Saturday Gardening and Puttering Thread, February 20 [KT]

Hi, everybody! Have we had some weather, or what? I've been thinking about Texas, but I know there has been weather elsewhere, as well. Above, a photo from the REAL moon landing. From the Cousin Connection.

Impressive technology for back then, don't you think?

Speaking of Texas

I think these photos from Larro are from Texas, with the First Robin of the Season:

It is cold. Rolling 40 min blackouts. Gas logs work great as they have old style pilot light.

The sun is shining bright on 3"

Farm Life

From Illiniwek, before the latest big storm cycle:

This was some interesting frost, chickens in the background. 5" of snow and single digits has kept chickens in the coop for now.

The World Ag Expo in Tulare, California went online this year. No visits to giant farm equipment. But I guess there will be updates throughout the year if you are thinking about taking up the farm life.

Potential Puttering

Would you like to try making some transparent wood?

Early attempts to make transparent wood involved removing the lignin, but this involved hazardous chemicals, high temperatures and a lot of time, making the product expensive and somewhat brittle. The new technique is so cheap and easy it could literally be done in a backyard.

This involves hydrogen peroxide, sunlight and marine grade epoxy.

Many different types of wood, from balsa to oak, can be made transparent, and it doesn't matter if it is cut along the grain or against it. If the transparent wood is made a little thicker, it would be strong enough to become part of the structure of a building, so there could be entire transparent wooden walls.
While this technology has yet to be scaled up to industrial levels, the researchers say it has great potential as a new building material. In fact, they say that theoretically, an entire house could be made transparent. It is not clear why anyone would want to live in a transparent house, but for people who do, it would be OK to throw stones...

Here's another type, made with polyvinyl alcohol (used in eye drops and some other medical products).

Last Week

After seeing those extra-hot peppers growing in Florida, All Hail Eris decided to order some nearly heatless Habaneros.

You got any catalog dreams?

And what's this?

My mom's subdivision has two large gangs of turkeys that rove the area looking for comestibles. Between the squirrels, deer, and turkeys we lure with tasty treats, we will be set for the Great Never-ending Winter.

There was a recent news report on wild turkeys:

Small town issues self-defense tips for run-ins with wild turkeys. There are 5,300 people there and 35,000 turkeys. There are several handy tips for the yard, garden and people. Here is a surprising one:

cover your windows and any shiny yard do-dads because turkeys are vain and like to admire their reflections.

Bird Drama

Everyone has such pretty bird pictures. I thought I'd send these in, not in my backyard though.
The crows were mobbing something so I grabbed some pics with my phone.
Redtail, immature, I think.
Then the hawk started flying around in front of my so I grabbed my camera.

Please sign me AZ isolated deplorable if you use them.
Cheers!

Love them!

Gardens of The Horde

Another great Hibiscus photo from Neal in Israel to cheer us up:

If you would like to send information and/or photos for the Saturday Gardening Thread, the address is:

ktinthegarden
at that g mail dot com place

Include the nic by which you wish to be known when you comment at AoSHQ,
unless you want to remain a lurker.

Posted by: Open Blogger at 01:24 PM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 Love the eagle pics. Those birds are scary big up close

Posted by: jmel at February 20, 2021 01:28 PM (bVhJi)

2 My first crocus just popped up.
Why do I like crocus? Because they represent defiance against the elements. No matter the winter, the rain, snow, ice, they persevere.
Gotta love that.

Posted by: Diogenes at February 20, 2021 01:29 PM (axyOa)

3 Good afternoon Greentumbs and Snow bunnies.
Did take a look in my mini greenhouse and saw still have oregano growing .

Posted by: Skip at February 20, 2021 01:31 PM (Cxk7w)

4 Had a flock of Cedar Waxwings in the tree, wintering here down south. They love those red berry bushes.

Posted by: Dr. Varno at February 20, 2021 01:32 PM (vuisn)

5 Well need to see if any frozen snow can be removed to help other snow to loosen up.
Another month and we should be out of this, though April can see snow.

Posted by: Skip at February 20, 2021 01:33 PM (Cxk7w)

6 The guy that does all the chemistry stuff on youtube tried the transparent wood with limited success:

https://youtu.be/x1H-323d838

No where as good as his TP moonshine but I think he's always entertaining.

Posted by: banana Dream at February 20, 2021 01:35 PM (gTVTz)

7 Occasionally I will see crows hassling hawks here, in mid-air. That always amazes me, because I wouldn't pick on a hawk. But I guess crows are fearless.

Posted by: bluebell at February 20, 2021 01:36 PM (/669Q)

8 "Small town issues self-defense tips for run-ins's with wild turkeys".

Why not a shotgun?

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at February 20, 2021 01:37 PM (ynpvh)

9 The blizzard of 1993 hit in March. 18 inches of snow in Knoxville, Tennessee. Even sleazy Bill was like "Save yourselves!"

Posted by: jmel at February 20, 2021 01:38 PM (bVhJi)

10 Got my first Farmer's Almanac this year.

I resolve to plant productive trees, bushes, for myself and the deer and Turkeys, and ground covers suitable to the local quail population, once our new construction is finished.

Appreciate any Inland NW appropriate tips.

Posted by: Harrvey Weinstein at February 20, 2021 01:38 PM (KnJdm)

11 7 Occasionally I will see crows hassling hawks here, in mid-air. That
always amazes me, because I wouldn't pick on a hawk. But I guess crows
are fearless.

Posted by: bluebell at February 20, 2021 01:36 PM (/669Q)

See that quite a bit here too. Crows are real assholes though. I have a pecan tree, and they're always stealing my nuts and banging them on the roof. I can't even air-soft them legally in city limits.

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at February 20, 2021 01:39 PM (ynpvh)

12 off ficus harassing sock

Posted by: 4 at February 20, 2021 01:39 PM (KnJdm)

13 I coffee ain't cutting it for your morning pick-me-up, try this breakfast cereal:

https://tinyurl.com/1xpghnhn

THEY'RE GREAT!!!!

Posted by: Tony the Wide-Eyed Tiger at February 20, 2021 01:40 PM (SchQD)

14 And, laddy. I'd suggest transparent aluminum would generally work better.

Posted by: Lt Cdr Scott at February 20, 2021 01:41 PM (gTVTz)

15 13 I coffee ain't cutting it for your morning pick-me-up, try this breakfast cereal:

https://tinyurl.com/1xpghnhn

THEY'RE GREAT!!!!

Posted by: Tony the Wide-Eyed Tiger at February 20, 2021 01:40 PM (SchQD)

It's what I eat for breakfast before I snort a bunch off my desk and then I kill all those mo-fos!

