been, maybe the tree is responding to the hard prune, or it might be the fertiliser boost I gave it or just the fact it is maturing. Either way I look forward to the harvest. And her daughter tree that I planted between a couple of neighbours flats is also doing really well with a first decent crop showing, and also in need of a bit of lopping. The cooler season obviously suits these trees better, so I shall do a bit of a trim and tidy it up for the ladies over the next week or so, and make picking easier for them both. I do enjoy these trees, the blossom in spring is so lovely, the fruit such a gift, and knowing they are all my own work is very satisfying. The pay off for saving pips, lol...

[kiwimade64]

We want to plant a peacherine tree, they are delicious and solve the 'debate' between us which is better, peach or nectarine lol. Our plums are ripening as well, it's lovely to be able to have our own fruit. Especially when you see the price they are.

We're both back inside, it's becoming quite warm out there.

[Olive]

For unknown reasons we have no success in growing stone fruit here (Waikato).   We've tried plums, self-fertile almonds, peaches, nectarines, apricots and cherries.  Apricots and peaches came down with gummosis (all from the same nursery, so we blame them), the rest failed to fruit.  Our plums have flowered well but we have TWO Luisa plums and no George Wilsons this year despite having pollinators.

Thankfully our citrus is always reliable, so are the figs, blueberries and feijoas.

[harm_less]

For unknown reasons we have no success in growing stone fruit here (Waikato).   We've tried plums, self-fertile almonds, peaches, nectarines, apricots and cherries.  Apricots and peaches came down with gummosis (all from the same nursery, so we blame them), the rest failed to fruit.  Our plums have flowered well but we have TWO Luisa plums and no George Wilsons this year despite having pollinators.

Thankfully our citrus is always reliable, so are the figs, blueberries and feijoas.

Can't really comment on most of the stone fruit varieties you've not been successful with but I was involved in compiling 'How to' manuals for Organic fruit sectors back in the late 1990s and the standout issue for the stone fruit sector was soft rots which they really struggled with under certified Organic management regimes.

So far as plums go we've got a reduced crop on our Sultan, Omega, Santa Rosa, Prune and Louisas this year. Huge crops on all but the Santa Rosas last year so I'm putting it down to a down year in terms of biennial bearing. Plum crops in Taranaki are generally down this year probably for the same reason. The Santa Rosas are about 150m from one another and both look to be in dire health, both with pale curled foliage. I've tried watering in Iron chelate but no real improvement so far. Don't really want to lose them as they're recognised pollinators and the few plums they've produced are exquisite. One is next to a big old Sultan that is very reliable and in good health so I'm a bit baffled as to what is going on with the Santa Rosa, especially as both of that variety are similarly affected.

Apple crops are heavy this year (and being much enjoyed by the birds), avocados are cropping well, most of the feijoas have fruit, figs are still coming, persimmon looks promising, pears are mixed crop loads and citrus just doing their normal reliable thing. Mulberries were good though the birds got most of those. Blueberries were transplanted last year so still finding their feet with a light crop. 

Vege garden is keeping Maggie busy with watering most nights as things really dry out this month. Hopefully rain is forecast for the weekend as pasture in front of the livestock is a bit meagre with sheep and beefies enjoying a treat of brewery mash this morning.

[Lilith7]

Over to the Northlands mall first thing; decided to get what will be the very last Body shop shower gel's for granddaughbtres & DIL's birthday gifts this year. Quite a few with the same idesa so glad I went early. The staff are all lovely, so hope they all find jobs.
Such a pity to see it go, having begun so long ago & having been something of a pioneer in the way of doing business. But then in today's world things are rather more ruthless.


Madame le Dog has found herself a favourite piece of wood & isn't inclined to put it down - she'll be outside until she does. But not worried as we haven't been for the walk yet..she'll change her tune then.

[Oh_hunnihunni]

My crab apples are starting to drop, but most are still green and hidden in the leaves. I am on my last jar of crab apple jelly, so I have great expectations. Meantime a small bucket of tomatoes are simmering down on the stove garnished with basil, for the freezer, destined for spicing up my winter one pot wonders.

