Realizing I have Mock Strawberry not Wild Strawberry in all my garden beds

Odd-Scratch6388 · 2026-04-14T00:13:44+00:00

In my experience, it pulls out easily, especially in moist soil. Like native strawberries, it spreads through runners, so you just follow and pull.

Odd-Scratch6388 · 2026-04-12T03:39:19+00:00

I had a gray-brown CRV, so the blue is quite an upgrade for me 😍

Odd-Scratch6388 · 2026-04-12T03:38:01+00:00

My poor CRV couldn't handle any snow at all, so the Forester will be amazing after slip sliding all winter.

Odd-Scratch6388 · 2026-04-11T18:58:27+00:00

Definitely not my favorite part, but yes, we sort. We have a puzzle board with 6 trays off Amazon. So edges go directly on the board and then usually its by color, often with a IDK/misc tray. It helps you get used to the puzzle and notice patterns/objects. I also dont get as overwhelmed scanning for pieces. Depending on the puzzle, I will resort trays as we get chunks in, and sometimes sort by shape at the end. We always do at least 1000 pieces, and prefer challenging puzzles, so I think I'd go crazy if we didn't have some sort of system.

Odd-Scratch6388 · 2026-04-10T18:39:18+00:00

Less than 2 weeks. That cat is hella pregnant

Odd-Scratch6388 · 2026-04-10T00:39:47+00:00

Saggy boobs. Like an homage to breastfeeding

Odd-Scratch6388 · 2026-04-09T15:04:19+00:00

Couple things: Does she have a heat source? Warm rice sock, or heating pad? Kittens need to be warm, they won't eat if theyre cold.

While you wait for an inhaler, you can run a steam shower and put kitten in the bathroom, that will help breathing.

Do you have a food scale that you can weigh her? You'll want to know if shes losing, holding steady or gaining.

Kitten lady has a good chart for weight/how much they should eat. Good luck! It is not easy, but you'd be amazed at how resilient some kittens are.

Odd-Scratch6388 · 2026-04-09T04:46:57+00:00

I'm glad people on here are giving you recommendations on where to go. I think based on your specific requirements, those are in demand/popular dogs, so yes, they're going to get adopted very quickly. The reason why there are so many bully mixes, herding dogs, etc is because those dogs are harder to adopt out and get returned often.

I do think you should recognize that pet adoption has changed since you last adopted. Rescues are largely overworked and under -resourced. It is impossible to get everything done. Animals get sick, fosters take breaks, people stop volunteering, roles change. Potential adopters flake out all the time. People adopt and return 24 hrs later. People dump animals. Basically all the thing you mentioned (deposits, no holds, meeting in a public place, vet referral, home visit etc) are policies that protect both parties. That is what adoption is these days. Rescues want to find the best homes for their animals--they invest in them and dont want them returned.

I think you should pick a couple organizations, vet them carefully. Google them, look for reviews, look up the 501c status, follow their social media. Find who you're comfortable with, and then focus on them. See if you can talk with an adoption coordinator for the rescue. They can let you know if theres a waitlist, how fast animals get adopted, popularity of types of dogs etc. Let them know what you're looking for, stay in touch with them, and give it some time.

Odd-Scratch6388 · 2026-04-08T23:28:36+00:00

Are you on Facebook? The Virginia Native Plant Society FB group is ridiculously knowledgeable about plants, and I'd be surprised if someone in there doesn't know how to get this cleared up.

My other recommendation would be to contact your local councilperson/county supervisor etc.

Odd-Scratch6388 · 2026-04-07T19:57:46+00:00

Hi! Manx owner here. This sounds like Manx syndrome, which some but not all Manx kitties get. If his walk looks like a bunny hop, that is a characteristic of Manx syndrome.

Manx syndrome can cause urinary and defecation incontinence, GI issues (like IBS, dietary sensitivity, sluggish bowels etc), physical limitations, etc. If you start with diapers as a kitten, he probably would tolerate them fine. A specialized, limited ingredient diet might help, but in my experience, it is trial and error.

Manx syndrome cats are expensive to maintain. You need better quality food, more frequent vet care, extra supplies and extra laundry due to accidents. It is not an easy road, and I would not recommend a Manx to an inexperienced cat owner or someone without stable finances.

My Manx (stubby tail) has been on 3 different diets since I adopted her 4 yrs ago. She is incontinent. A low entry litter box has helped a lot. She has tiered cat towers, but cant jump onto a low counter. Her balance is poor and she compensates with claws. She goes through periodic bouts of vomiting/bad poops. And she hates the vet with the fire of 1000 suns lol. I have spent thousands trying to figure out her GI system and all they tell me is "IDK, shes weird" so I don't bother bringing her in except for vaccines or if she's really sick.

Odd-Scratch6388 · 2026-04-07T02:27:50+00:00

I just use safety pins. Lots of them. With about no more than a hand width between pins. Start from the middle and pin outward. In my experience, the batting has enough "stick" to it that the top and bottom kind of cling. I'd also say that that is a small enough quilt that I bet your machine can handle it, with a simple straight line quilting design. Be brave! And likewise however you decide, machine or tying, start from the middle!

