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Altaira
Superuser
Sat, 4:22pm
Post #1 of 42
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*Opens bar and buffet* Come on in! It's Fiesta..erm...Saturday
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Greetings, everyone! Once again, it's time for Fiesta and to gather and chat.
I completely lost track of the days this week (a hazard of being retired). I took one of the cars in for service and they kept postponing when I could get it back due to ordering parts, so Friday became Thursday to me because that's when I expected to get it back. Um, and the sun was in my eyes. Oh, and the dog ate my homework. Yes, those are my excuses, and I'm sticking to them!
We finally got some much-needed moisture this past week. It rained off and on most of Tuesday, and the night before there was a huge lightening storm - a real good Colorado barn buster! Here is a picture someone local took with their drone:
Our new little red maples are doing great. With the rain, and our sprinkler system being turned on last week too, I shouldn't have to water them by hand often, if at all, though I'm still testing the soil every other day with my trusty moisture measurer.
How has life been treating you? Order your fav from the bar, and make a pass or two at the buffet, and let us know how you've been!
*kicks juke box* a summery song would be very nice today!
Happy, fun weekend, everyone!!
  
(This post was edited by Altaira on Sat, 5:26pm)
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noWizardme
Half-elven
Sat, 5:18pm
Post #2 of 42
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In Oxfordshire it has been hot
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In Oxfordshire it has been hot. But that's been true for nearly all of Northwestern Europe up to the Great Glen in Scotland . And humid too (unusual here when it is hot). Meanwhile in Northwest Scotland I hear it's been rain, rain, rain. The heat is rolling off east now.
So it's all been a bit uncomfortable, and some changes needed to daily routine in order to do anything active before it gets really hot each day. But my kitchen garden plans that hail from the Americas are very happy (winter squashes, tomatoes, maize and what we call runner beans - not sure what they would be called elsewhere).
Best of luck to your red maples - what a gorgeous type of tree! Don't they grow rather large eventually (up to 100 ft, or 30 hobbits)? Or can you get dwarf ones (maples, I mean; not hobbits)? Or will they be majestic titans in 50 years, and you've positioned them so that doesn't matter?
We have a Japanese maple in our garden and I am very fond of it. At the moment it has lovely yellow leaves which works nicely with blue perennial geranium underneath it. And then it's great in the Autumn.
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"I am not made for querulous pests." Frodo 'Spooner' Baggins.
(This post was edited by noWizardme on Sat, 5:24pm)
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Altaira
Superuser
Sat, 5:50pm
Post #3 of 42
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That conjures a very funny mental image.
These particular trees are defined by our town as 'street trees' because they're in the lawn area between the sidewalk and the street. They want them to be uniform to a point, thus the need to get a permit and plant from an approved list. Here's a picture:
These 'Redpoint Maples' will only grow to 20' to 30'. The good news is our town reimburses the residents for planting tree, so we will get $200 off our utility bill over the coming months for this little guy. We planted two, but they only give rebates for one tree per year, up to $200 depending on the cost of the tree. This was taken before we had our lawn sprinklers turned on. I'm happy to say the lawn has greened up nicely with only a few days of regular watering.
Speaking of dry lawns and gardens, it's great that your vegetables are still happy, despite the heat.
Enjoy the rest of the weekend, and try to stay cool!
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noWizardme
Half-elven
Sat, 6:04pm
Post #4 of 42
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Well done! Street trees are a great idea - as an air quality and temperature thing, aside from the aesthetics.: A good idea too for the authorities to assist/incentivise/compensate local people who might look after them. That can be key to their survival for the first year or two.
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"I am not made for querulous pests." Frodo 'Spooner' Baggins.
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Sat, 6:24pm
Post #5 of 42
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Looks like a bunch of us are all over the place right now! I'm in-between hosting and conveying my daughter to appts since Thursday afternoon and will be depositing her back home sometime later today after her last appt. *puff, pant* Yeah, I literally handed all of my homework to Pickle on a silver platter! Now a very legitimate reason for losing track is working on TORn's migration. I've noticed the "Number of Views" counter is going crazy again... so I figured there's some work going on 
I'm so glad your Maples are enjoying their new home. How could that NOT enjoy that fantastic night-light show! *applause, applause, applause!!!*
We've been enjoying wonderful weather her in Michigan with cooler-than-usual temps and just enough rain to help these corn and soybean field surrounding me very busy growing. But the coming week is promising very high 80s and 90s temps. *whimper*
Thanks so much for ALWAYS and in ALL WAYS for taking care of us, Altaira! Have a wonderful weekend!!
