Gardening and Observing Life in SW Washington

Resolve to be Optimistic

Posted by: BriarCraft, 11:43 PM GMT on December 27, 2012

OPTIMISM

1. A tendency to expect the best possible outcome or dwell on the most hopeful aspects of a situation.
2. Philosophy: (a.) The doctrine, asserted by Leibniz, that this world is the best of all possible worlds. (b.) The belief that the universe is improving and that good will ultimately triumph over evil.

OPTIMISM BIAS

We humans are hard-wired to be optimistic. It has been said that we are the only species with foreknowledge of our own mortality. That may or may not be true. I have yet to see any concrete proof that a cat believes it is going to live forever or that a dog doesn't know when it is about to die. They used to say animals didn't experience emotion and that has been proven wrong. But that's another discussion for another day.

We might, and probably do, have a more vivid and detailed imagination than less evolved animals. As cavemen, our ancestors could picture just what would happen to them if that woolly mammoth got them before they managed to get it. Or what would happen if they couldn't climb out of reach of that saber-toothed tiger in time. And then there was disease and infection and any number of other things that could go wrong to make life miserable, or worse.

If not for optimism, it would be easy to become depressed and despondent. Why make the effort? Why keep on struggling? Why keep trying for something better? One could say it's instinct. Maybe it is. Maybe instinct forces us to adopt an optimistic attitude most of the time.

According to an article in Time:
You might expect optimism to erode under the tide of news about violent conflicts, high unemployment, tornadoes and floods and all the threats and failures that shape human life. Collectively we can grow pessimistic — about the direction of our country or the ability of our leaders to improve education and reduce crime. But private optimism, about our personal future, remains incredibly resilient. A survey conducted in 2007 found that while 70% thought families in general were less successful than in their parents' day, 76% of respondents were optimistic about the future of their own family.

Overly positive assumptions can lead to disastrous miscalculations — make us less likely to get health checkups, apply sunscreen or open a savings account, and more likely to bet the farm on a bad investment. But the bias also protects and inspires us: it keeps us moving forward rather than to the nearest high-rise ledge. Without optimism, our ancestors might never have ventured far from their tribes and we might all be cave dwellers, still huddled together and dreaming of light and heat.

To make progress, we need to be able to imagine alternative realities — better ones — and we need to believe that we can achieve them. Such faith helps motivate us to pursue our goals. Optimists in general work longer hours and tend to earn more. Economists at Duke University found that optimists even save more. And although they are not less likely to divorce, they are more likely to remarry — an act that is, as Samuel Johnson wrote, the triumph of hope over experience.

Most of us know from experience that when you feel optimistic about a project or about life in general, things just seem to go better and are more interesting. Conversely, when you are feeling "down" or pessimistic, things just seem to go wrong, and they aren't fun or interesting. Since optimism feels good and pessimism doesn't, you'd think we all would be optimistic all of the time. Unfortunately, it doesn't work that way.

Sometimes, watching too much news on TV or spending too much time around not-nice people or dealing with grief can bring us down. At times like that, I've found it helpful to just go through the motions of positive thinking. That seems to jump-start the feelings and thoughts that are optimism. It's a do-it-until-you-feel-it sort of thing. Or, if you prefer: Move the muscles and the brain will follow.

According to Mayo Clinic:
Researchers continue to explore the effects of positive thinking and optimism on health. Health benefits that positive thinking may provide include:

* Increased life span
* Lower rates of depression
* Lower levels of distress
* Greater resistance to the common cold
* Better psychological and physical well-being
* Reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease
* Better coping skills during hardships and times of stress

It's unclear why people who engage in positive thinking experience these health benefits. One theory is that having a positive outlook enables you to cope better with stressful situations, which reduces the harmful health effects of stress on your body. It's also thought that positive and optimistic people tend to live healthier lifestyles -- they get more physical activity, follow a healthier diet, and don't smoke or drink alcohol in excess.

According to the Society for Building a Healthier Kugluktuk (a First Nation people in Canada):
Possibly the most outstanding attribute of optimists is their ability to persist in pursuing goals, especially when facing obstacles. They are committed to act on their wishes, and can tolerate hardships in pursuit of their dreams. The certainty of achieving their goals increases efforts when coming across difficulties. It is therefore little wonder that optimists are among life's successful people in business, sports, or anything they set their minds to.

