2026 Chat - Part One
Summary: The discussion revolves around various topics including personal updates, crafting, gardening, and emergency preparedness. flipping_treasures talks about their upcoming eye surgery and suggests continuing a chat thread without creating a new one quarterly. fabrics24 shares their jewelry-making progress and vending event experiences. Gardening challenges with wildlife are discussed by oncoyotemountainart, and advice for disaster preparedness is exchanged between multiple participants. Canning and cooking ventures are shared by 1940fc with others expressing interest. The conversation is friendly and supportive with participants engaging in each other's hobbies and concerns.
This thread had slowed down the last couple of quarters. So, I thought we could do the year in parts. after we reach 100 posts I will start a new thread as Part Two. What do you think?
1940fc
·1 month agoYepper canning season is here. So far I have canned chicken breasts & thighs, chuck roast (which, even tho pricey, since just me now it came out to 3.00 a meal) I canned some tomato juice from a big bag of cherry tomatoes I was given. Normally I don`t deal with them to can, but it will be good for soups, etc.
He is bringing me a bunch of assorted tomatoes & more peppers to church tomorrow, so guess I'll be busy for awhile.
Today I canned 7 qts of Stuffed Pepper Soup. It smelled soooo good in here all day!
1940fc
·1 week agoTonite's yummy supper!
A big taco salad, using my last jar of canned ground chuck from 2021..still as tasty as the day I canned it. Topped with salsa I canned last week..26 jars. LOL
Not all mine..I canned for the guy that furnished the tomatoes & peppers!
southernmermaid8
·1 week agoNow that looks good! 😋 Just curious is the salsa mild, medium, or hot?
1940fc
·1 week agoMade from 3 different recipes, Dana, & all are hot, but not to the extreme LOL
southernmermaid8
·1 week agoI love a little kick! 🔥🔥🔥
1940fc
·1 month agoPersistance pays off! 😂
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXVIltUfU9E
oncoyotemountainart
·1 month agoI am profoundly jealous of anyone who is allowed to grow flowers. Between the chipmunks, the gray squirrels, the ground squirrels, the racoons and even the wild burros only a select few plants are allowed to thrive here.
No one touches the catnip. They don't like the chives, though occasionally a burro will take a mouthful, realize what it is and spit it out. The valerian I discovered by accident. No one will touch it, the flowers when it finally blooms are heavenly and it spreads like wildfire. I've taken to hiding herbs between the catnip and valerian and so far, no one has caught on. I even had to screen off my blackberry plant. I thought no one would touch it because of the stickers, but I was wrong.
On a completely different subject, do any of you have "disaster" kits? What do you keep in them besides food batteries and medical supplies. They keep telling us how the San Andreas is hugely overdue. I've been looking at radio/light/chargers. Been considering a solar battery charger. Providing the house stays standing I'll have food and shelter, but there will be no power, probably no cell towers working, no internet. We're kind of geographically isolated so gas and food won't be coming up the mountain for a few weeks. I hate thinking about these things. I've survived two major earthquakes and thousands of small ones, but that was always in a big metropolitan area.
scifidaughter64
·1 month agoMy nephew keeps thermal emergency blankets, a multitool and some cash in his bug out kit. If the internet goes down, so do the ATM's
oncoyotemountainart
·1 month agoThanks, I hadn't thought of an multitool. I'll get one of those.
goaldeelocks
·1 month agoWater! lots of water (and remember to periodically use and swap it out)
oncoyotemountainart
·1 month agoThanks. I shuttle bottles of water in and out. I also discovered the water heater tank can be tapped under the right circumstances. It's an argument for tanked water heaters. Likewise with a gas stove. I've thought about trading out for an electric oven, but I think I'll put that off as long as the state will let me.
goaldeelocks
·1 month agoif tapping water heater, consider figuring out how to tap from above the bottom of the tank where hard water deposits settle
fabrics24
·1 month ago · EditedHad my first vending event in a long time! I broke even, which is impressive for me. Rn I'm just doing the shows for fun and to learn; I've got a day job so I don't mind if the shows aren't super profitable. I'm learning a lot about how to market my jewelry, and I've even got my online store updated!
