http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/ Runboard| The Pagan Porch en-us Thu, 17 May 2012 05:06:16 UTC Thu, 17 May 2012 05:06:16 UTC http://www.runboard.com/ rssfeeds_managingeditor@runboard.com rssfeeds_webmaster@runboard.com akBBS 60 http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243293,from=rss#post243293so thankful for this beautiful weather, and for yoga and meditation -- which help me keep my head on straight! Thankful for my gardens as well. Nothing is as great as looking at color and growing stuff after all the white of winter!MagiCatWed, 16 May 2012 18:57:56 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243292,from=rss#post243292Wow, Saijen, that sounds like a horrible ant invasion! No wonder with all the candy around. Good on ya with laying down some more rules. Looks as if some people do work but don't think while they do it. TM, glad you're having some easier days now. And even better that Willa is back in her own bed! As for me, I got my Vitamin D stats today, and I'm definitely below normal and in "severe lack" territory. We don't have fortified milk here in Germany. So now I have to find an MD willing to prescibe D for me, since that's how it's handled here. I do wish I could get the Vitamin D capsules you have over there, but they are not allowed to leave the US. At least now I know why I feel worn down and sad so often, and why my teeth seem to be sprouting caries lately. Darn, darn. Work is still improving. We had another "official" talk today, and things are getting better all the time. I'm soooo glad I finally blew my top and managed to ask for help. Big lesson there for me. I also asked an editor if she would edit my book, and she also gave me a price. I have to do the math yet, but it'll probably be somewhat painful. No matter, it has to be done, and I know I can work with her. Guess I'll blog about that soon. Oh, and I had a riding lesson today! It went very well. The grumpy gelding is behaving more or less (except for kicking another horse, grrr!). But I got lots of canter in, and he's starting to go easy in the mouth and listen to me. I love it when that happens. The change at work is also affecting my riding - I can sense I sit taller and more upright, and thus my tail bones make a better connection to the horse. Of course, now I'm sore.   FirlefanzTue, 15 May 2012 18:56:40 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243291,from=rss#post243291Firlefanz wrote: Yes, I have to start a google reader collection, as well. I'm starting to find interesting blogs!   I know this is a tangent, but I just discovered that I can add this forum to my google reader! So now I can have one window open that just updates occasionally and shows when anything new is posted on any of the blogs or forums I read without having to hunt anything down! I wouldn't want to add most forums, but this one and MA are ones that I read every post on, so it's nice to know. But back to grass-fed beef... I actually purchased some steaks for this week. It will be my first real steak - I've had beef IN things, but not just a chunk of beef. It's grass fed but not local. I couldn't get to the farmers market. It's from Niman Ranch which is a Mid-west company that is a co-op of sustainable ranchers. It's the next best thing to local. I'll let you know how it goes! TexasMadnessTue, 15 May 2012 18:16:45 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243290,from=rss#post243290Busy, busy, busy Saijen!!! And good for you putting in rules about cleaning and such. It makes it easier on everyone is that sort of workload is spread out - plus cleaning a mess right after it's made is far better than dried on paint splatters on the walls! Just the usual round here. Willa slept completely through the night in her own bed. Since throwing up on Saturday, she had made her way into our bed the next two nights. It was hard to tell her 'no' since I wasn't sure if she was still feeling icky. She has barely eaten anything lately but is acting fine. But still glad she is back in her own bed! As little as that thing is, she seems to hog the whole mattress! TexasMadnessTue, 15 May 2012 18:09:35 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243289,from=rss#post243289Firle, I see no reason why you can't self-publish! Too bad my middle daughter is up to her eyeballs, she could probably take your cover ideas and turn them into something you'd like. She just makes me sick with her talent lol. She's good at pulling people's ideas into art-work. I wish you all the success in the world!! You'll be happy to know that I was in bed by about 11:00 last night LOL, but was up at 12:03 with my leg. Got up, grabbed my robe, took a Lortab and climbed into my chair. I dozed here till almost 4 this morning. DH got up to go to the bathroom, and it woke me up...so I got back in bed, and slept till 9. I gotta go jump in the shower as soon as I get done here and get ready to head to the theater for today's round of work. Texas, goodness, your crew sounds like mine...although everyone actually made it early, or on time Sunday. Very unusual. I'm sorry that Willa got so sick and none of you got any good sleep. It's a good thing you were able to just take Saturday and relax. Queeny, sounds like y'all were busy, but 5 hours isn't as long as it sounds for the amount of work y'all got done! You must have been hustlin, girl!!! Hope your day of errands goes well and y'all have no problems or serious pains today! Yesterday was one of those days you just want to curl up and read or sleep. It rained off and on all day. I spent the morning returning Playhouse calls and setting up reserved tickets. I seem to get more calls on Mondays and Thursdays on the Playhouse phone. It's kind of a pain keeping up with 2 cell phones, though..lol. Got ready and headed over to the theater. Was there about 1:30. Went in and looked to see what all needed to be done. Was checking the bathrooms, and there were 3 puddles of water in the floor of one of them...so, we have a leak in the roof! It was supposed to have been fixed, but apparently, it isn't. I can't clean either bathroom till the ceiling is fixed in one, and the new floor and vanity is installed in the other! So, I went into the box office to make some sings for things, and noticed a rather large pile of teeny ants in and around a basket of lollipops....so, took the basket outside. Threw some open candy I found in the bottom of the basket out into the yard, threw away the lollipops and got the ants out of the basket...went back in and noticed the ants were also all in the t-shirts we have to sell for this show! At that point, I had to take them and shake them all out, get the ants out of the shirts. I sprayed Raid on the counter, the floor and the shelves under the counter that the shirts were on. Let it dry, then sprayed some disinfectant and let that sit. Then, took 2 trash bags and cut them so I could lay the plastic on the shelves to put the shirts back on. No way I was going to lay them back down on that wood after being sprayed with bug killer!!! So....went out onto the floor and on a cabinet we use to showcase the current T-shirt for sale, and left-over shirts from previous shows, someone had cut a cake last week and left the knife...icing and all, laying ON our sign-up book for the Arts Council newsletter and to volunteer. So, icing and oily spot on the pages as well as all over the top of the cabinet. At this point, I was almost boiling. It's bad enough that the cast washes out their paint brushes in the bathroom sinks, but they don't