ceiling spray

Ok - this is an odd one but since there haven't been any posts in awhile ...

Due to the roof repair we just had a small bit of ceiling over a nail popped out on the inside of the house, that is we had nice white ceiling except a single spot where you could see a nail head. I bought some Zinsser stain ceiling paint that took care of the problem. Anyway, now I have a whole spray can of the stuff. If anyone needs to use a bit of it, let me know, it's yours for the taking.

congratulations karen

Wow!!! Talk about a "Cinderella" story ... local girl makes good!!! Congratulations Karen.

fast food flash

The Top Five Cheapest--But Least Healthy--Fast Food Choices

The non-profit Cancer Project ranks the five most unhealthy items on these so-called "value menus."

At the top of the list? Jack in the Box's $1 junior bacon cheeseburger, which has 23 grams of fat (8 grams of saturated fat), 55 milligrams of cholesterol, and 860 milligrams of sodium and just one gram of fiber.

In second-worst place, the 89-cent Taco Bell cheesy double beef burrito, with 460 calories, 20 grams of fat and a whopping 1,620 milligrams of sodium.

In third-worst place was the one-dollar Burger King breakfast sausage biscuit, with 27 grams of fat, including 15 grams of saturated fat and over 1,000 milligrams of sodium.

Fourth worst went to the one-dollar McDonald’s McDouble, which contains 19 grams of fat and 65 milligrams of cholesterol.

Last, and least-worst, was the Wendy’s junior bacon cheeseburger, for $1.53, with 310 calories and 16 grams of fat.

talk to your kids

Please take some time to speak with your children about this very serious topic.

Great new restaurant!

If you'd like a new place to eat, try Wildflower Cafe in downtown Mason near the intersection of 42 and Kings Mill.  They do lunches all week, dinner on Fridays or other days with reservations.  Very tasty food, leaning towards locally grown and organic.  The half sandwich and cream of potato soup w/asparagus was delicious and the chocolate/butter pecan cake with chocolate ganache was yummy and quite huge!  I never made it to the Chocolate Morel or Tea Roses, but I made it here and I hope it is here to stay.  Surprisingly, I am not being paid for this review and do not own any shares in the restaurant itself.  I am just extremely satisfied after a fantastic lunch.

warren county fun

Looking for stuff to do in December. Here is the calendar of events for Warren County.

HOA Meeting Notes

Mason Fields Annual Meeting
Wednesday 12 November 2008

• The following items were covered and discussed at the annual meeting:
  Reviewed initial questions which included a request of the status of the amendments which had been routed for approval. It was shared that all amendments had passed, and in case it had already not been shared widely, that the HOA would try to include confirmation in one of the next letters to the neighborhood of the status of all passed and that they have also been filed with the city.
• As the amendments were discussed, a key focus area was the amendment which discussed general external home / lawn care, and it was confirmed that there is a standard for how outages should be managed.
• A power point presentation was reviewed which summarized the current financial status and budget of the neighborhood. It was shared that HOA due for 2009 would be increasing from ~$481 to ~$607 due to balancing the budget and no longer planning to use reserve funds. Based on this budget, future years should increase at a standard inflation rate.
• Some savings opportunities that were discussed as a group were:
• Merger with Village Lakes – previous HOA members shared that this had been evaluated and that Village Lakes did not benefit from a merger.
• Irrigation savings – through proper timing programming
• Irrigation – share with the waterworks that we should not be charged for sewage
• Electric – potential to winterize the pump on fountain vs. paying electric. Dale Rook shared that it would be better to just leave the fountain running.
• Evaluate what TR Gear is actually maintaining for neighborhood and determine what can be reduced / eliminated (ie. mowing strip behind path in back of homes if not required).

• Front of the neighborhood “beautification” was discussed. There are ~$10M reserve funds remaining to support improvements from city money. A decision was made to wait until all construction was complete before any additional money would be spent. In addition, the group leaned toward providing trees to people’s yards vs. the brim in the front since there is not an irrigation system. In addition, any trees planted on the brim are under the power lines and will be cut accordingly by Duke Energy as they grow closer to the lines.
• A group of individuals volunteered to investigate opportunities for the neighborhood to get together to do work vs. hiring it out (ie. laying bark, planting flowers, etc). This will be worked through the blog to get people to volunteer and communicate.

living wage calculator

How much does it cost to live here? The Living Wage Calculator has the answers. Here are the results for Mason.

Typical Expenses



Wages Needed



Typical Actual Wages

Tonight 7pm

Tonight is the HOA meeting. Let's put our heads together and have the heart of service to each other. There is a lot we can do, but we have to do it as a group. No "us against them" attitudes. "Us" IS "Them"! Gosh that was brilliant. Time for more coffee.
From the earlier post:
This is to invite you to the Mason Fields Home Owner Association Meeting on 12 November from 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM. The meeting will be in room 2029 of the Mason Municipal Center, 6000 Mason-Montgomery Road.

The annual meeting was formerly held in February but due to continued increases in HOA dues the board determined it best to review the annual budget prior to announcing next year’s fees.

We also moved this forward in hopes that one or more of you would volunteer to use 2009 to identify money saving options to apply to 2010. We will not use the meeting to develop solutions but to agree if someone(s) of you wants to drive out options to present in time for the 2010 budget process.

I look forward to your active participation in this.

reasons to vote

The real reason to vote ...

• Ben & Jerry's: Free scoop of ice cream between 5-8pm. Originally, materials stated you'd need some form of proof you voted (like an "I voted" sticker), but current materials just spell out "Free scoops!" (locate)
• Books-A-Million: Free cup of coffee after showing your "I voted" sticker. (locate)
• California Tortilla: Free taco for showing "I voted" sticker. (locate)
• Chick-fil-A: "Several hundred" of 1,400 Chick-fil-A restaurants are handing out chicken sandwiches (the kind normally $2.70) to adults with proof of voting. (locate)
• Krispy Kreme: Free star-shaped doughnut with "patriotic sprinkles" (i.e. red, white, and blue) for "all retail customers with an 'I Voted' sticker." USA Today reports that 85 of 231 Krispy Kreme locations will participate. (locate)
• Shane's Rib Shack: A free "Celebrate America Meal"—3-piece chicken tenders, fries, and 20-ounce drink—to the first 300 customers at participating locations, according to their press release. (locate)
• Starbucks: Free tall coffee at "any Starbucks." "Tell us you voted" seems to be the bargaining chip, according to their recent TV ads. (locate)
• Vote & Vax: National project by non-profits to offer free flu vaccinations on election day. (locate)

re-thread edge trimmer

Hey - for those of you that have saved a couple of minutes by not looking at the instructions for your edge trimmer but then have spent countless hours in frustration wrestling with re-threading it and then with jams since you did it wrong, here's a simple video.

construction update

Late this week traffic lanes on Western Row Road from Cherokee Drive east to Tylersville Road will be shifted to the south side of the road. Mainline will start working on the north side of the road so that curbs and gutters, storm sewers, bike path and permanent pavement can be installed on the north side of the road.

covenant amendments

The five amendments (summary) to the Mason Fields HOA Covenant have been filed with the city.

You can view them here.

More News.....?

The Extreme Home Makeover that was filmed nearby will air this Sunday, Channel 9 starting at 7pm for local highlights and 8pm for the actual show.

Irons Fruit Farm Corn Maze

Corn Maze... OPEN SEPTEMBER 6,2008 THROUGH OCTOBER!!!



This is a picture of our 2008 Corn Maze!

Vote '08 - U Decide! DEMS or GOP

Our maze for the 2008 season is devoted to our biggest right as an American citizen - get out and vote in November! But before then come out to the farm and work your way through our maze of politics!

