For the Birds

My mother likes birds. For years she and my father took great delight in coaxing them into their backyard by setting out different feeders. They had a covered screen porch where they spent many afternoons and evening watching their feathered friends visit the backyard feeders. She has a great field guide to help identify North American birds, but knows many of them on sight. I thought she might take an interest in them once again if I hung a feeder from my clothes pole where I had seen a goldfinch.

I bought a nice little feeder and filled it up with Niger seed. The result has been tremendous as far as attracting birds is concerned, but I think Mom is just as content to sit inside the house and read her Birds and Blooms magazine (or newspaper) as sit outside and watch the real thing in action.

I am happy to say that Grandmanita has taken an interest in the cheerful little creatures that flit around the clothes line, feeder, and lilac bush in the evening. We've noticed some other bird varieties, but they are not quite as friendly, and have thus far eluded the camera when we are close enough for a good photo.

Photos courtesy of Anita Teal Martinez.

Z is for Zucchini

Z is for zucchini. (Must have been raining, this one's awfully dirty!)

One thing I have learned about this popular summer squash is that one can never grow just he right amount. Either the blossom ends rot producing a very small crop or there are so many it feels as though they are coming out of your ears.

Zucchini, like its yellow squash cousin, is best consumed while small and tender. If the fruit grows too large, it gets tough and woody and is good for nothing more than an overgrown baseball bat. Medium sized squash, however, can be grated and baked into wonderful treats like Zucchini Bread or Zucchini Custard Pie.


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

The Taste of Toes and Dropped Batons

I somehow keep finding my foot in my mouth and it doesn't seem to make much difference whether I actually say something or neglect to. With all the excitement and activity, I forgot, or should I say "everybody forgot," to call my Aunt Margie and tell her about the baby. She appeared rather hurt this evening when she found out three days past the grand event. Unfortunately, this is the second family happening she has been left out of in the past couple of weeks.

The "passing of the baton" has all kinds of repercussions as no one is absolutely certain exactly which baton they are holding. It seems I am responsible for several and I hardly knew how to juggle those I was holding just a few years back. I've dropped a baton or two lately and been conked in the head with a few others. (I'm not entirely sure who threw them...)

In spite of dropped batons and the taste of toes, I am having a wonderful time with my favorite mother in law. She brings an excitement and exuberance often lacking in our days and reminds me that growing older doesn't necessarily mean a rocking chair on the back porch and crossword puzzles. She is never without one of her cameras, continually capturing the world around her and those she loves. The house will be terribly quiet when she is gone next week.

Aubrey Rose

I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.
Psalm 139:14

Baby... She finally has a name, Aubrey Rose. She is beautiful, she is tiny, she is loved.




Dave and Leta were at the hospital a little less than an hour when she made her arrival at 10:53 pm Friday night, July 8th. Three pushes and she was here, a whopping 5 pounds, 12 ounces, almost too easy...

We stand amazed once again.

Little Miss No-Name

This little boy was enthralled with the tiny baby we found at the hospital this morning. He watched with great interest as the nurse changed her diaper and wrapped her in a blanket. "I want to hold him," he said.

He was very gentle as he looked into her little face and touched her soft baby head. What a sweet moment we witnessed as Lucas met his little sister for the very first time. The moment will be all too quickly forgotten in the sands of time, but here it is, captured, if only for a little while.

Simon wasn't quite sure what to think of the baby, but he did like the Oreo Cookies his mommy had on the night stand, and he did take a quick look at the tiny bundle before wandering off to hide in the divider curtain.

Life will never be the same again. I'm thinking it's time for this Grammy to buy a zoo membership. This little family is facing some long and tiring days. I think maybe a few trips to the zoo with Grammy and Aunt Hannah are in order.

It's A Pink One!

We got a girl!!!

She's just a wee tiny one, 5 pounds 12 ounces. Not sure what her name will be, but she didn't waste any time getting here once she was ready.

Oh, are we gonna have fun!

Three Plus One Makes Four

Soon, very soon...

