tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11294189707723320092024-03-18T21:55:53.222-07:00The Year of Nothing NewSue Knott (formerly blogging as Mad Cow)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12578643260876466221noreply@blogger.comBlogger217125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129418970772332009.post-31042398576354439632016-05-01T20:11:00.001-07:002016-05-01T20:12:12.507-07:00ArtofGardening.org: New fence. Old fence.<a href="http://artofgardeningbuffalo.blogspot.com/2016/05/new-fence-old-fence.html">ArtofGardening.org: New fence. Old fence.</a><br /><br />
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Click the subhead for a great link. A friend of mine turned an old fence into the most fabulous walling (is that a word) for his potting shed using old paint and stains he already had. I might like walls like this in my rec room. Great recycling creating a new, not new design statement.Sue Knott (formerly blogging as Mad Cow)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12578643260876466221noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129418970772332009.post-59156061168448728702015-12-08T18:58:00.001-08:002015-12-08T18:58:30.531-08:00Refinishing the leather couch is taking longer than expedted<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWyETVFNAOjoHrn2oShZ7VgQjz_4xcUP4td_kN_d3ih8yu5WkSOsM-SAoK_ikjriGSAhKj5W-B9h4lmfIq9kyamy3SbSg4Ct3nSwNNnbfsTdoCQv0F-LExltljs_5nj2NtROF49wWUEZ-l/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWyETVFNAOjoHrn2oShZ7VgQjz_4xcUP4td_kN_d3ih8yu5WkSOsM-SAoK_ikjriGSAhKj5W-B9h4lmfIq9kyamy3SbSg4Ct3nSwNNnbfsTdoCQv0F-LExltljs_5nj2NtROF49wWUEZ-l/s320/011.JPG" /></a></div>
The old leather is sucking up the dye at an astounding rate, as are the many and deep creases where the couch is tufted. Fortunately, the weather is holding so I can open the windows and work on the couch a little each day. A filler material for some of the larger cracks is supposed to arrive on Friday. After I attend to those cracks, I'm hoping a second coat of dye goes on quickly (this time, with a sprayer). Hoping a second coat (and the sealer) are all it will need. Sue Knott (formerly blogging as Mad Cow)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12578643260876466221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129418970772332009.post-58885870537022874402015-12-07T19:51:00.000-08:002015-12-07T19:51:01.859-08:00Done with round one of my second pair of loom knit socks. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbWhto3PIXKj3AhMrabkVKtE_R8bb_wCraSvHtP-7E6NNgn3ac5W_5Rns075t0RkPe95KlBcn3AejROR58gN3mqG9nwYhnDGNGJDxFGzWVTpVTDqmAAMJR303bR5AYmCp3CiwUgo5HxDck/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbWhto3PIXKj3AhMrabkVKtE_R8bb_wCraSvHtP-7E6NNgn3ac5W_5Rns075t0RkPe95KlBcn3AejROR58gN3mqG9nwYhnDGNGJDxFGzWVTpVTDqmAAMJR303bR5AYmCp3CiwUgo5HxDck/s320/001.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrjXXmp_CBoA5B_pDqydvHBF6kkr_oEOJNZchPMx_jTqTn5Q0Is637XoV_XA8ytNQR_RHyy__q0UzH0dv3mhSzFD9AiyH-uRfssWArGsdI2Ae55nbBYz1NuMPgmI9Xq92B7zw-Fgg2hIbj/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrjXXmp_CBoA5B_pDqydvHBF6kkr_oEOJNZchPMx_jTqTn5Q0Is637XoV_XA8ytNQR_RHyy__q0UzH0dv3mhSzFD9AiyH-uRfssWArGsdI2Ae55nbBYz1NuMPgmI9Xq92B7zw-Fgg2hIbj/s320/004.JPG" /></a></div> I decided I wanted a pair of handknit socks for myself...I guess to prove I did it? Unfortunately, I allowed myself to be intimidated by the snooty ladies at the yarn shop and paid $18 for the damn skein. At least is is washable 100% wool and very pretty. I'm taking it a lot slower on this pair so the arthritis and carpal tunnel don't get too troublesome. I do enjoy the knitting process...it calms me.Sue Knott (formerly blogging as Mad Cow)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12578643260876466221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129418970772332009.post-85716032927901185962015-12-02T20:55:00.002-08:002015-12-02T20:55:53.192-08:00My mosaic art puts broken pieces to good use. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI0EVjtNdDsgLua_XUQl0a1uUgGTmTveo9iFOihyToytkrGlDjJcI2ySitvlGZoVpmhfvJbdgUPjTB-RiYIzG8i722-FVKcjT4l6aqgYSB3X_PqD4e5Uog9RXKRTKk5VUcJ1DoVkBeV1t6/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI0EVjtNdDsgLua_XUQl0a1uUgGTmTveo9iFOihyToytkrGlDjJcI2ySitvlGZoVpmhfvJbdgUPjTB-RiYIzG8i722-FVKcjT4l6aqgYSB3X_PqD4e5Uog9RXKRTKk5VUcJ1DoVkBeV1t6/s320/002.