Posted on in ADRENAL FATIGUE, Graves Disease, hereditary hemochromatosis, HOME SWEET HOME

NEW IMPROVED PAIN SCALE

It is time to rid the world of those dumb smiling emoticons for every number over 5.  I just cannot relate to any of them on a bad day….. Here is a better one to gauge pain. Although I could mascarade my life as # 2 to most while I’m actually hitting # 7. 🙇🏻‍♀️👩🏻‍🏫😳

Posted on in GARDEN, HOME SWEET HOME

OH…THAT OTHER POISONOUS WEED…..SUMAC 🌿


I know what poison ivy and oak look like: 3 shiny leaves on each. Every year in the 13 years I have owned my house I’ve gotten a rash similar to poison ivy on my arms or legs.  Since I have a chronic disease (Hereditary Hemochromatosis) I have a compromised immune and respiratory systems.  I try to be kind to myself because I can’t rewind……Wouldn’t you know a few days ago my face began breaking out……one long holiday with 5 intensely painful and itchy days of waiting to see my pc. Today I went to the doctors. My face was so puffy and swollen. The doctor took one look asked the necessary questions.

Doc- Have you been exposed to poisonous plants? Maybe a cat or dog you may have petted? It looks like poison ivy.

Me- I haven’t been to the back side of my property. That is where poison ivy and oak grow. But wait there is an outdoor kitty…..

…….of coarse I’m going to place full blame on the white one. 

Doc- What about poison Sumac?

Me-  Wait, you mean there are more poisonous plants to worry about? Leaves with a script for mountain moving strength steroids in hand.

So, I’ll look so I can say nope I don’t know what this rash is. Damn! Ive been pulling poison Sumac without realizing it was worse than the other two. Didn’t even realize it grew here. 

I think it is time to rent a goat 🐐 or two? 🐐 🐐 maybe an even half dozen? 🐐 🐐 🐐 🐐 🐐 🐐 

One google search later Ive discovered the culprit. 

Posted on in HOME SWEET HOME

AT LAST 

At last I planted a tree to replace the old rotting oak trees I cut down . It’s an Anjou Pear tree. Hopefully we will get fruit from it in 2 years. Also planted a small Japanese Red Maple and peach tree. All the trees were purchased at Walmart for $11 each.  Last year dig safe (electric and gas), the city water and sewer departments mark the right away for services. Nothing says kaboom like an unmarked gas line! The year ended up so hot without rainfall to plant would have been incredibly hostile for any tree seedling. I called of my tree search. I’m glad I did! I was looking at oak trees not even thinking about a fruit tree. Having grown up with 2 pear 🍐 trees we never lacked for fruit in the fall of every year. 

I planted the peach tree and the Japanese Red Maple tree into pots. I’ll be overwintering each in the greenhouse and plant each next year depending how well the do. I’m not sure if it takes 2 peach tree for cross pollination….. Can’t have peaches if it takes 2 to tango?