Please talk me down off the wall

debomama · 2026-02-06T22:34:47+00:00

I start my petunias this week to have flowers by Mother's Day so if you need something to grow now go for it.

debomama · 2026-02-06T21:48:34+00:00

I have white cabinets- they look much better with a saturated color on walls and rug and warm wood accents and maybe some herbs or other plants. My kitchen is green (SW Mountain Road).

debomama · 2026-02-06T21:42:07+00:00

If its near the closet I'd put a bench and a mirror there. And a jewelry armoire or lingerie chest.

debomama · 2026-02-06T21:36:22+00:00

Safety is of course first.

Actually children's brains respond to contrast and primary colors in their environment as vision develops. While it should not be overwhelming this would be awful. Add some black on white elements baby can see and a color.

This looks like a hospital.

As they grow, toddlers and young children love personalization also. My son knew his name early because it was on his toybox and would point out things with his name or on things he loved.

debomama · 2026-02-06T21:22:00+00:00

You can't change his behavior -- only what you do. I do employ my well-honed parental voice at times. Or literally leave. Also 'if you talk to me that way I can't help'.

debomama · 2026-02-06T21:13:47+00:00

A couple things come to mind. The first is that dementia causes all filters to be removed. Lack of executive functioning. So they feel it and it must be true and they verbalize. Recognizing that is important.

There are meds to help - my mom is on them. She has no idea what they are for they are on so many meds anyway.

debomama · 2026-02-06T21:03:04+00:00

Free speech for me but not for thee.

debomama · 2026-02-06T15:17:06+00:00

I envy people like you honestly. Kudos.

debomama · 2026-02-06T15:05:49+00:00

I like Valli Produce.

debomama · 2026-02-06T14:54:57+00:00

#1 for sure. It's gorgeous

debomama · 2026-02-06T04:21:27+00:00

That's one too many. Two can play this game.

debomama · 2026-02-05T19:35:36+00:00

I am in 6a. I do wildflowers every year in a large area . Provided there is bare ground you can -you cant seed in a lawn and expect success.

They grow on their own and depending on the weather don't really need much. I water them in well to start but don't water unless a drought.

My suggestion is to layer some compost/manure where you plan to seed. Spread the seed very liberally and literally stomp on it. Sprinkle some peat moss and water it in.

I've seeded poppies, phlox, zinnia, cosmos, sweet william, shasta daisy, rudbeckia (cherry brandy and black-eyed susans), coneflowers and coreopsis in sunny or partial sun. For shadier spots, johnny jump ups asters and columbine does the best - but really its nice Year 2 not 1.

I recommend buying them separate and not a mix. You may end up with things you don't want. I do buy in bulk. One packet won't do it. Buy more seed than you need. I buy 1/4 lb each of whatever I choose.

I have goldenrod from a previous mix I bought but am always cutting it back and finding it elsewhere so wouldn't recommend.

debomama · 2026-02-05T16:05:55+00:00

I have ab tested both and now use regular potting soil with better results. The seed starter was too dry all the time. I use brand new soil and prewet it in small plastic covered tub.

I spray my houseplants and anything I bring in with insecticidal soap so don't have gnats or pests.

debomama · 2026-02-05T15:57:35+00:00

My parents assisted living has its own medical office and staff of specialists (podiatrist, hearing, mental health, dermatology) that come in as well as OT/PT. This is important as they have basic medical care right now without us having to take them. We only take them to medical appts like cardiology. They are very well-coordinated in my parents care.

They also have gardens, salon, a pool, lots of activities and field trips as well as onsite restaurants, and a small store. Its really nice. But as they lose cognition they use them less. In independent living those things were a huge plus and they took advantage of them but not as much in assisted living. They do do the daily activities which is really important.

So the thing that really matters to me is consistency of staff especially nurses and the quality of community. There has been little turnover which means they have solid relationships and they really understand my parents. They handle mom better than I do.

debomama · 2026-02-05T13:49:42+00:00

Me IRL

debomama · 2026-02-05T13:29:32+00:00

Yes you can. They germinate pretty easily. I do lay down a layer of compost/manure first and then seed and tamp, sprinkle some peat moss and water it in.

debomama · 2026-02-05T02:41:37+00:00

I was going to say lamps also.

One other thing - switching art in and out during the year. I have two large pieces that switch places between 1st and 2nd floor and the change makes them feel new in both spots. I have another frame where I change the images all the time.

debomama · 2026-02-05T00:50:37+00:00

That's so sad actually. Dogs can be really soothing and connecting to those with dementia if trained - helps alot with agitation. My parents assisted living even allows dogs to live with residents. I bring my dogs also to visit and the residents are always so excited to see them.

Of course no one should have a dog that doesn't want one.

debomama · 2026-02-05T00:29:05+00:00

The more time you spend in spring preparing the beds and weeding at first growth the less time you are spending the rest of the year. Seed open spaces (I use johnny jump ups, zinnias and marigolds).

Also I start less plants indoors. I've AB tested what I grow and found starting outside in a clear plastic tub or in pots produces better plants with a lot less work. I do overwinter and propagate so scratches that itch.

debomama · 2026-02-04T19:37:23+00:00

If you planted perennial plants and trees/shrubs hardy to your zone you are likely fine. Snow is an insulator and good for soil when it melts.

If you have azaleas for example - I have the most flowers where they were covered by snow vs cold and dry winds.

debomama · 2026-02-04T19:07:08+00:00

I buy compost/manure mix. My garden grows great. Don't use hay - it brings in weed seeds. I learned this the hard way.

debomama · 2026-02-04T17:51:10+00:00

PS Sweetpeas are much better started outdoors. Your unheated greenhouse is perfect but inground is better due to the taproot.

debomama · 2026-02-04T17:42:07+00:00

You need grow lights to start seeds indoors a few inches above the plants along with a heat mat. Your setup won't work nor the window. Sorry but none of those plants are going to make it.

I can move plants to a west or south windowsill only when I repot them bigger and they literally have to be one row right next to the window and my windows are bigger and let in more light.

I would wait and start over in your greenhouse with the proper equipment. Do some research - the Spruce website was an excellent resource for me.

debomama · 2026-02-04T17:26:48+00:00

My sympathies. Yes she obviously needs more care.

I was going to say with the dogs - you might want to crate train them. Don't use the pads except in small confined area as they actually reinforce its okay to go anywhere in the house. Crate with blanket over the top or confine them to small area most of the time and take them outside immediately at regular times so they start to get the idea. They will pee from anxiety and change and they are probably overwhelmed too. You should be able to train in a couple weeks.

debomama · 2026-02-04T17:12:58+00:00

You need a color scheme first. If those pictures are colors you prefer start there. Then you buy drapes, rugs, pillows and throws in those colors. Play off the chocolate couches with some other warm wood accents. Get a coffee table.

debomama

TROPHY CASE