Posted by: Tony Montoya at February 20, 2021 01:41 PM (ynpvh)

16 they're always stealing my nuts and banging them on the roof.

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at February 20, 2021 01:39 PM (ynpvh)

I'd love to grow some pecan trees, but this concerns me.

Posted by: 4 at February 20, 2021 01:43 PM (KnJdm)

17 16 they're always stealing my nuts and banging them on the roof.

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at February 20, 2021 01:39 PM (ynpvh)

I'd love to grow some pecan trees, but this concerns me.

Posted by: 4 at February 20, 2021 01:43 PM (KnJdm)
The bang 'em on the solar panels.

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at February 20, 2021 01:44 PM (ynpvh)

18 If I could shoot the deer that hang out in our backyard, we'd be set for venison for 6 months at least.

Posted by: Donna&&&&&V at February 20, 2021 01:44 PM (HabA/)

19 Thinking about starting some seeds indoors while I wait for 20+ days of cursed snow to melt off in Central Ohio. I'd like to start out with things I eat a lot of - bell peppers, onions, and maybe spaghetti squash.

Any pointers or suggestions for a newbie?

Posted by: Schnorflepuppy at February 20, 2021 01:45 PM (P9Idj)

20 While living in Erie, PA very close to downtown, I was sitting in my kitchen and, lo and behold, two turkeys come strutting through the back yard (the parking lot). Decisions, decisions. I get out the really 1000 FPS air rifle, think of nailing one in the gourd, and sonafabitch, a cop shows up at the traffic light. A good meal lost.

Posted by: bill in arkansas, not gonna comply with nuttin at February 20, 2021 01:46 PM (I58tH)

21 18 If I could shoot the deer that hang out in our backyard, we'd be set for venison for 6 months at least.

Posted by: DonnaV at February 20, 2021 01:44 PM (HabA/)

As long as the other deer don't get the hint as to what is going on...

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at February 20, 2021 01:46 PM (ynpvh)

22 Nice try, Open Blogger, but the picture of the guy making the snow angel is not the snow angel in the second picture. The bottom right corner of the first photo makes up the left side of the second photo. Gotcha!

Posted by: bradc at February 20, 2021 01:48 PM (FInrF)

23 Hi. I want to plant some bulbs this spring. Any suggestions for a catalog source will be much appreciated. TIA

Posted by: Novadog at February 20, 2021 01:48 PM (x8pNI)

24 soul chickens are thugs: they gang up on single raptors... but when a second one shows up, they leave.

in related news, the silenced air rifle went into the shop for repairs and re-tuning. Mac-1 doesn't move fast, being a one man shop, but Tim does world class w*rk, literally.

Posted by: redc1c4 (*OTUS Zhou Bai-Din Cheated) at February 20, 2021 01:48 PM (zXMfF)

25 Posted by: redc1c4 (*OTUS Zhou Bai-Din Cheated) at February 20, 2021 01:48 PM (zXMfF)

Would appreciate a link or contact info. I have some that need resealed, and it's kind of down on the priority list and something I would pay to have done.

Posted by: 4 at February 20, 2021 01:51 PM (KnJdm)

26
I'm in the SE corner of Pennsylvania and I adhere to the 'meteorological' definition of winter (interestingly enough, so does Australia) so that my winter ends on the last day of February. #TwoWeeks!

To hell with that rodent nonsense. I see where the sun rises every morning and it's almost halfway back to it's summer point. It's time to start some tomato seeds.

Posted by: Bill from Attainder at February 20, 2021 01:52 PM (N/gDA)

27 There are huge turkey vultures here. They look like light planes flying around. Haven't seen one up close bein I'm alive and all. They mostly glide around in circles chasing thermals.

Posted by: banana Dream at February 20, 2021 01:54 PM (gTVTz)

28 bradc at February 20, 2021 01:48 PM
Good catch! To tell you the truth, the photos of the finished snow angels were not particularly outstanding, as a group.

Posted by: KT at February 20, 2021 01:55 PM (BVQ+1)

29 Anyone grow artichokes? Its says 210 days to maturity, I wanted 1st season fruits. If I start now i could get some in September.

Posted by: KarlHungus at February 20, 2021 01:57 PM (TId/f)

30 It just occurred to me - why do you never find deer carcasses in the woods when you're tramping around in these large suburban parks? At least, I've never seen them. But the deer who don't get hit by cars have to die somewhere and I rather doubt the other deer hold burial services for great grandpa Buck. I imagine coyotes and other critters make quick work of the remains, but you'd still think you'd find bones lying around. Do the park service guys find and clear them out or what? Sorry if I'm asking a really dumb question.

Posted by: Donna&&&&&V at February 20, 2021 01:59 PM (HabA/)

31 KarlHungus at February 20, 2021 01:57 PM
Which variety of artichoke? There's one that is marketed as an annual, and there are special instructions in some of the northeastern catalogs.

Posted by: KT at February 20, 2021 01:59 PM (BVQ+1)

32
There are huge turkey vultures here. They look like light planes flying around. Haven't seen one up close bein I'm alive and all. They mostly glide around in circles chasing thermals.

Posted by: banana Dream at February 20, 2021 01:54 PM

I went out a side sliding glass door one day and about a dozen turkey vultures were perched in a single tree above me. It was like stepping into an Hieronymus Bosch landscape painting.

Posted by: Bill from Attainder at February 20, 2021 02:00 PM (N/gDA)

33 Sorry if I'm asking a really dumb question.

I've often wondered that myself.

Posted by: Jewells45 at February 20, 2021 02:00 PM (nxdel)

34 I don't know about parks, but this place is lousy with deer, and it only takes a few days for a carcass to disappear, whether eaten by raptors, other birds, coyotes, mountain lions and bears (not yet), or drug into a hidey-hole for later consumption.

Posted by: 4 at February 20, 2021 02:01 PM (KnJdm)

35 Saw a bald eagle fly overhead in store parking lot and then land across the street in a tree at the car dealership. I decided it was the spirit of Rush, since it was on Wednesday.

Posted by: Ziba at February 20, 2021 02:03 PM (S1hrL)

36 maybe spaghetti squash.

Any pointers or suggestions for a newbie?
Posted by: Schnorflepuppy

I have been told that Spaghetti squash plants will take over the entire garden.
I tried one plant last year; but, the heat was too much (it couldn't be the watering failure, really!) here.

Posted by: BJ Clinton at February 20, 2021 02:04 PM (gtatv)

37 Love the eagle pics. Those birds are scary big up close
Posted by: jmel at February 20, 2021 01:28 PM (bVhJi)
--------
You know what birds you don't want to see up close? Turkey buzzards. Big and ugly.