bother to clean up where the paint splatters on the walls, sink, toilet, mirror...they just leave it. So....there will be some new rules set up, and if I have to go buy them myself....buckets will be bought until we get our mop/mud sink installed. There will be NO MORE washing paint brushes and rollers in the main bathroom sinks. If I catch someone doing it, they'll be asked to clean up their mess and not leave it for someone else to do. We have about 55 white plastic chairs for some of our seating, but they were filthy, so I fixed me a small bucket of Mr. Clean water and grabbed some rags and went to work on chairs. Wasn't getting some of the stuff off, so, since I was getting hungry (I was there by myself)I went to the grocery store and got some Mr. Clean Magic Erasers, then to Wendy's to get an apple/pecan salad. While at Wendy's, the sun finally popped out, and then the bottom fell out of the sky! IT POURED THE RAIN!! Through the sunshine! HUGE fat drops...so big it sounded like hail hitting the truck. Headed back to the theater with my salad and erasers, got in and ate...and a cast member came in for rehearsal....little did either of us know that rehearsal had been canceled. So, we sat and chatted and tried to find out what was going on...why no one was there. The lady finally just left, and I found out about an hour later that rehearsal had been cancelled. I went back to my chairs using the magic eraser and wow..what a difference it made. I was able to get twice as many chairs done than if I'd just kept using the rag. Anyway....but 10:30, I had all but about 8-9 chairs done. I'll finish those up today. Another volunteer came about 8:30 to do some cleaning. She had been holding auditions for Godspell and couldn't be there any earlier. Anyway, she dustmopped the main floor, swept some areas, put away paint cans and brushes and we moved some tables. Tomorrow, we'll mop, vacuum, sweep and get the bathrooms cleaned. Day before opening is the worst. Some things have to wait till almost the last minute. I rewrote the respsonsibilities sheets for box office and ushers and printed those yesterday, and showed them to the woman over me and I told her...I'm going to make some changes. Her reply "Good! And, when you're in charge, that's what you get to do...make it your own!" So..I got the green light, more or less, to make my changes. Anything major has to go through the board, but these are things the board doesn't have to vote on...so, watch out ....CHANGE IS COMIN and I can guarantee..MY changes will work a heck of a lot better than some other people's (we won't say WHO....but....I bet y'all know who I mean LOL) Anyway....I need to shut up and go get my shower. I'll pop back in as I'm able. Saijen SilverWolf1Tue, 15 May 2012 16:59:28 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243288,from=rss#post243288Cat, it is...it's tiring as all get-out, but it's so worth it. Just to feel that I actually belong somewhere, other than my home makes it worth the tiredness. I'm having a ball, so far. Just hope that doesn't change! lol. I tend to jump in, then wish I had slowed down some.... I'll get a break, though, when I go to Texas next month. Less than 4 weeks now! Saijen SilverWolf1Tue, 15 May 2012 16:27:07 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243287,from=rss#post243287 Sounds good to me. Just wish Mom could remember the recipe she used to use. Saijen SilverWolf1Tue, 15 May 2012 16:24:38 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243286,from=rss#post243286How cuteee!!!! Very pretty babies! Glad all ended up going well. Poor Elise!! And poor Texas! lol. I would have been on the edge of my seat, for sure! Saijen SilverWolf1Tue, 15 May 2012 16:23:06 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243285,from=rss#post243285This is outstanding! And her prices are very competetive! If we ate beef, and lived within the range, I'd order. It's nice to see someone actually putting this into action! I hate when our landlord takes his calves off to the auction, because you know most of them end up in feedlots. I wish this lady much luck in her endevour! Saijen SilverWolf1Tue, 15 May 2012 16:19:35 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243284,from=rss#post243284Texas, I'll be real honest and tell you I have no clue which ones are which..lol. The types we usually grow are Mr. Stripey, Beefsteak, CandyCane, Yellow, Either way, we always cage any tomatoes we grow to keep the fruit off the ground. Sometimes, DH will simply place posts about every 4 feet or so, then run some waxed cotton line like fencing...about 4-6 strands...and he'll weave it through the tomato plants. Our plants are tall enough yet to cage or do the line, but it's almost like he's braiding the plants with the cotton. The posts are actually just about in line with the plants..they are offset just enough to allow the plants enough room to grow without being too restricted. I wish I had a photo to show you what I'm talking about. It's kind of hard to explain. If you are growing a tomato that only grows 3-5 feet, a cage may be best. It's hard to find ready-made cages for larger plants...but you can do them out of chicken wire if you want cages. DH just like doing the cotton line because it's cheaper, and you don't have to worry about rust. The waxed cotton lasts all season without having a problem with rain or sun making it weak. Good luck!!! Saijen SilverWolf1Tue, 15 May 2012 15:58:16 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243282,from=rss#post243282Glad you are adjusting to the diet! It's always hard to make it work with when you don't have time to prep every single meal of the day. If I had all the time in the world, I'd cook everything I eat...but that's not very realistic! TexasMadnessTue, 15 May 2012 15:47:44 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243281,from=rss#post243281goodness, Texas....things are really looking good!!!!! They all look to be very happy and healthy plants! Nice goin!!! Saijen SilverWolf1Tue, 15 May 2012 15:46:46 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243280,from=rss#post243280Firle, I think that was Queeny who suggested that..and heck, it can't hurt to try it! So far, we've been lucky..no cutworm damage. Keeping my fingers crossed!!!!! Saijen SilverWolf1Tue, 15 May 2012 15:44:52 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243279,from=rss#post243279I did make them. I don't recall if it was the Martha Stewart cream scones or the one in the Cooks Illustrated book. They were both very similar, but not quite "perfect". I froze the extras from both batches in the same container! I'm still playing with scone recipes. I'll post one pretty soon - I've got another I'm going to try this weekend!TexasMadnessTue, 15 May 2012 15:43:53 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243278,from=rss#post243278Basically, just trying to keep grounded and keep my sanity intact. Pre-show stuff is off the charts with all that had to be done, so I'm doing my best to do some grounding and centering off and on through the day. It helps me stay focused on what all I need to get done. Most of the time, anyway. It's hard to do when people are in and out at the theater, but that's where I need to do it the most..lol. Texas, I hope you either make it through the books, or figure out if they're worth it..and if not, just put them down. Take them to a swap-shop or something..lol. I hate books like that. You're not real sure what it is you're reading, because nothing is very clear. It's like they write all the way around the