If people want, I can post a few photos of my stuff!
1940fc
·1 month ago · EditedHi fabric. I think it will be ok for you to show us what you do here in the chat..as long as nothing is listed for sale & no pricing is involved in your post.
Others have shown jewelry they have made..as long as we're not advertising, I peeked at your lineup & I don't see any jewelry listed, so I see no reason why not show your craft.
fabrics24
·1 month ago · EditedAwesome! I don't list my jewelry on eBay, and while some of this is on my personal website, I won't put any advertisements here. I just want to show off some stuff I've been working on!
This is a "Dragon eye" pendant; I hand paint these using enamels, mica powders, color shift paints, and even nail polish! They look awesome in the light.
I picked this Lapis Lazuli because the pyrite flecking on it is amazing; it shimmers in the light! I wire wrapped it thinking I'd make it a bracelet, but I caved and made it a pendant.
I sculpt these roses with something called "paper clay"; it can be spread super thin, and it's super durable despite being lightweight. It makes the most stunning flower petals!
And of course the classic; the cherry earrings. I got a sale on one of these sets at my craft fair. My vending neighbor bought them for his wife.
1940fc
·1 month agoThe Dragon Eye pendant is awesome!
Lovely wire wrapped Lapis! You`ve been blessed with a talent!
scifidaughter64
·1 month agoLove the work, you have real talent..
flipping_treasures
OP1 month agoGreat pieces.
fabrics24
·1 month agoThank you! I work extra hard on them! :D
1940fc
·1 month agoAnd ready for the Harper Street 4th of July Bike (and lots of decorated golf carts lol) Parade Sat
Hope my hot glue holds up in this heat! They are glued onto embroidery hoop
fabrics24
·1 month agoHow pretty! What kinds of flowers have you got there?
1940fc
·1 month ago · EditedPortulaca (aka moss rose) I gave them all a haircut the other day..hoping to get another blooming from them. I didn't know they could be cut back for another blooming. They are kinda puny this year,,not as lushy green as normal.
The flowers in the barrel are red lantana. I finally got something to bloom & stay nice in the baking sun there
Thanks for the glue info..I was worried. I just put it out today with fingers crossed. I don't work with hot glue often
My crafting leans to crochet, quilting, and now I am into embroidery. LOL
fabrics24
·1 month agoHow fun! I used to be really into quilting, but it's been a while. What kind of embroidery have you been working on? I really love others' embroidery, but I'm never satisfied with how mine looks.
flipping_treasures
OP1 month agoI too love moss roses. I have a few flowers I have planted here. Some mini roses, moss roses, morning glories, and some cutting of gardenias that are doing really well
1940fc
·1 month agoYour moss rose looks nice & healthy. It's nice you have a place for flowers!
I think the weekend I got that 6" of rain..it stunted mine & definitely ruined my green bean plants. Has been a bummer garden all around. Oh well.
My Gardenia bush just had a few blooms on it this year. I may have given it a haircut at the wrong time last year lol Need to check on that. I have several bushes that are way too tall & need cutting back but not till later after the bees are gone. I'll have to get someone to do it, too tall for me.
fabrics24
·1 month agoThe good news is your average hot glue can handle up until 350-380F, so hopefully your beautiful wreath stays standing!
flipping_treasures
OP1 month agoLove what you did to the stump. The wreath is perfect.
1940fc
·1 month agoThanks, Sandy. Been wondering how things are going with you. Have you had your eye surgery yet, or is it scheduled?
We gonna just continue with the Chat as it or do it for July-Dec? I`ll probably go ahead & start a JULY thru DEC GF thread shortly & see where it lands LOL
flipping_treasures
OP1 month agoHi Sarah. Eyes are still yuck. j
Have good days and bad. I finally have the surgeries scheduled. I will have both eyes done in August. It's about a 4Week process. Left eye first then two weeks later the right one.