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEion3vnQY5stSunkES8KnWCGO-h2RdfnE5As0UD8Qjm5DEzveDipI1VBuHkOZduSKQ7Uqf478W8CX5qs0TIQCCUt7bC-zwtclHsGmDnlzHKbt6AHcFsqw-L-mmERLzBt3nS3IiC8c6sX169/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEion3vnQY5stSunkES8KnWCGO-h2RdfnE5As0UD8Qjm5DEzveDipI1VBuHkOZduSKQ7Uqf478W8CX5qs0TIQCCUt7bC-zwtclHsGmDnlzHKbt6AHcFsqw-L-mmERLzBt3nS3IiC8c6sX169/s320/003.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAHHfbuDWljFhceZ77LxjJUIRTAqo3t3MALpR2T4QsO1_UVmw30sRQiMDT-wT-mGtp-gzu4uzhyXTRp0TSuNNdxwC2h7eiSDfC0m5bHmq2LANXGkRmpKkx9lHRXQattQjpjtXNzJ9Su7dH/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAHHfbuDWljFhceZ77LxjJUIRTAqo3t3MALpR2T4QsO1_UVmw30sRQiMDT-wT-mGtp-gzu4uzhyXTRp0TSuNNdxwC2h7eiSDfC0m5bHmq2LANXGkRmpKkx9lHRXQattQjpjtXNzJ9Su7dH/s320/004.JPG" /></a></div>
Mosaic is a perfect match for a dedicated recycler. Especially since I've found a cheaper source for broken glass. Sue Knott (formerly blogging as Mad Cow)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12578643260876466221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129418970772332009.post-24700395137695090172015-11-23T17:28:00.001-08:002015-11-23T17:28:28.957-08:00Damn. Missed the good used hardwoodI saw on Craigslist that 1,000 sq ft of used Brazilian cherry in excellent condition came and instantly went (for $2 a sq ft, of course it would) at our local ReUse. I guess I'll have to volunteer there or something if I want to get an exotic hardwood floor. I won't buy one new, but I will buy one used. Sue Knott (formerly blogging as Mad Cow)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12578643260876466221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129418970772332009.post-824746238375537432015-11-11T17:34:00.002-08:002015-11-11T17:35:40.271-08:00It has now, officially been an entire year of nothing new!It started as a sort of whim/challenge and has ended as a lifestyle. I am solidly entrenched in repairing, repurposing and generally trying to always buy used rather than new. I may go back to shopping the clothing clearance racks, but only because I am so good at it that I feel I was getting better bargains new than used (and it's not like I buy that many clothes anyway). Plus, I think there are so many women shopping the thrift stores so effectively that you have to be a rather cut-throat early and frequent shopper to get the best stuff...and I am just not that into expending that kind of energy on clothes shopping. That said, two of my favorite clothing items were purchased used. But, consider that during these 365 days, my "cheating" on buying new clothes added up to a total of $75 for 2 pairs of pants, 5 tops and a dressy hoodie, I did pretty good value-wise. I'm still looking for a not-new engineered hardwood floor. I know I'll find one. Can't wait. Sue Knott (formerly blogging as Mad Cow)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12578643260876466221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129418970772332009.post-4453706304417157972015-11-10T19:27:00.003-08:002015-11-10T19:27:49.787-08:00How real women prevent power tool rust.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKlA7xALNdNcblNdMIyxnrcffnYYXFmGdJkMksfuPW-0GITcGbKaYuDMmkrmKvkiF_qfu9u8OIOSUPUwKRTSfKJs1_yhk7KO5geYlAyA0qQU0pDS1HiTmBv72JS8aJuq4WguU5mjg4NtjQ/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKlA7xALNdNcblNdMIyxnrcffnYYXFmGdJkMksfuPW-0GITcGbKaYuDMmkrmKvkiF_qfu9u8OIOSUPUwKRTSfKJs1_yhk7KO5geYlAyA0qQU0pDS1HiTmBv72JS8aJuq4WguU5mjg4NtjQ/s320/005.JPG" /></a></div> Yes, I cover my power tools in lady products then put them in a garbage bag for the winter (workshop is in the garage). I suppose if I were a lot younger or older, I'd use diapers. Sue Knott (formerly blogging as Mad Cow)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12578643260876466221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129418970772332009.post-20223267501267745192015-11-09T17:59:00.001-08:002015-11-10T19:29:27.059-08:00Free not-new mulch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxMTmMcJyI8zAu_JxnJ31AJ3Q6Ay4sbv06hECOE7Ueu4gV-YEeUN2EyyubjSzBHhuN-MTLG-ZY14KzZ3nJzl2Ku4U9mjs18MC3uYb5gI-g_h8QIA6jwgoCE5m5UvBcNN62vNOIPCzcnFHZ/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxMTmMcJyI8zAu_JxnJ31AJ3Q6Ay4sbv06hECOE7Ueu4gV-YEeUN2EyyubjSzBHhuN-MTLG-ZY14KzZ3nJzl2Ku4U9mjs18MC3uYb5gI-g_h8QIA6jwgoCE5m5UvBcNN62vNOIPCzcnFHZ/s320/013.