30 Years!

Happy Anniversary to My Darling and me!

I think maybe we should go out for ice cream after the nursing home.

A Dwindling Garden

My little "flower garden" is dwindling. School is almost over, just one more day of preschool tomorrow and then a few scattered "flowers" through the end of the week. By this time next week I will be down to one little "blossom." She will come a few times a week through the summer and I hope to have some fun while she is with me. I think we'll plan some field trips, pack some lunches, and pray for good weather. Maybe one day we'll visit Della.

My little "Vinegar" has a birthday tomorrow. He will be two on his last day here. He has taught me some good lessons, challenged me, and captured our hearts. Our days just won't be the same without him running aimless while looking over his shoulder to see if we notice. I might even get some outside work done but I'm going to miss him terribly. Maybe he'll come visit...

I guess it's time to catch up with the Father's Day remnants in my kitchen, throw the clothes in the dryer, and vacuum the floor. It won't stay done but the effort will be good for me... maybe.

Father's Day

Happy Father's Day!!!

It's hard not to miss my dad on days like today and I'm still just slightly lost when it comes to knowing what to do. Missing him is a given, but we are starting new traditions and have new little people to teach and love. I'm looking forward to a great family picnic when Jim is home in a couple of weeks.

It was not only Father's Day here, it was also Nathan's 21st birthday. We had the traditional strawberry shortcake after our cookout. The back porch was rescued just in time.

And tomorrow James and I celebrate 30 years together. Wow!

The Good Old Summertime

If I don't hurry up and get with it, summer will be over and I will have missed it altogether. My back porch has not been quite the haven this year as others. Distracted by small children and hampered by cold weather, our favorite summertime spot has been neglected, but we are working on a remedy. My favorite Priscilla made some new covers for my rattan loveseat and soon I will have the frame freshly painted. (I even bought a cover to protect it from rain and sneaky pets. aka Jasmine) This morning I purchased some fence sections to keep my folding chairs on the porch during unexpected windstorms and My Darling installed them for me. A new broom, a couple of plants, a vinyl tablecloth for a small laminated table... I think I'm finally ready for summer. Now all I need is a good book. Could you pass the iced tea?

Snow Peas

This afternoon I finally harvested enough snow peas to put in our dinner. I was thinking some kind of stir-fry, so I did the best I could with what we had in the fridge; diced baby carrots, sliced Vadalia onions, strips of red pepper, fresh snow peas, and a little soy sauce served over rice. When James came home he tossed some toasted cashews in his.

Never mind the salad with Caesar dressing and the hot dog. It was a long day. I hadn't thawed any chicken and I used up the stew beef in Stroganoff last night. Caesar dressing doesn't really blend well with soy sauce or teriaki, but then I didn't try to mix them, just enjoyed each flavor individually. Too bad there aren't any leftovers. Guess I'll just have to try it again. I'm thinking some water chestnuts would do well or maybe some baby corn. What do you think?

Teeny Little Super Guy

Turtles are rumored to be slow, but once they get going they can really move, especially the tiny ones.

I have been keeping an eye on the side of the road the past few weeks. I have seen more dead turtles than I'd care to admit and I don't want to run over one myself. I was rather disappointed one afternoon upon finding a limp and broken painted turtle in front of my house. I couldn't stand to leave him there and watch every other car crawl past (Yes, people do slow down for turtles...), so I quickly disposed of him.

Yesterday afternoon Ben found a baby painted turtle up by one of our barns. He took his good old time coming out of his shell, but once he did he made a beeline for the bushes. Not wanting him to get away before we had a chance for a photo session, I made a quick grab for the little guy. He was not very cooperative with the photographer. Camera shy, I guess.

V is for Vinegar

V is for vinegar. Where there are apples, there is vinegar.

Fleischmann's has two major vinegar making plants and one of them is about a half hour drive from my house. I'm sure there are days when the air is heavy with the pungent odor but I didn't smell anything when I stopped to take the photo.

Fleischmann's acquired this plant from Waylon Foods back in 1990, but I'm sure the vinegar vats go back much farther. They have a yesteryear type of air about them, leaving me to imagine the scent of vinegar heavy in the air. I can almost see the apple trucks hauling in their autumn loads.

Sometimes, on my walks through the orchard, I really do smell apple cider vinegar, the over ripe and rotting carcasses of discarded apples. I kind of like it.