[kiwimade64]

Our plums seem to crop heavily every second year, this year is very light, but our apples are going nuts and so is the neighbours grafted apple. The figs are looking good too, we have our fig in a pot, so it needs feeding constantly. And we are picking a good handful of blueberries from our one plant (in a pot) each day. MrK thinned the grapes and omg the grapes he left are so good. Tomatoes are awesome and mrK is freezing our first lot of beans for the freezer now. Cucumbers and zucchinis are a real disappointment, but I suspect it is too hot where MrK has planted them. We're also watering each evening.

I didn't realise the Body Shop was closing, Lilith What a shame as they have lovely stuff. Is it just your shop or nationwide?

The Furry One is in for a shock tomorrow. He's going to have a bath. It will take both of us to bathe him and he will sulk and ignore us until he's fed again. But needs must.

[Lilith7]

Our plums seem to crop heavily every second year, this year is very light, but our apples are going nuts and so is the neighbours grafted apple.  The figs are looking good too, we have our fig in a pot, so it needs feeding constantly.  And we are picking a good handful of blueberries from our one plant (in a pot) each day. MrK thinned the grapes and omg the grapes he left are so good.  Tomatoes are awesome and mrK is freezing our first lot of beans for the freezer now.  Cucumbers and zucchinis are a real disappointment, but I suspect it is too hot where MrK has planted them.  We're also watering each evening.

I didn't realise the Body Shop was closing, Lilith   What a shame as they have lovely stuff.  Is it just your shop or nationwide?

The Furry One is in for a shock tomorrow.  He's going to have a bath.  It will take both of us to bathe him and he will sulk and ignore us until he's fed again.  But needs must.

Its all of them KM. Such a  shame after so long.



https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/5396...n-business



https://www.theguardian.com/business/202...ngredients

[kiwimade64]

morning ladies It's supposed to rain, just as we bought a new sprinkler lol.

Ohhh buggar, Lilith They will be missed, for sure. I see the Warehouse at Pakuranga is closing(ed) and another branch in Wellington somewhere looking at closing. Times must be tough to see these big companies close their doors.

Not much planned for the day, I need to plant the lavender that was never planted yesterday and give the rest of the salvias a trim. Blackberry Nip needs tying back. Claude Monet has new growth I'm so pleased with it lol. Finally, it has its place in the garden and is settling in. A couple of hours in the garden each morning is great for the soul. Even if it is just to potter about.

I have nearly finished the first 'block' of embroidery, only seven more and four corners to go.

happy crafting

[Mica]

Morning all 
Overcast had  sprinkling of rain and a bit breezey  temperature has dropped too

No plans for today probablybputtlenin sewing cave.

Times are tough quite few empty retail shops around I think Millars is also closing.

Hoping the rain passes by as we have an outdoor wedding  to attend tomorrow.

Enjoy your day

[popeye333]

Morning everyone

Mixed skies out today.

Love hearing about your gardens.. Im not a gardener, and I prefer growing food to flowers. But just for me who doesn't eat a lot of veges its not worth it.

Off to the home today. And there is a Residents meeting. David cant get there so Ill take notes on his behalf.

Have done about a 3rd of my Iris Window. Loving it.

Have a fab day all

[Oh_hunnihunni]

I don't garden to feed myself, that is a bonus. I garden because of the health benefits that activity has for human beings. Proven life extending life enhancing benefits. And not just for those of us who get involved with plants, but the people around us, who otherwise would be subjected to our darker sides...

When I say I garden so I don't kill people, I am telling the truth.

[Roma]

Good morning.

It's hot already ... expecting 28 degrees  

Lol OHH, nothing like chopping and digging to thrash out the tension! These days more sedate for me .... I've always found gardening therapeutic though, a time to sort out things in your head and the results a reward for effort.

Fingers crossed for good wedding weather Mica, we have several engaged members of the family (including our own son, lol) but not expecting any to attend in the near future .... I love a good wedding.

