Zen Garden 2025

Picture taking might be an issue, I'm not thinking of packing my big camera, although I probably should. No baggage allowance, all carry on so 1 small bag only and a personal item. I need my cpap machine, wife needs her purse. I have an old small one that is iffy at best then there's the cell phone I bought last year but it takes crappy shots......BUT.....you're not the first to say that I should take pics. I'll have to think on it, we will have a car so...ya. I might have to take it.
Phone pics are fine. Don’t go to any trouble. I’ve never been but thought the wife might like to live vicariously through your trip. Lol

I'm trying to figure out what hotel I want down in Laughlin. I even booked Harrah's last night but after booking I noticed I only booked 1 night. You'd think that should be an easy fix. I called and spoke to reception, they looked up my reservation and after about 5 min came back and said unfortunately the room rate has gone up so instead of the $77/ night I'd booked at it will be $85 for night 2....say what it was 5 minutes ago? she says hold sir, 5 min later... shes says your welcome to cancel at no charge for the night you booked. I said I just want the room posted on your web site in front of my eyes that says its 77 for Monday and 77 for Tuesday. You are welcome too book on line sir.......Okay fk it cancel it all can you do that..... Hold on sir....5 min later...we've cancelled your reservation...sir thanks for considering Harrah's for your stay.....WTF.....lol.....Aquarius here we come....maybe...lol

I mean it was only $8 more dollars but Harrah's is out
I get pissed off with shit like that too. Canceled more that a few things because of it. Some with later regrets.

Hope it works out. Sounds like a good time.
 
Phone pics are fine. Don’t go to any trouble. I’ve never been but thought the wife might like to live vicariously through your trip. Lol


I get pissed off with shit like that too. Canceled more that a few things because of it. Some with later regrets.

Hope it works out. Sounds like a good time.
Hey, Since my crop failure I can't stop thinking of our trip so bare with me. Car rentals are a scam, I've been looking at companies at the airport and what they have to offer. Today Sixty kept linking me to Sixty . ca $54, Cdn /day, smallest compact...When I get to the Sixt . com site I get $22 Usd over same time frame. If I book ahead for our dates the daily rate is $44 Usd if I book for tomorrow its $22 Usd.

If you saw my post to Bandit you can see I can get a hot looking Mustang for $25 tomorrow but $92 if I book in advance. Alamo did that the last time we went down and I got a convert Mustang for about $150/week that started at $300 for a compact booking in advance.

If I can get a Mustang...standard too...lol...(I'm giddy thinking on it) for $100 over 4 days then wtf that's cheaper than taking a cab everywhere. Its 1.5 hrs down a long straight flat highway to Laughlin, Cruising speeds should be around 80- 90mph. They were the last time, Much better to do in a newer Mustang than a newer compact.It just means I have to be sober coming off the plane after a long days travel. Tricky but not impossible. Drinking seems to make flying shorter.
 
20250711: GDP Autos

And then there were two…

All have shown their sex now. Unfortunately one more was male. So we have two females remaining.
IMG_5140.jpeg

And the remaining ladies.IMG_5135.jpegIMG_5134.jpeg

Busy day, out all morning picking up stuff and returning an Amazon purchase. Got 75% of what I wanted. The 12-28x1” bolts should be in by Tuesday.

Still need to get Xtreme Azos and Mykos. But I’m looking to make my own Azos using Stonemasons jms method. I’ll just keep a tote of forest soil in the basement or garage for when I need it. Make spray or use the soil directly once it’s ready.

IMG_5067.jpg
 
Wow that Azos ain't cheap. I use the Myco's but I just amazoned Azos and ouch. It must be tiny robots that massage and tickle the roots so they get all excited and grow. Tiny robots ain't cheap 1752259325279.png
 
Wow that Azos ain't cheap. I use the Myco's but I just amazoned Azos and ouch. It must be tiny robots that massage and tickle the roots so they get all excited and grow. Tiny robots ain't cheap View attachment 107910
My store had both cheaper than online but now she said they are OOS. Online says otherwise but whatever. They stopped advertising the Azos, no stock anywhere and issues. So not sure if they will get it back but I’ll try Stonemasons version. Just means a dog walk in the woods an hour away. Willow will enjoy it.

