Inspired By Priscilla

I enjoyed reading Priscilla's "Arbitrary Memories". Here are mine...

Kindergarten- One day we were all taken upstairs in the school to see the nurse and get a German measles shot. I jumped as the needle went into my arm and had to get a second dose. Daphne had only one shot and was still crying when we got back downstairs to the classroom. I recall wondering what the big deal was. I got it twice and didn't cry at all.
First Grade- During a first grade class activity I tried to pick up Debbie Small (who was bigger than me) and as punishment, Mrs. Erwin made me sit at my desk with my head down. She was a scary teacher who also yelled at me for whistling (one short whistle) in class. At just I six was completely humiliated and not quite sure what I had done to deserve such inhumane treatment.
Second Grade- My best friend was Esther Perrigo. We both had white hair and similar haircuts which I thought was pretty neat. There weren't too many other little girls with such blond hair as us.
Third grade- I had my very first "boyfriend" in third grade. We spent time together after school walking down the frozen creek behind the playground in the winter. Alomost every day we asked each other "Are your feet cold?" "Yes, are yours?" We had fun catching garter snakes in the spring. He moved away at the end of the school year and we wrote letters back and forth for many years.
Fourth Grade- I never moved as a kid, my parents still live in the house they had when I was born, but our whole neighborhood had to go to a new school when I went to fourth grade. because of this I met my friend, Elena. She was a Jehovah's Witness and wasn't allowed to attend any of the class holiday celebrations. this was something new to me and I felt somewhat sorry for her.
Fifth Grade- I spent the winter of fifth grade ice skating after school with my friend, Andrea. I even got a pair of skates for Christmas. I don't know how I was ever able to skate on them several years later. I used to walk home with them on my feet. Andrea and I also used to write poetry together. Sometimes we worked on the same poem but more often we inspired each other instead.
Sixth Grade- My teacher, Mrs. Washburn, had the reputaion of being mean. She was an older woman and didn't tolerate much nonsense in her class. One day she became frustrated with the group for some reason and brought her fist down on a stack of folders setting on top of the overhead projector. The glass top shattered but she pretended not to notice and calmly rolled it to the side of the classroom. I remember telling my mom about it. Mom said maybe it didn't really break but I had little bits of glass on my desk from the incident.
Seventh Grade- My favorite science teacher, Mr. Golden, was also my homeroom teacher. We had a class full of animals, gerbils, mice, rabbits, and I'm sure various other creatures throughout the year. Mr. Golden was one of those teachers that all the kids loved. he told jokes and made school lots of fun. This was also the year that I played with a little mustard package during lunch. I noticed a tiny hole in one end and decided to squeeze the package and watch it ooze out. Things didn't go quite as I planned. Instead of oozing out slowly, the mustard squirted out and landed right in my eye! You never saw a kid wipe her eye out so fast.
Eighth- Grade- One day in math class I noticed a little drawing, left by another student, on my desk. I can't even remember what it was but I made an additional drawing and left class thinking nothing much of it. To my surprise there was a new one on the desk the next day. Gradually the desk top drawings turned into short notes left on a paper inside the desk. We signed them "SM" and "MP" never knowing who the other person was. I was always amazed that no one else intercepted our notes, nor did the teacher put an end to it. I can't remember how long this went on, but at least several weeks. "SM" signed my yearbook and I hers. She was a year ahead of me in school. We never got to be friends outside of a desk in math class but it was a fun memory.
Ninth Grade- We were in Mr. Moriarty's science class when the fire alarm went off. Not a big deal most of the time, but it was the middle of winter and it was snowing. I remember Mr. Moriarty saying, "This isn't a drill... " We all lined up and walked out into the snowstorm. Eventually, they brought out the buses so that we could get warm and when the danger was over, let us into the gym. From there we were bused home coatless as the halls were filled with smoke. The school didn't burn down, the fire was contained to one small storage room.
Tenth Grade- This was the year I "accidentally" missed the bus and had no way to get to school. (Mom didn't drive.) Actually, it was a plan and I rode my bike to Ruth's house and took the bus to school with her. There was another student, from a Catholic all-girls school, who was visiting that day. We just kind of slipped me into the plan too. I was in the right town all day long, but the wrong high school. (A little out of character for me as I had never even skipped a class.) The funniest part was that the last class of the day the teacher was a former neighbor. He didn't recognize me that day but I knew I was busted several weeks later when he saw me out with my dad.
Eleventh Grade- My love affair with clay began in eleventh grade. I took a ceramics class which I thoroughly enjoyed. I only wish I would have had the chance then to pursue it.