We have been there and back again.
TIME Google Calendar
(This post was edited by grammaboodawg on Sat, 6:27pm)
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Sat, 6:35pm
Post #6 of 42
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I have one of those, too! Mine is very deep red or almost maroon and turns fiery red in the fall. This one is a very slow-grower; but is so beautiful throughout the journey :) I love your practical measurements
Have a wonderful weekend!
We have been there and back again.
TIME Google Calendar
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dernwyn
Forum Admin
/ Moderator
Sat, 6:37pm
Post #7 of 42
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Lightning storms are scary and exciting at the same time!
I'll the "the sun was in my eyes" as an excuse for not showing up at all yesterday: hubby and I were out most of the day, celebrating our 50th! We had lunch at the historic Griswold Inn, then ran amok in their gift shop (I do like finding odd little things for Christmas presents), then spent plenty of time in the Connecticut River Museum, then took an evening sail on their replica of explorer Adriaen Block's small boat. The day's activities were just enough to exhaust us "older folks"!
I'll get myself a bowl of cut-up fruit here - it's strawberry season, and the blueberries are coming in too. Good to hear the red maples are adjusting well to their new environs!
Here's an oldie - one of my sisters-in-law emailed the lyrics to us yesterday, it's what she and another sister had sung at our wedding: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xeBoRF5tgDo
Got the box of tissues handy...
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"I desired dragons with a profound desire"
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dernwyn
Forum Admin
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Sat, 6:41pm
Post #8 of 42
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My parents loved getting those from farmstands in the summertime, and I had the job of shelling the beans!
Glad to hear the heat - and humidity - is moving away from you. This is the second heatwave you've had, isn't it?
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"I desired dragons with a profound desire"
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dernwyn
Forum Admin
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Sat, 6:45pm
Post #9 of 42
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cooler temps this way, before our heat wave hits late next week! But that's summer, isn't it - just as long as it rains well enough for the crops.
How's the front yard work going, at your daughter's house? Don't stay out too long in the sun, gramma!
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"I desired dragons with a profound desire"
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noWizardme
Half-elven
Sat, 8:02pm
Post #10 of 42
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Maples: so many kinds of beautiful tree //
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~~~~~~
"I am not made for querulous pests." Frodo 'Spooner' Baggins.
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noWizardme
Half-elven
Sat, 8:14pm
Post #11 of 42
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- May temperature record broken
- June temperature record broken (on each of 3 successive days)
- Lets hope this doesn't carry on to bust the July and August records.
But Europe is warming fast and so those records will be gone soon, even if not this year. We just have to adapt (and decarbonise to unplug the heater). Which is happening, but must go faster.
In England runner beans are traditionally picked before the beans swell. The pods sliced up whole simmered briefly and eaten as green veg.
They also stir fry wonderfully.
Saves podding the beans (which we have been doing with our broad beans) Our demi-sec and dried bean game has, in recent British history, been pretty rubbish. I'm told runners do either job well, but somehow we always manage to eat everything green.
Growing some borlotti beans for later.
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"I am not made for querulous pests." Frodo 'Spooner' Baggins.
(This post was edited by noWizardme on Sat, 8:26pm)
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Altaira
Superuser
Sat, 8:14pm
Post #12 of 42
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... literally, lol. But, that's just business as usual for you.
I hope you enjoy the 'cool' before the higher temperatures come and, as always, make a little 'you' time too this weekend. Though, I find just driving in the car alone can be therapeutic. So there's that.
Weekend hugs!
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Ataahua
Forum Admin
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Sat, 8:16pm
Post #13 of 42
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We had a storm blow through on Friday with gales bringing down trees and roofing iron swinging from powerlines. I was busy helping with the not-quite-emergency response so I slept hard and well that night. It's still blowy today but normal-blowy, which is doable.
