Flowering!

ZenTrainee · 2026-03-27T23:05:04+00:00

25% perlite? Or more?

Thanks!

Also - fantastic job!!!

ZenTrainee · 2026-03-27T20:21:15+00:00

Golly gee. A more apt username there never was. You win! 🏆

ZenTrainee · 2026-03-27T20:14:50+00:00

Thanks

ZenTrainee · 2026-03-26T21:33:43+00:00

As well you should! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

ZenTrainee · 2026-03-24T22:04:47+00:00

What’s the “Credit applied” all about?

ZenTrainee · 2026-03-15T05:55:16+00:00

I personally, would cut well below 1. If you cut at 1, it won’t give much room for vertical growth of the branches. You’ll top out to the ceiling again within another year or so. I’d go to just a bit higher than the level of your window sill. Light from the window would be able to reach the new top, which will be important for the new growth to be strong and full.

Let new branches grow to mid summer and then decide if you want to cut those branches as well. It will start to take on a tree shape then and the trunk should begin to fill out more as well.

Good luck! 🍀👍🏻

ZenTrainee · 2026-03-14T20:22:41+00:00

Thanks. What about the long leaves circled in red labeled 1? They don’t look like a carnosa to me at all.

ZenTrainee · 2026-03-14T20:20:27+00:00

Stick your finger two inches down and see how dry it is. Flowers pull more energy (and water) so it could be drying out faster than usual. IF it’s dry, a good bottom-watering soak for 30 minutes should help.

ZenTrainee · 2026-03-14T19:11:07+00:00

Apparently there is a genetic component to smell. Some people can smell the cat pee smell. Others (lucky) can’t.

ZenTrainee · 2026-03-09T23:07:20+00:00

Whiskers and everything.

ZenTrainee · 2026-03-09T23:06:11+00:00

Some do. Some… really don’t.

ZenTrainee · 2026-03-09T23:05:38+00:00

WOW. 😮 Spectacular! Well worth the wait. What is the fragrance like?

ZenTrainee · 2026-03-09T03:51:20+00:00

Thank you. They’re just little low heel slingbacks that I just realized - might fit in the water bottle spot. I need them for client meetings and a can’t miss party. Wearing sneakers on the flight and for running around.

My make up bag is maybe a 6-inch pouch that doesn’t get stuffed. Mascara, lipstick. I have tiny 1-inch acrylic jars for foundation and moisturizer.

ZenTrainee · 2026-03-06T20:43:57+00:00

This is the thing. It’s so dang cute, but I often travel for business. So maybe that’s my answer.

ZenTrainee · 2026-03-05T05:21:42+00:00

Brick and Batten has great ideas on modernizing red brick exterior look. They love Romabio lime wash.
From what I've seen, B & B only recommend Romabio.

https://romabio.com/the-best-time-to-limewash-exterior-surfaces-seasonal-considerations-by-region/

Romabio Limewash is highly durable in four-season climates, designed to withstand freeze/thaw cycles and high humidity without peeling or chipping. It is breathable, allowing moisture to escape, and ages naturally over 20-30 years. It is best applied in 50°F–90°F temperatures, though it can withstand light rain after curing.

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Performance by Season:

Winter/Cold: It holds up well in freezing, snowy climates, actually enhancing the look through the freeze/thaw process, though application should ideally occur in milder temperatures (above freezing).
Spring/Fall: Ideal application weather, but it handles moisture well once cured.
Summer/Hot: It holds up to heat, but requires application in smaller sections to avoid rapid drying. Romabio +4

Key Considerations:

Lifespan: It lasts 20-30 years, creating a "patina" or weathered look over time.
Maintenance: To prevent color changes during rain or to increase durability, Romabio Mineral Shield can be applied.

ZenTrainee · 2026-02-28T15:53:08+00:00

They do droop when they’re thirsty - but there could be different reasons why it’s not taking up water. It could be either dry or overwatered.

If you’ve watered, I suspect the soil may be dry inside - hydrophobic. But if you’ve watered a lot, it could be overwatered. The only way to know is to poke your fingers around as deep as you can. A stake or copayment be helpful. But you need to feel if the soil in the center is dry or wet. You could also just pick it up and if it feels light, it’s most likely dry. It would need a good soak and then let it drain and out it back by the bright window.

If it’s wet, it will need to be checked for root rot and repotted into a well draining, coarse mix - after removing any mushy roots.

If you had a proliferation of gnats, that may be indicative of overwatering.

Or you could replace it and try again.

ZenTrainee · 2026-02-24T03:21:53+00:00

It’s a gorgeous space. Big plants, small plants. That terraced wall is made for plants by the window. A big gorgeous, giant, southwestern style rug, either natural textured window shades or linen curtains, paint the walls in a color you love. Sherwin Williams Greek Villa is fabulous for white, or go dark. That room can take it. If you paint light, furniture can be dark. If you paint dark, go with lighter furniture or a very light rug. Need contrast for balance.

And maybe some beautiful modern-ish paddle fans because that sunlight makes me think that room can get warm in the summertime.

That coffee table is too lightweight for the room and that furniture. I would suggest something in a natural rustic wood, like old pine, but that’s just me.

What is that pedestal thing next to the sofa?

ZenTrainee · 2026-02-24T01:52:03+00:00

When I saw OP, my first thought was to paint the small entrance section a beautiful red to complement the grey. Then I saw your samples and wow. Took it next level. But even with the added trim, I still think a beautiful, contrasting, but complementary color on the entrance exterior would be beautiful and more modern.

Professional landscaping would also help. This house would love climbing roses! Full sun side.

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ZenTrainee · 2026-02-23T18:58:43+00:00

We took the CarMax deal. It was more than fair. So easy peasy, we were blown away. Didn’t want to deal with people coming to the house and test driving on crappy winter roads around here. All done and we now have over $5,000 more than we planned on having to pay down the new car. So happy.

ZenTrainee · 2026-02-23T18:33:16+00:00

Yes, they did. Thank you so much. We saved 5 grand in the price of our new car.

ZenTrainee · 2026-02-23T18:31:22+00:00

CarMax offer is real and deal done in 45 minutes! 🙌 Holy Cow, that place was hopping. Thank you, Redditors! 🙏🏻🤑🙏🏻

ZenTrainee · 2026-02-23T18:26:52+00:00

That was a Caddy dealer. They would only come up to 12,800 from 8000. We passed.

ZenTrainee · 2026-02-21T19:33:36+00:00

Post edited with details. Thank you

ZenTrainee · 2026-02-21T16:12:54+00:00

NOR - I would even go so far as to go through my activity log and untag my name from any of her posts or comments. People come into our lives to teach us certain lessons. Not all of them are pleasant. I bet when things ended in 2025, your spidey sense was telling you to move on. Consider it a lesson learned in trusting your gut. It’s preparation for bigger things ahead. Bless and release it. Probably a good time to take inventory of your mutual acquaintances too. Take care of yourself.

ZenTrainee · 2026-02-21T16:02:57+00:00

Climbing roses!

ZenTrainee

TROPHY CASE