The Maze is cut into a 12 acre field of corn (that's almost 12 football fields) and is open on weekends in September and October.

http://ironsfruitfarm.com/

heating & cooling

Not required but we just had our routine heating and cooling check-up. This is not something we do every year. Our plan in general is to sign up for a 3 visit contract (e.g., Spring, Fall, Spring) and then skip a season before another 3 visit contract (e.g., Fall, Spring, Fall). And sometimes we skip a couple of seasons.

Anyway, for what it's worth, we use Willis Heating & Air Conditioning. They can be reached at 513.752.2512.

It's not cheap since we have two AC and two heating units but this year they found a bird was building a nest in one of the flues so it pays out.

Mason Art Show this Sunday

Hi neighbors! If you have time, check out Mason's 3rd annual art show on Sunday. The location at the Municipal center is easy to access with plenty of parking, food, entertainment and of course, art. There are booths outside and a gallery of artists inside. Very family friendly for those with kids. I will have a couple of pieces in the inside gallery.

hoa annual meeting

Coming in the mail to you ...

Dear Neighbor,

This is to invite you to the Mason Fields Home Owner Association Meeting on 12 November from 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM. The meeting will be in room 2029 of the Mason Municipal Center, 6000 Mason-Montgomery Road.

The annual meeting was formerly held in February but due to continued increases in HOA dues the board determined it best to review the annual budget prior to announcing next year’s fees.

We also moved this forward in hopes that one or more of you would volunteer to use 2009 to identify money saving options to apply to 2010. We will not use the meeting to develop solutions but to agree if someone(s) of you wants to drive out options to present in time for the 2010 budget process.

I look forward to your active participation in this.

roofing

Use who you want but if you have no contacts, I've used Deer Park Roofing. The last time I had shingles blow off it was $185. It's not cheap but it's less than the hospital bill if I fall.

Contact info ...

By E-Mail:
info@deerparkroofing.com
By Fax:
513-891-9152
By Phone:
513-891-9151
By Mail:
4268 Matson Ave (on the corner of Matson & Blue Ash)
Cincinnati, OH 45236

what seed?

There are many seed options for overseeding. I'm using Scotts Pure Premium Heat-Tolerant Blue this year - about $42 for 5,000 sq ft.. Yep - not cheap.

To overseed, mow grass closely, then loosen top 1/4 inch of soil in bare and thin areas. To seed a new lawn, loosen top 2 to 3 inches of soil to provide a lodging place for the seeds. Distribute the seed evenly. Apply Scotts Starter® Fertilizer to increase seeding success and then water thoroughly. WATERING IS CRUCIAL TO SEEDING SUCCESS. Keep the top 1/2 inch of soil damp by watering twice daily until all seedlings are up. Continue to water once or twice a day until the lawn is established (6 to 8 weeks). In 4-6 weeks, make an application of Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Fertilizer. This helps the plants knit together to form a thick, green carpet of grass. Do not apply a weed control product until after at least three mowings. Mow new seedlings as soon as they reach normal mowing height.

4 reasons for fall overseeding

4 reasons why fall is the best time for overseeding:

• Cooler air and warm soil - ideal for faster germination
• More days of ideal growing weather
• More light, due to leaves falling from trees
• Less competition from weeds

5 Things...................

5 Things You've Eaten and Think that Everyone Should Eat at least Once Before They Die. I won't force my culinary opinions on anyone so my take on this is:

Five Things I'd Like To Eat Again (It's too morbid to bring death into this)

1. Trio's blue cheese apple pizza.
2. Rita Heikenfeld's White Bean Italian Soup (Email me for the recipe)
3. Giuseppe's Pizza from North Canton....it's worth the drive!
4. A French 2 Step sundae from Aglameisi Brothers in Oakley (2 scoops vanilla with chocolate whipped cream and chocolate syrup drizzle)
5. A steak made by a Jeff Ruby Restaurant (I prefer The Precinct)

Now it's your turn. What is your favorite?

so you got thatch?

Thatch and How to Manage It (from the University of Illinois Extension)

Thatch is a dense layer of living and dead organic matter on the soil surface.

Thatch in lawns is often misunderstood; both its cause and control. Some lawns have serious thatch problems while others do not. Thatch is a layer of living and dead organic matter that occurs between the green matter and the soil surface. Excessive thatch (over 1/2 inch thick) creates a favorable environment for pests and disease, an unfavorable growing environment for grass roots, and can interfere with some lawn care practices.

The primary component of thatch is turfgrass stems and roots. It accumulates as these plant parts buildup faster than they breakdown. Thatch problems are due to a combination of biological, cultural, and environmental factors. Cultural practices can have a big impact on thatch. For example, heavy nitrogen fertilizer applications or overwatering frequently contribute to thatch, because they cause the lawn to grow excessively fast. Avoid overfertilizing and overwatering. Despite popular belief, short clippings dropped on the lawn after mowing are not the cause of thatch buildup. Clippings are very high in water content and breakdown rapidly when returned to lawns after mowing, assuming lawns are mowed on a regular basis (not removing more than one-third of the leaf blade).

Excessive thatch accumulation has lead to lawn rooting into thatch rather than soil.

As thatch levels accumulate to greater than 1/2 inch, lawn problems may begin, and the thatch needs to be controlled. Thatch may be torn out with a dethatcher or vertical mower, but will most likely return unless the cause is corrected. Mechanical dethatching is also very destructive to the lawn because roots are in thatch instead of soil, so plants tear out easily. Overseeding is usually required afterwards. For this reason, it's best to tear out thatch in late August for optimum reseeding timing.

Core aerating helps degrade thatch and also helps solve some of the causes of thatch.

Core aerification, followed by topdressing are two methods that will generally correct the reasons thatch is accumulating. Core aerifying machines will pull up small soil cores to the surface that are left there to act like topdressing. The holes created help solve problems such as compaction or poor drainage. Topdressing is simply adding a thin layer(1/8 to 1/4 inch) of compatible soil over the thatch, which adds microorganisms to help in breakdown.

Aerifying equipment may be rented or services are available to do it for hire. Aerifing is an excellent lawn practice with many benefits, as it helps solve soil problems that in turn leads to better root systems and healthier lawns. Aerify in spring or fall, making sure adequate moisture exists in the soil. Make two trips over the lawn, the second perpendicular to the first. An average of 15 to 20 aeration holes per square foot is suggested. Cores should remain on the surface and allowed to air dry. These cores act as topdressing that helps degrade thatch. Additional topdressing material could be added after core aerifying if desired.

slice seeding v. core aeration

Through the ages, slice (or slit) seeding versus core aeration with overseeding has puzzled even the greenest homeowners. If you search the internet, for every opinion offered supporting one method, you'll find another supporting the other. But there's no reason to be ignorant regarding the terminology. So, if you want to be ready for your next chat with Dr. John Conyers, here's all you need to know.

Slice Seeding: Restores lawn
Slice seeding is used to either repair a damaged lawn or to improve a thin or weak lawn. Sometimes disease and insect damage can thin a lawn so badly that renovation is the last resort. On a new or thin lawn, slice seeding will introduce new seed into the lawn and help thicken it up. This method solves lawn problems efficiently, and improves your lawn’s density. The seeder cuts furrows into the soil and plants the seed into the furrow. This method puts the seed directly in contact with the soil as opposed to merely spreading seeds onto your lawn, many of which will most likely not germinate. Slice seeding plants new seed into the soil without stripping existing sod. It is the best way to renew or thin a heavily thatched lawn and sow in new and improved seed varieties. Slice seeding is the most effective way to ensure good seed to soil contact and prepare the seed bed at the same time. It enables you to have better looking and more resistant grass types that are adapted to the various conditions on your property.