Over the hill for us today to a family get together ... always good to compare notes and catch up on happenings.

Time to move.

Enjoy the day all.

[kiwimade64]

I also garden for the health benefits, the payoff is a happy garden and fruit and veg. I solve a lot of the world's problems when gardening lol. Excess fruit and veg is either frozen or shared with friends and neighbours. And bunches of roses shared is a nice thing to do.

Too hot for me outside now so time to make the bed with fresh sheets After I've had a wee rest.

[Lilith7]

I don't garden to feed myself, that is a bonus. I garden because of the health benefits that activity has for human beings. Proven life extending life enhancing benefits. And not just for those of us who get involved with plants, but the people around us, who otherwise would be subjected to our darker sides...

When I say I garden so I don't kill people, I am telling the truth.

Oh, I know - its amazing, the number of weeds I've dug & chucked up the gully since this govt was voted in....

[Oh_hunnihunni]

I really enjoy my life some days, even more than the usual good life days. Today, I needed to escape the big orange Shitbox - no kidding, that is its brand name, that still squats mere steps from my front door. My requests for a little consideration has initiated a move - the tradies shoved it a foot to the left, so now it obstructs my scooter access... An escape was a mental health strategy.

So I scooted down to Devonport, all flags flying. Scored three toots and one 'yes Mama' from passing traffic - old white lady flying the Tino flag garners interesting reactions, most positive, lol, and lots of big smiles and good mornings from locals I sort of know. Library visit, to pick up two handwriting books to aid me in my latest obsession (apparently the best excuse these days for being a bit weird is to say 'I'm on the spectrum, so this is my normal...). One is really lovely, the other is a bit more lecturery, if you know what I mean. So I went to my second favourite stationers and bought one of those school exercise books, and had a lovely chat about why this old lady needed a handwriting exercise book (Olive, I am having such fun thanks to your thoughtfulness!). Then to my chemist, their nurse gives the best covid booster jabs, so I am uptodate again with my mRNA vaccine shedding horribleness - and still covid free so there you ct nutters. I had coffee at my favourite cafe sitting next to a lovely gentleman who asked me if I was that person who flew past him on the electric blue scooter, so that led to why I was reading a handwriting book and we were back on that subject. Then fortified by cappuccino and very sweet crunchy chocky chip and almond biscuit, handmade by my favourite Nepalese barista I scooted past the hardware shop and a rather nice marked down azalea fell into my basket before I headed back up the hill to the local Wild Wheat bakery. Apparently, according to their unanimous expert opinions the perfect bread for homegrown tomato sandwiches is rosemary and oive oil sour dough - and would I liked that sliced?

And as I came down the drive I was greeted by my usual access blocked by trades vehicles and the one our community manager uses - here to tell me the bright orange Shitbox is to be moved by the service man when he comes to clean it. Next wednesday.

Oh well, at least that isn't us putting up with it for the next two months...

Fun fact though, it seems one of our gentlemen tenants complained about the position. And we women know, from past experience if we complain chances are we'll be ignored. But if one of the men complains stuff gets sorted.

But of course, that is just our imagination.

And now I feel the need to go prune something. But the tomato sandwich was so yummy. I might need another for afternoon tea.

[popeye333]

Sounds like you had a lovely day Hunni.

The residents meeting went exactly the same way as any other. But David, Myself and a couple of ladies have volunteered to peel real Potatoes, to have a break from the So called Totally nutritious Powdered Potatoe flakes. mixed with water, no milk or butter. BUT strict cleanliness levels have to be maintained. And David offered to get the real potatoes. But no they have to be brought from a supplier.. UMMM WE Live in the potato Capital of the country.

It appears Cheese is too expensive, but they were open to a cheese tasting.. not supplying cheese to be included in sauces or scones etc. They also pooh poohed lasagna, and mini pizzas.

But its the dieticians we need to talk to now.

Mums fish was just crumbs apart from one bit that actually had fish in it. Served with the customary white warmed chips and salad That was worse than a soft bikkie having been dunked too long.