subject without actually touching ON the subject specifically. Irks me when I get books like that.Saijen SilverWolf1Tue, 15 May 2012 15:42:58 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243277,from=rss#post243277DH and I did our weekly weigh-in, and he's lost 7 pounds, I've lost 6... in the first week of this diet!!!! I bought a new pair of black jeans the other day, to have for the theater, and I'll hang on to those, but I probably should have gotten the next size down! Yes, I've already lost almost a pant size. The ones I had were already getting a bit big, but they were worn so a bit more stretched out. I got the new ones home, and can almost fit my hand in, sideways, between my gut and the pants...so, yeah...a size smaller. I may try to go do that tomorrow before heading to the theater....I have been in a size 24 for well over 25 years...so, I think I can do a 22 now...possibly even a 20! I'll have to try them on before I buy this time! We did go off the diet on Mother's Day, but we both held back some-what. I only ate one hamburger, not even a handfull of chips..my downfall was my sister-in-law's Cherry Delight! It's cherry pie filling, cream cheese, butter, sweetened condensed milk all mixed together, in a graham cracker crust. I could eat that stuff till I get sick! I did eat more of it that I should have, but oddly enough, it was almost too much for me this time. I didn't even keep any here to have later. I was more interested in my pineapple pie, which is a lot less bad for me. The pie, I think I posted the recipe for here, but it's an 8oz can of crushed pineapple with juice, 16 oz of sour cream and 1 package of vanilla (or french vanilla) pudding. Mix all together, and put into a shortbread or graham cracker crust. anyway...the diet is working. I can't tell that I have any more energy, really, and I don't feel cruddy if I eat some bread or such, so that's a good thing. With the schedule right now, it's hard to manage the diet, but we know now how to get around that so we can grab fast food stuff. I had an apple/pecan salad from Wendy's last night, with a vinegarette dressing, DH heated up some left over hamburger patties, popped a sweet potato in the microwave (10 minutes and you have baked sweet tater) and a salad...all things you can have on this diet. So, we're making it work! Breakfast, for me, I've been doing boiled eggs and some fruit. Lunch is usually whatever I can fix quick (heated up burger patty or a salad) We'll get there!!!! Saijen SilverWolf1Tue, 15 May 2012 15:37:00 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243276,from=rss#post243276Ok....that's a legal reason to shoot someone right there, Texas!!! here I am on a diet, and you post things like that! Woman, you need to be shot! Seriously....that looks SO good. did you make the scones? If so, may I please have the recipe? Mom used to make scones when I was little, and I can't find a good recipe for them ANYWHERE! I know we're not suppose to eat things like that, but I have discovered if we do once in a blue moon, it's OK. Saijen SilverWolf1Tue, 15 May 2012 15:26:27 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243274,from=rss#post243274Phew! So glad all three are fine.    They are so cute! And probably have no idea what a scare they gave you and all the other humans. Too bad you didn't get many girls this year.   FirlefanzTue, 15 May 2012 15:00:38 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243273,from=rss#post243273Yes, I have to start a google reader collection, as well. I'm starting to find interesting blogs!   FirlefanzTue, 15 May 2012 14:57:47 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243272,from=rss#post243272Ooooh! You're making me hungry! Yummy. *drool*FirlefanzTue, 15 May 2012 14:56:21 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243271,from=rss#post243271Sorry....drive by posting today! Good Day to you all! Yesterday was clean the living room. Move all the furniture out, take down all the curtains, wash, and press them. Wash all the windows inside and out....vacuum, then put liquid gold on all the wood furniture, hang the curtains back up, move all the furniture back and 5 hours later we were done. Have to run today, have to take MOM to doc for her shot in the tailbone, then grocery shopping, and mail etc. Errands day in other words. QueenyforeverTue, 15 May 2012 14:31:28 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243269,from=rss#post243269I forgot to post the pic of the first tasting! We didn't wait the full week but I'm pretty sure it's not going to thicken up much. Ah well! We had it on homemade cream scones with local cream cheese. Sooo good! I've also since put it on pancakes as syrup. I'm loving this stuff!TexasMadnessTue, 15 May 2012 14:17:04 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243268,from=rss#post243268Whew, last of the kids born yesterday! I got a call at work that Elise was in labor and things weren't looking good. She had been pushing for about 30 minutes - that's just about the max time you can give a goat before interventions are needed. But at that time, the nose of the baby appeared. Now, that might sound like a good thing, but the HOOVES are supposed to come out first, like the kid is diving into the world. This meant BOTH legs were back. We've had lots of times when one leg was back. It's the same technique to help when both are back. You push back on the nose and feel around the side of the body until you can careful fish the other leg out. We've had some that this was done to successfully and other does that just pushed through and delivered with one leg back before we could assist. But Elise was obviously struggling. The vet called while I was on the phone with Mom - frantically doing research since the usual technique was NOT WORKING. The kid was BIG. So I found some more info, texted it to mom and just waited. And waited. And waited. about 20 minutes later, I'd had enough. At this point, either the kid was delivered or dead. I called and they all acted surprised I was worried! SHEESH! Apparently on the very next contraction, Elise just forced that big sucker out, and then quickly and easily delivered a second one. It all just happened so fast, they forgot about me! One boy and one girl! Everyone, mama included, is healthy and happy! Again we have a black and white one (the girl) but instead of the straight 'deer' coloring, he has a white band on the front of this body. Very pretty! Little girl: Little boy: TexasMadnessTue, 15 May 2012 14:12:05 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243267,from=rss#post243267Saijen, do you guys grow determinate (bush) or indeterminate tomatoes? Do you do any trellising or caging? I'm trying to figure out the best way to go about this... The system seems to be going well. We need another layer on a few plants but it was sprinkling last night so couldn't get it up. Hopefully tonight!TexasMadnessTue, 15 May 2012 14:05:00 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243266,from=rss#post243266Firlefanz wrote: Oh! I never realized those are tomatillos! I just thought they were a kind of tomato. I'm still reading my 1960s Time Life Foods of the World Cookbooks (the ones I've done the meals from). In the Latin American one, they even call them "Mexican green tomatoes". It took me awhile to figure out what they were talking about! I figured they just meant unripe tomatoes... TexasMadnessTue, 15 May 2012 14:03:37 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243265,from=rss#post243265Oh cool! I'm glad you linked to her blog