Saturday Gardening, Puttering and Adventure Thread, August 13

Bunratty Castle and Gardens near Limerick, County Clare, Ireland

My cousin visited recently.

Bunratty is looking quite fine
Vikings once sailed in to dine
Four castles were built*
And fighters were kilt
Now tourists seem rather benign

* Recognize the Motte and Bailey construction style?

Edible Gardening/Putting Things By

From Kindltot, who is canning cherries:

That is not a stove, yet. It is a pile of salvaged pavers that I plan to turn into a stove and a walkway at some point.
However it is just the right height to hold my propane cooker.

Nice set-up, and fine-looking cherries!

Ah, Nature

From Grimmy:

The last week has been an adventure with pests at Chez Grimmy,
especially with my fruit trees! The continuing issue has been Japanese beetles, which chew on everything. The last couple years, we used the little bait bags you
can hang from trees to catch them, but they fill up quickly, and get
gross. This year, my wife wanted to modify them so they're mounted
into 5 gallon buckets with soapy water. It works well, but they STILL
get gross quickly, as the soupy carpet of beetles starts to rot, and
overnight, animals (racoons and opposums, I assume) love to knock the
plastic bait top off (or, worse, into) the bucket.

Interesting beetles
(the American Carrion Beetle and 4-spot sap beetle) like to hang
around the buckets, walking along the floating corpses and eating the
bodies.

Delightful!

Chipmunks have been chewing my asparagus down, decapitating the new sprouts, and not even having the decency to eat it...they just leave
the stalks laying there! Well, after seeing them darting out from
under my back steps, I've caught 5 of the little buggers with peanut
butter and sunflower seeds in a Havahart trap (a compromise with my
animal loving tween daughter), and dumped them at a local park. There
are still many more to go.

So cute, so destructive!

Finally, I just noticed a few spots of what I assume is cedar-quince
rust on my quince tree! I have 4 total, and it can also spread to my
medlar trees and aronia bushes! Thankfully, I do have my first (and
only) quince fruit this year, so it'll be interesting to see it develop.

Any tips for Grimmy?

Music

Some Irish fiddling: Swallowtail Jig

Gardens of The Horde

This little guy came in the kitchen on a plant. Mrs. E saved him from Madison The Cat.

Building in 2014, 6 beds 3' wide average /5' long.

That is some garden construction! The long bed is 25 feet.

Here's something exotic:

Looooooong time and frequent lurker, mainly because I check AoS on my ipad and for some reason, commenting is hinky (not usually possible) via iPad. On the rare occasions I can get a comment thru, it's as "Reine'.
At any rate: This is curcuma, a type of ginger plant. If you look closely, you can see that there are purple flowers growing out of the pink flowers! These blooms last and last. Second photo- same as the first, I just did some sort of filter and liked the way it looked - the flowers seem to pop, and it's easier to see the small purple flowers.

Lovely!

Hope everyone has a nice weekend.

If you would like to send photos, stories, links, etc. for the Saturday Gardening, Puttering and Adventure Thread, the address is:

ktinthegarden at g mail dot com

Remember to include the nic or name by which you wish to be known at AoSHQ, or let us know if you want to remain a lurker.

Week in Review

What has changed since last week's thread? Saturday Gardening, Puttering and Adventure Thread, August 6

Any thoughts or questions?

I closed the comments on this post so you wouldn't get banned for commenting on a week-old post, but don't try it anyway.

Posted by: K.T. at 01:24 PM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 and adventure, eh? well, since yesterday was payday, today's adventure is balancing the checkbook and paying the bills.

Posted by: kulak anachronda at August 13, 2022 01:28 PM (edU/H)

2 Does anyone know anything about succulents? They're currently outside, but they'll need to come into the house for the winter. When they were inside in the spring, they were attracting tiny little gnat-like insects, so out of the house they went. Any ideas on how to keep those at bay? Also, my daughter thinks our neighbor gave one of her plants root-rot, since said neighbor waters everything around their home and ours everyday (we're condos so right next door.) Any advice on that would be appreciated.

Posted by: GibsonGirl at August 13, 2022 01:30 PM (KXY4V)

3 Whats with all the green leaves and fungus problems? Did you get some rain this year?

Posted by: These Fish Sticks Are Hard As Tits at August 13, 2022 01:32 PM (3AD8C)

4 Trapping/releasing chipmunks may be illegal. I called the county wildlife officer about trapping and relocating a 'coon. He says it's illegal..."nobody wants your possibly rabid raccoon. Use 3 S method".

Posted by: BignJames at August 13, 2022 01:33 PM (AwYPR)

5 For succulents, before you bring them in, let them dry out. I use a fruitfly trap in the spare room when I bring them in. That seems to take care of them.

Posted by: NaughtyPine - sexually harassing Morons since 10 minutes ago at August 13, 2022 01:33 PM (J6l9W)

6 Beetles in a Bucket. Soon arriving on your kids School Lunch Menu!

*am in awe of the large scale garden construction!*

Jim
Sunk New Dawn
Galveston, TX

Posted by: Jim at August 13, 2022 01:34 PM (tkOps)

7 My lawn is a mess. It has been neglected and needs fed and de-bugged. I'm not a National Socialist Workers party lawn type (like my neighbor) but it is really looking kind of ratty.

Posted by: Tonypete at August 13, 2022 01:35 PM (LsEU/)

8 The bushes I planted in my large concrete planters are still alive. If they hang on for a couple more weeks I think they will make it.

I didn't add any additional fertilizer when I planted them because it was so hot and figured the fertilizer in the potting soil I used would be sufficient. Should I go ahead and add a little liquid fertilizer / plant food now anyway?

Posted by: Kilroy wasn't here at August 13, 2022 01:35 PM (27hQX)

9 I have plenty of thoughts and I always have questions. Kindltot, that roof over your soon to be stove has a definite hillbilly styling. I approve . My asparagus is the preferred late night snack of my resident deer. Nobody's fault but mine. One of these years I will build an effective deer proof fence around my retaining wall garden. Probably not this year.

Posted by: Sock Monkey * Ungovernable at August 13, 2022 01:35 PM (P+obl)

10 You will find little varmints like chipmunks anywhere. When on the maintenance gang at a small plant in PA, our machine shop was in a small butler building, and the little critters ran amok. I was setting up a Bridgeport mill one time and one was perched on the machine's head, wondering if anybody had left behind any food from the lunch break. Little bastards are destructive, and like any small rodent seem to have this thing about electrical cords. Gotta say it, they are cute.

