busy days

Emmy,
Peanut
Pickles, all enjoying the day outside
Scrapping old plaster off brick walls. tearing out floor, new floor joists are on the list.
Bill and i have been working on the building, between mushroom hunting and bicycling and working in the yard. I now have 2 yards to try and keep the weeds at bay. I get up every sunny day and put the poochies out in the yard. Then i try to figure out the plan of action for the day. I try to squeeze as much into one afternoon as possibly can. At least 1 hour or 2 hours of bike riding. 1 or 2 hours of yard work. Then work at the building till i have to go to work. If it's raining or 30 mile an hour winds i forget about all the above, just enjoying a lazy day.

begonia lamp finally finished

It took some time to finish, but here it is. I took about a month off from working on it. The colors in the picture aren't true. It's more yellow and green shades. It appears to be reds and pinks. Lamps are easy and fun to make. Here is a picture of my 1st lamp. Many years ago i pieced together this Tiffany "Poppy" lamp. It came out pretty cool for my first one. Next lamp... Tiffany "lotus flower."
This weekend turned out to be pretty crappy. Cold and rainy. Bring on the sun.

Things i like about spring

This is FATTY
Korean spice viburnum
Flowering crab apple
A row of flowering crabs
I love spring because of the intoxicating smells. Walk anywhere and and my nose is filled with the smell of lilacs and Korean spice viburnums, bridal wreath. It really is my favorite time of year. Everything is NEW.
Yesterday i was met with a very friendly cat in my yard. Skin and bones, She was friendly because she was desperate. Her face was all wet and she was really dirty and nasty looking but friendly. I tried to feed it and she tried to eat, but couldn't. Bill took one look at her and said "Oh Cathie, get that thing outta here. It's probably got distemper. I loaded her up in the car and to the the ic animal shelter i went. They said it's jaw was broken. Her face was wet because she had to put her whole face in a bowl of water to drink. The poor thing. I've never seen her around here before. But, they said they'd take care of her. Clean her up and see if they can help her. If not they may put her down. But, i figured either way , she's better off there than fending for herself.
We had a cat adopt us about 12 years ago. We call her "FATTY"
One day we saw a kitten on the top of bill (no longer working) truck. We discovered there were several kittens. Feral kittens, wild and scrappy. The mother was sweet as pie. We rounded up the kittens, Found homes. The mother, we decided we couldn't keep. Delivered her to a Friends farm about 4 miles away. She was back on our porch 2 days later. Well i guess if she wants to be here that bad she can stay. Took her in and had her spayed and she has been the best cat ever.

My Logee order arrived

I haven't ordered from "logee" for awhile. I was due. I will say that every plant was just like it was packed. Not a single leaf out of place. nothing broken off and still moist. The plants were beautiful. I ordered some begonias and a Alocasia "stingray" and a cool philodendron. i have some more on the way.

Back in the saddle

It took me a bit but, i finally hopped on the seat of my bike and took off. That's all it took to get me fired up again. I had to work the weekend and the weather was absolutely gorgeous. My friend Jennifer called and wanted me to ride to Iowa city with her. Damned i thought. I'd love to go. But, No, the hospital was calling me. How depressing. So i went on a 15 mile ride on Sunday and a 20 mile ride on Monday. I feel great. It sure beats going to the gym. Sun and fresh air. You can't beat it. I'm so glad Jen called. I'm happy she is getting into riding again. A bike buddy is a good thing to have. We will be able to ride together on weekends at least. We work different shifts.
I do love to ride solo also, NO radio, just the wind in my face and quiet. I solve all the worlds problems and blow off steam, while riding. I always hope no one sneaks up behind me. I'll be jabbering and holding 1-way conversations, cussing and yelling. But, i always feel so much better when I'm done.

Spring bulb pics

I always say that i'm planting more tulips but, it never happens. There is always to many other flowers on the list.

I can't help it. More stuff

Bills Orchard ladder collection.
Folk art "Tramp art" frame
Cool rug from Iran and "Peanut"

4 days off

I've had 4 glorious days off. I was working in my flower gardens and i went antiquing...Worked in the building, Walked and rode my bike. I know i haven't posted much lately, but, i am still here.
The spring bulbs are doing great. Better with the rain we just had. I 'm busy digging up day lilies, trying to keep them controlled (somewhat).
Bill and i went to see barb Of simply Iowa . bill bought another orchard ladder. A person can't have to many ladders. I added another linoleum floor cloth to the collection. I think it's going in the building. Found a cool folk art picture frame at "decorum", from mark in Iowa city. Artifacts in Iowa city had a beautiful floor size rug from Iran, it's about 40 years old. I hate to even put it down anywhere, it's so pretty.
The building is coming around slow but sure. Just opening it up and letting a cross breeze blow thru it, really helps. I'll be posting progress pictures soon.

