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Post by Deleted on Apr 28, 2013 10:59:08 GMT -6
Thanks! It was a long week . And I think I can put this here, my progress with the white oak trees. I really do have 'creative control', and I spent the first two times at it with mowing, measuring, and marking a plot for 25 trees. I checked with the school mowers to find out just how wide their big mower was, and was blessed with information on how close I could plant near playground equipment, if needed. I'm still "jazzed". I found that with my pre-marks and an auger, I can plant 9 trees in an hour. The first evening I planted six, so that makes 15 so far. I figure, at this pace, I need about 13-14 more hours of work. Put that way, the number of trees is less daunting, . The weather has not been cooperating, but it rained and drizzled for the last 3 days since I planted the 9, and I'm glad for that. There is the question of how will they get water through the summer. I think I'm going to have to get over 2 issues. One, people seeing me plant (thus far I go between 6- 8 p.m.), and working on Sundays. Today is gorgeous! I did have one lady stop and watch me, from about 100 feet away, hands on hips. I ignored her posture, and just looked over and smiled. We have kids at the school until 6:00 p.m. with an after school program, and I would rather they not "know" about the trees until they've had a chance to grow. We have a couple of starters out front that look like they have been run over; its sad. ultimately, if I had this all marked, it could sure be a school project . Yes, I wonder about that. The white oak is native to Ohio, I believe, so some of you may know of a great one in your area. I've been looking about here, but this far, no luck. I am fond of weeping willows and a neighbor to the school has one ;D. Anyway, the internet has some wonderful pictures, and I can only hope! I enjoyed reading the stories here of people having there favorite trees. I had a bush ;D. It was a pussy-willow bush at the back of our yard, and I could sit behind it undetected. Its not here/there any more .
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Post by dawnoftime on Apr 28, 2013 14:06:50 GMT -6
Thanks! It was a long week . And I think I can put this here, my progress with the white oak trees. I really do have 'creative control', and I spent the first two times at it with mowing, measuring, and marking a plot for 25 trees. I checked with the school mowers to find out just how wide their big mower was, and was blessed with information on how close I could plant near playground equipment, if needed. I'm still "jazzed". I found that with my pre-marks and an auger, I can plant 9 trees in an hour. The first evening I planted six, so that makes 15 so far. I figure, at this pace, I need about 13-14 more hours of work. Put that way, the number of trees is less daunting, . The weather has not been cooperating, but it rained and drizzled for the last 3 days since I planted the 9, and I'm glad for that. There is the question of how will they get water through the summer. I think I'm going to have to get over 2 issues. One, people seeing me plant (thus far I go between 6- 8 p.m.), and working on Sundays. Today is gorgeous! I did have one lady stop and watch me, from about 100 feet away, hands on hips. I ignored her posture, and just looked over and smiled. We have kids at the school until 6:00 p.m. with an after school program, and I would rather they not "know" about the trees until they've had a chance to grow. We have a couple of starters out front that look like they have been run over; its sad. ultimately, if I had this all marked, it could sure be a school project . Yes, I wonder about that. YOU GO GIRL!!!!
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Post by Deleted on Apr 29, 2013 1:49:29 GMT -6
Love ya JC... ~hugz~ I've been busy lately too... and... erm... I might be pregnant... ;D I keep going back and forth on it. First I'm like, "Oh I might have a cute little pink squirmy naked thing to play with! Yay!" And then I hear my niece and nephew fighting over a cartoon they were watching or watch my nephew throw a temper tantrum and I think "Aw no... no no..." And then I remember singing lullabyes to my niece when she was a baby and seeing her smiling and looking up at me like I am the entire world to her... And then I realize... what goes IN eventually has to come OUT... Anyhoo... off to bed I go...
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Post by Deleted on Apr 29, 2013 1:57:14 GMT -6
I've already discussed it with my niece by the way. She likes the idea. My mom gave her the old baby doll I used to play with when I was a little girl and her name was Sally. My niece's face lit up when I asked her what she would think if I had a little baby for her to play with. Her response was a grin and a "Yea! And you can name her Sally!!" I said, "What if I have a boy?" She scowled. "No!" "Why not?" I inquired. "Because he'll be just like HIM!" she said and pointed at her brother...
