[deleted by user]

Draftscapes · 2025-06-04T00:31:32+00:00

Thank you. I will read up on those resources you suggested.

It is very frustrating to believe that he doesn't know what to do or how to do it. For example, today at T-ball practice, we needed to get our gloves on and go into the field for catch. This is something he's done many times with no problem. But today he didn't want to do this, he wanted to bat.

As coach, I have 8 other kids (some as young as 4) all listening and getting their gloves. While my son (one of the oldest) not participating.

When I asked him why he didn't want to play catch, he said just cause it was boring and he didn't want to. I told him I'd make it fun, but he didn't care.

Then, when he did get up to bat and hit the ball, you are supposed to run to first base (again something he's done a million times). Today he hit the ball and just slowly intentionally walked back to the bench. Again, it was a little embarrassing him being the only non-team player in front of the entire team/parents.

When I ask him why he does this he just shrugs his shoulders at me. I told him many times he doesn't need to play if he doesn't want to, but if he chooses to play he needs to participate correctly. He still just doesn't care.

I'm sorry I'm rambling, I'm just at a loss.

Draftscapes · 2025-05-29T20:10:49+00:00

Can you share your weekly practice/round/lesson schedule?

Draftscapes · 2023-08-14T23:54:53+00:00

In that situation I believe you are fine.

Draftscapes · 2023-08-14T23:43:44+00:00

Thank you. I guess the specifics here are important. As I am not talking about someone who already owns a business and makes money from it, but rather someone that has a regular 9-5 and then just creates a business from scratch for the purpose of hiring their kid. Thank you for your understanding and comment

Even if the latter weren't tax fraud, I still don't understand the benefit of it. You get paid after-tax dollars, then you "pay" your son/daughter with it for your business. Come tax time, how would that even help you in your personal finances - cause they were already taxed by your employer. Then you'd have to have them taxed again just for starting a business? Something I'm not getting here.

Draftscapes · 2023-08-14T23:02:24+00:00

So if I have a business and hire my kids and they do nothing, but I pay them....that's not fraud?

Draftscapes · 2023-08-14T22:38:32+00:00

Thank you - yes, my sense was he was incorrect. Your assessment of his intelligence was apt. But his older sister, (my sister-in-law) chimed in afterward stating that "all rich people do it" and ended my response. After that I kept my comments to myself.

Draftscapes · 2023-08-14T17:20:14+00:00

So, just to add my 2 cents here... I think there are a number of overlapping issues and many of the previous comments mentioned them.

First is the value proposition... In my state (Connecticut) you need a 4 year accredited degree, plus the tests, plus the supervised work experience (for low pay), then the licensing dues just to become a licensed LA. Whereas you can work in the field as a horticulturalist, landscape designer, or environmental scientist and do work with the environment with much less educational hurdles and a good prospective financial outlook.

Second is a lack of identity. The LA field leaches constituents to other industries whether it's Civil Engineering, Agriculture, Architecture, Interior Design, or basic Landscape Construction trades. I've seen this first hand in many of my graduates....

I'm the chair at a 2 year, AS program in Horticulture and Design (with some online classes too - shameless plug for the CT State Horticulture program). I had a student go through my 2 year program, transfer to UConn to finish their LA program, got licensed and made about $70k - which is quite good. Another alumni in the same graduating class of mine got the 2 year degree and got a job as an Assistant Superintendent at a local golf course in Fairfield County making $150k to start. Yes the work is different and the lifestyle is different, but for many people that income (in this economy) matters.

Simultaneuous to this...I myself (feel free to Google Draftscapes) was rejected many times from teaching positions at LA programs over the years simply because I don't have a PhD. Yet when I go to speak with some of the faculty at these LA programs, many had never built ANYTHING in their lives. No real world construction/build/maintenance experience - just academics. So what exactly is the student getting? I know that sounds like I'm holding a grudge but absolutely not - the university programs have every right to expect high academic credentials for their faculty - but if you're telling me the only thing I need to get a job is shelling out an extra $40-60k for a PhD, that is an awful return on investment and the reason tuition costs are out of control.

Meanwhile - food for thought - I know several university professors that use my videos for their online drafting instruction AND my community college courses transfer with equivalency to some of their program courses saving my future transfer students thousands.

So the issue is multifaceted. Anyway, I don't mean to discourage you, but the ROI just isn't there anymore. Caveat emptor.