After eleventh grade my life changed drastically. I got married that June and gave birth to a beautiful baby boy in September. I guess you could say I continued my education at home. Do I have regrets? Yes and no. I love my husband and everyone of my kids. I wouldn't trade them for the world, but starting out life that way was very difficult for all of us. If I could do it all over again, not knowing what I have now, I guess I would do it different. But would I give it all up for something different? Nope.

Cattail Got Your Tongue?

We found a new game today, well, new for this year. The cattails are getting dry and fuzzy so Ben and Hannah decided it was time for a cattail war. Troy found it rather fascinating aside from the fact that the fuzz got in his eyes, his mouth and all over his jacket. Truthfully, he looked like he wasn't sure what to think. When we got home I had to find some sticky tape to pull all the fuzzy stuff off his fleece. Mud isn 't the only thing that can make a mess!
I remember having cattail wars when we were kids. The cattails grew down by the playground and we had some pretty good wars back then too. With all the bad stuff kids can get into these days, I figure a cattail war is pretty harmless. besides, it make for some good laughs and a great memory!

Traipsing Through the Mud

It rained all day yesterday and we didn't have a chance to go for a walk. This morning Troy's dad brought along Troy's mud boots so we could walk in spite of the mud out there in the orchard roads. What fun! Troy has been so careful every other day to stay out of the puddles, but today he had the freedom to traipse right on through and he did! Luckily, he didn't lose his balance and fall over. Our walks the past two weeks have gotten colder and wetter, the apples are getting fewer and fewer, but we're having more and more fun. I look forward to walking almost as much as the kids.

A Little Bit of Stress

Ever feel like this?


9/29- I had to laugh when I looked at this poor little tree out there in the orchard. It's trying so hard to hold up yet starting to "bend under the pressure". The awesome thing is that the burden really isn't more than it is able to bear at this time. The stress and strain of carrying the load is what causes it to become strong. Right now it's just a little tree, someday it will be grown and able to carry a much larger load. When the ice storms come and load the trees down with ice, the apple trees, which are used to bearing down under the weight, are able to survive. The cherry trees, used to carrying a lighter burden, don't fare so well when it comes to a storm. The lesson for me is to realise that while I may feel pain and be stretched to the limit, God is actually strengthening me and preparing me for greater service. A little scary but rewarding in the end, I'm sure.

A Little Peace and Quiet

We have been taking a walk in the orchard almost every day now. Maybe it will soon be part of a daily routine. We take the wagon with us and sometimes Troy rides and sometimes he walks along with us. It has been a nice relaxing addition to our days.

I am getting used to being at home during the week but my weekends now feel slightly rushed and hectic. Cleaning, shopping, having company, going to church; everything that doesn't get done during the week is now put off until the weekend. This past weekend was particularly action packed. The hustle and bustle actually started on Thursday rather than Friday. I babysat Troy as usual, Sara and Alysa came off the bus around 4pm, Ben and Hannah had piano lessons, and I watched a baby for the evening. Lili's mom is a friend of Dave and Leta. On Friday Troy was sick and threw up twice, the bus driver didn't know Alysa was on the bus and passed the house without stopping. I had to meet the bus up at the corner when it came back by. Friday evening was spent trying to clean and organize stuff in the barn. Saturday we cleaned the Sunday school rooms at church, ran to the store, then came home and made lasagna (for company) and three apple pies. Late Saturday and into the evening we had company which was very nice. I enjoyed doing that and would like to again. Sunday morning and evening were church and a birthday gathering for Jim (with chile and pie) was sandwiched in between. By Sunday night I was ready for a good night's sleep.