Hungry for change

WOW, i just saw a movie called "FOOD INC", It is a wake-up call. I always knew buying Organic was very important. But, I'm positive it is now. What a scam, What a horrible disgrace it is. The huge monopoly the few corporations have. The animals mean nothing to them but, money. The people that die or get sick or loaded with health problems mean nothing to them either. That's where the other large corporation comes in. Pharmaceutical companies. Please rent the movie. I had rented it and let it sit on the table for a couple of weeks, not sure if i wanted to see what i already kind of knew. But, it really worth seeing. Please click onto this site TAKE PART Lets all start to make this very needed change.

Treehouses

I've been noticing a few treehouses around town, and thought how cool it would be to have one. The lucky kid that has one of these!

Terrariums, a new passion?

I've always been fascinated with terrariums. I've always wanted to get one going, but, So many things so little time. I picked up a new book by tovah martin called "The new terrarium" It got me in the plants under glass mode. Then i found a web site called black jungle terrariums and i was blown away. It's not the terrariums of the funky hippy 70's. This is a new wave of terrariums and vivariums. It's like having a enclosed rain forest in your house. It has really fired me up. But, I'm starting out small and if i can find success with my 2 small ones. I'll venture into the big awesome rain forest creation. Now when ever i go out junking or antiquing, I'm looking for things i can turn into a glass plant house.

Blooming houseplants

Signs of spring are here. All my houseplants are starting to bloom and shoot out new growth. I started fertilizing every other watering and spraying the leaves with sea kelp every 2 weeks. I have been lucky, I've only spied scale on 1 plant. I have been using a systemic pesticide. I've mixed granules in the top soil. It's been working great for warding off scale and everything for about 3 years running. It's called "Systemic Houseplant insect control" Bonide makes it. The 1 plant that had scale, didn't have this in it. I'm terrible at know the names of all my begonias. I had 40 different types. I've narrowed it down. I classify myself as a "plant HOARDER". Oh no! I've admitted it. If i see it, if i want it, i get it. Where will i put it? I'll find a spot. I'm that way with most things actually. I may be on a future show of "Hoarders".

Marijuana growing among the AARP set

SURPRISE!! The laws they WILL be a changing. Iowa is trying to pass medical Marijuana. I hope they do. In the article i read today. It told the story of an 88 year old woman who wakes up with her morning coffee and new york times and a pipe bowl loaded with pot. It helps her arthritis. She threw out her prescription pain pills. The pot has no nasty side affects and helps with the pain. I'm not a big pot smoker or a drinker. But, i do smoke and drink,usually when out with friends. I prefer the pot. It makes me feel good. I still have control over myself. I can drive home and wake up feeling fine. If i had children. I'd feel better if they were out experimenting with pot over alcohol. I see one reason it's not legal is because the drug companies wouldn't make a profit off it. The other reason , people that are against it have never smoked it.
I have found that if i smoke it before i head out antiquing, I'm more focused. I think anything in excess is bad. Drinking and smoking or eating or texting or what have you is fine, if done within reason. What's all the hub-bub, bub.
One last thing, maybe when i have to go to a nursing home (Heaven forbid) they will be passing out joints and hallucinogenics. The ONLY way to pass the time away in a nursing home. The music they will be playing every morning will be "Stayin Alive" by the bee gees. Disco baby!!

Eagles are taking over

I think that is so cool! If you've ever seen one of these in flight or sitting in a tree waiting for a meal, you have to say WOW!! Big and beautiful. The numbers are way up. I saw a picture of a eagle nest in a magazine. It was so big that a man was laying flat inside of it. 6 feet wide.
Some friends of mine Lonny and Karen took these pics. They were right outside their bedroom window. The one was eating a new born lamb. (from the sheep farm a mile away) They said there were a total of 15 or 16 eagles, just sitting in their tree. I wish i could look out and see this. I do see an occasional hawk. I guess i might be afraid of one flying off with a Boston terrier.

my little bit of green

This hoya is taking over my victorian plant stand. It has huge bannana leaves. i don't know the name.
This is a Bromeliad, ijust picked up at a local nursery. It has a big bloom starting to pop.
This a century plant that i've had for many years.

I think that plants bring a little bit of happiness into my life. A couple of feet of snow outside and the sun is shining. The plants are coming out of the dormant state and starting to sprout blooms and new growth. It makes me feel spring IS coming. Here are some of my babies.

Ragbrai 2010

Well I'm sent of my registration form for ragbrai yesterday. I decided to give it another go. I've gone 2 other times the full route. (minus 2 days because i crashed into another rider) . This time I'm going with a new outlook. The last 2 times you could say i drank my way across Iowa on 2 wheels. I'd meet all my friends in the bars along the way. It was to much fun!! Then by the time i finally rolled into the last overnight town for the day, I'd set up my tent and crash. Usually with a real crummy site.
But this time is different. I'm arming myself with camera and a smile. I'm out to see more and meet more people. People come from every where, even from other countries. It's really pretty amazing. up to 15,000 people ride across the state. I will have to stop and get my morning bloody Mary. I can't give that up. This a Smithsonian article on ragbrai to give the history. written by Megan Gambino. She sums it all up. Just click on the picture to read the story.

The first Great Six-Day Bicycle Ride Across Iowa was in 1973. It was created by journalists and bike enthusiasts John Karras and Don Kaul.