Still using your acid/ph down trick for the soft pots. Love it. Saves me a few days of on/off washing and hot water. Major time saver and does a better job! 👍
 
IMG_5181.jpeg
The Photontek cable finally came it. Up to $25 out the door but I e got it now!

Hooking it up when we clean the tent this weekend. Son wanted to wait until the cable came in so it’s a one and done job. 🙄
 
My store had both cheaper than online but now she said they are OOS. Online says otherwise but whatever. They stopped advertising the Azos, no stock anywhere and issues. So not sure if they will get it back but I’ll try Stonemasons version. Just means a dog walk in the woods an hour away. Willow will enjoy it.

Still using your acid/ph down trick for the soft pots. Love it. Saves me a few days of on/off washing and hot water. Major time saver and does a better job! 👍
I was just surfing shit to do in Laughlin other than gamble, Jet ski rentals on the river sounds like fun....until I check out the price.....Usd, gambling cheaper...lol...$$$$1752260109037.png
 
I was just surfing shit to do in Laughlin other than gamble, Jet ski rentals on the river sounds like fun....until I check out the price.....Usd, gambling cheaper...lol...$$$$View attachment 107916
They also have gun ranges I hear. You can try things like 50cal and other uncommon firearms. I’m more into exploring and trying new things. Wife is the gambler. But we both enjoy a good meal especially when it’s surf & turf.
 
They also have gun ranges I hear. You can try things like 50cal and other uncommon firearms. I’m more into exploring and trying new things. Wife is the gambler. But we both enjoy a good meal especially when it’s surf & turf.
Oh yes I've been looking at them. I just clicked to get the link and it says its now closed????? maybe some issues with their tanks, about $3750 you can shoot a tank or.......Most are out of my price range but I'd be all over shooting a Desert Eagle or 45 Magnum.....something that goes BOOM when shooting...lol1752411044711.png
 
Oh yes I've been looking at them. I just clicked to get the link and it says its now closed????? maybe some issues with their tanks, about $3750 you can shoot a tank or.......Most are out of my price range but I'd be all over shooting a Desert Eagle or 45 Magnum.....something that goes BOOM when shooting...lolView attachment 108064
If you’re not used to firing large handguns be ready. They will kick. More than one person has had a head wound from it. Two hands, no gangster crap. 🤣😂
 
Looks like the ACI 69 Pro controller will work out fine with my SQ300W Pro Photontek. It’s only 10% increments but that’s a huge change from the manual dial doing 25% increments. Plus I can schedule on/off times so can repurpose the mechanical timer after testing.

Hard to find R12 adapter cable.
IMG_5181.jpeg

Off, on, and schedule settings.
IMG_5190.jpegIMG_5187.jpegIMG_5188.jpegIMG_5189.jpeg

Looking forward to testing it out this fall/winter. 👍🤞

Thanks again to @OLDCRO for donating his old controller! I wish him luck on his AI controlled grow and can’t wait to see how that goes. 🤔👊
 
Over the last two weeks we’ve had 3-5 minutes of rain. Just enough to bump the humidity back up to gross. Last Wednesday.77379715410__C6B632AC-2CED-41A6-A20F-EE03A0B95B69.jpeg

I have two sunflowers I want to plant into the lower garden but 30*+ weather and no rain seems a bad time to do it. Just waiting for a couple of back to back normal days.