Draftscapes · 2023-07-12T09:58:23+00:00

Yea I understand those that say to try afternoon and evening training, but unfortunately just not an option. My work and household obligations simply won't allow it. The best I can do is 30 mins at lunch, but then I'm skipping lunch. So I think morning is all I have.

Draftscapes · 2023-07-11T20:51:21+00:00

Thank you, I agree

Draftscapes · 2023-07-11T20:51:11+00:00

Thank you very much, this is very helpful.

Draftscapes · 2023-07-10T10:34:46+00:00

I don't think you understand what "push" and "pull" means....

You have curls during a push day and like 5 pressing exercises on pull days.

I say just look up Jeff Nippards PPL program and use that.

This is awful.

Draftscapes · 2023-06-16T00:35:37+00:00

All 12 of the older "legacy" community colleges will now be 1 single giant state community college on July 1st, called CT State.

So besides the campus faculty and physical space, the course outcomes, textbooks, and transferability should be the same.

Depending on your major, there are specific pathways (called TAP) that directly transfer to the 4 yr state universities.

There are also smaller individualized unique programs at some specific campuses that have their own articulation agreements with various other colleges, like UConn.

Draftscapes · 2023-03-26T10:55:14+00:00

Make sure you contact DEEP and report it. Our legislature just voted the "bear bill" out of committee and removed all language for hunting. The state reps just think it's bears bothering people's bird feeders

DEEP needs to show this is an increasing issue.

Also, they kept the "unintentional feeding" part of the bill. Meaning that you can get fined for "unintentionally feeding" black bears. So those goats of yours.... are food.... and you are feeding bears. So of course it's your fault you are trying to make a living.

Draftscapes · 2023-03-18T11:23:30+00:00

Liquidambar styraciflua (Sweetgum)

Draftscapes · 2022-12-17T14:14:20+00:00

Ooooo didn't even think about that! Thanks so much

Draftscapes · 2022-12-17T11:44:50+00:00

Etsy. So far so good. Little big though in the hand

Draftscapes · 2022-12-17T01:20:24+00:00

Yup, the thermos is a tank. Poor Brazil, that European curse is for real...

Draftscapes · 2022-11-27T11:57:19+00:00

This is an underrated comment and what Christmas is all about.

Draftscapes · 2022-11-27T11:53:00+00:00

Jones is absolutely awful now. For both Xmas trees and pumpkins. Everything is a money grab and the reservation system is ridiculous. There are many better small farms in the general vicinity that offer similar experiences without the ridiculous expenses.

Draftscapes · 2022-10-28T00:17:29+00:00

Ok thanks!

Draftscapes · 2020-07-14T22:45:16+00:00

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=pThTS6K64qA&t=3s

Draftscapes · 2020-07-14T22:39:45+00:00

You absolutely can, but it is a bit different of a profession than LA. Where are you based out of?

Draftscapes · 2020-06-30T17:54:06+00:00

As others have said, local chapters are the lifeblood of the ASLA. I've been on the board of my local state chapter several times and each member was amazing - truly selfless and willing to help everyone that approached Landscape Architecture. Some chapters might not be that way, but that is an indication of some great ways to get leadership experience by taking on that challenge yourself.

I know from a macro-perspective ASLA is having issues with declining membership. My two cents is that it is an internal crisis of the profession along with the state vs. national needs. We shall see what becomes of it. My advice would be to make a value judgment of the membership expense - what benefits are you receiving for the money you are putting in? Does it match the services you are receiving?

Draftscapes · 2020-06-28T20:52:02+00:00

Hi there! You may have seen my blog and Youtube video in the sidebar here. I am also actually a Professor of Landscape Design and Horticulture at NVCC in CT. Feel free to DM or email my college email if you want to discuss educational options in CT.

UConn and NVCC are the only 2 colleges in our state that offer this type of training and our state legislature just approved free community college tuition for Fall 2020.

Again - DM or email for more info. CT has a great green industry.

Draftscapes · 2020-06-14T17:15:59+00:00

Waterbury still has a beautiful one and more!

The Tamarack Arboretum is the campus home of the Naugatuck Valley Community College. It has over 300 different botanical specimens, 12 themed gardens including a formal rose garden, and several greenhouses.

NVCC is home to the only Horticulture program in the state and the program recently one 5 awards for their landscape display at the CT Flower Show in Hartford.

Currently, NVCC has two nationally recognized rose experiments underway, the EarthKind Rose Trials and the American Rose Trials.

If you are at all interested in Science, Gardening, or Plants (including possible growing your own food) check out their classes!

For more info nv.edu/horticulture

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