To see the other participants in the new round of ABC Wednesday, click here!

For those of you who visited last week, these little ones are not so ugly anymore. They're really kind of cute.

A Baking Day

Last week we had temper- atures in the 90's. It felt like mid-July. Today it felt more like late September or early October. It was a baking day. I made a box muffin mix (apple cinnamon) and a batch of snickerdoodles. Mmmmm!

My baking adventure commenced after Andrew had fallen asleep on my lap and before my friend Vinnie came to play. It was a good way to warm up the kitchen, but my resistance is low today and I cheated. I ate one cookie this afternoon and half a muffin this evening.

Tomorrow I shall behave once again. Back to salads for lunch and no yummy goodies outside of special occasions... like Father's Day or Nathan's 21st birthday... or maybe my 30th wedding anniversary.

Multitudes on Monday

Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

Such a simple suggestion. I always thought I was being thankful, but now I know how easy it is to rush through life without ever stopping to notice how very blessed I am. Since starting my Gratitude Journal in February, I have become "addicted" to counting; from brilliant sunsets and birds in the morning to small children on my lap and meeting friends in the grocery store. It really is a wonderful thing to stop and take notice of the Lord's blessings in my life.

1020. Chives blooming

1054. Finding a blog friend at a graduation party

1062. Blueberry promises

A Holy Experience

Go to the Ant, Thou Sluggard...

There are four [things which] are little on the earth, But they [are] exceedingly wise:

and this is one...

The ants [are] a people not strong, Yet they prepare their food in the summer; (Proverbs 30:24-25)

I'm not too sure what they were doing, but they were all involved. There were so many ants that it looked like someone had spilled coffee grounds on the rock walkway.

Summer is upon us and it is time to work. I wonder what we shall accomplish?

Watchful Eyes

Mother and Father robins do not appreciate outside interest in their babies, but I am interested none the less, and so I keep peeking. It is good that we have a handy dandy doghouse parked up near the barn window, one with a two-tier roof that is relatively easy to climb upon. It comes in quite helpful when I want to get a nice close up of hungry baby birds.

Mommy and Daddy Robin really need not fear me. I will not touch their little ones unless they are in mortal danger, and I promise to chase away any naughty cats that see them as an easy meal. I wish them the best with their little family and hope one day the baby birds fly safely away to raise families of their own. In the meantime I plan to keep a watchful eye myself. In fact, I think I'll go sit out on the back porch and have a gander their direction.

Say What?

Kids say funny things. If one takes the time to listen it can be quite hilarious. One of my small flower children loves words and has quite the repertoire stashed away in her little mind. Though she often remembers the words she is also a little off on either the meaning or the correct pronunciation.

The girls were playing a game. Each was a different character and this time they were girls. "My girl's name is Average," said one. My ears perked up. Average did several things in the game and though I longed to listen further, I had a pressing matter and had to leave the room. I whispered to Hannah, "She's a girl named Average." When I returned Hannah smiled and told me Average had changed her name... to Glimmer. Too funny. She had been just an average girl up until the name change.

Yesterday the same child was singing a little song. "Skip to the loo," she sang. I smiled again and wondered if that was anything like running to the outhouse.

No Pool, No Problem

Hot weather means swimming, or at least trying to...

After lunch we hauled out the big buckets, carried water, and handed out cups. The kids went wild. They knew exactly what to do and enjoyed every minute of it.

U is for Ugly

U is for ugly.

Baby robins are just plain ugly. Maybe in a few more days and with a few more feathers they will be cute, but for now they just aren't. Funny thing is I checked this nest just a few weeks ago and it was completely empty, not even an egg, and now there are three babies. It sheltered a family last year and I was curious if it would be used again this summer. I thought it had been abandoned.

Mama and Papa must have been working on the house about the time I checked. It's apparent they did at least a little remodeling and cleaned up a bit. I think they did a nice job. It's all tidied up.

To see the other participants in the new round of ABC Wednesday, click here!

Walking the Halls

Yesterday afternoon Rachel and I took a drive to visit our brother Tim who has been in the hospital with cellulitis for nearly three weeks now. We have been hesitant to visit for fear of upsetting him, but we stopped at Wendy's on the way and picked up three Frosty's hoping the treat would help keep him settled.

Tim has a severe form of autism and is basically nonverbal. Though we have called the both the hospital and his home several times during the past few weeks, we have not been able to talk to him. Instead we talk to caretakers and nurses who have been more than happy to share information with us. Each time they have expressed hope that Tim could go home within a few days time.