Through it all God is working on my heart and continuing to mold me into His image. He is teaching me to take my eyes off myself and what I want (or think I want), to be thankful, to realize His mercy, and to pray. I don't know how God can take me and make me into someone useful for His purpose, or why He would even choose me, but I am grateful for His work in my life and heart. He is good.

A Little Peace and Quiet

We have been taking a walk in the orchard almost every day now. Maybe it will soon be part of a daily routine. We take the wagon with us and sometimes Troy rides and sometimes he walks along with us. It has been a nice relaxing addition to our days.

I am getting used to being at home during the week but my weekends now feel slightly rushed and hectic. Cleaning, shopping, having company, going to church; everything that doesn't get done during the week is now put off until the weekend. This past weekend was particularly action packed. The hustle and bustle actually started on Thursday rather than Friday. I babysat Troy as usual, Sara and Alysa came off the bus around 4pm, Ben andand Hannah had piano lessons, and I watched a baby for the evening. Lili's mom is a friend of Dave and Leta. On Friday Troy was sick and threw up twice, the bus driver didn't know Alysa was on the bus and passed the house without stopping. I had to meet the bus up at the corner when it came back by. Friday evening was spent trying to clean and organize stuff in the barn. Saturday we cleaned the Sunday school rooms at church, ran to the store, then came home and made lasagna (for company) and three apple pies. Late Saturday and into the evening we had company which was very nice. I enjoyed doing that and would like to again. Sunday morning and evening were church and a birthday gathering for Jim (with chile and pie) was sandwiched in between. By Sunday night I was ready for a good night's sleep.

Through it all God is working on my heart and continuing to mold me into His image. He is teaching me to take my eyes off myself and what I want (or think I want), to be thankful, to realise His mercy, and to pray. I don't know how God can take me and make me into someone useful for His purpose, or why He would even choose me, but I am greatful for His work in my life and heart. He is good.

Fall Colors

Can't go too far without taking a picture or two. Even the ordinary can be extraordinary sometimes.

Jim's Birthday!

Jim is 25! So here are thirteen things about Jim.

1. Jim was born in New Mexico but only lived there for 2 1/2 months.

2. He grew up in New York.

3. Jim likes cars, especially expensive, powerful sports cars.

4. He is an artist. He started drawing when he was four years old. Sometimes he draws pictures for his younger cousins.

5. He is a quiet comedian, not one of those loud and obnoxious kinds.

6. He likes pie; pumpkin pie, apple pie, cherry pie, rhubarb pie, Eskimo pie, cow pie... any kind of pie.

7. Jim is the oldest child in his family. He has four younger brothers and two younger sisters.

8. He plays guitar and sometimes makes up silly songs as he goes along.

9. He is on the worship team at church where he plays the keyboard.

10. He likes computer games.

11. He wears glasses.

12. He has never broken a bone or had surgery (except for wisdom teeth).

13. Jim likes to go on long road trips to visit friends in Minnesota, Tennesee and Florida.

Microwave Popcorn

Thanks Ruth! That microwave popcorn (in a brown lunch bag) really works! And it tastes great too.


http://thelittlechildren.blogspot.com/2006/09/popcorn-money-saver-tip.html

Today's Walk

Late this morning we took a leisurely walk back in the orchard. Beth and Rachel came too. We decided to walk first and then eat lunch. Good thing because it started to rain as soon as we got back!

There's a lot of activity out there right now, picking, sorting, hauling, etc. Don't know if the guys appreciate us traipsing through or not but we did stay out of the way as best we could.

Another Photo

Today is a day of mixed sun and clouds, maybe another good day for a walk if you watch out for the mud puddles. When ever I take my camera into the orchard, I can't resist taking pictures of the apples hanging there. They are so pretty. (That's our barn that you see in the background. It looks as though it's smack dab in the middle of the trees, but it's really across the street.)

The weather is in the process of changing. The weatherman says a cold front is moving in and bringing some rain along with the cooler temperatures. Does that mean I will be able to accomplish "in the house" tasks or will it just make me feel sleepy? I'm not sure, but hopefully I will be able to get something accomplished. I have a closet that desparately needs to be cleaned... a floor that needs to be washed... and some crafts that need to be painted... and then there's always school... Ahh, maybe I'll just pray for more sunshine!