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Post by dawnoftime on Apr 29, 2013 4:01:25 GMT -6
Congratulations, lorelei... I really believe it is "different" when it's your kid in terms of the tantrums, etc. Not that you don't get tired or frustrted, but somehow I think (for most people) there is just so much love underlying everything you take it in stride. Those precious moments are what you end up remembering. I was so scared about my son because my folks were not cut out for parenting. My mom didn't really have what you would call a maternal instinct and for both of them, who liked everything to be a certain way and were very rigid (and as I have said before, I think I understand why) having a child was not a positive experience. Oh, I worried so much about how I would be. The minute he was born it was just so clear that he was the shine of my soul. I only lost patience with him once -- I firmly pushed him off me one day when he was being really demanding and yelling. I was taking care of him alone for 18 hours a day in a neighborhood where it wasn't safe to go out while my partner at the time was working for tenure at college and was physically and emotionally unavailable. Most people don't feel like what I did was "losing my temper" but I sure never forgot it. :-( My folks were so convinced that my son would be "spoiled" because I was never harsh with him. But I was always consistent and firm and meant what I said. I was fair, though, and as he grew I would listen to his side of the story. I tried to teach him how to compromise except for our core rules: treat yourself and other living things with respect and kindness. I feel lucky that our relationship hasn't suffered in his teen years (so far) and he is still able to talk things over in disagreements. He's really helpful and generous. I guess this long-winded ode to my son's wonderfulness is testement in itself to what I was saying.LOL If you have a baby you will be amazing, from what I have seen of you here. My feeling is that we need people like you to have the children of the next generations. ;-)
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Post by Deleted on Apr 29, 2013 4:55:46 GMT -6
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Post by Deleted on Apr 29, 2013 5:04:39 GMT -6
If you have a baby you will be amazing, from what I have seen of you here. My feeling is that we need people like you to have the children of the next generations. ;-) If you are pregnant Lorelei, I agree. You will make a great Mom. I'm still shocked. ;D Wow again ! ;D ;D
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Post by Deleted on Apr 29, 2013 5:33:09 GMT -6
I'm not shocked. You might say that I've been waiting for this kind of news from Lorelei; just hoping that she could find someone that would be very supportive, including being a stay at home mom for a few years if you like! ;D Congrats! I also know you will be an excellent mommy! How exciting! ;D ;D And dawnoftime, your son sounds so cool! Good Job! (and can you point me to where you talk a little more about your parents? The "distant parent" seems to be another thing a lot of us have in common . . .)
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Post by dawnoftime on Apr 29, 2013 7:17:06 GMT -6
I'm not shocked. You might say that I've been waiting for this kind of news from Lorelei; just hoping that she could find someone that would be very supportive, including being a stay at home mom for a few years if you like! ;D Congrats! I also know you will be an excellent mommy! How exciting! ;D ;D And dawnoftime, your son sounds so cool! Good Job! (and can you point me to where you talk a little more about your parents? The "distant parent" seems to be another thing a lot of us have in common . . .) Thanks, JC! I can't remember where I posted about my folks -- I think a little here and there, but I can put it all here for you -- feel free to ask questions, too! My dad came from an alcoholic background. His mom was 16 when she had him and his dad divorced her as soon as he was born so she was a single mom until she met his alcoholic step dad. Bad times. His two brothers, my uncles who were around while I was growing up, became heroin addicts. The whole time I lived here (until ten) they were in and out of jail and bringing drama to the family. My dad was a "dry drunk" and had lots of rage issues. My mom's family I was closer to (my grandparents raised me) but my mom went through some years where she was a speed addict during the same years as my uncles were out of control. She had never been nurtured by her mom and really didn't know how to nurture. My folks were young when they had me (19) and that didn't help. My wife is still struck by how self-centered they are, even though I would consider us pretty close and feel we have a much better relationship now. But I usually am expected to buy my own food when I'm there, keep my personal belongings out of sight and hidden in my room, and not move or use anything of theirs. And yes, I have been struck by this commonality, too. lorelei, there is a huge part of me that wishes we could be expecting at the same time! But we will hopefully share the journey anyway. ;-)
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Post by Deleted on Apr 29, 2013 10:28:34 GMT -6
Congratulations, lorelei... I really believe it is "different" when it's your kid in terms of the tantrums, etc. Not that you don't get tired or frustrted, but somehow I think (for most people) there is just so much love underlying everything you take it in stride. Those precious moments are what you end up remembering. I suppose you're right about that Dawn... I was so scared about my son because my folks were not cut out for parenting. My mom didn't really have what you would call a maternal instinct and for both of them, who liked everything to be a certain way and were very rigid (and as I have said before, I think I understand why) having a child was not a positive experience. Yea... It's sad that people who are unable to be good parents always seem to have children... I guess this long-winded ode to my son's wonderfulness is testement in itself to what I was saying.LOL I'm glad your son turned out OK. He seems like a sweet boy from what you've been saying. If you have a baby you will be amazing, from what I have seen of you here. My feeling is that we need people like you to have the children of the next generations. ;-) Thanks Dawn. I hope I can be a good parent... I've wanted a baby ever since my sister brought my niece home 10 years ago...