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUNIRYSTY0kHeo0lhGD8vaT7a5ScmWzZB6Wjk1I9Doj47EKNRZrjk0HmZpj7riED0VDRtg21GIaX_JB4q_7j8v-VsYzZbDl4_T6Nhss1s5G8bFy89jlqcZOsykBtIpBE9I0iDUKyYL2AOK/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUNIRYSTY0kHeo0lhGD8vaT7a5ScmWzZB6Wjk1I9Doj47EKNRZrjk0HmZpj7riED0VDRtg21GIaX_JB4q_7j8v-VsYzZbDl4_T6Nhss1s5G8bFy89jlqcZOsykBtIpBE9I0iDUKyYL2AOK/s320/014.JPG" /></a></div> I was able to get almost all of the pine needles I needed to mulch the beds with this year. My soil is alkaline, so the pine needles help give it the acidity it lacks. Plus, they are a lot lighter to lug around and they are free! The pooch seems to really like them (which could be a problem come Spring). You can also see the half-arsed repair job I did on a birdfeeder. I repaired broken glass, replacing some with acrylic from another too-old-and-broken to fix feeder. I still need to find a part to make the top fit better. Oh well...cost me nothing so far. Sue Knott (formerly blogging as Mad Cow)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12578643260876466221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129418970772332009.post-29078539914724199832015-11-05T20:50:00.000-08:002015-11-05T20:50:18.488-08:00This pair of handknit wool socks only cost $1.29...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_HPPcGOFr9y8iPvoy_gr45tzxH184qJnOAH3qiU6K4DJh6G378LEALnxO4ZB3DPOPUvIQ-ZXJgWk2KJGdnQPMoXckQSf8lDgRgHyM6SOdu-izpfb9jS60dSqqBY7y8jiCQfkBOqoJyxLN/s1600/12183728_10208066673130695_364033999090382081_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_HPPcGOFr9y8iPvoy_gr45tzxH184qJnOAH3qiU6K4DJh6G378LEALnxO4ZB3DPOPUvIQ-ZXJgWk2KJGdnQPMoXckQSf8lDgRgHyM6SOdu-izpfb9jS60dSqqBY7y8jiCQfkBOqoJyxLN/s320/12183728_10208066673130695_364033999090382081_o.jpg" /></a></div> and 48 hours of my life, some (hopefully temporary) carpal tunnel syndrome, and several days of heightened arthritis pain in my hands. So, I might not be knitting another pair any time soon. I do have to say, I enjoyed the process and the fact that it kept me away from snacking. This pair is going to the homeless as I can't imagine putting up with all that discomfort for just silly old me. Sue Knott (formerly blogging as Mad Cow)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12578643260876466221noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129418970772332009.post-19759440297020848352015-10-30T15:39:00.000-07:002015-10-30T15:39:04.108-07:00The cheap hand-knit sock is too expensive for me.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ2uNYczJseJavcbqhfNcY-CcgWcjThcySIYhyphenhyphenrA-jpGqZ-xHvp8JFq67gCatSjVndyoj_8gmEu_CVU-lSb1WY58cQAAVrW8ZSZuSTc7wac8oAiSSNskM_HzCNnKzcfNnZK5b32Xnq-znJ/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ2uNYczJseJavcbqhfNcY-CcgWcjThcySIYhyphenhyphenrA-jpGqZ-xHvp8JFq67gCatSjVndyoj_8gmEu_CVU-lSb1WY58cQAAVrW8ZSZuSTc7wac8oAiSSNskM_HzCNnKzcfNnZK5b32Xnq-znJ/s320/001.JPG" /></a></div>
I don't knit. Or, I didn't until I made this sock. I made it on a knitting loom, so I'm still not sure if that qualifies as knitting. Anyway, as near as I can figure out, it took me about 24 hours to make this ugly sock. It is 100% wool, so it is warm...and the yarn was on sale, so it only cost about $1, but it's that 24 hours I can't afford. Sure, those were hours that I wasn't snacking, but I did get carpal tunnel syndrome while "knitting." Perhaps, if I take it real slow and only do an hour of knitting a day, I might find the time easier to spare. But right now, I think my time would be better spent looking for someone else who only has one sock than to knit the mate to this. Sue Knott (formerly blogging as Mad Cow)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12578643260876466221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129418970772332009.post-24435003219943279682015-10-27T20:00:00.002-07:002015-10-27T20:00:42.740-07:00The plot thickens. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrt5apNOFdq6mjdp-OnCuJ2SR9fG0P_hbes1EXVqHIsYNTe52f9xP1A6K3r4fdiJH1u3ijdJxCaN9e8LZLv-PoVkXnZ-qRwdezdmMJpdfwuOTCobRRWoMs-O73g7ZUr43vtv4O4PaB4WP8/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrt5apNOFdq6mjdp-OnCuJ2SR9fG0P_hbes1EXVqHIsYNTe52f9xP1A6K3r4fdiJH1u3ijdJxCaN9e8LZLv-PoVkXnZ-qRwdezdmMJpdfwuOTCobRRWoMs-O73g7ZUr43vtv4O4PaB4WP8/s320/018.JPG" /></a></div>