Core aeration with overseeding: Used to thicken and upgrade lawn
Core aeration is the process of mechanically removing plugs of soil and thatch from a lawn. Overseeding is the process of putting seeds into a seed spreader, and then spreading the seeds over the entire lawn. The purpose of core aeration with overseeding is to introduce better grass varieties into your lawn. It reduces soil compaction, minimizes thatch accumulation, and will give you a greener and thicker lawn. Core aeration with overseeding is a great alternative because it combines aeration with specially formulated seeds for your lawn. It is important to note, however, that core aeration will not yield the same results as slice seeding.

sprinkler update

I met with the guys from T.R. Gear this morning to review our sprinkler system. They replaced 11 heads and worked on many more last week. The system is currently set to come on daily about 4 am. Each zone is set for 30 minutes so some of you may catch it on in the wee hours of the morning. If you notice a specific problem, please let me know.

We cycled the system this morning and it looks like we are getting good coverage (now that the heads are repaired). The current problem spots are primarily thatch and places that are damaged needing repair. De-thatching and reseeding is currently not in our budget.

heritage days

We missed it but it looks like some folks had fun at the Heritage Festival yesterday.

a city that serves

'nough said ...

construction update

Traffic lanes from Village Lakes Drive east to Tylersville Road will be shifted to the north side of the road early next week. East of Mason-Montgomery Road, Mainline will start pouring curbs and gutters and install permanent pavement on the south side of the road.

West of Mason-Montgomery Road, Mainline will start installing permanent pavement on the south side of the road and complete installing driveways. When permanent pavement is complete traffic will be shifted to the south side of the road so that permanent pavement can be installed on the north side of the road.

grass seed

This is Rick blogging for Dr. John (no not the night tripper Dr. John - our green thumb Dr. John) ...
Now is the time to put down any feed if you plan to do that. Why? Because September is over-seed month and you don't want to get your applications too close together.

For grass seed there are tons of options. Just watch the weed seed percentage on the back. You may want to avoid rye and tall fescue too.

I used Scott’s heat tolerant blue the last time I over-seeded. It had a good mix of KBG cultivars and is made for drought conditions. You can get it at Lowes. It is a bit pricey, so make sure to keep it damp. Blue grass can take 20 days to germinate so you may want to wait till mid Sept. before putting any down, the damp nights will help with moisture/watering.

You might consider aeration before the seeding - Rich is looking into renting one.

And consider Scotts Starter Fertilizer with the seed.

mason and more

Here's a link to everything you want to know (and more) about the future planning for Mason. The plan includes:

• Background data and analysis, including area history, a description of existing social, economic and physical (natural and man-made) conditions and trends, and economic and demographic projections.
• Documentation of stakeholders’ interests (e.g., interests of residents, public officials, the business community, developers) and involvement in the process.
• A vision statement or statement of desired goals and objectives. Evaluation of the selected plan and design alternatives.
• A future plan map or maps depicting various components, including land use, transportation, community facilities, and housing areas.
• Sub-area development plans that more closely define the future development vision for several priority areas defined by the City of Mason.
• An implementation framework or schedule that describes specific measures to carry out the plan, their costs (if known), and the time frame for execution.

You might find the roadway classifications and planned improvements at the infrastructure link of particular interest. And of course there is always the Imagine Mason page for all kinds of general information.

More Lawn Care

Don't forget John's lawn care advice for the season...it has helped my lawn recover after last year's drought...John or others - any advice on what type of seed to use for over-seeding?

If anybody is interested in going in together to rent an Aerator in ~mid-Sept, let me know.

Fifth Application

Mid AugustScotts® Turf Builder® Lawn Fertilizer with 2% Iron - Nothing special here, just a feeding. This can be skipped if you want

Sixth Application

Mid September

Over-seed year with a better seed than what the builder used something more heat tolerant. Over seeding is simply seeding over the existing lawn. When over-seeding use: Scotts® Starter® Fertilizer – This has a lower nitrogen content allowing for good seed germination. Keep lawn damp as much as possible. The cool damp nights help this in the fall. Step 1 – Full Yard Aeration – helps loosen compacted clay soil Step 2 – Seed front yard only Step 3 – Apply Scotts® Starter® Fertilizer and keep seed damp

Seventh ApplicationThanksgiving

Scotts® Turf Builder® WinterGuard With PLUS 2® Weed Control – You will not see any immediate results from this. This is a jump start for next spring and it will kill off any cool season broad leaf weeds. This product helps root production and helps store carbohydrates for the winter.

green with coffee

If you want to "go green" with coffee, here's an article with some ideas.

Wake Your Garden Up with a Little Coffee
It's a beautiful morning. You've just brewed a fresh pot of coffee. You're about to take the grounds out and throw them in the -- garden? Why not? Coffee grounds have a lot of good things in them, like nitrogen. If you re-use coffee grounds in your garden, you'll see happier plants, and keep some stuff out of your local landfill.

How to Serve Coffee to Your Garden
You can sprinkle them around your azaleas, which love things on the acidic side. Work your coffee grounds - or tea leaves, for that matter - into your garden soil for slow-release nitrogen. If your plants need a quick pick-me-up, mix your grounds with water (about 5-6 parts water to 1 part grounds) and let it stand for a while. Then just pour it around the base of your plants. They'll perk up fast.

Put Some Zing in Your Compost Pile
Used coffee filters and tea bags are great composting material. They break down fast. The grounds and tea leaves you throw into your compost pile will give you a nitrogen-rich growing material. Worms love coffee almost as much as you do.

Experiment
It's fun to see which parts of your garden enjoy coffee more. Sprinkle some on your houseplants. Work some into the soil in your vegetable garden. Once you see the results, you'll never throw your coffee grounds in the trash again.

butterfly garden

Want a butterfly garden? Here are some tips from the "backyardblogger". And don't forget, the Natorps sale would be a great time to get started.

Creating a butterfly garden is actually pretty easy. Butterflies are attracted to brightly colored flowers, so many of the popular annuals will be appropriate for a butterfly garden. Some other perennials they like are orange or purple coneflower, catmint, coreopsis, black-eyed Susan, butterfly weed, butterfly bush, English lavender, liatris, salvia, roses, yellow daylilies, and bright purple petunias.

A source of moisture is also important, although butterflies only drink from very shallow water sources, such as puddles – so the birdbath we placed in that part of the flowerbed turned out to be just for visual interest. When I water the plants, I try to leave some shallow puddles on the walk next to the flowerbed. You can also put a saucer in the garden and fill it with some water on top of sand or small stones.

Because butterflies can be blown about by gusts of wind, they like sunny locations with protection from the wind. Locating your flowerbed close to a wall, fence, hedge, or other windbreak may help to make your garden a place butterflies will want to hang out.

Recycle Mason

Recently I had the ....experience to tour Rumpke dump a.k.a Mt. Rumpke, in Colerain. Did you know they give tours? Did you know people actually go? What is in the landfills is 60% recyclable, but isn't. Then I picked up "Cincinnati" Magazine for 8/08 and it had a section on recycling and what to do with hazardous materials. I jotted the information down because I thought it'd be good for our blog. IF any of this is not correct, please correct it in the comments section. A special Computer Recycling Day is scheduled:Drop it off at: Mason Municipal Building
6000 Mason Montgomery Road
Saturday, August 30, 2008
9 AM – 12 NoonAll computers will be recycled or refurbished for underprivileged people.
Accepting:
Computer Units Mice
Monitors Printers
Key Boards
Attention Computer Geeks!
Would you like to help out on collection day?
Please call 513-695-1209 and volunteer!
You can pick up free recycling bins at the city building. If you pick up a second bin, just make sure it's 3/4 full when you put it out or they are instructed to pick it up.
Household Waste (Paint Cans,anti-freeze,yard waste etc.) Contact Warren County Solid Waste Management Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday, 8 AM to 4:30 PM (except holidays)
Telephone: 513-695-1209 www.co.warren.oh.us/solidwaste/sitemap.htm
Computer disposal/recycle: IAP 931-8950 or 985-1300* or Tristate Computer Exchange 870-9475 ext. 3571* (* means service fees may apply)
Appliances - Contact Solid Waste Management *
Tires: Contact Rumpke (They line the landfills and use it as covering) or your local tire dealer......or they make nice rope swings..........
Ammunition:Contact the Warren County Sheriff 695-1280 and contact me so I don't honk you off.
Propane Tanks: Collett's Propane Lebanon 228-1424 or Wilmington (SR 73 by Camp Kirkwood) 937-328-1624
Other "recyclables": Michele Ellis is saving plastic lids from soda's,etc. which get cashed in for chemo treatments for children. The elementary schools save Campbell soup labels and Boxtops for Education. And Christ Church at Mason has a paper recycling bin (green and yellow) at the back of the church on the Western Row Rd. side.
I feel like I should sing a song from the 70's here about loving mother earth, but it's early and my voice isn't warmed up.