Oh, What a Beautiful Morning!

What a beautiful morning! Around 9:45 am Ben, Hannah, and I decided to take Troy for a walk in the orchards across the street. The orchard is always a great place to take a walk, as long as you have a friend or two along. We took the camera (of course) and the wagon. I think, we wore Troy out because he took an extra long nap and woke up just before his mom came to pick him up.


This afternoon Bethany and I took another walk in the orchard behind the house (I told you, we're surrounded by apple trees). This time we wore the dog out. When we got home she flopped down on the kitchen floor for a rest. I really need the exercise and I'm also hoping it will help me sleep better tonight. (Last night I was having anxiety attacks which happens to me on occasion. Maybe it's just raging hormones. We can always hope so.)

An Apple A Day

The rain has finally slowed down (it isn't actually raining today and we've even seen the sun) but the clouds still look a little threatening. It must be a good day for picking apples because I watched a truck with some of those tall apple picking ladders in the back turn into the orchard lane across the street. (It's the foggy looking little road on yesterday's blog.) Now I can hear the beat of the bass in the music out there. It seems to be about the same in all the music and will go on and on for the next several days until I will feel as though I must escape. Today it doesn't bother me as I haven't heard it since last year. I can handle it fine the first few days but after that it gets a little nerve wracking.

Last evening I went back out to the orchard to see if I could get a few more 20-ounce apples and found that they had all been picked and hauled away. The guys must have done that in the rain and are probably thankful for the good weather today.

Once, not so long ago, this property was part of an apple farm. (That's our barn in the photo there) Now the apple orchards belong to another farmer and are picked by another race of workers. The little house where the workers lived is no longer inhabitable, but some of the old trees remain as a reminder of time past.

An Attitude Adjustment

And whatsoever ye do, do heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23- 24

This is the verse that has been rolling around in my mind today. It seems as though God does an almost routine check on my motives and often I find that they are not quite as aligned as they should be. Today I am in the process of getting another adjustment in this area. It's hurting a little but I am trying not to resist the pressure needed to set things straight. So if you happen to notice a slight limp the next couple of days, don't worry, God's working on me.

In a Fog

It has been raining for two days now. Tonight we are supposed to have the junior high kids from church over for a bon fire. I'm not sure even gasoline will light that
pile of brush tonight. It's absolutely soaked. Luckily, we have a wood stove so maybe, as a last resort, we can have the kids in the living room and toast some marshmallows in the house.

September Days

September is a month of change.

With the beginning of school there is a change in daily activities. We are thinking more about reading, writing and doing math than we really want to. It is always in the back of my mind even when it isn't being done because I know it has to be. Now we are forced to meet someone else's requirements on us, not just our own.

In September the weather makes a more dramatic change and the trees begin to dress themselves differently, orange, red, and gold. The autumn flowers make their appearance before the frost comes to put them to sleep for another year. The geese practice flying circles overhead in preparation for the long trip south and the monarchs flutter around the yard for the last few weeks before their own long journey.

We clear the back porch of patio furniture and start the seeming never-ending process of stacking firewood. We light a small fire on chilly mornings to "take off the chill". The gas grill is rolled into the barn and we start cooking up meals such as beef stew and chile. The shorts and swim suits are packed away and the long sleeves and jackets start to appear.

Of course, in September we still have an abundance of warm and sunny days, complete with short sleeves, to look forward to. Ice cream cones still taste yummy and a long walk on a clear sky day is still savored. September.

Sheep in a Jeep

I don't know if Troy's parents have ever read Sheep in a Jeep, but he seems to find it amusing. Now we play it with old Fisher Price toys. These toys are so much fun and all the kids love them. Unfortunately, they are considered toddler and preschool toys and labled as dangerous. They were our favorite toys when we were little girls. and we weren't necessarily preschoolers. We loved them until... well, we still love them.

Apple Orchard

More pictures from our orchard walk the other day. If you look close you can see Lake Ontario.