I forgot to take a pic until after I started putting the plastic back on, but I think you can get the idea of how much dirt there is piled on my plot. I'd say a little less than half of the purported 10 cu. yds. is spread out over the approximately 220 sq. ft. I tried doing the math to figure out just how high that should be and I discovered that I can't perform math in 3 dimensions. I ran out and bought a bit more plastic to cover the plot and tried to secure it down as best I could, but I'm nervous. They are predicting torrential rain and wind gusts up to 60 mph tomorrow. I guess I'll see how it holds. (Probably shouldn't have bothered raking the leaves?)
Sue Knott (formerly blogging as Mad Cow)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12578643260876466221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129418970772332009.post-42128725880939400402015-10-24T19:13:00.001-07:002015-10-24T19:13:49.654-07:00Get a load of this dirt.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY5Wmuge7K8kXWwDi7UVXyAoX8yvAMJKa6L6NTmmSOelh_WxclLkQMNn7gMcntNJXMHOXzu3Tgeb8rscokTwEBOKnHE4CbFu5YbCOxm7K6h3Fvzlp_OhAjjz37NnJWo32nxBdfVPekaDuu/s1600/12038784_10207995018019362_3479999977859414701_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY5Wmuge7K8kXWwDi7UVXyAoX8yvAMJKa6L6NTmmSOelh_WxclLkQMNn7gMcntNJXMHOXzu3Tgeb8rscokTwEBOKnHE4CbFu5YbCOxm7K6h3Fvzlp_OhAjjz37NnJWo32nxBdfVPekaDuu/s320/12038784_10207995018019362_3479999977859414701_o.jpg" /></a></div>
I was very nervous about ordering my topsoil off craigslist, but--by the looks of it--I have nothing to worry about. This 10 cu. yd. load of 50/50 topsoil/compost looks pretty durn good to me. At $395 delivered, I think it was a decent price for this area. I did think 10 cu yds would be a bigger pile, but this will certainly be enough for the time being (I want to spread it in several other places besides my 220 sq. ft. front yard veggie bed). If it were just a matter of spreading it out on this bed, I might have been able to do it myself...but since it's going all over the place, I hired some muscle to help. Gonna pick up some sand to spread on my clay soil as well (not sure how I'll get it under the existing pile...maybe I'll just sand the open section). In any event, feeling like I'll have a chance at a decent harvest next year. Sue Knott (formerly blogging as Mad Cow)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12578643260876466221noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129418970772332009.post-7069367871897415132015-10-17T20:40:00.000-07:002015-10-17T20:40:09.771-07:00The plot turns: got my clay soil rototilled and actually found some real dirt. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzm1TLtCZSabYXyH5A1npVDU3lDHQxJzWqlt1EailwNJP9_sRUKIVaEkrdjwVF7ff-TBhDk5IvvtoZs6RrdJA9zorx7FgTHpPZ0gPpSlxnSnWkkrFZNKPuQGbwLIfoimzu_oysJShfagn8/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzm1TLtCZSabYXyH5A1npVDU3lDHQxJzWqlt1EailwNJP9_sRUKIVaEkrdjwVF7ff-TBhDk5IvvtoZs6RrdJA9zorx7FgTHpPZ0gPpSlxnSnWkkrFZNKPuQGbwLIfoimzu_oysJShfagn8/s320/011.JPG" /></a></div> When I put a shovel in my plot, I found about a 1/2" of soil over solid grey clay. I knew that digging that myself would likely kill me. I wasn't even sure that rototilling could turn the land into anything close to arable, but knew that was the only route remotely possible. It would cost $45 to rent a machine and I have no easy way to transport it, so I was thrilled to find a guy on craigslist willing to rototill for $65. He had to do several passes to get it to look like dirt. He was surprised it came out this good considering all the clay. So was I. Now, I just have to get topsoil/compost delivered. The company I called wasn't sure they'd be able to do it before closing up for the winter. I'd really, really like to have it done in the fall rather than the spring. We'll see. They are supposed to call me.