Tom Bean / Corbis

• Arts & Culture

The Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa

Now in its 37th year, RAGBRAI is the longest, largest and oldest touring bike ride in the world

• By Megan Gambino
• Smithsonian.com, July 02, 2009

Cycling

Iowa

Photo Gallery

RAGBRAI" style="margin-top: 8px;">

The Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa Explore more photos from the story

gay adoption

I know I'm going to hit some nerves on this one, but, i haven't yipped about anything for a while.
I opened the Sunday paper and right there on the front page of the home section. I see a picture of Andy and Will with their adoptive family. 1 13 year old girl Hannah and her to biological brothers, ages 12 and 9. I read the article and i made me feel so good. It went on to say how this married couple (legal in Iowa) So much wanted children, a family to raise and call their own. It was a wonderful story. They both work as social workers and adoption is open (IN IOWA) . They fostered kids first and found some needy kids. They went on to say that all is well and happy and full of love. What gets me is that this story would upset some people. These 2 guys stepped up to the plate and gave a home to older kids. I saw once how many kids are in the system. Incredible. But, people want BABIES. That is bullshit. Also, They are going to turn those kids gay. What's up with that!!! What they did, makes me feel good about the world. This is what upsets me.
A woman i know, has a daughter.She had a gastric bypass at 15 years old. She is now early 20's and has 2 kids with different fathers. She lives with mom and dad. She has no job, has never had one. Her boyfriend (father) lives there too, also no job! Borrows the car of mother, get money from mom and dad and the state. Baby was defective so 3 surgeries later still in hosp. Who pays WE DO!!! they are on the state. I asked grandma "SO, anymore kids after this one" Being sarcastic. Oh she wants to have 3 more. WHAT HAPPENED TO TEACHING YOUR KIDS ABOUT RESPONSIBILITY AND BIRTH CONTROL!!! Every race has there trash. Harsh i know but, but, that's how i feel about it.

Begonia lamp

I cut out each piece of the pattern and lay it on what ever glass I'm using. Then trace it with a marker. Then cut out each piece with a glass cutter and grind it smooth to fit into the space. For difficult cuts i use a water saw. Sometimes i grind and grind to make it fit.
Only 6 more panels to go. Lamps are great to make. Again, where will this one go?

Begonia lamp

I first start out with a pattern. This one is a 6 sided lampshade. I do i panel at a time. I have a light table to check my color, it helps alot.

New project: Begonia lamp

I have the day off work today. A desperately needed day off. I just finished the book "Serena" by Ron Rash. Man was that good. It would make a great movie. It's about a villainous woman in the 1930's That will do anything to get where she wants to be. A page turner for sure. On the search for something new to read.
I started my begonia lamp. It's going along pretty fast. I seem to be on a red orange yellow green mode. The last 4 stained glass projects show that. I can't wait for the weather to warm up alittle. I really need to start working in the building, getting my studio ready. The below zero temps really put a damper on things. As you can see i work on a table with my grinder, saw, light table and cutting space. Not much room. Glass chips everywhere. I'm not to tidy! Stupid me, went into the room barefoot and got a foot with glass embedded. so small i can't get them out. I always have bandaids on hand, I'm always getting bloody fingers.

Computer IS working

Wow!! I was going into withdrawals. I needed a new motherboard. on my computer. Ouch!! Hopefully it's back for a while now. I've been reading blogs and catching up. Sharon i hope all goes well with your creative venture. You really are a talented woman, I couldn't see why you didn't do more art.

I've been busy reading and going to movies and working on stained glass projects. I read "Last chance" preserving life on earth by Larry j. schweiger (he's the CEO of the National wildlife federation) It's a real wake-up call. He lays it out With facts. It's Obvious that what life here on earth right now is nothing like it will be in 20 years. But, he's very optimistic that people will wake up and do the right thing. I'm not so optimistic. So it's not a Domesday book, but, a book that tells you WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW TO STOP the destruction. I highly recommend it. to anyone that cares enough to start the change. I'm reading "Serena" by Ron Rash. So far so good. "the ROAD" before that. I couldn't get that book out of my head for awhile. A real study of human nature when the lives of people are stripped of everything. It really makes you think about whats important. ( Getting a gun)

I highly recommend seeing "Avatar". It lives up to all the hype. I saw "Up in the air" last night. I liked that alot too. George can't do a bad movie.

I finished my window. It's pretty big. i have no idea where to put it. 24x36 . So now onto my next project. A stained glass lamp. Shouldn't take to long.

I'm back again

Wow, the whoas of computer problems. I have been out of commission for about a week or more. In that time i bought a new car and have been bearing this cold weather. I've been limiting any Christmas shopping. I bought my mom and bill's mom something and of course bill. But, that is it!! I bought a 2000 Toyota Camry. It is sooo nice. I'm not used to a nice car. My old Toyota tercel served me well. It will now serve someone else well. I'm a total believer in Toyota's.. LOVE THEM. I'm dying my hair right now, waiting for the 30 min to pass. I gotta get that grey right outta my hair...... I'm going redder than I'm used to, I'll see how it goes. Now I'm off to catch-up on my fellow bloggers.