Yes, think we will just keep this thread going. The way it is setup I think it will be fine. Maybe will do a new start at the end of this month for the next six months.
fabrics24
·1 month agoBeen cranking out some wire wrapping lately! No pics yet; I'll try and snag some this week. I've got an Art Festival in September, so I want to have some really nice pieces on the higher end of the price spectrum.
I've wrapped some serpentine, agate slices, and lapis lazuli (I scored a REALLY gorgeous cabochon; marbled calcite and lots of pretty pyrite flecks!) so far! I still have a lot of crackle agate, geode agate slices, some bumblebee jasper, picture jasper, red dalmatian jasper, a pair of ammonites (one of them is opalized and it's soooo pretty), some shells, and this one blue black-flecked rock that I might need some help IDing.
I have no idea where to begin!
flipping_treasures
OP1 month agoHi all. Carol the way this new board is setup, I don't see the need to start a new chat every quarter as I haven't found a way to tack a thread to the top. So, when someone post to the thread it pops to the top and the new post is the first you see.
Let me know.
Wish me luck. I'm off to see the doctor about my eyes today. Hopefully he will tell me my eyes can be corrected and schedule the surgery SOON. All this waiting is for the birds.
fabrics24
·1 month agoOh dear! I hope your eyes get better; it's no fun having a sight-based job/hobby and eye problems :(
carolbearstreasures07
·1 month agoDo we want to continue this chat thread within the new forum style or start a new one for Summer?
I don't mind either way. Try to check here a few times a week. I am glad I bookmarked the specific jewelry threads on my laptop web browser for easy access. Changes can be tricky especially when we aren't in control of how it turns out. I'm ready issues about the AI summories: one can just ignore them.
I rather like the left side bar for quick category references as well as the usual top portion. We will see if any bugs get figured out.
(Ask me how I know as I came back from a "vacation" visiting my parents to begin thd process of finding them a senior facility to move into.)
oncoyotemountainart
·3 months agoUnder the heading of "I had no idea, none, never gave it a thought."
Rhinestones got their name because originally, they were made from rock crystal pebbles gathered from the river Rhine.
Am I the only one who did not know this?
flipping_treasures
OP3 months agoI finally got an appointment with the optometrist. Can't start the process untill the middle of June. Then it looks like there is a couple of appointments a couple of weeks apart before the surgery begins. I am getting both eyes done. In the meantime I have good days and bad days.
Yes, coyote, I read that years ago. The history of rhinestones is really interesting.
scifidaughter64
·3 months agoI did not know this either. At least this word has a beginning that makes sense.
1940fc
·2 months agoI think this will be my new favorite snack!!!
Deep Fried Cheese Balls (they are about the size of a quarter..& OH SO GOOD & easy to make!!!! (that might be dangerous lol)
scifidaughter64
·2 months agoWell honey, where is the recipe?
Haven't been around much. Nerve pince in the neck is making typing difficult. Hope everyone is doing okay.
1940fc
·2 months agoFried Cheese Balls
1 cup grated sharp or extra sharp cheddar (grate your own)
1 Tbsp flour
dash pepper
1 egg white, stiffly beaten
1/4 tsp salt (optional)
Mix flour, cheese, salt & pepper
Fold into the beaten egg white
Form into balls or drop by tsp full into 375 oil
These fry up quickly.. less than a minute per side
Makes about 12 small (quarter size) balls
Dangerously good!
Now..my babies have finally gotten their fresh coat of paint & into their new home!
(My potato grow bags stole their last one lol)
1940fc
·2 months agoNOW it`s done. Added some blue & red & a kitty flag
flipping_treasures
OP2 months agoLooking good Sarah. Thanks for the recipe.
treasureislandpearls
·4 months agoI'm pretty jealous of the plants here, such a limited grow season here in the heat!
southernmermaid8
·4 months agoAwwww where are you Treasure Island?
