Problem-Solving – Naughty Squirrels

On By TimelessladyIn Quirkiness1 Comment

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This is my clothesline, well at least a portion of my clothesline…

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This is the other half of my clothesline, as you can see, laying on the ground instead of up in the air.

Considering the chewed end, and taking into account this is the third time I have encountered a downed line this winter, I am pretty sure the resident squirrels are the culprits.

I don’t know if they consider the line attached to their tree to be in bad taste, or if they are using fluff from inside the clothesline to line their nest, or perhaps they are just ornery…who knows? At least they haven’t bitten through while there have been clothes present.

I’m not sure of the solution. Luckily, we have spare rope set aside, and will once again square knot on the amount of line we need. Last time the squirrels stole about twelve feet! I know, I know, what can squirrels possibly do with that much clothesline? I have no idea!

I’m trying to think of something very repellent that I can put on the end this time, but I must be careful, I don’t want it to act as a wick and taint the whole piece. Squirrels! Bah!

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In the meantime, I’m putting out these yarn scraps, leftovers from my hanging seed pots. I saved them for the birds, to soften up their nests. Maybe it will act as a peace offering of sorts, and the squirrels will use the yarn as bedding and leave my clothesline alone.

Planting – Sowing Seeds Part III/Small Seeds

On By TimelessladyIn Planting3 Comments

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My coleus seedlings are sprouting. To guard against damping off diseases I keep the seeds spaced apart. I have found in the past that crowding seedlings invites disease.

Coleus seeds, among many others, are smaller than the head of a pin. Sowing them in neat rows can be a daunting task. To accomplish this with as little frustration as possible I use water and a pencil.

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An explanation of this technique can be found here: Planting Small Seeds

Below you will find some samples of last year’s coleus plants:

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Planting – Sowing Seeds Part II/Hanging Gardens

On By TimelessladyIn Planting, Quirkiness1 Comment

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I sowed several varieties of tomatoes and eggplant yesterday. Because these plants love warmer temperatures I decided to forgo winter sowing for them and planted them indoors. Last year, my tomatoes did very well in my sunniest windows, but space on the shelves and tables in front of these windows soon became a problem. Since I save my light table space for lower growing plants, I crossed that option off my list. Instead I decided to put a Pinterest idea into practice.

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To begin, I gathered together a few of the empty juice containers I have been saving. Since I prefer milk cartons for outdoor winter sowing, I have at least two dozen or more  juice containers cleaned and ready to use. I also rounded up an old net scubber, rubber bands, thick yarn, and of course seed starting medium.

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After cutting the juice bottle 1/3 up from the bottom, I was left with a good sized top section. I covered the top opening with a doubled up portion of netting and secured it in place with a rubber band.

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I turned the top portion upside down and added the seed starting medium, planted the seeds, and added a tag cut out of a recycled detergent bottle.

Using a skein of extra thick yarn, I fashioned rudimentary macrame plant hangers over my extra strength curtain rods and hung my gardens. Every time I see them silhouetted in my back window I smile. Hurry Spring!

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Planting – Sowing Seeds Part I/Winter Sowing

On By TimelessladyIn PlantingLeave a comment

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In January of 2012 I wrote of my first attempts at Winter Sowing. The original blog post along with a follow-up post can be found here:

Winter Sowing
Winter Sowing 2012

As you can see from the photographs above and below, I have winter sown many seeds again.

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Garden web has a forum dedicated to winter sowing. The link can be found below:

Gardenweb Winter Sowing Forum.

Here are a few containers I stored by attaching them with pipe cleaners to coat hangers. I then hung them until they were needed from basement rafters.

winter sowing containers

Here’s a terrific site I found just today with plenty of good lists on what to sow and when: Terrific Winter Sowing list for what to sow and when. Take a Look.

If you live in a cool climate area there is still plenty of time to winter sow. Give it a try!

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Promise & Preparedness – The Revelation of John the Divine

On By TimelessladyIn Preparedness, PromiseLeave a comment

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I have always loved the image in the photograph above. The painting, attributed to artist Lindberg Heilige Schutzengel, shows a Guardian Angel protecting two children crossing a dangerous bridge. A similar painting hung in my grandparent’s home. As a child, the painting fascinated me. I can remember standing beneath it, and feeling protected by its silent promise.

Lately, so much of what seemed secure is crumbling. Even the earth below our feet is becoming much like the dangerous bridge, ready to fall apart beneath us. I have been watching recent events and disasters and there certainly does seem to be many Biblical prophecies being fulfilled by collapsing world governments, disappearing rights and freedoms, cataclysms on earth and in the heavens above. Many technologies are in place that could bring to fulfillment Bible prophecies that once seemed hard to understand.

