Good morning, Y’all, Wanderers! The East Coast is chilly today. Sweet sweater/hoodie/flannel weather which is best, IMO.
Bro called this a.m. as if nothing had happened. Chatting, as usual, all abouy himself. I found a very small note he’d left (with my poor vision I did not see it yesterday.) It read, “Gone home to find some peace.” It should have read, “Gone home to give you some peace.”
Surprise this morning when I cooked eggs: my egg was a double yolk. I told Art that was my reward for all those days I had cooked an egg for Bro. Yesterday was the first day I didn’t.
Good morning. A beautiful day here. Sitting at forty five expecting fifty nine! I was admiring the roses in the rose garden yesterday as I checked the strawberries for ripe ones. Not normal for mid October here!
Morning! Seems as though winter decided to visit the east coast first this year? I am seeing photos of eastern TN along the Blue Ridge with 4 inches of snow?!! How I envy them!
We are having summer lingering way too long with a smattering of autumn her and there. The weather is as mixed up as our world!
Janice you gave me a chuckle reading the “true” meaning of the note!! Isn’t it wonderful to get your house back and for brother to find peace in his own surroundings. I am truly thankful he is recovering well and even though he doesn’t seem to appreciate all you have done, our Lord knows.
I will take advantage of this warm weather and wash as many windows as I can reach and do a little touch up painting where the bannister guy messed it up. We noticed a few areas of “oops” and a few places he didn’t place a bolt. Granted those places don’t need it for securing but the hole is there and the Mrs Monk in me is obsessing…! Husband will fix it when he returns this weekend…he loves me and he knows my mind will not rest until it is fixed!
I’ve still got strawberries, too (high today: 75 and sunny), but the flavor is not as robust as earlier in the season. Still, I’ve been eating them out of the garden since May–so who can complain? 🙂
Any suggestions for a good dog-friendly (and tough) ground cover for my backyard?
Living grass alternatives recommended on one site (but I’ve not read about any of them yet to see what is easiest, toughest and what makes sense in our particular climate):
Janice, glad you finally have some peace; you brother seems unfazed by his behaviors, not too reflective or self-aware, but you’re good to hold your tongue, I know that can’t be easy.
Eggs sound good, I may cook up a couple myself this morning. Just got off the staff call and next I need to call one of our former museum directors who’s now retired in Fla. for a story about that museum quietly closing down. 😦 But it may just be a temporary thing, who knows w/the city of la.
There’s a bird ID app, but I always forget to use it.
I like that, Janice, thanks, will add it to my research list. I need something easy, that also grows easily without a lot of drama required, and can withstand Abby — and will cover up what’s become pretty loose dirt everywhere, Abby digs and kicks it all up like a horse as she races back and forth through and around the yard. Then she lays down in it. She’s constantly filthy.
I tried grass out there ages ago, had a neighbor lay down sod, but it was hopeless with my dogs, never did last. (I think I had 3 dogs back then.)
I need something that’s tough but low-maintenance (and would be nice to have it look pretty, but just so it sits close to the ground and is sturdy, no stickers).
Hi Kim.
Mumsee, I am not sure what to say.
Wood chips are used by some but I crossed those off the list when I heard they’ll attract termites and other wood-loving pests.
And some other granulated sand that’s used at dog parks, the name escapes me, also is an option. It’s frequently used out here now also for yards that go “native” as the backdrop. Ah, decomposed granite.
I do have some left-over cobblestones from the driveway project … not enough for the backyard, but perhaps for some pathways, but would have to find and pay someone who knows how to actually put them in.
Never heard of Pacas socks. I’ve been buying some copper-infused sports-type socks that I LOVE on amazon, discovered them a couple years ago and have bought them ever since, but they last a long time and really keep their ‘stretch,’ come in different styles (short to taller lengths)
I know nothing of pacas socks but I only wear alpaca socks. I do not know what brand or what they cost. They appear under my Christmas tree regularly. They last for years, they are comfortable, they stay that way. They appear to come in blues, pinks, and purples. Thick and thin.
Ajuga has been a favorite of mine for years. I have some of the older larger leaf plants so there is not so much consistency as I would like. I never could find the same varieties from year to year so ended up with a patchwork which is fine for me, but it does not look professionally landscaped.
I think Abby ought to have a spa in the backyard. I am seeing a lovely salt water pool, partially shaded by a towering pine. A gazebo would be nice with a low slung hammock for ease of dog accessibility. Perhaps her own barbecue grill for her very rare steaks. And a cat. She definitely needs a cat.
