Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Testing 1,2,3

So, here is my first post on the ever-popular Windows Live Writer, highly recommended by enamored fellow bloggers. In keeping with my oft trouble-making inquisitive nature, I’m testing its limits while simultaneously relishing one of the perks of getting older: loss of hearing. Plenty of time for all those outdoor demands knocking at my brain.

Thank you to Darla and Anna for alerting me to the MIA Comments pop-up option on my previous post . There was an issue with html, undoubtedly something I caused. Please email me if it’s still an issue. Thank you very much.

DSCN0276

Although this photo was taken last year, my blueberry plants are almost at this stage now. I predict swarms of happy bees in short order.

Are the rest of you Blotanists as bummed as I am about Blotanical? It’s going to take a bit more effort connecting with each of you but know you’re in my thoughts.

Now, weeds, here I come.


32 COMMENTS, Click here to add yours:

Edith Hope said...

Dear Grace, I am so relieved to be back in touch with you. For some reason, as I think I remarked in my reply to the comment you left on my posting of earlier in the week, I was unable to comment on your previous posting as the 'Comment' box appeared to have vanished without trace. I did return several times to no avail.

However, all is clearly now well. But not with Blotanical [lol].

Anna said...

I hear you Grace and think that I can speak to you :) Sorry to hear that you are under the weather. Take care. 60degrees - what's that?

allanbecker-gardenguru said...

Did you really, really need Windows Writer?

1] The garden images that identified your site and gave it a unique appearance have been of such high quality that they transcended all of the limitations of Blogger. I stumbled upon your site, was riveted by those images and remained a follower.

2] The new graphic layout is not gender neutral. As a male reader, it's a turn off. Also, it is too cute and you deserve better than cute. It detracts from, rather than enhances, your talent.

3] The new font is hard to read. Just because you like it doesn't mean you have to foist it on your readers.:)

Are these comments what you expected when you asked to "Please feed the ego"?

Janet said...

Looks nice Grace. I like that font too.

Joanne said...

Grace Sorry to hear you are not feeling well but I love the new look blog and font.

Teza said...

Grace:
Its a pretty slick operation is it not? I still have issues when I have to edit the post once it has been imported to the blog, but on the surface, so much better than Blogger. As for Blotanical, well thankfully we have Google Reader and other methods of contact to rely upon. I think I am surviving the cold turkey step of withdrawl.

Catherine@AGardenerinProgress said...

I like how your blog looks! Because I have a Mac I'm not able to use Live Writer although I've heard people really like it.
Are your Blueberries really this far along? :( Mine are just beginning to leaf out. It was 60 degrees here today and we had to go ice skating with my kids friends. Being the good mom I took them, but it was painful to go inside where it was cold for sure.
I do miss Blotanical, but I've been able to visit most everyone I usually do. I don't think it's ever been down this long. Hopefully the move is going the way it's supposed to.

Denise said...

It seems awfully impolite to check in without leaving a comment, as I often do, since you've done so much great stuff with the blog. And I was wondering what happened to Blotanical, so glad you mentioned that. I love seeing what's happening in your garden (or what you're thinking about when you can't do much gardening!)

Darla said...

So glad I can comment now and more glad it wasn't my age and eyesight.....Why in the ____ are my flowers and plants so stinking far behind yours and Catherine's????????????????????

Brooke (CreativeCountryMom) said...

I use window live too and have for a few months. I find it easier and love how I can control the sizes and adjust the pics. What did I miss? Is blotanical gone for good? I have been working the last few days.

Christine B. said...

I haven't taken the live writer plunge yet, though I did download it after people started raving about how great it was. You'll have to let us know why it's better otherwise timid types such as myself might never take the plunge. My blueberries are buried.

Christine in Alaska

jeansgarden said...

Grace, I'm trying to limit myself to 5 times a day to check and see if Blotanical is back up yet, Nell is talking about a pool for predicting when it will appear, and I believe that Teza is in the process of organizing a 12-step program for Blotanical addicts. Hang in there. :-) -Jean

Edith Hope said...

Dear Grace, First, I am amazed that every time I come here it is different. Wonderful!!

Although I am very new to this, I am already aware that blogging is something which is very personal [the whole point, as I see it] and that what is so refreshing from going around various sites is that each one reflects very closely the writer's personality and interests.

Your weblog, especially so in its new format, is definitely different, lively and amusing, informative without being dictatorial, and, most importantly, warm hearted and genuine. Although I do not know you, this is as I should expect you to be. Nothing more is needed.

Needless to say, I have not a clue what 'Live Writer' is. Pencil and paper for me!

Deborah at Kilbourne Grove said...