Please pray for Dave, Leta, and Baby. They are on their way to the hospital. Soon we will have four little grandchildren to love. :)

What's That I Said?

I don't know exactly whether to be relieved or terribly annoyed. There was a misunderstanding the other day and someone thought I said something that I am quite certain I did not say. In fact, I kind of think they accidentally put the suggestion into my brain (they thought I thought it) and then somehow came up with the idea I had actually said it.

Now, it's hard enough to struggle with negative thoughts and feelings without someone inadvertently adding to the collection. (No wonder I was sagging!) I will say I recall the thought being spoken, but found it not in alignment with what I was thinking, and so dismissed it, never thinking it would come back to bite me in the backside. After all it wasn't even my thought in the first place, so how could I have uttered the words?

As certain as I am that I didn't make the remark in the first place, I am also certain that this individual is still pretty sure I did say it. I know they didn't really mean to hurt me, I just wish it hadn't sent me reeling yesterday or taken me so long to figure out what they were referring to. I suppose I'm rather glad I asked for clarification, but still feel as though I am trying to wipe that "FAIL" stamp off my forehead.

Thank you, Lord, for the rather great distraction of a family gathering last evening and utter exhaustion at the end of the day. At least I didn't lose any sleep. (He always knows exactly what I need.)

Family Gathering

We finally got them all in one place for a few hours. It wasn't an easy task, let me tell you!

Feeling the Strain

Sometime the pressures of life build and we feel ourselves sagging a bit under the weight. With a good support system we can stay on our feet until the pressure lets up. I'm pretty sure I can do this as long as I don't get my legs kicked out from under me. See me sagging? Prop me up a little bit or lean into me until I can catch my balance again. If you hear me let out a groan, it just could be that I'm feeling the strain. Please don't panic. I'm not about to collapse as long as I have someone to lean on.

Thanks.

Please don't think I am about to fall over. I just have my moments of frustration, that's all. I'm not feeling miserable, I'm not going over the edge, and I'm not tearing my hair out. I am okay, really, I am.

Y is for Yogurt

Y is for Yogurt.

When I was a child my mother did not buy yogurt. She did not like yogurt. The first time I ever saw yogurt was when I was in junior high and they were selling it in the cafeteria. I ate it with caution and decided it was pretty good stuff. Once in a while mom would buy me some, but she never ate it herself.

After my father passed away and my son and his wife moved in with her, she started eating yogurt. Now she wants yogurt every day. If I say, "Mom, are you hungry?" She says, "Oh, I'll just take a yogurt." I'm kind of relieved she doesn't like vanilla. It's my favorite.

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

All Too Crazy

It has been a crazy past few days. We are pooped. (That means tired... not the other thing.)

Friday was eventful to say the least... Ben's girlfriend dumped him, and Bethany's dog took off for an overnight romp in the orchards.

Saturday morning James, Hannah, and I drove to Schenectedy to meet and pick up Grandmanita. Beautiful day, wonderful meeting. Molly Dog showed up back at our house, from whence she disappeared, at 5 pm covered with swamp water. Oh, and Jim came home too.

Sunday Hannah and I went to Sunday school, James and Ben went grocery shopping, and most of the family came over to visit for the afternoon and stay for dinner.

Yesterday was the 4th of July. There was a picnic at the park in Penn Yan with Uncle Chuck. It's an hour and a half away. We no sooner got there then we had to turn around and drive an hour back the other direction to help a son who had some trouble with the Long Arm of the Law, and his passengers. Once we had him out of the slammer, we headed back to the picnic where we had deposited my mother, Bethany and Josh.

Today we were too tired to do much of anything, but in spite of that James and I went out this afternoon to run some errands. There is so much more to be done but Grandmanita's friend wants to start back for home on Thursday morning instead of Saturday or Sunday. We haven't even had our grandbaby yet! She can't leave!!! We haven't had our family dinner!!! Shoot! We haven't even gotten all our kids in one place this week. Blah!