again. I've been trying to collect my interesting blogs on google reader so I don't have to have a bunch of unwieldy bookmarks I never visit! It's great to see people actually selling their humanely raised food. We need more and more and more of that!TexasMadnessTue, 15 May 2012 14:02:03 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243264,from=rss#post243264I'm trying to add some more spiritual books to my reading list. So far, I've started two...and can't get through much of either one. The first is actually not 'spiritual', it's called Living with Purpose when the Gods are Gone. I just can't get into it. It's not even a hundred pages and has a small format so I could probably finish it in a few hours...but I can't make myself! It's sooo obtuse... The other is a fictional historical novel called Confessions of a Pagan Nun. It's about a nun living around 500 AD in a convent dedicated to St Brigid. She was raised pagan and still has strong ties to the religion. It's so over the top that I haven't been able to get into it. I mean, the author is so smug in her writing. It's hard to explain. I'm going to force my way through a few more chapters as I'm just into the 'introduce the characters and scene' sort of part. The reviews on the book were good! So that's been my spiritual stuff...not much! What about you guys?TexasMadnessTue, 15 May 2012 14:00:08 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243263,from=rss#post243263Well I do't go many places but the goat forum there and rarely discuss anything but goats when there.SyrakynnMon, 14 May 2012 22:28:20 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243262,from=rss#post243262This is an amazing proposition. I've been following Shreve Stockton's blog for a while now, just because I love her style and her pictures, and her way with animals. And now she's gone and done something that is just amazing. She's selling grass-finished beef directly, from her own herd. Through her blog. I wish her lots of success. Check it out hereFirlefanzMon, 14 May 2012 20:13:03 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243261,from=rss#post243261Heck, I'll try it Firle! Obviously, I have so many of these guys from overwintering in the soil. They must have been eating the weeds that grew out there for years. If I could convince the cutworms to eat the weed seedlings, I could REALLY have it made! I'm going to work on this...my trained weeding minions...TexasMadnessMon, 14 May 2012 18:11:39 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243260,from=rss#post243260Oh! I never realized those are tomatillos! I just thought they were a kind of tomato. Those plants look really good. It seems they love your garden.    FirlefanzMon, 14 May 2012 17:30:57 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243259,from=rss#post243259*sends luck* I remember someone suggesting telling the worms that some plants are for them (and telling them which ones), and that you need the rest for your family, and then asking the worms to leave those alone. Might work! But I think I would also put some hope on the BT.   FirlefanzMon, 14 May 2012 17:28:54 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243257,from=rss#post243257Oh how fun!!!! Sounds like a wonderful time, AND that you are loving it. MagiCatMon, 14 May 2012 16:07:56 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243256,from=rss#post243256Good week in the garden! Planted: Not a lot! We are in the planting lull pretty much. Willa did help fill in the spots where okra had been lost to cutworms and the cucumbers that didn't germinate. She was very good at it. I handed her a single seed and she carefully dropped it in the little divot I made, then covered it up and patted the soil. She planted every seed and had a blast. Other tasks: As I mentioned in another post, we finally got the tomato trellising done. So far the system looks great. We also got one section of cucumber trellis up. This weekend was a bit crazy with lack of sleep and the brunch so we opted to just put up enough for the part that was vining. We'll get the rest done this week! FINALLY got the the Bt out for the cutworms after a week of rain! Photos: Overview: Cukes already enjoying their trellis! Lots of things are starting to bloom/fruit. This is the Black Hungarian pepper that the cutworms topped last week (you can see the 3 or 4 stems in the middle of the picture). And tomatillos! And purple beans! TexasMadnessMon, 14 May 2012 15:56:58 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243255,from=rss#post243255Finally got the Bt out. It will take them eating a plant to make it work though, so I still lost a few corn and beans over the last 2 days. But I'm hopeful!TexasMadnessMon, 14 May 2012 15:47:57 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243253,from=rss#post243253Wow Saijen, quite a busy time! Firle, I'm excited for you on the self-publishing front. I'm really interested to read about it on your blog - keep it up! Let's see, haven't updated since Thursday! Friday I went to work and did the usual stuff. I had my 36 week midwife appointment. I'm not sure if it was her pushing on my abdomen or what, but I was miserable afterward. She couldn't tell how the baby was oriented because I was tensing so much, so she did a quick ultrasound. The baby is definitely head down and dropped quite a bit. Makes sense with all the pressure/pain I'm having. After the appointment, I was cramping badly and just wanted to relax and go to bed early. But Willa was extra fussy - the type of fussy that only Mama can help with (I swear she knows "something" is about to happen and is trying to suck up as much mama-time as possible). I finally got to bed but by 2 AM, she had woken up. Hubby went to console her, but of course, she only wanted me. He brought her to bed...and she promptly threw up all over me! Ugh. So we cleaned up, she seemed fine, just upset. I put down a towel under her and we tried to go back to sleep. About 30 minutes later, she sat up and threw up again, JUST OFF THE TOWEL! Another set of sheets and clothes for us. But then she was wide awake. Fortunately, she let Papa take her from the room and they read books for an hour until she finally went back to bed. Since we all had so little sleep, Saturday was just a lazy day. We had planned on going to the farmers market to get things Mother's Day brunch, but I couldn't handle it so I just reworked the menu. I don't think we got a single thing done that day! Sunday, we got up and got the house cleaned and ready for our 10AM brunch (14 people!). By 10:45, my dad finally showed up. My mom called shortly after and said she would be a few more minutes. My brother called to make sure he didn't need to bring anything...and acted surprised it was supposed to be at 10 instead of 11! My aunt and grandmother finally came at about 11:00 and I asked if she thought it was 11 too. She said that no, she was perfectly aware she was an hour late! Kinda funny that everyone was so late that everyone pretty much showed up at the same time! And it was fine because it gave me a leisurely time to make everything and clean up some things I wouldn't have had time for. I made buttermilk biscuits, gravy (vegetarian) and fried eggs, with a side of garlic swiss chard, and fruit salad for dessert. It was surprisingly good! I was just trying to go for 'simple' after not being able to make the market, but this turned out even better! Phew. Everyone hung around until 2 or so and then we just relaxed, played in the garden and cleaned up the rest of the day. I posted some Mother's Day pictures of the kids in the photo album.TexasMadnessMon, 14 May 2012 15:42:12 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243252,from=rss#post243252Ah Turindar! I remember you! I never made the connection to you on HT.TexasMadnessMon, 14 May 2012 15:22:22 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243251,from=rss#post243251Saijen, there is one thing in your post that really, really delighted me: ... then was in bed by midnight (unheard of for me) and slept soundly till my alarm went off at 7:30. Now that is a very good sign! I hope you'll enjoy your theater ride. Sounds like a LOT to do, but also like a lot of fun! And it's so good to see you recognized as member of the theater.    