Sue Knott (formerly blogging as Mad Cow)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12578643260876466221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129418970772332009.post-88156263262793212872015-10-11T18:11:00.000-07:002015-10-11T18:11:29.961-07:00The black plastic did its job preparing my garden bed.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI6N2lL3ffeijRckuP6e9YgDtLyLAzUJjPYPVvH1f0ODw2R5NMotYpdP6jeVXE3MohDabPzOmNTOAe6qvOBd54Y7jI08xENht9WnfHMB3STZK30SuFh_5_jfBVXDauPu4S5pYsnuB6dG64/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI6N2lL3ffeijRckuP6e9YgDtLyLAzUJjPYPVvH1f0ODw2R5NMotYpdP6jeVXE3MohDabPzOmNTOAe6qvOBd54Y7jI08xENht9WnfHMB3STZK30SuFh_5_jfBVXDauPu4S5pYsnuB6dG64/s320/008.JPG" /></a></div>
Finally pulled off the black plastic that's been covering the grass all summer. I had been worried it might not kill the grass as planned since I had a container garden on top of it and that got watered almost every day. But, that didn't seem to hamper the killing. Hopefully, it got hot enough to kill all the weed seeds, too. I guess I'll find out next year. <br><br>
The plastic was thick (3 ml.), so it still looks in pretty good shape. I'm going to re-use it to cover the bad for the winter after the plot is tilled and the topsoil and compost are spread. Not only was this a cheap and relatively easy way to get rid of the grass, I didn't have to use any toxic chemicals! Sue Knott (formerly blogging as Mad Cow)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12578643260876466221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129418970772332009.post-65783258638292301182015-10-09T17:58:00.003-07:002015-10-09T17:59:38.156-07:00Hot peppers finally turning red.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Cvo5nePS3MxIyVKLrERpUaOImp5Zjh5z-DQR9gxOB_O2RnSZv6JW_2x84v2IIh0-WJsGCYPnrhUQXeZUfVwzdv3zn7zEwKFPB33BRv08_tFZdAjzpjz9K37r1sDbVXrWWj-3_rfhdhlI/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Cvo5nePS3MxIyVKLrERpUaOImp5Zjh5z-DQR9gxOB_O2RnSZv6JW_2x84v2IIh0-WJsGCYPnrhUQXeZUfVwzdv3zn7zEwKFPB33BRv08_tFZdAjzpjz9K37r1sDbVXrWWj-3_rfhdhlI/s320/003.JPG" /></a></div> For awhile, it looked like these were never going to change. I only harvested a few. But, whether it's the coldfront that moved in or the shorter days, they finally started to ripen. Phew! They are the only edibles in my garden that thrived. Sue Knott (formerly blogging as Mad Cow)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12578643260876466221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129418970772332009.post-18130002853163420992015-10-08T18:22:00.001-07:002015-10-08T18:22:47.574-07:00I now have a pair of "not new" dress sneakers. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV5LvPnXeDQQG7302i_z0QKAtdBu7sD5_uv8pR9dzN_K1eb0crfweRo-NxA7UPbHJ-OWCc684MoL9fIs2GQhiJESTp1UpK4n0Sne3YiEPm9G8KfCidFQ04dsSL2udarnLRQjpbpjAY78_m/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV5LvPnXeDQQG7302i_z0QKAtdBu7sD5_uv8pR9dzN_K1eb0crfweRo-NxA7UPbHJ-OWCc684MoL9fIs2GQhiJESTp1UpK4n0Sne3YiEPm9G8KfCidFQ04dsSL2udarnLRQjpbpjAY78_m/s320/014.JPG" /></a></div>
I can only wear sneakers on my bad feet so I wanted to dress them up a bit. Okay, a lot. This was EXPENSIVE...I didn't use the cheapest rhinestones, but I also didn't use the most expensive. These machine-cut gems gave me the best bang for my buck (but, I'm thinking I easily have over $50 in stones on these). I also Shapied the white rubber sides and got dressier laces. Probably took about 5 hours. I'm tough on shoes, but will only be wearing these when I go out to a movie, dinner or some special event. We'll see how they hold up. (I think I could do a lot of damage if I kicked a ne'er do well while I was wearing these.)Sue Knott (formerly blogging as Mad Cow)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12578643260876466221noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129418970772332009.post-78173935315957734872015-10-07T21:34:00.000-07:002015-10-07T21:34:28.479-07:00My hot peppers did great in containers.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhz9q3vv4ExN6LQ5TYg5t-J2jBpU9_rdNpCEiiZQo6CVI6EmDouyx_JDkpOvw54aW7y8goyuhCoOpK3QhwU9NGAhvpMgWz07I5mx59TRRfRIplouxiTFsLVuYN36NI8gXWgeJeyFtlYI0o/s1600/11845240_10207775037759993_7806139485022700234_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhz9q3vv4ExN6LQ5TYg5t-J2jBpU9_rdNpCEiiZQo6CVI6EmDouyx_JDkpOvw54aW7y8goyuhCoOpK3QhwU9NGAhvpMgWz07I5mx59TRRfRIplouxiTFsLVuYN36NI8gXWgeJeyFtlYI0o/s320/11845240_10207775037759993_7806139485022700234_o.jpg" /></a></div>