Posted by: Captain Obvious, Laird o' the Sea at February 20, 2021 02:04 PM (GLv8N)

38 34. Some NJ counties pick the carcasses up for disposal, others let them stink and rot and be enjoyed by vultures. When I was working, we used to joke that they were collected by the hospital cafeteria.

Posted by: CN at February 20, 2021 02:04 PM (ONvIw)

39 they were collected by the hospital cafeteria.
Posted by: CN at

Who said they didn't?
The Road Kill Cafe really does exist.

Posted by: BJ Clinton at February 20, 2021 02:07 PM (gtatv)

40 Upthread: Bulb sources. John Scheepers and Van Engelen Inc., both mail order out of CT.

Great source of bulbs. Also sold in wholesale lots.

Posted by: Ziba at February 20, 2021 02:07 PM (S1hrL)

41 We had hundreds of American Robins in our Dallas-area yard last Sunday. They were flying into windows, going back and forth between the trees and the snow, and behaving oddly.

The same day, we also had two coyotes hang out in the backyard in the middle of the afternoon. We have tons of them, but it's rare to see them when the sun's out.

It was a strange week.

Posted by: Michael the Texan at February 20, 2021 02:07 PM (2rvT/)

42 It is amazing that the whitetail or muley deer is so hard to hunt. Here we have an animal,who at best, has a brain the size of a golf ball, yet they blam blam blam, every season say fuck you.

Posted by: bill in arkansas, not gonna comply with nuttin at February 20, 2021 02:07 PM (I58tH)

43 off Clinton sock

Posted by: AZ deplorable isolated at February 20, 2021 02:08 PM (gtatv)

44 Upthread: Bulb sources. John Scheepers and Van Engelen Inc., both mail order out of CT.

Great source of bulbs. Also sold in wholesale lots.

Posted by: Ziba at February 20, 2021 02:07 PM (S1hrL
Thank you. I'll search them out.

Posted by: Novadog at February 20, 2021 02:09 PM (x8pNI)

45 Posted by: AZ deplorable isolated at February 20, 2021 02:08 PM (gtatv)
----------
Where did you take the pix of the red tails?

Posted by: Captain Obvious, Laird o' the Sea at February 20, 2021 02:10 PM (GLv8N)

46 >>> I went out a side sliding glass door one day and about a dozen turkey vultures were perched in a single tree above me. It was like stepping into an Hieronymus Bosch landscape painting.
Posted by: Bill from Attainder at February 20, 2021 02:00 PM (N/gDA)

That can never be good. No one ever looks "happy to be there" in his paintings. "Oh this is a nice egg I'm sitting in, Crap! A birdman is eating my lower torso!".

Posted by: banana Dream at February 20, 2021 02:10 PM (gTVTz)

47
Who said they didn't?
The Road Kill Cafe really does exist.
Posted by: BJ Clinton at February 20, 2021 02:07 PM (gtatv)

The risks of the hospital cafeteria made staying with home brought kosher food and packaged things real, real easy.

Posted by: CN at February 20, 2021 02:11 PM (ONvIw)

48 Please sign me AZ isolated deplorable if you use them.
Cheers!

***

Gorgeous pics AZ, and a great yard But that looks like Puget Sound to me, which is quite a ways from Arizona...?

Posted by: LASue at February 20, 2021 02:11 PM (Ed8Zd)

49 30: Dogs will take the deer bones home to gnaw on. People probably take the skulls for Mtn man type yard decorations unless the park prohibits it. In more remote places one does run across deer and elk skeletons. Coyotes don't mess with the bones like a dog will in my somewhat limited experience.

Posted by: PaleRider is simply irredeemable at February 20, 2021 02:11 PM (Aashi)

50 Turkey vultures tend to circ!e the house when I am out on the garage roof. I can take a hint. No more roof or gutter repairs for me!

Posted by: Mrs. JTB at February 20, 2021 02:11 PM (7EjX1)

51 >>> You know what birds you don't want to see up close? Turkey buzzards. Big and ugly.
Posted by: Captain Obvious, Laird o' the Sea at February 20, 2021 02:04 PM (GLv8N)

Hey Everybody! Look at me, I'm a coyboy! Howdy Howdy Howdy

Posted by: banana Dream at February 20, 2021 02:13 PM (gTVTz)

52 Oh wait.. now I see some platforms in the water. Pacific Ocean- near SB or Ventura?

Posted by: LASue at February 20, 2021 02:13 PM (Ed8Zd)

53 I made myself a nice little greenhouse this year out of plastic sheeting and an electric heater. Was working great. Then the power went out and it all spent a night at 7 degrees.

it took me a while before I even could look at it, everything in it has been jumped by Mr. Dead.

Posted by: Tom Servo at February 20, 2021 02:14 PM (bxPTJ)

54 KT,
Thanks for the thread, as always. And especially the article on transparent wood which was fascinating! Aside from use as a building material I wonder if it could still be used for carving and wood working. It could be used to make some interesting pieces. Chip carving and low relief work come to mind.

Posted by: JTB at February 20, 2021 02:14 PM (7EjX1)

55 Anyone want to remind me that I need to go to a gym to work out?

Posted by: Skip at February 20, 2021 02:15 PM (Cxk7w)

56 Gardening Report: Some garlic is poking up through the snow. A little bit. Here and there. I expected more branches fallen.

OffT: I thought to make a poster of Jill Biden delivering cookies to snowbound Texans, but it doesn't seem that there are any pictures from her bringing cookies to the Nat Guardsmen. Maybe she had the 60 cookies (for thousands of troops) delivered for her? If she actually even did that.

Oh, wait, here's a pic of her with two Guardsmen holding baskets of red-white-and-blue adorned something. Meh. Oh, well. That was a pretty lame idea, anyway.

Posted by: mindful webworker
baskets of webwork goodies
at February 20, 2021 02:15 PM (7FpQ0)

57 Posted by: banana Dream at February 20, 2021 02:13 PM (gTVTz)

-------------

best Far Side evah.......

Posted by: Jak Sucio at February 20, 2021 02:16 PM (jvt6t)

58 I had a lovely little olive green warbler of some kind hanging out on my birdfeeder this week. Plus a downy woodpecker.