I'm getting more and more used to the idea of self-publishing my novels. I asked an editor yesterday what her services would cost me. I still need to find someone to create a cover picture for me, and of course, I need to edit everything and then format it. I think I'll need another six months or so. Would be great to get it out in time for Christmas! Work is still fun. I had no idea things could get so easy again. That one statistic is still quite the chore, but now that I know what needs to be done, I can do it. I almost feel like staying on ... but I don't want to miss the chance to move to a place where I can use my real strengths. We'll see what happens.FirlefanzMon, 14 May 2012 12:10:57 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243250,from=rss#post243250Queeny, sounds like you've had a busy start to your time at your parent's place. Hope things aren't too nutty!!!!! Yesterday was kind of wild! I took 2 tickets to the upcoming play to a lady who wanted to put them in the card she got for her MIL for Mother's Day. She was working at the library. As I pulled into the parking lot, another theater volunteer called me with a question about a ticket reservation sheet that I left at the Local Artist's Gallery for them to use if they ran out of tickets they are selling for us. Got the library lady taken care of, and since the Gallery is only like..2 blocks from the library, I went up there to help her with the question. The lady at the library was quite a talker (not unlike myself.... ) so took a bit to get out of the library. The lady I was going to help at the Gallery is also a talker....so, was there for a bit. (now, I'm TRYING to hurry and get back home so that I can finish cleaning my house for the get-together!). Finally leave the Gallery and head to the grocery store to get the rest of the stuff I needed....and a little old lady that came down an aisle I was in decided she wanted to talk. Even though I was in a hurry, I ended up talking to her for probably 20 minutes or more. finally made it to the check-out....asked the cashier if he, or anyone else would like to buy a ticket for the play...and the bag boy asked if I was with the theater (uh...DUH). then asked when auditions are for Godspell (the next play coming up) so, gave him that info, and he wanted to tell me about his prior performances. Ok...another talker! Walk outside, headed to my truck....and I run into the lady who is heading up the auditions for Godspell... and........you guessed it.... we talked! So..what should have taken me an hour or less to do, ended up taking me about 2 and a half hours!!!! What a way to start the day! Got home, unloaded and put away groceries, finished cleaning up my house, then was in bed by midnight (unheard of for me) and slept soundly till my alarm went off at 7:30. Got up, made a pot of coffee, DH and I enjoyed that, then I got breakfast cooked and we sat out on the porch to eat. Came in and got dressed, then got things rollin for Mother's Day We had a nice Mother's Day/Birthday cook-out today, despite the rain. DH and I put up our 10'x23' canopy after breakfast this morning, then ended up having to move it after my SIL and BIL got here....the wind was horrid, so we moved it to the side/back of the house where it was sheilded, somewhat. It rained all day, but we were OK. We were suppose to have between 21 and 25 people come, but ended up with only 9. It was me and my DH, DH's brother, his wife, their 3 kids and 2 grandkids. We still had a good day and my SIL and I got in a really good, hard belly laugh. I was laughing so hard I couldn't breathe. We grilled hamburgers patties and weiners, had all the trimmings, and a variety of chips. Desserts.....pineapple pie, Cherry delight and birthday cake (tomorrow(today) is my neice's birthday) and ice cream. From my SIL, I got a pretty throw and some pictures of her family from Christmas. From my youngest, I got a really cute card, and a HUGE pink coffee cup that has a raised daisy on it, and the words "We Love Grandma".. it was from my daughter, granddaughter, son-in-law and all my 4-legged grandcritters. LOVE the cup!! Tomorrow, the frenzy begins....last minute details before opening night Thursday. Cleaning, and getting things set up....gonna be a wild week. It's very possible that I won't have a great deal of time to post, so if you don't see me.....well.....you know I'm just busy! lol. I am SO looking forward to this. This is my first show as box office manager, and man, it is carrying some heavy duty stuff with it. If I can handle this, I'll be ok for just about anything else the theater can throw at me (I hope!!! ). Oh...as a Mother's Day gift to my SIL, I made sure my BIL would take her before I did it.....I bought her and my BIL each a ticket to the play! She was so happy and surprised, she almost started crying. I know they'll have a good time, and enjoy the show. And now......I think I may need to see if I can find my bed. My eyes are really heavy all of a sudden! LOL. I will see you all when I see you... in the mean-time.....have an awesome day tomorrow, and a super week!!!! Saijen SilverWolf1Mon, 14 May 2012 06:39:11 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243249,from=rss#post243249Awesome on getting the next book started!! I'll probably end up with that one, too....lol. Saijen SilverWolf1Mon, 14 May 2012 06:18:01 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243248,from=rss#post243248Thank you! Yes, a good beta reader is always welcome. SyrakynnSun, 13 May 2012 15:05:28 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243247,from=rss#post243247Oh, I know all about living in fantasy worlds! I just surfaced from Lar Elien, my fantasy realm.    I'm reading through your novel again, to catch up on things I might have missed in my eagerness to find out how it ended! I plan to write a review, and put it up on Amazon and my blog (Hannah - Bilingual). And if you need a beta reader for your next novels, I'd love to offer.FirlefanzSun, 13 May 2012 12:01:17 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243246,from=rss#post243246Thank you for the welcome back. I will be in as often as I can. I'm working on the second novel in the Dragon's Call series right now, so I spend a lot of time in another world.SyrakynnSun, 13 May 2012 01:35:39 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243245,from=rss#post243245Well hey there Turindar....nka (now known as) Syrakynn! Love the name. I also have it on my Kindle, but haven't had time to read it yet. It looked intriguing enough to want to read it. I did read the first bit on Amazon...that's what prompted me to buy it! Can't wait to get into it, though. I love dragons, and stories of this nature......so... yeah! And...welcome back!!! We're really happy you've come back. Saijen SilverWolf1Sun, 13 May 2012 00:57:00 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243244,from=rss#post243244Thanks! LOL, actually no, I'm blonde. I was going to use Nydara, but surprisingly enough, it was already taken. If you decide you want to, I would love it if you would leave a review on Amazon and "like" it on Amazon.SyrakynnSun, 13 May 2012 00:14:59 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243243,from=rss#post243243I just finished rushing through it and I totally enjoyed it. Well done!   