Wife’s coworker gave her some vegetable seeds for us to try. She gets them free from the store when they toss the leftovers at the end of season.IMG_5162.jpeg
 
If you’re not used to firing large handguns be ready. They will kick. More than one person has had a head wound from it. Two hands, no gangster crap. 🤣😂
I've seen the video's I might need body armor, definitely head gear. The place is right behind Circus Circus off the strip. Banner says closed now, it was open 24hr/day. I'm not sure they'd let a first timer shoot or even handle a big gun like those, I think they'd point me to a 22 and say this is more your style....lol.....but No I want the guns that go BOOM and everyone's head turns, not some little pop pop. I'd do better out in the desert with one of them...... BOOM....lol 5 shots $35
 
I've seen the video's I might need body armor, definitely head gear. The place is right behind Circus Circus off the strip. Banner says closed now, it was open 24hr/day. I'm not sure they'd let a first timer shoot or even handle a big gun like those, I think they'd point me to a 22 and say this is more your style....lol.....but No I want the guns that go BOOM and everyone's head turns, not some little pop pop. I'd do better out in the desert with one of them...... BOOM....lol 5 shots $35
I’d pay $35 to unload a Desert Eagle the fun way. It’s a 7-8 round 1911 style?

In other countries I had buddies try RPGs and grenades. My accountant drove a tank once as part of a thank you for a large donation once.
 
20250714: GDP Autos

Still at two remaining and they are doing okay. Not going to top or screw with them. I’ve been warned that autos can be bitchy and unpredictable.

IMG_5233.jpeg

IMG_5234.jpeg

IMG_5235.jpeg

So… with only two plants left here’s hoping I get 4oz off each. 🤣
 
20250722: GDP Autos Day 49

They aren’t very tall or bushy yet but they have been in flower for about two weeks.

I have top dressed with worm castings, 4:4:4, 2:8:4, Mykos, Azos, and Azomite. Usually it was just the castings and 4:4:4.

IMG_5365.jpeg

IMG_5364.jpeg

IMG_5363.jpeg

IMG_5362.jpeg
 
20250723: GDP Autos Day 50

The last few days have been great. 25*-28* highs and 50% or less humidity outside.

We were able to catch up on a lot of outside chores without passing out from heat stroke.

The Yellowjackets I thought we had turned out to be hornets. Little bigger, little meaner. Still waiting for a good night rain so I can knock it down. Was supposed to happen today but now that’s bumped to Thursday night. 77488802671__AE68400E-A3C0-41CF-844A-23F123006883.jpegIMG_5391.jpeg
We have the top left, bald faced hornet.

Putting the plants back on the landing after 9pm.
IMG_5381.jpeg
IMG_5390.jpegIMG_5392.jpegIMG_5393.jpeg

Back out and watered this morning. IMG_5395.jpeg

If these take about 90 days we’re past the halfway point now. 👊
 
Son picked up two of these. One for his printer and one for his future resin printer.

I grabbed two for the tents. About time I saw what my efforts cost each grow.
IMG_5409.jpeg

I hope they retain the info in case of power outage. Rarely happens unless summer peak hours. I like how it will calculate the cost if you enter the price per kWh.
 
Hornets are mean, they will chase you a mile before they give up. 😁
Been years since I had to remove one but I remember it being a mixed bag. I’m waiting for the rain storm. It just keeps getting pushed back. Tonight or tomorrow seems to be when it’s coming now.

Surprisingly they haven’t been a nuisance. My plants get moved beside the bush every afternoon, following the sun, and other than flying into me once in a while we’ve had no issues. 🤞
IMG_5415.jpeg

The last three nests have been Yellowjackets/paper wasps. Less aggressive but still a pita. 🦟
 
Son picked up two of these. One for his printer and one for his future resin printer.

I grabbed two for the tents. About time I saw what my efforts cost each grow.
View attachment 108971

I hope they retain the info in case of power outage. Rarely happens unless summer peak hours. I like how it will calculate the cost if you enter the price per kWh.