Ice Cream Social

The ice cream social is coming Sunday, 8/17 at 7pm. Flyers (kindly printed by Karen) are being graciously handed out by Michelle. It's at the trail (between 6769 and 6751 Summer Field Dr) this year putting it in a better and more central position. Don't eat dessert that day and let's celebrate the end of summer and beginning of school!

Natorp's Fall Sale

For those of you who are into gardening, Natorp's has announced their fall sale! The outlet sale is off of Snyder 9/12,13,14,20 & 21. IF you are a "preferred gardener"(stop by their main store by Bigg's and sign up for free!) you'll get in 9/9 and 9/10 from 11-730, before the general public!!! Amazing selections!

Opportunity Knocks! Let's Play!

(Courtesy of ABC)
* Apply To Be On Opportunity Knocks


Go to WCPO's website to apply! www.wcpo.com
Reported by: Jeff Brogan

First, Extreme Makeover, now ABC is looking for another Tri-State Family for the network's newest game show.

"Opportunity Knocks" debuts on Channel 9 in September.

The show literally comes to a home, turning a neighborhood into a game show set.

ABC says a mobile semi-truck with prizes will be on hand.

A family can win prizes and money based on what they know about each other.

Lunch at Pine Hills Park This Tuesday

Tuesday some of our neighbors are meeting at Pine Hills Park at 1130 for a picnic. It's the Thatchers, Ianiello's,Ellis',Gazda's and Oslers. Please feel free to bring a "sammich o' sumptin' and join us!

off at night!!!

Yes - the water will be off at 8 PM ... they thought this would be less disruptive. Pass the word ... it is not a typo.

water off again

Hey neighbors ...

As a part of the Western Row Road Widening Project, water to Mason Fields will be shut off on Monday, July 28, 2008 starting at 8:00 p.m. for about 6 to 8 hours. This shutdown is necessary to install a shut off valve on the existing 12" water main as required by Greater Cincinnati Water Works. This Valve will allow future work on this water main without again shutting off water to Mason Fields.

In case of rain the proposed work will be done on Tuesday, July 29, at the same time.

Kids and Cars

I am all for driving under the speed limit in the neighborhood and I have advised my sons to do the same (please let me know if you see them going too fast). I also remember playing tennis in the street as a kid and dashing to the curb when a car was seen or heard. That being said...twice on the same trip (leaving and coming back from dinner) Mike and I noticed kids on the side of the street, looking right at us and then one of them darts across the street, in front of our car. We were going slow and making eye contact. Both times we stopped and rolled down the window and said, "Hey, don't do that." in a nice, but firm manner. Am I out of line? I know when I was a kid a reprimand from an adult in the neighborhood made me think twice. I do not want to step on toes, but I am trying to help when even driving slow gets scary.

Fire Levy August 5

Yesterday in your community paper you received an insert called "Mason Matters". It goes into detail about the fire levy and what it will cost/cover. I was surprised by the day of the vote. It's not election day, but August 5th! Not much is being said about it. I anticipate low voter turnout. It doesn't say WHERE to vote. I am assuming the place where we normally vote? If someone hears any more, please update us. Thanks.
http://www.imaginemason.org/home.php?ID=158

time for weeds to be gone

Ortho Weed B Gon

How to Use
Spray weeds until they are thoroughly misted, but not dripping.

When to Apply
Spray when weeds are actively growing. Rain or watering 1 hour after application will not wash away effectiveness. Spray when daytime temperatures are above 45° F and below 90° F.

How often to apply
Apply to actively growing weeds as needed. Wait 2-3 weeks before reapplying to same weeds. Some difficult to control weeds may require additional applications to achieve complete control.

Where to Use
Use Ortho® Weed B Gon MAX® Plus Crabgrass Control to kill the toughest weeds in these lawns: Bermudagrass, Buffalograss, Fescues, Kentucky Bluegrass, Perennial Ryegrass, and Zoysiagrass.

Where Not to Use
Do not use on St. Augustine, Centipede or Bahiagrass lawns.

What it Controls
Weeds: Kills over 225 weeds, including: Barnyardgrass, Broadleaf Signalgrass, Bur Clover, Carpetweeds, Chickweeds, Creeping Charlie, Cudweed, Curly Dock, Dandelion, English Daisy, False Dandelion, Field Bindweed, Filaree, Florida Pusley, Heartleaf Drymary, Henbit, Junglerice, Kikuyugrass*, Large Crabgrass, Oxalis, Pennywort, Plantains, Purslane, Red Sorrel, Sheep Sorrel, Smooth Crabgrass, Giant Foxtail, Green Foxtail, Yellow Foxtail, Torpedograss*, Speedwell, Spurges, Spurweed, Thistles, Toadflax, White Clover, Wild Carrot, Wild Geranium, Wild Onion, and other broadleaf weeds. *Make 2 sequential applications at 14 to 21 day intervals to control.

Desired Results
Should see twisting, curling, and yellowing of weed leaves in 24 hours on most weeds.

cow appreciation day

Visitors to the Neighborhood

We had a special visit from TITUS a Cincinnati Police Dog. The Thatchers and the Oslers got to watch him do some search and recovery. Unfortunately it was mid-day and no one else was home. Sometimes when you watch the Cincinnati news you will see Officer Neal and Titus. This may be our neighborhoods' only brush with fame. The boy in the photo is our friend Zach Neal, who we count as a brush with friendship. Our dog tater Tot merely got to watch Titus get petted and mark his territory. Tater Tot did not appreciate the visit.

reasons

Four reasons (and there are many more) to drive slow through the neighborhood.

speaking of weird

This guy was spotted practicing for the new roller baseball team ... basically traditional baseball blended with roller derby.


It was hard to get a clear shot of him ... he was movin' real fast - probably over the speed limit.

neighborhood geeks

The neighborhood is getting a little weird. While many neighborhoods have to deal with "punks" causing a variety of problems, it seems ours has a growing number of outdoor computer hackers. Is no one safe anymore?

hands-free driving laws

I'm sure many of you think you are great drivers ... and a few of you are. But when my kids are in the street or I'm out driving also, I want your full attention none-the-less. So while it may not be a law to stay off your phone while driving in Ohio, you will still get a dirty look from me if you are on the phone when you go by.

And while I'm at it ... speed and cutting corners.

1) The legal speed limit is 25 mph through our neighborhood. But there are about 6 million kids in this neighborhood. If the street was a mile long (it's not), at 25 mph it would take you 2.4 minutes from end-to-end. If you went 20 mph, 3 minutes ... and 15 mph is 4 minutes. Net, the difference is negligible yet hitting a kid will change your life (and possibly theirs) forever. Knowing that you went the limit won't make you feel better.

And as noted in an earlier post, some are even going above the limit.

2) What's with cutting the corners on these turns? I actually have tire prints in my yard between the sidewalk and street. Please, this is not Formula 1 and you are not that cool. If you have to follow that arc in the turn you are likely going too fast anyway.