Posted by: Tom Servo at February 20, 2021 02:16 PM (bxPTJ)

59 Here in KY turkey vultures are protected.

Posted by: Martini Farmer - Now a Pirate Hoisting the Black Flag at February 20, 2021 02:17 PM (3H9h1)

60 Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at February 20, 2021 01:46 PM (ynpvh)

Insoector lived at his dad's place in WY for a bit after his dad passed away. He ate what he called "9mm deer" and said they were so secure they would barely move away ate the sound of the shot and so abundant they wouldn't even avoid the place he'd dropped the last one after a couple of days had passed.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at February 20, 2021 02:17 PM (1lKRm)

61 Skip you need to work out. I need to go feed the horses and ride. It might snow overnight. If weather is good tomorrow I will haul out to ride with a friend but I need to get a ride in today because the Sunday ride is fairly iffy to happen.

Posted by: PaleRider is simply irredeemable at February 20, 2021 02:17 PM (Aashi)

62 That can never be good. No one ever looks "happy to be there" in his paintings. "Oh this is a nice egg I'm sitting in, Crap! A birdman is eating my lower torso!".
Posted by: banana Dream at February 20, 2021 02:10 PM (gTVTz)

Ha! You gotta wonder if he stuck his mother-in-law, a worthless nephew and the annoying neighbor down the street in those paintings.

Posted by: Donna&&&&&V at February 20, 2021 02:17 PM (HabA/)

63 I just put a bunch of bird feed out and a couple of suet blocks for good measure.

It looks like the fight scene from West Side Story out there right now.

Posted by: Jak Sucio at February 20, 2021 02:18 PM (jvt6t)

64 One of our dogs, Solie, great peranease, barks all night. The power naps in the sunshine. She sleeps like the dead. Well she was power napping, and a Turkey buzzard lands in the yard. Then starts waddling up to her like she is roadkill. Needless to say she took great offense when it picked at her. Somehow it was able to get out of the yard alive.

Posted by: Paladin at February 20, 2021 02:18 PM (K541N)

65 Nice bird pictures ... my chickens are still cooped up, but I may let them out starting tomorrow ... warmer weather, but they probably still won't like all the snow. ...

- no robins here yet ... sometimes get a large group of them coming through early, heading further north. A little later some come and stay around. Haven't noticed any robins that stayed the winter this year ... some bluebirds stay. -- Tuesday supposed to hit 53 degrees ... finally a break from single digits. ...

Posted by: illiniwek at February 20, 2021 02:19 PM (Cus5s)

66 Posted by: Novadog at February 20, 2021 01:48 PM (x8pNI)

Blanking on its name right now, but there's a catalog that specalizes in bulbs. Bulb is in the name and they're almost certainly on line. I think they're based in Michigan.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at February 20, 2021 02:20 PM (1lKRm)

67 Anyone want to remind me that I need to go to a gym to work out?
Posted by: Skip

You don't have to brag about having gyms. They're all closed in CA. The healthiest thing everyone can do is work out, but NOOOOOO, we have to be governed by the stupid, the venal, and the vicious.

Posted by: SFGoth at February 20, 2021 02:20 PM (KAi1n)

68 It's about 50 here in yon Hill Country, but it feels like 70. AHHHHHHHH.....

Posted by: Jak Sucio at February 20, 2021 02:21 PM (jvt6t)

69 Heaven turns out to be a gardening supply store...where two small boys walked up to me this morning with arms outstretched, wanting to hug me.

I'd never seen them before in my life. And no hug has ever felt better.

Posted by: creeper at February 20, 2021 02:21 PM (XxJt1)

70 I was thawing a cryco-vac'ed filet on the back porch. when I went to bring it in t I came face to face with a hideously ugly and YUGE turkey vulture that was trying to get through the plastic wrap. It was pissed and dropped the meat over the railing. 3 days later that vulture was still doing fly-bys trying to find it.

Posted by: LASue at February 20, 2021 02:21 PM (Ed8Zd)

71 Sorry if I'm asking a really dumb question.
Posted by: Donna&&&&&V

We find bones and carcasses frequently. What happens is that as the dogs and yotes, even bobcat, etc., eat on them, all of them try to cover it up. Usually in the fall, when leaves drop, you can see the stark white bones better.
Right now, shed hunters are out (hunting the shed antlers of deer).

Posted by: MkY at February 20, 2021 02:21 PM (5hF5V)

72 64: ROFL. That is so Great Pyr. We had one that we took in because the orig. owner lived in town and couldn't have the barking dog at night. Always reminded me of the Looney Toons with the Sheepdog and wolf clocking in. Mia would come in the house to sleep in the cool during summer but she was on the clock every night, guarding the horses since we didn't have any sheep or goats.

Posted by: PaleRider is simply irredeemable at February 20, 2021 02:21 PM (Aashi)

73 It looks like the fight scene from West Side Story out there right now.
Posted by: Jak Sucio at February 20, 2021 02:18 PM (jvt6t)

The cardinals went at our feeder so fiercely they knocked the thing to the ground. Cardinals take no shit when they're chowing down.

Posted by: Donna&&&&&V at February 20, 2021 02:22 PM (HabA/)

74 2 Oh wait.. now I see some platforms in the water. Pacific Ocean- near SB or Ventura?
Posted by: LASue at Februar

That's where I think the pics were taken.

Posted by: CaliGirl at February 20, 2021 02:22 PM (A57L2)

75 Posted by: Donna&&&&&V at February 20, 2021 01:59 PM (HabA/)

Ya don't find very many bird carcasses. Maybe a fresh one just slammed into a window or crushed in the road.

The amount of opportunistic scavenger tu[efauna that occupy most any plot of foliage would amaze you. And they're always on the alert as you would be if your life depended on getting there first.

Crows are ubiquitous and quick.

Posted by: jakee308.com at February 20, 2021 02:22 PM (HvnWk)

76 I went out a side sliding glass door one day and about a dozen turkey vultures were perched in a single tree above me. It was like stepping into an Hieronymus Bosch landscape painting.
Posted by: Bill from Attainder

Early last year, I was walking around the circle drive. There's a big tree, almost all dead; half fell down in an ice storm years ago, been waiting for the rest to fall; woodpeckers love it. Anywhen, I looked up into this big dead tree and realized there were a half-dozen turkey vultures roosting there. The one at the top gave me a long evil-eying before taking off, followed slowly by the rest of them, one by one.

Very much felt like being in a Charles Addams comic. Or a Hitchcock movie....

Posted by: mindful webworker
baskets of webwork goodies
at February 20, 2021 02:22 PM (7FpQ0)

77 We counted 14 different species of birds at our bird feeder through the cold. Going through about 1 1/2 qts/day feed when it's really cold.
Latest to show is the cowbird. They're getting the .177 air rifle treatment when I can.

Posted by: MkY at February 20, 2021 02:22 PM (5hF5V)

78 I had gathered some seeds from my Summer Jewel pink salvia, but someone disposed of them by accident. So now I have to buy them:

https://tinyurl.com/4hhbtats

although they have been self seeding the past couple years. Still I don't want to take any chances.