Posted by: bill in arkansas, not gonna comply with nuttin, waiting for the 0300 knock on the door at August 13, 2022 01:36 PM (lz5hY)

11 I'm surprised no comments from Muldoon on Limerick county...

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 13, 2022 01:37 PM (ynpvh)

12 Good afternoon Greenthumbs
Cucumbers starting to look like their done, and tomatoes on ground getting nibble by critters

Posted by: Skip's phone at August 13, 2022 01:38 PM (iJa5t)

13 The deer this year have been particularly voracious. The munched on everything - the hostas, roses, pinky-winky, tomatoes, asters, coneflowers - everything.

Posted by: Tonypete at August 13, 2022 01:38 PM (LsEU/)

14 Well I'm hungry and I gotta think of a snack.

Posted by: Ciampino - a sammich, my kingdom for a sammich at August 13, 2022 01:40 PM (qfLjt)

15 "his little guy came in the kitchen on a plant. Mrs. E saved him from Madison The Cat."

Did you accept his quote for auto insurance?

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 13, 2022 01:40 PM (ynpvh)

16 13 They're coming for us next, Tonypete. The usual suspects that condemn culling the white tail population will soon learn this (and miss out on tasty venison sausage).

Posted by: bill in arkansas, not gonna comply with nuttin, waiting for the 0300 knock on the door at August 13, 2022 01:41 PM (lz5hY)

17 Those canned cherries deserve to be used in Cherries Jubilee, made tableside.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at August 13, 2022 01:41 PM (EZebt)

18 That little guy is a Mediterranean house gecko, they are everywhere around my house.

Posted by: Bob at August 13, 2022 01:41 PM (vHUcF)

19 Tonypete at August 13, 2022 01:38 PM

What is pinky-winky?

Posted by: KT at August 13, 2022 01:48 PM (rrtZS)

20 5 For succulents, before you bring them in, let them dry out. I use a fruitfly trap in the spare room when I bring them in. That seems to take care of them.

Posted by: NaughtyPine - sexually harassing Morons since 10 minutes ago at August 13, 2022 01:33 PM (J6l9W)
----
What does a fruitfly trap look like?

Posted by: Ciampino - I have all sorts of fliesm sometimes at August 13, 2022 01:48 PM (qfLjt)

21 My poor japanese red maple has suffered the attacks of the landscaping crew and also (evidently) a young buck rubbing the fuzz off his rack.

So now I have to repair it. I also think I'm going to ditch the crew and just buy an electric mower to cut my own grass. My yard is very small.

Does anyone have thoughts about the electric push mowers? I'm going to sign off now but check later for comments. Thanks.

Posted by: kallisto at August 13, 2022 01:48 PM (dCxaZ)

22 What is the bait for Japanese beetles? Does it work for Asian ladybirds?

Posted by: Ciampino -- I have all sorts of fliesm sometimes at August 13, 2022 01:49 PM (qfLjt)

23 18 We had some sort of gecko in Vietnam. They would patrol the exposed rafters of the hooch, and were our best buddies for mosquito control.

Posted by: bill in arkansas, not gonna comply with nuttin, waiting for the 0300 knock on the door at August 13, 2022 01:49 PM (lz5hY)

24 The usual suspects that condemn culling the white tail population will soon learn this (and miss out on tasty venison sausage).
Posted by: bill in arkansas,

I carry on the age old Scottish clan tradition of deadly feud . They eat my garden in the summer time,
I shoot one of their kin in November .

Posted by: Sock Monkey * Ungovernable at August 13, 2022 01:49 PM (P+obl)

25 The Irish fiddler is great!

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at August 13, 2022 01:50 PM (XIJ/X)

26 25 The Irish fiddler is great!

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at August 13, 2022 01:50 PM (XIJ/X)

CBD, What's the most "gardenly" part of the Garden State?

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 13, 2022 01:50 PM (ynpvh)

27 24 The usual suspects that condemn culling the white tail population will soon learn this (and miss out on tasty venison sausage).
Posted by: bill in arkansas,

I carry on the age old Scottish clan tradition of deadly feud . They eat my garden in the summer time,
I shoot one of their kin in November .

Posted by: Sock Monkey * Ungovernable at August 13, 2022 01:49 PM (P+obl)

Wish I could do that to the crows that come every hear to steal my nuts from my Pecan tree...
I'm prohibited using even airsoft on those bastards...

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 13, 2022 01:51 PM (ynpvh)

28 What does a fruitfly trap look like?

Posted by: Ciampino - I have all sorts of fliesm sometimes at August 13, 2022 01:48 PM (qfLjt)

https://tinyurl.com/y862hnwk

Posted by: BignJames at August 13, 2022 01:53 PM (AwYPR)

29 Then again, don't want to eat crow...

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 13, 2022 01:53 PM (ynpvh)

30 29 On that food show with Andrew Zimmern, he was with some folks who hunted, prepared and ate crow, and of course, in Arkansas. Made it sound quite tasty, but anytime I drive down Hwy 59 and see the crows out for road kill buffet....

Posted by: bill in arkansas, not gonna comply with nuttin, waiting for the 0300 knock on the door at August 13, 2022 01:56 PM (lz5hY)

31 Report from new garden in NW AR:

Not that anyone would remember this, but I had predicted the numerous squirrels in my neighborhood would plunder my garden. Well, as far as I can tell, they haven't touched it. There are a lot of black walnut and pecan trees around, so perhaps my tomatoes aren't as attractive in comparison. Perhaps the feral cats living under the abandoned house next door are keeping the squirrels up in the trees and out of my beds.

Just this last week, though, something has been tossing dirt out of one of my potted plants on the veranda. I can't tell if it's squirrels or birds.

Posted by: Emmie at August 13, 2022 01:56 PM (6RgRK)

32 21 My poor japanese red maple has suffered the attacks of the landscaping crew and also (evidently) a young buck rubbing the fuzz off his rack.
Posted by: kallisto at August 13, 2022 01:48 PM (dCxaZ)

I am so confused

I always thought it was the squaws that had the racks

Posted by: REDACTED at August 13, 2022 01:57 PM (us2H3)

33 30 29 On that food show with Andrew Zimmern, he was with some folks who hunted, prepared and ate crow, and of course, in Arkansas. Made it sound quite tasty, but anytime I drive down Hwy 59 and see the crows out for road kill buffet....