Ring in the New Year
Welcome 2013
Seems like a good time to be optimistic.
What are your New Year's Resolutions?

At the top of my list:
Be generous with smiles and hugs and other gifts of happiness. I'll never run out, no matter how many I give away.

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51. BriarCraft 9:54 PM GMT on January 06, 2013
Karen: People sometimes forget just how smart 6-year-olds are. They may have a limited vocabulary and be vertically challenged, but their brains are soaking up information like sponges. WTS: I hope your abrasive work environment is to do with the materials and not the co-workers. If I recall, you work at a place that grinds lenses for industrial use, so it could be either or both. Since I can't see to drive without glasses, I always keep a spare pair; scratched and out of focus is better than nothing. Member Since: June 21, 2004 Posts: 49 Comments: 2425

52. Ylee 12:50 AM GMT on January 07, 2013
Hi, Briar! Thanks for stopping by and voting! Been trying to catch up on the blogs all day! I was really hoping you would be able to pop in, but with my computer it's "click and walk away for awhile", too! :) Hope you are doing well! Member Since: February 3, 2011 Posts: 65 Comments: 11333

53. sandiquiz 8:23 AM GMT on January 07, 2013
Good morning to you. It is a Monday morning, the first day back at school for the children and teachers, and the first day back at work for many employees whose companies closed down for the two weeks over Christmas and New Year. After two relatively quiet weeks, the sound of the traffic going past my house is a constant drumming, again, ..... roll on 9am and then it will go quiet again! The are two large schools in the area and the parents drive down the hill past my house from the surrounding villages to take their darlings to school. Also it is another route into town at rush hour, because the main route gets busy. At least I can sit in comfort, drinking coffee, smiling, because I no longer have to join them! (That's positive thinking!) Member Since: October 29, 2005 Posts: 252 Comments: 22433

54. WatchinTheSky 11:42 PM GMT on January 07, 2013
:) abrasive coworkers, oh yes, there's a couple! But it is the ceramic dust from the materials our lasers cut that scratches the lenses. I've mainly got astigmatism, so I can do a lot without glasses (reading narrow fonts is the worst). But now closeup vision is not what it was (grrr.. getting older - what!) Progressive lenses with AR coatings are awesome! Have a good week :) Member Since: September 20, 2005 Posts: 115 Comments: 815

55. BriarCraft 12:01 AM GMT on January 08, 2013
Ylee: I'll be watching my My Favorite Blogs to see when you post the winners. Click-and-walk-away worked on your blog, but I discovered it doesn't always work. I went by Pcola57's blog yesterday, as she has a collection of "best of 2012" images. I was only able to see about half of them, and it was well worth the wait. Unfortunately, I can only imagine the rest of them. Sandi: Ah yes, the days of rush hour traffic are past. Thankfully. At least most of the time. When I go to Portland, Oregon, to visit my parents, as I'll be doing tomorrow, I will get caught in that dratted traffic. There are only two bridges that cross the Columbia River between Portland and Vancouver, Washington, and that makes for a horrid bottle-neck during rush-hour. It will take me about 80 minutes to travel the 75 miles from home to my parents', but I'll spend close to an hour just traveling the 10 miles from their house to cross over the bridge. I'll be thinking of you sipping coffee and smiling whilst I'm inching along in traffic this time tomorrow. WTS: Progressive lenses -- gotta love 'em! It took nearly two weeks of wearing the first set I got before my eyes adjusted and "learned" how to see straight. Well worth that slightly nauseating time, as I'd never have anything different now. As regards scratches, I've tried the scratch-resistant and the anti-glare coatings at different times. I swear I had fewer scratches and noticed them less with the anti-glare coating. Go figure! Member Since: June 21, 2004 Posts: 49 Comments: 2425

56. GardenGrrl 10:57 AM GMT on January 08, 2013
Good Morning. Ah yes it's that time of year for new eyeglasses. Am hoping that one of the "lense R Us" stores has another two for one sale soon. Prescription computer glasses are wonderful...but need the regular glasses first. We have just about the same temp this morning. Member Since: March 25, 2007 Posts: 218 Comments: 7268