The storm also brought some snow, at last, for the mountain, but it's not very much. We're very behind on the snow front - the country's had a lot of warm northerlies rather than cold southerlies this season. It's just been an odd weather pattern all round, this year.
Anyway, it's Sunday in my part of the world and I'll be catching up with friends for lunch. Have a great day, everyone!
Celebrimbor: "Pretty rings..."
Dwarves: "Pretty rings..."
Men: "Pretty rings..."
Sauron: "Mine's better."
"Ah, how ironic, the addictive qualities of Sauron’s master weapon led to its own destruction. Which just goes to show, kids - if you want two small and noble souls to succeed on a mission of dire importance... send an evil-minded beggar with them too." - Gandalf's Diaries, final par, by Ufthak.
Fantasy novel - The Arcanist's Tattoo
My LOTR fan-fiction
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Altaira
Superuser
Sat, 8:20pm
Post #14 of 42
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What a milestone, and what a way to celebrate. It sounds like you hit a lot of your favorite places and things to do which must have made the day so special. That ship looks like so much fun. Did they serve refreshments?
Nice song, too. How sweet of your sister to send it to you on your special day. Have a great rest of your anniversary weekend!
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Altaira
Superuser
Sat, 8:23pm
Post #15 of 42
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What a welcome sight to wake up to. Hopefully you'll get much more as the season progresses.
Enjoy lunch and the rest of the weekend!
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noWizardme
Half-elven
Sat, 8:25pm
Post #16 of 42
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~~~~~~
"I am not made for querulous pests." Frodo 'Spooner' Baggins.
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Ataahua
Forum Admin
/ Moderator
Sat, 8:31pm
Post #17 of 42
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The difference that street trees can make on local temperature is remarkable.
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I'll link to a June 2026 article in The Conversation about a survey of urban areas in Melbourne (temperate climate), Hong Kong (sub-tropical) and Munich (described in the article as 'cooler'). There are some surprising findings, and the TLDR is:
* Street trees in Melbourne cut radiant heat by up to 18C (64F)!
* Layered planting, with low-storey bushes and shrubs beneath trees, cuts more heat than trees alone.
* Trees increase humidity, which is great in dryer cities like Melbourne but makes the local environment seem hotter in already-humid cities like Hong Kong.
* In tight urban corridors, such as those in Munich, trees can reduce airflow and trap vehicle exhaust among pedestrians.
* Each city needs a bespoke planting plan that takes into account the local urban design, humidity and airflow.
See the full story here:
https://theconversation.com/...he-right-type-283071
Celebrimbor: "Pretty rings..."
Dwarves: "Pretty rings..."
Men: "Pretty rings..."
Sauron: "Mine's better."
"Ah, how ironic, the addictive qualities of Sauron’s master weapon led to its own destruction. Which just goes to show, kids - if you want two small and noble souls to succeed on a mission of dire importance... send an evil-minded beggar with them too." - Gandalf's Diaries, final par, by Ufthak.
Fantasy novel - The Arcanist's Tattoo
My LOTR fan-fiction
(This post was edited by Ataahua on Sat, 8:35pm)
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Ataahua
Forum Admin
/ Moderator
Sat, 8:32pm
Post #18 of 42
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Happy anniversary! What a lovely way to celebrate a huge milestone. :) /
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Celebrimbor: "Pretty rings..."
Dwarves: "Pretty rings..."
Men: "Pretty rings..."
Sauron: "Mine's better."
"Ah, how ironic, the addictive qualities of Sauron’s master weapon led to its own destruction. Which just goes to show, kids - if you want two small and noble souls to succeed on a mission of dire importance... send an evil-minded beggar with them too." - Gandalf's Diaries, final par, by Ufthak.
Fantasy novel - The Arcanist's Tattoo
My LOTR fan-fiction
(This post was edited by Ataahua on Sat, 8:32pm)
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Annael
Elvenhome
Sat, 10:52pm
Post #19 of 42
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Retirement has meant a lot of "what day is it again?" moments for me. Every morning now I have to check. And I still have times where it has felt like Thursday all day and then I realize it's not.