Posted by: bill in arkansas, not gonna comply with nuttin, waiting for the 0300 knock on the door at August 13, 2022 01:56 PM (lz5hY)

They are what they eat. So given how good my pecans taste, they might not be too bad. Just not alot of meat. Maybe I'd be better off with a bucket O-Robin...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOSrfZX-VBc

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 13, 2022 01:59 PM (ynpvh)

34 I love seeing people's projects. Thanks for sharing photos!

Posted by: Emmie at August 13, 2022 01:59 PM (6RgRK)

35 32 21 My poor japanese red maple has suffered the attacks of the landscaping crew and also (evidently) a young buck rubbing the fuzz off his rack.
Posted by: kallisto at August 13, 2022 01:48 PM (dCxaZ)

I am so confused

I always thought it was the squaws that had the racks
Posted by: REDACTED at August 13, 2022 01:57 PM (us2H3)

Transgender deer?

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 13, 2022 02:00 PM (ynpvh)

36 my house and 3 pergolas are literally ensconced in climbing hydrangea

Posted by: REDACTED at August 13, 2022 02:01 PM (us2H3)

37 My blackberries produced quite a few pounds of fruit again this year...having problems keeping them out of the other trees...

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 13, 2022 02:01 PM (ynpvh)

38 Posted by: REDACTED at August 13, 2022 01:57 PM (us2H3)

Transgender deer?
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 13, 2022 02:00 PM (ynpvh)

don't assume my gender

and don't call me dear

Posted by: REDACTED at August 13, 2022 02:02 PM (us2H3)

39 38 Posted by: REDACTED at August 13, 2022 01:57 PM (us2H3)

Transgender deer?
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 13, 2022 02:00 PM (ynpvh)

don't assume my gender

and don't call me dear

Posted by: REDACTED at August 13, 2022 02:02 PM (us2H3)

Surely you're joking...

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 13, 2022 02:02 PM (ynpvh)

40 37 My blackberries produced quite a few pounds of fruit again this year...having problems keeping them out of the other trees...
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 13, 2022 02:01 PM (ynpvh)

you don't have bears ?

they eat all my wild berry plants

Posted by: REDACTED at August 13, 2022 02:03 PM (us2H3)

41 My Longan and Lychee are not doing so well...although doesn't help that I don't really take care of much in the back yard.

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 13, 2022 02:03 PM (ynpvh)

42 Surely you're joking...
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 13, 2022 02:02 PM (ynpvh)

looks like I picked the wrong day to stop drinking

Posted by: REDACTED at August 13, 2022 02:04 PM (us2H3)

43 40 37 My blackberries produced quite a few pounds of fruit again this year...having problems keeping them out of the other trees...
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 13, 2022 02:01 PM (ynpvh)

you don't have bears ?

they eat all my wild berry plants

Posted by: REDACTED at August 13, 2022 02:03 PM (us2H3)

That would be amazing to see here in San Diego...
But do have coyotes. Saw one running down a street a few months ago, first thought was, "wow, what a strange dog..."

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 13, 2022 02:04 PM (ynpvh)

44 Our crepe myrtle finally blossomed, a deep magenta. I think ours is the last crepe to bloom in the western hemisphere but it's worth the wait. Each year it gets a little better.

Posted by: JTB at August 13, 2022 02:05 PM (7EjX1)

45 44 Our crepe myrtle finally blossomed, a deep magenta. I think ours is the last crepe to bloom in the western hemisphere but it's worth the wait. Each year it gets a little better.

Posted by: JTB at August 13, 2022 02:05 PM (7EjX1)

Not an Austrailian varietal, is it?

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 13, 2022 02:06 PM (ynpvh)

46 What is pinky-winky?
Posted by: KT

Oh sorry - a variety of Hydrangea - Hydrangea paniculata.

Posted by: Tonypete at August 13, 2022 02:07 PM (LsEU/)

47 46 What is pinky-winky?
Posted by: KT

Oh sorry - a variety of Hydrangea - Hydrangea paniculata.
Posted by: Tonypete at August 13, 2022 02:07 PM (LsEU/)

At least it isn't the answer to "Where did the bad man make you touch him..."

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 13, 2022 02:08 PM (ynpvh)

48 Not an Austrailian varietal, is it?

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 13, 2022 02:06 PM (ynpvh)

Yellowtail Muscato...oh, wait.

Posted by: BignJames at August 13, 2022 02:09 PM (AwYPR)

49 That would be amazing to see here in San Diego...
But do have coyotes. Saw one running down a street a few months ago, first thought was, "wow, what a strange dog..."
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 13, 2022 02:04 PM (ynpvh)

I went to SD in 1967 to visit my sis

she did her residency in La Jolla

seemed like a nice place for a city

Posted by: REDACTED at August 13, 2022 02:11 PM (us2H3)

50 Also have seen racoons and opossums. Racoons are MUCH MUCH larger than you see in TV. The size of a mid-size to large DOG.

Oh, and some mule deer, but last one I saw was a roadkill buck about a decade ago...

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 13, 2022 02:12 PM (ynpvh)

51 46 What is pinky-winky?
Posted by: KT

Oh sorry - a variety of Hydrangea - Hydrangea paniculata.
Posted by: Tonypete at August 13, 2022 02:07 PM (LsEU/)

groomers always have their cover down pat

Posted by: REDACTED at August 13, 2022 02:12 PM (us2H3)

52 49 That would be amazing to see here in San Diego...
But do have coyotes. Saw one running down a street a few months ago, first thought was, "wow, what a strange dog..."
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 13, 2022 02:04 PM (ynpvh)

I went to SD in 1967 to visit my sis
she did her residency in La Jolla
seemed like a nice place for a city
Posted by: REDACTED at August 13, 2022 02:11 PM (us2H3)

La Jolla = The Jewel...
Very, very expensive place to live...

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 13, 2022 02:12 PM (ynpvh)

53 At least it isn't the answer to "Where did the bad man make you touch him..."
Posted by: jim

I must say, there was a bit of confusion during a gardening discussing with one of my neighbor ladies awhile back. She still can't look me in the eye without laughing.

Posted by: Tonypete at August 13, 2022 02:13 PM (LsEU/)

54 23 18 We had some sort of gecko in Vietnam. They would patrol the exposed rafters of the hooch, and were our best buddies for mosquito control.
Posted by: bill in arkansas, not gonna comply with nuttin, waiting for the 0300 knock on the door at August 13, 2022 01:49 PM (lz5hY)
bill, I leave the back door light on and probably a dozen geckos like the one Mrs. E was holding just gather on the door. It's like Golden Corral for geckos.

Posted by: Eromero at August 13, 2022 02:14 PM (0OP+5)

55 mule deer are produced when a stud bangs an old lady

Posted by: REDACTED at August 13, 2022 02:15 PM (us2H3)

56 55 mule deer are produced when a stud bangs an old lady

Posted by: REDACTED at August 13, 2022 02:15 PM (us2H3)

A bunch of stubborn asses, mule deer.