57. PugetSoundPost 3:51 PM GMT on January 08, 2013
Thanks Briar for sharing a bit of life. We all have these sad patches that we have to keep moving through. Now I am moving into a busy time regarding closing up the life of my mom and the current dreary weather seems about right, I guess. But, there are laughs to share too and sweet memories. Thanks for coming by! Member Since: October 8, 2001 Posts: 155 Comments: 612

58. sandiquiz 6:58 PM GMT on January 09, 2013
When you said you were going on your trip...tomorrow...I wasn't sure whether that was yesterday or today. Hope you had a good trip, not too much of a traffic jam, and enjoyed the visit with your family. :-) Actually 80 minutes for 75 miles is good going. If I tried to drive into London, which is about 45 miles away, it would take me almost two hours. That's why I go by train! Member Since: October 29, 2005 Posts: 252 Comments: 22433

59. BriarCraft 9:52 PM GMT on January 09, 2013
GG: I've noticed that temps have been dipping down in Texas. Is that little rebel parakeet still hanging around your neighborhood? Hope he's found shelter somewhere. Puget: Somehow, it seems sadder to lose a loved one at holiday time. The days are gloomy enough this time of year without adding sadness to the mix. I hope those sweet memories will carry you through. Sandi: From my perspective, you live in tomorrowland. I mean, you're starting your day, which is tomorrow for me, about the time I'm going to bed for the night. Two hours to go 45 miles would be tedious, but at least you have an alternative means of getting there. There are no mass transit options available here. I managed to start my trip back north (toward home) before the worst of rush hour, so it only took about 2 hours. I did have to drive through a couple of patches of torrential rain where I had to slow down to see where I was going. --------------------- We have a chance of snow starting this evening and lasting through Monday. After the rain we had yesterday, which resulted in standing water in places, if it gets cold enough for the snow to stick, it will be on top of ice. Good thing my bird seed inventory got replenished recently. Member Since: June 21, 2004 Posts: 49 Comments: 2425

60. Ylee 3:25 AM GMT on January 10, 2013
Even though I've had feeders up for a couple of months, the birds would rather forage in the grass! It usually takes a good snow before they start hitting the feeder. Once the snow goes away, they'll keep eating out of the feeders until I stop in the late spring! Hope the weather is kind! Member Since: February 3, 2011 Posts: 65 Comments: 11333

61. BriarCraft 10:28 PM GMT on January 10, 2013
Ylee: Does the term "bird brain" ring a bell? It does take snow or other bad weather, with a goodly dose of just plain dumb luck, to get those dumb birds to know there's food available. Once they see one of their buddies eating, then word spreads fast. I started feeding birds here the winter of 03-04, and with having food out all the time, it wasn't until 08 that they really got the idea that food was here all the time. -------------------- No snow or other precipitation yet, although the clouds pale gray and it is a bit nippy out at 37F right now. The only activity on the radar is around Puget Sound. Jury is still out if we're going to get any white stuff here. -------------------- I noticed this headline on BBCnews today: A dozen killer whales trapped under sea ice with only a single breathing hole have reached safety in Canada's Hudson Bay, local villagers have reported. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-2097553 6 Having recently watched the movie Big Miracle on TV, I found this story of particular interest. Big Miracle was based on a real incident that happened in 1988 off Point Barrow, Alaska. It was a pretty good movie, too. Member Since: June 21, 2004 Posts: 49 Comments: 2425

62. sandiquiz 8:05 AM GMT on January 11, 2013
When I saw the early news about the killer whales, they were stuck and no one quite knew what to do. Ice breakers were to far away to get there in time, we were told. Then later in the day, the news was the ice had opened, and the whales had gone. Hopefully they make it out to the Atlantic, although the report you posted did say they had over 60 miles to cover, through ice flows and inlets, before reaching safety. Talking of strange sea creature stories, also on the news yesterday was a report of a pod of dolphins, estimated to be 500 strong, was seen off the coast of Wales. It is thought they were after the herring. They are not usually seen in our waters during the winter.... perhaps the constant storms from the Atlantic has kept the surrounding sea slightly warmer? Member Since: October 29, 2005 Posts: 252 Comments: 22433