Thanks for your help ... signed, the grumpy guy on the corner.

speeding

I have stopped a few cars this week for driving a little to fast on our streat. I hate doing it, I don't want to be "that guy" who is always asking people to slow down. We have soooo many young children in our community and now have a welcomed additional six children.

Let's please try to watch our speed.

For the most part it is not homeowners here. I is delivery people "pizza" or people that are turning around.

I am debating on calling the police to see about speed humps being put in. Any one have any thoughts? I am guessing that the speed humps will only happen if enough complaint calls are received. Let me know what you think.

The last guy that I asked to slow down last night actually got out of his car and yelled the speed limit it 25 and that's what I am doing. He had been drinking and was delivering a paper of some sort. luckily Mike was outside.

John

sedgehammer is in!!!!

I just received my supply of Sedgehammer for killing nutsedge. My cost was $150 including shipping handling, etc.. I am prepared to sell a 1 gallon application for $5. That includes Sedgehammer and the required non-ionic surfactant. You need to supply the 1 gallon sprayer and water.

One gallon covers 1000 sq. ft. but none of us have solid nutsedge. I did my whole yard with about half a gallon. I think it will take another couple of applications before it is under control but eventually 1 gallon should last an entire season.

John/Rich - since you already have your own surfactant, I can give you a break and charge you only $7.50 per gallon.

What You Need To Know When you Are New To The Area

We have a few new families moving in this summer. I thought I'd start a post and other's could add onto it with their thoughts. What do you need to know about this area when you move in?
Trash pick up is Monday, but they come early Monday am, so consider putting it out Sunday pm. They do trash pick up on holidays. Recycling bins are free and available at the Mason City Building (across from the Community Center.) They will give you 2 if you ask, but the recycling guy told me they are instructed to pick up the second if neither bin is that full.
You live near the Little Miami Scenic Bike Trail. Family fun, but not wise to go it alone. King's Island and the Zoo are good memberships. Krohn Conservatory is free and wonderful to see spring flowers end of January!
3 Major grocery stores: Bigg's, Meijer's, and Kroger's.BUT Jungle Jim's is a blast! Kids love it. I encourage you to go early (8-9a) with kids so it's less crowded and they can enjoy it more. Oh,and take me, Karen Osler. I can show you the cool stuff.
Cincinnatians say things like PONY KEG which is the local stop and shop . "UDF" is United Dairy Farmers which is also a pony keg......... We also say "Please?" when we want something repeated.
Best food unique to our area: Skyline Chili, Graeter's ice cream and I think the Precinct Restaurant/Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse. The best restaurant to see the city is the Riverview (in N. Ky), which revolves around- they have a nice Sunday brunch.
The Level 1 Trauma Centers are Univ. of Cincinnati and Miami Valley. Level 3 is Bethesda North. Children's Hospital is THE place to take your kids, known worldwide. They have an Urgent Care at Children's Mason 6p-11p. A new 24/7 Children's will be open in West Chester in August. John and I have both tried the Doctor's Urgent Care on Tylersville with satisfaction. Arrow Springs ER is 2 exits up- SR 48 North. Same docs and nurses as B-North but no waits and fastest way to get a bed at North. That being said I am forever partial to Christ Hospital. What you weren't asking?

Okay- help me out. What do you think our new neighbors need to know?

Police Looking For Man Who Lured Young Girls In Mason

http://www.wlwt.com/news/16695020/detail.html

Extreme Home Makeover is Coming!

I got really excited that someone in our town would be blessed with this chance. I got SO excited I signed up to volunteer for TWO night shifts, thinking those would be the hardest to staff, but probably the best time to get things done. Jim just laughed and said "This isn't a hospital, it's a construction site! You are going to be with Joe and Larry at 3am!" I hope Joe and Larry are hungry, I'll bake them something. I signed up for 6p-6a 7/14 & 15.....in case anyone wants to join me? No? They have shifts round the clock from 7/9-7/17. Oh and Rick they won't let me wear a fireman's t-shirt.( I am so throwing you a bone here!)
Here's the link:
http://emhe.duke-energy.com/default.asp

more on nutsedge

Klaus's ... thanks for the post on Nutsedge.

I started to add a comment but thought some folks may not notice it. This post is to build on yours.

0.9 g makes 1 gallon of spray. As bad as my yard and a neighbor's was, we used a full gallon in one application. John Conyer whose yard is in great shape claims that once under control, a gallon should last a season.

I have ordered about 30 applications worth - should arrive this week. The larger quantity was far cheaper than ordering individually.

Once it arrives, I will do the math but I think I can sell it for $10 (or less) for a gallon's worth.

So, if you have a sprayer, contact me at rianniello {at} gmail {dot} com ... of course do the right thing with the "at" and "dot".

Nutsedge

If people have noticed a light green "grass" popping up around the neighborhood, it is a nasty weed called Nutsedge. Please read the information below from the OSU Extension office.

You can find treatment for this weed at:

http://www.cooperseeds.com/

(type nutsedge in the product search and look for a product called SedgeHammer...it isn't a cheap product, but the amounts shown are not a "one time" treatment but last for awhile by storing the unused product in a sprayer for use as needed)

Description

Yellow Nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus L.) is a common weed found in many home lawns and other turfgrass areas in Ohio. The color, growth habit, and rapid growth rate make yellow nutsedge a prominent distraction in the aesthetics of high quality lawns. In addition to home lawns, this weed is also a significant problem in the turfgrass areas of parks, industrial grounds, athletic fields, and golf courses.

Plant Description
Yellow nutsedge is distinctive and relatively easy to identify. The stems are erect, triangular-shaped and yellow-green in color. The leaves are also yellow-green, wide (0.38 to 0.50 inch) bladed with a thick mid-vein and a very waxy covering. The shallow, fibrous root system often produces many nut-like tubers, which are underground food storage organs. Each of these tubers can germinate and produce new plants. Each new plant can also produce rhizomes which can give rise to additional new plants.

Figure 1. Yellow nutsedge

Yellow nutsedge is a warm season perennial plant. The above ground foliage does not survive winters in Ohio. However, as soils warm during the late spring and early summer period, germination of tubers and seed produced by plants from previous years are capable of producing new yellow nutsedge plants. Heavy infestations of this weed in lawns and other turfgrass areas usually become readily apparent in July and August.

Figure 2. Yellow nutsedge rhizomes

Growth Habit
The color, texture, and growth habit of yellow nutsedge all contribute to aesthetic incompatibility with the desirable lawn turfgrasses. In addition to the aesthetic differences, the leaves of this weed have a rapid rate of vertical elongation resulting in their frequent protrusion above the canopy of the desirable grasses. Combined, these distractions make lawns unattractive during the mid to late summer period. Yellow nutsedge thrives under warm, wet conditions and can often be found in low, damp areas of lawns. This weed is often most problematic during summers with above normal rainfall. Management and environmental factors, including improper mowing, nutrient deficiencies, insect damage, drought stress, etc., which stress or reduce the density or competitive ability of the desirable turfgrasses, will often lead to increased populations of yellow nutsedge.

Management Options
Unlike most lawn weeds, yellow nutsedge is not controlled with applications of traditional annual grass weed or broadleaf weed control products. This weed is a member of the sedge family and requires the use of very specific herbicides to achieve satisfactory control. Regardless of the control strategy selected, the plan should be initiated when the weeds are young and immature. Eradication from lawns, although difficult, can be accomplished through the following approaches.

Hand Pulling
If only a few yellow nutsedge plants are present, hand pulling may be the best way to selectively eradicate the weeds. Begin physically removing the weeds as soon as the weed plants are observed. Removal of the entire plant including root systems is necessary. Pulling mature plants is difficult. These plants will often break off at the soil surface allowing regrowth and tuber development to continue. After removal, homeowners are advised to recheck the area periodically for regrowth. This approach is effective only if performed on a regular basis.