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 13, 2022 02:16 PM (ynpvh)

57 22 What is the bait for Japanese beetles? Does it work for Asian ladybirds?
Posted by: Ciampino -- I have all sorts of fliesm sometimes at August 13, 2022 01:49 PM

Not sure. A quick search for "Japanese Beetle Traps" will come up with plastic bags with a weird plastic ball on top. The little ball is the bait, but I'm not sure what's in the ball.

Posted by: Grimmy at August 13, 2022 02:17 PM (NCgXW)

58 54 23 18 We had some sort of gecko in Vietnam. They would patrol the exposed rafters of the hooch, and were our best buddies for mosquito control.
Posted by: bill in arkansas, not gonna comply with nuttin, waiting for the 0300 knock on the door at August 13, 2022 01:49 PM (lz5hY)
bill, I leave the back door light on and probably a dozen geckos like the one Mrs. E was holding just gather on the door. It's like Golden Corral for geckos.

Posted by: Eromero at August 13, 2022 02:14 PM (0OP+5)

Lots of lizards around here. I like them for bug control. Breaks my heart when I see a smooshed one in the driveway..."You had to hide under the tires, didn't you?"

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 13, 2022 02:18 PM (ynpvh)

59 I thought ladybugs were GOOD bugs, eating BAD bugs from plants...
Except, for some reason, they bite my wife...

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 13, 2022 02:20 PM (ynpvh)

60 50 Also have seen racoons and opossums. Racoons are MUCH MUCH larger than you see in TV. The size of a mid-size to large DOG.

Oh, and some mule deer, but last one I saw was a roadkill buck about a decade ago...
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 13, 2022 02:12 PM (ynpvh)
wiki says a raccoon can reach 57 pounds. But what do they know?

Posted by: Eromero at August 13, 2022 02:21 PM (0OP+5)

61 60 50 Also have seen racoons and opossums. Racoons are MUCH MUCH larger than you see in TV. The size of a mid-size to large DOG.

Oh, and some mule deer, but last one I saw was a roadkill buck about a decade ago...
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 13, 2022 02:12 PM (ynpvh)
wiki says a raccoon can reach 57 pounds. But what do they know?

Posted by: Eromero at August 13, 2022 02:21 PM (0OP+5)

The one I saw on a very early morning walk took one look at us and slid into the storm drain. Maybe some mutant with turtle friends and a rat leader...

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 13, 2022 02:22 PM (ynpvh)

62 We have a bunch of lizards in the yard. Not sure what type. They can change colors. They're pretty cool. My wife gets a kick out of how interested I am in them. Something about them turns me into an 8-year-old; I come in to tell her about the cool lizard I just saw.

Posted by: bear with asymmetrical balls at August 13, 2022 02:23 PM (KFhLj)

63 62 We have a bunch of lizards in the yard. Not sure what type. They can change colors. They're pretty cool. My wife gets a kick out of how interested I am in them. Something about them turns me into an 8-year-old; I come in to tell her about the cool lizard I just saw.

Posted by: bear with asymmetrical balls at August 13, 2022 02:23 PM (KFhLj)

Some chameleons, eh?

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 13, 2022 02:24 PM (ynpvh)

64 I'm on the lookout for catalogs/gardening centers that specialize in what grows best in the Ozark/NW Ark region. Kinda like High Country Gardens is for Colorado. One thing I want to find is the best grass or low groundcover for the lawn which gets a lot of shade due to mature trees lining the property boundaries.

Posted by: Emmie at August 13, 2022 02:24 PM (6RgRK)

65 Posted by: bear with asymmetrical balls at August 13, 2022 02:23 PM (KFhLj)

That was me as a kid. Collected bugs, lizards, wasps nests...pissed off aunts, stepped on scorpions...

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 13, 2022 02:25 PM (ynpvh)

66 Put put thread?

Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at August 13, 2022 02:25 PM (gbzeC)

67 um, I guess aunts, but mostly ants...

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 13, 2022 02:25 PM (ynpvh)

68 60 I worked with a guy in Ohio who was a full blooded raccoon hunter. Had a trio of dogs, subscribed to "Full Cry" magazine (don't know how I remembered that). He said a treed raccoon was the most vicious animal, pound for pound in North America. Guy had lost a couple dogs. Little hillbilly guy from WVA.

Posted by: bill in arkansas, not gonna comply with nuttin, waiting for the 0300 knock on the door at August 13, 2022 02:27 PM (lz5hY)

69 7 My lawn is a mess. It has been neglected and needs fed and de-bugged. I'm not a National Socialist Workers party lawn type (like my neighbor) but it is really looking kind of ratty.

Posted by: Tonypete at August 13, 2022 01:35 PM (LsEU/)

I have no lawn. They instituted water rationing a decade or so ago, and my wife didn't water it, so it died. I don't want to regrow it, because each time I would, the water restrictions would go into effect again. Back yard, OTOH, gets watered a couple of time a week.

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 13, 2022 02:28 PM (ynpvh)

70 You want to piss off an aunt, bring out a magnifying glass.

Posted by: Eromero at August 13, 2022 02:28 PM (0OP+5)

71 I have been working withe the American Chestnut Foundation. They are tryng to develop a blight free chestnut and protect existing tree. I learned many years ago about an arboretum the Forest Servce put in back in the 1920s. I walked it when it was still maintained. They planted all sorts of trees up there and most died off. I went back up about 20 years ago and noticed the chestnut trees. They were planted in 1924. /cont

Posted by: Notsothoreau at August 13, 2022 02:29 PM (9WSy4)

72 Our Lizard population is still down because of the freeze a few years ago. Prior to that an invasive brown lizard had been eating the green lizards practically wiping them out.

The lack of lizards is a first world problem for my kittehs.

Posted by: Kilroy wasn't here at August 13, 2022 02:30 PM (27hQX)

73 72 Our Lizard population is still down because of the freeze a few years ago. Prior to that an invasive brown lizard had been eating the green lizards practically wiping them out.

The lack of lizards is a first world problem for my kittehs.
Posted by: Kilroy wasn't here at August 13, 2022 02:30 PM (27hQX)
You're not in Wyoming? If so your lizard spends most of the time in DC.