63. GardenGrrl 2:57 PM GMT on January 11, 2013
Some strange weather. Hard to imagine it's warm enough for dolphins off of Wales this time of year. Brair, I think my little rebel is gone. Have not seen him since the first hard freeze. Keep hoping to see the him though, but it's not likely. The purple house finches have come back so that makes me happy. Member Since: March 25, 2007 Posts: 218 Comments: 7268

64. BFH 7:38 PM GMT on January 11, 2013
My "feeble attempt" at being optimistic --- I will be far more careful and diligent in keeping my important computer files backed up. The day after Christmas, my computer displayed the "blue screen of death". My solid state hard drive suffered a catastrophic failure. I couldn't re-boot. I couldn't repair or restore Windows 7 using the operating system dvd. As I was "surfing" at the time, I may have been sniped or fallen to a virus. Though I thought my files were being backed up, some of the most important weren't among those I needed most... I lost over 2,000 business and personal contacts information. Names, addresses, phone #s, birthdays, anniversaries, emails, notes on business phone conversations - the works. During the last year I had digitized many "important papers" as .pdf files. I lost more than a few of those. Insurance, etc. The paper copies were shredded after scanning. Two weeks later, I'm still trying to piece my life back together... One of my acquaintances, recently, suffered a total failure after a "near miss" lightning strike that caused a power surge. She had to buy a new computer, as well as some of her other "electronics". Moral: Check and double check, then check again to be sure your computer is properly backed up. Member Since: March 2, 2012 Posts: 0 Comments: 29

66. BriarCraft 8:55 PM GMT on January 11, 2013
Sandi: There was also a massive dolphin sighting off Dana Point on the southern California coast on Jan. 9. I saw a video of it on the evening news last night. Since the Pacific Ocean is quite a bit cooler than the Atlantic, the ocean temperature of 55F (13C) off the southern Cal. coast might not be a whole lot different than that off Wales. With all the record temperatures all over the world this past year, I wonder if the ocean temperatures and/or currents are messing with whale and dolphin habits??? GG: Purple house finches? They won't return here until mid-May. Are you going to go finch hunting with your new camera? If you do manage to "shoot" one, you could give us a better view than could ever be gotten with just our eyes. BFH: Hard to be optimistic in the face of major computer problems. Have you tried taking it to a professional geek somewhere? I have an external hard drive and I try to remember to back up to it about once a month. Key word being try. I've got a lot of things backed up but, like you, I'm sure if my computer crashed I would suddenly discover all sorts of things I didn't get backed up. That's got to feel like an important chunk of your life got trashed. You could go over to Bogon's blog and do a little moping. Or simply endure until you're able to move on to happier things. Member Since: June 21, 2004 Posts: 49 Comments: 2425

67. BFH 2:01 AM GMT on January 12, 2013
Re: Have you tried taking it to a professional geek somewhere? It was a Solid State Drive. The company, that manufactured it, replaced it under warranty, so I had to send the "old one" back. I didn't try any of the geeks. When booting up, the computer didn't even recognize that the drive was there. When I tried to do a dir(ectory) search from a c: prompt no files were found. I didn't pursue it because I thought I had everything backed up. Little did I know... Member Since: March 2, 2012 Posts: 0 Comments: 29

68. BFH 2:06 AM GMT on January 12, 2013
Briar, what birds do you have visiting this time of year? I know little about identification. I know a few names but aside from blue jays, I can't tell them apart. The blue jays, four of them, I think, can wipe out a store bought suet cake in a days time... Member Since: March 2, 2012 Posts: 0 Comments: 29

69. Ylee 4:36 PM GMT on January 12, 2013
Lately, I've been seeing this little poofy brownish gray wren piddling around the yard(ignoring the feeders, of course). This little bird shows no fear of me, just hopping away a bit when I get within five feet! It's not even concerned when the cats are stalking, although it will fly if a cat tries to pounce! Hope you're having a good weekend! Member Since: February 3, 2011 Posts: 65 Comments: 11333