Homeowner Treatment
Where large patches of nutsedge are present, control through the use of herbicides may be the only satisfactory option. Homeowners may purchase, through retailers, herbicides to eliminate this weed. The performance of these products is dependent on the user accurately following the "Directions For Use." Normally, two applications are required with the repeat application made 10 to 14 days following the initial application. When applying control products, avoid mowing three to five days before and after treatment. To ensure adequate herbicide absorption, do not water the lawn for at least 24 to 48 hours after product application. Applications should ideally be initiated in the late spring/early summer when the nutsedge is young, actively growing, and is most sensitive to herbicidal control. Once this weed matures, control is difficult regardless of the treatment schedule.

Professional Application
The most effective turfgrass herbicides currently available for yellow nutsedge control are "Basagran" (bentazon) and "Manage" (halosulfuron). These herbicides are not sold through typical retail outlets. Homeowners desiring applications of either of these two chemical controls are encouraged to contact a licensed, commercial lawn applicator. Even with the use of these herbicides, a few weeks time may be required to eliminate the plants that are present and additional, repeat applications to control germinating nutlets may be necessary at a later time. As with the products available to homeowners, these herbicides perform best when treatments are made on young, actively growing nutsedge plants.
Homeowners should make note of the control strategies that are successful. Because of the seed and tubers that remain in the soil, repeat infestations in subsequent years should be anticipated.

Mowers For Hire

For anybody who is interested, I found a very reasonable mowing service, the did my lawn the first time today and it looks great. They are flexible so they will let me reduce the number of mowings as the heat of summer hits...paying $35/mow. I decided to be lazy this year since the baby is keeping us pretty busy!!!

Contact is Nick Linberg
513.304.5447
twoteachersandamower@yahoo.com (somewhat slow on returning email, but you will eventually hear back...my email's seem to be going to his spam box even though it is one yahoo acct to another).

Farmer's Markets

I found a list of local Farmer's Markets in case you want to eat locally,but not pick your own. Of course there is always Findlay Market, downtown Cincinnati! I hope this link works! If you go to Lebanon's look for Dan Berger. He has frozen blue gill and maple syrup from his farm. He is a retired lawyer, he does private catering for P&G and teaches classes at Cookware's. He's a colorful man.
Click here!

more lawn thoughts

Dormant Lawn
Under conditions of stress, like extremely hot and dry weather, grass will turn brown and go dormant as a natural survival mechanism. If your grass is dormant, there is nothing you can do right now. Dormant grass will not respond to fertilizing. Fertilize your lawn when the rain returns and your grass begins to recover. Once green, feeding your lawn will strengthen its root system and give it the nutrients it needs to recover faster.

Recovering Lawn
If your grass is beginning to recover from drought conditions, fertilize it now. Feeding now will help restore your lawn back to health by giving it the nutrients it needs to stay strong and healthy. It will also protect your yard against heat and drought in the future. A well-fed lawn just doesn't get as thirsty.

Healthy Lawn
If your lawn is green and hasn't been affected by heat and drought, continue your normal feeding and watering schedule. A well-fed lawn maintains a stronger, deeper root system that protects against the effects of heat and drought and uses available moisture in the soil more efficiently.

Beautify Our Neighborhood: Prune Your Trees

TREES IN NEED OF PRUNING

As you can see above, many of the trees along Summer Field and Spring Field Dr are in deperate need or pruning. Lower branchs should be removed to both improve the appearance of the tree and provide clearance on the sidewalks for people. Some of us may have the impression these trees are cared for by the grounds maintenance service, but that is not the case. Rick has posted some great tips on the blog on how to prune your trees.

Many of the homeowners have done a great job maintaining there trees and keeping the sidewalk clear. See below

GREAT EXAMPLES OF PRUNED TREES

Pruning your trees not only beautifies the neighborhood, it is also healthy for your trees by focusing their growth. Please go out and take a look at your trees (and your neighbors) and prune where needed.

THANKS!

amendments

Fellow homeowners, I am pleased to announce that all five of the amendment proposals have passed by the required 39 yes votes. The HOA board will work over the next few weeks to file the results with the city as well as send out some formal communication but I wanted to take this opportunity to thank those of you that voted and to report the results.

As a reminder, here are the top lines of these amendments.

• Allow for two installments of the HOA annual assessment with a $15 surcharge.
• Require a 55% assenting vote to levy future special assessments for capital expenditures.
• Outline specific landscape and maintenance requirements and provide for enforcement thereof.
• Require majority consent for future amendment proposals.
• Not allow registered sex offenders to take future residence in Mason Fields.

If you have any questions or comments please contact one of the board members.

tree pruning

Producing strong structure should be the emphasis when pruning young trees. As trees mature, the aim of pruning will shift to maintaining tree structure, form, health and appearance. In our neighborhood, we have trees in need of "crown raising". These are the trees between the street and sidewalks. Crown raising should be done for a number of reasons but in this case for safety. We want people to be able to walk on our sidewalks without risking a poke in the eye from a low hanging branch.

1. Crown Thinning - Crown thinning, primarily for hardwoods, is the selective removal of branches to increase light penetration and air movement throughout the crown of a tree. The intent is to maintain or develop a tree's structure and form. To avoid unnecessary stress and prevent excessive production of epicormic sprouts, no more than one-quarter of the living crown should be removed at a time. If it is necessary to remove more, it should be done over successive years.

Crown thinning - branches to be removed are shaded in blue; pruning cuts should be made at the red lines. No more than one-fourth of the living branches should be removed at one time.

2. Crown Raising - Crown raising is the practice of removing branches from the bottom of the crown of a tree to provide clearance for pedestrians, vehicles, buildings, lines of site, or to develop a clear stem for timber production. Also, removing lower branches on white pines can prevent blister rust. For street trees the minimum clearance is often specified by municipal ordinance. After pruning, the ratio of the living crown to total tree height should be at least two-thirds (e.g., a 12 m tree should have living branches on at least the upper 8 m).

On young trees "temporary" branches may be retained along the stem to encourage taper and protect trees from vandalism and sun scald. Less vigorous shoots should be selected as temporary branches and should be about 10 to 15 cm apart along the stem. They should be pruned annually to slow their growth and should be removed eventually.

Crown raising - branches to be removed are shaded in blue; pruning cuts should be made where indicated with red lines. The ratio of live crown to total tree height should be at least two-thirds.

It's Berry Picking Time!

I grew up in this area, and have always berry picked. I thought I'd include some places to pick. Right now strawberries are ready, and after 6/20 Black raspberries will be ripe. Here are some Local U-Pick places:
My Favorite: Dale Stokes Berry Farm, 2822 Center Road, Wilmington. 937-382-4004. 8 a.m.-dark daily. Late May to July: strawberries. Late-June to early July: black red, purple and yellow, August and September: red, purple and yellow raspberries. Containers provided. I-71 to Ohio 73; drive east to Williams Road; turn left, then right on Center Road to farm. Visit stokes berryfarm.com. I think they'll have blackberries,too but will ask when we go up Sunday!

Iron's Fruit Farm is the closest. They also have a fun corn maze in the fall!Irons Fruit Farm, 1640 Stubbs Mill Road, Lebanon. 513-932-2853. Call for picking times and availability. Mid-June: blueberries. Mid-July: Green beans, tomatoes. Mid-August: red raspberries. Mid-September: apples. Late September and October: pumpkins and gourds. Containers provided. I-71 to Ohio 123; go north toward Lebanon; turn left on Stubbs Mill Road and watch for signs about 2 miles on the left. Visit www.ironsfruit farm.com.