I have begun to read Revelation yet again, this time in a Bible that also has some insight and commentary by Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

The text of Revelation can be found here: Text of Revelation

You can read a bit about Spurgeon here:

Charles Haddon Spurgeon
In-Depth Biography of Charles Haddon Spurgeon

I recommend that you read Revelation, even better, read some of the verses aloud. Ask God for discernment, and to imprint its words and message upon your heart and soul.

“Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.” Revelation 1:3

Listen to Spurgeon’s words concerning reading and studying Revelation:

“To induce us to give the most serious attention to the subject, a blessing is pronounced on those who ‘read, and hear, and keep,’ the words of this prophecy, especially as the time of its fulfillment was at hand. There does not appear to be any other part of Scripture that is prefaced with such an inducement to read, and understand, and practically regard it.”

One word of caution, there are hundreds upon hundreds of theories on the Internet about the meanings of these verses. Be forewarned, there are a few words of wisdom, but there is much argument and complete foolishness too. Again, it’s best to read the words yourself and as you read and study, pray for discernment in not just this, but in everything concerning these precarious times we are living in. God Bless Us All.

A good site with many verses concerning prophecy:
48 Bible Prophecy Verses

Philm – “The Bible” on the History Channel

On By TimelessladyIn PhilmLeave a comment
3/8/2013 – I posted this before I actually viewed “The Bible.” I was a bit disappointed in the first episode. I found the tiny bits of fact-changing irritating in the extreme. It would have been very easy to make every fact accurate. I also found the production very dry, and know I won’t have the same enthusiasm to view the remaining episodes.
One example: We have had many fine adaptations of Moses and Pharoah in films, but very few of Isaac and Jacob, and how the tribes of Israel became twelve in number. I would have much rather they portrayed these stories in some way and cut down on the length of time spent on Abraham and Moses.

I love so many of the old Bible films, “The Greatest Story Ever Told,” “Barrabas,” “The Robe,” “The Ten Commandments.” Even “Ben Hur,” while not taken directly from the Bible, tells the story of JESUS, and can keep me spellbound for its 212 minutes.

I was thrilled when I heard that The History Channel was going to present a mini-series based on the Bible. Starting this evening, it will be presented on Sunday evenings at 8 o’clock over the course of five weeks. I will be watching.

Here are a few clips from the mini-series: Clips from “The Bible.”

Product – Natural Reader

On By TimelessladyIn ProductLeave a comment

NATURAL READER

Sometimes listening to your written words read aloud allows you to hear mistakes that proof-reading by sight alone does not reveal. I can’t even begin to number the times I have read, and re-read my blog posts, only to find a grammatical, spacing or spelling mistake at a later date. It is hard, sometimes next to impossible, to edit your own work. The Natural Reader website helps alleviate some of these problems. Yes, the free voice is a bit stilted and robotic, but it gives a sense of flow to what you have written, revealing grammar mistakes, or errors of omission in your text. Give it a try!

Here are two links for Natural Reader:

Natural Reader Instruction Page
Natural Reader Home Page and Free Download

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Another good tool is Auto-Crit. You can try this program for free, and if you are a daily writer, you might want to purchase the program. It will reveal grammatical errors, word count, excessive word usage, etc.

Click here to try Auto-Crit: Auto-Crit

Phavorite & Product – Mickey or Donald?

On By TimelessladyIn PhavoritesLeave a comment

Donald Duck, created with a Cricut Machine. 

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A week or two ago someone dear to me emailed me this question, “Who is your favorite, Mickey or Donald?”

I think you can see by the picture above what my response was to her.

What a surprise to have a package arrive yesterday with this beautiful Donald Duck inside. Thanks Kelly. You do beautiful work! I love him!

I have attempted only a few scrapbook pages in my time. I know that since I am into so many other crafts, along with gardening and spending time with grandchildren, the time involved would put me over the top of hours available. It’s an art and form of expression I truly admire. 

Who do you like best, Donald or Mickey?

Problem-Solving and Project – Removing Labels and Discovery Bottles

On By TimelessladyIn Problem-Solving, Projects1 Comment

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Most of us at one time or another have crafted a project that uses an up-cycled bottle or jar. We all know how difficult the labels and glue can be to remove without marring the surface. Recently, I wanted to create a Discovery bottle with my grandsons. Since the project needed a clean plastic bottle, I began to remove the label ahead of time. The glue and paper were very stubborn. I cut and peeled away the label, soaked the bottle in water, but was still left with unsightly glue and scraps of paper on the surface.