70. BriarCraft 7:26 PM GMT on January 12, 2013
BFH: Flickers are around for awhile yet. At the feeders, I see stellar jays, mourning doves, goldfinches (in their winter drab green), pine siskins, Oregon junkos, and a couple of varieties of chickadees. Ylee: The pine siskins here are almost tame, like you describe. If fact, before I upgraded to 3 thistle socks, I actually touched one when I was refilling the seed. ------------------ It's cold here with overnight lows in the 20s, very heavy frost, but now snow. Blue sky and sunshine is nice to look at, even if it is cold. Can't pet a cat without getting and giving a shock. It's got them all nervous. Member Since: June 21, 2004 Posts: 49 Comments: 2425

71. sandiquiz 10:06 AM GMT on January 13, 2013
Chilly here, too, but the sun is shining, for the moment. The cars are all iced up, but nothing to what we are being forecast for tomorrow. Widespread snow across the country... Monday is not a good day to snow! Time for a second coffee here! Have a Good Sunday:) Member Since: October 29, 2005 Posts: 252 Comments: 22433

72. Proserpina 12:26 PM GMT on January 13, 2013
Good morning dear Ms Optimist! I like the blog even though some days are a challenge to stay optimistic! We have warm temperatures for this time of the year, also rain and dense fog at night. Actually we need some good cold temperatures to kill off the rampant bugs (literally, such as ticks) and germs that currently are not being so kind to us in this area. I have been up for quite a while, just playing around websites, FB, and here on WU. It is time for me to go downstairs to feed the birds, Koko, and even me. Wishing you a very nice Sunday. Member Since: May 6, 2008 Posts: 152 Comments: 16737

73. sandiquiz 9:52 AM GMT on January 14, 2013
Just call me Miss Unobservant! I have looked at that last image in your header every time I have been to visit, and it is only today it hit me that it represents wet and dry or sun and rain! We have snow... the first of the winter 2012/13... and the last, I hope! Member Since: October 29, 2005 Posts: 252 Comments: 22433

74. BriarCraft 10:03 PM GMT on January 14, 2013
Sandi: It's starting to warm up here. Clouds came in yesterday afternoon, which made the overnight low not as cold as the previous night. Currently, the temperature is 32F/0C and it's been snowing lightly for the past 4 hours -- just about half an inch so far. There is no precipitation in the forecast, but I think that's wrong, as it looks to me like the first snow of 2013 is here, as well as in your area. My take on that last picture of sunny and dry vs. dark and stormy is more symbolic, that you can make of your day what you want. Then again, there have been times when I could see sunshine bright enough to cast shadows on one side of the house while it was most definitely raining on the other side. Pros: I know what you mean about wishing for some good killing frosts to kill off some of the rampant bugs. I was shocked and amazed when I first moved to southern California where there are years that go by without a single frost. I had to battle fleas year-round in my home and even got bitten by fleas in carpeted commercial buildings. I do hope you get enough cold this month to kill a lot of fleas and ticks. Member Since: June 21, 2004 Posts: 49 Comments: 2425

75. SBKaren 11:18 PM GMT on January 14, 2013
Fleas - ugh, fleas! That's one little critter that I would love to see eradicated off the face of this earth. I'm not sure they are good for anything, unlike lots of other creatures. Our flea problem last year was HORRIBLE because we did NOT have a cold winter last year. This year is definitely a different story, so I'm hoping this summer is better. We don't have to worry about ticks here at the beach, but fleas, oh yea! Member Since: February 21, 2005 Posts: 191 Comments: 14190

76. Ylee 4:09 AM GMT on January 17, 2013
We don't have a flea problem around here, I guess because of our colder winters, but with all the furbearing varmits around here, ticks are a big problem. Spent many a walking trip in the woods in late spring/early summer with socks over my pants legs! :') Member Since: February 3, 2011 Posts: 65 Comments: 11333

