The Coffee House

[table1349]

Wonderfull Sunny Sunday in the Flatlands. Been a good weekend so far. Got my new wifi sprinkler controller installed and programed. Added a rain sensor to the equation as well. Even though we water the lawn with well water there is no reason not to water smart and only use the amount of water needed. Put in a Rachio controller. It follows the weather forecasts in real time and waters accordingly to the the temperature, humidity, moisture etc. all for the type of vegetation, soil content and amount of shade in each zone. A friend of ours on city water put one in last season and cut his water bill last summer by better than a third and still had a beautiful lawn.

Also got a new Lilac bush planted in the north corner. Had a bare corner where the neighbors fence and my fence meet. Should fill that space real nicely. Bought a really bright purple variety that is supposed to be the most fragrant of the lot.

 

[Gary A.]

Buenas Dias Coffee Hosers. Yesterday was cold out here ... damn cold. Gary had cooking duties at a Relay for Life event and the temps reached no higher than 60F with winds and rain. The event was in Claremont, which butts up to the San Gabriel Mountains. Snow was predicted in the San Gabriel's ... down to 5000'. It was pretty miserable cooking under a canvas canopy. Last year I was provided with a heavy cleaver to chop up the carne asada and chicken. After feeding the first couple hundred participants my arm kept getting heavier and heavier and I feared it would eventually fall off. Yesterday I took my knives ... what a difference between slicing cleanly through the meat and bludgeoning the meat into small pieces. If you have bones, then hammer away with a cleaver, but if the meat is boneless ... then slicing works much better.

The rain hit home in the middle of the night. It felt and sounded as if a fire hydrant had be snapped off by a car ... Loud, furious and pounding.

 

[terri]

@Gary: Eeek! Sounds like it was service to a good cause, and the weather decided not to cooperate! But you can't wish away rain in California, either - anyone who's lived through a drought (like those of us in the SE USA, as well) learns to grin and bear it. We've been getting much cooler temps and unexpected rains here, as well. Since it could easily be dry as a bone with temps inching up towards the 90's, I'm having to grin and bear it, too.

It's moved out now, and this morning has been cloudless, sunny and cooler. Beautiful May day!

 

[Gary A.]

Here too, the Sun has returned, the butterflies are out and the plants are happy. I would never wish away rain ... but there is nothing wrong with 24 hours of showers rather than five minutes of cats and dogs.

 

[table1349]

Sorry for the less than ideal weather Gary. Would have pushed ours your way if I could. 84, sunny with a slight breeze yesterday and only 82 today. First part of the week low 80's switching to thunderstorms Wednesday and Thursday then back to sunny in in the middle 70's through next weekend.

On a productive note, got the garden mulched and watered in. Only took 25 bags this year. The wife is going out to plant her annuals in a little bit. Tomorrow is mowing day.

Really happy with the new sprinkler controller. Checked it today and it has revised the watering schedule. Two zones are going to get a small water tomorrow as they are in full sunshine. The whole yard doesn't get watered until Wednesday. I usually water every three days in weather like this, going to every other day in June. Once the heat hits then it's everyday. Like most people we probably over watered. This thing should save on the amount of water I put down.

I've always been interested in the weather and now this has sparked my interest again in putting in a PWS, since I can hook it up to the controller as well and have actual on property readings for it to use.

 

[table1349]

If you like coffee, like to read and do so electronically then you might be interested in this. Download Coffee by H. E. Jacob - BookBub

 

[Gary A.]

The grapes are exploding. These are Chardonnay.

Gary is beat. His little body is aching all over from yard work and yesterday's cooking for 300 peoples. Lots of yard work, mainly tree trimming. Mary Lou cuts the branches and Gary makes small ones out of big ones then he spreads the small ones throughout the rose garden paths. Gary has a rather large blood blister on his middle finger from the clippers. But it is done and we are relaxing in the patio watching lightening, listening to the thunder and rain and sipping on some vino from Provence. The Hummers are still out and about but the butterflies have retired.

 

[Gary A.]

Mary Lou has brought out some artichokes ... now were eating artichokes and drinking wine. Lots of fighting at the hummingbird feeder.

 

[Gary A.]

Three artichokes later, Gary is ready to move inside. Gary has never had three artichokes before. Gary is full.

 

[table1349]

For all of you trudging off to a job this fine Monday morning.....

 

[terri]

Happy Monday, hosers!

 

[limr]

Happy Monday, hosers!

Back atcha

 

[Gary A.]

Gary returned from his early morning appointments and went to bed. Gary is on the edge of being under the weather. He is kicking back and watching the Yates/Clapper hearing.

 

[smoke665]

Gary is on the edge of being under the weather.

Feel for you. Sinus congestion, drainage, headache, for the past week. Think the changing weather brought on some respiratory infection.

 

[EIngerson]

Hi everyone. Hope your Monday went well.

I found myself in a debate with a "$50 photoshoot" photographer today. I don't judge honestly, It just baffles me that people aren't honest about their talent level. I was as polite as I could be, but had to be clear that her work was not "Professional quality" as she advertised.

I really have no idea why that bothers me so much.

Sorry, rant over.