A reader commented that her peppers and eggplants did well in containers and perhaps it was the heat. I think she is right. The only veggies that did well for me in baskets were my hot peppers. They were more productive in my lousy baskets than peppers I planted at my very fertile rental plot last year. Sue Knott (formerly blogging as Mad Cow)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12578643260876466221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129418970772332009.post-58079229827867227182015-10-05T19:35:00.000-07:002015-10-05T19:35:28.945-07:00The onions and carrots I grew in baskets are pitiful.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsfowrkXf8e508uFMgTtwMJdnFNlnwAYBBxZ9LeFxBGg7dQuo_h-nRceKXdgfSIpPbX9wcGPhp5Jn-0cCNtjzmOeH03avLJnhdGgVM_n6jimpf-iIJgUoi5q5AffGJi26MpqM6GT9Hmlek/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsfowrkXf8e508uFMgTtwMJdnFNlnwAYBBxZ9LeFxBGg7dQuo_h-nRceKXdgfSIpPbX9wcGPhp5Jn-0cCNtjzmOeH03avLJnhdGgVM_n6jimpf-iIJgUoi5q5AffGJi26MpqM6GT9Hmlek/s320/005.JPG" /></a></div>
I grew everything in baskets this year as I transitioned from my rental plot at the farmer's to my new plot in my front yard (the only place I have enough sun). I put black plastic over the plot to kill the grass and will soon be ripping that off and getting in a giant truckload of topsoil/compost to make the plot (hopefully) viable. The contractors sell the topsoil when they build houses around here, leaving barely enough dirt for a lawn. The land is mostly clay. But, it's got to be better for my carrots and onions than the baskets. This is my entire root vegetable harvest. The (purple) carrots aren't even as big as my little finger (last year, at my rental plot, some were bigger than my head). The onions haven't fared much better. Sue Knott (formerly blogging as Mad Cow)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12578643260876466221noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129418970772332009.post-74290260580875380452015-10-03T19:49:00.001-07:002015-10-03T19:49:53.699-07:00At estate sales, it can pay to be very late. Went to an estate sale today at the last hour. There wasn't much left, but I was able to bargain down some great prices because I bought a big pile and there wasn't much time for anyone else to buy the stuff. Very happy to now have several new prints from an artist I have long admired (had one of her prints for a long time...screen prints, which I like...couldn't afford her originals). Sue Knott (formerly blogging as Mad Cow)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12578643260876466221noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129418970772332009.post-12986164235041621062015-09-29T20:17:00.004-07:002015-09-29T20:18:15.640-07:00An expensive update to almost-new sneakers.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhazs00ZhKF4o_L4XsLIP215fXATZYIWN9B6sp0DczCGszZ7G7ALjcIPNfDBgRg35wmdQ5VRARDHYH8013P3Bv3oRqxvP_WyANUF7vD_lCLVbjJ6SBqvnaYOxPu6zFI2zFu3htUaFTCpYR0/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhazs00ZhKF4o_L4XsLIP215fXATZYIWN9B6sp0DczCGszZ7G7ALjcIPNfDBgRg35wmdQ5VRARDHYH8013P3Bv3oRqxvP_WyANUF7vD_lCLVbjJ6SBqvnaYOxPu6zFI2zFu3htUaFTCpYR0/s320/008.JPG" /></a></div>