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Post by Deleted on Apr 29, 2013 10:31:18 GMT -6
lorelei, there is a huge part of me that wishes we could be expecting at the same time! But we will hopefully share the journey anyway. ;-) I wish you and your partner the best of luck.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 29, 2013 10:31:56 GMT -6
If you have a baby you will be amazing, from what I have seen of you here. My feeling is that we need people like you to have the children of the next generations. ;-) If you are pregnant Lorelei, I agree. You will make a great Mom. I'm still shocked. ;D Wow again ! ;D ;D You're not the only one who's shocked Cliff... ;D ;D ;D
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Post by auntym on Apr 29, 2013 10:48:50 GMT -6
I've been busy lately too... and... erm... I might be pregnant... ;D congratulations lorelei...
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Post by Deleted on Apr 29, 2013 12:20:17 GMT -6
Lorlei...keep positive thoughts and manifest a great reality. JC I was beginning to worry..I'm so glad to see you back.
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Post by dawnoftime on Apr 29, 2013 20:45:30 GMT -6
lorelei, there is a huge part of me that wishes we could be expecting at the same time! But we will hopefully share the journey anyway. ;-) I wish you and your partner the best of luck. Thank you so much! I will keep you posted...
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Post by Deleted on Apr 30, 2013 3:27:51 GMT -6
It appears to have been a false alarm.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 30, 2013 5:00:05 GMT -6
It appears to have been a false alarm. awwwwww . . . .
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Post by dawnoftime on Apr 30, 2013 9:21:46 GMT -6
I hope you are ok. I wouldn't be surprised if it happens very soon, though. Sending you tons of love and support...XO
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Post by Deleted on Apr 30, 2013 11:14:54 GMT -6
I'm sorry friend Panda...practice does make perfect tho.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 30, 2013 15:57:53 GMT -6
I'm sorry friend Panda...practice does make perfect tho. I need to eat some more bamboo... that's what it is...
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Post by Deleted on May 4, 2013 19:48:50 GMT -6
a sad update (besides Lore's news ) The mowers came this week. I have been reluctant to talk about this. . . After reassuring me that he would take great care, I had to replace 4 trees (which I did the next day), and 2 more need replacing. The guy actually ran a weed-eater around the trees and the stake I had in the ground about 3 inches away from them. The trees that lost their budding tops had to be replaced, and one tree (and stake) was run over completely by the mower. When I went out there afterwards I was very conscious of our cameras (during school hours), but later that night when replanting I didn't care if I was recorded throwing things around a bit. I still can't believe it! I literally went out there and talked to the guy, and he had to shut off his mower so we could talk, within 10 feet of the trees. I had just told our school principal where I had started planting and went out there. . . I can't even be mad at the guy, because what if it really was totally accidental, and he'll be more careful next time?
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Post by Deleted on May 5, 2013 7:35:45 GMT -6
a sad update (besides Lore's news ) The mowers came this week. I have been reluctant to talk about this. . . After reassuring me that he would take great care, I had to replace 4 trees (which I did the next day), and 2 more need replacing. The guy actually ran a weed-eater around the trees and the stake I had in the ground about 3 inches away from them. The trees that lost their budding tops had to be replaced, and one tree (and stake) was run over completely by the mower. When I went out there afterwards I was very conscious of our cameras (during school hours), but later that night when replanting I didn't care if I was recorded throwing things around a bit. I still can't believe it! I literally went out there and talked to the guy, and he had to shut off his mower so we could talk, within 10 feet of the trees. I had just told our school principal where I had started planting and went out there. . . I can't even be mad at the guy, because what if it really was totally accidental, and he'll be more careful next time? JC, it could've been accidental or it could've been that the guy doesn't view trees with a lot of importance. I really don't think that there's a lot of education out there on how important trees are. Some people don't think that they're alive. One false belief that I came across was that a man I know said that he had read that when trees become very old, they start using up oxygen. So he believed that it was okay to cut down old growth trees. He had no idea how important trees are to life on this planet.
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Post by Deleted on May 5, 2013 10:12:15 GMT -6
OMG JC... that's HORRIBLE!!!
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Post by Deleted on May 5, 2013 12:38:22 GMT -6
Yeah, I'm going to go with accidental. He may not even have realized he damaged the trees by snipping their tops off. When I think of Weed-eaters, I cringe, and think about the marks they make to the side of new trees, and that's what I looked for, first. Not a single one had that type of mark, so he thought he was careful. In his mind, he may have only destroyed the one he ran over. Which makes this doubly hard. Do I explain to him? Do I stress "No weed-eating", Please?
I've got to pray about it. Needless to say, I'm discouraged, including with our recent weather (it snowed Thursday). But, I'm not giving up! That would be silly! ;D ;D
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CitizenK
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Post by CitizenK on May 6, 2013 13:30:31 GMT -6
So sorry to hear this news JC...unfortunately there are a lot of people who do not value trees the way we do , and in turn are careless. It would do no good to be mad at him, it is insignificant to him how you feel (probably) and would only make your own heart heavy with the anger. You did the right thing to just go re-plant them, and throwing things around a bit probably helped too (in releasing the emotion) Perhaps you could get some simple wire like for chicken coops and the like and make a circular ring with a small stake on each side of it to cage the lil guys in until they are bigger. That is what we do with new plants to keep our chickens off of them and so the kids don't mow them down when helping with yard work,etc. At any rate, I hope they survive the season, cause the mowing times have just begun.