Posted by: Eromero at August 13, 2022 02:32 PM (0OP+5)

74 I have the opposite problem

I have to mow 6 acres

it's not really grass, grass

but it is green

Posted by: REDACTED at August 13, 2022 02:33 PM (us2H3)

75 I tried to dig up a shoot and picked up some nuts. Never found out if the nuts sprouted as I sent them to someone to plant. Anyway, I saw a video about the efforts to save the tree and commented about these. Someone is planning to go out there, so I checked to see how they are doing. They are really wonderful trees! I would love to see a forest of them. I'm going to get leaves and twig to send off for testing. I hope they are allowed to grow up there forever.

Posted by: Notsothoreau at August 13, 2022 02:33 PM (9WSy4)

76 71 I have been working withe the American Chestnut Foundation. They are tryng to develop a blight free chestnut and protect existing tree. I learned many years ago about an arboretum the Forest Servce put in back in the 1920s. I walked it when it was still maintained. They planted all sorts of trees up there and most died off. I went back up about 20 years ago and noticed the chestnut trees. They were planted in 1924. /cont

Posted by: Notsothoreau at August 13, 2022 02:29 PM (9WSy4)

The American Chestnut was an amazing tree. You could cut it down, and it would grow back from the trunk. It's wood was termite and rot resistant. It's fruit was either the largest, or nearly the largest chestnut.
My grandmother once told me she was offered a few acres of chestnut forest...yeah, she lived a long time ago...

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 13, 2022 02:34 PM (ynpvh)

77 Jim in Kalifornia--If insects that look like ladybugs are biting humans, they are probably Japanese lady beetles. They started showing up in central Texas a few years ago and are nasty, nasty things. The ones here are more yellowish and orangeish than lady bugs. We had a lot of them this past spring.

Posted by: Art Rondelet of Malmsey at August 13, 2022 02:34 PM (fTtFy)

78 74 I have the opposite problem

I have to mow 6 acres
it's not really grass, grass
but it is green
Posted by: REDACTED at August 13, 2022 02:33 PM (us2H3)

Can I smoke it, man?

Posted by: Cheech & Chong at August 13, 2022 02:35 PM (ynpvh)

79 Emmie,
I don't know the details but they planted grass seed here that was developed for the OR coast. It handles shade and clay soil pretty well. I really prefer Dutch clover in dry areas

Posted by: Notsothoreau at August 13, 2022 02:36 PM (9WSy4)

80 59 I thought ladybugs were GOOD bugs, eating BAD bugs from plants...
Except, for some reason, they bite my wife...

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 13, 2022 02:20 PM (ynpvh)
----
The yellow Asian interloper is displacing our indigenous red ladybird so is a pest. In fact I haven't seen a traditional red with black spots ladybug for a few years. The Asian ones like to invade the house - they like vertical surfaces to lay eggs I guess. Kill on sight.

Posted by: Ciampino -- another Chinese pest at August 13, 2022 02:36 PM (qfLjt)

81 77 Jim in Kalifornia--If insects that look like ladybugs are biting humans, they are probably Japanese lady beetles. They started showing up in central Texas a few years ago and are nasty, nasty things. The ones here are more yellowish and orangeish than lady bugs. We had a lot of them this past spring.

Posted by: Art Rondelet of Malmsey at August 13, 2022 02:34 PM (fTtFy)

No, eat aphids, and bite my wife, but nobody else...

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 13, 2022 02:37 PM (ynpvh)

82 I've been out mowing the property since noon. A surprising lack of mosquitos so far.

* knocks on wood *

The mini-drought we had back in July probably accounts for that. I did notice that my yellow squash plants have all wilted. Either a fungus or bugs... probably both. But for about 6-8 weeks those suckers were amazing.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at August 13, 2022 02:37 PM (BFigT)

83 I have the opposite problem

I have to mow 6 acres
it's not really grass, grass
but it is green
Posted by: REDACTED at August 13, 2022 02:33 PM (us2H3)

Can I smoke it, man?
Posted by: Cheech & Chong at August 13, 2022 02:35 PM (ynpvh)

Funny but I wish you would have socked SF Goth. 😀

Posted by: Kilroy wasn't here at August 13, 2022 02:38 PM (27hQX)

84 And I catalogged my garden seeds. The only saving grace is that the older ones may not germinate well.

Posted by: Notsothoreau at August 13, 2022 02:38 PM (9WSy4)

85 What is pinky-winky?
Posted by: KT

Fifty Bucks, due to inflation.

Posted by: JT at August 13, 2022 02:39 PM (T4tVD)

86 83 Funny but I wish you would have socked SF Goth. 😀

Posted by: Kilroy wasn't here at August 13, 2022 02:38 PM (27hQX)

Does she toke? I haven't come across that in any of my interactions...

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 13, 2022 02:39 PM (ynpvh)

87 My backyard is having a renaissance this year - its been hot and humid this summer with plenty of late day thunderstorms and good soaking rain...I sent KT some pics for next week, I guess.

In about 45 days, it will all start tuning into leaves and dreck...what a shame. They saw fall in NE is beautiful, but to me - its just more work.

Posted by: Boswell at August 13, 2022 02:43 PM (+Cgut)

88 Does she toke? I haven't come across that in any of my interactions...
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 13, 2022 02:39 PM (ynpvh)

While writing killer legal appeals.

Posted by: Kilroy wasn't here at August 13, 2022 02:43 PM (27hQX)

89 68 60 I worked with a guy in Ohio who was a full blooded raccoon hunter. Had a trio of dogs, subscribed to "Full Cry" magazine (don't know how I remembered that). He said a treed raccoon was the most vicious animal, pound for pound in North America. Guy had lost a couple dogs. Little hillbilly guy from WVA.

Posted by: bill in arkansas, not gonna comply with nuttin, waiting for the 0300 knock on the door at August 13, 2022 02:27 PM (lz5hY)
----
There's a Rastus and Isabella joke about coon-hunting dogs.

Posted by: Ciampino -- grabs the coon by the balls at August 13, 2022 02:44 PM (qfLjt)

90 I'm having a problem with lantern Flies.

Posted by: JT at August 13, 2022 02:44 PM (T4tVD)

91 i'm getting too old to care for my property, even with my part time help

72 thinks 55 is stoopid

Posted by: REDACTED at August 13, 2022 02:44 PM (us2H3)

92 saw = say

I cannot intelligently edit my posts on this site to save my life.

Posted by: Boswell at August 13, 2022 02:44 PM (+Cgut)

93 89 68 60 I worked with a guy in Ohio who was a full blooded raccoon hunter. Had a trio of dogs, subscribed to "Full Cry" magazine (don't know how I remembered that). He said a treed raccoon was the most vicious animal, pound for pound in North America. Guy had lost a couple dogs. Little hillbilly guy from WVA.

