Sounds like a job for an simple sprinkler and inexpensive automatic timer hooked up to the hose bib with a length of hose in between. That's how I went on vacations, leaving an expensive bonsai collection behind. I've also left flats of seedlings in cell packs.

Happy Hump Day! The 15 minute strategy is a great coping skill. I use it a lot but mine is more along the lines of just get off your arse Peggy and do one small thing on your hit list. It will lighten your load and be gone. Using that strategy yesterday worked for me too. I was in a grouchy, feeling sorry for myself mood - so I decided to do one thing which led to another and another. Started by relocating our recycle box out of the kitchen to the utility room (we're on one level). Packed away items in the pantry better. Then I spied another tote container that needed unpacking - well didn't it have my summer clothes in there? And surprise surprise - better fitting jeans I bought a couple of summers ago when I was still heavier but wanted to be at goal weight. I discovered 4 pair of jeans that now fit and a pair of jean shorts that now fit. I was going to buy jeans and now I don't have too. Talk about perking myself up. And I accomplished a few things. Our friend popped round about then with a load of red currant plants for me to plant. Yay. It was really crappy weather outside - cold, windy and starting to rain hard so we talked him into staying for a couple of movies and dinner with us. That was a pleasant surprise. So the day just kept improving. It all started with deciding to do one thing or like the 15 minute rule. Just to get moving - even if it takes a cattle prod to get me going - once I get started I normally feel better afterwards. Last night I felt beyond tired so I had a sedative - work up at 11am!!!! DH just let me sleep. Must have needed it. My problem is getting to sleep or staying asleep. I think I've caught up again. It's noon now, finished my coffee. I'm hoping it rains a wee bit so I can get those plants in the ground (drives off the black flies). Either way I have to get outside and accomplish some more planting - still have rooted tree branches for balsam fir, butternut and hickory to plant along with my berry plants. We have another week of blackfly season to go then they start to disappear. It was spaghetti last night - today I'm eating a little lighter to compensate. It's all about balance. Maintenance. To get the weight down I've learned through WW if I know I'm going out for a big meal I can start the day before cutting back and then the following days eating lighter foods to make up for a big meal. It has worked great for me over the years. How are you doing today? What are your challenges? NH Suzanne I've never done Feng Shui. Keeping a positive flow in your home does help you mentally. My positive flow will happen as we settle into this new home - get the kitchen cupboards built, remove that clutter...get the storage cupboards with bookshelves on top built, remove that clutter - all in good time then my Feng Shui will just happen here. DeeMarie I love those cards you got. Do share the positive ideas. Have a terrific afternoon/evening everyone. ...

Good Tuesday afternoon, Jan, just keep focusing on those tee shirts and Bobby's wonderful attitude towards adversity! He is proud of you. Oh, and let's not forget the smile. I would love to see a photo of him someday. xxx...ooo My clinic went well this weekend! I only fell off Casey three times! Seriously, on the second day the entire morning session was bareback. Not just bareback mind you. I had not reins just mane to hold on to. Let me tell you that I have not had but a small handful of bareback rides...short and not so sweet! Bareback in the arena with 7 others we were led around and asked to walk and keep our eyes closed, then TROT and keep our eyes closed! The purpose was for us to really feel everything about the horse beneath us...it's breathing, heartbeat, muscles move, etc. It was really great. We were also taught to do an emergency dismount which I used two times when I lost my balance. The first time I landed on my feet, which is good. The second time I landed on my feet but immediately fell to my knees. That is when the pain began! I pulled a tendon in my knee and it hurt,but I got right back on. The third time I dumped I was sitting on Casey backwards and lying back facing the sky!!!! At one point I simply slid off. LOL I know it sounds crazy but it was all a good experience but I was so happy when the morning session ended. The whole point was for me to get a better idea of what my horse feels like and to communicate with her better. It was very effective. I accomplished things in two days that I never thought possible for example, I was able to move Casey through obstacle like a zig zag pattern backwards without touching her! Amazing. The real clincher here is that I did not know how to do it nor was I told. I had to figure it out! It was a very empowering clinic for both of us! I could go on and on but I won't. That was my weekend and I am still reeling! How was everyone your weekend?

Terracotta figures: Xian You're not allowed to take pictures in the The Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses but these were encased in a showroom. outside the museum. You can tell I am not a photographer.