Patiently Expectant

Soon, very soon, we will have a new grandbaby to love. I am wondering where in this week we will squeeze in time to have a baby, but I suppose we will figure out a way. It's perfect timing really, because Grandmanita is here and so is Uncle Jim. That is quite a miracle in and of itself as Jim comes home only about twice a year and Grandma hasn't been here for ever so long!

We are desperately conjuring up baby names, somewhat hoping for a girl, and preparing ourselves for another little boy. We're hoping to squeeze in a family picnic tomorrow before the little one makes it's appearance and wondering what the rest of the week will bring. I'm kind of hoping Grandma can stay a little bit longer than just one week. There's so much to do and so little time!

New Things Unfolding

It's Friday and the week is almost done. Emma has come to visit me thrice and I have enjoyed having her here. I'm missing my other little ones, but such is the way of life when one is a caretaker. It doesn't last forever and one day the little ones I loved and cared for will no longer know me, and that is okay, because God knows each of one of them and they are in His care.

This coming week will bring a flurry of activity. My son Jim will be in town for several days and James' mom will also be coming for a visit. There will be a July 4th picnic at the park with Uncle Chuck and quite possibly a new baby will make its appearance. Maybe we will get a "whole family" photo if we can possible get everyone in the same place for a few minutes. I think I might need to replenish my coffee supply in order to keep up with the rush!

Summer is here!

Stifling a Scream

What do I do when I come home and find my mother reading through my Gratitude Journal? It's not totally private, but it's not like it's public either.

"What are you doing?" I asked, hoping she might realize she is over stepping her bounds.

"I'm reading your blessings," she smiled.

AHHHHHH!!!!

I should never have left it on the table underneath my Bible. I already know she's nosy. I already know she will poke in where she should stay out. I have no one to blame but myself, but I really want to scream. I want to grab it away from her and tell her she should ask permission to read my things, and yet I have just pawed through all of her belongings... If I take it away and tell her it's not her business, she will sulk, and so instead I smoke and fume. Truthfully, I want to cry. (Actually, I want to grab it away and smack her with it!)

Update- I know my dear husband will come with a gentle rebuke for the fact that I posted this at all. In a way I have broken my own blogging rule #1. Don't blog posts that show others in a negative light. But it is really me that is struggling here. It is me that is wrong more than my mom and it is only me who I am ultimately able to control. For those of you who wonder, I didn't smack anyone and I didn't scream. I did, however, eventually take it away and tell her she had read enough. There was no sulking and from now on I'll just leave the book upstairs in my bedroom.

Strangely Silent

It is strangely silent in my house today. No small children sleep on my couches, no toys grace the floor, and no little voices call. My "flower gardening" job is suddenly over and, though I have plenty to do, I am finding myself not quite sure where to start.

I haven't been home alone in months! What does one do when home alone? Maybe I should make some coffee and see if I am as good at baking banana bread today as I was at rhubarb pie yesterday. Hopefully someone will come home to eat the stuff because I'm not planning to.

Or maybe I could clean out the cupboards...

X is for eXtra

X is for eXtra; eXtra hot!

For several years now I have attempted to grow chile peppers. (See "P is for Pepper") Though the tags always say they will grow long and thick, they have typically ended up short and skinny, not near big enough to roast on the grill like I hoped, and hotter than hot! Maybe I have finally gotten the good ones this year. So far I see only two peppers which is a rather slim crop, but they look to be a better size and I am hopeful that others will appear as the summer progresses.

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

Battle on the High Sea

I'm not completely certain who won the battle. There were no casualties and both ships sailed back into port unscathed. I did learn however, that covering one's ears is a must when the cannon is fired, even if the cannon balls are nothing but smoke.

An Afternoon Sail

I have to admit I was a little nervous this afternoon. I've never been on a Tall Ship, and although I was excited, it was just a wee bit scary too. I needn't have worried. The lake was calm and the only motion of the ship was a gentle rocking. No getting seasick and no urgent calls of nature mid trip.