Posted by: bill in arkansas, not gonna comply with nuttin, waiting for the 0300 knock on the door at August 13, 2022 02:27 PM (lz5hY)
----
There's a Rastus and Isabella joke about coon-hunting dogs.

Posted by: Ciampino -- grabs the coon by the balls at August 13, 2022 02:44 PM (qfLjt)

Um...

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 13, 2022 02:45 PM (ynpvh)

94 I collect fungus, molds, and spores.

Posted by: Egon Spengler at August 13, 2022 02:46 PM (4I/2K)

95 90 I'm having a problem with lantern Flies.

Posted by: JT at August 13, 2022 02:44 PM (T4tVD)

I'd be worried about the green ones...

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 13, 2022 02:46 PM (ynpvh)

96 Twilight Zone episode with the man and his coon dog I would rank as #1 episode.

Posted by: Kilroy wasn't here at August 13, 2022 02:47 PM (27hQX)

97 92 saw = say

I cannot intelligently edit my posts on this site to save my life.

Posted by: Boswell at August 13, 2022 02:44 PM (+Cgut)

I know what you mean. My fingers sometimes type things that my mind did not intend...

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 13, 2022 02:47 PM (ynpvh)

98 94 I collect fungus, molds, and spores.

Posted by: Egon Spengler at August 13, 2022 02:46 PM (4I/2K)

So does Bill Clinton...and much, much more.

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 13, 2022 02:48 PM (ynpvh)

99 BTW, the butterflies have returned to LI after years of being gone...the theory is that because of the west nile virus, extensive spraying was done to kill the mosquito larvae, which also decimated the caterpillars.

But now, after a few decades, they have come back. My backyard is just full of a huge, beautiful variety...

Posted by: Boswell at August 13, 2022 02:49 PM (+Cgut)

100 I've been having problems with elm seed bugs. They don't hurt anything, but are a PITA.

Posted by: Infidel at August 13, 2022 02:49 PM (mn1Pi)

101 Seems like so many invasive pests and diseases come out of Asia...

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 13, 2022 02:50 PM (ynpvh)

102 93 There's a Rastus and Isabella joke about coon-hunting dogs.

Posted by: Ciampino -- grabs the coon by the balls at August 13, 2022 02:44 PM (qfLjt)

Um...
----
Just the ending ....
Isabella: Rastus what's this rifle for?
Rastus: Isabella, if I come down this tree before the coon, you shoot the dog.

Posted by: Ciampino -- dog grabs the coon by the balls at August 13, 2022 02:50 PM (qfLjt)

103 Lantern flies look like a kind of leaf hopper. They suck, literally and figuratively.

https://is.gd/xn7HjK

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 13, 2022 02:52 PM (ynpvh)

104 90 I'm having a problem with lantern Flies.
Posted by: JT at August 13, 2022 02:44 PM (T4tVD)
Trim their wicks,

Posted by: Eromero at August 13, 2022 02:55 PM (0OP+5)

105 I know what you mean. My fingers sometimes type things that my mind did not intend...
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 13, 2022 02:47 PM (ynpvh)

Its frustrating, Jim. I think I have conveyed some smart thought or contributed something important to the discussion, only to read my post back later and think, gee - that guy is illiterate - that's all that comes across.

But things move so fast on this site - the discussion moves on in a flash. So, I try and write way too quickly and then...much embarrassing hilarity ensues.

Posted by: Boswell at August 13, 2022 02:55 PM (+Cgut)

106 real east TX rednecks pick their tooth with a coon's dick

Posted by: REDACTED at August 13, 2022 02:56 PM (us2H3)

107 I had to look up Lantern Flies - they're not totally ugly, but you wouldn't want them. They leave a mess.

Posted by: Boswell at August 13, 2022 02:59 PM (+Cgut)

108 102 93 There's a Rastus and Isabella joke about coon-hunting dogs.

Posted by: Ciampino -- grabs the coon by the balls at August 13, 2022 02:44 PM (qfLjt)

Um...
----
Just the ending ....
Isabella: Rastus what's this rifle for?
Rastus: Isabella, if I come down this tree before the coon, you shoot the dog.
Posted by: Ciampino -- dog grabs the coon by the balls at August 13, 2022 02:50 PM (qfLjt)
I thought it was the one where he accidentally shot the chickens when the coondog stuck his nose in his buttcrack.

Posted by: Eromero at August 13, 2022 02:59 PM (0OP+5)

109 107 I had to look up Lantern Flies - they're not totally ugly, but you wouldn't want them. They leave a mess.

Posted by: Boswell at August 13, 2022 02:59 PM (+Cgut)

About 30 years ago, there was an invasion of the Ponsettia Whitefly where I lived. One day, I saw this large white cloud approaching. I've never seen anything like it before or since; a plague of whitefly of Biblical proportions...

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 13, 2022 03:00 PM (ynpvh)

110 106 real east TX rednecks pick their tooth with a coon's dick

Posted by: REDACTED at August 13, 2022 02:56 PM (us2H3)
----
So no sibilant esses from these guys.

Posted by: Ciampino -- thorry thir at August 13, 2022 03:00 PM (qfLjt)

111 Twilight Zone episode with the man and his coon dog I would rank as #1 episode.
Posted by: Kilroy wasn't here

I read that a man and his corn dog....

Posted by: JT at August 13, 2022 03:02 PM (T4tVD)

112 Haven't this year but when catching Japanese beetles fill a can about 1/4 way with gas or paint thinner, doubt any other beetles would be walking on them

Posted by: Skip at August 13, 2022 03:03 PM (k8B25)

113 111 Twilight Zone episode with the man and his coon dog I would rank as #1 episode.
Posted by: Kilroy wasn't here

I read that a man and his corn dog....

Posted by: JT at August 13, 2022 03:02 PM (T4tVD)

"Yo, Festus, go fetch the corn I dun shot!"

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 13, 2022 03:03 PM (ynpvh)

114 About 30 years ago, there was an invasion of the Ponsettia Whitefly where I lived. One day, I saw this large white cloud approaching. I've never seen anything like it before or since; a plague of whitefly of Biblical proportions...
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 13, 2022 03:00 PM (ynpvh)

Okay, now I have to look up "whiteflies"

Ugh - they're hideous things...

Posted by: Boswell at August 13, 2022 03:04 PM (+Cgut)

115 112 Haven't this year but when catching Japanese beetles fill a can about 1/4 way with gas or paint thinner, doubt any other beetles would be walking on them

Posted by: Skip at August 13, 2022 03:03 PM (k8B25)

For a while I used booze to keep the snail and slug population down. They'd smell that alkey-haul and drown themselves in drunk.