There used to be a place off one of our freeways that sold gazebos — probably Amish made as everything seems to be boasting of anymore. I remember my mom wanting a gazebo in her backyard but that never happened.
Abby would very much like that, however. A special place to lounge with her cat friend. And maybe the rat, but then maybe not if there’s a cat back in the picture.
Trainer said she can stop by for a refresher “brainstorming” session on Abby And the Car.
Peter – I was only joking about the bricks in the backyard. 🙂
Mumsee – Pacas is a brand of Alpaca socks.
What sounds particularly enticing to me is that they are supposedly very warm in winter. My feet tend to get cold.
For many years now, I have bought the World’s Softest Socks (yes, that was/is their brand name). (Now regular socks seem too rough.) They are soft and pretty warm, but I wondered if the Alpaca socks would be warmer.
I do wish they came in knee high, though. Are knee highs not popular anymore?
DJ – Are those socks you mentioned warm and soft? If so, could you give me the link to them?
I was looking for something good for walking/physical therapy following the knee surgery and these have been great. Pricey though, but worth it, they wash well and last a long time.
Wandering Views 
Good morning, Y’all, Wanderers! The East Coast is chilly today. Sweet sweater/hoodie/flannel weather which is best, IMO.
Bro called this a.m. as if nothing had happened. Chatting, as usual, all abouy himself. I found a very small note he’d left (with my poor vision I did not see it yesterday.) It read, “Gone home to find some peace.” It should have read, “Gone home to give you some peace.”
Surprise this morning when I cooked eggs: my egg was a double yolk. I told Art that was my reward for all those days I had cooked an egg for Bro. Yesterday was the first day I didn’t.
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Good morning. A beautiful day here. Sitting at forty five expecting fifty nine! I was admiring the roses in the rose garden yesterday as I checked the strawberries for ripe ones. Not normal for mid October here!
But corn hole is postponed in a rain delay.
mumsee
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Morning! Seems as though winter decided to visit the east coast first this year? I am seeing photos of eastern TN along the Blue Ridge with 4 inches of snow?!! How I envy them!
We are having summer lingering way too long with a smattering of autumn her and there. The weather is as mixed up as our world!
Janice you gave me a chuckle reading the “true” meaning of the note!! Isn’t it wonderful to get your house back and for brother to find peace in his own surroundings. I am truly thankful he is recovering well and even though he doesn’t seem to appreciate all you have done, our Lord knows.
I will take advantage of this warm weather and wash as many windows as I can reach and do a little touch up painting where the bannister guy messed it up. We noticed a few areas of “oops” and a few places he didn’t place a bolt. Granted those places don’t need it for securing but the hole is there and the Mrs Monk in me is obsessing…! Husband will fix it when he returns this weekend…he loves me and he knows my mind will not rest until it is fixed!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’ve still got strawberries, too (high today: 75 and sunny), but the flavor is not as robust as earlier in the season. Still, I’ve been eating them out of the garden since May–so who can complain? 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
Any suggestions for a good dog-friendly (and tough) ground cover for my backyard?
Living grass alternatives recommended on one site (but I’ve not read about any of them yet to see what is easiest, toughest and what makes sense in our particular climate):
Irish moss
Silver carpet
Labrador violet
Creeping thyme
Snow-in-summer
Janice, glad you finally have some peace; you brother seems unfazed by his behaviors, not too reflective or self-aware, but you’re good to hold your tongue, I know that can’t be easy.
Eggs sound good, I may cook up a couple myself this morning. Just got off the staff call and next I need to call one of our former museum directors who’s now retired in Fla. for a story about that museum quietly closing down. 😦 But it may just be a temporary thing, who knows w/the city of la.
-dj
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Astro turf, maybe something in blue. You could call it….Smurf turf!
mumsee
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Sand? There is a lot of that in your area.
mumsee
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I gave you a couple really good suggestions but they have disappeared.
mumsee
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I gave you a couple really good suggestions but they have disappeared. Hmm, this is just getting worse and worse. Technology.
mumsee
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Voila! They are back!
Now, as I was saying, have you considered bear pelts?
mumsee
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Dj, I have several patches of ajuga growing on a bank which is fling in as a ground cover. This is the darkest and lowest to the ground which you might enjoy. It does require some irrigation where you are:
https://www.californiagardens.com/Plant_Pages/ajuga_chocolate_chip.htm
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Fling=Filling
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Now see? My suggestions require zero work after being set out.
mumsee
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Dj, I sent a photo of ajuga in my yard to you on FB Messenger/Chat.
