Pruning, Trimming and Learning

I've had to research the topic of pruning and trimming lately.  I've done some since we moved in, but not as much as I have this year.  While I think I'm managing the lilac bush pretty well, and the already overgrown burning bush is going to be a work in progress for a few years if it going to stay, the bushes out front, arborvitae, are different.  From what I have learned after searches on the internet, late June to early July is the time to prune - remove branches, and trim - even out the ends of the branches, for this type of bush.  Sounds easy, but to do it right for the look you want then you have to know how to go about doing that, and I didn't know.

These bushes get pummeled with snow and beat down every winter,  then take months to recover with a little of my help.  I've been thinking of different preventative things I can do to lessen that next season.  In the springs I have tied them back up into a bush shape, and they were tied with nylons when we bought the house.  The support helps them, I guess, because I removed all ties in the plants before I trimmed and pruned today.  The 'after' shots in this post are all natural, nothing is tied.

This is the project that I did today, and while I think it looks a lot better than before, they could look better.  Trimming is the easy part, the necessary pruning is a little harder.  Dead branches are easy to spot and prune, it is harder to cut off a live branch to thin out the plant and hope you don't accidentally leave a gaping hole.  From what I learned, the inside of the plant should be able to get some sun and air.  You're supposed to be able to see through the bush somewhat.

I'll probably touch up a spot here and there over the next few days as the plants settle, but I think they are done for now.  I'm sure I could have pruned more but I was afraid of over pruning these shrubs in front of our house, unlike when I pruned the burning bush in the back, anyway.

I know, fascinating, right?

RIP Grandma W

My maternal grandmother passed away last Tuesday morning at age 87.  She was a kind, church-going woman that raised 9 children, had 19 grandchildren and 36 great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her husband in 1998.

My grandmother was very active in the church, and when I say active I mean besides her family the church was her life, all her life, every day.  She was especially partial to the rosary and I'm sure she said it several times a day.  The wake was Friday afternoon and evening, followed by the last viewing at the funeral home, the mass and funeral at the church, the burial at the cemetery,  and the luncheon at the local catholic grade school afterwards on Saturday.

No need for condolences, I did love her but I live a distance away and we were not very close.  In fact, due to her religious convictions - and willingness to share whether it was wanted or not - I actually avoided her sometimes when I was younger.  I have a rant about the catholics bouncing around in my head, but that is for another time.  Rest in peace, grandma.

Holiday and Party Last Week

It has been a bit of an odd week, ending on an odd note that I may post about later.  Temperatures have been very warm to very hot and humid, though the humidity broke yesterday for some relief.  Work has been busy, still playing catch-up a bit from the holiday last week.  And speaking of catch-up and the holiday, I have been too lazy about posting, but the 'diary writer' in me is making me post these now.

We spent the afternoon of the Fourth out on a friends boat, above.  It was a beautiful day for it so there were tons of boats in the 'party cove,' only a fraction that you can see here.  While it was fun it only stays fun sitting there for a couple hours then I'm ready to go in, and I was ready by the time they were.  It's kind of weird how just sitting on a boat in the sun can tire one out.

Two days later, last Saturday night, we had friends over for a fire pit party.  Just for the heck of it - and also to try to get rid of some of the beers and boozes that have been accumulating around here lately.  I'd say it was mostly a success, but there are still leftovers for the next one!  We are now mostly out of firewood until more branches fall or I buy some.  I see fallen branches put out along the streets all the time, I may start snagging some of them for firewood.  The mosquitoes were horrendous this evening, too, but became manageable with repellants and yard spray.  Everyone seemed to have fun, I know I did by how bad I felt the next day, but it was nice to stay in bed until noon!  I can't remember the last time that happened..  PTFO

The Scale of the Universe 2

Way back whenever I posted an interesting find called The Scale of the Universe.  Today I came across The Scale of the Universe 2.  Click the Pic... and gain some perspective.

 

Thanks Jonco

The Story Of The First Raspberry

This is the story of Kate's first raspberry from the garden, captured in pictures on Wednesday evening.  This all happened in easily less than a minute.

First, here is my lovely wife showing off the first berry.  Notice the dark spot under her palm.

Now, here is a close-up of the lightning bug first raspberry in her hand.

The raspberry after the "There's a bug on my hand!" freak out. Straight down, center.

And the remorse of dropping your first homegrown raspberry to the ground after showing it off.

Of course, the raspberry was washed and enjoyed by her in the end.  It was just so funny how it happened and I kept snapping away, taking pictures.  We had a pretty good laugh about it. Posted with my wife's permission, of course.

Independence Day 2013

Which countries have a Fourth of July?   One - the United States?  No - they all do!  Yuk yuk.