Grace, I am missing Blotanical, I was spending way to much time on the computer before, and that was when they were all in one place. I hope things are going well for Stuart.
I am still trying to learn all the ins and outs of Wordpress so have not attmempted LiveWriter yet, although I have heard so many good things about it.

Roses and Lilacs said...

Good morning Grace. What a lovely photo. I've never grown blueberries (our soil here is very alkaline). Didn't realize what an attractive plant they are. Your photos are always lovely.
Marnie

sweet bay said...

It always amazes me how early the Blueberries open up, even here.

If you get an opening, you *need* a Prunus mume. They come in so many shades of pink.

Shady Gardener said...

Hi Grace, I believe this is a great look for YOU. You are a Pink Gardener. :-)

I actually don't know what Windows Live Writer is, but I'm thinking I don't need anything more to do on the computer. Sometimes I feel like my life is passing by while I sit here! hmmmmm...

Hocking Hills Gardener said...

Hi Grace,
I have used the Windows Live a few times also. Love all of the fun things you can do with it and all those terrific fonts to play with ;-) We girls do need to play sometimes.
LOL! I just saw the pink panther on your header frame. I declare girl if it is pink you will make it work. LOL! Love it!
What a pretty photo of the blueberry blooms. I know you hate the blueberries its the pink buds you love. LOL! I have to tease you.You know that I really love all of your flowers and flower beds.
Have a terrific weekend!
Lona

Gail said...

Grace, I love the font...It's so personable. Someone needs to take me in hand to finally update my blog look;) I get so married to things! gail

danger garden said...

Windows Live Writer huh? I am so behind the times! Never heard of it. And about Blotanical, I thought it was just an issue I was having since I very rarely go there. Good to know it's not just me. Lovely blueberry shot!!

Oh and the Furcraea from my post yesterday, definitely NOT winter hardy. Another that I'll grow in a pot and bring inside for the winter. I REALLY need a green house!

Jane/MulchMaid said...

Grace, one of the best things on your blog (right now) is your countdown to Spring! Actually, best is your breezy, fun style! Don't know or care a whit about Livewriter, but the photo of your blueberries is perfect!
Sorry to hear you've been unwell...but how do people know this? (I've looked at the last two posts and I just don't see it.) Fell better soon!

ricki - sprig to twig said...

I like your look too, but find the lone man's comment that he finds it off-putting interesting. Has he not noticed how many male-centric movies and TV shows, etc., we girls endure on our guys' behalf? Not putting him down, I'm just sayin'.
Put in blueberries for their fruit, not realizing the flowers would be so scrumptious.

Jane/MulchMaid said...

Grace, I do see your sidebar. I have a Mac and use Firefox as a browser. Might that have anything to do with Teza not seeing your sidebar? (tech stuff is not my forte, you understand.)
Thanks for telling me I'm not crazy when I couldn't find your wellness info!

Teresa said...

I like how your blog looks. Variety is the spice of life. I am thinking about using Live also. I have been listening to all of you say how great it is. I just haven't gotten a second to do it. Now that I have seen yours I know I have to give it a try.

LeLo said...

I love this new background: it feels like a real garden journal.

Your blog is telling me Spring begins in 29 days, but doesn't it feel like it's already here?! Yipppeeeeeeeeee!

I can just feel it in my bones: it's going to be a great gardening season!

Cindee said...

Hi Grace,
Sorry you're sick. Hope I didn't give you my cold. Ha.
Love the new site. Very bright and cheery and SPRING-LIKE.
Hasn't our weather been remarkable!
Cindee

danger garden said...

Hey Grace, just an FYI I see no sidebar (Windows, Explorer, boring)...

Wendy said...

phew. I can speak again. Yay for Windows live or whatever else happened! This background paper (or virtual paper I guess) is really pretty!

GardenJoy4Me said...

Grace girl I did see that problem for leaving comments but I knew you would FIX it fast ! I wish I had the stamina to experiment with a more peronalized format for my blog .. but as time marches by and I have to set my garden ideas to paper to give the landscapers more fodder as to what I want (it is a very simple plan so it shouldn't be a problem .. budget wise I get the chills but I will over come that ? LOL) Love that font .. Papyrus ? way cool girl !
Joy : )

Kate said...

Hi, Grace!
Reading through your comments has inspired me to voice my own opinion... I love your new font and I think you have one of the prettiest blog designs I've ever seen. But, I'm a girl. So, I just showed it to a guy and... he liked it a lot, too. I guess I just needed to leap to your defense because Alan was a bit of a curmudgeon with respect to your experimenting on a new look. :)))

Muddy Boot Dreams said...

I am in love with that photo. How perfectly pinky, and blueberry it is.

I am missing Blotanical also, but everyone is on my Google reader, so it's much faster that way.

Jen

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