Posted by: kallisto at February 20, 2021 02:23 PM (DJFLF)

79 Transparent wood sounds like it would be useful for greenhouses. The article says it has insulating properties.

Posted by: Emmie: grubby, low-born, non-billionaire commenter at February 20, 2021 02:23 PM (ofYez)

80 We had heavy snow in Seattle last weekend that collapsed a neighbors party tent aka covid cabana. But it was nothing like the 1996 storm that dumped about a foot of snow followed by heavy rain.

The weight from that event destroyed carports, deck covers, store awnings. Even a boat marina. The local news showed the distraught boat owners arriving as the floating marina began sinking due to all the weight on the roofs. The pleasurecraft were tied up to the sinking slips.

One boat owner thought he'd cut his boat free and that started the domino of events for at least one line of slips. In all 200 boats were sunk. Would love to get the news crew video out of their archives if it exists. A pic is in this link:

https://tinyurl.com/86bzrttq

Posted by: Rex B at February 20, 2021 02:24 PM (uN4KS)

81 Turkey vultures. It's weird how they prefer dead trees. So they can see?
One year I killed a yote and left it. Watched the vultures for days, and realized they had a decided pecking order. That was interesting, too.

Posted by: MkY at February 20, 2021 02:25 PM (5hF5V)

82 With birds, the pecking order is literal.

Posted by: Dr. Varno at February 20, 2021 02:26 PM (vuisn)

83 Posted by: creeper at February 20, 2021 02:21 PM (XxJt1)

Are you feeling okay after yesterday? Glad you were able to get some real-life hugs.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at February 20, 2021 02:27 PM (1lKRm)

84 I always love the beautiful plant pictures from Neil in Israel.

Posted by: Michael the Texan at February 20, 2021 02:27 PM (2rvT/)

85 Can Trump run in 2024? He has already win 2 elections.

Posted by: Gretl at February 20, 2021 02:28 PM (buP4J)

86 The amount of opportunistic scavenger fauna that occupy most any plot of foliage would amaze you. And they're always on the alert as you would be if your life depended on getting there first.
Posted by: jakee308.com

With your nick, I expect you've put game cams over carcasses before. It's an eye-opener what all feeds on them.

Posted by: MkY at February 20, 2021 02:28 PM (5hF5V)

87 Video of a young buck eating a bird.
https://tinyurl.com/39z3amty

Posted by: MkY at February 20, 2021 02:30 PM (5hF5V)

88 Just read the creeper's hugs comment to Milady; elicited a real "d'aawww."

Posted by: mindful webworker
circling overhead
at February 20, 2021 02:31 PM (7FpQ0)

89 During the warmer months. the insects alone can devour a gopher sized carcass in a few days. Sometimes less sometimes more. Depends on the location.

Flies can "smell" the scent given off when flesh dies. It's what cadaver dogs go for.

Posted by: jakee308.com at February 20, 2021 02:31 PM (HvnWk)

90 I watched a flock of vultures devour a dead fox. I'd scare them away, but they'd come back in the same order If one of the younger ones tried to grab some entrails out of turn, the leader attacked it.. It was pretty interesting.

Posted by: LASue at February 20, 2021 02:31 PM (Ed8Zd)

91 I guess we see deer and elk skeletons out riding in open space or big ranches around here because its grasslands. Too hard for the critters to cover the remains. The scavengers and bugs take them down to the bones fairly quickly though.

Posted by: PaleRider is simply irredeemable at February 20, 2021 02:31 PM (Aashi)

92 I'd never seen them before in my life. And no hug has ever felt better.
Posted by: creeper at February 20, 2021 02:21 PM (XxJt1)

What a blessing! It sounds like they missed out on the brainwashing that they are walking disease vectors and shouldn't go near anyone. Good for them!

Posted by: Emmie: grubby, low-born, non-billionaire commenter at February 20, 2021 02:31 PM (ofYez)

93 Anyone want to remind me that I need to go to a gym to work out?
Posted by: Skip at February 20, 2021 02:15 PM (Cxk7w)

Well, I tried the random-orbit sander hooked up to my little shop vac. Didn't get all the dust, by any means. Tried taping a section of vacuum hose wand to the body of an oscillating multi-tool with a triangular sanding head on it. Same problem. And both were cumbersome to use. I also think it may have been a mistake to use that fiber mesh tape for the joints.

Anyway, I ordered a purpose-built power pole sander from Amazon for $120. The motor is located near the handle end of the pole, so it will counterbalance the weight of the sanding head. I figure a tool purpose-built for the job will work better than something I kludge together.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at February 20, 2021 02:32 PM (mzC78)

94 23 Hi. I want to plant some bulbs this spring. Any suggestions for a catalog source will be much appreciated. TIA
Posted by: Novadog at February 20, 2021 01:48 PM (x8pNI)

generally you plant bulbs in the autumn.
There ARE some bulbs you can plant in the spring.
Fedco is good source. Try Rare Seeds (aka Baker Creek)

Don't use "brecks".
In the fall, tulips and daffodils can be had from Walmart, but those are the only bulbs I would get from WM.

Posted by: Flyover, too many face-palms these days at February 20, 2021 02:32 PM (Rbu5d)

95 I really need a pet thread.

Posted by: Unkaren at February 20, 2021 02:32 PM (3sL+K)

96 Posted by: MkY at February 20, 2021 02:30 PM (5hF5V)

Well, I'll be damned. I thought deer didn't eat other animals. Shit. Now if I break my legs in the wilderness, I'll not only have to worry about bears and bobcats, the friggin' deer might eat me too.

Posted by: Donna&&&&&V at February 20, 2021 02:35 PM (HabA/)

97 I'd never seen them before in my life. And no hug has ever felt better.

Posted by: creeper at February 20, 2021 02:21 PM (XxJt1)

What a blessing! It sounds like they missed out on the brainwashing
that they are walking disease vectors and shouldn't go near anyone.
Good for them!

Posted by: Emmie: grubby, low-born, non-billionaire commenter at February 20, 2021 02:31 PM (ofYez)

Makes me want to start a business: "Free hugs!" Then, I will put my boys next to me: Deluxe hugs! $5. Just like the viral internet prank.

Posted by: 4 at February 20, 2021 02:36 PM (KnJdm)

98 jakee308.com
Yeah. Order here seems to be flies, then possum, then coons or anything else hungry like fox, then the vultures.
Vultures need some pretty high odors to get attracted I guess.
And in the winter, we don't have the vultures.