But it is a celebrated holiday here in the U.S.  We have plans both at and away from home today, a bit busy, but it should be a pretty good day.  I'll probably post more later if it turns out to be worthwhile.  Wherever you are and whatever you happen to be doing today - barbecuing, playing, picnicking, visiting, boating, swimming, drinking, shopping, yardwork, housework, spending hours on the computer or just vegging in front of the TV (or any combination of the above and more) - I really hope you enjoy the holiday!  The next work holiday isn't until Labor Day, September 2.  After that?  Late November.  Sigh.  PTFO

Latest Listening Pleasure... KISS

My latest listening pleasure is also my oldest and dearest listening pleasure, the band KISS.   I have been a fan since I first found out about the band, probably 1975 or 76 when I could still count my age on my fingers.  Recently I found a podcast about all things Kiss called 3 Sides of the Coin which brought me back to the band that started it all for me.  When I was a kid I collected everything Kiss that I could get my hands on, which was mostly second hand albums and posters bought with my weekly allowance or traded for other things that are important to a kid that age.  I still have one of my Kiss posters, the first Kiss poster, now framed and on my wall almost 40 years later.  As I was growing up I completed my album collection and still collected all things Kiss that I could manage, but I did soon see that getting everything was an impossible task so I had to pick and choose with the little resources I had.

Kiss' first official poster, 1975

In drafting this post I tried to remember all the times that I saw Kiss live, which didn't come easy to my rusty little brain.  I came up with 10 times that I can for sure recall and I know I'm forgetting and just can't place some others.  For a long time I went to see them whenever they were in Wisconsin, but over time it became less of a priority and/or they just came around less.  Now, if given the chance, I would go see them if they came to town again, but I do not wish to travel to Milwaukee, Lacrosse, or even Alpine Valley anymore unless I expect something amazing will happen.  They're getting old, Gene Simmons is overexposed, Paul Stanley can't hit the notes anymore and Tommy Thayer just bugs me (fake Ace).  The new 'spider' stage set looks pretty good, though, and about time, too.  A couple tours ago they were using Justin Bieber's old stage set!  The 'spider' set is more like it - and original to Kiss.  Yes, if they came to town I would go, but it may not be quite the event it once was for me.

Years ago I started to try to get all the albums on cd but never did finish, everything was going digital so the cds that I had just sat on a shelf.  Eventually I gave many to my nephew (though he should share with his sister) since he was becoming a young fan, including the most recent releases.  I haven't given the music much of a chance since 'Psycho Circus' came out, but listening to 3 sides of the Coin has given me a new perspective and I have been enjoying catching up lately.  Up next is a new video from their newest album, 'Monster.'

Kiss - Right Here Right Now (Lyric Video)

Kiss is out on tour now supporting their newest release.  U.S. dates may not happen until fall or else next year, though.  Well, that's what Youtube is for these days.  Here's a pretty good high quality video from a couple weeks ago.  Enjoy!

1. Sit 2. Type

I know that I have neglected this space for too long now, posting other things to put off writing.  This is just one of those times that I'm not inspired to write anything. So, usually what I do to get the ball rolling is to explain my lack of posting - check - then just start typing and see what comes out.  Yee-haw!


On Saturday evening we went to a surprise birthday party for our friend Zubin down at the Malt House.  Bridget organized everything, rounded up all his friends, got one of his friends to get him down there after a set time, and surprised the hell out of him!  That's the kind of thing you see on TV.  He had no clue it was coming.

Weatherwise it has been about as it should be this year.  Spring was a bit late and the rain is not lacking, very unlike last year and the drought.  We gave in and ran the air conditioner yesterday for the first time.  We could probably handle the temperatures, it's the humidity that kills you.  Okay, that's enough of that, then.

I got a couple more tattoos last week.  I got what I wanted but I was a little disappointed in the artist - I thought he could have done better.  Not him next time.  Eventually my upper left arm will end up in a half-sleeve when it is done.  I envision probably two more sessions like the last two I've had and it may be done.  Who knows when - or even if, this is a luxury item for me.

I made a note to post about the changes I've seen going from LPs, 8-Track tapes, cassette tapes, to CDs and finally digital downloads.  I remember a lot of 8-tracks, but they were on the way out even when I was discovering music.  LPs are the bulk of my physical collection.  There is the fun of the full size artwork, album sleeves, lyrics, posters, etc.  Now they are all boxed away in the closet and haven't been played in years.  Cassettes were a good way to get my favorite songs off the radio when I was real young.  Later they became a good way to get a copy of your buddy's LP, and I even bought several cassette releases, mostly after I learned to drive so we could play them in the car.  For the longest time I held out on buying a CD player.  Looking back, the way digital downloads have progressed, I am happy I waited so long back then.  Think of the money I saved on all those CDs!  Now, I still buy CDs here and there because I'm a fan and still like having the physical copy of some things, but the CD gets burned into iTunes and then may never get played again.  Unless it gets picked for a long car trip.  But now I have an adaptor for my ipod, so never mind that then.  It's a digital world now, yet fallible.  Back up your stuff!


Okay, that's enough time spent on brain spillage.  Remember, if you want to laugh more at what I write then click on the Gizoogled link on the right (nsfw).  Until next time, PTFO!

Super Moon Tonight

Today is also a 'naughty' holiday of sorts, after the break.

Funny Interlude Post

This just cracked me the hell up earlier!

Via MCW at Crazy, Lazy, Silly and Strange

Yes, it has been over a week since I have  posted. All is well, this is a just a fill-in post.  Enjoy!