77. BriarCraft 4:22 AM GMT on January 17, 2013
Karen: I dose the cats with Frontline from about June to September or October and that takes of the fleas in this climate. Ylee: Would you believe I've ever only seen one tick in my entire life? ---------------------- Mixed news at the eye doctor. The good news is my vision has hardly changed in the last two years, so I didn't bother to order new lenses. That made me happy, as the last couple eye exams yielded some significant lens changes. ADD: Okay. Senior moment here. In recent years, I've had an increasingly difficult time seeing the road with oncoming headlights. The reason? Cataracts are starting to form. Makes one more susceptible to glare. Not actually bad news, but not great, either. First the hip. Now the eyes. And cataracts are relatively easy to fix these days, so not a big deal. But still... Pieces and parts of me are starting to wear out. Oh well, it happens to all of us. Member Since: June 21, 2004 Posts: 49 Comments: 2425

78. Ylee 4:51 AM GMT on January 17, 2013
Not spending money on new glasses is good news; is there bad news? Member Since: February 3, 2011 Posts: 65 Comments: 11333

79. sandiquiz 1:43 PM GMT on January 17, 2013
Quoting Ylee: Not spending money on new glasses is good news; is there bad news? I was about to say the same. You said "mixed" news, but only told us good news?? My last visit to the optician resulted in the same thing: not a big enough change to warrant a new set of glasses, but since my op last October I do think there has now been a change, especially in my left eye, so perhaps a re-visit is needed. But I am trying to be optimistic, hoping it is all in my imagination. Member Since: October 29, 2005 Posts: 252 Comments: 22433

80. BriarCraft 11:37 PM GMT on January 17, 2013
Ylee and Sandi: You caught me! I can only blame it on a "senior moment". I have added to #77 to complete the story. Member Since: June 21, 2004 Posts: 49 Comments: 2425

81. Ylee 3:13 AM GMT on January 18, 2013
At least with modern laser surgury, cataracts are a lot easier to recover from than hip replacement! My uncle said his warranty must've expired when he hit 50, because that's when things started falling apart! :') Member Since: February 3, 2011 Posts: 65 Comments: 11333

82. calpoppy 1:22 PM GMT on January 18, 2013
Hi Briar! I will pipe in on fleas. They don't live at higher altitude, has nothing to do with the cold here, just that we are higher. My youngest didn't know about fleas since he grew up without them. When he moved to florida he had these bites on his legs he wondered what they were from, lol!! Cataracts surgery would certainly ber easier then what you went through last year! Though I recently had a customer after having cataract surgery complain that now everything is to bright, lol!! Member Since: February 18, 2008 Posts: 33 Comments: 2434

83. GardenGrrl 5:29 PM GMT on January 18, 2013
Hi, my Dad is in his 80's and just had cataract surgery. He loves it. Dad and step mom drive all over creation. Scared me though when he said; "I can read the dashboard now." Lord, I get to worry about them now like they used to worry about me. Member Since: March 25, 2007 Posts: 218 Comments: 7268

84. BriarCraft 1:03 AM GMT on January 19, 2013
Ylee: Your uncle said it better than just about anybody. It does feel like the warranty just ran out. I've had that exact thing happen with my last car. It was only two days out of warranty when something that would have been covered broke. I think my own warranty expired at about 55. Poppy: I can only imagine that Florida's tropical fleas would be more plentiful and energetic than SoCal's sub-tropical variety. GG: What goes around comes around. And if your dad is even half the trouble you were, you're going to have your hands full. Remember curfew? Well, just try telling a parent, "Be home before dark". Yes, cataract surgery is a piece of cake any more. No more waiting for them to get "ripe". I knew someone who had an experimental type of cataract surgery in 1978. Took about 2 hours, start to finish, and then he got to go home. Had to wear a protective eye patch to bed for about a week. Procedures have only gotten better since then, so I'm not worried. It's been over 10 years since I first noticed I needed bright light to read the fine print on a map. I can still read the dashboard, even without a flashlight, so I'm good to go for awhile yet. Member Since: June 21, 2004 Posts: 49 Comments: 2425

85. sandiquiz 12:17 PM GMT on January 20, 2013
Both my elderly aunt and uncle had cataract operations. It is an in and out job, now. The doctor told my aunt she should not bend down or bend over for two weeks. Her reply was - "Who will wash my kitchen floor each day if I don't!" Yes, at 87, she still gets on her hands and knees to wash the kitchen floor! This is the same person who told me she cleared all the snow from her drive and path yesterday, and then went to help her "old" neighbour. The neighbour must be all of ten years younger! lol I do hope I have as much energy in 25 years, but I doubt it! Member Since: October 29, 2005 Posts: 252 Comments: 22433