I got these sneakers for Christmas last year and have barely worn them as I've kept them for zumba and I've only been a few times. I expect I'll be getting another pair for Christmas this year (isn't it nice to have consistent friends who know what you need?), so I decided to try to turn these into "dress" sneakers. (I can only wear the one brand of sneaker, no other shoes allowed on my bad feet.) It is taking an awful lot of rhinestones and they are very expensive (and they aren't even Swarovski, those would be super glittery). However, it isn't taking half as much time as I expected. I did this shoe (I'd say I'm about half done) in under two hours. If the glue holds as promised, I may even make a second pair someday--if I can find a "used" or more affordable source of rhinestones. Sue Knott (formerly blogging as Mad Cow)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12578643260876466221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129418970772332009.post-47051800172699920132015-09-26T19:45:00.000-07:002015-09-26T19:45:53.589-07:00Dying the table yellow with analine dye was sort of a fail.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlGqDgFjsVvrpmQyczMswCZvPqF5nWa0vYAqhQdoWH66vtB_rG-qjJsbMtNEFpnAlXmysnQYuKZXM8Bq9jvwhhS-f-WbCyKOXCAMrrwwd9VWMYvxoqkPPcfJrhz_Sl6oBEs3-gt3gunKNK/s1600/12030337_10207828626939689_6831071960124997209_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlGqDgFjsVvrpmQyczMswCZvPqF5nWa0vYAqhQdoWH66vtB_rG-qjJsbMtNEFpnAlXmysnQYuKZXM8Bq9jvwhhS-f-WbCyKOXCAMrrwwd9VWMYvxoqkPPcfJrhz_Sl6oBEs3-gt3gunKNK/s320/12030337_10207828626939689_6831071960124997209_o.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgInMii8cr0bx6nFrIpQaiKAU4AABWttZec2ERSPGHbeV4207e-qLNAMVcwTFhNYnJ5QL2kKQE0jpY5DdO8wPHrVtZlSSNOx90PWpV11cklhtFp_boVGibDeM_YN9Dbv13WrFPMiPszE4W-/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgInMii8cr0bx6nFrIpQaiKAU4AABWttZec2ERSPGHbeV4207e-qLNAMVcwTFhNYnJ5QL2kKQE0jpY5DdO8wPHrVtZlSSNOx90PWpV11cklhtFp_boVGibDeM_YN9Dbv13WrFPMiPszE4W-/s320/009.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXS3ovhnt1IXb1qNUSmDYj7ndNQUGKXoNSFCLtR1TAUQuVFeKwZ-1Ds6gkuWuo3D8HzDWYtQx_FHjbpMFghLpePoCmxzE8o-G4smnlg3lcwQX8Bza1j4biWDNZ63hlBWBDNs2fb8i2I5FB/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXS3ovhnt1IXb1qNUSmDYj7ndNQUGKXoNSFCLtR1TAUQuVFeKwZ-1Ds6gkuWuo3D8HzDWYtQx_FHjbpMFghLpePoCmxzE8o-G4smnlg3lcwQX8Bza1j4biWDNZ63hlBWBDNs2fb8i2I5FB/s320/020.JPG" /></a></div>
I went through a whole lotta work for not a lotta change. As you can see, the teak veneer did have a lot of red tones. But, in the middle photo, you can see that it did look like it was taking the dye well (the white haze was raised grain that I sanded down). I don't have a picture of the first coat of varnish. That was pretty bad. The white haze that I sanded off didn't completely wash away when I wiped the table down with mineral spirits. White specs were caught in the deep grooves of the grain. A second sanding (and better wiping) and another coat of clear varnish seem to have alleviated most of that problem...but the clear varnish brought up all the red tones in the wood. I don't think you can tell I dyed it yellow at all. If I ever do anymore more refinishing (I've done plenty in the past), I won't try to dye stripped wood (I would try it again on fresh wood). Ya lives and ya learns. I've also learned that today's stripping chemicals are nowhere near as powerful and effective as the ones from two decades ago...makes me reluctant to strip again. Sue Knott (formerly blogging as Mad Cow)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12578643260876466221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129418970772332009.post-75269618663328435982015-09-23T19:17:00.000-07:002015-09-23T19:17:04.580-07:00"Recycling" my kitchen table yet another time.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcZwi0IVyvbz2mf42ETirNgTi5FbWTy06m_Y9UtNb2_K8acfD8VOb7VJsdZiP96dVlZaAB_OUlG5nFbANgsljJTS3L2SE67PsLemQdCe2Z7Hk6c8J4DXvRRvhahw96VGKsx7seU7-7Cymi/s1600/12030337_10207828626939689_6831071960124997209_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcZwi0IVyvbz2mf42ETirNgTi5FbWTy06m_Y9UtNb2_K8acfD8VOb7VJsdZiP96dVlZaAB_OUlG5nFbANgsljJTS3L2SE67PsLemQdCe2Z7Hk6c8J4DXvRRvhahw96VGKsx7seU7-7Cymi/s320/12030337_10207828626939689_6831071960124997209_o.jpg" /></a></div>
Here is an "in process" shot of my kitchen table re-do. It is stripped, sanded and awaiting an application of yellow analine dye. This is the second time I'm refinishing this table. The family seems to excel at destroying furniture. I'm nervous as I've never dyed furniture before. I have always used stain. We'll see how it goes and I'll post when it's done (hopefully in 48 hours).