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I searched the Internet for a solution and found the tip of using ordinary mayonnaise to remove labels. I gently scraped away anything I could with the top of a butter knife, applied the mayo and then scraped again in about an hour. There was still residue. I reapplied and waited another hour. I removed a bit more label, reapplied again and tried once more. Hooray! The mayonnaise worked. If you use this tip for removing labels you will be pleased that it is chemical free and very gentle. The downside is it takes a few hours. Use this tip only on surfaces that are hard as you will need to wash afterwards with warm soapy water to remove the oily residue of the mayo.

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A wintry afternoon was the perfect time to begin making “Discovery Bottles.”

Click here for more information on Discovery Bottles: Discovery Bottles

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We decided to make a rain bottle first. Fill the bottle with toothpicks, add some dried rice, when you turn the bottle upside down the toothpicks and grains of rice sliding down the plastic sounds like rain on a roof. The boys really enjoyed filling the bottle, and after I glued the cap on with hot glue, they had fun turning it up and down to hear the soothing sound of the “rain.”

If you are creating Discovery Bottles for toddlers please take care to use a plastic bottle with a very wide cap/lid. A small water bottle cap is not appropriate because of choking issues. Gatorade bottles and other juice containers often have a wide lid. Remember the elbow rule, nothing smaller for a baby or toddler than your elbow.

Always use a permanent glue when closing the bottles. I used hot glue for the rain bottle, but if I was using liquid in the bottle I would use a double dose of glue: a waterproof sealant and then a layer of hot glue for extra strength.

 

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Plant – Bird of Paradise

On By TimelessladyIn PlantsLeave a comment

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About this time of year I really need the sunshine, and this Bird of Paradise flower, and the many other blooms in the Longwood Gardens Conservatory, brought a bit of brightness into the cold winter days.

Plant – White Lily

On By TimelessladyIn QuirkinessLeave a comment

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Today the song “Jesus Paid it All,” has been on my mind and on my lips. What amazing truth that beautiful old hymn holds. If I could tell all the world just one thing today it would be those words…Jesus Paid it All…for you, for me. And to that I must say, “Amen.”

“Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow.”

Elvina M. Hall, 1865

Copyright: Public Domain

Plants & Projects – Terrarium Lids and Chairs

On By TimelessladyIn Plants, Projects2 Comments

Terrarium with crystal lid

I’ve been experimenting with lichen covered branches and bark in an attempt to create a fairy chair that will actually be alive and growing inside a terrarium. I think I succeeded with the mossy concept when I crafted the chair shown above, but I am not happy at all with the appearance of the miniature replica. It has no fey appeal or magical delicacy. To my mind, it calls to mind a gnarly resting place for the local gnome or troll instead.

I do like the papery thin, empty insect pod I used as a fairy basket. It is filled with several pieces of milkweed fluff, which when tossed into the air become floating fairy wishes. I can just imagine a sweet woodland lady sitting down and spinning the soft strands into gossamer yarn.

Aesthetics aside, a good tip for covering a terrarium is to use a shallow glass bowl  or dish for a lid. This crystal lid fits nicely on top of my odd-shaped garden. I’ll keep trying to come up with a way to create the fragile, yet strong, fairy furniture I desire. Until then, “Calling all gnomes!”

Phavorites and People – Trumpet Lamp and Fountain

On By TimelessladyIn People, Phavorites2 Comments

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Today I sent a friend a link to a terrific trumpet fountain I saw on Pinterest. She sent me back this amazing picture of a lamp she made out of a trumpet. I love it!

Here are some of the components she used to create the lamp: Hardware store supplies: tube for wiring, screw locks, base-for a clock. Craft store supplies: Lamp shade. She also used parts from an old lamp and locking tie downs to secure. The pocket trumpet was bought from EBay for a good price.

Anita, creator of the lamp, is a retired teacher and band instructor. We’ve known each other since we were in High School. She plays beautiful trumpet solos in our church during Offertory and also plays with the Atlantic Brass Band. Here are a few links for the Atlantic Brass Band:

Atlantic Brass Band
Atlantic Brass Band on Twitter
Atlantic Brass Band Facebook Page
Atlantic Youth Brass Band

Items that are re-purposed into art or something functional always fascinate me.

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Pleasures – Sea Glass Bottles

On By TimelessladyIn Pleasures5 Comments

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Several years ago, on a beach bordering the Atlantic Ocean, I found the lovely Coca-Cola bottle on the left. Captured by the surf, and bounced across the sand for dozens of years by ocean currents, one Autumn day the bottle rode a wave and came ashore right at our feet. Beautifully sanded to a translucent gem-like glow, the bottle from the sea is now a treasured item in my home.