We're having a typical June for the PNW - which honestly, we hardly ever have any more, so it's very nice even if what that means is rain! And as used to always be the case, the rain is forecasted to last THROUGH the Fourth of July. We joked about it. The forests are nice and wet on this side of the mountains, but even so, rain will (literally) dampen the overzealous celebrators. Like these numbnuts:
https://www.dailymail.com/...ighters-injured.html
Friends are coming over tomorrow to see the last three episodes of "The Other Bennet Sister." We are having tea, of course, and I'll be making orange-pecan scones. I just read that they're going to do three more episodes around Christmas, which yay: I love, love, love this series.
Then it's back to work on my latest editing job, which is a bit  because there are three authors, all PhDs, one of whom is convinced she doesn't need editing and of course, is the one who needs it the most. I have as diplomatically as possible pointed out that I was hired by the publisher and am following their directions and if she has a problem she can take it up with them. But still, arrgh.
Think I'll have a shandy and a scone. Cheers!
I am a dreamer of words, of written words.
-- Gaston Bachelard
* * * * * * * * * *
NARF and member of Deplorable Cultus since 1967
(This post was edited by Annael on Sat, 10:53pm)
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Kimi
Forum Admin
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Sat, 11:30pm
Post #20 of 42
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Meanwhile on this side of the world, after several gloomy days yesterday came out in glorious sunshine, and today is just the same. I had a good run yesterday (I actually set out before dawn) after being kept off the road by several rainy days in a row (I'm not *that* dedicated, especially in cold weather).
Yesterday I made panforte for Mr Kimi's upcoming birthday, and today I made a batch of cereal, as well as pickling the very last of this season's cucumbers - I only put in one plant, but it produced magnificently, and for months on end. On a less happy gardening note, the kakabeak plants I'd grown from seed and had been feeling so proud of have been attacked by bugs, and their growing tips chomped off :( It seems to have happened very suddenly - Friday they were looking lush, but by Saturday they'd been savaged. Time to try again, I suppose.
I've been experimenting with growing root ginger, and I harvested my first (small) batch yesterday - a thorough success, and very satisfying. I'll definitely try it again on a slightly larger scale, as we go through a fair bit of ginger. We had it in a paneer dish, which was delicious.
Homemade (by Mr Kimi) pizza for lunch, which is our usual Sunday treat, so I'll raise a glass of rose to TORn friends old and new.
Wishing everyone a pleasant weekend.
The Passing of Mistress Rose
My historical novels
Do we find happiness so often that we should turn it off the box when it happens to sit there?
- A Room With a View
(This post was edited by Kimi on Sat, 11:45pm)
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Kimi
Forum Admin
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Sat, 11:36pm
Post #22 of 42
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A bit blowy, and a bit rainy, but nothing much.
Snow on the maunga! Always a lovely sight.
The Passing of Mistress Rose
My historical novels
Do we find happiness so often that we should turn it off the box when it happens to sit there?
- A Room With a View
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Altaira
Superuser
Sun, 5:37am
Post #23 of 42
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A much neede shandy, coming up!
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all PhDs, one of whom is convinced she doesn't need editing and of course, is the one who needs it the most.
Oh, lucky you. Isn't diplomacy fun
Sounds like a oood week, full of decent weather and fun gatherings. Enjoy!
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noWizardme
Half-elven
Sun, 7:46am
Post #24 of 42
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Forgive an ignorant question, but are these scones that contain orange and pecan nuts? Or is there an 'orange pecan' tree?
Sounds great either way.
...Then it's back to work on my latest editing job, which is a bit because there are three authors, all PhDs, one of whom is convinced she doesn't need editing and of course, is the one who needs it the most. I have as diplomatically as possible...
Ah yes, isn't that often the way! Commiserations.
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"I am not made for querulous pests." Frodo 'Spooner' Baggins.
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noWizardme
Half-elven
Sun, 9:43am
Post #25 of 42
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That's really interesting. I think a lot of effort is misdirected (or harm done) by people seeing this simplistically as a spreadsheet problem - just plant x trees, any old how.
The good news is that there must be lots of people who do know how to do this right.
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"I am not made for querulous pests." Frodo 'Spooner' Baggins.
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