Saturday, May 10, 2008

I'm borrowing Kate's soap box,...

I can't believe that I'm about to blog about politics, since I find it basically pretty boring. But I have a concern and a prediction to share. Plus, I'm filling in for Kate while she's away for the weekend.



I think Barrack Obama has a VERY good chance at being elected President. That's not the concern, that part would be great! I think this country seriously needs the changes and new attitude that he would bring about. I also think there is a good chance that Hilary Clinton could be his running mate/ VP. Um, yeah, ...that part is a concern.

Another part of my concern/prediction is that I feel strongly that Obama is going to run a much higher-that-normal risk of assasination. That is a big concern and it would be major crisis if it happened. It would be horrible to loose him as President, and a huge worry would be his replacement as President...

yeah,... the proverbial 'smoking gun'


AAAHHHhhhhh!!!!!

My Gob, that's almost reason enough to vote for McCain.

NO! WAIT! I didn't mean that!

Vote for Obama!
Vote for Obama!
Vote for Obama!
Vote for Obama!
Vote for Obama!

Friday, May 9, 2008

Inside Out With Houseplants

Just like us, indoor plants love being outside in the summer. With a small amount of preparation, you can move existing indoor plants outdoors; or put new ones outside, planning to bring them back inside in the fall.

1. The first thing to consider is the temperature. It’s best to wait until nighttime temperatures are consistently in the high 40’s or low 50’s. Very few houseplants can handle temperatures cooler than that.

2. Once it’s safe to take them outside, give your plant(s) a thorough soaking; most plants benefit from a good rinse of the foliage too. This is also a good time to fertilize with an all purpose slow release fertilizer with about a 10-4-8 ratio. For blooming plants, add a little extra phosphorus to boost blooms.

3. The next, and most important key to “Inside Out” success is finding the right spot for your plants. We tend to think that tropical plants can handle full sun, but in reality, they sunburn as easily as we do. But relax, you don’t have to go out and apply the SPF 30 sunscreen on their leaves every morning, just chose a location that provides shade during the hottest part of the day, (1:00 to 5:00 PM). Morning sun is almost always best.

4. Your indoor plant(s) will probably have very different water needs outdoors than indoors, so be prepared to adjust your watering schedule accordingly.

5. Finally, watch your plant(s) for signs of pests. Insects and/or animals may find your favorite orchid or hoya a tasty treat. If insects are present, try rinsing them off with a mild soap solution. If the problem persists, you may want to take the plant back indoors after treatment.

Remember that plants, like us, are individuals, so be sure to check your plants regularly for signs of stress. Chances are you will see only beautiful, thriving plants that enjoy your yard as much as you do. When it’s to come back inside in the fall they will be full and happy and ready for a nice warm winter indoors.

Here is a list of common indoor plants, and their general outdoor sun tolerance.
Sunnier areas (full hot sun NOT recommended)
Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
Rubber Plant (ficus elastica)
Schefflera
Snake Plant (sansiveria)
Wandering Jew (tradescantia pallida)
Croton
Bird of Paradise (strelitzia reginae)
Pencil cactus (euphorbia tirucalli)
Hoya
Cacti
Sago Palm
Ponytail Palm


Shadier areas
Orchids
Ferns
Anthiriums
Alocasia
Ficus
Kentia Palms
Bamboo Palms
Philodendron
Spider Plant (chlorophytum)
African Violet
Ivy
Chinese Evergreen (aglonema)
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Dracaena
ZZ plant (zamioculcas zamiilolia)

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Lots of people THINK about doing stuff like this in their houses, but only my sister Jodi actually does it.

I just think this room is so frickin' cool!

I agree with Kate, - Jodi, you really should have some cards made and market yourself to realtors, builders, and the "upper end" neighborhood associations. Hmmm,... I'm having a thought...
OK, Jodi, I'll be your "agent", I'll plaster the the above mentioned mailboxes with a business card and a flyer showing your bonus room and a few other examples of your house. Then you use Mom, Kate and I as references, (we all have different last names, >shrug<) and get some design work for you! THEN, if anyone wants a mural, you bring in an expert from Spokane for the job. And I'll keep pimpin' ya both, and "Hey girls, we're gonna be rich!!!"

Sunday, May 4, 2008

WWYD

No, that's not "What would Yoda do?"
It's "What would YOU do?"


If you were trapped in an elevator for 3 hours, who would you want to be trapped there with? (Basically, if you could meet someone, and have the undivided attention for 3 hours, who would you like to meet.)

Me? I'd choose Robin Williams. He would be so fun and funny that I'm sure the time would go pretty fast. Even if he were feeling serious (which I doubt he could hold for a full 3 hours), he'd still be interesting to visit with. He seems to be a truely kind and sweet person.


So? Who with you?

Saturday, May 3, 2008

I can't stop watching this!

This kid is a genius, and I'm sure we'll see more of him!


My mother sent this to me. Cool Mom!

Friday, May 2, 2008

One of the neighbors stopped by...

Isn't she cute???

She comes by every morning about 7:00 am, and then again about 4:00 pm.
She is a Mama, (or is gonna be real soon.) ;o)

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Gracie likes Kate's story.


My sister, Kate, sent me this great story. I have to share it, because Gracie, my parrot, told me to.



Kate's story:
"I was walking past the mental hospital the other day, and all the patients were shouting ,'13....13....13'. The fence was too high to see over, but I saw a little gap in the planks and looked through to see what was going on. Some bastard poked me in the eye with a stick! Then they all started shouting '14....14....14'…


So what's that got to do with Gracie?
Well, that story is just too funny! I could sooo picture that actually happening to Kate! So I started laughing, which got Gracie to start laughing,... which made me laugh even harder!,... which made HER laugh even harder!!!
And, well, ...I dam near wet my pants!
And my bird is frickin' insane!