This winter, about five years after our first find, I came across another sea glass bottle. This time we were beachcombing on the shores of the Delaware Bay. The darker green bottle is not quite as polished as the first, the bay currents are not quite as strong, but it is still a striking example of sea glass. It even has an extra bonus of a barnacle or two. I love my beautiful bottles from the sea.

Projects – The Worm Farm/Update #2

On By TimelessladyIn Projects3 Comments

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I promised when I started this blog to be truthful when a project fails or has a problem.

Vermicomposting (Worm Farming)

Problem #1 – My worm farm is going strong and thriving, but in the time I’ve been “farming” the worms I’ve run up against two very “stinky” problems. Most of the time my worm farm smells fresh, a bit like the fragrance that wafts upward when you rustle your feet along a woodland path. A sure proof way to foul that nice smell is to feed the worms leftover broccoli. OH MY!!! The smell was absolutely horrendous for days. Thankfully the worm farm is in my basement, and the smell didn’t escape too far into main house, but it was definitely noticeable at the top of the basement stairs and in the hallway. Happily, the worms seemed to really like the mushy, stinky broccoli, and ate it quickly. Hooray! But…I will never, ever, ever feed them a cruciferous vegetable scrap again. Only apples and other sweet-smelling leftovers from now on.

Problem # 2 – Do not feed your houseplants the worm tea as fertilizer. The worm tea had very little odor when harvested, but seemed to develop an off odor after applied to the soil of houseplants, even though it was very watered down. Lesson learned – Save the worm tea for outdoor plants.

Problem #3 – I have had two escapees. I think they slipped out the holes in the side. The unlucky fellows didn’t even make it a yard past the worm farm. Since I keep the bin in the basement the concrete floor acted exactly as a sidewalk does…think dried and shriveled worms in the summer sun…the escapees seemed to have instantly dried up and died on the basement floor.

To read about the start of my worm farming click on these links:

The Worm Farm
Worm Farm Update

Phavorites – Victoria Magazine

On By TimelessladyIn PhavoritesLeave a comment

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I must have over a hundred old Victoria magazines in my upstairs closet. I know, I know, it sounds a bit like hoarding, but I just can’t seem to make myself recycle or sell them. In the last few weeks I’ve been paging through the old issues, and tearing out articles and pictures I can’t seem to do without. Alas, (A very Victorian expression) even while I am weeding out old ephemera, I’m also in the process of creating a new collection. Big Sigh! At least it won’t take up quite so much room. Smile!

People – Dr. Benjamin Carson

On By TimelessladyIn People2 Comments

Now and then someone comes along who speaks with wisdom and foresight. I applaud Dr. Benjamin Carson and include him here on my blog as a person of character and very good vision for our country.

The Benjamin Carson story has been made into a feature film starring Cuba Gooding, Jr.

 

Psalms & Proverbs and Perspective – A Name

On By TimelessladyIn Perspective, Psalms and Proverbs1 Comment

A few of my many names:

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“But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1

This past week I was talking to my four year old grandson about my name. I told him, “My name is Kathy.”

“Yes,” he agreed, “But now your name is Nanny.”

His response delighted me. He said it with such affirmation and faith. I am his “NANNY.”

His words sent my thoughts about my name into a quick reverse, touching on all the names I’ve been known by, and then into my future.  I suddenly found my heart captivated by the thought that God has a special name just for me, and immediately, I felt a surge of certainty that the name he has given me is written in His Book of Life.

Is your name written in his Book?

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

I love this old hymn by C. Austin Miles. Click on the link below and you will feel as if you are in an old-time camp-meeting:

A NEW NAME IN GLORY

A NEW NAME IN GLORY

I was once a sinner, but I came
Pardon to receive from my Lord:
This was freely given, and I found
That He always kept His word.

Refrain

There’s a new name written down in glory,
And it’s mine, O yes, it’s mine!
And the white robed angels sing the story,
“A sinner has come home.”
For there’s a new name written down in glory,
And it’s mine, O yes, it’s mine!
With my sins forgiven I am bound for Heaven,
Never more to roam.

I was humbly kneeling at the cross,
Fearing naught but God’s angry frown;
When the heavens opened and I saw
That my name was written down.

Refrain

In the Book ’tis written, “Saved by Grace,”
O the joy that came to my soul!
Now I am forgiven, and I know
By the blood I am made whole.