<br><br> This is definitely the last time I'll be refinishing this. It is veneered and the veneer is now way too thin. Plus, the newer (assumably more eco=-friendly) furniture strippers just don't do the job and I'm getting too old to do the ridiculous amount of sanding required. Though, I do still have a buffet that needs re-done...and I won't be getting to it his year. Oy vey. Sue Knott (formerly blogging as Mad Cow)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12578643260876466221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129418970772332009.post-13058598782825720952015-09-22T19:45:00.000-07:002015-09-22T19:45:14.320-07:00It's not new, but it's not needed. Still, I couldn't resist. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwep5nr7fUhG1tVvhd8ikp_eHZZKC1fYvhGeoegzBiX-sa5XiBe2AaI59QVQkLb6MrTO2KxsZ9gedUvZkPE3GJED2yzfEeBEMVtxzm7OCoWVGEdeym0WFP67d8G8njJ8AwvXEZkgoywb06/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwep5nr7fUhG1tVvhd8ikp_eHZZKC1fYvhGeoegzBiX-sa5XiBe2AaI59QVQkLb6MrTO2KxsZ9gedUvZkPE3GJED2yzfEeBEMVtxzm7OCoWVGEdeym0WFP67d8G8njJ8AwvXEZkgoywb06/s320/004.JPG" /></a></div>
Sorry that I've been negligent on posting. I'm busy getting things done before the weather changes and too exhausted to post. Plus, I haven't been buying much. Today, I did go to Savers (senior's day). And I bought this stupid machine. Even the offspring was wise enough to tell me not to buy it. But, the price was right and the dream of knitting a lovely sweater on a cold Winter's day was too alluring. If I ever get the time and will to open this thing, I'll likely find it's not all there. Doesn't matter if you know you shouldn't do something if you're gonna go ahead and do it anyways. Sigh. Sue Knott (formerly blogging as Mad Cow)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12578643260876466221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129418970772332009.post-34361474118296119002015-09-19T20:31:00.001-07:002015-09-19T20:31:25.428-07:00Difficult to resist new stuff that's cheaper than used stuff. #KohlsLast week I purchased a several items for the offspring at Kohl's. He is seldom in the mood to shop and even less often agreeable to used stuff so a couple shirts and pairs of pants at good sale prices (and with a coupon and a discount) ended up being an efficient, affordable, much needed (really how many days in a row can you wear the same outfit before it walks away on its own?) shopping trip.
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Of course the trouble with Kohl's is the Kohls Cash. I got a $30 certificate to use the next week. The offspring was no longer in the mood to shop and it was too early to shop for Christmas, so that left shopping for me. Another $10 coupon in my email had me heading to Kohl's. I do need jeans and they carry the jeans I like, which makes shopping fast and easy. I bought two pair for what ended up being $3 a pair...that's about half the price of jeans at Goodwill. I also ended up buying a very nice flag-themed t-shirt on clearance for $4...a little pricey, but I always feel bad when I don't have anything patriotic looking on the 4th of July. I know buying "new" defeats my recycling mission, but some bargains are offers I can't refuse.Sue Knott (formerly blogging as Mad Cow)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12578643260876466221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129418970772332009.post-55513217130382265472015-09-15T21:08:00.000-07:002015-09-15T21:08:50.042-07:00Made more repurposed glass birdbaths, too. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgifNsDMKuan_ZtDuAENrNeOtUcEDAbLQpfBNazvhcCUy5xvrNGZDkSBkaOuQf0fyIeZV2JnNLQEwzoXX6nyjmC4cyfUGNO41z9qwHAdhOpQvu1_IH1NpJqU-f_cxCCxK0t6osczeoshexH/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgifNsDMKuan_ZtDuAENrNeOtUcEDAbLQpfBNazvhcCUy5xvrNGZDkSBkaOuQf0fyIeZV2JnNLQEwzoXX6nyjmC4cyfUGNO41z9qwHAdhOpQvu1_IH1NpJqU-f_cxCCxK0t6osczeoshexH/s320/005.JPG" /></a></div> Don't think I'll be selling these 'til Spring. Sure hope they and my car can fit in the garage at the same time. Soooo hoping I don't have to lug them down to the basement. Sue Knott (formerly blogging as Mad Cow)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12578643260876466221noreply@blogger.com0