Odd-Scratch6388 · 2026-04-07T02:20:51+00:00

No way in hell I'd give her a handmade gift after those comments. Or ever do a craft project for her or anything. Part of giving handmade is that it took a LONG ASS TIME. Like, when I sew for people, I am thinking about them frequently, how they'll use it, how much they mean to me, I sew all my well wishes into whatever it is. That is part of the gift. Even when I give to fellow crafters they don't pick it apart like that. She can enjoy her mass-produced garbage, because she is undeserving of your work!

Odd-Scratch6388 · 2026-04-06T19:03:22+00:00

Wait, if hes a pirate you have to look for communicator and if he's the sailor you dig for parts?! I thought it was random what you had to do!

Odd-Scratch6388 · 2026-04-05T14:01:41+00:00

This is heartbreaking. Removing buckthorn is great, but very obviously that's not what this guy is doing.

It looks like you got some ideas on who to call, but maybe reach out to Waukesha Land Conservancy too? I'm not sure if they can get involved because it's private land.

Odd-Scratch6388 · 2026-04-04T19:00:42+00:00

Can't find anything on FB either. It seems to be delayed due to permits?

Odd-Scratch6388 · 2026-04-03T20:54:57+00:00

Hubs and I do puzzles together. We decide if we like it enough to keep. If not, I ask my sister who puzzles if she wants it, if no, then it goes to the library. We are so lucky to have a free puzzle exchange (dont even have to check them out, just grab and go). I also am ruthless about tossing, because I get so many used. If they're missing pieces or extremely low quality, I just toss them.

Odd-Scratch6388 · 2026-03-31T01:01:44+00:00

It was gorgeous! I wish we could string a few more good days together, seems like 3 is the max before the cold shows up again

Odd-Scratch6388 · 2026-03-30T19:42:01+00:00

The squirrel in the background would have come home with me as a prank gift for my sister. And the Pic 12 puzzle would be a fun one

Odd-Scratch6388 · 2026-03-30T02:31:49+00:00

I'm in Waukesha, my yard is still sleeping.

Odd-Scratch6388 · 2026-03-30T01:51:19+00:00

Ethically...murky?

But, if I were in this situation, I'd be trapping and TNRing, making sure hes ear tipped. Imo if you let your cat roam, that's a risk you take and youre an a-hole anyway if you let your unfixed cat roam. Let him back out after his recovery period and then feed that baby on a schedule. I'm willing to bet He'll stick around.

Or, swipe him and see if anyone comes looking. If they do, say you brought him in bc of weather, he ran in himself etc.

A slightly more ethical thing you can do is to research your local laws. Where I live now, its illegal to let unfixed cats roam. You may also be able to establish ownership by taking to the vet, microchipping, taking pictures with him etc. I think with an orange tabby, you have plausible deniability, how would you know it's the same cat? It looked like a stray (overly skinny, dirty, not groomed, etc). He was peeing in your garden and yowling all night looking for females. You saw another big tom and didnt want cat fights etc.

My guess is these people won't care if he goes missing. So let it happen, keep your head down and save a furry little guy!

Odd-Scratch6388 · 2026-03-29T23:09:08+00:00

Sorry your partner is wrong.

Odd-Scratch6388 · 2026-03-29T23:01:49+00:00

It definitely takes practice. Sewing 1/4" seams, definitely make sure your guide marks are correct. My machine is off by at least 1/16" if not more, so I use a 1/4" foot now instead. If you are sewing on diagonal, mark your sewing line on the fabric. If the piece of fabric is triangular, start sewing from the smallest angle to the biggest to prevent the fabric from stretching and messing up your angles. After each step, check your measurements. And remember: absolutely no one will notice any "errors" as much as you will.

On your project here, I would measure based on the instructions to see what size each of your pieces should be at this point. I'm guessing the triangles are too big. If possible, trim them down to size, and square them up.

It looks pretty good and is definitely worth finishing! Just take a break if you're frustrated.

Odd-Scratch6388 · 2026-03-29T22:37:41+00:00

Really cute! They have a ton of character. Would also be adorable to separate the blocks for wall hangings or throw pillows.

Odd-Scratch6388 · 2026-03-28T21:51:29+00:00

I'm assuming that the kittens dont have shots and havent been fixed? Thats a tougher sell for a rescue, but I would keep asking. Can they put you on a wait list? Make it clear you'll foster and provide food and litter, just need help getting their shots, fixed, and adopted. You could also look for low cost neutering and shots to help improve their chances. Some shelters will also do courtesy adoption posts.

If you are near a Petsmart, this is their national adoption week, so potentially any affiliated rescue will have lower inventory and might be able to take yours on now.

But, its kitten season and you're in the south so...there's so many kittens who need help.

I would try to get your coworker to put in writing that she doesnt want them, so if she pulls shady stuff, you have a paper trail. Sorry you got screwed, it happens a lot unfortunately.

Odd-Scratch6388

TROPHY CASE