86. BriarCraft 10:02 PM GMT on January 20, 2013
Sandi: I do so admire spunky people like your aunt, who just keep on going. My father sums up his attitude on the subject, "If I stop doing things, pretty soon, I'll get old and won't be able to." Your aunt probably would agree. ------------------------ We stopped hosting Saturday game nights at our house awhile back. After two years of it, I enjoyed not having to clean house and prepare munchies every Saturday, but I missed the camaraderie and the games. Now, some of us get together on Saturday afternoons at a coffeehouse in Chehalis. Yesterday, I did more than just spend the afternoon in Chehalis (18 miles north of here). I spent the morning in Longview (30 miles south). My favorite garden store hosted a speaker on the subject of indoor and hydroponic gardening. Couldn't miss that. I've been intimidated by hydroponic gardening and unsuccessful with house plants. On the other hand, I use the greenhouse to start flower and vegetable seeds early in the spring. I'm glad I attended that lecture. After what I learned, I think I might try my hand at hydroponics on a small, experimental scale next fall. Among other things, I learned that one can influence the life cycle of plants, even short-lived annuals such as lettuce, by controlling the amount of light. A plant regularly exposed to light for 18-24 hours a day will not blossom or go to seed; it will simply produce foliage. Reduce the light to 12-15 hours and you get blossoms and fruit. It was quite a day, getting up before breakfast to attend the lecture, then playing board games all afternoon, and not returning home until after dark. And since DH stayed home, he got to feed the wild birds and cook dinner. Too much fun! Member Since: June 21, 2004 Posts: 49 Comments: 2425

87. SBKaren 10:31 PM GMT on January 20, 2013
Well, we have fleas. I put Advantage on the kitty and dog, but the dog still gets a few. I try to manage those with a flea comb. We used to have a lot of fleas (pre-Advantage). How did I know? We never got bitten, but my nephew apparently has what I call 'sweet meat'. They would come up to stay, and he would become a meal for the. fleas I was surprised, to say the least. Then, way back when, before we knew better and there weren't many options, we bombed the house, sprayed the back yard, and put Advantage on the pets. So, the flea population was just about eradicated, but not quite. The next time our nephew visited, he had but a couple of bites. Much better than the 30 or so he had before. I have heard from so many that last year was just a very bad year because of our weather. I'm hoping this summer will be better. We vacuum every other day (mostly because of the dog hair - light gray carpeting, black dog!), and we've treated our backyard with DE. Like I said, we don't have a 'problem', but we still have fleas. My mom had cataract surgery last year. She's 85. In and out. No sweat (coming from one who hasn't had the surgery!!!) I wear mono-vision contacts. My left eye is my close up and my right eye is my distance. I also don't really like to drive at night because I get the halo around lights. It's not horrible bad, but I wish they weren't there. I'm pretty sure it's the contacts, because if I don't wear them, I don't see the halos. Warm here now. Has been and should be for the next week. A nice change from the 55f highs we had the week before! Member Since: February 21, 2005 Posts: 191 Comments: 14190

88. GardenGrrl 11:14 AM GMT on January 21, 2013
Hi, we need one of those hydrophonic lectures here. I've pretty much killed all my bonsai. They flower, fruit, flower, fruit, apparently get exhausted and croak. My "swamp" plants on the other hand are thriving as is the wild moss I collected. May have to quit bonsai and stay with carniverous swamp plants. (Pitcher plants on top of moisture tray of rocks and moss.) Member Since: March 25, 2007 Posts: 218 Comments: 7268

89. BriarCraft 10:21 PM GMT on January 21, 2013
Karen: Before Frontline and Advantage, the flea comb and the vacuum were my and my cat's best friends. That and bombing (not explosives, but aerosol insecticide) the house once a month were all that saved us in San Diego. GG: Carnivorous swamp plants and moss sound like fun. Just be sure to put up a sign warning the pixies, so bad things don't happen. It's about time to come up with a new blog. Now, for a good idea... Hmmmmm. Member Since: June 21, 2004 Posts: 49 Comments: 2425