I use my Kill-a-watt often along with a PAR meter to dial in grow lights. Used it in my audits and dropped about $200/month spending in Summer months.
They tell me the info light manufacturers conveniently omit from spec sheets or lie about too. They pretty much blew the lid off junk China made lights...the kind that claim 1000watts and were really only like around 200. Light companies are a lot more honest now for it.

Bees huh? I thump the Peas in my truck when I think about bees;rockb

 
Been years since I had to remove one but I remember it being a mixed bag. I’m waiting for the rain storm. It just keeps getting pushed back. Tonight or tomorrow seems to be when it’s coming now.

Surprisingly they haven’t been a nuisance. My plants get moved beside the bush every afternoon, following the sun, and other than flying into me once in a while we’ve had no issues. 🤞
View attachment 109039

The last three nests have been Yellowjackets/paper wasps. Less aggressive but still a pita. 🦟
Hey, the best way I've seen to remove nests like that was with a wet vac and RAID, attach the wet vac hose near the opening to the nest through the day and at night when they are coming back in turn it on after they stop coming for the night spray the raid in the hose. Same next 2 nights, then no more wasps
 
I use my Kill-a-watt often along with a PAR meter to dial in grow lights. Used it in my audits and dropped about $200/month spending in Summer months.
They tell me the info light manufacturers conveniently omit from spec sheets or lie about too. They pretty much blew the lid off junk China made lights...the kind that claim 1000watts and were really only like around 200. Light companies are a lot more honest now for it.

Bees huh? I thump the Peas in my truck when I think about bees;rockb

Don’t recall hearing that song before. But if she was nesting in my yard I’d be tending it often. 🤣

Not sure why he grabbed the meters. The last hydro bill was the highest we’ve had. He was doing a lot of printing but we also had the AC on for most of the month. Guessing he heard that conversation and decided to monitor things. 🤷‍♂️

I’ve been curious about the tents for a while so figured it was time to find out. Septembers grow is going to be a whole new approach and testing what I’ve changed along with using Gaia Green.
 
Hey, the best way I've seen to remove nests like that was with a wet vac and RAID, attach the wet vac hose near the opening to the nest through the day and at night when they are coming back in turn it on after they stop coming for the night spray the raid in the hose. Same next 2 nights, then no more wasps
Over the years I’ve tried a few methods. Ranging from throwing a football and running like hell to wearing a snowsuit and mosquito net hat armed with soapy water and a hockey stick.🤣

The issue with this nest is it’s integrated into the bush rather than just on a branch. My hope of dunking the nest into a bucket of soapy water or cutting one branch with a pole trimmer are shot.

I’m hoping for a rainstorm in the early evening or very early morning so I have less chance of stings and most are in the nest.

Still chewing on which option is best for removing it while we wait for this week or weekends rain.

Not sure I could hook up a wet vac. It’s a HD $35 one and doesn’t have a long hose. This nest is 6’ off the ground. Anything I could attach the hose to would need to be installed first, like a shepherds plant hook. Pretty sure they won’t let me get that close unhindered.
 
Over the years I’ve tried a few methods. Ranging from throwing a football and running like hell to wearing a snowsuit and mosquito net hat armed with soapy water and a hockey stick.🤣

The issue with this nest is it’s integrated into the bush rather than just on a branch. My hope of dunking the nest into a bucket of soapy water or cutting one branch with a pole trimmer are shot.

I’m hoping for a rainstorm in the early evening or very early morning so I have less chance of stings and most are in the nest.

Still chewing on which option is best for removing it while we wait for this week or weekends rain.

Not sure I could hook up a wet vac. It’s a HD $35 one and doesn’t have a long hose. This nest is 6’ off the ground. Anything I could attach the hose to would need to be installed first, like a shepherds plant hook. Pretty sure they won’t let me get that close unhindered.
You can attach the hose to a ladder if you have one. We sat around watching the show, some hang on and fight to get into their nest others just swoop into the vacuum then my bud would chuckle spraying in raid with an evil smile
 
Back
Top Bottom