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 13, 2022 03:05 PM (ynpvh)

116 So no sibilant esses from these guys.
Posted by: Ciampino -- thorry thir at August 13, 2022 03:00 PM (qfLjt)

we bone a lot of ass

but silly bints

nope

Posted by: East TX redneck at August 13, 2022 03:05 PM (us2H3)

117 114 About 30 years ago, there was an invasion of the Ponsettia Whitefly where I lived. One day, I saw this large white cloud approaching. I've never seen anything like it before or since; a plague of whitefly of Biblical proportions...
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 13, 2022 03:00 PM (ynpvh)

Okay, now I have to look up "whiteflies"

Ugh - they're hideous things...

Posted by: Boswell at August 13, 2022 03:04 PM (+Cgut)

Major crop killers. Not very efficient digestive tracks, so when they poop, lots of sugar that attracts fungi that finish off the poor plants. Not very many plants were safe from them...

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 13, 2022 03:06 PM (ynpvh)

118 The goldfinches are still picking away at the volunteer sun flowers. A hummingbird was visiting a nearby butterfly bush. The hummingbird decided to move location, got too close to the sun flower, and the goldfinch got pissed and attacked the hummingbird. I thought the hummers were aggressive; they've got nothing on the goldfinches. Last summer, I saw one attack a Monarch butterfly that got too close to the sunflower.

Posted by: Captain Josepha Sabin -- I wasn't particularly fond of the '70s the first time around at August 13, 2022 03:07 PM (9SjWf)

119 114 About 30 years ago, there was an invasion of the Ponsettia Whitefly where I lived. One day, I saw this large white cloud approaching. I've never seen anything like it before or since; a plague of whitefly of Biblical proportions...
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 13, 2022 03:00 PM (ynpvh)

Okay, now I have to look up "whiteflies"

Ugh - they're hideous things...

Posted by: Boswell at August 13, 2022 03:04 PM (+Cgut)
----
When you said whitefly all I could think of is the scene in The Fly, with the spider approaching and he goes "Help me, help me!"

Posted by: Ciampino -- see where messing with Nature gets you at August 13, 2022 03:07 PM (qfLjt)

120 118 The goldfinches are still picking away at the volunteer sun flowers. A hummingbird was visiting a nearby butterfly bush. The hummingbird decided to move location, got too close to the sun flower, and the goldfinch got pissed and attacked the hummingbird. I thought the hummers were aggressive; they've got nothing on the goldfinches. Last summer, I saw one attack a Monarch butterfly that got too close to the sunflower.

Posted by: Captain Josepha Sabin -- I wasn't particularly fond of the '70s the first time around at August 13, 2022 03:07 PM (9SjWf)

Now do mockingbirds and their nests...

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 13, 2022 03:08 PM (ynpvh)

121 I have this one a-hole mockingbird that must be perpetually single...during spring and into summer, all night long, gets on the roof and makes his calls...good thing I can sleep through it.

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 13, 2022 03:08 PM (ynpvh)

122 119 When you said whitefly all I could think of is the scene in The Fly, with the spider approaching and he goes "Help me, help me!"

Posted by: Ciampino -- see where messing with Nature gets you at August 13, 2022 03:07 PM (qfLjt)
----
Was there ever an episode pf Star Trek OS where Kirk or someone else got scrambled with something else in the Transporter?

Posted by: Ciampino - A novel way for gene splicing at August 13, 2022 03:10 PM (qfLjt)

123 122 119 When you said whitefly all I could think of is the scene in The Fly, with the spider approaching and he goes "Help me, help me!"

Posted by: Ciampino -- see where messing with Nature gets you at August 13, 2022 03:07 PM (qfLjt)
----
Was there ever an episode pf Star Trek OS where Kirk or someone else got scrambled with something else in the Transporter?

Posted by: Ciampino - A novel way for gene splicing at August 13, 2022 03:10 PM (qfLjt)

Communist omlet

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 13, 2022 03:11 PM (ynpvh)

124 Well, I'm out. Wifey wants me to make spicy beef with potatoes for tacos. Good afternoon, all.

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 13, 2022 03:12 PM (ynpvh)

125 121 I have this one a-hole mockingbird that must be perpetually single...during spring and into summer, all night long, gets on the roof and makes his calls...good thing I can sleep through it.
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 13, 2022 03:08 PM (ynpvh)
You gotta sing along with him, 'tra-la-la-la, tweedle-dee-dee, it gives me a thrill to wake up in the morning to the mockingbird's trill.' Now think about Doris Day in a nighty. Yeah, that's what I'm talking bout.

Posted by: Eromero at August 13, 2022 03:15 PM (0OP+5)

126 Nice outside setup, KINDLOT. Have canned peaches otside because sticky syrup. And canned many tomatoes because it is just a meas. Tomatoe canning at ciceroKaboom! woods - canner full of water on propane turkey cooker base. Dip 'maters in boiling water (dozen at a time) a few minutes to make the skins slip. These then go into a waiting 5 gallon pail half full of water to cool. Skin and core, put into big enamel pot set to simmer over old barbeque grill. When the kettle is full, i fill the jars and process in the canner. Fun at night beneath Coleman lantern light. I suppose a few moths find their way into the mix.

Posted by: Cicero Kaboom! Kid at August 13, 2022 03:15 PM (3Or4S)

127 Well, off on a salvage expedition. Winching a 1950s era aluminum boat out of Lake Palestine up on my equipment trailer with my neighbor. Later.

Posted by: Eromero at August 13, 2022 03:20 PM (0OP+5)

128 Did haven't seen the scourge of love bugs in a long time. My windshield appreciates it.

Posted by: Kilroy wasn't here at August 13, 2022 03:22 PM (27hQX)

129 Thought for Japanese beetles traps is they attract more than you might have otherwise

Posted by: Skip at August 13, 2022 03:22 PM (k8B25)

130 115 112 Haven't this year but when catching Japanese beetles fill a can about 1/4 way with gas or paint thinner, doubt any other beetles would be walking on them

Posted by: Skip at August 13, 2022 03:03 PM (k8B25)
----
In Africa to keep the mosquito population down, any open water was doused with a squirt of kerosene or higher boiling oil. The larva come up to breathe and end up with oil down their siphon and die.