Tim was asleep in a hospital chair when we arrived. Rachel woke him and we shared our Frosties. He eats so fast! You would think "brain freeze" would slow him down, but apparently he's either used to it or it just doesn't happen to him. And then we walked the halls, three times down and back. At one point Rachel said, "I love you, Tim," and he answered back with a low and mumbled, "Love you." I smiled.

Rachel and I went home happy, glad that we visited, and relieved that Tim didn't seem too upset that we couldn't take him out for a ride even though he did steer her toward several different doors on our walk about the floor. We forgot to take our cameras, but I have in my mind, a picture of my big brother smiling at his baby sister, love in his eyes. He always has loved Rachel.

#1000 A visit to my brother in the hospital. (And a Frosty to go with it.)



PS. Don't miss Simon's haircut below. :)

Mike's First Haircut

When our kids were little, one of my favorite books was "Mike's First Haircut."
"Mike's hair grows every day. It grows over his eyes. It grows over his ear. Soon Mike can not see. Soon Mike can not hear..." And so the story goes until Mike finally gets a haircut and can see and hear once more. Cute story, easy reader, and fun.

A few days ago Dave took this photo of Simon and posted it on Facebook. I laughed. I couldn't help but think of Mike. Not too long after, he posted this status, "Simon got his first haircut today. I haven't seen it yet... I am beside myself..." First haircuts always scared me too. Simon had looked so cute with his longish hair on Tuesday and I couldn't imagine him without it. Dave said he looked just like Lucas.

Aw, I think he's just as cute as ever! I even like his haircut.

The Way of Life

Mom has now been living here with us for a little over seven months. She has adopted my little dog, Sofie, and calls Oreo "My Tuxedo Cat," and I've long lost count of how many puzzles have graced her dining room table. We've settled into somewhat of a routine, at least as far as her medication and newspaper are concerned. I set out the pills each morning and evening, and bring the morning paper inside after the girls get on the bus. Mom spends her days reading the newspaper, taking naps, working jigsaw puzzles, and keeping an eye on my "garden." Sometimes she washes dishes or folds laundry for me. Rachel takes her out for doctor appointments, blood draws, haircuts, and to visit my brother, and Priscilla comes to visit as often as she is able.

Mom is still not impressed with my dinner routine and often worries over whether or James is going to get any supper. I've not seen him go hungry yet, and am quite certain he would not starve to death even if I didn't feed him for several days. (Neither would I.) Though she denies it, I'm still not convinced she isn't concerned over her own growling stomach as she has been known to eat little more than cereal and a yogurt until dinner time. If supper times rolls around and I don't appear to be cooking, she'll say something like, "Well, I don't know what's going on here..." and then insist she isn't really very hungry.

I'm still adjusting my thinking, trying to get used to the fact that my mom is no longer who she used to be. In many aspects she is still the same, but reaching that part of her is becoming more of a challenge. She no longer follows conversations as she once did, partly because her hearing is so poor and partly because she forgets what we were talking about. If I am honest, I have to say that I really miss my mom and the times we used to spend together. I never imagined getting old was like this.

The Ladybug Song

We don't watch television anymore, never got that little black box, but we do watch a video once in a while, and sometimes we let the kiddos watch a music video online. They have been enjoying a new one lately and we've watched it so many times that I find it running through my brain randomly throughout the day.



This is one of the few ways to keep one of my "tender plants" from climbing furniture and standing on tables. As you can see, these two little guys have become pretty good friends.

What? Now it's running through your brain? Oops! Sorry. :)

T is for Tomatoes

T is for Tomatoes.

What is summer time without fresh tomatoes? I love grape or cherry tomatoes picked fresh off the vine, tossed in salad or stuffed into a taco. And, what is yummier than a thick slice of tomato, a little salad dressing, and some salt and pepper between two slices of bread? Seasonal sandwiches, yes! (I can hardly wait for August!!!)

To see the other participants in the new round of ABC Wednesday, click here!