Of course, now I know where your new user name comes from. Are you a redhead? FirlefanzSat, 12 May 2012 21:56:52 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243242,from=rss#post243242Embers at Galdrilene is now available on the Nook. Paperback proofs have been ordered and should be available to buy by the end of next week. http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/embers-at-galdrilene-ad-trosper/1110763438?ean=2940014415484SyrakynnSat, 12 May 2012 21:21:07 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243241,from=rss#post243241Editing hell,lol I didn't format it, I paid for that. I would have went stark raving mad trying to figure out all of the html coding involved in formatting. I hope you enjoy it.SyrakynnSat, 12 May 2012 19:21:07 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243240,from=rss#post243240Welcome back! And congrats on getting your book out. That's really a great accomplishment. I got it on my Kindle, and it's looking good. Formatting hell was worth it, I'd say.   FirlefanzSat, 12 May 2012 15:41:26 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243239,from=rss#post243239I hope you enjoy it. My old sign in was Turindar, but I have no idea what email I had at the time. I didn't realize how long its been. So I resigned up. This time I promise not forget to drop in every now and then. I spent the past year in editing prison, so I didn't get to the forums as much unless it was something about goats. I just didn't have the time.SyrakynnSat, 12 May 2012 15:31:43 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243238,from=rss#post243238check your inbox, please.... Thank ya ma'am!!!! Saijen SilverWolf1Sat, 12 May 2012 06:17:59 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243237,from=rss#post243237This is, indeed, a challenge, but one I'm loving! Firle...flying is about how I feel! Good way to put it! LOL. I'm kind of doing a 'fly-by' tonight....I've GOT to get in bed here soon....it's already after 2am, and I have to deliver some tickets tomorrow before 1pm, then go get some stuff for my cook out on Sunday. come home and finish cleaning my house! Next week, I'll probably be around a bit less....Mon, Tue, and Wed, I need to go and clean, plus get the drinks for the concessions, then we open Thursday night. I bought a pair of nice black jeans and 2 black tops yesterday..I already have one pair of black jeans, so I've got 2 outfits I can rotate..and I'll only wear them for the shows for now. Good stuff... Saijen SilverWolf1Sat, 12 May 2012 06:15:15 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243235,from=rss#post243235 HI DI HO AND TGIF GANG!!(Sorry, another post and run!) Feeling a bit better today, really did nothing yesterday but take Mom to doc appointment, blood work and then did laundry. Then hubby and I went grocery shopping and picked up prescriptions last night. Today, I'm leveling the gravel that we unloaded into piles in the low spots. Should not be to bad. Don't worry, I'll take it easy... Then tonight after dinner have to unhook and go dump our tanks. That is the only problem with living in the driveway...even if it is rent free! QueenyforeverFri, 11 May 2012 14:09:09 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243234,from=rss#post243234It rained all evening and into the night, so no chance of putting out the Bt. But of course, it cleared up early early this morning and the cutworms emerged! Couple more corn and now they are in the new green beans. Just lost one...but still! Squished a few. Most satisfying. Rain in the forecast again for the evening. Sigh.TexasMadnessFri, 11 May 2012 14:08:13 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243233,from=rss#post243233Firle, great news on the job front. I hate those sort of chores that are a pain to do, no one appreciates them and no one really cares - it's just "the way it's always been done". I dealt with a lot of that stuff when I worked for Lockheed Martin but fortunately, my company now is small enough that we readily toss out work that doesn't benefit anyone and makes your job harder. SO GLAD your stuff is going the same way!!!TexasMadnessFri, 11 May 2012 14:06:01 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243232,from=rss#post243232Good for you for calling it quits the other night. You certainly don't want to overdo this and regret it. I love that "good tired" feeling! Sounds like it's going to be quite the production, both onstage and with the audience members in attendance!   TexasMadnessFri, 11 May 2012 14:02:57 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243231,from=rss#post243231Green beans. Wow. My mom used to lay out the seeds mid-May. Harvest would begin in July. *head spins*FirlefanzFri, 11 May 2012 11:29:35 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243230,from=rss#post243230Today, I'm a little exhausted! Weather is changing wildly, so that might contribute. Work is changing in a whirlwind. Today, we talked over one of my "jobs", a statistic I build from the data I get. The absolute worst part of it is creating footnotes about the changes from one year to the next, and trying to fit them on the same page as the data for one department. It has always been a complete headache. Well, we talked it over, and my little boss asked me whether anyone had ever wanted to see the footnotes. And I said that nobody did. So we decided that I should keep documenting the changes (of course!), but don't have to bother about the format and not put them into footnotes. So, the most horrible chore of my work has been transformed already. Now I'm practically *eager* to get going with that statistic, which I've been putting aside for months. I still feel as if I've been woken from a month-long nightmare. My head is still in a spin because of all those huge changes that have happened in a mere days, but I'm soooo glad I finally found the right moment and strength to talk to my big boss. I can even imagine staying in my job now. I wouldn't have said that three days ago.   FirlefanzFri, 11 May 2012 11:27:13 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243229,from=rss#post243229Wooohooo! Saijen, your joy and energy are so clear, right across the Atlantic!   You go, it's a wonderful opportunity. So good to get out and meet people, plus feeling you're making a real difference. That's just making you fly!   I love the idea of the black slacks and tops, and the sticky notes and paper clips! That's hilariously good. Enjoy this! We'll be around to listen to your tales.    