Dianne gave me my Birthday present today.. yeah its not till May. two diamond painting's with an older woman with a cat, wearing crocks, one baking the other one watching the TV I think. They are funny and cute lol

Neither Dianne and or I are going in on Monday. Lorraine will visit Mum. So we have a 5 day weekend... Missy is going to love me lol

[Lilith7]

I really enjoy my life some days, even more than the usual good life days. Today, I needed to escape the big orange Shitbox - no kidding, that is its brand name, that still squats mere steps from my front door. My requests for a little consideration has initiated a move - the tradies shoved it a foot to the left, so now it obstructs my scooter access... An escape was a mental health strategy.

So I scooted down to Devonport, all flags flying. Scored three toots and one 'yes Mama' from passing traffic - old white lady flying the Tino flag garners interesting reactions, most positive, lol, and lots of big smiles and good mornings from locals I sort of know. Library visit, to pick up two handwriting books to aid me in my latest obsession (apparently the best excuse these days for being a bit weird is to say 'I'm on the spectrum, so this is my normal...). One is really lovely, the other is a bit more lecturery, if you know what I mean. So I went to my second favourite stationers and bought one of those school exercise books, and had a lovely chat about why this old lady needed a handwriting exercise book (Olive, I am having such fun thanks to your thoughtfulness!). Then to my chemist, their nurse gives the best covid booster jabs, so I am uptodate again with my mRNA vaccine shedding horribleness - and still covid free so there you ct nutters.  I had coffee at my favourite cafe sitting next to a lovely gentleman who asked me if I was that person who flew past him on the electric blue scooter, so that led to why I was reading a handwriting book and we were back on that subject. Then fortified by cappuccino and very sweet crunchy chocky chip and almond biscuit, handmade by my favourite Nepalese barista I scooted past the hardware shop and a rather nice marked down azalea fell into my basket before I headed back up the hill to the local Wild Wheat bakery. Apparently, according to their unanimous expert opinions the perfect bread for homegrown tomato sandwiches is rosemary and oive oil sour dough - and would I liked that sliced?

And as I came down the drive I was greeted by my usual access blocked by trades vehicles and the one our community manager uses -  here to tell me the bright orange Shitbox is to be moved by the service man when he comes to clean it. Next wednesday.

Oh well, at least that isn't us putting up with it for the next two months...

Fun fact though, it seems one of our gentlemen tenants complained about the position. And we women know, from past experience  if we complain chances are we'll be ignored. But if one of the men complains stuff gets sorted.

But of course, that is just our imagination.

And now I feel the need to go prune something. But the tomato sandwich was so yummy. I might need another for afternoon tea.

Next time you need something done, try sending both a  male & female in to give management the message. Get the woman to do the talking while he nods now & then & see 

what their reaction is then...


I got two of those  flags with the idea of puting them on the pannier bags but they were too big - that'll teach me for not checking sizes. However I have an alternate plan, once winter arrives & the gate is hopefully replaced, I hope to attach on to the gate if possible.

---

Sounds like you had a lovely day Hunni.

The residents meeting went exactly the same way as any other. But David, Myself and a couple of ladies have volunteered to peel real Potatoes, to have a break from the So called Totally nutritious Powdered Potatoe flakes. mixed with water, no milk or butter. BUT strict cleanliness levels have to be maintained. And David offered to get the real potatoes. But no they have to be brought from a supplier.. UMMM WE Live in the potato Capital of the country.

It appears Cheese is too expensive, but they were open to a  cheese tasting.. not supplying cheese to be included in sauces or scones etc. They also pooh poohed lasagna, and mini pizzas.

But its the dieticians we need to talk to now.

Mums fish was just crumbs apart from one bit that actually had fish in it. Served with the customary white warmed chips and salad That was worse than a soft bikkie having been dunked too long.

Dianne gave me my Birthday present today.. yeah its not till May. two diamond painting's with an older woman with a  cat, wearing crocks, one baking the other one watching the TV I think. They are funny and cute lol

Neither Dianne and or I are going in on Monday. Lorraine will visit Mum. So we have a 5 day weekend... Missy is going to love me lol

Perhaps management should be served the exact same food for their lunch....?