A&M Farm Orchard, 22141 Ohio 251, Midland, 513-875-2500. 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 1-8 p.m. Sunday. Call for fall hours. Early June: strawberries. September to October: apples and grapes. Containers provided. I-275 to Ohio 28; through Blanchester to Midland in southeast Clinton County; south on U.S. 68 to Ohio 251. Farm is 1 mile east.
Barn 'n' Bunk Farm Market, Ohio 73 and Wayne Madison Road, Trenton. 513-988-9211. Call for hours and availability. Late May: snow peas. Late June to August: half runner beans, stringless beans, greasy beans and Roma beans. I-75 to Ohio 63; go west on Ohio 63 to Ohio 4; north on Ohio 4 to Ohio 73; west on Ohio 73. Farm is near Ohio 73 and Wayne-Madison Road.

Barrett's Strawberry Farm, 11434 Fairfield Road, Leesburg, 937-780-4961. 8 a.m.-dark daily. Early June: strawberries. Containers provided. I-275 to Ohio 28; go east to Leesburg in north Highland County; turn right on Ohio 771; continue 1 mile; turn right on Fairfield Road. Follow signs to farm.

Bergefurd's Farm Market & Greenhouse, 234 Ohio 350 West. Corner of U.S. 68 South and Ohio 350 in Clinton County. 937-383-2133. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: call first, as berries are limited. Late May/early June: strawberries. Late September: pumpkins. Montgomery Road north through Morrow to Ohio 350; turn right. Or, take Ohio 28 through Blanchester to U.S. 68; turn left.

Bet-ter Farms, 1971 Sicily Road, Mount Orab. 937-446-2593. Opens 8 a.m. Monday-Saturday; closed Sunday. Call for closing hours and picking status later in the day. Early June: strawberries. Containers provided. I-275 to Ohio 32; go east to Sicily Road past Mount Orab; turn left. Farm is a little more than 3 miles, in southwest Highland County.

Blooms & Berries, 9669 Ohio 48, Loveland. 513-697-9173. Daily. Call for hours, picking times and availability. Late May: strawberries. October: pumpkins. I-71 to Ohio 48 exit (Lebanon); south on Ohio 48, through Maineville. Farm is on the right, about 2 miles south of Maineville.

Blooms & Berries, 10900 Loveland Madeira Road, Loveland. 513-697-9173. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday, July 1-Sept. 1.

Hidden Valley Fruit Farm, 5474 N. Ohio 48, Lebanon. 513-932-1869. Call for availability and picking times. Early to mid-June: strawberries. Mid-late June: blueberries. Early July: early apples. Late June to mid-July: red raspberries. Mid-July: green beans. August: sweet corn and pears. August-September: apples and Concord, Fredonia and Niagara grapes. September-October: apples and pumpkins. I-75 to Ohio 122 exit (Middletown); east 7 miles to Ohio 48; north 2 miles to farm.

Robert Rothschild Farm, 3143 East Ohio 36, Urbana. 800-356-8933. Tours available. Call for hours and availability. Mid-August to mid-September: red raspberries. I-75 to I-675 (near Dayton); east toward Columbus; take Ohio 68 north and follow signs to Urbana, in Champaign County; at the traffic circle in town, turn right on Ohio 36. Farm is on the right, about 3 miles east of Urbana.

Rouster's Apple House, 1986 Ohio 131, Milford. 513-625-5504. Call ahead for picking times and availability. Late June to August: blueberries. Late July: thornless blackberries. Containers provided. I-275 to exit 59-A (Milford Parkway); follow parkway onto Ohio 131. Farm is 6 miles beyond intersection of Ohio 131 and U.S. 50. Blueberry plantation is on the right, 500 yards before the apple house.

Spaeth Farm, 1469 South Ohio 741, Lebanon. 513-932-2151. Call ahead for availability and picking times. Early June: strawberries Mid-July: green beans and sweet corn. I-71 to exit 25 (Kings Island); left on Ohio 741. Farm is on the left, about 5 miles north. From I-75 north, take exit 29 and turn right on Ohio 63; turn right on Ohio 741. Farm is on the right.

Strawberry Patch, 6815 Hamilton-Mason Road, West Chester Township. 513-777-3642. Call for hours and availability. Through June: strawberries. I-75 to Ohio 129; go west to Cincinnati-Dayton Road; turn left and follow to Hamilton-Mason Road; turn right. Farm is less than 1 mile on the left.

Windmill Farm Market, 1454 E. Ohio 73, Springboro. 937-885-3965. Call for availability. October: pumpkins. I-71 to Ohio 73; follow signs. Farm is on the right, 5 miles west of Waynesville and 3 miles east of Springboro.

ding dongs and pumpkin

And - not to be out done - here are Barb's recipes for the ever popular Ding Dong Cake and seasonal Pumpkin Cobbler. On the Ding Dong Cake - double or triple everything and bring the extra to us.

Ding Dong Cake

1) 8-10 ding dongs split lengthwise icing side down in a 9X13” pan. (Hint: If they are too soft to cut, put them in the freeze for just a bit – 10-15 minutes. Not too long or they will be too hard to cut and they will crumble)
2) Mix 1 cup of powdered sugar and 8 oz. cream cheese (soft). Fold in 8 oz. cool whip. Spread whole mixture on top of ding dogs.
3) Mix two 3.9 oz. boxes of instant chocolate pudding with 3 cups of milk. Spread on top of cool whip.
4) Put remaining 4 oz. of cool whip (buy 12 oz. tub) on top. Sprinkle top with tons of chocolate chips and your choice of nuts.

Pumpkin Cobbler

29 oz. can pumpkin
4 lg. eggs beaten
1 ½ c. sugar
1 tsp ginger (or 2 ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice)
½ tsp. Cloves
2 tsp. Cinnamon
½ c. each brown sugar & nuts of your choice
12 oz. can evaporated milk
1 yellow cake mix
1 c. melted butter

Blend together pumpkin, eggs, sugar, spices, & evap. Milk. Pour into 13x9” pan. Sprinkle dry cake mixture on top. Pour butter over cake mixture, then top with brown sugar and nuts. Bake at 350 F for 1 hour and 20 minutes. Serve warm (with whipped cream if you wish)

italian cream soda

By popular demand ... here is a recipe for Italian Cream Soda.

• 4 ounces Italian syrup
• 4 ounces half-and-half
• 10 ounces club soda
• ice

For my taste, that's a little too much syrup and cream. Also, I find that I like ginger ale rather than club soda (or some mix of the two).

The two brands of syrups I found (Torani and Monin) are both available at Jungle Jim's. On-line is cheaper with more variety in flavors but the shipping cost is too high.

Finally, I like to mix the cream and syrup together first to minimize stirring of the soda later ... loses its fizz. And don't make the rookie mistake of putting the ice in fist and then thinking you will be able to stir the thing.

County Line Mulch

It was suggested that I post this info. We usually use Evan's mulch (aged 6 months), but found this company to be more economical. It is aged 1-3 years, which we like. The website is www.countylinemulch.com The basic organic brown mulch is $23/yd with $30 delivery (Free delivery w/ 10 yards). What is in our driveway this week is 6 yards. 1 cubic sq. yard of mulch covers 80-100 sq. ft.

neighborhood fun

In case you missed it, some of us had a real nice time at the Adams' Saturday.


And some had more fun than others.

Photos by Osler.

feed & control time

If you haven't done it yet, now is the time. Scotts Turf Builder with PLUS 2 Weed Control should have been applied this past week but it's not too late if you get on it now. This product kills dandelions and other major lawn weeds completely while helping to build a thick, green turf from the roots up.

Be sure to apply Scotts® Turf Builder® with Plus 2® Weed Control to a wet lawn or in the morning when there is still dew on the grass. The granules in Turf Builder® with Plus 2® need to stick to the foliage in order to kill the broadleaf weeds.

You can mow before or after applying, but be sure to keep 2-3 days between mowing and your application. The weed control works through the leaves of the weeds, and in order to be absorbed more easily you'll want the weeds to be developed and not cut short. More leaf surface means better weed control!