Posted by: MkY at February 20, 2021 02:36 PM (5hF5V)

99 Only gym I have is the tons of frozen water on my driveway and deck to move

Posted by: Skip at February 20, 2021 02:36 PM (Cxk7w)

100 They have these new oranges at the store called "sumo citrus". I think the name they give them in the US comes from the fact they were first grown in Japan where they are popular.

They are like mandarins but massive, near grapefruit size with a huge nipple like part where the stem was. I'd call them "boob oranges" which is why bD doesn't have a job naming things.

They are the best oranges I've ever had.

Posted by: banana Dream at February 20, 2021 02:36 PM (gTVTz)

101 Posted by: Flyover, too many face-palms these days at February 20, 2021 02:32 PM (Rbu5d)

Yeah, I missed the fall planting, but I want to get ready for next year. Thanks for the info.

Posted by: Novadog at February 20, 2021 02:36 PM (x8pNI)

102 Would appreciate a link or contact info. I have some
that need resealed, and it's kind of down on the priority list and
something I would pay to have done.

Posted by: 4 at February 20, 2021 01:51 PM (KnJdm)
---
http://www.mac1airgun.com/

e-mail him for best response: his phone has gotten stupid busy, so often ignores it.

Posted by: redc1c4 (*OTUS Zhou Bai-Din Cheated) at February 20, 2021 02:37 PM (zXMfF)

103 spaghetti squash (or any winter squash)
grow on a cattle-panel trellis. needs to be that strong.

lots of videos on YT on how to build one.

the squash will grown thick and strong stems to hold them on the vine while up in the air.

6 hours sunlight at least, water consistently. if you have deer and lots of bunnies, protect while young.

Posted by: Flyover, too many face-palms these days at February 20, 2021 02:37 PM (Rbu5d)

104 Hawks and Falcons also like to perch in dead trees.

Posted by: Martini Farmer - Now a Pirate Hoisting the Black Flag at February 20, 2021 02:38 PM (3H9h1)

105 Posted by: redc1c4 (*OTUS Zhou Bai-Din Cheated) at February 20, 2021 02:37 PM (zXMfF)

Thank you, sir.

Posted by: 4 at February 20, 2021 02:39 PM (KnJdm)

106 My rosemary plant died last year. I was thinking of planting another, but why? There is a yuge bush at the church I can pilfer.

Posted by: JAS, AoSHQ addict at February 20, 2021 02:39 PM (2BZBZ)

107 I pilfer sprigs. I have no desire to steal the whole thing.

Posted by: JAS, AoSHQ addict at February 20, 2021 02:40 PM (2BZBZ)

108 65 Nice bird pictures ... my chickens are still cooped up, but I may let them out starting tomorrow ... warmer weather, but they probably still won't like all the snow. ...

- no robins here yet ... sometimes get a large group of them coming through early, heading further north. A little later some come and stay around. Haven't noticed any robins that stayed the winter this year ... some bluebirds stay. -- Tuesday supposed to hit 53 degrees ... finally a break from single digits. ...
Posted by: illiniwek at February 20, 2021 02:19 PM (Cus5s)

dark-eyed juncos still here; robins are weeks away... sigh

Posted by: Flyover, too many face-palms these days at February 20, 2021 02:41 PM (Rbu5d)

109
Pulled the coverings off the plants in the garden after a week of freezing weather. Everything looked horrible.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at February 20, 2021 02:42 PM (vL3cB)

110 You don't have to brag about having gyms. They're all closed in CA. The healthiest thing everyone can do is work out, but NOOOOOO, we have to be governed by the stupid, the venal, and the vicious.
Posted by: SFGoth at February 20, 2021 02:20 PM (KAi1n)

Patience. The Newsom recall is proceeding apace.

Posted by: Deplorable Jay Guevara at February 20, 2021 02:45 PM (rmY2H)

111 given that there is a cliff in the foreground, that's up towards SB way, or maybe past it, given the angle towards them, not near Ventura, which is much flatter at the coast, and where the platforms would be on the right side of the pic.

Posted by: redc1c4 (*OTUS Zhou Bai-Din Cheated) at February 20, 2021 02:45 PM (zXMfF)

112 Bird list- KCMo
Cardinals-many
tufted titmouse
doves
field sparrow
red-bellied woodpecker
downy woodpecker

Posted by: MkY at February 20, 2021 02:46 PM (5hF5V)

113 Northern flicker
junco
white breasted nuthatch (just a few)
red wing blackbird
blue jay
starling
cowbird
starling
Ubiquitous red shouldered hawk

Posted by: MkY at February 20, 2021 02:46 PM (5hF5V)

114 79 Transparent wood sounds like it would be useful for greenhouses. The article says it has insulating properties.
Posted by: Emmie: grubby, low-born, non-billionaire commenter at February 20, 2021 02:23 PM (ofYez)

that's what I thought, too.
Hope springs eternal for a green house attached to the house or garage!

Right now we have an unheated hoop house to lengthen the shoulder seasons, since in our area the growing season has shortened by a MONTH, overall, since 2010.

Posted by: Flyover, too many face-palms these days at February 20, 2021 02:46 PM (Rbu5d)

115 I had a small rosemary sprig that I cut before the first frost as I didn't think it'd survive. I saw it sticking out of the snow this afternoon while I was having a cigar and Bloody Mary... it didn't look dead, yet.

Posted by: Martini Farmer - Now a Pirate, Hoisting the Black Flag at February 20, 2021 02:47 PM (3H9h1)

116 Patience. The Newsom recall is proceeding apace.

Posted by: Deplorable Jay Guevara at February 20, 2021 02:45 PM (rmY2H)

---
LOLOLOLOLOL...

Dominion voting machines.

and they're only needed if they deign to allow enough signatures.

Posted by: redc1c4 (*OTUS Zhou Bai-Din Cheated) at February 20, 2021 02:47 PM (zXMfF)

117
I've seen a turkey vulture try to fly away with about 20 feet of groundhog entrails in its beak. Flight was not attained.

Posted by: Bill from Attainder at February 20, 2021 02:47 PM (N/gDA)

118 Posted by: Flyover, too many face-palms these days at February 20, 2021 02:41 PM (Rbu5d)

I don't think I've seen a robin since moving to Houston, although I may just be unlucky in when I'm outside.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at February 20, 2021 02:47 PM (1lKRm)

119 I had bluebirds and robins at the feeder this morning. There is a lot of snow on the ground, but I thing the longer day and the higher sun is making them think spring.