FirlefanzFri, 11 May 2012 11:19:11 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243226,from=rss#post243226I've pretty much posted what's going on with me in my FYI thread. My back, between and right under my shoulder blades is killing me. I think some of it is from me sitting bent over, trimming those 800 tickets...lol. I leaned back in my chair as much as possible, but some of them I had to do at the theater so I could be there for something else...so, I worked between things. We've been having a lot of rain, and man, did it get cool again. REAL cool! It's almost cold out tonight. Had to close windows and doors earlier than usual last night and tonight....and we've had to cut all the fans off that have been running. Just too chilly, otherwise. Queeny, please take it easy. I know there is a lot to do, but if you go too hard, too fast, you're going to come undone! So, please take care of yourself! Texas, you too!!! There's only so much a pregnant woman should be doing! Especially when the baby is starting to drop some...so, you take care of you, too!, please Firle, I'm so excited that you're relaxing some about work now that some decisions have been made. I'm sure it's a huge relief to you, not having to worry about it anymore! Saijen SilverWolf1Fri, 11 May 2012 04:31:05 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243225,from=rss#post243225I'm home tonight....they wanted me to be there to help decorate the float for the Dolly Parade tomorrow evening, but I have been going solid for the last 3 days, and needed some down time, so told them I was sorry, but I had to just slow down tonight. I've been at the theater 3 nights this week, and today, I not only had to get groceries for my cook-out on Sunday, but had to get more posters out, check in at the Local Artist's Gallery to look for a metal stand that you put a display shirt/jacket on, that our Art's Council Pres. had loaned them, but it was nowhere to be see....and to get a HUGE framed poster up on an easle. I had my SIL with me, just for some company, so I had to take her home. I picked her up about 11:30 this morning, and didn't get back home till almost 7:30 tonight. Got supper in the oven and we ate. I've found out that we're having a TV personality come opening night. Not sure if any of you ever watched the show, 'Empty Nest'... it was about a Dr. and his 3 daughters...he was a widower. His nurse, LaVerne (played by Park Overall http://www.listal.com/viewimage/1827786 ) was born in Greeneville, TN, which is about 45 minutes from us...and apparently a friend of the Rogersville Art's Council's President, Debbie B. She commented, today (I was showing my SIL the theater and getting us each a T-Shirt ....we paid for them, but had to go there to get them), that she's been meaning to call Park for a while, and just gets busy and forgets. Kind of wild, because Park Overall is one of my favorite TV personalities! I'm excited to get to meet her.....in a week!!!! I also found out today, that the President of the Tennessee State Arts Council will be attending. I've already told y'all about the Ripley's people. This is a HUGE friggin deal. I just hope I can do the theater proud. What a time to put a newbie in the driver's seat! They all know how hard I work to be sure the theater looks good for shows and such, so maybe that's where it's coming from. Plus, I'm not afraid to talk to major players in the corporate world, or anyone else---regardless of who they are, or how 'big' they are...and they know this, too. It's a bit daunting....a LOT overwhelming until I get it all figured out and am more comfortable, but it's so neat, because people who have been there for years are not having any issues being under me, and are helping and offering some awesome suggestions. I wish I could get some photos during a performance, but they won't let us use flash, or even video it. which sucks....I may be able to get a photo of the cast in costume before or after a show...just have to see. Now, it would be AWESOME, if Dolly Parton were to show up to watch!!!! How cool would that be? I'm SO tired that I just ache all over, but it's a good tired. Last night, the 'training' went well. I had to train the box office people and ushers...and, I get to say what everyone should be wearing. (man, this is gonna go to my head! lol) I decided that I think we should all be in all black. Black jeans/slacks and a nice black top is fine. This way, should someone need to go out on the floor during a play, we're not distracting to the cast as much as we would if we were in regular clothing....the black will blend in to the darkened room, plus, it will look good. Everyone looks good in black. And, since the back ground for this play is 12x12 squares made to look like sticky notes, our badges/tags, are going to be actual stick notes, paperclipped to our tops! An idea from one of the other volunteers. I loved it. Gotta get some paper clips, though. Debbie B is going to get a pad of sticky notes. Ok... I'll get off my wild ride here...LOL..... I'm enjoying this WAY too much!!! teehee Saijen SilverWolf1Fri, 11 May 2012 03:52:04 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243224,from=rss#post243224I've not even started it, yet. I got it several days ago, but I've been so busy with my upcoming cook-out on Sunday, and the theater, I've hardly had time to think. HOpefully I'll get some down time and can do some reading. Saijen SilverWolf1Fri, 11 May 2012 03:15:39 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243223,from=rss#post243223good lookin mater plants!!!! Saijen SilverWolf1Fri, 11 May 2012 03:13:33 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243222,from=rss#post243222Good luck!!!Saijen SilverWolf1Fri, 11 May 2012 03:10:53 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243221,from=rss#post243221Nice!!!!Saijen SilverWolf1Fri, 11 May 2012 03:08:52 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243220,from=rss#post243220WOW...that is a lot of work for one person....and a pregnant person at that! Doesn't look bad, at all. You did a really good job! Saijen SilverWolf1Fri, 11 May 2012 03:07:57 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243219,from=rss#post243219True, Texas! Those who are supposed to love thy neighbor, rarely do! Saijen SilverWolf1Fri, 11 May 2012 03:02:17 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243218,from=rss#post243218YUMMMMMMMYYYYYY!!!! I LOVE homemade jams and jellies, and that looks really good! Saijen SilverWolf1Fri, 11 May 2012 03:00:33 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243217,from=rss#post243217I just read some of it, and ended up buying it! LOL..... It'll load to my Kindle as soon as I go online with it. Saijen SilverWolf1Fri, 11 May 2012 02:59:10 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243213,from=rss#post243213Yup, May is Texas blackberry season. By August, the plants are all huddled down, just hoping not to spontaneously combust! Unfortunately, all the wonderful rain we've been having has caused the berries to start to MOLD on the bushes! I'll be picking some fairly unripe ones this weekend to do a second batch of jam that will have more natural pectin. Honestly, this first batch was so sticky sweet, I could use some more tart berries in the mix!TexasMadnessThu, 10 May 2012 17:23:53 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243212,from=rss#post243212Phooey. Cutworms in the corn! I finally put my hands on some Bt so I'm ready to put it out. But wet makes it inert and it's been raining on and off so I haven't had a chance. But if it's not raining in the middle of the night, the cutworms emerge! They have really done a number on the corn. I have hopes that some of the cut-down corn will make it. Corn is a monocot so as long as the damage was done above the root crown, I think it will grow back. Monocots grow from the base of the plant, that's where all the mechanism is - just like grass, which is why when it's mowed, it's not damaged but keeps on growing. Whereas dicots (which include the vast majority of other vegetables) grow from the top/ends of the plant, like tomatoes putting on new leaves. So when a cutworm takes down a dicot, they've eliminated the growing point. But fingers crossed for monocot corn!!!TexasMadnessThu, 10 May 2012 17:22:05 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243211,from=rss#post243211Firlefanz wrote: TM, I hope you can just hang on through that last week or two.   