New Weeds

We are getting ready for Yellow Nutsedge to start showing it's face again. This is the light green weed that grows twice as fast as your grass does. Regular herbicides will not kill it.

http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/4000/4010.html

There is a product called Sedgehammer that will kill it. I have only found it at Natorps. The nutsedge is very waxy so the sedgehammer needs to be mixed with a surfactant (also at Natorps) to help it stick to the weed.

Power Outage 5/27

Just a reminder Duke Energy will have the electric off 8:30-1:30 5/27. Empty those freezers and grab your yard tools! Let's hope it's a good day for them. If it rains they will do it later in the week.

Grillin' With The Adams

We are joining the Adams Family for a farewell grill out Saturday 5/24 at 5pm at 6781 Summer Field. We are just rolling our grills to the curbs and eating in their backyard (If it rains we meet in our garage -6769 Summer Field).
The Adams are doing burgers and dogs. We are making grilled garden veggie sandwiches (better than it sounds) and orange chipotle chicken w/ black bean salsa. The Ellis' are grilling some chicken,too. Feel free to bring some more burgers/buns/dogs,etc. and join us.
The Adams are a family of 5 who moved here from Penn.,from Tenn. and originally from Utah. They moved a lot because of the Army. Merrill is an Army Major. RaKell is a school teacher. Shortly after they moved here RaKell had surgery and Merrill was shipped to Iraq. Their lives were even more blessed when Hannah (13) was on her bike and struck by a car . Laura , who is graduating, & Tanner had fairly good health in Ohio. Somehow they survived all of this and never complained. We hate seeing such high functioning individuals leave so we thought a grill out where I sit by their grill and sob would be just barrels of fun. Also don't forget to give Merrill a thank you for serving our country!
Feel free to join us, I won't cry. I am just kidding.
The new neighbors will move in around 6/4? All I know is that he is an MD and they have 6 kids under the age of 11. Please make sure you stop by and welcome them (and that Tater Tot's not chewing on one of them!)
If you have any questions about the grill out just call me- Karen 336-0312

grubs

Keep These Root-Eaters from Killing Your Grass

If you see Japanese Beetles in your trees, and dead patches of grass in your lawn, you could have grubs. Grubs are the larvae of Japanese beetles, June beetles, and chafers. These C–shaped creatures (off–white in color with a dark head) feast on the roots of your grass causing irregularly shaped patches of wilted, dead or dying grass in April and May, and again in August to mid–October. A bad infestation can kill your lawn. To find out if you have a problem, peel back a square foot of turf. If you see six or more grubs, it's time for action. With good treatments available, such as Scotts® Grubex®, and good timing, you can keep grubs under control.


Prevention and Maintenance

Time your treatment
You want to apply your lawn treatment when grubs are newly hatched or just before. That's because they're easier to control when they're small. For most lawns, that means applying around June and July, or when you see adult Japanese Beetles flying around.

Prepare your lawn
You want to make it easier for the treatment to work. That's why it helps to mow your lawn before treatment. Also, if you have more than half an inch of thatch, it could get in the way of the treatment. You'll want to de–thatch your lawn first.

Don't forget watering
Apply the day after watering your lawn, then water thoroughly after treatment. You want the treatment to soak in and get the grubs where they live.

Maintenance
Make it a routine to apply Scotts® Grubex® lawn treatment every June or July. You can also apply it your in April or May, but the grubs are much bigger, and harder to control at that time.

tick hoax - WARNING

I hate it when people forward bogus warnings, but this one is real, and it's important. So please send this warning to everyone on your email list.

If someone comes to your front door saying they are checking for ticks due to the spring weather and asks you to take your clothes off and spin around with your arms up ...

THIS IS A SCAM!!

They only want to see you naked.

I wish I'd gotten this yesterday. I feel so stupid.

The Construction begins May7th!

I know you've seen the start of construction. If you see some woman "taking" the daylillies at the entrance it's merely a rescue operation. I will hold them in the "Osler's Petting Zoo Gardens" until we can redo the front. IF you have a burning desire to dig,but not plant, just leave the lillies on my front porch 6769 Summer Field.
Speaking of Petting Zoos-please don't pet Tater Tot, our dog, unless we are there. He snipped at the youngest of the Nalluris. We are working with him, but I don't want anyone else to be hurt. We are addressing the behavior of the dog- it's the humans we can't protect. Thanks for your understanding. He is fine on leash! Please approach him! Thanks.

rss

A blog I read regularly just posted a step-by-step guide to use a feed reader from Google. I've copied the post here. If you do any amount of blog reading, a feed reader is a must have tool.

If you read even one blog regularly, RSS is for you. It will save you time, I promise.

Some of you may be wondering, "Doesn't everyone use RSS?" The answer is no; less than 6% of internet users take advantage of this extraordinarily helpful technology.

I've read lots of posts on what RSS is and how to use it, but they're limited in their helpfulness. There are just too many options out there to fully explain any one of them in a post that tackles RSS as a whole. So I am going to use the majority of this article to help non-RSS-users get started on Google Reader.

If you follow these instructions, you will be subscribed to your favorite sites and already saving time by the end of this article.

What Is RSS and Why Is It Worthwhile?

The acronym RSS stands for a couple things. The most helpful as far as a clear explanation of what it's for is "Real Simple Syndication."

RSS is a technology that allows you to subscribe to any website that has one of these in the address bar. You can then track every site you're subscribed to without having to go to each individual site.

If you're like me there are a couple websites that you love to read. Without RSS, I would be looking at these sites regularly to see if there were new material. Depending on how often I checked, I wouldn't see anything new most times I visited.

With RSS, I never again have to go to a site that has no new material. I subscribe to the sites I enjoy and am updated every time they post.

(This is especially helpful for keeping track of those bloggers who we want to read but who only post every 3 months.)

Why I'm Focusing on Google Reader

If you're not a current RSS-user and would like to be, my hope is that by the end of this article you'd have everything you need to begin. In order to do that, I need to pick one feedreader to show you how to use. ("Feedreaders" are the programs that people use to collect and manage their RSS subscriptions.)

I've chosen to use Google Reader for 3 reasons:

• It's free and available to everyone no matter what computer or browser you use.
• It is by far the most popular feedreader that's out there right now. On both the blogs I write for, Google subscribers are between 35-40% of the readership. The next most popular feedreader only claims about 5% of readers.
• It's really easy to use, so let's get started.

Setting Up Google Reader

1. Create a Google account.
2. Go to Google Reader and make sure you're signed in.

Adding a Subscription in Google Reader


1. Select "Add Subscription" from the left column.
2. Type in the address of a blog you want to subscribe to and click "Add."



Adding a Subscription from Elsewhere Online

1. When you are visiting a site that you want to subscribe to, click on the orange icon in the address bar or on a link provided on the site.


You will either see a page like this:

Or like this:


2. On either page, select Google as the reader you want to subscribe with.
3. On the first page, you will need to click "Subscribe Now."
4. On either page, choose "Add to Google Reader."

Reading and Managing your Subscriptions

Reading Options


You now have a few of your favorite blogs listed in the left column of your Google reader page. The best way to go through your feeds is up to you. Here are some options.

• Home, at the top of the left column, is where you can see new, unread posts listed with just a few lines of content.
• All Items, just below "Home," is where you can see new, unread posts listed with all their content.
• Selecting an individual feed from the list in the left column allows you to see new posts as well as scroll down through older ones.

Scanning Options

In the upper right corner you will see tabs for "Expanded view" and "List view." These allow you to decide whether you see all content as you scroll through your feeds or just titles and the first few words.


Marking as Read

You will mark a post as read when you click on it. Scrolling through posts will also mark them as read, although you can turn this feature off in settings if you want to. Finally, if you want to mark all your new posts as read at once, you can do so at the top of the "All Items" page.

Unsubscribing

When you change your mind about being subscribed to a blog, you can unsubscribe by going to the settings in the upper right corner.


You're All Set!