Posted by: Mrs. Leggy at February 20, 2021 02:48 PM (Vf4Y7)

120 What's a robin look like? We have Cardinals and Bluejays and Orioles.

Posted by: MLB at February 20, 2021 02:50 PM (2BZBZ)

121 Just kidding and teasing. We have those here. But not robins.

Posted by: JAS, AoSHQ addict at February 20, 2021 02:51 PM (2BZBZ)

122 Transparent morning wood doesn't sound like fun.

Posted by: Dr. Varno at February 20, 2021 02:51 PM (vuisn)

123 Or maybe we do and I don't recognize them.

Posted by: JAS, AoSHQ addict at February 20, 2021 02:51 PM (2BZBZ)

124 I thought we had a Downy Woodpecker... but looking at photos I think it's actually a Red Bellied Woodpecker. Also at the feeders and suet cakes:
Cardinals
Blue Jays
Finches (red, green, yellow)
House Wrens
Assorted Sparrows
Junkos

Our cats

Posted by: Martini Farmer - Now a Pirate, Hoisting the Black Flag at February 20, 2021 02:51 PM (3H9h1)

125 Thanks for the info.
Posted by: Novadog at February 20, 2021 02:36 PM (x8pNI)

welcome.
you can prepare the beds this spring and summer for the fall planting. NEXT year the flowers will be glorious!

but there ARE some summer and fall-flowering bulbs you can plant this spring, I just don't know what they are off the top of my head. I'm more of a perennial gal. And I like naturalizing the daffodils through the property. I'm lazy that way...

Posted by: Flyover, too many face-palms these days at February 20, 2021 02:51 PM (Rbu5d)

126 Around here the kids make mud angels.

Posted by: G'rump928(c) at February 20, 2021 02:51 PM (G0bXQ)

127 Hawks and Falcons also like to perch in dead trees.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at February 20, 2021 02:38 PM (3H9h1)

---
there are Ospreys in our neighborhood, and one occasionally perches at the top of the snag across the street from the house... and sometimes the crows gather to try and steal his catch. and yes, there are trout in the LA river, downstream of the Stillman sewage plant in the Sepulveda basin.

Posted by: redc1c4 (*OTUS Zhou Bai-Din Cheated) at February 20, 2021 02:51 PM (zXMfF)

128 LOLOLOLOLOL...

Dominion voting machines.

and they're only needed if they deign to allow enough signatures.
Posted by: redc1c4 (*OTUS Zhou Bai-Din Cheated) at February 20, 2021 02:47 PM (zXMfF)

Hey - don't harsh my mellow!

The organizers of the recall are shooting for 2 million signatures (they already have the 1.5 million necessary) to account for efforts to invalidate signatures.

But you're right - Dominion is the wild card here. Still, IIRC Newsom's poularity is hovering around 22%, so maybe, just maybe ...

Posted by: Deplorable Jay Guevara at February 20, 2021 02:52 PM (rmY2H)

129 ..I don't think I've seen a robin since moving to Houston, although I may just be unlucky in when I'm outside. Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at February 20, 2021 02:47 PM (1lKRm)

I've seen 'em up North of Houston in The Woodlands, but none since moving to Galveston in '03. I do think there's a Red Robin out in Stafford at the mall, but I've never dined at one, so can't say for sure.

Jim
Sunk New Dawn
Galveston, TX

Posted by: Jim at February 20, 2021 02:52 PM (QzJWU)

130 Transparent morning wood doesn't sound like fun.

How do you find the handle so you don't pee all over the floor?

Posted by: JAS, AoSHQ addict at February 20, 2021 02:52 PM (2BZBZ)

131 Posted by: MkY at February 20, 2021 02:46 PM (5hF5V)

We used to get a nice mix of birds when we lived in eastern Missouri. I think that was the best bird watching of all the places I've lived and I could see them from the dining room sliding glass door.

One bird I miss from growing up in Colorado us the Meadowlark. Those were everywhere on the front range and I love their song. It made walks to the bus stop in the morning much more bearable.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at February 20, 2021 02:53 PM (1lKRm)

132 I really miss those turtledoves of California. Dull, brown/gray.

Not really.

Posted by: JAS, AoSHQ addict at February 20, 2021 02:54 PM (2BZBZ)

133 107 I pilfer sprigs. I have no desire to steal the whole thing.

Posted by: JAS, AoSHQ addict at February 20, 2021 02:40 PM (2BZBZ)

sure you do...that's what they all say...

I was able to get my rosemary to survive, FINALLY. Gotta water it enough, even though they're "Mediterranean" plants. I bring mine in every year. I also got sprigs to root (with rooting hormone). You might try that next time you pilfer ... sprigs...

Posted by: Flyover, too many face-palms these days at February 20, 2021 02:55 PM (Rbu5d)

134 But you're right - Dominion is the wild card here. Still, IIRC Newsom's poularity is hovering around 22%, so maybe, just maybe ...
Posted by: Deplorable Jay Guevara at February 20, 2021 02:52 PM (rmY2H)

Does California even use Dominion voting machines? If they do, I'll bet you they are warehoused in rickety old firetrap buildings, right?

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at February 20, 2021 02:57 PM (mzC78)

135 Around the immediate vicinity -

Cardinals, Carolina Wrens, Towhees,
Sparrows, Robins, Mockingbirds
Occasional woodpeckers
Some big-ass owl I only hear at night with a baritone hoot
Red-tailed Hawks

Seasonal -
Purple Finches, Cedar Waxwings, Chickadees (only when it snows)

Posted by: Dr. Varno at February 20, 2021 02:57 PM (vuisn)

136 Father Frank planted it and another bunch of herbs. I recently heard that he spent $90k in his first 3 months as pastor. I figure that this is small compensation. He is gone now. All expenditures now have to be approved by the diocese.

Posted by: JAS, AoSHQ addict at February 20, 2021 02:59 PM (2BZBZ)

137 Went to Realfoot Lake once, may decades ago when I lived in Memphis. I think they have a large population of Bald Eagles and a rehabilitation center for them there as well.

Posted by: Martini Farmer - Now a Pirate, Hoisting the Black Flag at February 20, 2021 02:59 PM (3H9h1)

138 may > many

Posted by: Martini Farmer - Now a Pirate, Hoisting the Black Flag at February 20, 2021 03:00 PM (3H9h1)

139 I was able to get my rosemary to survive, FINALLY. Gotta water it enough, even though they're "Mediterranean" plants. I bring mine in every year. I also got sprigs to root (with rooting hormone). You might try that next time you pilfer ... sprigs...
Posted by: Flyover, too many face-palms these days at February 20, 2021 02:55 PM (Rbu5d)
-------

How do you keep your rosemary alive indoors? I've never been able to do it. It always dries out and dies, even though I water it and keep the soil moist. Makes me crazy. I guess it's the forced air heat, maybe.