Posted by: Ciampino - used engine oil is used as well at August 13, 2022 03:24 PM (qfLjt)

131 Just yanked out another squash plant, quite covered with grey bugs

Posted by: Skip at August 13, 2022 03:25 PM (k8B25)

132 I am getting a metric crap ton of tomatoes now and they are so good. I love a tomato that tastes like a tomato.

I lost a squirrelinator to what I assume was a coyote. I didn't follow my own advice and stake it down or tie it to a tree and something stole my trap and I can't find it.
I killed 14 ground squirrels in one week. Then I wasn't getting any squirrels so I was moving the trap trying to find a good spot and I forgot to check it. I'll find it eventually all bent up.

Posted by: CaliGirl at August 13, 2022 03:26 PM (QOU0Y)

133 Thinking of finding glass jars for my tomatoes on the vine

Posted by: Skip at August 13, 2022 03:26 PM (k8B25)

134 Just yanked out another squash plant, quite covered with grey bugs
Posted by: Skip

"The old grey bugs just ain't what they used to be...."

Posted by: JT at August 13, 2022 03:27 PM (T4tVD)

135 PET NOOD

Posted by: Skip advising you of your Nood threads at August 13, 2022 03:28 PM (k8B25)

136 When I first moved here I left the door open after dark one summer night, and watched a LARGE raccoon stand on his hind legs and lean his arm on the window screen and peer in.

I keep the door shut after dark.

Posted by: JT at August 13, 2022 03:29 PM (T4tVD)

137 79 Emmie,
I don't know the details but they planted grass seed here that was developed for the OR coast. It handles shade and clay soil pretty well. I really prefer Dutch clover in dry areas
Posted by: Notsothoreau at August 13, 2022 02:36 PM (9WSy4)

I'm finding that just because it rains a lot here doesn't mean we don't get droughts. No rain for a couple of months and then a downpour that leaves a pond in the yard. I want to find a pretty lawn that likes those conditions. Also must tolerate cold winters and hot summers.

Posted by: Emmie at August 13, 2022 03:33 PM (6RgRK)

138 From Boise area: Highs still near 100 F. Green and yellow zucchinis producing; freezer now has 7 quart bags of grated green and 14 of yellow. Green beans just starting to produce a few.

Planted fall shelling peas in the row where the spring ones were. Planted yellow carrots, cilantro, and 2 radish colors in planter pots on deck (will be able to bring them close to house when fall cold hits - which it will - eventually - right??).

Compost shifting finished (looked at my old compost tutorial - up to 6 bins now, not 4). Still need to mix in the pile of grass. Haven't gotten to it because we've been working on taking down a dead maple, piece by piece, dragging smaller branches off to next spring's burn pile. Husband also trimmed barberry bushes and I raked up.

Husband is making 3D printed "melon lifters" to keep cantaloupes from rotting on the ground - if the fruits all ripen, it will be a great crop this year.

This coming week, entries are due for the Western Idaho Fair - I might have as many as 12 entries ready, including Largest Carrot, Largest Zucchini, green and yellow zucchini, yellow carrot, multiple herbs. Hoping for some 1st place ribbons this year!

Posted by: Pat* at August 13, 2022 03:36 PM (qEhyQ)

139 It is amazing how tiny some of the tree frogs are in the Amazon. The camera people on nature shows zoom in to make them fill as many pixels as possible. Kind of took the shine of for me.. Behind the scenes info mostly ruins everything..

Posted by: Otter? Commentor What Got a Shirt at August 13, 2022 03:41 PM (kkKmS)

140 REDACTED at August 13, 2022 02:11 PM

I had people catch up to me on a trail above the Newport Back Bay in Orange County, CA and tell me that a coyote had been tracking me (from behind and to the side.).

Posted by: KT at August 13, 2022 03:41 PM (rrtZS)

141 Wow. Always late.
Too busy gardening. Harvested our carrots today, with help (?) from grandkids. Not very impressive. Think we may need to plow again (been 6 years). Loads of organics, but still heavy.
Something avian is getting our tomatoes one day before we want to harvest. May have to set a game cam to determine what. Sill tomatoes are better than store0bought, but not vine ripened great.

Posted by: MkY at August 13, 2022 03:58 PM (cPGH3)

142 8 coons last three weeks. Should have been at it earlier, but no reason, other than shear hate.
Have a warty doe. Gross. MDC claims no problem eating it. I won't.
Gonna do a handicapped hunt this year, with MO Disabled Hunters. We're overloaded with deer, we have a handicapped accessible house, and it's a good organization.
Cucurbits are king this year in the garden.

Posted by: MkY at August 13, 2022 04:02 PM (cPGH3)

143 Pat* at August 13, 2022 03:36 PM

The melon lifters sound like a great idea. I have used perforated plastic bowls that purposely don't fit the melons in the past.

Posted by: KT at August 13, 2022 04:06 PM (rrtZS)

144 What is a Cucurbits?

Posted by: Infidel at August 13, 2022 04:07 PM (mn1Pi)

145 Ok, found it. Melons, gourds, squash.

Posted by: Infidel at August 13, 2022 04:10 PM (mn1Pi)

146 A nice thing about this time of year, the grocery stores can stuff those 4 dollar a pound tomatoes right up their collective ass. A farm stand local to me sells tomatoes for 15 bucks per crate. Their premium tomatoes sell for more, and there was one the size of a cantaloupe, perfectly ripe, and they were asking 1.95 for it.

Posted by: Sticky Wicket at August 13, 2022 04:21 PM (CCf67)

147 Kallisto, I used to own a little 16" Ryobi battery powered mower. It was very light and just big enough for the limited mowing I had to do. The person who owns it now insisted that we buy it because it was light enough for her.

The problem I had was with the battery packs. They're very expensive for OEM replacements. Off-brand ones are more reasonable. The battery packs have a bunch of D-sized rechargeable batteries wired to make a 40V circuit.

But these packs do heat up pretty good. And when they do, sometimes the circuits fail. This manifests as much shorter mowing time or not usable. I did buy a kit to do surgery on them to make them work again but I never put it to use.

When you buy I would use a Sharpie to write the purchase date and store on the battery packs. Shoot a picture of the purchase receipt. Register the warranty. Now if you have a problem within the warranty window you have a chance to get a replacement.

And if your mower only comes with one battery, well, no matter the rated mow time, you will want a second battery. Consider prices carefully. Sometimes The Home Depot will have a 2 battery mower for only $20 more than a one battery identical model.

Posted by: Gordon Scott at August 13, 2022 04:29 PM (9XemV)

Processing 0.02, elapsed 0.0305 seconds.
15 queries taking 0.0105 seconds, 156 records returned.
Page size 99 kb.
Powered by Minx 0.8 beta.