An Afternoon Walk

Bethany came over yesterday afternoon and wanted to go for a walk in the orchard behind our house. It is a wonderful place to take a walk and we don't do it near often enough. The apples are ripening and the workers are getting ready to pick.

Another one of my reasons for loving fall is the activity in the orchards. We often hear the Mexicans calling back and forth to each other, singing songs, and listening to their Mexican music. It is a miniature picture of a culture unknown to me.

Anyway, we had a wonderful walk and Jasmine (our dog) decided to come along. She likes apples as well as she likes blueberries. Beth picked a few apples, MacIntosh I think, and we each had a snack. Jazz ate the cores and seemed satisfied with that. A little closer to the house we found some trees with 20 Ounce apples and took a few home to make a pie. Today is a little darker and more overcast so I'm glad we took our walk yesterday.

"You Have How Many Kids?!"

Adam and Bethany (20), Josiah (18), Leta and Dave (22), Nathan (16), Jim (almost 25),

Ben (12) and Hannah (11)

And here they are a few years back. (Eleven to be exact.)

9-11-01

A day not so unlike this one; sunny blue skies, cool breeze, a perfect September morning. All seemed well, and yet it wasn't. The phone rang. It was Leon from church. He had a prayer chain but it seemed more of an announcement. The World Trade Center towers had been hit by two planes. My goodness! I knew hardly a thing about the twin towers and we didn't even have a television in the house. Out in the barn was a 12 inch black and white tv, left by our home's previous owners. My kids followed me out to the barn and we turned it on. Smoke was billowing from the towers and as the announcer spoke, I thought I saw one tower sway just a little bit. Suddenly, in a surreal moment, it collapsed in a heap on the ground... the second collapse was inevitable and followed shortly after. For the remainder of the day we wandered from the house back to the barn and sat on bales of straw watching our way of life crumbling away. I called my parents. "You need to turn on the tv" I said to my dad. My second son called from the technical center up in town. "I love you" he said before he hung up. My oldest son called from college in Pensacola, Florida. "I love you" he said before he hung up. My mother in law called from Halifax, Nova Scotia. "Are you scared?" she asked. I hadn't even thought about being afraid. New York City is four hundred miles away and besides what good would being afraid do? What I was is stunned.

I never thought through the implications that the terror attacks would have on our lives. I just knew that something had drastically changed. Yes, we felt the unity that occurred in the following days and weeks. We saw the flags and hung one ourselves. We felt the chill of being vulnerable. And we came to learn, or should I say better realize, that we live in a "boarder town". I have lived here along the southern shore of Lake Ontario my entire life and never had to consider that fact. Never was the lake shore patrolled. Never were there armed guards at the power stations. Never did we have to worry about crossing the boarder into Canada. Never did so many people want my ID. Never have I looked so fervently for the return of Jesus.

Things That Go Bump in the Night

I went to bed very tired on Saturday night. Going to bed very tired means one of two things, either I will sleep like a rock or for some unknown reason I will not be able to sleep. The night started out with a fly, the loud buzzing kind. Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz... bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz... It flew around our room before we turned out the light. When the light went out, so did the fly, until his eyes got used to the dark. Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz... Just about when I was falling asleep, James turned on the light and found something to swat that fly with. Meeeooow! Meeeooow! A cat outside making itself known. Auuggghhh! Auuggghhh! A red fox screaming her awful scream. (At least I know what it is now. I used to think something was dying!) I don't even know what kind of noise the next one was but it sounded something like a loon. Needless to say, the country is not always quiet at night. At least there weren't any sprayers out in the orchard!

Feeling Sleepy

I'm thinking it might be an early bedtime tonight. I'm feeling rather sleepy.

It was much too nice to stay inside the house today so we made sure to get out in the sunshine and get some fresh air. Another benefit of home schooling.

The Price is Right!