Yes so happy to have him back around. He's a smart one. Uses the boats, trailer, bushes etc to run around the yard with. We do have Owls, Hawks and Crows for him to dodge. He is SUPER FAST though!
1940fc
·4 months agoAll ready for any traveling deer.
1940fc
·4 months agoI love seeing these videos
Incredible Birds
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvlvYjirxko
southernmermaid8
·4 months agoThere are just so many types of birds. I can certainly see why people love their Starlings. The pigeon that thinks it’s a peacock is cute. We have seen our first couple of hummingbirds return here.
1940fc
·4 months agoPut 1 feeder out a few days ago..have filled it twice now..gotta do it again today.
Just got these in an email..too precious not to pass on..someone had a great imagination for the senior citizens!!
https://youtube.com/shorts/Q-omN8xjNrE?si=lIj0lDxiXvX02aPx
flipping_treasures
OP4 months agoThose were great.
Went to an optometrist and will have to have surgery, cataracts.
I have been healthy all my life until recently. Now I feel like I'm falling apart. Getting old is not for the weak.
flipping_treasures
OP4 months agoBut the smell is BEAUTIFUL!
flipping_treasures
OP4 months agoLooks good. We are going to be 90 today and then tomorrow night it's supposed to get down to freezing. Guess I will hold off flower planting for a while longer.
1940fc
·4 months agoThat`s what concerns me, Sandy. I can handle a frost as I have plenty frost cover..but a freeze..that`s totally different. Why I`m holding off as long as possibly to put them in the bags.
As T used to tell me..You Farmers just can`t be satisfied no matter what the weather is. I`d tell him yepper, but YOU reap the benefits! 😃
1940fc
·4 months agoMy wisteria jungle. It`s beautiful..but so invasive, messy, & strangling to other vegetation around it. 😞
flipping_treasures
OP5 months agoI too miss having a garden. Last year I got a couple of large window box shaped containers and planted some flowers and some herbs, mint, cilantro, basil, and bay leaf. Got enough to freeze. The cilantro went wild and the mint finally took over the box. Lol. But they are great in home made soups. Think I will just stick to flowers this year.
One of the reasons I haven't been doing a lot of listings is my eyes have been giving me problems for a while. Blurred vision. Hard to take pictures and list when you have to be right on top of everything to see. I finally made an appointment with an optometrist. I thing I may need surgery. Couldn't get in until the beginning of April. I really hope they can do something to help. I have so much to take pictures of and list.
1940fc
·5 months agoAwww sorry to hear that, Sandy. Ya think cataract surgery? Seems a lot of people are having it done lately. I was glad my visit a couple months back, that wasn`t mentioned thankfully
I used to have mint..kept it growing in an old galvanized washtub, knowing how invasive it is. I canned a lot on Mint Tea concentrate from it over the years! I need to check my spices..may need to plant some more dill & parsley but that should be it for this year
Have gone from 80`s with shorts & tank top back to jeans & sweatshirt 😒But it`s supposed to work its` way to mid 70`s today before the temps drop again..so I`ll spend sometime out with a book. Once it`s back down to 50`s-60`s for highs this week..I don`t do outside anymore LOL
My new evening hobby . Hadn`t done any embroidery for almost 40 years..it`s nice & relaxing while 'watching tv' in the evening . Having to refresh so many 'how to`s' tho, but am enjoying it
flipping_treasures
OP5 months agoToo cute. I use to do all kinds of needle work embroidery, crewel, counted cross stitch, knitting, and crochet. It really is relaxing.
Yes, I think my problem is cataracts. So probably surgery. Don't know if glasses can help those.
Yes our weather is going to be **bleep**y too. High 80s today and down to 40s tomorrow with high winds and possibly snow tomorrow night. Craziness.
southernmermaid8
·5 months agoSorry to hear about your eyes giving you fits Sandy.
Oh I love needle crafts. I have a small collection I’ve collected at thrifts and sales over the years. The only one I ever did was cross stitch but wow I love them all. So cute Sarah.