Overwhelmed

I guess you could say I am overwhelmed, and no wonder as I have been burning the candle at both ends for months now. What a welcome relief this extra "Saturday" has been. No small children to chase, no groceries to buy, no sorting of belongings Mom's house. I didn't sleep much last night. I was suddenly showered when a thunder storm blew in and my mind just won't rest. I just can't turn it off. I should have Googled "cleaning mom and dad's house" last week. Maybe I'm not a lunatic after all. And I'm not alone in the world either. (see here) Maybe this could have saved me the outburst with my sister yesterday... :(

I've taken my sleep aides and it is now 10 pm. I have "flowers" to tend in the morning, so I guess I'll be heading to bed.

"In God is our trust."

The Star Spangled Banner Lyrics
By Francis Scott Key 1814

Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines in the stream:
'Tis the star-spangled banner! Oh long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion,
A home and a country should leave us no more!
Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Howling at the Moon

Ever have one of those days when you feel like a complete lunatic? I've been having a few. I'm going to bed now to see if I can sleep it off. Hopefully, I won't start growing fur and fangs while I sleep...

The Pressure Pot

I feel a little bit like a dandelion puff in the fog...

My weeks are full of small children who come and go through- out the day. They keep me pretty close to home and when they don't, my mom often does. It's been a little tough to organize either my thoughts or the stuff over at Mom's house. I haven't found a manual on how to conquer this task, and am not quite the "take charge" person I need to be at the moment. Even when I think I have a plan, I often find that someone or something has already altered it before I had a chance to get the original implemented. Blah!

Cellulitis

I showed Ben my broken camera this afternoon. He, being a guy, pressed extra hard on the shutter button and *voila!* it took a picture. I am somewhat relieved.

My brother Tim has been in the hospital with cellulitis for over a week now. I have called the hospital several times and always find the nurses very nice and willing to share his progress or lack thereof. Apparently the doctors had hoped for a more speedy recovery and are looking to try another antibiotic or two. On the more encouraging side he has been up sitting in his chair, has also taken a walk around the nurses station, and is well cared for. Though we are somewhat apprehensive about visiting for fear of upsetting him, I am thinking a visit is a bit overdue. If my sister doesn't take Mom tomorrow, I just might go for a drive, buy him a Frosty, and visit myself.

Blah, Blah!!

It appears I may soon be in the market for a new camera. Blah! I dropped mine in the kitchen the other day. The batteries fell out on the floor and the camera card door popped open, but since it fell on the linoleum, I wasn't too concerned. If fell off the picnic table and onto the concrete porch just weeks after I bought it and, other than a scratch or two, survived miraculously well. It looks like I should have been a little more concerned than I was because, although it turns on and displays previously taken pictures, it refuses to take new ones. The button doesn't click and the zoom doesn't move. Double blah!!

Okay, so now it takes pictures and the zoom moves, but I have to squeeze the button really hard to get a photo.

Time On My Hands

The gardener/laundress is tired. I am perfectly aware that no one is really interested in hearing about it, but perhaps this is why my comments on your blogs have been lacking or sporadic lately. It's not that I'm not visiting, it's just that along with my body, my brain is moving a bit slow. I'm finding myself feeling like a child with ADD, unable to complete a full thought without interruption either from someone/something else or my own seeming inability to concentrate.

I've started reading a few different books, "One Thousand Gifts" (for the second time), "Inconceivable" by Sean and Carolyn Savage, and "On Becoming Babywise"
(because I am making a concerted effort to understand a particular way of parenting), but have yet to finish any of them. I also have "Lazarus Awakening" by Joanna Weaver, borrowed from a friend and scarcely cracked open... It may be July before I have a chance to finish a book in less than three months time.

I have so much to do and so little time to get it all accomplished, or so it seems... I am looking expectantly forward to summer and hoping I will get those much needed moments to clean out my closets and rid my home of the extra clutter that has found it's way in the past few years. Gah! I'm getting tired just thinking about it!!!

R is for...

R is for Rhubarb pie! With vanilla ice cream!!!

(What? We're on to the letter S already? Are you sure? How embarrassing! ... Okay then, let's see if I can fix that little mistake...)


S is for strawberry shortcake. Now if only I had put some of those berries into that rhubarb pie! But then again strawberry shortcake can hardly be beat when it comes to favorite desserts. What's not to love about sugar-sweet sliced strawberries over a fresh, hot shortcake biscuit with a nice healthy spoon of whipped cream on top.

(Oh, my goodness! I'll never lose this extra weight!!!)

To see the other participants in the new round of ABC Wednesday, click here!

Grandsons

I'm thinking it's about time for these two crazy kids to come visit their grandma again.