Posted by: bluebell at February 20, 2021 03:02 PM (/669Q)

140 Rosemary WANTS to be dry, but not too dry.

Posted by: JAS, AoSHQ addict at February 20, 2021 03:04 PM (2BZBZ)

141
I pruned my rose bush a couple of weeks ago because pruning is most often done in the early spring, and I'm thinking, this is Southeast Texas. Our early spring is how other people describe what we describe as winter. So, if I go out in the first week of February and prune the rose bush back, everything should work out fine because the temperature is just going to go up from here, right?

Sadly, no. The temperature went from 72 to 44, and that was inside the house. Outside, the temperature got down to 10 or so. The rose bush, which is just a couple of canes sticking out of the ground at this point, seems to be alive, but it was touch and go for me for a while.

The backyard neighbor replaced our section of fence a week ago, and so today, with the temperature in the 60's I went out and put the trellis back up and tied the canes to it with some jute twine. I don't know what effect I'm trying to achieve, so I guess I'll see what I get and call that it.

Posted by: Cybersmythe at February 20, 2021 03:05 PM (17UTy)

142 Posted by: Martini Farmer - Now a Pirate, Hoisting the Black Flag at February 20, 2021 02:59 PM (3H9h1)

My parents lived on the edge if a pond for a number of years. One winter about 10 years ago my dad watched a bald eagle kill a duck that had been swimming in the unfrozen middle of the water. The tactic was to continually strike the duck and drive it under water until it eventually drowned. Then the eagle scooped it out of the water, took it to the ice, and started eating.

It was hilarious when a big flock of Canada geese would be honking noisily on the pond and then hear them drop dead silent as an eagle went over.

It was especially cool since when I had been growing up in that area we never saw eagles.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at February 20, 2021 03:07 PM (1lKRm)

143 But then, mine died. So what the hell do I know?

Posted by: JAS, AoSHQ addict at February 20, 2021 03:08 PM (2BZBZ)

144 Rosemary WANTS to be dry, but not too dry.
Posted by: JAS, AoSHQ addict at February 20, 2021 03:04 PM (2BZBZ)
---------

I know that, but unfortunately it dies sooner if I water it less, which is what I used to do.

I don't believe that "Rosemary doesn't like wet feet" thing anyway. My rosemary outside always does well even if we have record setting wet summers where we get inches of rain every day. It's nuts.

Posted by: bluebell at February 20, 2021 03:08 PM (/669Q)

145 In fact, a couple summers ago we had such a soggy summer that the basil all drowned, but the rosemary thrived like crazy.

Every year is a crap shot for me, is what it comes down to.

Posted by: bluebell at February 20, 2021 03:09 PM (/669Q)

146 And thus bluebell killed the gardening thread, deader than her rosemary.

Posted by: bluebell at February 20, 2021 03:12 PM (/669Q)

147 I am an excellent rosemary killer, too.

I really like the ground rosemary at the Spice House.

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at February 20, 2021 03:15 PM (TK8Ry)

148 NOOD PETS

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at February 20, 2021 03:19 PM (TK8Ry)

149 " I think it's actually a Red Bellied Woodpecker"

and they don't even have red bellies ... I guess "red-headed" was already taken. I have red-headed here as well ... they are the coolest.

Posted by: illiniwek at February 20, 2021 03:20 PM (Cus5s)

150 Posted by: illiniwek at February 20, 2021 03:20 PM (Cus5s)

The woodpeckers on the CO front range have a call that sounds like it should be some sort of jungle bird. I never understood the complaints about the weirdness of koukabeera calls since they seem similar to me.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at February 20, 2021 03:25 PM (1lKRm)

151 From Boise area: Deepest drift of last week's snow, 12"; most of it 6-8". About half the ground is uncovered now; drizzly week expected.

Seeing lots of flickers lately - at least 1 out front at the seed feeder, 8 out back in the grass today. Backyard seed block getting action from small birds and mourning doves - no quail spotted yet.

We started indoor seeds on Valentines Day - hoping that, plus waxing Moon, will produce happy seedlings. Just found 2 Big Boy, 2 Roma sprouts this morning already!
***
Remember: We are not The Deplorables. We are The Unconquerables! We won't be lied to, and we won't live under the lash.
Stay alert, stay prepared, stay safe out there.
Be ready to build over, build under, build around, and have Unfettered Conversations!
***
My usual encouragement to all here: improve survival skills, build a trustworthy network of friends/allies, keep up morale, resist oppressive "FedCoats", and mock gov't officials & media (without getting caught red-handed). Also, write to your Senators/Reps to express opinions (politely will work better to get them to listen).

Posted by: Pat* at February 20, 2021 03:48 PM (2pX/F)

152 Thanks Pat*. We are in for some very hard times.

Posted by: JAS, AoSHQ addict at February 20, 2021 03:52 PM (2BZBZ)

153 bell peppers, onions, and maybe spaghetti squash.

Any pointers or suggestions for a newbie?
Posted by: Schnorflepuppy at February 20, 2021 01:45 PM (P9Idj)

Peppers need heat to sprout. Near 80F they can sprout in 7 days if kept moist. Under 70F they can take 21 days or more. From what I've read, bell peppers need to be kept above 45F to produce at all. I've never had luck with them so I've done mostly hot peppers and pimentos. One of my sweet peppers from last year is very cold hardy and was blooming in the garage under grow lights even at 45F. I'm trying bells one more time this year since that's what I use most.

Posted by: gingeroni at February 20, 2021 04:37 PM (X7FeU)

154 About that xparent wood ... okay, nice in theory, yes? Yes. Now the Next Big Quextion: What does that stuff offgas in a fire situation? What are the products of combustion? That could be of interest to fire department Safety and Training personnel if this stuff ever (ahem) 'catches fire' with the Developer and Builder class. If it does, y' better hope the one who's doin' the building will be a hot babe y' really wouldn't mind seein' in all her naked-idity ... or less.

Posted by: Dr_No at February 20, 2021 06:56 PM (mu5GU)

155 To Pat: If you write Russ Fulcher, your rep in Idaho, he actually responds to your emails. He's against tearing down the dams on the Snake (as opposed to Simpson-the slime ball). He's pro-2nd amendment. I think Idaho should be a 2nd amendment sanctuary state. I don't know how to go about that or if you have to start at the county level.

Posted by: S.Lynn at February 20, 2021 09:17 PM (+8MX7)

156 Dr_No at February 20, 2021 06:56 PM

Interesting questions that need answers. Glass isn't very flammable.

Posted by: KT at February 20, 2021 09:22 PM (BVQ+1)

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