This evening I made a run to Webster to pick up a few items at the store. Before leaving I remembered to renew my library books online (getting sick of those little fines I'm always owing) as I haven't been able to run around during the day. Anyway, I stopped at Goodwill just to see if they might happen to have a booster seat for Troy (they didn't) and ended up buying some books for Hannah instead. I paid cash since it was just a small purchase. I had some money in my pocket. Next it was on to Walmart for a big box of tall kitchen garbage bags and some envelopes. I decided to use cash again and leave my checking account for the grocery store. I finally made it to the grocery store and wandered around carefully picking out several things to get me by until Saturday when I plan to do my regular shopping. I placed all my items on the belt and looked into my purse for my wallet. Not there. Oh oh! No wallet, no bank card, no Shopper's Club card, no license. I still had my checkbook but without any ID it was worthless. I stopped the cashier before she had rung anything up and checked to see how much money was still in my pocket (twenty dollars) then proceeded to pick and choose which items I should purchase. Ice cream (needed that for the elderberry pie at home), yogurt (for Troy), bananas, coffee and creamer (can't survive without that!) and one gallon of milk... (Can't remember if there was anything else)As I tried to decide what to purchase and then how much I had left to spend, I looked at the woman behind me in line and said, "I feel like I'm on a game show."

Burgers and Blankets

September has arrived. It is the first week of school and the first week of babysitting full time. As expected, we have spent some time sitting on the floor playing toys with Troy, reading books on the couch, and just cuddling up and sitting quietly. Keeping up with a little guy takes some time and energy and also a watchful eye. This morning we jast sat quietly in the chair while he fell asleep with his blanket. It was kind of nice. We are slowly getting our school under way. As we get used to our new schedule, we'll know better how to get everything accomplished. Until then, we're doing what we can and keeping a smile on our faces.

" Oh, My Darlin'... "

One of my favorite childhood memories is when my father would take out his guitar and sing to us. He sang often so we learned the songs and, more often than not, sang along. Dad played old folk songs like Clementine, and silly songs like Billy Barlow. He sang hymns and Sunday school songs. Sometimes he played his harmonica too. Some of my favorite old songs were...
The Old Apple Tree
The Child of the Railroad Engineer
Fox Went Out on a Chilly Night
Once In Royal David's City
When my kids were small it was always fun to watch them listen or sing with Grandpa just like we did when we were little people.

New Friends and Old Friends

Yesterday I cleaned my house. I was too tired to blog. (Hard to believe, I know, but it's true.)

Sunday was a good day. In the morning I sat in the nursery at church and held my cousin's granddaughter. It felt so nice to hold a little baby and watch her smile and coo. It's something I haven't done in a long time yet so familiar. On Sunday evening our former pastor, his wife and mother in law were at our church. (This was not the church he pastored, he was there as a visitor.) It was wonderful to see them again after 3 years, especially Maamaw, who is now 85 years old. She is such a beautiful lady and I thought I would never see her again this side of heaven. I got to thinking that she is twice my age and the little one in the nursery is just beginning her life. I am smack dab in the middle. What a wonderful place to be.

The Blustery Day

Ernesto has arrived in upstate NY. He came in with a gentle rain late this morning, but now is whipping the trees around and acting stormy-like. It was a good morning to sleep in and the bed was oh so cozy. I had a reallly tough time waking up! We cleaned the Sunday school rooms at church and then went grocery shopping, arriving home just in time to run inside before the wind picked up. It's definitely another Winnie the Pooh day! I would like to lay down and curl up under a blanket and take a nap, but I really need to take care of some of those vegetables I picked from my garden yesterday. So... I suppose I shall be cooking up some more spaghetti sauce and trying my hand at freezing corn. No sense in planting a garden and praying for it to produce if I don't use what God provides. Maybe I'll catch a nap later, but for now I think I'll put on another pot of coffee.

Autumn's Breeze

Thirteen things I love about fall...

1. Cool crisp night and long sleeve shirts.
2. Beautifully colored leaves and mums in the garden.
3. Pumpkins and dried out corn stalks.
4. Apple cider and fried cakes.
5. The ground covered with a blanket of yellow, orange, and gold leaves.
6. Trips to the farm market.
7. Apple pies.
8. Hay rides and bonfires.
9. The castle retreat.
10. Sweaters and sunshine.
11. Canada geese flying south.
12. Birthday parties. (Jim 3, Dave, Beth, and Ben)
13. Snuggling down under the covers on a cool night.

Can I make it 14?

14. Building a fire in the wood stove.