90. GardenGrrl 10:56 AM GMT on January 22, 2013
Whoa wait. Haven't seen the pixies for awhile...Uh oh. Member Since: March 25, 2007 Posts: 218 Comments: 7268

91. calpoppy 3:43 PM GMT on January 22, 2013
Hydroponic gardening would be a lot of fun. In the town that I work in there is an indoor plant gardening shop (hydroponic/marijuana). He has THE best selection of fertilizer I have ever seen! Mostly one that get those buds bigger, but a lot of ones for veggies and of course all organic. A person who is trying to start up a Cali native nursery gave me a couple of our indigenous California Junipers that I am going to try to bonsai. They are just seedlings so I am going to give them a try. They will be strictly greenhouse plants. Just something to mess around with. Member Since: February 18, 2008 Posts: 33 Comments: 2434

92. Ylee 3:55 PM GMT on January 22, 2013
Good morning, Briar! You go out gallavanting about while your hubby cooks dinner! Sounds familiar...... :' ) My grandma, at 86, having both her eyes done. One was done last week, the other in a couple of weeks. I'll let you know how it comes out! Member Since: February 3, 2011 Posts: 65 Comments: 11333

93. ycd0108 4:33 PM GMT on January 22, 2013
Good morning BriarCraft: Let's see: fleas, hydroponics and "what was the middle one?" Oh yes, cataracts. Since we now only dog sit now and then and no feral cats have moved in lately we don't seem to have a flea problem. We have also replaced most carpets in this house with wood flooring. Years ago when we had all of the above: pets, carpets and fleas we came back from an extended "away" and #1 daughter, maybe 12 years old at the time, started crying as soon as she went in to her room. We came up to see her covered in fleas to the knee and a cloud of fleas bouncing ankle deep on the carpet. We guessed that the fleas had set up a small civilization in the carpet and as long as the pets were around had enough to eat. With her room closed off for a week or more the fleas had overpopulated the space and were starving. That carpet went out the door that evening. Hydroponics were quite the fad around here a few years ago. Maybe they still are but most "Mom and Pop Grow-ops" have either been busted or frightened off by the "heavies" both official and the opposite. Seems that a variety of people make a very good living opposing the decriminalization of pot. I too have cataracts and went to see the "Doc". He said, after lighting me up with that gunk they drop in your eyes: "Yes you have cataracts and yes you will need surgery but not yet." "What?" I said. Member Since: January 1, 2008 Posts: 142 Comments: 3450

94. BriarCraft 9:36 PM GMT on January 23, 2013
GG: Don't tell me... You didn't! Bad GG. No chocolate for you! Poppy: I was amazed at the variety of different fertilizers and minerals that are used in hydroponics. Then the guy explained that, unlike growing in soil, every nutrient and trace mineral must be provided in liquid form for hydroponics. Makes sense, once you think about it. And they have "recipes" for just about anything you might want to grow. Ylee: If I didn't go gallavanting once in awhile, hubby would forget how to cook. Then where would I be??? YCD: That's a flea horror story. "Seems that a variety of people make a very good living opposing the decriminalization of pot." That won't be the case in Washington state longer. Seems there's always something causing more unemployment, but maybe they can be retrained. We voted last November to legalize recreational marijuana and the new law went into effect in December. Technically speaking, federal law trumps state law, so marijuana should still be illegal. Our new governor paid a visit to US Attorney General Holder recently and was told the feds won't enforce the law in Washington as long as it's well regulated and measures are taken to prevent interstate transport. So maybe the "heavies" will be the new regulators??? Have to wait and see. So you've got cataracts, too? I have a hunch that just about everybody develops them to some extent as we get older. ------------------------- Got a new blog idea. Now let's see if I can pull it together... Member Since: June 21, 2004 Posts: 49 Comments: 2425

95. Ylee 11:38 PM GMT on January 23, 2013
Oh, goody! I'm optimistic that it will be a good one! :' ) Member Since: February 3, 2011 Posts: 65 Comments: 11333

96. WunderAlertBot (Admin) 11:49 PM GMT on January 23, 2013
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ToledoTel Toledo, WA
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