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Post by dawnoftime on May 6, 2013 16:09:07 GMT -6
Oh, I am so, sooooo sorry! That is so sad. For peoiple like us it is like having a baby kitten die, or a beloved puppy. I think many people just think of trees as inanimate. Of course to a nut like me even rocks have personalities! :-D
I am proud of you for having the strength and foresight to replant them. Please try not to be too discouraged. You are making a huge difference.
I think CK's idea is good with the little cages...
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Post by Deleted on May 6, 2013 20:26:45 GMT -6
Of course to a nut like me even rocks have personalities! Hee, hee, hee ;D. I'm a Bible nut! (I'm always questioning the thing)! So when someone talks about "If the rocks could cry out"(a verse in the B.), I instantly get a realistic mental picture! Lol. And, at the time that "pet rocks" came out, I was young enough to appreciate that, etc.. Nowadays, I have a small rock imprinted with the word "courage" on it, and it occasionally makes its way into my pocket with change. ;D (so I guess i'm a bit nutty myself)
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Post by Deleted on May 6, 2013 20:47:47 GMT -6
update: I like the cage idea. I have also thought of 5 huge bags of mulch for 10 dollar. We have a feed store not far, so I will check on the wire. That would also deter children from touching the trees, possibly?? More than mulch would for sure. I went over there tonight and mowed all around (large 10 feet path) and marked out for 6 more trees. I got a nice surprise ! One of the trees I thought I would have to replant has rebudded on the top. The other one, rebudded to the side of the top. I think these might just be something I watch for awhile . I'm starting to draw a small crowd. A lot of teenagers (some, former students of mine) are playing basketball out back now, and play until dark. This little boy (a kindergartener) came running over and I let him mark one of the tree plots ;D. He was so cute! Then his neighbor (teenage boy) came over and got him, thinking he was rescuing me! Ah, such distractions! One of my daughters walked through with me earlier today, checking for damage, including from the weather. I guess I kind of wanted to be "ready" for anything when I came back to work there. Don't take this wrong (I didn't ), she said something like she would check on them for me if I couldn't. Oh man! It felt so serious (the moment) that I went on to ask her if even years from now, after I'm gone, would she? She just as seriously said "yes". Ahhhhhhhhhh. I think I melted into a little puddle right there.
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Post by Deleted on May 6, 2013 21:16:05 GMT -6
I planted a tree once- a spruce tree (pine tree). It's still there- now it's about four feet tall. I planted it when I was 7 years old because Smokey The Bear gave it to me... lol...
Yea. Smokey came to our second grade classroom and gave each and every one of us a small spruce tree sapling and told us to plant it... then he told us about forest fires...
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Post by dawnoftime on May 7, 2013 1:30:52 GMT -6
update: I like the cage idea. I have also thought of 5 huge bags of mulch for 10 dollar. We have a feed store not far, so I will check on the wire. That would also deter children from touching the trees, possibly?? More than mulch would for sure. I went over there tonight and mowed all around (large 10 feet path) and marked out for 6 more trees. I got a nice surprise ! One of the trees I thought I would have to replant has rebudded on the top. The other one, rebudded to the side of the top. I think these might just be something I watch for awhile . I'm starting to draw a small crowd. A lot of teenagers (some, former students of mine) are playing basketball out back now, and play until dark. This little boy (a kindergartener) came running over and I let him mark one of the tree plots ;D. He was so cute! Then his neighbor (teenage boy) came over and got him, thinking he was rescuing me! Ah, such distractions! One of my daughters walked through with me earlier today, checking for damage, including from the weather. I guess I kind of wanted to be "ready" for anything when I came back to work there. Don't take this wrong (I didn't ), she said something like she would check on them for me if I couldn't. Oh man! It felt so serious (the moment) that I went on to ask her if even years from now, after I'm gone, would she? She just as seriously said "yes". Ahhhhhhhhhh. I think I melted into a little puddle right there. What a great moment. Ithink that was just a wonderful little conversation. I remember having a similar talk with my grampa who raised me. When he was getting old no one would talk to him about dying, but he wanted to talk about it, so we would talk about his passing and things he hoped I would go on to do. I think that meant a lot to him -- I know it meant a lot to me and now that he's gone I think of those talks often. I bet your daughter will cherish that memory forever! When I rescued Bertha, my tortoise, I had a talk with my son and asked him if he would look after her when I was gone. She should live for at least 100 years!
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