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Just stopping by to check on all of you…
Kim
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We had ajuga in some of our planters next to the house when I was growing up in LA. I don’t hear of it very often, but it worked well for us.
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What kind of bird is that? I’m so ignorant about birds.
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There’s a bird ID app, but I always forget to use it.
I like that, Janice, thanks, will add it to my research list. I need something easy, that also grows easily without a lot of drama required, and can withstand Abby — and will cover up what’s become pretty loose dirt everywhere, Abby digs and kicks it all up like a horse as she races back and forth through and around the yard. Then she lays down in it. She’s constantly filthy.
I tried grass out there ages ago, had a neighbor lay down sod, but it was hopeless with my dogs, never did last. (I think I had 3 dogs back then.)
I need something that’s tough but low-maintenance (and would be nice to have it look pretty, but just so it sits close to the ground and is sturdy, no stickers).
Hi Kim.
Mumsee, I am not sure what to say.
Wood chips are used by some but I crossed those off the list when I heard they’ll attract termites and other wood-loving pests.
And some other granulated sand that’s used at dog parks, the name escapes me, also is an option. It’s frequently used out here now also for yards that go “native” as the backdrop. Ah, decomposed granite.
Not pretty, but apparently cheap & easy.
-dj
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Smurf bear pelts.
mumsee
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Cover the whole back yard in bricks! In a pretty pattern, of course! 🙂
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Has anyone here bought Pacas socks, and if so, are they worth the cost?
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I do have some left-over cobblestones from the driveway project … not enough for the backyard, but perhaps for some pathways, but would have to find and pay someone who knows how to actually put them in.
Never heard of Pacas socks. I’ve been buying some copper-infused sports-type socks that I LOVE on amazon, discovered them a couple years ago and have bought them ever since, but they last a long time and really keep their ‘stretch,’ come in different styles (short to taller lengths)
-dj
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Crew, that’s what I meant by taller socks — good for walking/PT/everyday activity, overall support (but not constricting like “support” socks).
dj
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His beak can hold more than his belly can?
mumsee
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I know nothing of pacas socks but I only wear alpaca socks. I do not know what brand or what they cost. They appear under my Christmas tree regularly. They last for years, they are comfortable, they stay that way. They appear to come in blues, pinks, and purples. Thick and thin.
mumsee
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Kevin, that’s a great blue heron. We have those up here in summer. Maybe it’s one that lives just up my road. 😂
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I don’t think bricks for the whole backyard would be good, as they hold heat which might burn the dog’s paws.
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Ajuga has been a favorite of mine for years. I have some of the older larger leaf plants so there is not so much consistency as I would like. I never could find the same varieties from year to year so ended up with a patchwork which is fine for me, but it does not look professionally landscaped.
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Or were we talking about alpaca socks for the backyard?
-dj
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I think Abby ought to have a spa in the backyard. I am seeing a lovely salt water pool, partially shaded by a towering pine. A gazebo would be nice with a low slung hammock for ease of dog accessibility. Perhaps her own barbecue grill for her very rare steaks. And a cat. She definitely needs a cat.
mumsee
LikeLiked by 2 people
There used to be a place off one of our freeways that sold gazebos — probably Amish made as everything seems to be boasting of anymore. I remember my mom wanting a gazebo in her backyard but that never happened.
Abby would very much like that, however. A special place to lounge with her cat friend. And maybe the rat, but then maybe not if there’s a cat back in the picture.
Trainer said she can stop by for a refresher “brainstorming” session on Abby And the Car.
-dj
LikeLiked by 2 people
Peter – I was only joking about the bricks in the backyard. 🙂
Mumsee – Pacas is a brand of Alpaca socks.
What sounds particularly enticing to me is that they are supposedly very warm in winter. My feet tend to get cold.
For many years now, I have bought the World’s Softest Socks (yes, that was/is their brand name). (Now regular socks seem too rough.) They are soft and pretty warm, but I wondered if the Alpaca socks would be warmer.
I do wish they came in knee high, though. Are knee highs not popular anymore?
DJ – Are those socks you mentioned warm and soft? If so, could you give me the link to them?
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Sent you the sock link.
I was looking for something good for walking/physical therapy following the knee surgery and these have been great. Pricey though, but worth it, they wash well and last a long time.
-dj
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Some of my alpaca socks are knee high.
mumsee
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