1940fc
·4 months agoGettin my babies (tomatoes & peppers) used to the outdoors. Carried them out to the front porch to get some indirect sun..need to get them planted asap as many are getting kinda tall
No room to plant all of them, but I`ll share with others that garden. Looks like my neighbors have a grow tent up..maybe they can use some.
flipping_treasures
OP5 months agoYou are a wonder, lady. It really looks great. Glad you had help. I hope you have a great crop.
southernmermaid8
·5 months agoWhen I saw all that soil I thought does Sarah remember that she moved to a place with a smaller yard? Then when I saw the grow bags, I thought PERFECT!!!
You glow, grow, gooooo Sarah❣️
1940fc
·5 months agoTankee! This is when I become super antsy till I can get all my babies in the ground LOL
I think Matt is getting as excited as me to see something (onions) peek up soon
scifidaughter64
·5 months agoOne thing I miss is having a garden. But not enough to move back to colder weather.
flipping_treasures
OP5 months agoToo cute, love it. I really like the cat and the witche's ball. How about a climbing ivy at the base. It can climb up the netting and between the colorful pots.
1940fc
·5 months agoHmmmm.. hadn`t thought about ivy..that might be a good possibility.
Whatever I do (other than the moss rose & whatever I put on top) I wanna make sure it won`t spready & take over. LOL
Have never seen so much stuff..people just planted willy nilly & didn`t maintain. I have HUGE crepe myrtle TREES out back & they are awful! Dunno how may times they`ve been trimmed..wish they would cut them all down It makes for a pretty vine but so very invasive when left alone..I had no idea it grew like it does!
I put my cardboard down where I`ll be putting most of my grow bags..with several days of rain supposedly coming..I`ll take the free water to get it good & soaked before I put the weed control mat down, hopefully next week soon as rain ends dries
My seedlings are doing really good so far..hope it`s a sign of a good crop!
southernmermaid8
·5 months agoSarah, Really like decorating the stump!
I love portulaca, especially the vibrant fuchsia plants, but I can’t say that I have ever seen Crepe Myrtle vines.
1940fc
·5 months agoDUH!! My bad, dana..I meant Wisteria, not crepe myrtle . Oughta be a law against wisteria!
southernmermaid8
·5 months agoOh yes. Lovely but VERY invasive.
1940fc
·5 months agoIt`s PLAYTIME!!!! (almost lol)
I can hardly wait till it`s time to plant everything!
1940fc
·5 months agoWHEW!!! What a job but we got it done! All bags filled & ready to plant (soon as time is right)
The large bags across the front I already planted potatoes in. That just happened to be the perfect spot for them with full sun The containers in the back have soil mixed already to have to add as the potato plants grow
This is along side of the house..it gets a lot of sun and then afternoon shade to help cool things down for everything growing there, tomatoes, peppers, green beans. We planted onions in the cement blocks yesterday. Matt really enjoyed helping & I couldn`t have done it without his help either. Has been 11 years since I`ve gardened from 'scratch' lol
me & mama had to have a serious discussion as she din`t want him accepting pay. I may be little, but I won LOL BUT I did tell both him & her anything else I need help with (just minor type stuff to give him something to do) he wouldn`t get paid. He was fine..he just wants something to do he saud. That made mama happy. 😀
Only thing WE have left to do next week..I have plenty of bags of soil left..need to move them closer to the fence & cover..just look a little better.
I still wanna try watermelon, but I plan on buying 1 large bag of Miracle Grow, poking holes & planting 2 seeds in the bag.
Cucumbers will grow here & go up the trellis hopefully! LOL
flipping_treasures
OP5 months agoLove to see you getting ready to do your spring planting. Cute birds.
1940fc
·5 months agoHe has 7 turkeys, 4 geese & 40 chickens! I think 1 or 2 dogs and 6-7 cats I can`t keep up with them LOL
1940fc
·5 months ago