It *could* be much longer than that! I hit 36 weeks tomorrow - well done enough to not have much of a chance of complications. But I could go as long as 42 weeks, at which point most women are induced because longer term babies usually have other issues. So worst case...6 weeks! I think I would go insane if someone could foretell the future and knew for certain I would be pregnant and feeling this way for that long! But I do still have some pretty good days, they are just starting to get outweighed by the bad days. TexasMadnessThu, 10 May 2012 17:17:17 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243210,from=rss#post243210Oh, goodie. I get to save a few Euro, then, because I doubt I can find it used anywhere.    FirlefanzThu, 10 May 2012 16:24:55 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243209,from=rss#post243209I've grown a few indeterminate tomatoes in the past but have mostly stuck with the easier determinate varieties. What's the difference? Determinate tomatoes are a new comer on the scene. Breeding programs have developed a bush type tomato that has a *determined* height and produces much of their fruit at once. This is great for commercial operations, home growers that use containers or home canners that want to process all the fruits at once. Almost all heirloom varieties are indeterminate - they just grow and grow and grow. They bear fruit usually for the entire growing season, which in temperate climates stops at first frost (or a little longer with protection). This is good for small producers that want a steady flow of fruit as well as home gardeners who don't want to deal with a single glut but instead just want fresh produce for a lengthy period. The farm typically only grows heirloom indeterminates. They TAKE OVER the garden and become unwieldy beasts by the middle of the summer. We've tried various trellising techniques but usually it's too little, too late. I happen to be sensitive to tomato plants and get a rash when poking around in the bushes. It's most likely just because the plants are fuzzy/prickly and not because I'm actually allergic to anything. It's quite common. And it makes it a pain to dive into a thicket of the plants. So this year, with the new garden at our house, I'm determined (no pun intended!) to make tomato harvesting a simpler job. I did some research and settled on simple pruning and basket weave trellising. Pruning the tomatoes involves removing the 'suckers' that sprout from every place the stem forms a branch. Here's a picture of my tomato: A lot of people refer to this type of pruning using the three-finger rule. If you hold your hand up with fingers spread: the main stem (which I'm holding on to) is your middle finger. The branch is your thumb. The 'sucker' is your index finger. That's the part to prune - I've marked two in red on the photo. If you don't prune it, it will turn into a whole 'nother main stem. This is how the plant turns into a giant bramble. Some folks prune to one "leader" (i.e. just the main stem) or to several. I decided to go with three leaders. I started pruning when the first flowers appeared - they are at the top of the main stem. I left the first two suckers (such as the ones in red) and pulled all the rest off. Now those suckers are big stems themselves, each producing their own flowers and suckers. From now on, I pull ALL suckers off I see. Hopefully this will keep the plants somewhat reasonable. It also makes for a smaller number of tomatoes as there aren't as many fruit bearing parts, BUT, each tomato will be larger in size because the plant's energy isn't divided amongst so many fruits. And onto the basket weave! It's a simple method of placing stakes every few plants (i decided on every two plants) and then 'weaving' tomato twine around the posts several times, then one side of the first plant and the other side of the second plant. Then around the post a few times. Repeat down the row. When you get to the end of the row, you go on the OTHER side of the plants, thus pinning the plants between the two strings. You should start when the plants are small...but of course I waited too long. By the time I got around to it, I had to do 3 levels already. I'm doing them about 6" apart. Here's a great video that shows you how to do it. I didn't get the nifty official tomato twine and am instead using baling twine because it is about a third of the cost. Let me tell you, it was a NIGHTMARE getting the baling twine done because it unrolls from the middle so you can't use it the same way. Took 2 people and lots of cursing. Next time, I'll shell out the few extra dollars for the official stuff! I'll keep you updated on how this develops!TexasMadnessThu, 10 May 2012 16:21:12 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243208,from=rss#post243208More great goodies this week. We've been getting a steady supply of blackberries. the green beans are going strong. I could eat those every day! And this week I get to try a new thing...radicchio! It's a bitter/sharp green that looks like lettuce but you grill it. We'll see! TexasMadnessThu, 10 May 2012 15:25:47 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243207,from=rss#post243207Sounds like a great deal of work AND fun! Way to go landing such a great opportunity, I'm so glad you got involved in the theatre. Can't wait to hear stories when you get back!TexasMadnessThu, 10 May 2012 13:22:54 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243206,from=rss#post243206There are a few unimportant diagrams of some pieces of wood that are cut for part of a barn raising. But that's it! TexasMadnessThu, 10 May 2012 13:16:24 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243205,from=rss#post243205This might well be a good moment for a Kindle edition. Does it have many pictures?FirlefanzThu, 10 May 2012 12:38:05 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243204,from=rss#post243204Saijen, go and enjoy yourself! I can see you're loving it already, and I wish you the best of luck for all shows.   What a ride! Wheeee! FirlefanzThu, 10 May 2012 12:35:47 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243203,from=rss#post243203TM, I hope you can just hang on through that last week or two. I'm glad you got to enjoy yourself at the farm somewhat. And yes, folks, head over and take a look at what happened at the farm. Yummy!   As for me, things are improving at work, which is an incredibly relief. I felt myself relaxing in a deep way yesterday that hasn't happened for months, maybe years. Today is a rather wet day, but that definitely brings out the fresh green of the trees outside my window. It's a wonderful color, I revel in it every year. And amid all that fresh, bright green, there is one dark red beech tree. I just love it. And I begin loving to blog. Wrote a double entry on my bilingual one this morning, before work, even. I woke up that early.    FirlefanzThu, 10 May 2012 12:33:25 UTC http://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p243202,from=rss#post243202Blackberries! This makes me realize how far south Texas is. Blackberries are just starting to grow here, as plants. They tend to flower in July and we can pick the berries in August. Your jelly looks great! FirlefanzThu, 10 May 2012 12:28:09 UTC