It was a gorgeous afternoon, partly cloudy with a little bit of breeze, the perfect day to be out for a sail. We were out on the lake for a little over two hours, wind in our sails and smiles on our faces.

What a wonderful way to finish up our 30th anniversary week! Thank you, James!!!

A Bright Bouquet

They were a bright bouquet, a smiling garden, precious flowers. There were tired days, childish squabbles, and messes to clean up, but mostly there was love and laughter. School is done for the year and all but one of my small flowers will be spending the summer with mom and only two will possibly return next year. Though I have plenty of ideas of things to do and plan to have a wonderful summer, there is a little piece of my heart that is sad too. Whatever is a gardener to do without her flowers? Will there be new seedlings in the garden? Will there be a garden at all? Will I be resigned to only grandflowers? Will I have to steal them away for the day just so I have a little one to snuggle? Only time will tell. In another week or two I will have a new grandbaby. Now there is something to look forward to!

Setting Sail

Tomorrow afternoon.

My Ship Comes In

Water and summer time just belong together. I'm still practicing the art of living along the lake shore, something my father took full advantage of as a boy. There must be a little bit of mariner running through my bloodstream too. I find a ship on the water a romantic sight.

Last night James and I took a ride to The Port of Rochester to get a closer look at the ship I fell in love with last summer. Even the sight of the rigging and rails is captivating and makes me wonder what it all looked like through my father's eyes.

Seeing it all up close gives new meaning to the phrase "learning the ropes." Very cool. Now I will have to go back, see the sails open, and watch her put out to sea.

On second thought, I think I'll take a cruise myself. :)

Summertime, Summertime

I am enjoying my back porch and my mother is too.

Out For an Ice Cream

Highway robbery, that's what it is, but there is nothing quite like going out for an ice cream, especially on our anniversary. It was a small celebration. We went to Bruster's after our weekly visit to the nursing home. I had Cotton Candy Explosion and James had Butter Pecan.

No pictures of the "old couple," just a few of our fellow celebrants. Adam was there too but he was off walking the dog who snubbed her free doggie sundae. It even had a milk bone on top!

Walking the Neighbor's Dog

James and I went out for a walk this evening. We took the long way as usual even though his foot was hurting. The orchard is typically pretty quiet when we walk and our talking probably scares away most wildlife, but once in a while we see something on our orchard walks. Tonight was one of those rare times.

We were just rounding a bend in the road when a barefooted man appeared. "Earth dwellers!" he commented as we came into view. He struck up a conversation and asked if we walked there often. We commented on his bare feet. "I'm just out here walking the neighbor's dog," he said. Sure enough, there was the dog a hundred feet or so behind him, hobbling along on three legs... Too funny!

I think he may have been tasting a little of the dirt on the bottom of his toes when he realized that we were the neighbors who owned the dog. I had to laugh just a little bit as Jasmine came hopping along and did her trademark somersault in the road, landing at our feet. We talked a little bit with Martin and gave the dog a pat or two before heading home. Jazz decided to stick with Martin tonight. I suppose maybe we'll see her again in a few days. Goofy dog.

W is for Watermelon

W is for watermelon, the kind with seeds.

When I was a little girl growing up in upstate NY, water- melons were trucked in from the south where they grew large and sweet. They were giant, oval shaped beauties with crimson flesh and filled with seeds. We washed our ears in a concerted effort to devour every last bit of the luscious fruit.

I was telling my nephew the other day how water- melons in the days of my childhood were twice as big as the ones I find in the supermarket today. He looked doubtful and said he'd have to ask his mother. I'm not sure why he thinks I would lie to him... Not too long ago watermelons also had seeds which were wonderful for spitting at my sister Rachel. We never laughed so hard in our lives! Can somebody tell me where to find one of those old fashioned watermelons?

Since I borrowed the first two photos from a free online photo source (That's what it said. Honest.), I leave you with my sister's favorite watermelon eating dog, Sherman. I searched my entire blog before realizing this was posted on Priscilla's instead. Summer has just begun. Watermelon season is here!

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




PS. The nest is empty.