[popeye333]

I really enjoy my life some days, even more than the usual good life days. Today, I needed to escape the big orange Shitbox - no kidding, that is its brand name, that still squats mere steps from my front door. My requests for a little consideration has initiated a move - the tradies shoved it a foot to the left, so now it obstructs my scooter access... An escape was a mental health strategy.

So I scooted down to Devonport, all flags flying. Scored three toots and one 'yes Mama' from passing traffic - old white lady flying the Tino flag garners interesting reactions, most positive, lol, and lots of big smiles and good mornings from locals I sort of know. Library visit, to pick up two handwriting books to aid me in my latest obsession (apparently the best excuse these days for being a bit weird is to say 'I'm on the spectrum, so this is my normal...). One is really lovely, the other is a bit more lecturery, if you know what I mean. So I went to my second favourite stationers and bought one of those school exercise books, and had a lovely chat about why this old lady needed a handwriting exercise book (Olive, I am having such fun thanks to your thoughtfulness!). Then to my chemist, their nurse gives the best covid booster jabs, so I am uptodate again with my mRNA vaccine shedding horribleness - and still covid free so there you ct nutters.  I had coffee at my favourite cafe sitting next to a lovely gentleman who asked me if I was that person who flew past him on the electric blue scooter, so that led to why I was reading a handwriting book and we were back on that subject. Then fortified by cappuccino and very sweet crunchy chocky chip and almond biscuit, handmade by my favourite Nepalese barista I scooted past the hardware shop and a rather nice marked down azalea fell into my basket before I headed back up the hill to the local Wild Wheat bakery. Apparently, according to their unanimous expert opinions the perfect bread for homegrown tomato sandwiches is rosemary and oive oil sour dough - and would I liked that sliced?

And as I came down the drive I was greeted by my usual access blocked by trades vehicles and the one our community manager uses -  here to tell me the bright orange Shitbox is to be moved by the service man when he comes to clean it. Next wednesday.

Oh well, at least that isn't us putting up with it for the next two months...

Fun fact though, it seems one of our gentlemen tenants complained about the position. And we women know, from past experience  if we complain chances are we'll be ignored. But if one of the men complains stuff gets sorted.

But of course, that is just our imagination.

And now I feel the need to go prune something. But the tomato sandwich was so yummy. I might need another for afternoon tea.

Next time you need something done, try sending both a  male & female in to give management the message. Get the woman to do the talking while he nods now & then & see 

what their reaction is then...


I got two of those  flags with the idea of puting them on the pannier bags but they were too big - that'll teach me for not checking sizes. However I have an alternate plan, once winter arrives & the gate is hopefully replaced, I hope to attach on to the gate if possible.

---

Sounds like you had a lovely day Hunni.

The residents meeting went exactly the same way as any other. But David, Myself and a couple of ladies have volunteered to peel real Potatoes, to have a break from the So called Totally nutritious Powdered Potatoe flakes. mixed with water, no milk or butter. BUT strict cleanliness levels have to be maintained. And David offered to get the real potatoes. But no they have to be brought from a supplier.. UMMM WE Live in the potato Capital of the country.

It appears Cheese is too expensive, but they were open to a  cheese tasting.. not supplying cheese to be included in sauces or scones etc. They also pooh poohed lasagna, and mini pizzas.

But its the dieticians we need to talk to now.

Mums fish was just crumbs apart from one bit that actually had fish in it. Served with the customary white warmed chips and salad That was worse than a soft bikkie having been dunked too long.

Dianne gave me my Birthday present today.. yeah its not till May. two diamond painting's with an older woman with a  cat, wearing crocks, one baking the other one watching the TV I think. They are funny and cute lol

Neither Dianne and or I are going in on Monday. Lorraine will visit Mum. So we have a 5 day weekend... Missy is going to love me lol

Perhaps management should be served the exact same food for their lunch....?

She told us way back when MrP went into the home that she often eats the same thing.. Lies of course.